Explore England – 10 Days

Departing London head firstly to Oxford to soak up the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Visit nearby Churchill’s Blenheim Palace before arriving at Tudor town Stratford-upon-Avon home to a wealth of Shakespeare Heritage including his birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Take time to enjoy strolls in the Cotswolds countryside and a visit to Warwick Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon or The Cotswolds x 2 nights.
• Distance: 90 miles / 145 km, 2 hours 35 minutes (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Oxford Colleges, Shakespeare’s Stratford and Warwick Castle.

DAY THREE – York 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: o vernight in York.
• Distance: 155 miles / 250 km, 3 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York Minster.

DAYS FOUR AND FIVE – Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District

Cross the barren Yorkshire Dales on route to the awe-inspiring countryside of the Lake District and the surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint villages. Enjoy walking, hiking, tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery or cultural visits including Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop. On the ancient northern border of England explore Carlisle Castle and the Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall.

• Accommodation: overnight in Lake District x 2 nights.
• Distance: 125 miles / 200 km, 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall.

DAY SIX – Liverpool and Chester

Pass south to visit the magnificent cities of Liverpool and Chester. Liverpool was designated as European City of Culture in 2008, home to two cathedrals, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including the Cavern Club and Penny Lane. A short drive south is stunning walled city of Chester home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”.

• Accommodation: overnight in Liverpool or Chester.
• Distance: 90 miles / 140 km, 1 hour and 50 minutes (approx.), for an overnight in Liverpool*.
• Highlights: Liverpool City, Cavern Club and Chester City.

DAY SEVEN – Bath City and the Roman Baths

Head South to the city of Bath to experience a glorious UNESCO world heritage city which oozes Georgian opulence and is home to architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent not to mention the spectacular iconic Roman Baths and Pump Room.

• Accommodation: overnight in Bath.
• Distance: 195 miles / 310 km, 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Roman Baths.

DAY EIGHT – Wells, Glastonbury and Stonehenge

Enjoy today exploring the myth and legend starting in tiny town of Wells, home to a stunning Cathedral and Bishops Palace before seeing Glastonbury, spiritual capital of England shrouded in mystery with both Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor holding connections with Arthurian Legend and the Holy Grail. Finally enjoy visits to the iconic standing stones of Stonehenge or lesser known Avebury stone circle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Salisbury.
• Distance: 40 miles / 65 km, 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury and Stonehenge.

DAY NINE – Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester and Downton Abbey

Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester and Downton Abbey After exploring the cobbled streets and squares of Salisbury and England’s tallest cathedral spire at Salisbury cathedral, you may choose to visit the historic town of Winchester and Winchester Cathedral which is the final resting place of Jane Austen or her former home and exhibition at Chawton. Finally visit Highclere Castle which you’ll recognise as television’s Downton Abbey.

• Accommodation: overnight in Windsor.
• Distance: 70 miles / 110 km, 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral and Highclere Castle.

DAY TEN – Windsor town and Windsor Castle

Spend today exploring the magnificent town of Windsor home to cobbled squares, timber fronted houses, and the world’s largest inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favoured residence.

• Distance: 10 miles / 15 km, 40 minutes (approx.), based on a route to Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Windsor Castle.

Return your vehicle.

*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.