Quick Notes & Travel Recs: 10 Days in England
Me and some girlfriends just wrapped up an incredible 10-day sweep through England—from idyllic countryside hiking in the Cotswolds to coastal dining in Cornwall, historical wanderings in Bath, and a fast-paced city stop in London.
I came home overflowing with inspiration (and ideas for the Larder menu!). If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, here are my top notes, favorite bites, and quick suggestions on where to stay and eat.
The Cotswolds: Countryside Hikes & Pub Pies
Where We Stayed: The King’s Head in Bledington — Absolutely charming! It’s in an ancient, historic building, but the interiors are beautifully executed. Cozy, historic, and done so well.
The Standout Meal: The pub food at The King’s Head was honestly some of my favorite food of the entire trip. Highly recommend the chicken & mushroom pie served over mashed potatoes and broccoli—pure comfort. Their Full English Breakfast was also perfection: nothing fussy, just exceptionally good local comfort food that kept us fueled for miles of walking.
The Hike: We did an 8–9 mile hike right through local farmland all the way to Stow-on-the-Wold. Totally worth the foot effort! Stow is an adorable little town full of great shops, bakeries, and an incredible cheese shop.
Next Time Notes: I’d go back to the Cotswolds in a heartbeat for a dedicated 4-day inn-to-inn trekking trip. The dream itinerary: hiking four straight days between boutique pub-hotels, ending with a walk right into Bath. (Just pack light, or hire a luggage transfer service!).
Bath: Romantic Streets & All-Day Pastries
The Vibe: I’d return in a second. Bath would be such a fantastic destination for a honeymoon, anniversary, or any celebratory getaway. Great energy, beautiful architecture, endless shopping, and a fantastic pub/restaurant scene.
Where to Eat: Landrace Bakery — Honestly, you could easily eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. We had a gorgeous dinner upstairs and swung back for pastries the morning we left. The only thing we missed was their daily pizza, which looked incredible—I’d go back just for a slice!
St. Ives & Cornwall: Coastal Wine Shops & Cliffside Pools
Favorite Meal of the Trip: St. Eia in St. Ives — Reminded me so much of the Larder! It’s a tiny, intimate wine shop and restaurant (seats around 20 people) on the Michelin radar. The small menu hyper-focuses on local farms and coastal seafood. We had a glorious local crab salad and their pork sausage & beans. Incredible.
Where to Grab a Drink / View: The Old Coastguard in Mousehole — Warm, cozy dining room with sweeping ocean views. Getting there felt like a fun little adventure.
Don't Miss: The Jubilee Pool in Penzance — A total time capsule from the 1940s built right into the cliffside overlooking the sea. It features a geothermal pool, lap lanes, and colorful changing room doors. Bring a swimsuit in your daypack so you don't miss out like I did!
Traveler Tip: If I did Cornwall again, I’d rent a car and base myself somewhere more central. St. Ives is adorable and extremely walkable (everything is a 7-minute walk), but having a car unlocks the hidden countryside and tiny town food spots not as accessible by train.
🇬🇧 London: Sunday Markets & Cozy Pubs
The Pace: I love 2-day spurts in big cities. You can hit a fast-paced stride knowing you'll always have more to explore on future visits!
Sunday Market: Marylebone Farmers Market — Absolutely awesome for a Sunday stroll. Fresh artisan cheeses, hand-baked savory pies, fresh apple cider... everything you could want.
Pub Pick: The Hart — A super trendy pub with a cozy, quiet dining room upstairs. Loved the overall vibe, design, and atmosphere.
