The Grand Tour of Britain with Free Time in London
The ultimate British adventure combining iconic attractions, a Lake Cruise, vintage steam train, three superb dining experiences and London accommodation before and after your tour.
It has everything: entry to Iconic 'Must See' Attractions like Stonehenge and Edinburgh Castle; Local Cultural Experiences taking you off the beaten track to undiscovered gems; three special dining experiences that celebrate the best of British cuisine; and beautifully appointed 4-star hotels throughout as you celebrate this wonderful country in style.
Here are some of the stand-out memories that await you on this thrilling experiences:
§ Imagine arriving into the beautiful Lake District by vintage steam train….only to step lazily aboard a scenic cruise of Lake Windermere.
§ Step inside John Lennon’s magical garden escape at Strawberry Field. Try some of the musical instruments that brought one of The Beatles biggest hits to life.
§ Dine in style in Conwy, as you enjoy locally sources Welsh cuisine in a stunning dinner prepared for you by a Michelin star chef!
§ Step into the filming locations of Harry Potter at jaw dropping Alnwick Castle: better known as Hogwarts in the first two movies.
London hotel accommodation has been arranged for you before and after your tour to maximise your comfort on arrival and departure.
This tour includes a free day to enjoy London at your leisure on Day Two.
Duration
12 days
Highlights
- Enjoy a free day in London to enjoy the capital as you wish
- Discover the ancient and mysterious site of Stonehenge
- Experience Georgian architecture in beautiful Bath
- Indulge in a 3-course Welsh dinner with stunning views of Conwy
- Uncover a beautiful sea salt refinery in Wales
- Relax in the fresh air of dramatic Snowdonia
- Discover Strawberry Field – the magical garden escape of John Lennon with 2-course lunch
- Step back in time on a steam train ride through the Lake District
- Take a breath-taking cruise across Lake Windermere
- Learn how to play the Bagpipes in Glasgow’s most famous school
- See Scotland’s Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle
- Walk in the footsteps of film stars at Alnwick Castle
- Marvel at a real-life ‘Diagon Alley’ in York
- Enjoy a 3-course English dinner in York
- Explore the English University town of Cambridge
Inclusions
- Travel on an executive motorcoach with WC on board
- 11 nights’ accommodation (with 3 nights in London)
- 11 x Breakfast
- 1 x Liverpudlian Lunch at Strawberry Field
- 1 x Welsh Dinner in Conwy
- 1 x English Dinner in York
- Services of an expert Tour Director
- Entry to Stonehenge with downloadable audioguide
- Walking tour of Bath
- Private tour of Halen Mon sea salt distillery & tasting
- Entry to Caernarfon Castle, Wales
- Panoramic tour of Liverpool
- Entry to Strawberry Field
- Steam train ride from Haverthwaite to Lakeside
- Cruise on Lake Windermere
- Private tour of the National Piping Centre, Glasgow
- Private tour of a Scottish whisky distillery with tasting
- Walking tour of Edinburgh
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
- Entry to Alnwick Castle
- Walking tour of York
- Walking tour of Cambridge
Exclusions
- Gratuities (discretionary)
- Airport transfers before or after your tour
- Lunch and dinner except where stated
- London sightseeing tour
Itinerary
- Check into your 4 star hotel at leisure on your first day. The Cumberland hotel has a musical history and is guaranteed to start your time with us in style. Enjoy the world famous stores of Oxford Street & Regent Street located right on your doorstep.
- Early evening: An optional opportunity to meet your friendly representative in the lobby for a chance to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming adventure.
- Take the opportunity to rest and relax after your journey the day before with a completely free day in London! After a leisurely breakfast your day is your own to enjoy as you wish. Here are some recommendations on great ways to spend your time: Enjoy the best of London shopping – Your hotel is located within walking distance of the world famous Selfridge’s department story and the boutiques of Bond Street. Primark is also close by! Take in the Royal Parks – Travel independently by tube or taxi to Green Park and take a walk starting from The Ritz hotel through Green Park, past Buckingham Palace and into St. James’ Park. The Royal Parks are relaxing and beautiful and home to a wide array of waterfowl and wildlife. Explore historic Covent Garden – Covent Garden dates back to 1200 and remains one of the best loved places to meet and socialise. On any given day you can see street performers, unique boutiques, cafes and restaurants and much more. Relax in the Piazza and go bargain hunting in Jubilee market. Visit one of London’s free museums – Take the Piccadilly Line independently to South Kensington and take some time to visit the Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum, Science Museum or Natural History Museum.
- Leaving London behind us we head into historic England. Our first stop is Stonehenge - a must see symbol of Britain and one of the true wonders of the world. Our tour allows you time to not only visit the Monument but enjoy the world class visitor centre, café and gift shop on site. Explore the many theories as to how the monoliths came to be and take that all important picture to send back home to your loved ones.
- Your afternoon and evening are spent amidst the stunning Georgian architecture of Bath. On arrival enjoy some free time for lunch. In the afternoon you can either enjoy your time at leisure or join a fascinating walking tour with your Guide. One of the most picturesque parts of the country, Bath has many highlightsfrom Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon, the Holburne Museum (a ‘Bridgerton’ filming location) and gorgeous Sydney Gardens.
- Check into The Indigo Hotel Bath located right in the heart of the City and enjoy your evening at leisure. Bath has numerous restaurants to choose from with an option for all appetites.
- Following a delicious breakfast, enjoy a comfortable coach ride to the charming market town of Ludlow. Positioned in the Shropshire hills, Ludlow has an incredible past. Its market centre is crowned by an impressive castle and dotted with unique shops and charming cafes. Enjoy free time for lunch at your leisure and walk the winding streets down to the impressive wide river that flows through its centre.
- As you travel on through Shropshire enjoy one of England’s official areas of natural beauty, before arriving at stunning Chester. Visit this beautiful city known for its most complete Roman walls, amphitheatre, clock tower and vast array of half-timbered buildings, dating from the 15th century.
- Your day will conclude with check-in at The Quay Hotel & Spa. Relax, unwind and enjoy outstanding views of Conwy Castle across the estuary from the bar and restaurant.
- Evening: We have planned a delicious three course Welsh dinner to mark your arrival in style. Following dinner the rest of your evening is at leisure.
- Wake up in beautiful North Wales! Following a delicious breakfast and check out from your hotel we take a relaxing drive to the edge of the Menai Strait on the Anglesey Coast. At Halen Mon, visit an award-winning Saltcote and Visitor Centre, and one of Wales most innovative food businesses. Take a tour of the refinery with a member of the team to see the process behind creatingWales’s unique sea salt flakes and sample its varieties.
- A short drive away lies Caernarfon Castle, the investiture site of Prince Charles - now His Majesty King Charles III – and the pre-eminent Castle of Wales. It boasts an incredible military museum spread across two of its dominating towers. Don’t miss the imposing statute of Prime Minister Lloyd George standing defiantly outside the Castle walls. You can enjoy some free time to grab a light lunch or save your appetite for the numerous eateries of Betws-y-Coed – a stunning village, nestled in the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia.
- Our day concludes on arrival into the maritime city of Liverpool, world renowned for its musical heritage and once one of the busiest seaports in the world. You will check into your 4 star hotel, located right in the heart of city and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.
- Enjoy full day in the music capital of the world & birthplace of the most successful band of all time, The Beatles. Relax on a panoramic tour and see the beautiful Liverbirds clock towers, Albert Dock and get an allimportant photo with The Beatles iconic statue.
- See John Lennon’s childhood home** before continuing around the corner to your incredible lunch stop. Once a Salvation Army home that inspired one of The Beatles biggest hits, Strawberry Field has been transformed into a world-class visitor attraction with a unique, interactive exhibition set in stunning gardens. Enjoy a lunch of Liverpool ‘Scouse’ (traditional lamb stew #) and a delicious desert, included in your tour.
- We return to the heart of the city to ensure you have free time to enjoy all it offers. Why not take a Ferry‘Cross The Mersey, visit the free Maritime Museum or soak up the fantastic shopping? The choice is yours.
- Enjoy a comfortable panoramic ride up to the stunning Lake District. At Haverthwaite step back in time as you continue your journey on an enchanting steam train from the 1950’s. Following a gentle ride to Lakeside your steam train will come to its rest right next to peaceful Lake Windermere.
- Stepping on to your modern ferry, you will glide effortlessly across the water as you relax in one of the most photogenic landscapes of Britain. We disembark in the town of Bowness-on-Windermere where the views across the lake and up to the mountains are some of the finest you will see. You will have free time in Bowness for lunch and to explore its many winding streets with unique shops and places to relax.
- As we continue on towards Scotland, we take a break at Gretna Green and the famous Blacksmith’s Shop that stands at the heart of the village. For over 265 years it was the location where couples would elope from England and Wales to get married. Learn more about this fascinating story, right where it all took place.
- On arrival into Glasgow you will check into your 4 star hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
- Your morning begins with a brief walk from your hotel to the incredible National Piping Centre. You will be greeted at the door by a Piper in full costume, playing a traditional Scottish melody. Experience the unique Bagpipes museum before an experience guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip! Learn how to play the bagpipes with an expert instructor and see what interesting melodies you can make… phones at the ready!
- The stunning views of Scotland’s Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park are the backdrop for our onward adventure. We take our free time for lunch in the picturesque village of Aberfoyle. See the amazing technique of the local shepherds in rounding up sheep in a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.
- No visit to Scotland would be complete without sampling the ‘Water of Life’ at a traditional distillery. Your tour will see you learning how whisky is produced before enjoying up to three ‘drams’ of the finest single malt varieties. You will have the opportunity to visit the gift shop at the distillery.
- The conclusion of your day sees your arrival into Scotland’s hilly capital of Edinburgh, one of the most walkable cities in the world. Your evening is yours to enjoy at leisure from the comfort of your hotel.
- A beautiful, relaxed day awaits as you enjoy the best of Edinburgh. Take a walking tour through the Royal Mile before arriving at Edinburgh Castle where you will enjoy a full, relaxed visit. Highlights include the One O’Clock Gun that has been signifying the correct time for over 160 years, St. Margaret’s Chapel – dating back to the 12th Century – the oldest Crown Jewels in the British Isles & stunning views from Castle Rock.
- Following your visit to Edinburgh Castle, the rest of your day and evening in Edinburgh is yours to enjoy at leisure. Check out the free Scottish National Gallery, walk along Victoria Street – Diagon Alley brought to life – visit one of the wide ranging whisky shops to choose your perfect bottle, or enjoy the Botanic Gardens located only 1 mile from the city centre.
- Leaving Edinburgh behind, we make our way to the stunning Alnwick Castle. Harry Potter fans will recognise it immediately as the setting for Hogwarts in the first two movies. It has also been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey and countless other TV productions. During your visit you will enjoy the beautiful State Rooms and magnificent gardens before enjoying some free time for lunch.
- York is the site of our next stop and where we still stay on this final night of the tour. We begin with a beautiful walk to see The Shambles – a real-life ‘Diagon Alley’ and the awe-inspiring York Minster. A masterpiece in stained glass and stone, the Minster has been a centre for Christianity since the 7th century.
- Evening: Following check in at your centrally located hotel, you will enjoy a special three course dinner in the setting of the Dean Court Hotel with stunning views of York Minster.
- Following a delicious breakfast we will make our way to Sherwood Forest, the home of legendary outlaw, Robin Hood, and see some incredible giant oak trees including the Major Oak. Enjoy the visitor centre, home to a lovely café and shop and the gateway to the forest.
- We have devoted a full half day to our final location on tour – the University town of Cambridge. You will be surrounded by gorgeous honey coloured architecture, students on bicycles and hand punted boats meandering gently along its famous river. See some of its Colleges and learn of famous alumni - a Who’s Who of arts, science, politics and culture. You will have free time to explore before we head back to the capital.
- On arrival, your evening is yours to relax and enjoy your final night in London town.
- Your tour concludes after a delicious breakfast. We bid you a fond farewell and hope you will return to us on your next trip to the UK.