Experience the eccentricities of the English people, the beauty of our
natural landscapes and our rich historic sites and cities with this
extensive 11 day tour of England. From North to South enjoy world-famous English
landmarks as well as lesser-known gems.
The Tour
Day 1 - Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover
Spend day one exploring Kent, England's oldest county. Your first stop will be the spectacular Leeds Castle a favourite with English Tudor Monarchs before journeying to historic Canterbury to explore the cobbled streets, gate-towers and gardens and the spectacular 12th Century Canterbury Cathedral. From here explore Dover, with its bustling harbour and the imposing Dover Castle
sat high upon the famous white cliffs.
Overnight Abbots Barton, Canterbury or Churchill Hotel, Dover.
Day 2 - Hastings, Naval city Portsmouth and Stonehenge
Explore England's South coast passing through
Hastings and visiting the historic landmarks of Battle Abbey and Pevensey Castles. Make a stop in the tradtional Georgian seaside resort of Brighton to admire the grand regency
architecture of the Brighton Pavillion before continuing along the coast to Portsmouth
brimming with Royal Naval history and home to HMS Victory, Lord
Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar. Round off your day exploring historic Salisbury and the eerie and iconic site at Stonehenge .
Overnight White Hart Hotel , Salisbury.
Day 3 - Glastonbury, Wells and Bath
Travel in to "Cider County"
Somerset and to visit Glastonbury
and Wells both steeped in Arthurian history and legend with many ties to King Arthur himself. Making your way through sleepy villages to arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath . Spend the afternoon exploring the Georgian Regency architecture such as the Royal Crescent and the ancient Roman history at the city's Roman Baths.
Overnight Francis Hotel , Bath.
Day 4 & 5 - The Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon
Spend 2 days exploring the beautiful Cotswolds landscapes passing through Cirencester, considered capital of the region, and the eccentrically named villages of Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold. Arrive in the charming, historic Stratford-Upon-Avon, birthplace of the Great Bard William
Shakespeare and now home to a myriad of related heritage sites including his
birthplace, Hall's Croft, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and his final resting place at Holy Trinity Church. The stunning Warwick Castle is just a short drive north.
Overnight Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Cotswolds, Nr Stratford.
Day 6 - Chester and Liverpool
Make your way north through the Shropshire Hills to Ironbridge near Shrewsbury before arriving in Chester explore the
glorious Roman walls, timber facaded, mock Tudor
buildings, and excavated Roman Amphitheatre before making the short journey to Liverpool inspiration for the Beatles and crowned European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Overnight Queen Hotel, Chester of Alicia Hotel , Liverpool.
Day 7 - The Lake District
Take today to explore the English Lake District. Pass sweeping dales, deep valleys and the tranquil lakes making stops in traditional
Cumbrian towns such as Ambleside , Windermere and Grasmere home to quaint markets, bustling shops and traditional inns. Take long walks, perhaps a boat trip on the lakes and visit attractions at Dove Cottage , Hill Top or Royal Mount to discover why this region inspired
artists, poets and authors alike including Turner, Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Overnight Ambleside Salutation or Swan Hotel, Lake District.
Day 8 - The Yorkshire Dales and Roman York
Head south through Herriott country the beautifully rugged Yorkshire Dales, before arriving in
York itself, once the capital of the Roman Empire. Explore the medieval city walls, York's Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre, the Georgian history at Fairfax House and the famous
Shambles, Britain’s oldest shopping street where timber fronted shops
tilt and lean over the narrow cobbled lane. You can't miss the “must-see” York Minster which dominates the city.
Overnight York Pavillion Hotel, York or Yorkshire Hotel , Harrogate.
Day 9 - Lincoln Castle and Oxford or Cambridge
Returning
south visit historic Lincoln along with its castle and cathedral before passing Nottimgham where the legendary
Robin Hood once roamed. Make your way to one of England's famous university cities at Oxford or Cambridge , both of which are home to uniquely eccentric, laid-back academic ambience. Don't confuse the two as there is a hitoric, bitter rivalry between the univeristies. Spend your afternoon exploring your chosen stop.
Overnight Eastgate Hotel , Oxford or Gonville Hotel, Cambridge.
Day 10 - Eton College and Windsor Castle
Nearing London visit one of England's great institutions with a visit
to Eton College and museum, school to a host of famous Britons past
and present including British Prime Ministers, Princes William and
Harry and even James Bond! Then on to Windsor itself to
wander the cobbled streets and visit the largest inhabited stronghold
in the world, Windsor Castle.
Overnight Castle Hotel, Windsor or Thames Lodge Hotel, nr Heathrow.
Day 11 - Return Home
Make your way home having seen the landmarks and having experienced the real England.
Optional Extras
Customize your Tour
- Ask about upgrading to stay in an English Manor or Castle accommodation in certain areas.
- Enjoy extra nights to see England's northeast.
- Add a London stay at the beginning of your tour to discover the highlights of this magical city.
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