London to Edinburgh
Journey from the capital of England to the capital of Scotland on this 8-day escorted group tour from London to Edinburgh. See the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon and pop into Wales on a day trip to visit Conwy Castle and Snowdonia National Park. Traverse the Peak District and stop at Chatsworth House en route to York. Take in the scenery of the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. Enjoy an included cruise on Lake Windermere, see the stone circle at Castlerigg and follow in Roman footsteps at Hadrian's Wall.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge & Shrewsbury
Day 1 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.
From 01 April 2025: Check-in closes at 09:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:15) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Accommodation: Abbots Mead B&B, Darwin's Townhouse B&B or similar
Day 2 Conwy Castle & Snowdonia
Day 2 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 B&B, Darwin's Townhouse B&B or similar
Day 3 Peak District to York
Day 3 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: Trevellion B&B, Bishop & Bison or similar
Day 4 York free time
Day 4 York free time
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 an 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 towns of Knaresborough or Ripon. 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: Trevellion B&B, Bishop & Bison or similar
Day 5 North York Moors & Whitby
Day 5 North York Moors & Whitby
York - North Yorkshire Moors National Park - Whitby - Robin Hood's Bay - York. This morning we will be picked up by a new driver. Some of the group may leave the tour here and return to London. After a free morning, we head towards the North Sea coast, passing through the magnificent scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
We stop in the fishing town of Whitby, where we recommend you enjoy some traditional fish and chips for lunch! See the Royal Hotel, where Bram Stoker came up with the idea for his blood-curdling tale 'Dracula'. There's also a stop in the charming seaside village of Robin Hood's Bay, where you can explore the steep lanes and enjoy the coastal views. We then return to York for the evening.
Please note: The minibus cannot access Robin Hood's Bay village, and you must be able to walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the village centre.
Accommodation: Trevellion B&B, Bishop & Bison or similar
Day 6 The scenic Yorkshire Dales
Day 6 The scenic Yorkshire Dales
York - Yorkshire Dales National Park - Keswick. Departing York and heading west, we journey into the vast expanse of the Yorkshire Dales, brimming with wildlife, excellent scenery and a rich cultural heritage. We also pass through the scenic Northern Dales, an area of outstanding natural beauty and rolling hills. Our destination is the market town of Keswick in the Lake District, surrounded by shimmering lakes and rugged peaks.
Accommodation: The Edwardene, Elm Tree Lodge or similar
Day 7 Castlerigg, Windermere & Wordsworth
Day 7 Castlerigg, Windermere & Wordsworth
Keswick - Castlerigg - Windermere - Hawkshead - Grasmere - Keswick. On today's excursion, our first stop is the standing stone circle of Castelrigg. Dating back more than 5,000 years, it was believed to be the site of many strange and ancient rituals.
Our next visit is to Ullswater, one of the UK's prettiest lakes. We can enjoy a walk along the shore and take photos before reaching the Aira Force Waterfall, the most famous of the Lake District's cascades.
Heading over the Kirkstone Pass, we make a lunch stop at Windermere, on the shore of the UK's largest lake - there is time for an included lake cruise. We then head to Hawkshead, where renowned poet William Wordsworth went to school. After spending some time in this charming village, we navigate narrow country lanes to Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. You can visit his home at Dove Cottage and the Daffodil Garden before we return to Keswick for the evening.
Accommodation: The Edwardene, Elm Tree Lodge or similar
Day 8 Hadrian's Wall
Day 8 Hadrian's Wall
Keswick - Hadrian's Wall - Edinburgh. Today we climb the Hartside Pass, enjoy unrivalled views of the Lake District and the rolling hills of Scotland from more than 1,900 feet. We then visit Hadrian's Wall, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep the marauding Scottish tribes out of the Roman Empire in 122 AD. Walk the same trails as Roman centurions many centuries ago and visit the Roman Army Museum.
We then cross into Scotland and stop for refreshments in Jedburgh, home to a magnificent ruined abbey. Our last stop is the viewpoint at Scott's View, from where you can gaze out over the River Tweed and Cheviot Hills, marking the border between England and Scotland. We then complete our drive to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Accommodation
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.
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
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.
This charming hotel, housed in a Victorian Lakeland stone property, is situated on a residential street just two blocks from Keswick town centre. The 11 traditionally furnished guest rooms are equipped with en suite bath and/or shower rooms, tea and coffee making facilities, and TVs.
Tour Reviews
the bus was very comfortable although the seats are not overly wide Our guide Carl was new to the job but was very good and we enjoyed his style The accomodation was excellent In Shrewsbury with Sonia at Trevellion House we felt it gave a true English experience in their home BnB York we had an upgrade and a lovely big room The accomodation at Keswick at Elm Tree Lodge was very nicely appointed BUT very small and anyone who was a bit larger would struggle to fit in the bathroom We joined the Scottish group which was a bit sad to leave the old group but we settled in quicksand Chris our guide was excellent We really liked how the guides could add in places and attractions they felt were worth seeing
The tour, guides were knowledgeable and fun. Accommodation and breakfasts - very good My one complaint was being advised to be at the meeting for 8.15am. Everyone else on the tour has been told either 8.45am or 9am. Bit frustrating that!