Highlights of Britain
10 day / 9 night
On this relaxed tour get off the beaten track to visit the Snowdonia and Lake District National Parks. Discover the historic sites of Castle Howard, Worcester Cathedral and Abbotsford House. Enjoy a whole day to explore in both Stratford-upon-Avon and the Viking city of York. Delight at a dinner at the World famous Pudding Club and enjoy a toe-tapping Scottish Evening, complete with haggis. This tour has it all!
Price range: £2,199 - £3,099
Small Group Tour - travel in an intimate group of just 16-18 passengers
The Cotswolds - explore the rolling countryside and quaint honey-coloured villages
Chester - enjoy a walking tour to see the ancient city walls and the unique “Rows”
Lake District - visit Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm and Dove Cottage, home to William Wordsworth
Abbotsford House - tour the delightful Scottish Border home of Sir Walter Scott
Movie locations - Who dares wins, Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 -
There is no better introduction to England than Oxford, the ‘city of dreaming spires’. We visit one of its imposing university colleges and enjoy a walk through the city. Later, at a traditional 18th century woollen mill, we learn about the industry that is the cornerstone of Cotswold heritage. We then drive to the delightful Three Ways House Hotel. Tonight’s dinner is at the world famous Pudding Club.
Day 2 - Stratford-upon-Avon Excursion
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a morning at leisure. Later travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to discover Ye Olde England of the Bard’s birth and his final resting place, Holy Trinity Church. En-route we’ll stop at a famous thatched farmhouse where the young William Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway. After touring through more honey-coloured hamlets we return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 3 - Cotswolds - Ironbridge - Llangollen
In Worcester visit one of England’s quietest but most interesting cathedrals, then explore the town of Much Wenlock. Later see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ironbridge before driving to Llangollen which sits astride the River Dee.
Overnight: Mulberry Inn, Llangollen (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 4 - Snowdonia National Park Excursion
In north Wales we explore Snowdonia National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. At the Bodnant Food Centre’s Cookery School, a professional chef will demonstrate how to make two Welsh themed dishes, which we will then enjoy for lunch. Back in Llangollen for dinner.
Day 5 - Llangollen - Chester - York
Enjoy a walking tour of Chester this morning. We then continue east across England’s backbone, the Pennine Hills, to the Bronte Parsonage at Haworth. Next we continue to York, the historic capital of northern England.
Overnight: Churchill Hotel, York (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 6 - York Sightseeing and free time
This morning our tour leader takes us through the old city, pointing out its highlights. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore York independently.
Day 7 - York - Castle Howard - Lake District
Drive to the magnificent 18th century Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s finest historic house and estate. Later enjoy a scenic drive through the wonderful Yorkshire Dales National Park, before arriving at Lake Windermere, our base for the next two nights.
Overnight: Waterhead Hotel, Lake Windermere (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 8 - Lake District Excursion
Today we enjoy one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks. Crossing Lake Windermere, our first stop is Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm. This afternoon, we visit Dove Cottage, once home to the poet William Wordsworth and the inspiration for his Daffodils poem. After a short cruise on the lake we return to our accommodation.
Day 9 - Lake District - Hadrian’s Wall - Scottish Borders
Driving through Cumbria, we follow Hadrian’s Wall until we reach Birdoswald Roman Fort, one of the best Roman sites on the wall. We then travel to the Scottish Borders and enjoy a traditional three-course Scottish banquet together tonight.
Overnight: Friars Carse Hotel, Dumfries (or similar)
Day 10 - Scottish Borders - Abbotsford House - Edinburgh
Explore Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott. This afternoon we visit one of the most mysterious sites in Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel, which was featured in the best-selling film The Da Vinci Code. Our final destination is Edinburgh, where our tour concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Premium Small Group Tour?
Many of our customers choose a small group tour for a more intimate and flexible travelling experience. Comprising of no more than 18 passengers these tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours just drive on by. All the small group tours that we feature are operated by purpose built luxury minicoaches that feature air-conditioning, panoramic windows and comfortable seating. Each group is led by an experienced driver/guide who will entertain and inform you with stories of our history, nature and folklore. Admission fees to the key attractions are included in the price of your tour. You will also enjoy local experiences such as cooking demonstrations or a freshly caught seafood lunch. It’s the little details that set these superb tours apart. Comfortable accommodation has been arranged in carefully selected small hotels, manor houses and inns. Carefully chosen for their quality and ambiance they provide an authentic experience yet boast modern amenities. You will find they add real character to your touring experience. A tasty breakfast will get each touring day off to a delicious start. Many dinners are included too so you can join your new found friends for a delicious meal carefully prepared using local ingredients - it’s a great way to end your day of discovery!!
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect: Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed. Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds. Double room - two people sharing one large bed. Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
Can children travel on a Small Group Tour?
These tours are designed specifically for adults. Children aged 12 years and above can travel on request. Special child rates are not available on this tour. Please email us for details: enquiries@scottishtours.co.uk.
How much luggage can I bring?
Luggage space on the tour is restricted so the amount of luggage that you can bring is limited. Please check the relevant tour web-page for details.
Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seats cannot be pre-booked however your driver/guide will normally implement a seat rotation system which will allow all passengers the opportunity of experiencing spectacular views from different seats on the minicoach.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Mickleton (2); Llangollen (2); York (2); Lake Windermere (2) and Dumfries (1)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (9)
- Table d’hôte dinners (5)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Cotswold Woollen Weavers, Worcester Cathedral, Bronte Parsonage, Castle Howard, Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm, Dove Cottage, Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned minicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges unless otherwise stated above
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Please check your tour documention for the commencement time of the tour
From Grange Wellington Hotel
71-72 Vincent Square
London SW1P 2PA
The tour will end on arrival in Edinburgh (Day 10)
Check-in: 08.15 hrs
Tour Departs: 08.30 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:30 hrs
Child details
Children aged 12 years and older can be considered for travel on this tour.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
BRT 00316
