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Key Features
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Tour feature: Characterful Castle and Manor House Accommodation throughout
Starting: London or London Airports
  1. Day 1 Oxford & Blenheim Palace

    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)

  2. Day 2 The Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon

    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

  3. Day 3 The City of York

    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*

  4. Day 4 The Yorkshire Dales & Moors and Castle Howard

    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

  5. Day 5 Windermere and the English Lake District

    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*

  6. Day 6 Heritage of the Lakes and Hadrians Wall

    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

  7. Day 7 The Beatles Liverpool and Historic Chester

    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*

  8. Day 8 Shrewsbury and The Ironbridge Gorge

    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*

  9. Day 9 The City of Bath

    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

  10. Day 10 Bath City, Stonehenge and Windsor

    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)

  11. Day 11 Return Home

    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

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

What's included

  • 10 nights accommodation in minimum 4* Castle or Manor House style hotels (suggested accommodations listed below).
  • Full cooked English breakfast each morning.
  • 11 days car rental (automatic transmission) inclusive of all mandatory taxes, insurances and charges.
  • English Heritage Pass (9 Consecutive Days) offering admission to 100 historic attractions and castles across England including Stonehenge & Hadrian’s Wall.
  • Shipment of your personal travel document and information pack containing all travel vouchers/tickets, printed copy of your itinerary, overview driving map and our own travel information and tips.
  • Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip.
  • Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel.

Suggested accommodations

  • Billesley Manor Hotel, near Stratford-upon-Avon x 2 nights
  • Hazlewood Castle, Yorkshire x 2 nights
  • Augill Castle, Lake District x 2 nights
  • Inglewood Manor, near Chester x 1 night
  • Thornbury Castle, near Bristol OR The Bird Hotel, Bath x 2 nights
  • Beaumont Estate, near Windsor x 1 night

All accommodations are subject to availability for requested dates however adeo Travel will offer a comparable alternative if/when the above are unavailable.

As our self-drive tours are fully customizable we can tailor the suggested accommodations for your particular quotation based on your preferences, budget etc. Read more about the accommodation we offer by clicking here. All accommodations are subject to availability for requested dates however adeo Travel will offer a comparable alternative if/when the above are unavailable.

Optional extras

  • Add two or three nights in London before or after your Castles and Manors Tour.
  • Take tickets for an open-top bus tour of York, Chester or Bath.
  • Add dinner at one or more of your accommodations.

Customize this tour!

  • Add extra nights to visit the beautiful South West of England after having visited Bath.
  • Add extra nights in any location to further explore the area.
  • Have your very own private driver-guide chauffeur your tour.
  • Combine this tour with our Castles and Manors of Scotland and/or Wales Tours.

Exclusions

  • Trip Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. More information on the benefits of trip insurance can be found here.
  • Flights – adeo Travel do not book air travel but are happy to offer advice on where to seek competitive airfare.
  • Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.

Departure Dates 2023/2024

This self-guided tour is customizable and can be taken at any time throughout the year and starting and ending on any day of the week - simply let us know your preferred dates of travel!

Pricing 2023/2024

From GBP £2,245 per person (based on two people travelling).

 

Representative pricing above based on travel in shoulder-season travel (April/October) with two people sharing a twin or double room, staying in sample accommodations as listed and sharing a compact automatic vehicle. For a direct quote for your preferred dates of travel please contact us.

 

Single supplements apply for single occupancy rooms, please ask for a quotation for details.

Pricing Notes

  • Above pricing is an estimated "from" price based on shoulder-season travel (April/October). As this tour can be taken at any time pricing will vary dependent on departure day, date of travel, selected accommodations etc.
  • Above pricing is based on suggested accommodations listed however please note that we can tailor your specific quote to accommodate your budget and preferences.
  • Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room and one vehicle.
  • Prices are for land only travel and do not include flights.
  • Prices are in USD$ currency, for approximate amounts in other currencies please contact us.
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