Castles and Manors of England

Collect your vehicle at London Heathrow Airport and make your way in to central England and the Cotswolds countryside. First stop can be historic Oxford home to a unique academic ambience amidst the lawns, quads and spires of the historic University buildings which once inspired the likes of Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps visit nearby Churchill’s Blenheim Palace on route to Stratford-upon-Avon a picturesque, Tudor market town of timberwork buildings, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon.

Overnight: Alveston Manor Hotel or Billesley Manor (or similar), Stratford-upon-Avon

Journey details: 95 miles / 1hr 45mins approx.* (from Heathrow Airport)

This morning, explore Stratford-upon-Avon, a beautiful medieval town of boats bobbing on the River Avon and timberwork houses. The town is home to a host of Shakespeare heritage sites and landmarks including his Birthplace and his wife’s cottage. By afternoon, head out in to the surrounding countryside, the quintessential rolling hills of the Cotswold. Discover thatch cottages and eccentrically named chocolate-box villages such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold as well as a host of historic sites.

Overnight: Alveston Manor Hotel or Billesley Manor (or similar), Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included

Today continue your journey north, you may choose to stop at one of England's hidden gems at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens. Then on to the city of York; York is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to Viking heritage at the Jorvik Center. Stroll along the medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the National Railway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman, visit the Mansion House or the Tudor exhibition at Micklegate Bar, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at the iconic York Minster.

Overnight: Hazlewood Castle Hotel (or similar), near York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 150 miles / 2hrs 30mins approx*

Dedicate today exploring the surrounding areas of York, here you’ll find yourself in another area of outstanding natural beauty with the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors on your doorstep. Explore Goathland Station, seen as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter movies or discover the nearby historic attractions at the UNESCO World Heritage Fountains Abbey and Gardens or the majestic Castle Howard stately home which has featured in period dramas and film alike.

Overnight: Hazlewood Castle Hotel (or similar), near York

Meals: Breakfast included

Departing Yorkshire head West and explore the quaint Yorkshire towns of Harrogate and Skipton, or visit the Bronte Parsonage where the famous literary sisters created their works. Then arriving in the Lake District enjoy some of England’s most spectacular and inspiring natural beauty. Take time to explore the lakes, their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint lake-land villages such as Windermere and Grasmere. Perhaps take a steam-boat ride on Lake Windermere or climb Scafell Pike, the highest point in England to enjoying breath-taking views.

Overnight: Augill Castle Hotel (or similar), Lake District

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 95 miles / 2hrs 15mins approx*

Continue to explore the region, a haven for walkers, writers, budding artists and photographers or those simply looking for a tranquil boat trip or lazy drives soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage along with Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm as well as a wealth of stunning historic houses including Hutton in the Forest, Lowther Castle and Levens Hall. A short drive North brings you Birdoswald Fort part of the magnificent Hadrian's Wall which once stood on the most northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Overnight: Augill Castle Hotel (or similar), Lake District

Meals: Breakfast included

Today pass south to visit the magnificent city of Liverpool which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008. The city is home to two cathedrals, dozens of listed buildings, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Beatles Story Exhibition. A short onward drive brings you to the Roman city of Chester, home to Roman City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded "Rows".

Overnight: Crabwall Manor, near Liverpool and Chester

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 105 miles / 1hr 45mins approx*

Today make your way south; first stop can be the quaint market town of Shrewsbury with its medieval timberwork buildings; explore the historic streets, the beautiful red sandstone castle (now host to a regimental museum) and the wonderful Shrewsbury Abbey which was home of the fictional Brother Cadfael. Later continue to the World Heritage site at The Ironbridge Gorge with its host of exhibitions dedicated to the industrial revolution and the Vicotrian Era, the highlight being the bridge itself, a stark symbol of the Industrial Revolution, dramatically spanning the gorge. By evening, head to the tiny village of Thornbury for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Thornbury Castle Hotel, Thornbury or The Bird Hotel, Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 160miles / 2hrs 45mins approx*

Today make the short journey to the elegant city of Bath; Bath 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 highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, a wealth of quality museums such as the Jane Austen exhibition and of course the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room which date back to the 1st century AD.

Overnight: Thornbury Castle Hotel, Thornbury or The Bird Hotel, Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

A short drive from your hotel will take you in to the charming city of Bath; Bath 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 highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent and a wealth of quality museums such as the Jane Austen exhibition and the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room which date back to the 1st century AD. Then make your way west on to the Salisbury Plain to see the famous standing stones at Stonehenge before arriving in historic Windsor, home to the world’s largest inhabited castle and Queen’s favoured residence at Windsor Castle.

Overnight: Beaumont Estate, near Windsor

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 130 miles / 2hrs 45mins* (Travelling via Bath and Stonehenge)

This morning, enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. Make your way to nearby London Heathrow Airport to check-in for your onward flight or make your way in to central London to explore the renowned English Capital city.

Meals: Breakfast included