The Great Britain Tour – 14 Days

From London, make the short journey to historic Oxford where you’ll enjoy the college quads and spires of the world-renowned Oxford University. Soak up the unique academic ambience which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde before heading to nearby village of Woodstock to Winston Churchill’s baroque mansion at Blenheim Palace.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Oxford.
• Distance: 50 miles / 80 km, 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Oxford and Oxford University.

DAY TWO – York and York Minster

Travel north to the stunning medieval city of York with a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore including the cobbles of the famous Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, medieval city walls, gates and towers, the opulent Georgian Era Fairfax House and the highlight of course at the iconic York Minster.

• Accommodation: Overnight in York.
• Distance: 185 miles / 300 km, 3 hour 25 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: York Minster and York City.

DAYS THREE AND FOUR – Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

Continue north through the Scottish lowlands past Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel to Edinburgh and 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: 200 miles / 320 km, 4 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh City and Edinburgh Castle.

DAY FIVE – Culloden Moor and Inverness

Today pass through the stunning Cairngorm National Park in to the Scottish Highlands. Explore Inverness, capital of the Highlands, and its wealth of surrounding sites such as Culloden Moor, site of the ancient battlefield and the fairytale castle of Cawdor Castle, romantically connected to Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

• Accommodation: overnight in Inverness.
• Distance: 200 miles / 320 km, 3 hours and 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Culloden Moor and Inverness.

DAY SIX – Loch Ness, the Great Glen and Glasgow

Returning south embark on a day of glorious natural beauty as you pass through the Great Glen along the shores of Loch Ness and then in the shadow of Britain’s tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Make stops at Urquhart Castle, Fort William and Glencoe before passing Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and arriving in the thriving city of Glasgow.

• Accommodation: overnight in Glasgow.
• Distance: 170 miles / 270 km, 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Loch Ness and Glasgow.

DAY SEVEN – Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District

Departing Scotland, cross the ancient border to England and make a stop at Birdoswald Roman Fort to uncover the secrets of Hadrian’s Wall before passing in to the awe inspiring landscapes of the Lake District. Enjoy towering peaks, rolling dales, tranquil waters and quaint market towns which inspired the likes of Wordsworth, Turner and Beatrix Potter.

• Accommodation: overnight in Lake Distict.
• Distance: 150 miles / 240 km, 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District.

DAY EIGHT – Roman Chester and Conwy Castle

Continuing south, visit Chester a stunning walled city home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”. Then Continue across the border in to North Wales to the hidden gem at Conwy, a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares, medieval town walls and dominated by the stunning 13th century castle at Conwy Castle.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Conwy.
• Distance: 150 miles / 240 km, 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Chester and Conwy Castle.

DAY NINE – Snowdonia National Park and Shakespeare’s Stratford

Pass through the corner of the magnificent Snowdonia National Park and through the Welsh border towns as you make you way back to England to Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford is a picturesque, medieval town of Tudor timberwork buildings harking to the times of William Shakespeare, for which it is famed. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or Hall’s Croft.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Distance: 170 miles / 275 km, 2 hours 55 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Snowdonia National Park, Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace.

DAY TEN – The Welsh Capital and Cardiff Castle

Cross back in to Wales, perhaps stopping at medieval border town Monmouth or Raglan Castle on route to the Welsh Capital. Spend today discovering Cardiff, the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays Park and the modern Cardiff Bay area, home to the National Assembly for Wales, the Millennium Centre and a host of waterfront bars and cafes. The highlight will be Cardiff Castle which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

• Accommodation: overnight in Cardiff.
• Distance: 100 miles / 160 km, 2 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Cardiff City and Cardiff Castle.

DAY ELEVEN – Bath City and Roman Baths

A short drive over the English border you arrive in Bath City which 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 Britain Self Drive Tour Bath Abbeyhighlights 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: 60 miles / 90 km, 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Bath City and Roman Baths.

DAYS TWELVE AND THIRTEEN – Stonehenge Windsor and London City

From Bath travel East and stop at the eerie and unexplained standing stones of Stonehenge before visiting the affluent town of Windsor and the magnificent Windsor Castle. Arriving in London return your car and spend the next two days exploring the English Capital City. This magnificent city is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Visit renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye and a wealth of prestigious museums and galleries.

• Accommodation: overnight in London x 2 nights.
• Distance: 115 miles / 185 km, 2 hours 25 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, London City, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls Cathedral and Tower of London.

DAY FOURTEEN – 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.