Rails of England and Wales – 10 Days

After landing in London use your rail pass to travel to the ancient land of Wales. Discover the Welsh capital of Cardiff from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, the Victorian market hall and shopping arcades or the modern St Davids commercial centre. At the cosmopolitan Cardiff Bay you’ll find the National Assembly for Wales, home of Welsh government, the cultural Millennium Centre and a vibrant restaurant and pub scene. A short train journey will take you to the welsh town of Caerphilly home to a stunning moated 13th century fortress at Caerphilly Castle whilst in the heart of Cardiff itself you can explore the city’s stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

• Accommodation: overnight in Cardiff x 2 nights.
• Distance: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 2 hours to Cardiff (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cardiff City, Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Cardiff Bay.

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. A real hidden gem seemingly frozen in time, Conwy is home to a traditional market square, 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 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Conwy Castle and Llandudno.

DAY FOUR – Roman Chester and the Beatles’ Liverpool

A short train ride will take you back across the border to England and the charming city of Chester, home to Roman City walls and gate towers, a Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”. A stone’s throw by train is the vibrant contrasting city of Liverpool which was designated as European capital of culture in 2008 and where you’ll discover a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club and the Beatles Story Exhibition.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Chester or Liverpool.
• Distance: 1 hour (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Chester, Chester Cathedral, Liverpool City and Beatles Story (depending on overnight stay).

DAY FIVE – York City and York Minster

Cross the stunning Yorkshire countryside before arriving in the magnificent city of York, 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, Viking history at the jorvik centre 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: 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York City, York Minster and National Railway Museum.

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

From York, ride the rails to Birmingham your convenient hub in the heart of England. From here you can visit University city of Oxford where you’ll experience the academic ambience of the college quads of Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Historic town Warwick and Warwick Castle are a short train ride from Birmingham as is Stratford upon Avon where you’ll enjoy Tudor timberwork buildings and the abundant Shakespeare Heritage including his birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Birmingham itself is a vibrant city with its historic town hall and cathedral or the modern shopping centres and fashionable canal side bars and restaurants.

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

DAYS EIGHT AND NINE – London City and Sights

Using your rail pass to return 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 museums and galleries the city has to offer.

• Accommodation: Overnight in London x 2 nights.
• Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: London City, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Tower of London.

DAY TEN – Return home

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