England’s Heritage Cities – By Independent Rail Travel 2023/2024

Bath (1.5 hour train from London) – A Georgian City and World Heritage Site, visitors can now spend time at Britain’s original spa with its natural thermal waters. A top choice as a year round destination, with a lively calendar of different festivals, theatrical, musical and sporting events. (B)

Accommodation: Bath Hotel

Your Hop-on/hop-off tour not only gives you magnificent views of the city, but takes you past Bath University and the American Museum, and visits the 18th century Prior Park Landscape Garden. (B)

Accommodation: Bath Hotel

York (4.5 hour train from Bath to York via Bristol). Once the Roman capital of Northern England, York is a great year round destination with fine shops and cuisine. It has a vibrant cafe culture, world class museums and a visit to Jorvik Centre to learn about the Viking culture is a must. York Minster, the stunning gothic cathedral is an awe inspiring presence and the National Railway Museum always has something new to experience. (B)

Accommodation: York Hotel

Your Hop-on/hop-off tour not only gives you magnificent views of the city, but takes you past York Art Gallery, Clifford’s Tower & Castle Museum, and York Dungeon. (B)

Accommodation: York Hotel

A day in York for shopping and exploring. We highly recommend the chocolate! Perhaps visit JORVIK Viking Centre? (B)

Accommodation: York Hotel

Chester (3 hour train from York to Chester via Manchester). Set within Roman City walls, Chester is both ancient and modern, contemporary and traditional, offering exciting days at the races, riverboat cruises plus a 1000 year old cathedral. (B)

Accommodation: Chester Hotel

Your Hop-on/hop-off tour not only gives you magnificent views of the city, but takes you past The Groves, Pepper Street, St John’s Church and Foregate Street. Your rail pass could take you to the nearby cities of Liverpool or Manchester or into the beauty of North Wales.  (B)

Accommodation: Chester Hotel

A day in Chester for shopping and exploring. Shoppers can enjoy browsing the Rows, a 700 year old two tier covered shopping gallery with the oldest shop fronts in England. Perhaps see The Ornate Clock, Chester Cathedral or the Roman Amphitheatre. (B)

Accommodation: Chester Hotel

Oxford (3 hours train via Crewe and Wolverhampton or Birmingham). Home to the oldest university in Britain, Oxford is an architectural marvel. You’ll get fantastic views of its honey coloured buildings as well as tantalizing glimpses of the hushed courtyards of its many colleges. (B)

Accommodation: Oxford Hotel

Visit the international award winning Oxford Castle Heritage area and histories Carfax Junction. The city also boasts the striking Bodleian Library, which is a working library forming part of the University of Oxford and the world famous Alice in Wonderland shop.

Your Hop-on/hop-off tour not only gives you magnificent views of the city, but takes you past Oxford Castle, St. Giles and Little Clarendon Street and the Carfax Tower. (B)

Accommodation: Oxford Hotel

Check out of the hotel transfer by train or bus to a London  airport for your return flight, unless extending your stay. (B)