Explore England by Rail – 15 Days

Landing in London take an Express Rail link in to the city before heading out across the Wiltshire countryside to the historic city of Salisbury, home to cobbled market squares and England’s tallest cathedral spire. From here a bus ride will take you to the eerie standing stones of Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Salisbury.
• Distance: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) and London Underground, followed by 1 hour 30 minutes to Salisbury (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Salisbury and Stonehenge.

DAYS TWO AND THREE – Devon, Plymouth and the Cornish Coastline

Enjoy a scenic rail ride across rural Dorset in to the sunny west-country where seafaring town of Plymouth will be your base. Here you’ll see the Mayflower steps from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to America and the citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. You may choose to visit the Devonshire coastal towns such as Dawlish or Teignmouth. On day three enjoy a one of England’s most scenic train routes across the eerie Bodmin Moor then along the rugged Cornish coast. Enjoy the charm of cobbled fishing villages such as St Ives or visit the most westerly point of Britain at Land’s End. Discover tales of pirates at Penzance where you can take a short bus ride to the ferry port for the stunning St Michaels Mount home to a medieval castle and celtic monastry.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Plymouth x 2 nights.
• Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) – not including day excursions.
• Highlights: Plymouth and the Cornish Coast.

DAY FOUR  -Regency City Bath and Roman Baths

Pass through the Mendip Hills of Somerset before arriving in to Regency city of Bath which oozes Georgian opulence. Home to so many sites of historic importance such as the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, the entire city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The highlight however will be the magnificent Roman Baths and Pump Room.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Bath.
• Distance: 2 hours and 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Bath City and Roman Baths.

DAYS FIVE AND SIX – Shakespeare’s Stratford, Warwick Castle and Oxford

From Bath, ride the rails to Birmingham your convenient hub in the heart of England. From Birmingham you can visit University city of Oxford where you’ll enjoy the college quads and spires of the world-renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Stratford upon Avon is a short train journey south of Birmingham; enjoy Tudor timberwork buildings and the abundant Shakespeare Heritage including his birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Historic town Warwick and Warwick Castle are on route back to Birmingham where you can explore the vibrant city with its historic town hall and cathedral or the modern shopping centers and fashionable canal side bars and restaurants.

• Overnight: Birmingham x 2 nights.
• Journey time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Stratford upon Avon, Oxford and Birmingham.

DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT – Historic Chester and the Beatles’ Liverpool

From Birmingham journey by rail to historic Chester, 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. A short train ride away is the vibrant city of Liverpool 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 and the Beatles Story Exhibition.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Chester x 2 nights.
• Distance:1 hour and 40 minutes (approx.) – not including day excursions.
• Highlights: Chester, Liverpool and The Beatles Story.

DAYS NINE AND TEN – The Lake District National Park

From Chester take a train journey into one of England’s most scenic corners in the Lake District. Using local buses or tours, explore some of the country’s most spectacular natural beauty including the lakes and their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint villages. This region is ideal for walking, hiking, photography or tranquil boat trips soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop not to mention dozens of tiny Lakeland villages.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Windermere, Lake District x 2 nights.
• Distance: 2 hours and 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: The Lake District.

DAYS ELEVEN AND TWELVE – York City and Durham Cathedral

Leaving the Lake District cross the wilderness of the Yorkshire Dales on route 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. From York you may choose to take the train to the charming spa town of Harrogate or Durham with its magnificent World Heritage Castle and Cathedral.

• Distance: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Yorkshire Moors and York City.

DAYS THIRTEEN AND FOURTEEN – London City, Canterbury and Dover

From York take a high speed link south back to the English Capital city; London will act as you base for the next four days. Use your time to explore the city combined with day trips to renowned cities of the South East. In London you’ll experience world class shopping, museums galleries and attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square. Out of London you may choose to use your rail pass to visit the stunning cathedral city of Canterbury, Dover port and its White Cliff, the funky bohemian city of Brighton or the naval city of Portsmouth.

• Accommodation: Overnight in London x 2 nights.
• Distance: 2 hours (approx.) – not including day excursions.
• Highlights: London, Canterbury and Dover.

DAY FIFTEEN – Return home

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