England Express Rail Tour

Arriving in London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports, validate your BritRail Passes and join the Britain rail network. After a brief connection in central London glide through the English countryside to the elegant Regency city of Bath. An opulent Georgian city granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, Bath is home to a host of historic, cultural and architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, the Jane Austen Centre, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent not to mention the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room.

Overnight: Bath

Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) and London Underground, followed by 1 hour 20 minutes to Bath (approx.)*

Board the train once again to journey to the historic university city of Oxford, your base for the next two nights. Here you can soak up the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps visit one or more of the famous colleges such as Magdalen and Christchurch or the Bodleian Library and New College Hall which were used as parts of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" movies.

Overnight: Oxford

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)*

Today is dedicated to exploring the quintessential English landscapes and villages of the Cotswolds – take a short rail ride from Oxford to the market town of Moreton-on Marsh. Meet your local driver to begin your scenic journey through the country lanes and rolling hills of the heart of England – your day will be packed with rustic Cotswold views and we’ll pause regularly to enjoy some of England’s prettiest settlements. Visit eccentrically named villages such as Upper Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway each bustling with local markets, honey-coloured homes and thatch cottages.

Overnight: Oxford

Meals: Breakfast included

Hop on the train and head into the North of England to the heritage city of York. This historic city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore; wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles (Britain’s first shopping street) to the medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the interesting exhibitions at the Jorvik Viking Centre or Fairfax House. The highlight of course will be exploring the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 3 hours (approx.)

This morning board the train for a journey West over the Yorkshire Dales crossing the border to into the rustic landscapes of Cumbria. Arriving in the beautiful market town of Windermere on the shores of the famous Lake Windermere make your way to your hotel to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming lakeside town – wander the local boutiques, visit The World of Beatrix Potter exhibition, hike along the shores of the lake or take a private boat or leisurely cruise along on the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 4 hours and 15 minutes (approx.)*

Today is dedicated to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Lake District with a local guide on a small-group tour of this spectacular region. Your journey will take you off the beaten track over mountain passes, through deep valleys and passing sparkling lakes. Along the way you’ll stop at one or more the traditional Lakeland towns or villages such as Grasmere or Keswick and take in some of the region’s most iconic spots such as Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle. The highlight will be an included boat trip on one of the lakes itself.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

Meals: Breakfast included

Today you’ll be whisked South to London on the high-speed line; this will be your base for your final night offering you time to explore the stunning English Capital. London is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. In the east of the city you’ll find the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. By evening why not take a flight on the London Eye for spectacular views of the city skyline.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 4 hours and 15 minutes (approx.)*

Today bid farewell to the UK as you board the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links to take you back to your departure airport.

Meals: Breakfast included