England and Wales – 8 Days

Departing London, travel to Oxford where you’ll enjoy the college quads and spires of the world-renowned Oxford University. Soak up the unique academic ambience which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde and explore the famous colleges such as Magdalen and Christchurch or the Bodleian Library and New College Hall used as parts of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. Nearby lies the village of Woodstock home of the stunning baroque mansion of Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill. Continue to Stratford upon Avon.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Distance: 90 miles / 145 km, 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Oxford and Blenheim Palace.

DAY TWO – The Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s Stratford

Spend this morning exploring Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque, medieval town of Tudor timberwork buildings, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon. Once home to Bard William Shakespeare, Stratford is brimming with cultural and historic attractions including Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft. In the afternoon take a drive through the magical Cotswolds, a region of rolling patchwork countryside and quaint and eccentric chocolate-box villages such as Broadway, Moreton-in Marsh and Stown on the Wold.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stratford upon Avon.
• Highlights: Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswolds.

DAY THREE – York City and York Minster

Travel north to stunning city of York with a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, the Viking Jorvik Center, 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: 155 miles / 250 km, 3 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York City and York Minster.

DAY FOUR – Roman Chester and Conwy Castle

Returning west head for Wales make time for a quick stop at Chester, a stunning walled city home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”. Continue across the border in to North Wales to the hidden gem at Conwy, a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares, medieval town walls and dominated by the stunning 13th century castle at Conwy Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Conwy.
• Distance: 150 miles / 245 km, 3 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Chester and Conwy Castle.

DAY FIVE – Snowdonia National Park and Harlech Castle

From Conwy pass south through the dramatic mountain ranges of the Snowdonia National Park home to the highest peak in England and Wales at Mount Snowden. You may choose to ride a mountain train at the funicular railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog before arriving on the coast to visit the awe-inspiring sight of Harlech Castle perched overlooking the Irish Sea. Enjoy visiting traditional Welsh towns such as Machynlleth on route to Aberystwyth, a charming Victorian resort town Aberystwyth where you’ll find the National Museum of Wales.

• Accommodation: overnight in Aberystwyth.
• Distance: 85 miles / 135 km, 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Snowdonia National Park and Harlech Castle.

DAY SIX – The Brecon Beacons and Cardiff Castle

Continue south through the heart of Wales and the barren uplands of the Brecon Beacons National Park before arriving in the Welsh Capital, Cardiff. Explore the city from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, home to the national museum and gallery of Wales to the city’s stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion. By evening enjoy the Cardiff Bay area which is home to the National Assembly for Wales, the Millennium Centre and a host of waterfront bars and cafes.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Cardiff.
• Distance: 100 miles / 160 km, 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: The Brecon Beacons, Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay.

DAY SEVEN – Bath City and Roman Baths

Today make the short journey East to the city of Bath which 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, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, a wealth of quality museums, exhibitions and of course the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Bath.
• Distance: 60 miles / 90 km, 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Bath City and Roman Baths.

DAY EIGHT – Stonehenge and Windsor Castle

Leaving Bath, pass on to the Salisbury Plain and make a stop to see the eerie and unexplained standing stones of Stonehenge and lesser known Avebury stone circle. You may choose to visit another prehistoric site at the ruins of Old Sarum before arriving in Windsor, home to the World’s largest inhabited fortified castle and the Queen’s favoured residence at Windsor Castle.

• Distance: 105 miles / 170 km, 1 hour and 50 minutes (approx.), based on a route to Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.

*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.