Highlights of Britain - 11 day tour

Day 2 - London - Oxford - Cotswolds

There is no better introduction to England than Oxford, the ‘city of dreaming spires. We enjoy an orientation tour and have time for a walk through the city.

Later, head to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages.  

We then drive to the delightful Three Ways House Hotel, home of the world-famous Pudding Club.

Overnight: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 3 - Stratford-upon-Avon Excursion

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a morning at leisure.

Later travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, the attractive Tudor town where “The Bard”, William Shakespeare was born.  

Walk-in his footsteps on a short orientation walking tour around the town where we will see his birthplace and the famous thatched farmhouse where the young William Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway.

After time to explore on our own, we return to our hotel through more honey-coloured hamlets.

Tonight enjoy an evening at leisure.  

Day 4 - Cotswolds - Worcester - Llangollen

The historic tower of Worcester Cathedral dominates the cityscape as it rises from the banks of the River Severn. During our visit, we discover the resting place of King John and Prince Arthur, the ancient Norman crypt and the stunning Victorian stained glass windows.

Later we’ll tour through the craggy and varied landscapes of Wales as we make our way to our hotel.

Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner together.

Overnight: Mulberry Inn, Llangollen (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 5 - Snowdonia National Park Excursion

In North Wales, we have a whole day to explore the amazing Snowdonia National Park, an area famed for its outstanding natural splendour.

During our tour, discover some of the 823 square miles of diverse landscapes, including stone monuments, ancient castles, and, of course, Snowdon – the highest mountain in England and Wales.  

Tonight we’ll enjoy a splendid dinner at our hotel.

Day 6 - Llangollen - Liverpool - York

After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and head to Liverpool by the River Mersey.

This vibrant city gave birth to The Beatles, and a popular style of music in the 1960’s called The Mersey Beat. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum that tells the fascinating story of the “Fab Four”?

Later, we take the “Long and Winding Road” to York, the historic capital of Northern England. 

Overnight: Churchill Hotel, York (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - York Walking Tour and free time

This morning join your tour leader for a fascinating walking tour through the historic streets of York.

Enjoy superb views from the ancient city walls and see the impressive York Minster, the largest medieval church in England.

This afternoon is entirely free, so you can explore York on your own.

Why not make a visit to the ever-popular National Railway Museum, discover York’s Viking Past at the Jorvik Centre or enjoy a sumptuous Cream Tea at Bettys Tearoom?

Day 8 - York - Castle Howard - Lake District

Drive to the magnificent 18th century Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s finest historic house and estate. Discover how life was lived upstairs and downstairs on a fascinating self-guided tour. 

Enjoy a scenic drive through the wonderful Yorkshire Dales National Park, famed for its unspoilt landscapes and abundant wildlife, before arriving at Lake Windermere, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa,Windermere (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 9 - Lake District Excursion

Today we enjoy one of Britain's most beautiful national parks, the picturesque Lake District.

From Lake Windermere, our first stop is Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Farm, where she wrote many of her famous children's tales.

This afternoon, we visit Rydal Mount and Gardens, once the favoured home of the poet William Wordsworth. Still owned by his descendants, this family home is largely unchanged from the time the poet arrived here in 1813. 

We take to the water for a relaxing cruise to savour the spectacular scenery of this picturesque region.

Later we return to our hotel for the evening.

Day 10 - Lake District - Hadrian’s Wall - Scottish Borders

Driving through Cumbria, we follow Hadrian’s Wall until we reach Birdoswald Roman Fort, one of the best-preserved Roman sites on the wall.

Enjoy awe-inspiring views as we travel through the rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders. 

Tonight, gather in our hotel to enjoy a traditional three-course Scottish banquet, with a wee taste of haggis and bagpipe demonstration on our final night together.

Overnight: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Scottish Borders - Abbotsford House - Edinburgh

After a drive through the Southern Uplands, we reach Abbotsford House, the beloved former home of the author and Scottish patriot, Sir Walter Scott.

This afternoon we visit one of the most mysterious sites in Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel, which featured in the best-selling film The Da Vinci Code.

Our final destination is Edinburgh, where our tour concludes.