Take in the Heart of England and North Wales on this 5-day escorted group tour from London. See the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon and spend two nights in the historic town of Shrewsbury. Discover the picturesque scenery of Snowdonia and the Peak District, explore Conwy Castle, see the Duke of Devonshire's house at Chatsworth and spend a free day exploring the historic city of York. Admire Lincoln Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world, and take in Kings College or opt for a punt on the 'backs' of Cambridge en route back to London.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge & Shrewsbury
London - Stratford-upon-Avon - Ironbridge - Shrewsbury. Departing London, we drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, best known as the birthplace of legendary playwright William Shakespeare. During free time here, you can see the bard's Tudor birthplace, and the Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried. Stratford is also home to the riverside Royal Shakespeare Company, made up of several theatres. Perhaps pop into the adjacent Dirty Duck pub for a pint, a popular haunt for actors and theatregoers alike. Famous guests in the Actors Bar here have included Dame Judi Dench, David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren - their photos are all on the walls!
Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, home to the world's first ever iron bridge (clue is in the name!). Learn about this marvel of engineering and admire views of the flowing River Severn from above.
We arrive in Shrewsbury, where the historic town centre is almost entirely encircled by the River Severn, and is dominated by black and white Tudor buildings. Charles Darwin was born in this market town, which is our home for the next two nights (please note that on rare occasions we will stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury).
Please note: Check-in closes at 09:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.
Accommodation: Abbots Mead, Darwin's Townhouse or similar
Overnight: Shrewsbury
Conwy Castle & Snowdonia
Shrewsbury - Conwy Castle - Snowdonia National Park - Shrewsbury. Today we enjoy a day trip to north Wales. Our first stop is Conwy and its medieval castle. Constructed by conquering King Edward I following his successful invasion of Wales in the 13th century, it offers majestic views and well-preserved battlements.
We then drive into the vast Snowdonia National Park. Cross the dramatic Pass of Llanberis and catch a glimpse of Snowdon, the tallest peak in Wales. We take in the picturesque scenery before making our way back to Shrewsbury, your guide will be able to share tales of the rebellious Owain Glyndwr as we make our way back into England.
Accommodation: Abbots Mead, Darwin's Townhouse or similar
Overnight: Shrewsbury | Breakfast
Peak District to York
Shrewsbury - Peak District National Park - Buxton - Chatsworth House - York. Leaving Shrewsbury, we drive through the scenic countryside and pretty villages of the Peak District, arriving in the spa town of Buxton. The thermal springs here date back to Roman times, and you can fill your water bottle up with crystal clear water directly from the spring.
Our next visit is one of England's most famous stately homes, the Duke of Devonshire's Chatsworth House. Known for its ornate gardens, immense collection of furniture and famous paintings, it's quintessentially English!
We complete our drive through England's former northern industrial heartlands to York, an ancient walled city known for its Roman and Viking history.
Accommodation: Bishop & Bison, Wheatlands, Greenside B&B or similar
Overnight: York | Breakfast
York free time or Knaresborough day trip
Today you have a choice! You can spend the day independently roaming the city of York, home to a chequered history dating back to the Romans, Vikings and Normans. There are plenty of great museums and historic city walls to discover, as well as a great array of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, you can set out with our guide for a half-day trip across the Yorkshire Dales to the market town of Knaresborough. You will also take in some of the scenery and villages of the more remote Eastern Dales. The evening is at leisure in York.
Accommodation: Bishop & Bison, Wheatlands, Greenside B&B or similar
Overnight: York | Breakfast
Lincoln & Cambridge
York - Lincoln - Cambridge - London. Today we return to London, making two stops along the way. Our first visit is to Lincoln, known for its iconic cathedral, which stood as the tallest building in the world for 200 years! Lincoln is also known for its famous Lincolnshire sausages and a historic and typically English town centre.
The final stop of our tour is Cambridge, known as the home of one of the world's most prestigious universities. Admire the iconic King's College Chapel or perhaps opt for a punt along 'the backs' of some of the university colleges. You may also choose to climb the steps of St Mary’s tower to get a skyline view. Spend your free time wisely before we complete our journey to London, and our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:30 - London Victoria Drop Off, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Abbots Mead , Shrewsbury
Off the A5191 road, this relaxed guesthouse, housed in a Georgian townhouse, is situated in the town centre, opposite the River Severn. The Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is just a 7-minute walk away. The straightforward rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, en suite bathrooms, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Complimentary amenities include a full English breakfast served in a cosy dining room. The charming bar and lounge area offers light snacks, cocktails, and a fireplace.
Bishop & Bison, York
Housed in a redbrick Victorian townhouse on the A19, this bright B&B is just two blocks from Clifton Park and less than a mile from York city centre. The elegantly decorated rooms feature en suite showers or full bathtubs, along with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and DVD players.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
At a Glance
