Britain Coast to Mountain

This use your complimentary rail passes to make your way to the Georgian city of Bath – the train journey from London is less than 1.5hrs. After arriving in Bath, check-in to your hotel and the balance of the day is yours to explore independently – wander the city’s elegant Regency architecture before using your included tickets to visit the city’s crowning glory at the 2000 year old Roman Baths. By evening, meet with your tour leader and the rest of the group to dine together at a local restaurant.

Overnight – The Bird Hotel, Bath (DBB).

This morning we visit one of England’s finest country estates at Longleat House for a private tour of the home and gardens of the Marquess of Bath. Later, we’ll cross the Salisbury Plain, pausing to visit the iconic Stone Circle at Stonehenge, before arriving in historic Salisbury. Here you’ll enjoy free-time to explore and independently, perhaps enjoy evensong at the city’s magnificent cathedral which boasts England’s tallest spire.

Overnight – Milford Hall Hotel, Salisbury (BB).

Leaving Salisbury, we’ll meander in to Dorset to England’s South Coast; this area is known as the Jurassic Coast owing to its abundance of ancient fossils which can be found on the beaches. We’ll spot unique geological features such as Durdle Door sea arch before tracing the coastline through Dorset’s elegant seaside resorts and fishing towns such as Dorchester and Lyme Regis. Later we make our way to our overnight hotel in Dartmoor where we dine together as a group.

Overnight – Moorland Hotel, Dartmoor  (DBB).

This morning we cross the eerie landscapes of the Dartmoor National Park where wild ponies roam the hillsides. Arriving on the North Cornwall coast, we’ll enjoy a guided walk of the quintessential fishing village of Port Isaac, better known as Port Wen from television’s Doc Martin. After time for lunch we’ll head for Tintagel Castle, a cliffside fort steeped in Arthurian Legend, before crossing South over the Cornish Peninsula to the seaside resort of Falmouth, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight – St Michaels Hotel, Falmouth (BB).

We dedicate today to exploring the farthest corners of the Cornwall. We’ll discover craggy coastlines and traditional fishing villages such as St Ives where we’ll enjoy free-time to wander the harbour or visit the renowned Tate Art Gallery. We’ll pause for photos of the island monastery of St Michaels Mount before visiting the enigmatic Minack Theatre – an amphitheatre carved in to the cliffside above the Atlantic Ocean. Later we return to Falmouth where your evening is free to dine independently.

Overnight – St Michaels Hotel, Falmouth (BB).

Departing Falmouth, we’ll pass North pausing in Charlestown whose Georgian harbour you may recognise from television’s Poldark. We’ll then continue to Plymouth to wander the famous Hoe and see the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World. By afternoon it’s all aboard an historic steam train for a scenic steam railway journey along the Dart Valley. Arriving in Somerset we enjoy a dinner together at our elegant castle style hotel.

Overnight – Castle Hotel, Taunton (DBB).

Today we enjoy a relaxing journey through the rolling landscapes of the Somerset hills. Our journey will take us to England’s smallest “city” Wells to marvel at the elegant cathedral and nearby Glastonbury whose historic Abbey is steeped in Arthurian legend. Then it’s back to Bath where you bid farewell to your dedicated driver for the South West. By evening you’ll meet your new driver-guide who will be ready to take you North – first though, time for an evening dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight – The Bird Hotel, Bath (DBB).

From Bath we’ll head for the nearby town of Lacock where the idyllic historic streets and ancient abbey have featured in TV and film productions including Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. Then we’ll head north through the patch-work fields and honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds. By afternoon we’ll tour a traditional brewery and sample some local favourites before arriving in the beautiful Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight – Noel Arms Hotel (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds (BB).

After a scenic drive through the Cotswolds we’ll spend the morning in the historic university city of Oxford; there will be plenty of free-time to explore the wealth of sites including the famous ivy-clad college quads, the Ashmolean Museum, Carfax Tower for unrivalled views of the city’s “dreaming spires” or for taking a leisurely “punt” on the river. By afternoon, we return to Chipping Campden for time at leisure in this traditional Cotswolds town.

Overnight – Noel Arms Hotel (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds (BB).

This morning we visit the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, once the home of William Shakespeare. We’ll learn about the life and times of the great bard at Shakespeare’s Birthplace before taking time to stroll through the Tudor streets of this riverside 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. Arriving in Chester, your evening is free to dine independently.

Overnight – Queen Hotel (or similar), Chester (BB).

Today we’ll enjoy a leisurely start with a stroll around central Chester with a chance to see the medieval town walls and unique Tudor Facades of The Rows. Then it’s all aboard the bus to visit nearby Liverpool, a city synonymous with the Beatles. We’ll enjoy plenty of free-time to explore the revitalised Albert Docks area and visit the Beatles Story exhibition. From the bright lights of Liverpool we continue to overnight base the heart of the Lake District.

Overnight – Wordsworth House Hotel (or similar), Grasmere, Lake District (BB).

Our day today us dedicated to exploring the enchanting natural beauty of the English Lake District. With a local guide we’ll venture off the beaten track along winding country lanes and over sheep-scattered mountain passes to some of the region’s hidden gems and best view points. 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, Lake District (DBB).

Departing the lakes we’ll traverse the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll pause to admire Aysgarth Falls on route to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden where we can explore the imposing monastic ruins and the pristine gardens which have enjoy World Heritage status. Our final stop today will be the elegant Victorian Spa town of Harrogate, the perfect spot for traditional afternoon tea. By evening we continue to the magnificent city of York, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight – Grange Hotel (or similar), York (BB).

Today we spend the morning at Castle Howard, one of the North of England’s finest country estates, which dates back to the 17th century and has featured in small and big screen productions and period dramas. Then it’s back to York for an afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets and city gate towers at your leisure. There’s a host of local museums whilst the day’s highlight will be the magnificent York Minster, Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral. Tonight we reconvene for a local dinner.

Overnight – Grange Hotel (or similar), York (DBB).

This morning, bid farewell to your England driver. After checking out of your hotel, use your included rail passes to board the train North to Stirling in Scotland (journey time 3.5hrs approx.). Welcome to Scotland! After checking in to your hotel the afternoon is yours to explore this historic town; use your complimentary tickets to visit Stirling Castle which was once the Royal Seat of Scotland. By evening meet your new Scotland tour leader and the rest of the group to enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight – Hotel Colessio (or similar), Stirling (DBB).

This morning it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we head for Glamis Castle and elegant country house with an intriguing history and former childhood home of the Queen Mother. Then it’s onward to St Andrews, a charming seaside town that is the renowned spiritual home of golf and where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met. There will be plenty of time to take lunch and explore before we pass North in to Aberdeenshire and to our hotel on the banks of the River Dee , where we’ll enjoy an included dinner.

Overnight – Maryculter House Hotel (or similar), Aberdeenshire (DBB).

This morning we’ll explore the heart of Scotland and the Royal Deeside region; we’ll pause at various points of interest including tumbling waterfalls, quirky baronial castles and a church attended by the Royal Family when they’re in residence at the Balmoral Estate. By afternoon we turn North through the Cairngorms to the Speyside’s region, renowned for its quality Scotch Whisky. We’ll tour a distillery and sample a wee dram or two before continuing to Inverness, our Highland base for the next two nights, where we dine together.

Overnight – Kingsmills Hotel (or similar), Inverness (DBB).

Today is free for you to spend at your leisure exploring Inverness. Equipped with your complimentary open-top-bus tour tickets you can discover the “Capital of the Highlands” from the historic riverside Cathedral and hill-top castle and Abertarff House which dates back to the 16th century. Using public transport you may choose to visit the nearby Culloden Moor, site of the infamous battle which played a crucial role in Scottish history. Your evening is free to dine in one of Inverness’ many restaurants.

Overnight – Kingsmills Hotel (or similar), Inverness (BB).

Today we enjoy an epic journey through the barren wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. Departing Inverness we’ll descend the Great Glen to Urquhart Castle whose weather-beaten ramparts offer a perfect lookout over the eerie waters of Loch Ness. After crossing the remote Highlands we’ll pause at Eilean Donan Castle for a photo-stop before stretching our legs in a traditional highland village. The final leg of our scenic journey today takes us over the road bridge to the Isle of Skye, our base for the next two nights. In the evening enjoy dinner together and share your impressions with fellow travellers.

Overnight – Hotel Eilean Iarmain, (or similar), Isle of Skye (DBB).

We’ll dedicate our day to exploring the enchanting landscapes of the Isle of Skye. We’ll tour the far North of the island around the picturesque Trotternish Peninsula home to abundant wildlife, dramatic seascapes and unique geological features such as Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. There’ll be plenty of time to visit Portree, the island’s principle town, where pastel fisherman’s cottages bustle around the harbour. A day on Skye is one to remember.

Overnight – Hotel Eilean Iarmain, (or similar), Isle of Skye (BB).

This morning we return by ferry to the Scottish mainland at Mallaig. A scenic journey of Highland landscapes brings us to Glenfinnan where we can climb to a viewpoint for unrivalled vistas of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel beyond. There’ll be time for lunch in Fort William before we continue to our overnight stay in the beautiful remote Glencoe area and we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight – Ballachulish Hotel OR Isles of Glencoe Hotel (or similar), Ballachulish Area (DBB).

The final leg of our journey takes us through some of Britain’s most breath-taking landscapes as we pass through Glencoe valley, over the Rannoch Moor and along the shores of Loch Lomond – we’ll pause for some extraordinary photo opportunities. Later we visit Glasgow to see the Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery in the leafy West End. Clients may leave the tour here in Glasgow mid-afternoon or enjoy a transfer back to Edinburgh where the our epic journey through England and Scotland officially ends.