Original England

Arrive at London Heathrow Airport, collect your rental vehicle, and set out into the English countryside. Your first stop is historic Salisbury, nestled on the rolling expanse of the Salisbury Plain. Stroll through the city’s maze of medieval streets to the Cathedral Close, where heritage treasures await, including the Salisbury Museum and the National Trust’s Mompesson House - a beautifully preserved 18th‑century townhouse. Then step inside Salisbury Cathedral itself, home to England’s tallest spire, Europe’s oldest working clock, and one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.

Overnight: Salisbury

Today, embark on a scenic drive over the barren hills of the Salisbury Plain to one of England’s most iconic heritage sites - Stonehenge. Uncover its mysteries which have endured more than two millennia, before walking around the awe‑inspiring stone circle itself. Continue onwards to the lesser‑known yet equally captivating Avebury Stone Circle, before making your way to the timeless village of Lacock. Seemingly frozen in time, Lacock is famed for its appearances in television and film; be sure to visit Lacock Abbey, a treasure of medieval architecture. Later, continue to the historic city of Bath, your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Spend today immersed in the charm of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich history and distinctive Georgian architecture. Join your local guide for an escorted walk through the heart of the city; as you wander its elegant streets, you’ll feel transported into a period drama while admiring the architectural gems of its Regency past, including the iconic Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. After some free time to explore at leisure, make use of your inclusive tickets to visit the ancient Roman Baths, one of the city’s most remarkable historic treasures.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Back on the road, today’s journey takes you on a picturesque drive into the very heart of England. Venture deeper into the Cotswolds passing rolling hills, patchwork fields, and a host of charming honey‑coloured villages. Pause to explore eccentrically named towns, each brimming with its own unique character and appeal. By afternoon, you may choose to visit the beautifully manicured Hidcote Gardens or the medieval Sudeley Castle, once linked to Henry VIII himself. Later, continue on to Stratford‑upon‑Avon, your overnight base for the next stage of the journey.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning is devoted to exploring the lively medieval market town of Stratford‑upon‑Avon. Set along the banks of the River Avon and distinguished by its Tudor‑era timber‑framed houses, this charming destination is celebrated worldwide as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the riverside before using your included tickets to visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace where you can uncover the life and legacy of the great bard. Alternatively, step into Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, once the family home of his wife and today a captivating site with fascinating collections and beautifully tended gardens.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included

Today’s road-trip takes you north into the picturesque Cheshire countryside. Pause to explore Beeston Castle, a dramatic 13th‑century fortress perched high on a rocky summit, before continuing to the historic city of Chester. Chester boasts a wealth of heritage: discover the excavated Roman amphitheatre, wander The Rows, its unique two‑tiered shopping galleries, and stroll along the remarkably preserved medieval city walls. Conclude your visit at Chester Cathedral, the city’s architectural jewel whose tower offers sweeping views stretching as far as the mountains of Snowdonia.

Overnight: Chester

Meals: Breakfast included

Your journey this morning takes you through the North of England, to the picturesque village of Haworth, the Yorkshire birthplace of the Brontë Sisters in the early 1800s. Here you can visit the Brontë Parsonage, once their childhood home and now a fascinating museum offering insight into the lives and works of these celebrated authors. Continue onwards into the rustic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales before pausing in the elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate. Continue to York where you’ll check in at your plush city centre hotel- an ideal setting for a traditional afternoon tea. York is your overnight destination for the next two nights.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast and afternoon tea included

Spend the day uncovering the charms of medieval York. Begin with a guided walk led by a local, weaving through the maze of cobbled snickelways, including the famous Shambles - said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, whether strolling along the ancient city walls, delving into fascinating museums such as the National Railway Museum, or stepping back into Viking history at the Jorvik Centre. The highlight awaits at York Minster, the awe‑inspiring Gothic masterpiece that stands as the largest cathedral of its kind in Northern Europe.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Today, journey south with the option to pause in the historic city of Lincoln before continuing on to Cambridge, the renowned medieval university town and one of England’s prettiest cities. Immerse yourself in its enchanting academic atmosphere as you wander through fascinating museums and galleries. Discover the grand university colleges, once home to illustrious figures such as Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin. Conclude your day with a visit to the beautiful Botanic Garden, a tour of King’s College, or a leisurely punt along the River Cam, guided by one of the resident students.

Overnight: Cambridge

Meals: Breakfast included

Upon returning to London, drop off your vehicle at the airport – we can then arrange for a private transfer to whisk you through the city traffic to your London hotel located in the vibrant heart of the capital. This iconic city offers a captivating blend of rich history and contemporary culture. With your London City Pass in hand, set out to discover some of its most celebrated landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Kensington Palace. For breathtaking views across the skyline, enjoy a ride on the London Eye. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the excitement of the West End with a world‑class theatre performance.

Overnight: Central London

Meals: Breakfast included

Today, continue your discovery of London’s remarkable landmarks. With your pass, gain entry to some of the city’s most iconic sites, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the historic Tower of London - home to the Crown Jewels - and the impressive Tower Bridge, a marvel of engineering. You might choose to take a scenic boat ride along the Thames or immerse yourself in world‑class museums and exhibitions such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the National Portrait Gallery. For those in search of retail delights, explore the vibrant street markets or indulge in the chic boutiques of Oxford Street and Covent Garden.

Overnight: Central London

Meals: Breakfast included

Bidding farewell to London and England, this morning you’ll be collected by a driver for a private transfer whisking you safely back to the airport where you will prepare for your onward flight with memories of English heritage.

Meals: Breakfast included