London to Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.