England’s Rustic Charm

This morning, arrive in England and use your complimentary rail passes to make your way to the Georgian city of Bath. On the direct line from London the simple journey takes only 1hr 30mins. 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 or make your way to the 16th century Bath Abbey. Using your complimentary tickets, visit the magnificent Roman Baths which date back to Roman times. By evening, meet with your tour leader and the rest of the group to dine together at a local restaurant.

Overnight – The Bird Hotel (or similar), Bath (DBB).

Boarding the mini-coach, our first stop today will be the historic town of Lacock – seemingly frozen in time this charming village and its ancient abbey have been used in TV and film productions such as Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. After time to wander the cobbled streets we’ll venture deep in to the Cotswolds countryside being sure to stop in one or more of the charming, eccentrically named villages with their traditional honey-coloured, thatch cottages. By afternoon we head for a local brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample some innovative English beer. Then its onwards to our base for the next two nights in the heart of a Cotswold village.

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

This morning we head out for a scenic drive through the Cotswolds countryside to 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 ivy-clad college quads, 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 return to Chipping Campden for time at leisure to explore this traditional Cotswolds’ village.

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

Departing the Cotswolds we make our way North to visit the bustling 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 the pretty town nestling on the River Avon. 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 continue to the elegant city of Chester where your evening is free to dine independently.

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

Today we have a leisurely start; after 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 bus to visit nearby Liverpool and its famous Albert Docks. The Birthplace of the Beatles, here you can see the statue of the fab four in front of the famous Liver Buildings and enjoy plenty of free-time to wander the revitalised docklands and visit the Tate Art Gallery, the Merseyside Maritime Museum or the Beatles Story exhibition. By afternoon, we 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 (BB).

Our day today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting natural beauty of the English Lake District. In the company of a local guide we’ll head off the beaten track to the lesser known corners of England’s favourite National Park. Our journey will take us through winding country lanes, over mountain passes and past sheep scattered fells to charming villages, ancient stone-circles and look-out points where we can drink in the 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 (DBB).

Departing the Lake District we traverse the North of England passing over 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 continue to the magnificent city of York, our base for the next two nights.

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

Boarding the bus we’ll take the short drive 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 have featured in small and big screen productions and period dramas. Then its back to York for an afternoon at leisure to explore this magnificent historic city. Wander the cobbled alleyways bustling with gift shops and boutiques, climb the steps to walk atop the medieval city walls or visit one of the many local museums and exhibitions. The highlight should be the magnificent York Minster – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Tonight we reconvene for a farewell dinner.

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

Your tour leader will bid farewell after breakfast and your tour 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.