English and Scottish Experience – 12 Days

Departing London, pass on to the Salisbury Plain and make a stop to see the eerie and unexplained standing stones of Stonehenge 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, 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: 100 miles / 160 km, 2 hours (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Stonehenge and Bath.

DAY TWO – The Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon

From Bath head north through the magical Cotswolds, a region of rolling patchwork countryside and quaint and eccentric chocolate-box villages such as Broadway, Moreton-in Marsh and Stow on the Wold. Arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon, discover 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.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Distance: 85 miles / 140 km, 1 hour 55 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: The Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s Stratford.

DAY THREE – Chester City and the Beatles’ Liverpool

Continuing north make a stop at the Roman city of Chester, home to Roman City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”. Then on to nearby Liverpool which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008 – the city 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: 135 miles / 215 km, 2 hours 25 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Chester, Liverpool and The Beatles Story.

DAY FOUR – The Lake District

Today enjoy some of England’s most spectacular natural beauty in the Lake District. Explore the lakes, their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint lakeland villages such as Windermere and Grasmere. This region is ideal for walking, hiking, tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop.

• Accommodation: overnight in Lake District.
• Distance: 90 miles / 140 km, 1 hour and 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: The Lake District.

DAY FIVE – Hadrian’s Wall and Glasgow City

Reaching the ancient border between England and Wales, 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. Explore the monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Park and Museum not to mention some of Scotland’s best shopping.

• Accommodation: overnight in Glasgow.
• Distance: 150 miles / 240 km, 2 hours 35 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Hadrian’s Wall and Glasgow City.

DAY SIX – Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle

From Glasgow you may choose to stop atAuchentoshan or Glengoyne Distilleries to see how Scotch Whisky is made before seeing theBonny Banks of Loch Lomond and Scotland’s stunning scenery known as the Highlands in miniature at the Trossachs National Park. From here continue to Stirling to uncover Scottish History viewing the towering Wallace Monument and what was once Scotland’s royal seat at Stirling Castle.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Stirling.
• Distance: 30 miles / 40 km, 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.

DAY SEVEN AND EIGHT – Edinburgh City and Edinburgh Castle

As you travel from Stirling to Edinburgh you may choose to stop at the Falkirk Wheel to see this masterpiece of modern engineering. Arriving in Edinburgh spend two days exploring the Scottish capital city. Enjoy the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town, visit the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament building before climbing the Royal Mile to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Edinburgh x 2 nights.
• Distance: Journey details: 40 miles / 60 km, 1 hour (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Lowlands.

DAY NINE – 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 JorvikCenter. Stroll along the remaining medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the NationalRailway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at the iconic York Minster.

• Accommodation: overnight in York.
• Distance: 200 miles / 325 km, 4 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York City and York Minster.

DAY TEN AND ELEVEN – London City

Your final leg south will take you back to London. On route you may choose to stop at the stunning university city of Cambridge. Upon arrival in London return your vehicle and explore on foot or by public transport. This magnificent city 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. Culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum whilst Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the West End make for unrivalled shopping opportunities.

• Accommodation: overnight in London x 2 nights.
• Distance: 215 miles / 345 km, 4 hours and 5 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cambridge, London City and Westminster Abbey.

DAY TWELVE – Return home

Your tour ends. Make your way to the aiport for your return flight home or onward travel.

*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.