England and Scotland by Rail – 11 Days

Itenerary

DAY ONE AND TWO – Oxford, Shakespeare’s Stratford and Warwick Castle

After arriving in to Heathrow or Gatwick travel by rail to the city Birmingham your base in the heart of England for two nights. From here you can visit historic town Warwick and Warwick Castle or the University city of Oxford where you’ll experience the academic ambience of the college quads of Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. A short train ride South from Birmingham you’ll find Stratford upon Avon home to Tudor timberwork buildings and the abundant Shakespeare Heritage including Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Birmingham itself is a vibrant city with its historic town hall and cathedral and fashionable canal side bars and restaurants, ideal for your evenings.

• Accommodation: overnight in Birmingham x 2 nights.
• Distance: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 1 hour 30 minutes to Birmingham (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Birmingham City, Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakesepare’s Birthplace, Oxford University and Warwick Castle.

DAY THREE – The Lake District and Windermere

From the city of Birmingham travel north and in to one of England’s most scenic corners in the Lake District. After arriving in Windermere, travel by local bus or take a tour to explore some of the country’s most spectacular natural beauty including the lakes and their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint villages ideal for walking, hiking or tranquil boat trips soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop.

• Accommodation: overnight in Windermere, Lake District.
• Distance: 3 hours 20 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Lake District.

DAY FOUR – Glasgow City, Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Museum

Crossing the ancient border in to Scotland arrive in the nation’s largest city, the thriving centre of Glasgow home to modern Scottish culture. Explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and necropolis, Kelvingrove Park and Museum and the new Riverside Museum of travel and transport where you’ll find some real locomotives. By night enjoy a vibrant nightlife around the fashionable bars of the Merchant City or the West End.

• Accommodation: overnight in Glasgow.
• Distance: 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Glasgow City and Kelvingrove Museum.

DAY FIVE – Inverness City, Culloden and Loch Ness

Departing Glasgow travel north in to the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park on route to Inverness, capital of the Scottish Highlands. After checking in to your hotel you may choose to take a bus ride to nearby Culloden Moor or along the shores of Scotland’s most famous Loch, Loch Ness to the iconic Urquhart Castle on a rocky outcrop from where many sightings of Nessie have been reported. By evening enjoy the lively atmosphere of Inverness City.

• Accommodation: overnight in Inverness.
• Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Inverness City, Loch Ness and Culloden Moor.

DAYS SIX AND SEVEN – Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia

Enjoy a scenic train ride into one of England’s most renowned areas of countryside in the Lake District. After arriving in Windermere, travel by local bus or take a tour to explore the lakes and their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint market towns and lakeland villages. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop.

• Accommodation: overnight in Edinburgh x 2 nights.
• Distance: 3 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia.

DAY EIGHT – York City and York Minster

Cross the border back in to England on the high speed rail link to York. Discover this magnificent city home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites such as the famous Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, the medieval city walls, gates and towers and the National Railway Museum current home of the Flying Scotsman. The highlight of course will be exploring the iconic York Minster.

• Accommodation: overnight in York.
• Distance: 3 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York City and York Minster.

DAYS NINE AND TEN – London City and Sights

Continue south on the high-speed line to London and take two days to explore the English capital. London is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames or enjoy the abundance of shopping opportunities, museums and galleries the city has to offer. BY evening you may choose to enjoy a show in the West End.

• Accommodation: overnight in London x 2 nights.
• Distance: 2 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: London City, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and British Museum.

DAY ELEVEN – Return home

Make your way to the airport for your return flight from Heathrow or Gatwick.