Essential England

The perfect tour for first-time visitors to the UK, Essential England takes you to our most iconic landmarks throughout England . The nation's must-see sights, recognized the world over, are all on your itinerary; see the wonders of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Stonehenge, Bath's Roman Baths, York Minster and Windsor Castle.

The Tour

Day 1 -Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square

Arrive in Heathrow or Gatwick and head directly in to central London to explore this world city and English capital. After leaving your luggage at your hotel explore the city and its iconic landmarks on foot. Firstly, visit Buckingham Palace before strolling down to the Thames to see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey and no. 10 at Downing Street home of our British Prime Minister before arriving at Trafalgar Square the official centre and very heart of London. Here you will find Nelson's Column as he stands looking out over the city.

Overnight Mostyn Hotel , London.

Day 2 - Oxford Street, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge

Today continue exploring the capital city with even more world-renowned landmarks including shopping in Harrod's, wandering down Oxford Street and visiting the open markets and street entertainments in Covent garden. See the statue of Eros on Picadilly, before heading the the magnificent St pauls Cathedral . The Tower of London is a "must" for discovering some of the England's Tudor history and viewing the Crown jewels. A stroll along the River Thames will reveal more Tower Bridge and London Bridge before. Round off your London stay with a flight on the London Eye. Seeing the skyline of London from 135 metres above the ground is a truly unforgettable experience.

Overnight Mostyn Hotel , London

Day 3 - Bath and Stonehenge

Head out of the city to collect your rental vehicle and, having experienced city-life, take day 3 to see some of our countryside journeying out on to the Salisbury Plain visiting the iconic stonecircles of Avebury and the Stonehenge on your way to Bath. The Spa town of Bath is regarded as the best-preserved Georgian city in Britain built among the trees and hillsides of the Avon Valley. A UNESCO world heritage site, Bath is home to endless rows and terraces of grand Georgian architecture such as the Royal Crescent overlooking open garden squares. The impressive 13^th century Abbey lies at the heart of the city's cobbled streets and fashionable shops and arcades whilst Baths crowning glory is the must-see, marvellously preserved Roman Temple, Baths and Pump Room .

Overnight Francis Hotel , Bath

Day 4 - Stratford, the Cotswolds and Warwick Castle

Today you travel north seeing some of England's famous Cotswold Countryside before arriving in Stratford Upon Avon . Arguably one of England's most picturesque towns with timber-fronted buildings, Stratford is famed for England's greatest Bard. Visit the museum and exhibition at Shakespeare's Birth Place and Anne Hathaway's Cottage , home of Shakespeare's wife. Round off the day with a short drive North to the impressive medieval Warwick Castle .

Overnight Charlecote Pheasant Hotel , Stratford-upon-Avon.

Day 5 - York and York Minster

Touch upon the North of England with a visit to another Roman City in York once the capital of the Roman Empire. The city maintains its grandeur with the medieval city walls, watch towers and gates still intact around large parts of the city. Discover the Viking influence at teh Jorvik Centre or simply wander the famous Shambles, Britain's oldest shopping street where timber fronted shops tilt and lean over the narrow cobbled lane. York is dominated however by the "must-see" York Minster the stunning Cathedral that can be seen all around and boasts some of the most intricate gothic architecture in the UK.

Overnight York Pavillion Hotel , York.

Day 6 - Oxford and Windsor Castle

Returning south you'll pass Nottingham and Sherwood Forest where the legendary Robin Hood once roamed. Visit Oxford or Cambridge with their rambling streets of college quads and historic university buildings set over open gardens. A short drive away from Oxford is Woodstock and the 2000 acre countryside estate of Blenheim Palace , England's grandest example of Baroque architecture and Birthplace of Winston Churchill. From here continue towards your grand finale in the historic town of Windsor with its quaint shops and traditional pubs. Windsor Castle holds over 900 years of royal history being home to our monarchs from William the Conqueror through to our current Queen.

Overnight Thames Lodge Hotel , nr Windsor and Heathrow.

Day 7 - Return Home

Return home with fond memories and a photograph album of all of England's most famous sights.

Optional Extras

• Book your London Transfers from Heathrow or Gatwick in advance.

• Enjoy West End Theatre Tickets .

• Purchase the Great British Heritage Pass offering entry and queue skip to a number of sites on your itinerary.

• Enjoy a City Sightseeing Tour of London, Bath, York or Stratford.

Customize Your Tour

• Add a night to explore the Cathedral Cities of Salisbury or Winchester .

• Enjoy a special night in Thornbury Castle nr Bath or Alveston Manor in Stratford.

• Extend your tour with a night in Oxford or Cambridge on route back to London from York.

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