Part 3 of The Ultimate 10 Day England Itinerary

Day 6: Newcastle to Bristol

We left Newcastle behind and headed south by train, watching the countryside shift in shades of green and gray. Our stop for the night was Mollie’s Motel & Diner in Bristol—a modern hotel paired with an American-style diner. The rooms were clean and simple, with smart check-in and plenty of space to recharge. Downstairs, the little convenience-style shop stocked crisps, drinks, and late-night snacks, which came in handy.

After days of eating traditional English food, burgers, fries, and milkshakes were a welcome change. Breakfast the next morning felt familiar too, with stacks of pancakes and plenty of coffee.

Red Sauce vs. Brown Sauce

At breakfast in England, you’ll often be asked if you’d like red sauce or brown sauce.

Red sauce = ketchup.
Brown sauce = a tangy, slightly spiced condiment (HP Sauce is the most common brand), usually served with bacon sandwiches or fry-ups.

Day 7: Bristol – Banksy & The Old Vic

Bristol is full of character and creativity, and we dedicated our day to both street art and stage.

The Old Vic Playhouse: We spent the evening at the Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously operating English-speaking theatre in the world. The building itself is steeped in history, but what makes it truly special is its legacy—many of England’s most celebrated actors trained or began their careers here, including Olivia Colman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Patrick Stewart, and Jeremy Irons. Sitting in the red velvet seats, watching a play unfold on the same stage where such talent once studied, was one of the most memorable cultural experiences of the trip.
Banksy Murals: During the day, we went on the hunt for Banksy’s street art, scattered across the city. Seeing his work in the very streets where he grew up was like a scavenger hunt with cultural weight. Each mural carried its own statement, tucked into alleys or splashed across city walls.

Day 8: Plymouth & Cornwall Coast

From Bristol, we took the train to Plymouth and checked into the Duke of Cornwall Hotel—a Victorian-era gem with high ceilings and vintage charm. Dinner across the street was simple but satisfying, just what we needed before the next day’s adventure.

That morning, we picked up our rental car and dove straight into the deep end of driving in England. Neither of us had ever driven on the opposite side of the car or the road, and to make it even more interesting, I had reserved an electric car—another first for us. I took the wheel at first, circling around roundabouts the “wrong” way, hugging the opposite lane, and generally terrifying John. After a few laps of me trying to get the hang of it (and a couple of near heart attacks on his end), John offered to take over. Once he was behind the wheel, the nerves settled and the drive turned out to be beautiful.

Cruising along the winding coastal roads of Cornwall felt like stepping into a dream—rugged cliffs, sweeping sea views, and quiet little villages around every turn. I’ve always imagined what it would be like to live here, and seeing it in person only made that dream feel stronger.

Cornwall Highlights

Fish & Chips by the Sea: Greasy, salty, perfect—eaten on a windy cliffside with the ocean roaring below.
Castle Ruins: We hiked to dramatic seaside ruins built by Henry VIII as coastal defenses. Standing on the cliffs with the wind whipping around us, it was easy to imagine scenes from Winston Graham’s Poldark—Ross on horseback, the drama of life along the rugged Cornish coast.
Casino Fun: An unexpected night of entertainment—yes, we even won a little money!
Tapas by the Ocean: Ending the day with Spanish small plates at a seaside restaurant felt like the perfect fusion of travel and indulgence.

Wrapping Up the 10 Day England Itinerary

The final days of our trip blended art, history, and coastal adventure. From Bristol’s cultural flair to Cornwall’s rugged cliffs, it was the perfect way to end our 10-day journey through England.

England surprised us at every turn: train travel was easy, food was better than the clichés, and history was layered into every pub, castle, and seaside ruin.

If you missed the beginning, start with Part 1: 2 Days in London, or jump into Part 2: London to Newcastle & Castle Stay.

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Poldark the BBC TV Show is set in Cornwall.

Cornwall in Literature

Cornwall’s rugged cliffs and stormy seas have long inspired writers. If the scenery feels like a novel waiting to happen, that’s because it often has been.
Daphne du Maurier — Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, Frenchman’s Creek. Du Maurier lived in Cornwall and set many of her most atmospheric stories here.
Winston Graham’s Poldark Series — Set along the Cornish coast in the late 18th century, these novels (and the BBC adaptations) capture the drama of mining life, romance, and storm-battered moors. Standing on the cliffside ruins of Henry VIII’s coastal defenses, I couldn’t help picturing Ross Poldark riding across the same wild landscape.
Arthurian Legends — Cornwall’s Tintagel Castle is famously tied to the legendary birthplace of King Arthur.
Rosamunde Pilcher — The Shell Seekers and Coming Home feature Cornwall’s landscapes and family sagas, bringing a softer, nostalgic lens to the region.