Britain’s Castles and Manors – 12 Days

Collect your rental vehicle from London Heathrow Airport and make your way out in to the English countryside. Passing on to the Salisbury Plain make a stop to see the eerie and unexplained standing stones of Stonehenge or lesser known Avebury stone circle before continuing to the City of Bath. Bath oozes Georgian opulence and is home to so many sites of historic importance that the entire city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, the opulent No.1 Royal Crescent, a wealth of quality museums including the Jane Austen Exhibition and of course the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room. By evening proceed in to the countryside to your deluxe manor or castle hotel.

• Accommodation: overnight: Thornbury Castle, Thornbury (45 minutes) or Homewood Park, near Bath.
• Distance: 105 miles / 170 km, 2 hours 5 minutes (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Stonehenge, Bath City, Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

DAYS TWO AND THREE  – The Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford

Today pass North in to the quintessential English countryside of the Cotwsolds home to rolling hills, patchwork fields and chocolate-box villages of honey-coloured cottages with eccentric names such as Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. Explore Stratford-upon-Avon in the northern Cotswolds, a medieval town of Tudor timberwork buildings, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon not to mention a wealth of heritage sites dedicated to the town’s most famous resident William Shakespeare. Stunning historic sites you can visit include Broughton Castle, the 13th century cistercian Hailes Abbey and the medieval manor at Sudely Castle, linked to King Henry VIII and 2 of his wives whilst the University town of Oxford and Churchill’s magnificent baroque mansion at Blenheim Palace are also within driving distance.

• Accommodation: overnight in Lygon Arms, Broadway, Cotswolds or Walton Hall, Cotswolds near Stratford-upon-Avon (2 nights).
• Distance: 170 miles / 275 km, 4 hours 15 minutes across 2 days (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cotswolds Countryside, Cotswolds Villages, Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Oxford City and Oxford University.

DAY FOUR – North Wales and Conwy Castle

Your journey this morning takes you north and over the border in to the ancient land of Wales. Pass through the traditional Welsh town of Llangollen, home to an historic steam railway and the stunning aqueduct which transports canal boats 150ft above the valley floor. Then onward in to the glorious mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park before heading to the North Wales Coast and the hidden gem at Conwy; a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares, the town is seemingly frozen in time with its medieval town walls and dominated by the stunning 13th century castle at Conwy Castle. Time-permitting visit the nearby 19th century seaside resort of Llandudno where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the elegant Victorian architecture.

• Accommodation: overnight in Ruthin Castle, Ruthin, North Wales or Bodysgallen Hall, Conwy.
• Distance: 145 miles / 235 km, 3 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Llangollen Aqueduct, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Castle and Llandudno Town.

DAY FIVE – The English Lake District

Returning across the border in to England enjoy some of England’s most spectacular natural beauty in the Lake District. Take time to explore the lakes, their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint lakeland villages such as Windermere and Grasmere. Take a steam-boat ride on Lake Windermere or climb Scafell Pike, the highest point in England to enjoying breath-taking views. This region is a haven for walkers, hikers, budding artists and photographers or those simply looking for a tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage along with Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm. The region boasts a wealth of stunning historic houses including Hutton in the Forest, Lowther Castle and Gardens and the Levens Hall.

• Accommodation: overnight in Augill Castle Hotel or Old England Hotel, Lake District.
• Distance: 165 miles / 265 km, 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: English Lake District, Windermere Lake and Hilltop Cottage.

DAY SIX – Hadrian’s Wall and Glasgow City

Reaching the ancient border between England and Scotland, make a stop at Birdoswald Roman Fort visitor centre to uncover the secrets of Hadrian’s Wall. Then pass through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to reach the thriving Scottish city of Glasgow. Soak up the modern Scottish vibe as you explore the city from the Victorian monuments and impressive town hall facade of George Square, to the bustling Sauchiehall Street ideal for your Scottish shopping. The stunning Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis are well worth a visit whilst in the fashionable West End you can visit the renowned Kelvingrove Park and Museum. Round off your day with a visit to the Tall Ship Glasgow and the newly reopened Riverside Museum.

• Accommodation: overnight in Sherbrooke Castle, Glasgow or Dalmeney Park Country House, near Glasgow.
• Distance: 170 miles / 275 km, 3 hours 25 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Hadrian’s Wall, Scottish Borders, Glasgow City, Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow Cathedral.

DAY SEVEN – Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Historic Stirling

From Glasgow make your way North to the Southern “bonny banks” of Loch Lomond and through the stunning scenery of the Trossachs National Park, known as the Highlands in miniature. Then you may choose to pass through traditional Scottish town of Callander or enjoy a photo stop at Doune Castle which featured in Monty Python’s Life of Brian or more recently in Game of Thrones before arriving in historic Stirling. Stirling is home of the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero “Braveheart” William Wallace and a beautiful cobbled old town climbing to Stirling Castle which, once the Royal Seat of Scotland, rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty. Nearby you can visit the Bannockburn Visitor centre, which in 2014 commemorated the 700 year anniversary of the infamous battle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Airth Castle Hotel, near Stirling.
• Distance: 80 miles / 130 km, 1 hour 55 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Battlefield.

DAYS EIGHT AND NINE – Edinburgh City and Edinburgh Castle

A short drive south and you’ll arrive back in Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town before visiting the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House. Enjoy the national museums and galleries in the shadow of the Burns Monument before strolling through Princes Street Gardens or climbing to Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views over the city. You may choose to head for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or view the modern Scottish Parliament building before climbing the Royal Mile to the city’s centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel.

• Accommodation: overnight in Dalhousie Castle or Melville Castle, near Edinburgh (2 nights).
• Distance: 40 miles / 65 km, 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Mile.

DAY TEN – The Scottish Lowlands, York City and York Minster

Returning south, drive through the mellow landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands where you could stop at the Rosslyn Chapel or Melrose Abbey. Then once again in English territory make your way to the grandiose city of York, home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre. Stroll along the remaining medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the National Railway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at the iconic York Minster. Outside of the city you find yourself in another area of outstanding natural beauty with the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors on your doorstep.

• Accommodation: overnight in Aldwark Manor Hotel, near York or The Grange Hotel, York.
• Distance: 190 miles / 305 km, 4 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Roslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey, Scottish Lowlands, Yorkshire Hills, York City, York Minster, The Shambles and York City Walls.

DAY ELEVEN – University City Cambridge and Historic Windsor

Continue South to the glorious university city of Cambridge where you can explore labyrinthine cobbled parades and squares and marvel at the intricate architecture of world-renowned colleges including Kings College, Trinity College and Christ’s College. Take a stroll along the Backs, extensive parklands behind the university, enjoy a “punt” on the river with one of the resident students or visit the nearby Duxford Imperial War Museum. Later continue to Windsor and time-permitting admire the world’s largest inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favoured residence.

• Accommodation: overnight in Savill Court or Burnham Beeches Hotel, near Windsor and London Heathrow Airport.
• Distance: Journey details: 240 miles / 385 km, 4 hours and 35 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cambridge City, Cambridge University, The Backs and Windsor Castle.

DAY TWELVE – Return home

This morning enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing before making your way back to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports, return your vehicle and check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.