DAY 1 – Rail to the West Country

Validate your rail passes in London and board the train for a scenic rail-ride to the South West of England. Your journey will take you over the barren Salisbury Plain and through the patchwork hills of Dorset to the coastal train lines of Devon. Your destination today is the seafaring town of Plymouth and your base for two nights. Explore this historic port and visit the famous Plymouth Sound – enjoy views from the hilltop lighthouse and Citadel overlooking the harbour and of course make your way to the Mayflower steps from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to the New World.

Overnight: Plymouth
Inclusions: BritRail Pass

DAY 2 – Explore Cornwall by Rail

Today you can embark on one of England’s most epic rail journeys as you head South West over the eerie Bodmin Moor then along the rugged Cornish coastline. Here you have the option to visit one or more of the traditional Cornish fishing villages such as St Ives or Penzance; traditionally home to smugglers and pirates, today they host excellent arts scenes and a host of boutique shops and cafes. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the resort town of Falmouth to stroll the sandy bays and visit the hill-top coastal fort.

Overnight: Plymouth
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 3 – Rail to the Regency City of Bath

Returning north your rail journey today carries you over the rolling hills of Somerset on route to the elegant city of Bath. An opulent Regency city which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Status, Bath is home to a host of historic, cultural and architectural highlights. Spend your afternoon exploring the historic Abbey, the Jane Austen Centre, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, which featured in the Netflix hit Bridgerton. Not to mention the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room parts of which date back over 2000 years.

Overnight: Bath
Inclusions: BritRail Pass, Roman Baths admission
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 4 – Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Excursion

Today, board a mini-coach for small-group day tour through the villages and countryside of Wiltshire with a local driver. Visit the village considered to be the prettiest in England, the historic market town of Castle Combe. Then walk amongst the ancient standing stones at Avebury village before passing striking features in the local landscapes such as Silbury Hill and Cherhill White Horse. Undoubted highlights of the day include visits to the iconic site at Stonehenge and Lacock Village whose pretty cobbled streets you may recognise from television and film productions including “Pride and Prejudice”, “Downton Abbey” and “Harry Potter”.

Overnight: Bath
Inclusions: Small Group Tour
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 5 – Medieval Oxford

Today ride the rails to the historic university city of Oxford, your base for the next two nights. Here you can immerse yourself in the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once housed scholars including J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps tour one or more of the famous colleges (when they are open to the public) or visit the Bodleian Library and New College Hall which were used as parts of Hogwarts in the “Harry Potter” movies.

Overnight: Oxford
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 6 – Cotswolds Excursion

Today take a short train ride from Oxford to the market town of Moreton-on Marsh to embark on a tour to explore the quintessential landscapes and villages of the Cotswolds. Your local driver will take you on a scenic journey through the country lanes and rolling hills of the heart of England – your day will be packed with rustic Cotswold views and plenty of stops to enjoy some of England’s prettiest settlements. Visit eccentrically named villages such as Upper Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway each bustling with local markets, honey-coloured homes and thatch cottages.

Overnight: Oxford
Inclusions: Small Group Tour
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 7 – Historic Chester

Today your rail journey takes you north through the heart of England and in the north west. Your destination is the charming city of Chester; there are many historic sites to discover including the medieval City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre and an impressive cathedral. Not to be missed are the unique “Rows” with their Tudor Facades which house unique boutique shopping and eateries.

Overnight: Chester
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 8 – The Beatles’ Liverpool

A short rail journey from Chester, you’ll find yourself in the contrasting but equally impressive city of Liverpool. A bustling heritage city, Liverpool is home to the highest number of protected buildings outside of London and the UNESCO heritage site at the Albert Docks. Discover the rejuvenated dockyards which are home to the renowned museums, galleries and eateries. The city is of course also home of the World’s most famous pop band: The Beatles. The heritage of the fab four pervades the city and visitors can see Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and the Beatles Story Exhibition.

Overnight: Chester
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 9 – Rail to Lake Windermere

This morning board the train for a journey in to the far North West of England and the rustic landscapes of the Lake District. Arriving in the beautiful market town of Bowness-on-Windermere on the shores of the famous Lake Windermere make your way to your hotel to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming lakeside town – wander the local boutiques, visit The World of Beatrix Potter exhibition, hike along the shores of the lake or take a private boat or leisurely cruise along on the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 10 – Lake District Excursion

Today, join a small-group tour dedicated to exploring the scraggy landscapes of the Lake District with a local guide. Your journey will take you off the beaten track to the hidden gems of this spectacular region; journey over mountain passes, through deep valleys and along the shores of glassy lakes. On your trip you’ll stop at traditional Lakeland towns or villages such as Grasmere or Keswick and take in some of the region’s most iconic spots such as Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle. The highlight will be an included boat trip on one of the lakes itself.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere
Inclusions: Small Group Tour
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 11 – Rail to York and York Minster

Today your scenic rail journey takes you through the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales to York. This medieval city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites waiting to be explored; wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles (Britain’s first shopping street), to the ancient city walls, gates and towers, known as “bars”. Then make your way to the city’s crowning glory; the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city skyline and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England.

Overnight: York
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 12 – Explore York and Harrogate

Today explore magnificent York in more depth; discover the city’s Viking history at the Jorvik Center, visit the opulent Georgian era townhouse at Fairfax House or see the Flying Scotsman itself at the National Railway Museum. A short train ride from York you’ll find the elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate where you can shop in classic boutiques or take afternoon tea in one of the town’s many traditional tea-rooms. Alternatively enjoy an optional small group day-tour to either the Yorkshire Dales or Yorkshire Moors National Parks – subject to availability.

Overnight: York
Inclusions: BritRail Pass
Meals: Full English Breakfast

DAY 13 – Return to London

Today enjoy breakfast at your hotel and any final sightseeing or souvenir shopping in York before boarding the train on the high-speed line back to London. Your journey takes you through the rolling hills of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire on route back to the English Capital where your tour ends. Let us know if you need additional nights accommodation in London.

Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: BritRail Pass