Highlights of Britain 2023/2024

After breakfast, we’ll leave the capital behind us and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where an orientation tour of this medieval university town awaits. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages. (B)

Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)

There will be plenty of time to enjoy this morning at your leisure before we board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll have some time to follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before pressing on to the rolling hills and panoramic views of the Cotswolds. (B)

Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)

We’ll discover more about the crusades of saints and kings on a visit of Worcester Cathedral before our road turns towards the rugged ancient landscapes of Wales this afternoon. This evening, we’ll dine together in Denbighshire. (B,D)

Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)

Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is our next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. We’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)

Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Toes still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. (B)

Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)

We’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways – and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is ours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel. (B)

Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)

Today we’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Our path will then take us through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, we’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel. (B,D)

Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)

We’ll commence our day of culture this morning with a visit to The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and antiques, there’s something for everyone in this treasure trove! Next, we’ll turn our attention to Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here we’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening we have a local treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night. (B,D)

Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)

Before we say our goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Our tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh. (B)