DAY 1 – Arrival in Bath and Roman Baths

This morning, use your complimentary rail passes to make your way to the Georgian city of Bath (just 1.5 hrs from London by direct train). Upon arrival in Bath, you can check in to your hotel and the afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace. Experience Bath’s magnificent Regency architecture at the Circus, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent which featured in the Netflix hit series ”Bridgerton”. Using your complimentary tickets, visit the magnificent Roman Baths which date back two thousand years. By evening, meet with your tour leader and the rest of the group to dine together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: The Bird Bath Hotel (or similar), Bath
Inclusions: Rail Pass, Roman Baths admission
Meals: Dinner included

DAY 2 – The Cotswolds and English Ale Tasting

Boarding the mini-coach, we’ll visit the nearby historic town of Lacock; this charming village has been used in TV and film productions including “Pride and Prejudice”, “Downton Abbey” and “Harry Potter”. After time to wander the cobbled streets we’ll head north deep in to the Cotswolds pausing in one or more of the charming villages with their traditional thatched cottages. By afternoon we visit a local brewery to learn about the beer-making process and sample some innovative English ales. Then its onwards to our base for the next two nights in the heart of a Cotswolds village.

Overnight: Noel Arms Inn (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds
Inclusions:  Cotswold’s Brewery visit & tasting
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 3 – Historic Oxford and Chipping Campden

This morning we take a scenic drive through the rolling Cotswolds countryside; we’ll visit the historic university city of Oxford. After a brief orientation we’ll enjoy free-time to explore the cobbled streets and soak up the whimsical academic atmosphere. Wander the famous college buildings, visit the Ashmolean Museum, climb Carfax Tower for unrivalled views of the city’s “dreaming spires” or simply relax on a river punt manned by one of the local students. By afternoon, we’ll return to Chipping Campden for time at leisure to explore this traditional Cotswolds’ village.

Overnight: Noel Arms Inn (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds
Inclusions:  Day trip to Oxford
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 4 – Stratford-upon-Avon and Severn Valley Railway

Moving north we make our way to the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. We’ll learn about the life and times of the great bard at Shakespeare’s Birthplace before time to stroll along the riverside of this pretty medieval town. This afternoon we’ll board an historic steam train for a scenic rail journey along the Severn Valley to the historic town of Bridgnorth. Later we’ll continue to the elegant city of Chester where your evening is free to dine independently.

Overnight: The Queen at Chester Hotel (or similar), Chester
Inclusions: Shakespeare’s Birthplace admission, Severn Valley Historic Railway
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 5 – Chester and Liverpool’s Albert Docks

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a brief stroll around Chester to see some of the highlights of this charming city such as the old medieval town walls, cathedral and the unique Tudor facaded shopping arcades. Then it’s all aboard the mini-coach to visit nearby Liverpool, birthplace of the Beatles, and its famous Albert Docks. Here you can see the statue of the fab four in front of the famous Liver Buildings and enjoy free-time to wander the redeveloped docklands, visit the Tate Art Gallery or the Beatles Story exhibition. By afternoon, we’ll continue north from the bright lights of Liverpool to our overnight base, the heart of the Lake District.

Overnight: Wordsworth House Hotel (or similar), Grasmere
Inclusions:  Liverpool visit, Beatles Story Exhibition
Meals: Full English Breakfast included

DAY 6 – The English Lake District

Our day today is dedicated to exploring the glorious landscapes of the English Lake District. We’ll head off the beaten track to the lesser-known corners of England’s favourite National Park. Our journey will take us along narrow country lanes and over mountain passes to charming lakeside villages, ancient stone-circles and look-out points with panoramic views. It will be easy to see how this region has inspired poets, authors and artists alike. Our day wouldn’t be complete without a relaxing cruise on one of the famous lakes before we return to our hotel for our dinner together.

Overnight: Wordsworth House Hotel (or similar), Grasmere
Inclusions: Scenic Lake Cruise
Meals: Full English Breakfast and dinner included

DAY 7 – The Yorkshire Dales and Fountains Abbey

Departing the Lake District, we cross the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll pause in one of the typical Yorkshire villages and visit the beautiful Aysgarth Falls on route to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Here we’ll enjoy free-time to explore the imposing monastic ruins and the pristine gardens which have enjoyed World Heritage status since 1986. Our final stop today will be the elegant Victorian Spa town of Harrogate, the perfect spot for afternoon tea. By evening we’ll continue to the magnificent city of York, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Grand Hotel (or similar), York
Inclusions: Fountains Abbey admission
Meals: Full English Breakfast and afternoon tea included

DAY 8 – Castle Howard and York City

This morning, we’ll make the short journey to one of the North of England’s finest country estates, Castle Howard. Dating back to the 17th century we’ll have the opportunity to stroll magnificent house and gardens which featured in various television productions also including the Netflix series ”Bridgerton”. Then it’s back to York for an afternoon at leisure to explore this magnificent historic city. Wander cobbled alleys, climb atop the medieval city walls, or visit one of the many local museums. The highlight will be the magnificent York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Tonight we reconvene for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Grand Hotel (or similar), York
Inclusions: Castle Howard admission
Meals: Full English Breakfast and dinner included

DAY 9 – York and Return Home

Enjoy a final breakfast and bid farewell to your tour leader. Your trip ends today after checking out from your hotel. You may choose to continue to explore York at your own pace before taking the train back to London or onwards to Edinburgh using your complimentary rail passes. Either journey is an easy direct rail trip taking around 2hrs. Either way you’ll return to the city with fond memories of rural England’s rustic charm.

Inclusions: Rail Pass to London or Edinburgh
Meals: Full English Breakfast included