London to Edinburgh Adventure
8 day tour

  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Snowdonia National Park
  • Chatsworth House
  • The Lake District
  • Hadrian's Wall
  • Shrewsbury

Enjoy eight days of exploration and discovery on this complete tour from London to Edinburgh, revelling in the greatest sights and experiences that England, Scotland and Wales offer.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Abbeys
National Parks
Lakes
Literature
Walks
Mountains
Cathedrals
Castles

Places you explore

 

Stratford–upon–Avon - The birthplace of Shakespeare, home to many Tudor thatched cottages and the gardens of The Bard’s wife, Anne Hathaway.

Ironbridge World Heritage Site - One of the birthplaces of the English Industrial Revolution, this world famous bridge and heritage site marks one of the crucial moments in the rise of the British Empire.

The mountains of Snowdonia - Inspiring historical figures such as Charles Darwin, these mountains offer a sense of scale and rugged beauty rarely matched in the UK.

Conwy Castle - Set on a river bank near an impressive pair of bridges, this brilliantly preserved 13th century estuary fortress is a visual treat.

Peak District National Park - Broadleaved woodlands give way to sheltered deep valleys in this geological wonderland.

Chatsworth House - The magnificent grand house of the Devonshire family lies in a stunning estate, famed for its amazing fountains and verdant maze.

York and the Dales - North England’s remote sheep-rearing valleys lay beside the bustling, history-rich city of York.

Robin Hood’s Bay - This beautifully preserved fishing village offers a stunning contrast between its pretty cottages and rugged cliffside setting.

Lake Windermere - The spiritual home to Beatrix Potter’s fabulous stories, the largest natural lake in England provides historical and natural fascination.

Scottish Borders - Explore from the ancient boundary of Hadrian’s Wall to the great city of Edinburgh.

Hadrian’s Wall - The wildest and most northerly frontier of the ancient Roman Empire.

 

Your journey

 

Discover Britain's history on this comprehensive eight day tour.

A combination of the "Heart of England" and "York, the Dales, and Lake District” tours offers you an unforgettable journey through a selection of the most scenic and historic locations in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Explore the ancient Gothic majesty of the historic settlements of the North and the charming intimacy of its valley villages. Relive the scenes of fierce conflicts of the past as you wander the Roman divide of Hadrian’s Wall.

Begin in England and end in Scotland on our one-way journey of discovery.

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 09:00 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour. 
Tour inclusions
  • Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of a Rabbie's driver-guide
Tour exclusions
  • Tour accommodation
  • Attraction entry tickets

Itinerary

Day 1

Departing from London, you travel to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. Home to the beautiful gardens and thatched Tudor cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway, you have time to explore the charming village of Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy lunch in one of the quaint restaurants before heading to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron, set in a distinctive forested gorge on the River Severn. The amazing sights here were developed during the rise of Britain’s Industrial Revolution and there are many attractions within the site for you to learn more about this fascinating period.

You then wind your way down to the riverside town of Shrewsbury, a pretty county town that lies on the banks of the mighty River Severn. The birthplace of Charles Darwin, this bustling market town and its timber framed black and white Tudor buildings are your home for the next two nights.

 

Day 2

Your tour takes you to the heart of North Wales today. Firstly, you explore the picture book beauty of Conwy and its picturesque medieval castle. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, this estuary fortress offers spectacular views from the battlements.

Next you roam the impressive mountains and valleys of the Snowdonia National Park, delving into the massive Dinorwic slate quarries and the powerfully dramatic Pass of Llanberis under the shadow of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. Relive the struggle for Welsh independence and the rebellious tale of Owain Glyndwr, the last native Prince of Wales before heading back over the English border to your accommodation.

Day 3

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 your route as you wind through this area’s unique landscape.

After a spectacular drive, you 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.

In the afternoon, you make your way to the Duke of Devonshire’s famous stately home and gardens at Chatsworth. This renowned building is regularly named the UK’s favourite country house thanks to its immense collection of furniture, priceless paintings, and neoclassical sculptures.

Travelling northwards, you pass through some of the old industrial heartlands of northern England to the historic walled city of York, where you spend the next three nights.

Day 4

Today there are two major options for the events of your day. Firstly, you can choose to spend the day leisurely exploring the medieval heart of York, an ancient city with a colourful history dating back to the times of the Romans, Vikings and Normans. The towering Gothic spire at York Minster rises above the city, casting its spirituality across the brilliant museums, narrow lanes and distinctive stone city walls.

Alternatively, you could journey out with your guide on a half day excursion across the Yorkshire Dales to the handsome market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon. Take your time with the beautiful architecture and spa town luxuries on offer before heading to some of the more remote valleys and formidably impressive scenery of the Eastern Dale, followed by a free afternoon in York to dine and relax in the city’s plentiful restaurants and shops.

You will leave the London based tour here and be picked up tomorrow by the tour bus from Edinburgh. Your driver/guide will let you know all the details of pickup times for the next day.

Day 5

A relaxing day that offers you the chance to spend time in the medieval city of York, a Roman settlement whose rich history includes Viking and Norman occupations and the brutally divisive War of the Roses. Take your time to discover the incredible city architecture, most notably the fabulous cathedral of York Minster.

From here, you leave York and head to the North Sea coast of Yorkshire, with the first stop being the magnificently expansive North Yorkshire Moors National park.

After relishing the abundance of nature and scenery here, you lunch in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Witness the Royal Hotel where he conjured his blood-curdling tale, then enjoy a little free time before travelling to the conservation village of Robin Hood’s Bay*, a pristinely preserved fishing village of winding lanes and narrow alleys. After relaxing in this unique location, you return to York for the evening.

* The minicoach cannot access the main village because of local restrictions. The coach will drop you at the top of the village and you must walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the old village centre.

Day 6

You move westerly into the superb scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National park, an area brimming with wildlife and rich cultural heritage. Densely packed with opportunities for recreation and relaxation, this nature haven gives unparalleled access to the North’s innate beauty.

Continuing west, you pass through the Northern Dales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the centre of the Dales energetic cattle trade.

The last stop of the day is in the pleasant market town of Keswick*, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation, free to explore the charms of the area.

Day 7

After breakfast, you behold the mystery of the Castlerigg standing stones, built over five thousand years ago and the scene of many strange ancient rituals. Traveling on, you arrive by the shores of Ullswater, known was England’s most beautiful lake. A short walk along the shore and through a forest takes you to the mighty Aira Force waterfall, an excellent place for keen photographers.

You head south over the snaking Kirkstone Pass, stopping at Windermere for the choice of relaxing with a hearty lunch whilst gazing across the region’s mountains and lakes or taking a leisurely cruise on the lake. Leaving this romantic setting, you head to the well maintained conservation village of Hawkshead and the school where the renowned poet William Wordsworth attended grammar school.

After a little spare time in the village, you navigate through the prim country lanes towards Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. Visit the great man’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the poet’s Daffodil Garden near the banks of the River Rothy before heading back to Keswick** for the night.

Day 8

Waving farewell to the Lakes, you ascend the Hartside Pass, which boasts a famous view of the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District. Standing at over 1900ft, this is an inimitable experience.

You continue to Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s fortified construction designed to keep the Scottish tribes out of the Roman Empire. Roam in the footsteps of the Roman Centurions who patrolled this desolate frontier. Follow the ancient Roman Dere Street, then cross the border into Scotland and head to the local town of Jedburgh and the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, where you stop for refreshments.

For your last stop, you make your way to the incredible Scott’s View, which looks out over the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills which roughly form the Scottish-English border. You then make your way to the great city of Edinburgh.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

  • Conwy Castle
  • Windermere Lake Cruises
  • Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
 

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in the historic town of Shrewsbury, three nights in York and two nights in Keswick*.

 

*Please be aware that Keswick is busy. You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.

 

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.

Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:

 

Approximate prices, per person per night

Overnight Location

 

Sole Occupancy

Multiple Occupancy

 

(1 person per room)

(2+ people per room)

B&B Standard

£80 - £120

£60 - £80

UK & Northern Ireland

€80 - €120

€60 - €80

Ireland

B&B En-suite

£100 - £145

£55 - £95

UK & Northern Ireland

€100 - €145

€55 - €100

Ireland

Hotel

£110 - £190

£75 - £145

UK & Northern Ireland

€130 - €235

€75 - €150

Ireland

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .


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