Great Britain by Rail – 16 Days

After arrival in to Heathrow or Gatwick join the rail network and glide to Regency city of Bath. An opulent Georgian city granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, Bath is home to historic highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent not to mention the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room.

• Accommodation: overnight in Bath.
• Distance: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 1 hour 30 minutes to Bath (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Bath City and Roman Baths.

DAY TWO – Cardiff City, Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Castle

A short train ride takes you over the Welsh border to the Capital city of Wales, Cardiff. Discover this charming welsh city from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park and the Victorian market and shopping arcades of the city centre or the Welsh Assembly building and cultural centres at the modern Cardiff Bay. The highlight is the city’s stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Cardiff.
• Distance: 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cardiff City and Cardiff Castle.

DAY THREE – Conwy Castle and Llandudno

Travelling north along the England/Wales border then along the beautiful north Wales coastal rail line you’ll arrive in the stunning medieval market town of Conwy. Explore this historic market town with stunningly preserved medieval town walls and an imposing 13th century fortress. A short rail trip away and you can take a stroll along the promenade of the beautiful Victorian resort town of Llandudno.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Conwy.
• Distance: 4 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Conwy Castle and Llandudno.

DAY FOUR AND FIVE – Roman Chester and the Beatles’ Liverpool

Crossing back over the border in to England arrive in Roman city of Chester, home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre, city walls and gate towers, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”. A short train ride away is the vibrant city of Liverpool which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008 and is home to 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 (approx.) – not including any day excursions.
• Highlights: Chester City, Liverpool and Beatles Story.

DAY SIX – Windermere and the Lake District

Enjoy a scenic train ride into one of England’s most renowned areas of countryside in the Lake District. After arriving in Windermere, travel by local bus or take a tour to explore the lakes and their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint market towns and lakeland villages. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop.

• Accommodation: overnight in Windermere.
• Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Lake District.

DAY SEVEN – Glasgow City, Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Museum

A rail journey through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands takes you to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and necropolis, Kelvingrove Park and Museum before enjoying a vibrant Scottish nightlife around the fashionable bars of the Merchant City or the West End.

• Accommodation: overnight in Glasgow.
• Distance: 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Glasgow City and Kelvingrove Museum.

DAY EIGHT – Inverness City, Culloden and Loch Ness

Contrasting to the lively Glasgow today travel north in to the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands on route to Inverness. After checking in to your hotel you may choose to take a bus ride to nearby Culloden Moor or boat trip down the river Ness to Scotland’s most famous Loch at Loch Ness. On the shores of the loch you may choose to visit the iconic Urquhart Castle, and ideal lookout for some Nessie spotting.

• Accommodation: overnigh in Inverness.
• Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Inverness City, Loch Ness and Culloden Moor.

DAY NINE AND TEN – Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia

Returning south arrive in the romantic Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. Spend the next two days exploring the city, from the twisting alleys of the cobbled old town to the sweeping avenues of the opulent Georgian new town. Possible visits include the queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Scottish Parliament building, a host of museums and the crowning glory at Edinburgh Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Edinburgh.
• Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) – not including day excursions.
• Highlights: Edinburgh City and Edinburgh Castle.

DAY ELEVEN – York City and York Minster

Cross the border back in to England on the high speed rail link 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.

• Accommodation: overnight in York.
• Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York City and York Minster.

DAY TWELVE AND THIRTEEN – Shakespeare’s Stratford and Oxford University

Continue south in to the heart of England and arrive in vibrant city of Birmingham which will be your base for two days. From here you may choose to visit historic Oxford and Oxford University, the medieval market town of Warwick and Warwick Castle or Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque, town of Tudor timberwork buildings, abundant in heritage site dedicated to its most famous resident thegreat bard himself, William Shakespeare.

• Accommodation: overnight in Birmingham x 2 nights.
• Distance: 2 hours 20 minutes (approx.) – not including day excursions.
• Highlights: Stratford-upon Avon, Sheakespeare’s Birthplace, Oxford University and Warwick Castle.

DAY FOURTEEN AND FIFTEEN – London City and Sights

Returning to London take two days to explore the English capital. 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 shopping opportunities, museums and galleries the city has to offer.

• Accommodation: overnight in London x 2 nights.
• Distance: 2 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: London City, Westminster Abbey and Tower of London.

DAY SIXTEEN – Return home

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