LondonOxfordThe CotswoldsYorkshire DalesThe Lake DistrictNorth WalesSnowdonia
This is a classic journey through England and Wales. Starting in the vibrant city of London, we’ll venture out to explore historic landmarks such as Windsor Castle and Hampton Court before immersing ourselves in the academic charm of Oxford. We’ll then meander through the enchanting landscapes of the Cotswolds before reaching the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford. Visit the grand Warwick Castle, the ancient city of York, the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, and the tranquil waters of Ullswater in the Lake District. We’ll also explore the rich history of Chester, witness the natural beauty of North Wales, and marvel at the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit stunning landscapes and quaint English towns
Explore London’s iconic landmarks
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Explore the national parks of Northern Wales
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
11
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to London
Day 2
London Sightseeing Tour
This morning an expert local guide and chauffeur wait to meet you for a full-day sightseeing tour of London. You start by visiting the Tower of London, home of the ‘Beefeaters’, where you get to see the dazzling Crown Jewels. You also gain excellent views of Tower Bridge from the medieval palace. Proceed to St. Paul’s Cathedral, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Head along the south bank of the River Thames, and enjoy a ride on the London Eye, from the top of which you enjoy spectacular views of the city. Cross over to Westminster to the Houses of Parliament, of which Big Ben is one of the iconic symbols of England. Next visit Westminster Abbey, the national church of England that has been the scene of many state occasions, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. Continue down Whitehall and past Downing Street to Trafalgar Square, where the National Gallery of Art is overshadowed by Nelson’s Column. Finally, return to your hotel driving past Buckingham Palace, the King’s official residence in London. The staterooms of the palace may be visited in August and September.
Day 3
Windsor Castle & Hampton Court
You meet your driver-guide this morning for a full-day excursion west along the River Thames. First visit Hampton Court Palace, which became a favourite royal residence after being confiscated by Henry VIII from Cardinal Wolsey in the 16th century. In the company of a Tudor courtier, visit the Great Hall and the Tudor kitchens, and see the Royal Tennis Court where King Henry used to play. You also see the ornamental gardens, with their infamous maze, as well as the largest vine in England.
Travel to Windsor through Runnymede Meadow, where the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215. On arrival, you tour Windsor Castle, which was one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite residences. Subject to opening restrictions, you may see the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Doll’s House. From the castle ramparts here, you can enjoy excellent views of Eton College.
Day 4
London – Oxford – The Cotswolds
Meet your driver-guide this morning for a full-day journey into the English countryside. Head first to Oxford, home to England’s oldest university, where you can take a walk through the impressive buildings that are still home to the university’s main ceremonial and educational functions. Proceed to Woodstock, stopping at Blenheim Palace for a tour. This home of the Duke of Marlborough, designed by the architect Vanbrugh, was the birthplace of wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill. A vast park, landscaped by Capability Brown, surrounds the palace. Afterwards continue to your hotel in the delightful English village of Lower Slaughter.
Day 5
The Cotswold Villages
Your driver-guide leads you on an excursion to the Cotswold Hills, regarded as one of the most quintessentially English parts of the country. Discover the famed cottages and villages built out of the honey-coloured limestone that is so characteristic of the region in places such as Chipping Campden, Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water. You may also make an appointment to view works of art and antiques in the renowned galleries of Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold This part of the world is also renowned for its traditional English pubs and tea rooms. Take time to enjoy a pint of local ale with a ploughman’s lunch or try an afternoon cream tea in quaint old-fashioned surroundings.
Day 6
Cotswolds – Stratford – Warwick – York
Your driver-guide leads you on a full-day excursion around one of the most quintessentially English parts of the country. Your first stop is Stratford-upon-Avon, the market town that is revered as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit the house where the playwright was born, right in the heart of the town centre, and visit Ann Hathaway’s Cottage, in the nearby village of Shottery. You may also wish to visit Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. The church lies on the banks of the Avon, beyond the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Later in the day, make your way north towards your hotel in York.
Day 7
York Sightseeing Tour
Your day excursion with your driver-guide starts with an exploration of one of the most historic English cities. Visit York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral north of the Alps, and browse around the stores of the quaint streets, including the Shambles. You may also walk on the ancient walls that circle the city. This afternoon you may prefer to take an excursion into the countryside surrounding York. Castle Howard is a fine mansion in the hills to the east of the city. With its large landscape garden, it was used as the setting for the television adaptation of ‘Brideshead Revisited’.
Day 8
York – Yorkshire Dales – Lake District
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide for your onward tour through the Yorkshire Dales and into the Lake District. Your journey takes you across the Yorkshire Dales via Wensleydale, and the market towns of Middleham and Hawes, where the famous Wensleydale Cheese creamery is located. You can also visit Middleham Castle, a 12th-century motte and bailey fortification and a favourite home of the infamous King Richard III. The James Herriot books about the Yorkshire veterinarian were set in the area around nearby Hawes. Your driver stops en route for you to take lunch at leisure. During the afternoon, continue across the country into the Lake District National Park where you will check into your hotel.
Day 9
The Lake District
Join your driver-guide today for a full-day excursion through this beautiful corner of England. Travel through some of the most spectacular scenery of the region on your way to Hawkshead, near Windermere, a small village with attractive alleyways and squares. Hawkshead has literary associations and you may like to visit either Wordsworth’s Grammar School or the Beatrix Potter Gallery here. From here, continue northwards up to Grasmere where you visit Dove Cottage. Built in the early 17th century, the cottage served as an inn for some 170 years before closing and then becoming home to William Wordsworth in 1799 for nine years. It was here that Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poetry and his sister, Dorothy, wrote her journals.
Day 10
Lake District – Chester
Leave the Lake District this morning and head south with your driver-guide. You might like to stop at Levens Hall, a fine Elizabethan manor house boasting one of England’s finest topiary gardens. From here, we continue past the industrial cities of Liverpool and Manchester and move to Chester.
On arrival, take a walking tour of the city centre. Chester is the only town in England to preserve a complete circuit of medieval walls, from which you can walk and see the site of the Roman amphitheatre. Inside the walls, you can visit the colourful sandstone cathedral or browse the medieval half-timbered shopping arcades called ‘The Rows’.
Day 11
North Wales – Snowdonia
Today your driver-guide leads you on a full-day excursion into North Wales. Head west to the fortified town of Conwy, where you witness the impressive town walls and ruined castle. Travel along the Vale of Conwy into the Snowdonia National Park, driving through breath-taking scenery. The Llanberis Pass takes you down to Caernarfon, where Edward I’s sizeable castle dominates this largely Welsh-speaking town.
Time permitting, you may visit the Italianate village of Portmeirion. This ‘ideal village’ was created by architect Clough Williams Ellis to demonstrate how people should be able to live in beautiful surroundings. It is possible to arrive at the village by a miniature steam train on the Ffestiniog railway, one of the small trains built to carry slate from the surrounding mountains down to the ports.
Day 12
Depart Manchester
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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England has a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in England ranges from 5°C in winter to 20°C in summer, making it a great destination to visit all year round. However, the best time to travel to England is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save money, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also great times to visit.
In January, England experiences winter season, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C. The weather is usually cold, wet, and windy, with occasional snowfall in some parts of the country. It's important to pack warm clothes, such as a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat if you plan to visit England during this time. Despite the chilly weather, January can still be a great time to visit England, as there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
In February, England still experiences winter season, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. The weather is usually quite similar to January, with cold and wet conditions, and occasional snowfall in some areas. It's important to bring warm clothes, such as a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat if you plan to visit England during this time. Despite the chilly weather, February can still be a great time to visit England, as there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
In March, England begins to transition to spring season, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 11°C. The weather is still chilly, but it starts to get milder as the month progresses. There may be occasional rainfall, but overall, the weather is generally drier than in the winter months. It's still important to bring warm clothes, but you can also start to pack some lighter layers. March is a great time to visit England if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the start of spring. You can enjoy beautiful blooming flowers, crisp air, and some sunny days.
In April, England experiences spring season, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 14°C. The weather is generally mild, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can start to pack some lighter layers, but it's still a good idea to bring some warm clothes, just in case. April is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, including blooming flowers and trees, and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous gardens and parks, such as Kew Gardens or Hyde Park.
In May, England experiences spring season, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 17°C. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can start to pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts and dresses, but it's still a good idea to bring some warm layers for the cooler evenings. May is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, including blooming flowers and trees, and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous gardens and parks, such as the Chelsea Flower Show or the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.
In June, England experiences summer season, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts, as well as some light layers for the cooler evenings. June is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, including lush greenery and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous beaches, such as Brighton or Cornwall, or to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling.
In July, England experiences summer season, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts, as well as some light layers for the cooler evenings. July is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, including lush greenery and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous beaches, such as Bournemouth or Devon, or to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as picnicking or boating.
In August, England experiences summer season, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts, as well as some light layers for the cooler evenings. August is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, including lush greenery and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous attractions, such as the Tower of London or Stonehenge, or to enjoy some outdoor festivals and events, such as the Notting Hill Carnival or the Edinburgh International Festival.
In September, England begins to transition to autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 18°C. The weather is generally mild, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can start to pack some warmer clothes, such as light jackets and sweaters, as the evenings can get cooler. September is a great time to visit England if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, including changing leaves and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous historic sites, such as Bath or Oxford, or to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling.
In October, England experiences autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. The weather is generally cool and crisp, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You should pack warmer clothes, such as jackets, sweaters, and scarves, as the weather can get chilly. October is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, including changing leaves and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous museums and galleries, such as the British Museum or the National Gallery, or to enjoy some seasonal activities, such as apple picking or pumpkin carving.
In November, England experiences autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C. The weather is generally cool and damp, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You should pack warm clothes, such as jackets, sweaters, and scarves, as the weather can get chilly. November is a great time to visit England if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, including changing leaves and some crisp days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous castles and stately homes, such as Windsor Castle or Chatsworth House, or to enjoy some seasonal activities, such as visiting Christmas markets or ice skating.
In December, England experiences winter season, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. The weather is generally cold and damp, with occasional snowfall in some parts of the country. You should pack warm clothes, such as heavy coats, gloves, and hats, as well as some festive attire if you plan to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve in England. December is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere, including Christmas lights and markets, or to enjoy some indoor activities, such as visiting museums or attending theater performances.
Add on’s
After enjoying England and Wales’s enchanting beauty, several captivating countries are nearby worth exploring. From the charming countryside of Scotland to the picturesque landscapes of Ireland, the United Kingdom is surrounded by various fascinating destinations. Further afield, the allure of Spain, Italy, and Germany awaits, each boasting unforgettable experiences.
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