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Highlights of Britain 2021

This tour is not currently available for booking.
Join us for a classic Back-Roads journey that delves deep into Britain’s fascinating history and culture. In England we’ll trace the footsteps of famous writers and pts, uncovering the scenic countryside that inspired their greatest works. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey will take in evocative scenery and dramatic castles – immersing ourselves in age-old traditions as we go. Experience it all on this unforgettable 11-day journey.

Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Back-Roads Touring Co
Number of Days
11
Price From
$4,859
Start Location
London, United Kingdom
End Location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Age Range
Avg. 60+
Group Size
4 to 18
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
Virtuoso
Physical Rating
Easy
Itinerary Expand all
London

An epicenter of rich history and innovation, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. Accommodation: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar)

London – Oxford – Cotswolds

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. Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)

Cotswolds – Stratford-Upon-Avon – Cotswolds

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. Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)

Cotswolds – Worcester – Denbighshire

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. Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)

Denbighshire – Snowdonia National Park – Denbighshire

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. Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)

Denbighshire – Liverpool – York

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? Ts still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)

York

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. Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)

York – Castle Howard – Lake District

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. Accommodation: The Waterhead Hotel (or similar)

Lake District

What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s historic highlights? Our first stop on the shores of Lake Windermere will be Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm – the place where she wrote many of her beloved children’s stories. This afternoon, we’ll visit the charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. We’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to our accommodation for the evening. Accommodation: The Waterhead Hotel (or similar)

Lake District – Scottish Borders

Today we’ll visit 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 cultural treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night. Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)

Scottish Borders – Abbotsford House – Rosslyn Chapel – Edinburgh

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.

Inclusions Expand
10 nights in hand-picked accommodation


Premium mini-coach transportation


Discover Britain’s literary greats at the Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm and Rydal Mount – William Wordsworth’s family home
Explore some of Britain’s most spectacular regions including the Cotswolds, Snowdonia National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District
Explore the medieval Shambles and Snickelways of York
Immerse yourself in the grandeur and opulence of Castle Howard
Breakfasts: 10
Dinners: 5