London, Oxford and the Cotswolds
10 days/9 nights
London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets… To walk alone through London is the greatest rest. — Virginia Woolf
Excursion suggestions to Bletchley Park, Bath and Avesbury, Stratford-upon-Avon and Yorkshire
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
10 days/9 nights
London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets… To walk alone through London is the greatest rest. — Virginia Woolf
Excursion suggestions to Bletchley Park, Bath and Avesbury, Stratford-upon-Avon and Yorkshire
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through England, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: June - August |
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London and the English Countryside Tour:
4 nights London 3 nights Oxford 2 nights Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds Excursion suggestions to: • Bletchley Park • Bath and Avesbury • A Literary Tour through Stratford-upon-Avon and Yorkshire |
DAY 1: ARRIVE LONDON. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
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Your greeter will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim to take you to our hotel. Please book your flights so you arrive in London sometime in the morning so you can be transferred to the hotel, check your bags and enjoy an included afternoon tea. You will be able to check into your room at 2:00, where you’ll have a few hours to freshen up.
Optional afternoon Sherlock Holmes Museum and Bloomsbury walk. Located at one of the world’s most famous addresses, this Georgian townhouse has been lovingly created to represent the gas-lit world of London’s iconic detective. We’ll step back in time to see where some of Holmes and Watson’s most famous cases began and imagine what life was like in a fascinating bygone era. We’re then back to Russell Square for our walking tour of Bloomsbury. The Bloomsbury area contains some of the finest squares, gardens and parks in whole of London. These streets are steeped in the history of writers, artists, intellectuals, philanthropists, free-thinkers and radicals.
Tonight: Included Welcome Dinner
Overnight in London, 4 nights with breakfast
Optional afternoon Sherlock Holmes Museum and Bloomsbury walk. Located at one of the world’s most famous addresses, this Georgian townhouse has been lovingly created to represent the gas-lit world of London’s iconic detective. We’ll step back in time to see where some of Holmes and Watson’s most famous cases began and imagine what life was like in a fascinating bygone era. We’re then back to Russell Square for our walking tour of Bloomsbury. The Bloomsbury area contains some of the finest squares, gardens and parks in whole of London. These streets are steeped in the history of writers, artists, intellectuals, philanthropists, free-thinkers and radicals.
Tonight: Included Welcome Dinner
Overnight in London, 4 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY IN LONDON |
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The Royal Parks and Palaces: Understanding the British Monarchy
London Pass. The London Pass is included in your tour price and gives you skip the line entrances. Included is the Oyster Card, an electronic travel card that is pre-charged with a credit value for the days you are in London.
Through a thousand years of history, the British monarchy has moved from the center of power to ceremonial periphery, a movement vividly illustrated by the style and geographical placement of the remaining royal palaces and the parks that surround them. While these parks remain opulent reminders of the power and sway of the monarchy, they largely remain as historical and ceremonial reminders of how Britain has evolved from absolute monarchy to a democracy.
During this private morning tour, we’ll learn about some of the most important parks and palaces in the city, including St. James’s Park, St. James’s Palace, Hyde Park and Clarence House. We’ll see the Royals Mews and end at Queen Victoria’s birth place: Kensington Palace, where will finish our tour at the L'Orangery with an included lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in London
London Pass. The London Pass is included in your tour price and gives you skip the line entrances. Included is the Oyster Card, an electronic travel card that is pre-charged with a credit value for the days you are in London.
Through a thousand years of history, the British monarchy has moved from the center of power to ceremonial periphery, a movement vividly illustrated by the style and geographical placement of the remaining royal palaces and the parks that surround them. While these parks remain opulent reminders of the power and sway of the monarchy, they largely remain as historical and ceremonial reminders of how Britain has evolved from absolute monarchy to a democracy.
During this private morning tour, we’ll learn about some of the most important parks and palaces in the city, including St. James’s Park, St. James’s Palace, Hyde Park and Clarence House. We’ll see the Royals Mews and end at Queen Victoria’s birth place: Kensington Palace, where will finish our tour at the L'Orangery with an included lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in London
DAY 3: A DAY IN LONDON |
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It will be a big day, so enjoy your full English breakfast!
We’ll begin our tour at Westminster Abbey. This beautiful Gothic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and owns the most important collection of monumental sculpture anywhere in Britain. The Abbey’s history is made up of famous Kings and Queens, as well as renowned poets and priests – even heroes and villains were embroiled in its past!
After our Abbey tour, our guide will continue the story with a stop at St. Margaret’s Church, where, on the 12th of September in 1908, Winston Churchill married Clementine.
We’re then on to Parliament Square to see the statue of Winston Churchill and learn more about Parliament as we make our way to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of every British Prime Minister since 1735. Behind its black door, the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years have been made.
After Downing Street, it will be time to stop nearby for a pub lunch (not included).
After lunch, we’re on to the Churchill War Rooms. Your tour includes skip the line entry to the secret underground headquarters of the War Cabinet during WW2. This part of the tour is best explored via their excellent audio guide. This way, you will be able to tour the site at your leisure. Spend an hour or spend the rest of the afternoon.
The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure. Here are a few suggestions:
• The British Library. When it comes to size, the British Library wins big. The collection is so vast that if a visitor looked at five items a day, it would take 80,000 years to view the entire collection. The Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook and original Beatles manuscripts are just a small sampling of the unique books and sacred texts on display.
• Historic Saville Row, including Churchill's tailors, hat maker and favorite cigar shop
• Trafalgar Square is the home of the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery
• The British Museum and Sir John Sloanes Museum
• The Victoria and Albert Museum. The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design houses a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It has lots of great fashion exhibits as well as furniture, metal working and sculpture. It’s not a far walk to Herrods, where you can see the famous Egyptian escalators, browse the incredible bookstore, and see an entire department dedicated to pet accessories. Herrods has a fantastic market and food court with gold-dusted dates, Ladurée macarons, steak, oysters, a caviar bar, fish bar, truffles, rotisserie and a wonderful market.
Overnight in London
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
We’ll begin our tour at Westminster Abbey. This beautiful Gothic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and owns the most important collection of monumental sculpture anywhere in Britain. The Abbey’s history is made up of famous Kings and Queens, as well as renowned poets and priests – even heroes and villains were embroiled in its past!
After our Abbey tour, our guide will continue the story with a stop at St. Margaret’s Church, where, on the 12th of September in 1908, Winston Churchill married Clementine.
We’re then on to Parliament Square to see the statue of Winston Churchill and learn more about Parliament as we make our way to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of every British Prime Minister since 1735. Behind its black door, the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years have been made.
After Downing Street, it will be time to stop nearby for a pub lunch (not included).
After lunch, we’re on to the Churchill War Rooms. Your tour includes skip the line entry to the secret underground headquarters of the War Cabinet during WW2. This part of the tour is best explored via their excellent audio guide. This way, you will be able to tour the site at your leisure. Spend an hour or spend the rest of the afternoon.
The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure. Here are a few suggestions:
• The British Library. When it comes to size, the British Library wins big. The collection is so vast that if a visitor looked at five items a day, it would take 80,000 years to view the entire collection. The Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook and original Beatles manuscripts are just a small sampling of the unique books and sacred texts on display.
• Historic Saville Row, including Churchill's tailors, hat maker and favorite cigar shop
• Trafalgar Square is the home of the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery
• The British Museum and Sir John Sloanes Museum
• The Victoria and Albert Museum. The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design houses a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It has lots of great fashion exhibits as well as furniture, metal working and sculpture. It’s not a far walk to Herrods, where you can see the famous Egyptian escalators, browse the incredible bookstore, and see an entire department dedicated to pet accessories. Herrods has a fantastic market and food court with gold-dusted dates, Ladurée macarons, steak, oysters, a caviar bar, fish bar, truffles, rotisserie and a wonderful market.
Overnight in London
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
The London Spy World. London Mysteries and Intrigue. From ancient times to todays hi tech world, London has for many years been at the center of world politics and the spying game. While his full career details cannot be revealed, our private guide is a former politics and economics lecturer, specializing in military and security affairs. He has the breadth and depth of knowledge of the London spy world. We'll learn about Britain’s top intelligence agencies and the different roles they play in protecting the country. We’ll see the home of MI6, the headquarters of MI5 and visit the public ‘dead drop’ sites where spies exchanged top-secret information. We’ll discover the locations used by Intelligence Services to recruit their agents, and be shaken and stirred by the stories of some of Britain’s most infamous traitors and double agents.
An evening of mystery and intrigue in the world of Jack the Ripper. Follow in the murderous footsteps through the old, narrow alleyways that were the hunting grounds of London’s most infamous serial killer. You will feel like you’ve been transported back to the mean streets of the Victorian East End in the year 1888, as you learn about the lives of his victims and the murders themselves. This tour ends in Brick Lane where you can experience some of the best Indian cuisine in London.
The Tower of London. Without a doubt one of London’s most important and historic buildings, the Tower’s wealth of history, dating back to the Norman Conquest is chock full of secrets and scandals of the court. On this tour, you'll learn how the Tower was used as a prison, armory and menagerie. From strategic outpost of William the Conqueror to a prison and execution site that witnessed the beheading of two of Henry VIII's wives, you will leave with a deeper understanding of the Tower of London's role in British history.
Hampton Court Palace. This private tour of the mighty House of Tudor will include the 17-century Baroque apartments, the vast kitchens and magnificent Great Hall. We'll hear the tale of the eerie Haunted Gallery before we have time for a leisurely walk in the extensive palace gardens, and the world-famous trapezoid maze.
Royal Ascot - a day at the races. If your group books this tour during the June runnings at Royal Ascot, we can arrange a magical day for you. Bring your hats and enjoy a luxury day at the races, including a private table for the day, three course luncheon and afternoon tea. Our package will also include transportation, complimentary beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
An evening of mystery and intrigue in the world of Jack the Ripper. Follow in the murderous footsteps through the old, narrow alleyways that were the hunting grounds of London’s most infamous serial killer. You will feel like you’ve been transported back to the mean streets of the Victorian East End in the year 1888, as you learn about the lives of his victims and the murders themselves. This tour ends in Brick Lane where you can experience some of the best Indian cuisine in London.
The Tower of London. Without a doubt one of London’s most important and historic buildings, the Tower’s wealth of history, dating back to the Norman Conquest is chock full of secrets and scandals of the court. On this tour, you'll learn how the Tower was used as a prison, armory and menagerie. From strategic outpost of William the Conqueror to a prison and execution site that witnessed the beheading of two of Henry VIII's wives, you will leave with a deeper understanding of the Tower of London's role in British history.
Hampton Court Palace. This private tour of the mighty House of Tudor will include the 17-century Baroque apartments, the vast kitchens and magnificent Great Hall. We'll hear the tale of the eerie Haunted Gallery before we have time for a leisurely walk in the extensive palace gardens, and the world-famous trapezoid maze.
Royal Ascot - a day at the races. If your group books this tour during the June runnings at Royal Ascot, we can arrange a magical day for you. Bring your hats and enjoy a luxury day at the races, including a private table for the day, three course luncheon and afternoon tea. Our package will also include transportation, complimentary beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
DAY 4: A DAY IN LONDON |
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We'll tour a different part of London today. We'll first make a stop at St. Paul’s, the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London and sits at the highest point of the City of London. From there we cross the Millenium Bridge to Shakespeare’s Globe and stroll along the Thames to Borrough Market. We can make our way through the many international food stalls, or enjoy a traditional English roast with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings. After lunch, we'll go to one of the oldest pubs in London right under The London Tower Bridge.
London Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894. As well as being one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, it is one of the most visited attractions in London and continues to be a working bridge to this day.
In that area is also HMS Belfast which tells the stories of those who lived on board the former Royal Navy warship, which was home to a crew of up to 950 men. Explore nine decks of seafaring history and hear sailors’ experiences of battle from the Second World War and beyond – including the convoys in icy Arctic conditions and the 404 days spent patrolling the waters during the Korean War.
We'll finish our day with a Cruise on the Thames. A Thames river cruise is without doubt one of the best ways to see London, meandering through the heart of the city and past so many of its most famous attractions.
Tonight: The Theater
Option 1: Covent Garden Performance TBD.
Option 2: Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Performance TBD.
Overnight in London
London Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894. As well as being one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, it is one of the most visited attractions in London and continues to be a working bridge to this day.
In that area is also HMS Belfast which tells the stories of those who lived on board the former Royal Navy warship, which was home to a crew of up to 950 men. Explore nine decks of seafaring history and hear sailors’ experiences of battle from the Second World War and beyond – including the convoys in icy Arctic conditions and the 404 days spent patrolling the waters during the Korean War.
We'll finish our day with a Cruise on the Thames. A Thames river cruise is without doubt one of the best ways to see London, meandering through the heart of the city and past so many of its most famous attractions.
Tonight: The Theater
Option 1: Covent Garden Performance TBD.
Option 2: Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Performance TBD.
Overnight in London
DAY 5: ON TO WINDSOR CASTLE AND OXFORD |
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It's a short drive to Windsor, where we'll enjoy a self-guided tour through Windsor Castle, one of three official residences of The Queen and home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world’s most spectacular skylines.
You’ll have some time to explore Windsor and have lunch before we continue on to Oxford.
Included dinner in Oxford.
Overnight in Oxford, 3 nights.
You’ll have some time to explore Windsor and have lunch before we continue on to Oxford.
Included dinner in Oxford.
Overnight in Oxford, 3 nights.
OPTION TO ADD BLETCHLEY PARK TO YOUR ITINERARY
Bletchley Park Tour. Spy lovers may want to add a day between London and Oxford to visit Bletchley Park. MI6 called it Station X. The Germans didn’t know it existed. It is widely accepted the cutting edge work there shortened World War II by more than two years. At its peak, over 9,000 people worked to break and read the enemy’s encrypted transmissions and eventually cracked the Nazi’s Enigma code.
DAY 6: A DAY IN OXFORD |
Morning walking tour of Oxford
We’ll begin our day at Oxford College, where you will learn about the history of the city, the university an its famous alumni. We’ll go inside the oldest college dining hall, chapel, cloisters, quadrangles, the Bodleian Library, New College and Divinity School.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy this rich city.
You might want to think about visiting Christ Church. As you walk up to the entrance, you’ll stroll passed beautiful manicured gardens before entering the impressive building.
Christ Church in Oxford Evensong. In many Anglican cathedrals and other large churches, especially in England, evensong is sung by clergy and choir as a choral liturgy.
Overnight in Oxford.
We’ll begin our day at Oxford College, where you will learn about the history of the city, the university an its famous alumni. We’ll go inside the oldest college dining hall, chapel, cloisters, quadrangles, the Bodleian Library, New College and Divinity School.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy this rich city.
You might want to think about visiting Christ Church. As you walk up to the entrance, you’ll stroll passed beautiful manicured gardens before entering the impressive building.
Christ Church in Oxford Evensong. In many Anglican cathedrals and other large churches, especially in England, evensong is sung by clergy and choir as a choral liturgy.
Overnight in Oxford.
DAY 7: BLENHEIM PALACE |
Just a few miles north of Oxford is Blenheim Palace, the home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
After our tour of this spectacular palace and its gardens, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. Think about:
• Punting. A punt is like a gondola. You can rent one for an hour and glide past many of Oxford’s famous sights. Punting takes a bit of getting used to if you haven’t done it before, as it requires using a long pole to propel your boat along by pushing off from the riverbed and steering it at the same time. It’s really fun and oh-so-British.
Overnight in Oxford
After our tour of this spectacular palace and its gardens, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. Think about:
• Punting. A punt is like a gondola. You can rent one for an hour and glide past many of Oxford’s famous sights. Punting takes a bit of getting used to if you haven’t done it before, as it requires using a long pole to propel your boat along by pushing off from the riverbed and steering it at the same time. It’s really fun and oh-so-British.
Overnight in Oxford
DAY 8: THE COTSWOLDS COTTAGES |
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This morning we're off to the British countryside to explore the hidden villages of the Cotswolds. Today is all about a relaxing drive, quaint villages and pretty pictures. Our tour will include Minster Lovell, Burford via Asthall, Swinbrook, Windrush Valley, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill (the beautiful village where Bridget Jones Diary was filmed) Broadway, Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Included dinner
Overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh, 2 nights with breakfast
Included dinner
Overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 9: A DAY IN THE COTSWOLDS |
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A day at your leisure. Consider:
• Hiking through the countryside
• Tuesday Market Day on the High Street. It’s the largest street market in the Cotswolds with many stalls selling virtually anything, leather goods, purses, books, fish, produce, pet products, clothing, cookware, etc.
• Batsford Arboretum. With 56 acres of trees, shrubs, and botanical gardens, Batsford Arboretum is one of the largest private tree collections in the country and a glorious way to enjoy the Costwolds countryside. Foodies can indulge in freshly baked cakes and locally sourced treats at the café, plus there’s also a garden centre and shop with a huge range of plants and gifts. See some of the areas given over to native wildflowers, then pop next door to find out about the beautiful birds that are bred and cared for at the Cotswold Falconry.
• Falconry experience. During this fascinating experience you will have the opportunity to handle a variety of different birds of prey experiencing, first hand, the magic these noble creatures under the guidance of one of our falconers.
• Golf
• Clay pidgeon shooting
Dinner not included.
Overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh
• Hiking through the countryside
• Tuesday Market Day on the High Street. It’s the largest street market in the Cotswolds with many stalls selling virtually anything, leather goods, purses, books, fish, produce, pet products, clothing, cookware, etc.
• Batsford Arboretum. With 56 acres of trees, shrubs, and botanical gardens, Batsford Arboretum is one of the largest private tree collections in the country and a glorious way to enjoy the Costwolds countryside. Foodies can indulge in freshly baked cakes and locally sourced treats at the café, plus there’s also a garden centre and shop with a huge range of plants and gifts. See some of the areas given over to native wildflowers, then pop next door to find out about the beautiful birds that are bred and cared for at the Cotswold Falconry.
• Falconry experience. During this fascinating experience you will have the opportunity to handle a variety of different birds of prey experiencing, first hand, the magic these noble creatures under the guidance of one of our falconers.
• Golf
• Clay pidgeon shooting
Dinner not included.
Overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh
DAY 10. TRANSFERS BACK TO LONDON FOR FLIGHTS OUT OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY WITH ONE OF OUR OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS |
Included transfers to London on to the next part of your journey. Here are a few of our suggested itineraries:
BATH
Day 1. Bath. Explore the best of Bath, starting with Pulteney Bridge, the Circus, the imposing Royal Crescent and a wander inside Bath Abbey with its huge vaulted ceiling. You will leave not only with some fantastic photos but also with a deep understanding of the town and its landscape. You'll have some time to enjoy the town at your leisure and have lunch.
Transfer back to London with an optional stop in Avebury. The Avebury complex is one of the principal ceremonial sites of Neolithic Britain that we can visit today. It was built and altered over many centuries from about 2850 BC until about 2200 BC and is one of the largest, and undoubtedly the most complex, of Britain's surviving Neolithic henge monuments.
Included dinner in London.
Overnight in London, 1 night with breakfast
Day 2. Transfer to the airport for flights out
Transfer back to London with an optional stop in Avebury. The Avebury complex is one of the principal ceremonial sites of Neolithic Britain that we can visit today. It was built and altered over many centuries from about 2850 BC until about 2200 BC and is one of the largest, and undoubtedly the most complex, of Britain's surviving Neolithic henge monuments.
Included dinner in London.
Overnight in London, 1 night with breakfast
Day 2. Transfer to the airport for flights out
LITERARY TOUR TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON AND YORKSHIRE
Day 1. Stratford-Upon Avon enroute to Haworth in Yorkshire.
Transfer from the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon where we'll enjoy a 2-hour private tour. We’ll be introduced to the most famous sights and the life and times of Shakespeare, and learn what may have influenced his works. You’ll have time at your leisure to explore and have lunch before our afternoon transfer to the village of Haworth.
Included dinner
Overnight in Haworth, 1 night with breakfast
Day 2. Yorkshire Moors: Bronte Country
The literary heritage in Northern England is plentiful and it’s easy to see how these beautiful surroundings inspired such great works of art. Three sisters - Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë - produced some of the most widely read novels in the world, including the literary greats ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Jane Eyre’.
We’ll enjoy a morning tour of the lovely village of Haworth and learn about the everyday lives of the Bronte sisters, including their childhood home, which is now the Bronte Parsonage Museum, where we’ll see their letters, poems and stories, their achievements and passions, all woven into the fabric of the village and the social history of the time. We’ll explore the cobbled streets of Haworth before we board our motorcoach to head to the artist village of Hebden Bridge. This handsome little town is awash with creativity - from the artists and musicians hard at work in their studios to the Arts and Music Festival held every year. We'll have time to wander the bohemian streets, where you can feel the influence of the writers and artists who flocked to the town. St George's Square in the centre of Hebden Bridge is filled with organic and and delicatessens, vegetarian cafés and cosy pubs serving real Yorkshire ale where we’ll have time for lunch. Enroute to York, we'll take the scenic drive through the Yorkshire Moors, the dramatic setting that was the backdrop of many Bronte novels.
We’ll continue on our dramatic, scenic drive over the moors and finish our day in York. From Roman rule to life as a Viking capital to medieval England’s bastion against attacks from the Scots, the colorful history of this town is found all around you. Its winding streets are full of traditional shops, cozy old pubs, delicious Victorian style tearooms and brilliant museums.
Included dinner in York
Overnight in York, 3 nights with included breakfast
Day 3. All Creatures Great and Small. Today we focus on the stories of James Herriot, the Yorkshire veterinarian whose fascinating vignettes brim with the wonder of life, animal and human, come alive in this delightful novel. We’ll begin our day in Thirsk, where we'll see where he lived and worked as a young North Yorkshire vet. Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice, known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby.
We are then on to Castle Howard, the sight of the film Brideshead Revisited, for lunch at the boathouse and afternoon tour of the majestic castle and grounds.
The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy the town of York. Overnight in York
Day 4. The North Yorkshire Moors - Count Dracula!
In 1885 the Russian Schooner, The Demeter, was hit by a wild storm and ran aground in Whitby harbor. Mysteriously, all the crew were dead including the captain, who was lashed to the helm. The instant the Demeter ran aground, a huge black dog was seen to leap ashore and run up the 199 steps towards Whitby abbey. The dog was known to be one of the many forms into which a vampire could transform itself. Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula had arrived in England! Stoker found some of his inspiration for his novel while staying in Whitby in 1890.
Today, we venture into the wild and windswept lands of the North Moors National Park and lunch stop in the market town of Helmsley.
We're then on our way to Whitby to enjoy lunch and discover the towns many attractions. If you are interested, we can go to the Dracula Experience, where animated scenes, special effects and live actors tell the story. No visit to Whitby is complete without a walk up to Whitby Abbey to follow the route taken by Dracula as he flees the wreckage of his ship up into the graveyard and abbey ruins. Our guide will give us a good connection between the character and the town of Whitby, and a little more information about the history of the town.
Overnight in York. Dinner is not included.
Day 5. Back to London
Morning train to London.
Transfer from the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon where we'll enjoy a 2-hour private tour. We’ll be introduced to the most famous sights and the life and times of Shakespeare, and learn what may have influenced his works. You’ll have time at your leisure to explore and have lunch before our afternoon transfer to the village of Haworth.
Included dinner
Overnight in Haworth, 1 night with breakfast
Day 2. Yorkshire Moors: Bronte Country
The literary heritage in Northern England is plentiful and it’s easy to see how these beautiful surroundings inspired such great works of art. Three sisters - Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë - produced some of the most widely read novels in the world, including the literary greats ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Jane Eyre’.
We’ll enjoy a morning tour of the lovely village of Haworth and learn about the everyday lives of the Bronte sisters, including their childhood home, which is now the Bronte Parsonage Museum, where we’ll see their letters, poems and stories, their achievements and passions, all woven into the fabric of the village and the social history of the time. We’ll explore the cobbled streets of Haworth before we board our motorcoach to head to the artist village of Hebden Bridge. This handsome little town is awash with creativity - from the artists and musicians hard at work in their studios to the Arts and Music Festival held every year. We'll have time to wander the bohemian streets, where you can feel the influence of the writers and artists who flocked to the town. St George's Square in the centre of Hebden Bridge is filled with organic and and delicatessens, vegetarian cafés and cosy pubs serving real Yorkshire ale where we’ll have time for lunch. Enroute to York, we'll take the scenic drive through the Yorkshire Moors, the dramatic setting that was the backdrop of many Bronte novels.
We’ll continue on our dramatic, scenic drive over the moors and finish our day in York. From Roman rule to life as a Viking capital to medieval England’s bastion against attacks from the Scots, the colorful history of this town is found all around you. Its winding streets are full of traditional shops, cozy old pubs, delicious Victorian style tearooms and brilliant museums.
Included dinner in York
Overnight in York, 3 nights with included breakfast
Day 3. All Creatures Great and Small. Today we focus on the stories of James Herriot, the Yorkshire veterinarian whose fascinating vignettes brim with the wonder of life, animal and human, come alive in this delightful novel. We’ll begin our day in Thirsk, where we'll see where he lived and worked as a young North Yorkshire vet. Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice, known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby.
We are then on to Castle Howard, the sight of the film Brideshead Revisited, for lunch at the boathouse and afternoon tour of the majestic castle and grounds.
The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy the town of York. Overnight in York
Day 4. The North Yorkshire Moors - Count Dracula!
In 1885 the Russian Schooner, The Demeter, was hit by a wild storm and ran aground in Whitby harbor. Mysteriously, all the crew were dead including the captain, who was lashed to the helm. The instant the Demeter ran aground, a huge black dog was seen to leap ashore and run up the 199 steps towards Whitby abbey. The dog was known to be one of the many forms into which a vampire could transform itself. Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula had arrived in England! Stoker found some of his inspiration for his novel while staying in Whitby in 1890.
Today, we venture into the wild and windswept lands of the North Moors National Park and lunch stop in the market town of Helmsley.
We're then on our way to Whitby to enjoy lunch and discover the towns many attractions. If you are interested, we can go to the Dracula Experience, where animated scenes, special effects and live actors tell the story. No visit to Whitby is complete without a walk up to Whitby Abbey to follow the route taken by Dracula as he flees the wreckage of his ship up into the graveyard and abbey ruins. Our guide will give us a good connection between the character and the town of Whitby, and a little more information about the history of the town.
Overnight in York. Dinner is not included.
Day 5. Back to London
Morning train to London.