Itinerary

Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon

You leave London and head to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. Often hailed as England’s national poet, he embodies the spirit of the nation through his mastery of language and insight into human nature.

Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon

We travel through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for a stunning range of rolling chalk hills, historic villages, and rich biodiversity.

Free time and lunch in Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge

Stratford-upon-Avon. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, you have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs. As well as snapping some pictures of iconic timber-framed houses, you may want to visit Anne Hathaway's House; or the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare and hs wife are buried.

You then head to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. Built during the age of Industrial Revolution, explore how it was pieced together or simply enjoy the views from above the lazily flowing River Severn.

Journey to Shrewsbury and free evening

You make your way to the county town of Shrewsbury; the narrow-streets of the town centre are almost completely encircled by the River Severn. Charles Darwin was born in this bustling market town, and its timber-framed black and white Tudor buildings are your home for the next two nights.

Journey to Wales

Our tour takes us to the heart of North Wales today. What doe we know about Wales? Its tongue-twisting language is the oldest in Great Britain; it's the land of castles, with over 600 across the country; and it's a landscape of inescapable beauty. But there’s so much you don’t know, and you can’t know, until you explore it for yourself. So, let the adventure begin.

Free time in Conwy

Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This gorgeous harbour town is known for an imposing medieval castle perched by the sea, the ‘world’s smallest house’, and a plethora of restaurants with delectable fish and chips, among other things. This is ideal, since Conwy is your lunch stop for the day, and we highly recommend splitting your time between the sights and the senses.

Lunch in Conwy, journey through the Eryri National Park, Beddgelert

Recharged after lunch, we travel into the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), where we roam the impressive mountains and valleys, its slate quarries, and travel through the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadow of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.

Next, is the charming village of Betws-y-Coed . Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush forests, it offers picturesque streets lined with traditional stone cottages. Make sure to walk to the ancient, weathered stone bridge called Pont-y-Pair that is famous for the views of a cascading river. In the late afternoon, we head over the English border and travel back to Shrewsbury.

Free evening in Shrewsbury

It’s your second free evening in Shrewsbury and you can decide how you want to spend it. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a ghost tour that explores the haunted corners of the town, delving into its eerie history. Or you can stroll along the River Severn and find a traditional restaurant for your dinner.

Journey to the Peak District National Park

Lying northeast of Shrewsbury is the Peak District National Park, an expanse of rugged moorland with walled pastures and wooded valleys. Picturesque villages and unbeatable scenery line our route as we wind through this area’s unique landscape.

Buxton

After a spectacular drive, we arrive in the elegant spa town of Buxton. It’s been attracting visitors to enjoy its natural thermal springs since Roman times. And it’s where you can fill up your bottle with crystal-clear water from the famous spring.

Free time and lunch at Chatsworth House, journey to York

In the early afternoon we reach the impressive Chatsworth House, the Duke of Devonshire’s famous stately home and gardens. You'll have several hours here to explore. What you do and see is up to you. Maybe you'll take in the beauty of the estate's gardens? Maybe you simply can't miss the collection of masterpieces inside, artworks from Rembrandt, Reynolds, Veronese.

You'll need to refuel after taking it all in. There are plenty of places at the estate to stop for a treat, whether you just need a quick bite or a full meal. Travelling northwards, we pass through some of the old industrial heartlands of northern England to the historic walled city of York.

Free evening in York

We arrive in the historic city of York, a place where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern charm . As evening falls, the city comes alive with a magical atmosphere. We stay here for two nights so you can wander through the lit cobbled streets of The Shambles, visit one of the city's cozy pubs, or take a walk along the medieval city walls.

Free day in York or an optional half-day trip to Knaresborough

Today there are two options. You can choose to spend the day exploring the medieval heart of York, an ancient city with a colourful history dating back to the times of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans.

Alternatively, you can journey out with your guide on a half-day excursion across the Yorkshire Dales to the handsome market town of Knaresborough.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough’s spectacular stone viaduct over the River Nidd, winding streets, and picturesque houses perched on the cliffs create a scene straight out of a fairytale. Stroll through its charming market square, explore the ruins of a castle and take in the stunning views of this picturesque place. Then we continue our exploration of the Yorkshire Dales and head to another delightful village, Pateley Bridge.

Pateley Bridge, lunch and free afternoon in York

Nestled in the heart of Nidderdale, this picturesque village invites you to slow down and explore its cobbled streets, historic sites, and tranquil riverside walks. Whether you’re savouring a sweet treat at the Oldest Sweet Shop in England or simply soaking in the stunning landscapes, Pateley Bridge is the place where you create lasting memories of one of Yorkshire's most scenic corners.

Then we finish our half-day tour and return to York for lunch and a free afternoon so you can uncover more of its secrets. There's much to see and do: you can visit a chocolate museum, admire the iconic York Minster, find out about the Vikings, or even just stroll around the ancient walls.

Free evening in York, the end of first leg of your tour

You’ve got another free evening and you can decide what you’re going to do. Maybe you’ll fancy taking a ghost tour to uncover the city’s haunted past? Or enjoy a relaxing drink in one of York’s historic pubs? Whether you prefer a quiet evening steeped in history or lively nightlife, York offers something for everyone.

Tomorrow, you can explore more of the city on your own and join a half-day tour with your new driver-guide and group.

Journey to Yorkshire Dales National Park

You're picked up from your accommodation and head west into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a special place – a fantastic outdoor arena for recreation and relaxation and a haven for wildlife.

Exploring Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth Falls

Your driver-guide takes you to some of the hidden gems of the national park, like the romantic ruins of Jervaulx Abbey. Next, you also have an option to immerse yourself in nature on a walk to the dramatic Aysgarth Falls, that featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales landscape as you follow the trail to the three stunning waterfalls cascading over limestone steps.

Hawes for lunch, Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Lake District

Food lovers will enjoy visiting Hawes, a charming Yorkshire Dales town and home of Wensleydale cheese.

During our lunch stop, explore the Wensleydale Creamery, watch cheese-making in action, and sample its delights. Stroll the cobbled alleys before we journey through scenic countryside, pausing for photos en route to Appleby-in-Westmorland. This historic market town features sandstone cottages and the imposing Appleby Castle, rich with stories of the past.

Finally, we enter the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where rugged mountains and serene lakes reflect the timeless beauty immortalized by the Lake Poets.

Free evening in Keswick

As evening approaches, we arrive in the vibrant market town of Keswick by Derwentwater, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation and have free time to explore the charming town. Enjoy a stroll around Derwentwater to take in the stunning sunset views, catch a performance at the Theatre by the Lake, or eat out at the town’s diverse restaurants and pubs.

Castlerigg stone circle and Aira Force waterfall

We start the day by touching the past at the mysterious Castlerigg stone circle. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, this ancient site was once a lively hub of pagan rituals. Then it’s time to get close to nature and go for an optional forest walk to witness the majestic Aira Force waterfall. This enchanting 65-foot waterfall is surrounded by lush woodland, offering a peaceful retreat and stunning scenery.

Exploring the Lake District

We travel along scenic, winding lanes, passing through the charming villages and majestic mountains to our next destination, the picturesque Lake Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, where we’ll stop for lunch.

Lunch and free time in Bowness-on-Windermere, Hawkshead, Grasmere

You’re free to explore this quaint lakeside village as you wish. Options include a leisurely lunch and then a lake cruise, or a visit to the Beatrix Potter attraction to learn about the renowned author and conservationist.

Next, visit Hawkshead, where William Wordsworth attended school. Stroll its cobbled streets, lined with whitewashed cottages, quaint shops, and tearooms. We’ll then take narrow country lanes north to Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found.” Spend your free time visiting Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, sampling the famous gingerbread, or relaxing in the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden.

Free evening in Keswick

After a day spent exploring the most beautiful sites in the Lake District National Park, we return to Keswick early in the evening. It’s your second night here, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal in one of the town’s welcoming pubs or restaurants, many serving locally-sourced food and craft ales.

Journey north to Hadrian’s Wall

We say farewell to the Lake District with its dramatic fells, shimmering lakes, and rolling green valleys, and travel through some of northern England's most stunning and diverse landscapes. As we travel northeast, the scenery transitions to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its windswept moorlands and secluded dales.

Hadrian’s Wall

The tour continues toward Hadrian’s Wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You’ll have time to walk beside the wall and feel the isolation that Roman soldiers experienced while guarding against the ‘barbarians’ to the north. As you journey along the wall, your guide will recommend the best sites to visit.

Free time and lunch in Vindolanda, travel to Scotland, and Jedburgh

Next is an optional activity: exploring the archaeological site of Vindolanda, where you can step into the lives of those at this Roman fort. Years of excavation have uncovered incredible artifacts, from shoes and jewelry to bones and pottery. Explore the well-preserved ruins and have your lunch in this fascinating site before we continue with our adventure.

Heading north, we stop at Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, a historic border crossing between England and Scotland. Traveling through the scenic Scottish Borders, with its rolling hills, ancient abbeys, and charming villages, we pause in Jedburgh, home to the impressive 12th-century Augustinian Abbey.

Journey to Edinburgh

With a deep appreciation for history, your journey takes you north through the rolling landscapes of the Scottish Borders. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages and scenic vistas, before you arrive in Edinburgh.