Itinerary: Around England in a fortnight

By train or plane, London is the best-served starting point for a trip to England. The capital alone is worth a week's visit. But the focus of this trip will be England's diversity, which is why we'll be spending just one day in the capital.

It's up to you to pick and choose from London's must-sees to liven up the day: a stroll along the banks of the Thames, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, a visit to the British Museum (free), a bit of shopping in Trafalgar Square or a dip in the Soho district... there's so much to do in London!

Set off in the morning for a 2h30 drive along the south-west coast. The day's objective: a pleasant seaside resort, Bournemouth, on the English Channel.

Bournemouth is said to have a microclimate, and is one of the sunniest towns in England. Take advantage of this to breathe in the sea air on its wide sandy beach, and why not, temperatures permitting, take a dip in the water?

In the evening, head to the lively Bournemouth Pier for a seafood dinner!

The journey today is much shorter. In 45 minutes, you'll be in Salisbury to drop off your luggage: we're only staying one night! Salisbury Cathedral, with its soaring spire - the tallest in England - is a must-see before lunch.

The second stop of the day is Stonehenge, just 20 minutes away. This mysterious prehistoric site is far from having revealed all its secrets... A fascinating visit, even more beautiful in the fading light at the end of the day.

In just 1 hour 15 minutes, we're in Bath, one of England's most exclusive cities.

Bath's gleaming architecture is reflected in the Royal Crescent, a collection of mansions in the purest Georgian style: No. 1 is open to visitors! A visit to the ancient Roman baths is a must when exploring the city. Here's a tip: free guided tours are organised every day at 10.30am and 2pm (except Saturdays).

In the evening, why not go all out for a chic dinner at the Pump Room, a Bath institution?

Not far from Bath, an hour and 15 minutes by car, we enter a region renowned for its rural charm: the Cotswolds.

Here, the landscape is reminiscent of the England of old, as imagined in fairy tales: pretty villages and old stones, green hills and pastures where sheep graze...

The perfect setting for a charming bed & breakfast lost in the countryside.

The West of England is definitely rich in must-see sites. From the Cotswolds, a short one-hour diversions takes us to the prestigious city of Oxford, world-famous for its elite university.

The day will be devoted to discovering the colleges open to visitors: Merton College, Magdalen College, Trinity College... Harry Potter fans won't want to miss Christ Church's Great Hall, which was directly inspired by Hogwarts!

In the centre of England, we're off to meet the greatest figure in English literature: William Shakespeare. An hour's drive from Oxford, we meet in front of the house where he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This charming city is also known for its medieval Tudor-style houses. Make sure you book well in advance of your trip to attend a theatrical performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a not-to-be-missed cultural institution!

From England's greatest playwright to its most famous rock band, the Beatles, it's a 2h30 drive. Head north to Liverpool, a completely different side of England, marked by the Industrial Revolution.

In the midst of a renaissance, Liverpool has become an attractive tourist destination. Fans of the Beatles make a pilgrimage here, as do supporters of Liverpool FC. Everyone meets up at Albert Dock, for its museums, pubs and quayside strolls.

We hit the road again in the morning for a journey of around 2 hours to theYorkshire Dale National Park. A rural, sparsely populated region, it's a complete contrast to the post-industrial England we've just passed through.

Undulating, lush and untouched by urban development, Yorkshire Dale is a land of inspiring landscapes. Make sure you take the time to stop along the way, venture out on a footpath and blend in with this incredible scenery.

For the night, choose a charming hotel or B&B lost in the greenery, if possible with a restaurant!

Just 1 hour 45 minutes away by car, York is a city well worth a day's visit. With its well-preserved medieval heritage, it's a real pleasure to wander around the historic centre, starting from its magnificent cathedral.

From here, don't miss the city's most iconic street, The Shambles. With its picturesque shop windows, "The Shop That Must Not Be Named" is sure to catch the eye of Harry Potter fans...

For centuries, Cambridge has been Oxford's great academic rival. But let's not be jealous: both are important stops on our itinerary.

Cambridge is a 3-hour drive from York, heading due south. This gives you time to explore the ancient centre, steeped in history and scholarship, as you pass from one prestigious college to the next.

On the calm waters of the Cam, treat yourself to a ride on a punt, the local gondola, before dining in an authentic Cambridge pub for the evening.

From the studious atmosphere of Cambridge, we move on to the holiday atmosphere that reigns on pretty little Mersea Island, lost in its mudflats: the access road, the Strood, is often under water at high tide!

We stop off at West Mersea, a charming, colourful seaside resort with rows of 1920s-style shacks lining the beach. The sea bath is tempting, as is a platter of oysters, a great local speciality, accompanied by authentic fish & chips.

On the last day of your journey, you can set your own pace on the back roads of Essex, heading for London. You have two choices: a direct return, in less than 2 hours, to spend time in the capital, or a slower route back to the mouth of the Thames.

Then it's off to Leigh-on-Sea, with its colourful trawlers and old fishermen's cottages, to watch the tide roll in. Then it's back to the much more hectic life of London for the final evening.

Last London stroll around the hotel, depending on your flight or train times. Of course, the English capital deserves a little more time, so look out for it on your next trip!