Booked by Jamie | Family Travel Proposal
England, Two Ways
London + Bath | A family of four
● August 5 – 13, 2026
● 9 Days
● 2 Adults, 2 Teens
This trip is built around a simple idea: spend the first six nights in the heart of London hitting your priority list, then trade the city for Bath — one of the most beautiful places in England — for a proper wind-down before flying home. Two very different experiences, one unforgettable trip.
Flying From
New York JFK
Flying To
London LHR
London
6 Nights
Bath
3 Nights
How It’s Structured
Part One
London
Aug 5 – 10 | 6 Nights
- Notting Hill + Portobello Market
- Big Ben, Westminster + South Bank
- Borough Market + Tower Bridge
- Carnaby Street + Oxford Street
- Covent Garden + West End show
- Alton Towers day trip
- Canterbury day trip
- Oxford day trip
- Hampstead Heath
Part Two
Bath
Aug 10 – 13 | 3 Nights
- Roman Baths
- Royal Crescent + Pulteney Bridge
- Bath Abbey
- Clevedon Beach day trip
- Thermal spa time
- Georgian city wandering
- Train to Heathrow on departure day
Flight Options
Option 1 — Virgin Atlantic Round Trip Recommended
$3,044 all 4 travelers
Outbound
JFK → London Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic | Economy | Two departure options, same price (see note below)
Return
London Heathrow → JFK
Virgin Atlantic VS 45 | Aug 13, 1:40pm → 4:25pm EST | Economy
Departure options (same price): Evening of Aug 4 departing JFK, arriving London morning of Aug 5 — overnight flight, maximizes your first full day in London. Or morning of Aug 5 departing JFK, arriving London evening of Aug 5 — daytime flight, easier for the family. Note: This fare does not include checked bags. Factor in approximately $75–100 per bag each way when comparing to Option 2.
Option 2 — Delta Air Lines Round Trip
$3,844 all 4 travelers
Outbound
JFK → London Heathrow
Delta DL 5996 (operated by Virgin Atlantic) | Aug 4, 8:15am → 8:10pm | Bags included
Return
London Heathrow → JFK
Delta DL 5995 (operated by Virgin Atlantic) | Aug 13, 1:40pm → 4:25pm EST | Bags included
Bags included both ways for all 4 passengers. Seat selection included. Departs Aug 4 — lands in London the same evening, giving you a head start on Day 1. Once you add bag fees to Option 1, the price difference between these two narrows considerably.
Where to Stay in London
All three options are in the Covent Garden and Leicester Square area — the best neighborhood for this trip. Carnaby Street, Borough Market, the West End theaters, and Oxford Street are all within easy walking distance.
St Martins Lane London
A Morgans Originals Hotel
45 St Martin’s Lane | Leicester Square, 3 min walk
$6,381
6 nights, incl. taxes & fees
Fully refundable rate + breakfast
The Experience
Iconic boutique luxury in the heart of the theater district. Floor-to-ceiling windows, art deco interiors, and a location that puts you steps from everything. Two restaurants, a stylish bar, and the kind of energy that makes London feel cinematic.
Room + Amenities
Loft, 2 Double Beds | 54 sq m
Sleeps 4 | 1 room, proper beds
Rating: 9.4 Exceptional (1,004 reviews)
Fitness center | Two restaurants
Bar + lounge | 24hr room service
Breakfast: +$64/day if added
Sleeps 4 | 1 room, proper beds
Rating: 9.4 Exceptional (1,004 reviews)
Fitness center | Two restaurants
Bar + lounge | 24hr room service
Breakfast: +$64/day if added
NYX Hotel London Holborn
By Leonardo Hotels
50–60 Southampton Row | Theatreland, 2 min walk | British Museum, 6 min walk
$4,468
6 nights, incl. taxes & fees
With breakfast
The Experience
The most energetic of the three, with a striking building wrapped in a massive street mural and design-forward interiors. Indoor pool, full spa, sauna, and steam room make it feel like more than just a place to sleep.
Room + Amenities
Designer Executive Room, 2 King Beds | 37 sq m
Sleeps 4 | Proper beds for everyone
Rating: 9.0 Wonderful (1,116 reviews)
Indoor pool | Full-service spa
Sauna + steam room | Restaurant
Airport shuttle available
Sleeps 4 | Proper beds for everyone
Rating: 9.0 Wonderful (1,116 reviews)
Indoor pool | Full-service spa
Sauna + steam room | Restaurant
Airport shuttle available
The Dilly
21 Piccadilly | Piccadilly Circus, steps away
$5,200+
6 nights, est. incl. taxes & fees
Currently mid-renovation
The Experience
A classic London grand hotel on Piccadilly with a rich history and a full amenity set including pool, spa, and fitness facilities. The renovation underway should elevate the property significantly.
Room + Amenities
Family room configuration
On Piccadilly Circus | Central location
Pool + spa + sauna on site
Virtual golf + squash courts
Restaurant + bar
Renovation completion TBC
On Piccadilly Circus | Central location
Pool + spa + sauna on site
Virtual golf + squash courts
Restaurant + bar
Renovation completion TBC
Where to Stay in Bath
Two options for the Bath portion — the city’s flagship luxury property and a smart, highly-rated alternative that leaves more budget for experiences.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Beau Street | Roman Baths, walking distance
$3,634
3 nights, incl. taxes & fees
Non-refundable rate
The Experience
The only hotel in Bath with access to the natural thermal spring waters. A 5-star Georgian landmark with the Spa Village built around the original Roman springs, jewel-toned interiors, and a restaurant by acclaimed chef Dan Moon. Bath at its absolute best.
Room + Amenities
Duplex Suite | 43 sq m / 462 sq ft
1 Queen + 2 Single beds | Sleeps 4
Separate living room + bedroom
Natural thermal spa access
Restaurant by Dan Moon
Fully refundable rate: +$727
1 Queen + 2 Single beds | Sleeps 4
Separate living room + bedroom
Natural thermal spa access
Restaurant by Dan Moon
Fully refundable rate: +$727
Apex City of Bath Hotel
1 James Street West | Roman Baths, 4 min walk | Bath Abbey, 4 min walk
$1,255
3 nights, incl. taxes & fees
Breakfast included
The Experience
A modern 4-star right in the heart of Bath, steps from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Indoor pool with hydrotherapy jets, sauna, and steam room. An exceptional rating with nearly 3,000 reviews. Excellent value for the location and quality.
Room + Amenities
Family Room | 30 sq m
1 King + 1 Double bed | Sleeps 4
Rating: 9.4 Exceptional (2,846 reviews)
Indoor pool + hydrotherapy jets
Sauna + steam room | Restaurant
Breakfast included in rate
1 King + 1 Double bed | Sleeps 4
Rating: 9.4 Exceptional (2,846 reviews)
Indoor pool + hydrotherapy jets
Sauna + steam room | Restaurant
Breakfast included in rate
Day by Day
Day 1
Arrival + Notting Hill
Wed, Aug 5
Morning
Arrive London Heathrow
Heathrow Express to Paddington (15 min), then Tube or taxi to the hotel. Check in and drop bags.
Afternoon
Notting Hill Most Wanted
Colorful townhouses, Portobello Road, great cafes. An easy first afternoon that feels like London immediately.
Evening
Dinner in Notting Hill
Early dinner, early bed. A long travel day deserves a quiet evening.
Note: If flying Option 1 with the evening departure, you’ll land in London the morning of Aug 5 and have a full afternoon ahead. If taking the daytime flight, you’ll arrive London evening and this becomes a short settle-in night.
Day 2
Westminster + South Bank
Thu, Aug 6
Morning
Big Ben + Westminster Bridge Most Wanted
Go early while crowds are light. Walk across Westminster Bridge for the classic view. Buckingham Palace is a short detour if the group wants it.
Midday
Borough Market Most Wanted
Cross the Thames and spend an unhurried hour at Borough Market. One of the best food experiences in London — don’t rush it.
Afternoon
Tower Bridge Most Wanted
A 15-minute walk east from Borough Market. Go inside for the glass walkway views. Tower of London is right next door if the group wants to add it.
Evening
South Bank Stroll + Dinner
Walk the riverfront back toward Waterloo. Plenty of great casual dining along here.
Day 3
Alton Towers
Fri, Aug 7
Early Morning
Train to Stoke-on-Trent
About 1.5 hours from London Euston, then shuttle or taxi to the park (30 min). Leave by 7:30am to arrive for opening.
All Day
Alton Towers
England’s biggest theme park. Top rides include Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion, Smiler, and Wicker Man. Book tickets well in advance — significantly cheaper than the gate price.
Evening
Return to London
Last train back arrives London around 9–10pm. Consider staying overnight near the park to avoid the rush and start fresh the next morning.
Pro tip: August is peak season at Alton Towers. A Fastrack pass for the top 2–3 rides is worth it to make the most of the day.
Day 4
Portobello + Carnaby Street + West End
Sat, Aug 8
Morning
Portobello Road Market + Covent Garden
Saturday is the best day for Portobello Market. Go early, then make your way to Covent Garden for street performers and the market hall.
Afternoon
Carnaby Street Most Wanted
Independent boutiques, streetwear, and great energy. The surrounding Soho streets are worth wandering too.
Late Afternoon
Oxford Street
Every major brand plus Selfridges. Good for a couple of hours of shopping before dinner.
Evening
West End Show
Highly recommended. Hamilton, Les Misérables, and The Lion King are all running. Book in advance or try the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day tickets.
Day 5
Day Trip: Canterbury + Hampstead Heath
Sun, Aug 9
Morning
Canterbury Most Wanted
1 hour from London St Pancras on the high-speed train. The Cathedral is extraordinary — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval city center is entirely walkable. Allow 3 hours.
Early Afternoon
Return to London
Back in London by early afternoon, leaving the day’s second half free.
Afternoon
Hampstead Heath
790 acres of parkland with views over the city, swimming ponds, and space to breathe. A perfect contrast to the morning’s history. Hampstead Village is right next door for dinner.
Day 6
Day Trip: Oxford → Travel to Bath
Mon, Aug 10
Morning
Oxford Most Wanted
1 hour from London Paddington. Walk the colleges, see the Bodleian Library, explore Christ Church. A morning is plenty — you can be back in London by 1pm.
Early Afternoon
Return to London + Check Out
Back to the hotel to collect bags and check out. Allow time for this before heading to Paddington.
Afternoon
Train to Bath
London Paddington direct to Bath Spa, 1h20m. A straightforward journey with luggage.
Evening
Arrive Bath + Check In
Drop bags, take a short walk through the city center, dinner in Bath. A quieter evening after a full day.
Note: This is a full day with Oxford, checkout, and travel to Bath. If the pace feels like too much, consider doing Oxford as a half-day earlier in the trip and using Day 6 purely for the Bath transfer, with a leisurely lunch along the way.
Now in
Bath, England | Aug 10 – 13
Day 7
Bath Proper
Tue, Aug 11
Morning
Roman Baths
Pre-book tickets — this gets busy in August. Allow 2 hours. Extraordinary Roman history in the heart of the city.
Midday
Bath Abbey + Pulteney Bridge
Both free and stunning. Bath Abbey is right next to the Roman Baths. Pulteney Bridge is a short walk — one of only four bridges in the world with shops along both sides.
Afternoon
Royal Crescent + The Circus
The iconic Georgian architecture Bath is famous for. A 20-minute walk from the center. Worth it.
Evening
Dinner in Bath
Bath has a genuinely excellent food scene. The Scallop Shell for fish, Menu Gordon Jones for something adventurous, or the Gainsborough restaurant if staying there.
Day 8
Clevedon Beach + Spa Day
Wed, Aug 12
Morning
Clevedon Beach Most Wanted
About 30–40 minutes from Bath by hired car or taxi. A Victorian seaside town on the Bristol Channel — charming pier, pebbly beach, fish and chips. A lovely contrast to the city days.
Afternoon
Spa + Rest
Back in Bath by early afternoon. Use the hotel spa for a proper end-of-trip wind-down — the thermal waters at the Gainsborough, the pool and hydrotherapy jets at the Apex.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Last night — make it count. Afternoon tea is a wonderful option here if the group hasn’t done it yet.
Getting to Clevedon: No direct train from Bath. A pre-booked taxi or hired car is the easiest option — approximately £50–70 each way and well worth it for a morning by the sea.
Day 9
Departure
Thu, Aug 13
Morning
Check Out + Transfer to Heathrow
Bath Spa station direct to London Paddington (1h20m), then the Elizabeth line to Heathrow (35 min). Leave Bath by 9am for the 1:40pm departure. No need to go back through central London.
Afternoon
Fly Home to New York
VS 45 or DL 5995, departs 1:40pm, arrives JFK 4:25pm EST same day.
On the Wishlist but Not Scheduled
Cotswolds, Windsor, Cambridge
Cotswolds
Best done with a full day and a rental car. Nine days doesn’t leave room without cutting something else — a great reason to come back.
Windsor
Easy half-day from London Paddington (40 min). Could swap in on Day 6 if the group prefers castles over colleges, or pair with Oxford for a two-stop day.
Cambridge
50 minutes from London Kings Cross. A similar feel to Oxford — if the group prefers punting on the Cam, Cambridge slots right in on Day 6 instead.
A Word About Travel Insurance
This trip involves meaningful non-refundable spend, particularly if you choose the Gainsborough in Bath. A comprehensive policy for a family of four on a trip this size typically runs $300–400 — well worth the peace of mind. It also means you can confidently take the non-refundable hotel rates (which are meaningfully cheaper) without the risk.
I recommend Faye travel insurance, which offers excellent coverage for international family travel. Ask me for a quote alongside your booking.
Get a Faye Quote →Good to Know
Oyster Cards
Pick one up for each person at Heathrow on arrival. Tap in and out on the Tube and buses — the daily spend cap kicks in automatically.
August Crowds
School holidays make London and Bath busy in August. Pre-book the Roman Baths, Tower Bridge, Alton Towers, and any must-do restaurants well in advance.
Weather
August is England’s warmest month but rain is never far away. A light layer and a small umbrella per person will get used.
Bag Fees
If choosing Virgin Atlantic, factor in checked bag fees (~$75–100 per bag each way). Once added, the gap with Delta’s all-in fare narrows considerably.
Alton Towers
Buy tickets online in advance — meaningfully cheaper than the gate price. A Fastrack pass for the top rides is worth adding in August.
Getting Around Bath
Bath’s city center is entirely walkable. For Clevedon Beach, pre-book a taxi or hire a car for the day — no direct train from Bath.
Sample Investment Summaries
Option A — Virgin Atlantic + NYX Holborn + Apex Bath (mid-range)
Flights — Virgin Atlantic (4 travelers, bags not included)$3,044
London — NYX Hotel Holborn, 6 nights with breakfast$4,468
Bath — Apex City of Bath, 3 nights with breakfast$1,255
Estimated Total$8,767
Excludes bag fees, Alton Towers tickets, West End show, Roman Baths entry, meals, and local transport.
Option B — Delta + St Martins Lane + Gainsborough (premium)
Flights — Delta Air Lines (4 travelers, bags included)$3,844
London — St Martins Lane, 6 nights (refundable rate)$6,381
Bath — The Gainsborough, 3 nights (non-refundable)$3,634
Estimated Total$13,859
Excludes activities, meals, and local transport. Travel insurance recommended for the non-refundable Gainsborough rate.
Ready to Book?
When you’re ready to move forward, I’ll confirm availability, lock in your rates, and handle the details from there. Feel free to reach out with any questions — I’m happy to talk through the options or adjust anything to fit your budget and priorities.