8 Magical Days in England: The Ultimate London and Cambridge Itinerary
A Trip to Asma’s Birth Country
If you are planning a trip to the UK, this tried and tested 1 week England itinerary is for you. From the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the historic spires of Cambridge, we explored the best of the British capital and its most famous university town.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
📸 Image Rights: All photos are our own. Please contact us for permission to reuse.
Arriving in London
- Via Train or Coach: London is the central hub for the UK’s rail network and major international coach lines. You can compare routes and book your travel through busbud here.
- Via Flight: London is served by six major airports, though the primary international gateways are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN). To find the best deals on international or domestic airfare across all London hubs, search and book your flights here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your London Trip
- Best Hotels in London: For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay, book your hotel here.
- Stay Connected with a Travel SIM: Our top eSIM recommendations:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
As a proud Potterhead, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour was my top priority. Mehran managed to secure tickets after they were initially sold out, so my biggest tip is to book as soon as your travel plans are finalized.
⚡ Pro Tip: Plan Ahead!. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is London’s most popular attraction and requires pre-booked time slots. Use the widget below to secure your date and book a package that includes return transport from Central London for a stress-free trip!
We chose a ticket and transfer package which cost approximately 100 Pounds. We met the branded bus at Baker Street, right by the Sherlock Holmes statue. The tour itself was breathtaking. We walked through the Great Hall, explored Dumbledore’s office, and wandered down Diagon Alley.
We spent over 5 hours immersed in the sets. Before leaving, we visited the studio shop to buy house-specific wands (Gryffindor for me and Slytherin for Mehran) and a Harry Potter board game.
Day 2: UCL and The British Museum
The second day was a trip down memory lane as Mehran showed me his undergraduate campus at University College London (UCL). The architecture of the campus is stunning and full of history.
Next, we headed to the British Museum. While entry is free, you should reserve a time slot online. We were fascinated by the Egyptian collection, particularly the Rosetta Stone. However, while the collection was vast, we couldn’t help but feel unsettled by the colonial aspect of the collection’s acquisition.
Day 3: Natural History Museum
We dedicated Day 3 to the Natural History Museum. Like the British Museum, entry is free but requires a pre-booked slot. We spent 3.5 hours exploring the dinosaur exhibits and the human evolution section. It is a must-visit for science enthusiasts and families alike.
Day 4: Harry Potter Locations and Piccadilly Circus
⚡ Pro Tip: Follow the Magic!. To see the real life filming locations like Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾, book a guided walking tour using the widget below.
Mehran created a custom checklist of Harry Potter film locations across London and we did our own private tour:
- Leadenhall Market: The original Diagon Alley.
- Borough Market: The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
- Great Scotland Yard: The Ministry of Magic entrance.
- Australia House: The interior for Gringotts Bank.
- Platform 9¾: Located at King’s Cross Station.
Later, we visited the LEGO Store at Leicester Square and braved the crowds at Piccadilly Circus. We also visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not, which offered a fun mirror maze and quirky exhibits, though it has since moved from that specific location.
Day 5: The Icons of London
We used a Merlin Pass to save money on London’s biggest attractions. We dedicated the fifth day to London’s iconic attractions.
- Madame Tussauds: We spent 4 hours posing with wax figures of stars and enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes experience.
- London Dungeon: A 75 minute tour through London’s dark past featuring Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd.
- London Eye: A 30 minute rotation offering breathtaking views of the city.
- Hop On Hop Off Bus: We ended the day on the top deck of a bus, passing the London Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
⚡ Pro Tip: Book Together!. Use the widget below to secure your tickets for the London Eye, London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, and the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Booking your tickets in one place is the easiest way to organize your trip and avoid long queues at the ticket office.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Stonehenge
We booked a half day tour to Stonehenge for approximately 60 Pounds. The journey from London takes about 2 hours. Seeing the Neolithic houses and the stone circle in person was a bucket list moment. The audio guide provided great context for the history of the site.
⚡ Pro Tip: Travel Easy!. Stonehenge is roughly two hours from London. The most convenient way to visit is by booking a coach tour through the widget below.
Day 7: Exploring Cambridge and Punting
On the seventh day, we took the train to Cambridge for Mehran’s MPhil convocation. Cambridge felt peaceful compared to the bustle of London.
We went on a one hour punting tour on the River Cam. Our guide shared the history of the various colleges and bridges. It was the most romantic and relaxing part of our entire trip.
⚡ Pro Tip: Book Online for Big Savings!. Punting in Cambridge is very popular and prices are significantly higher if you buy from touts on the street. Use the widget below to book your tickets in advance.
Day 8: Convocation Day
Our final day was spent at Cambridge University for the convocation ceremony. The scholarly atmosphere was palpable as the city celebrated its graduates. After the ceremony, we headed back to Heathrow for our flight home.
Halal Food in England
🍴 Tayyabs
- 🥘Cuisine: Traditional Punjabi / Pakistani
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: tayyabs.co.uk
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £20 – £35 per person
A nostalgic favorite from Mehran’s student days, Tayyabs is a must-visit for authentic, Halal Punjabi cuisine. We ordered the Seekh Kababs, Karahi Chicken, and Garlic Naan, all of which were spicy and flavorful. The naans were perfectly soft, and the Mango Lassi was truly “to die for.” It was the ultimate fix for our desi food cravings. Unfortunately, we forgot to take pictures of our food.
🍴 Big Moe’s Diner
- 🥘Cuisine: Classic American Diner
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: bigmoesdiner.co.uk
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £15 – £30 per person
Seeking out burgers and shakes, we headed to Big Moe’s, which features a 100% Halal menu. We shared a chocolate shake, which was incredibly refreshing on a rare hot day, and an order of sliders. While two of the three sliders were delicious and the third just “okay,” the fries were impressively crispy.
🍴 The Second Wife
- 🥘Cuisine: English Breakfast & Brunch
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: secondwiferestaurant.org
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £10 – £20 per person
For a solid Halal breakfast, this spot is a winner. We opted for the Full English Breakfast paired with tea. The ingredients were fresh and the flavors were spot on. It is a highly recommended choice for anyone looking for a reliable brunch spot.
🍴 Zi’s Piri Piri (Cambridge)
- 🥘Cuisine: Piri Piri Chicken & Pizza
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: zispiripiri.co.uk
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £10 – £25 per person
This was the standout discovery of our trip. After an incredible first takeaway experience, we had to return the next day to dine in. Their 100% Halal menu is fantastic, specifically the Piri Piri Chicken Rice and the Mexican Meat Lovers Pizza. The food was mouthwatering and remains one of our most vivid culinary memories. If you find yourself in Cambridge, Zis Piri Piri is an absolute must. Don’t forget to take pictures before your dig in.
Final Remarks
Our week-long trip to England is easily one of my most memorable vacations. While we enjoyed the energy of London, we felt a deeper connection to the quiet, charming atmosphere of Cambridge. We were especially impressed by how easily available Halal food was in both cities. From the magic of the Warner Bros. Studios and Madame Tussauds to the history of Stonehenge and the peaceful experience of punting on the River Cam, every moment was a highlight.
Love this itinerary? We’d be happy to build a personalized one just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Harry Potter Studio tickets?
Ideally, book 3 to 4 months in advance. Tickets sell out extremely fast, especially for summer dates.
Is Stonehenge worth the 4 hour round trip?
If you appreciate history and ancient mysteries, yes. The visitor center is very well done and the site is iconic.
Can you find Halal food easily in England?
Yes, especially in London and Cambridge, there are numerous 100% Halal restaurants and diverse cuisines available.
