England Hop by Rail – 8 Days

Landing in one of London’s airports use your Britrail pass on the Airport Express rail links to take you to the city centre before journeying across country to the lazy academic city of Cambridge. Famed for its university, Cambridge is home to labyrinthine cobbled parades and squares and 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 or take a punt on the river Cam with one of the resident students.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Cambridge.
• Distance: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) and London Underground, followed by 1 hour 20 minutes to Cambridge (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cambridge Colleges.

DAY TWO – York and York Minster

A rail-ride North with bring you to the stunning medieval city of York with a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore from the cobbles of the famous Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to the Viking Jorvik Center, the medieval city walls, gates and towers, the opulent Georgian Era Fairfax House 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: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York and York Minster.

DAY THREE – The Beatles’ Liverpool

This morning take the train to the magnificent city of Liverpool which will be your base for the next 2 nights. Today explore the city which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008. Liverpool is home to two cathedrals, dozens of listed buildings, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Beatles Story Exhibition.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Liverpool.
• Distance: 2 hours and 20 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Liverpool and Beatles Story.

DAY FOUR – Chester and Chester Cathedral

A short train journey from Liverpool you’ll find the contrasting city of Chester. Historic Chester is home to Roman City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows” offering some unique boutique shopping.

Accommodation: overnight in Liverpool.
Distance: 40 minutes (approx.) each way.
Highlights: Chester Roman Amphitheatre and Chester Cathedral.

DAY FIVE – Shakespeare’s Stratford

Returning south in to the heart of England head for Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the abundant Shakespeare Heritage in this picturesque, market town of Tudor timberwork buildings. Explore the town including Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft. Time-permitting you may want to take the short train ride to Warwick to visit the grandiose Warwick Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Distance: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Warwick Castle and Shakespeare’s Stratford.

DAYS SIX AND SEVEN – London 

Travel by rail back to the English capital of London to explore this magnificent city. 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 museums and galleries the city has to offer.

Accommodation: Overnight in London x 2 nights.
Journey time: 2 hours and 40 minutes (approx.)*.
Highlights: Westminster Abbey and Tower of London .

DAY EIGHT – Return home

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