England Explorer

Departing London head firstly to Oxford to soak up the unique academic ambience of the world’s most famous university city; explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned University buildings which once inspired the likes of Tolkien and Oscar Wilde and featured in the Harry Potter movies. Perhaps visit nearby Churchill's Blenheim Palace before arriving at Tudor town Stratford-upon-Avon where you can explore the towns medieval architecture and discover it’s rich Shakespeare related history and heritage.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon or The Cotswolds

Journey details: 90 miles / 145 km, 2 hours 35 minutes (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*

Dedicate to day to exploring the quintessential countryside and villages of the Cotswolds region. Discover charming and eccentrically named chocolate-box villages such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold, each home to quaint tea-rooms, antiques dealers and thatch, honey-coloured cottages. Intriguing historic sites you can visit include the 13th century cistercian Hailes Abbey Broadway Tower and the medieval manor at Sudely Castle, linked to King Henry VIII and 2 of his wives.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon or The Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast included

Travel north this morning, you may choose to stop at Warwick Castle before arriving in the North of England and heading to stunning city of York with a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore from the cobbled Shambles, Britain's first shopping street, the Viking Jorvik Center, the medieval city walls, gates and towers and the National Railway Museum current home of the Flying Scotsman. The highlight of course will be exploring the iconic York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 150 miles / 2hrs 45mins approx *

With York as your base head out to explore some of the surrounding countryside; pass through the Yorkshire Dales countryside of windswept fells and dry-stone walls where you may choose to visit the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, the traditional market town of Skipton or the Bronte Parsonage in the village of Haworth. Nearby historic sites of note include the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Water Gardens and the Impressive Castle Howard stately home.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Departing York, head West crossing the Dales of Yorkshire on route to the Lake District home to 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 enjoy a steam-boat ride on Lake Windermere or climb Scafell Pike, the highest point in England to enjoying breath-taking views. This region is a haven for walkers, hikers, budding artists and photographers or those simply looking for a tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery.

Overnight: Windermere, Lake District.

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 110 miles / 2hrs 30 mins approx *

This morning drive north to Carlisle and then along the line of Hadrians Wall where you can visit one of its many Roman forts which once stood on the most northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Then it’s time to discover the cultural highlights of the Lakes including Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage along with Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm. The region also boasts a wealth of stunning historic houses including Hutton in the Forest, Lowther Castle and Gardens and the Levens Hall.

Overnight: Windermere, Lake District.

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 40 miles / 65 km, 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)*

Pass south to visit the magnificent cities of Liverpool and Chester. Liverpool was designated as European City of Culture in 2008, home to two cathedrals, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including the Cavern Club and Penny Lane. A short drive south is stunning walled city of Chester home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded “Rows”.

Overnight: Liverpool or Chester

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 105 miles / 2 hrs approx*

Continue South to the elegant Regency city of Bath; here you can experience a glorious UNESCO world heritage city which oozes Georgian opulence. Architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent whilst there are a host of cultural attractions including the Jane Austen museum not to mention the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room which date back over 2000 years.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 170 miles / 3hrs 45 mins approx*

Departing Bath head south through Somerset's Mendip Hills perhaps stopping in the village of Wells, home to a stunning Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Continuing in to Devon you may choose to stop in Exeter, the region’s capital, before passing through the eerie and remote landscapes of Dartmoor; here you can stop at some Devon’s finest contrasting castles such as Tiverton, Okehampton and Launceston Castles. Arriving in Falmouth, Cornwal, you can take an evening stroll along the sandy bays.

Overnight: Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 200 miles / 3hrs 45mins approx*

Dedicate today to exploring the Cornish coastline. Perhaps visit the iconic St Michaels Mount an off-shore island and famous hill-top monastery or the renowned Minack Theatre, a stunning open-air amphitheatre carved in to the cliffs. At the Southern tip of Cornwall you can visit Land’s End where nothing but ocean separates you from the Americas or visit the beautiful fishing village of St Ives, now an artist’s retreat.

Overnight: Falmouth, Cornwall.

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 85 miles / 2hrs 45 mins approx (via St Michaels Mount)

Returning East pass through the county of Dorset and along the “Jurassic Coast” perhaps stopping at King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress of Portland Castle or the spectacular natural sea-arch at Durdle Door. From here make your way north where you can visit the iconic standing stones of Stonehenge before making your way to historic Salisbury whose magnificent Cathedral bosts not only has Britain’s tallest spire but is also home to an original copy of the Magna Carta.

Overnight: Salisbury

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 205 miles / 4hrs 15mins approx* (Travelling Via Dorset)

Returning East towards London make your way to Windsor where you can explore this beautiful and historic town home to cobbled squares, timber-fronted houses, and the world’s largest inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favoured residence. Then return your vehicle to Heathrow Airport and make your way in to central London. This afternoon orientate yourself in London perhaps seeing the iconic sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 75 miles / 1hr 15mins approx* (to Heathrow - public transport from there to Central London)

Dedicate your final stay in this magnificent city, a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Perhaps visit the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, Trafalgar Square or Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms exhibition. Culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum whilst Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the West End make for unrivalled shopping opportunities.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Your tour comes to an end. Enjoy your breakfast and make your way back to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast included