It is entirely understandable if, when visiting England, you decide to spend the whole time in London. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. But after a few days of running around the British capital shopping, (over)eating and museum-hopping, I often crave the quieter pleasures of the English countryside — walking along picturesque lanes, strolling in well-manicured gardens and bedding down at formerly aristocratic estates. This itinerary combines a couple of days in London with a journey through the ever-enticing West Country and concludes at a historic property just south of Heathrow Airport.