Whistle Stop Britain

After arriving in to Heathrow or Gatwick travel, validate your BritRail Passes and travel by rail 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 J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps visit one or more of the famous colleges such as Magdalene and Christchurch or the Bodleian Library and New College Hall which were used as parts of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" movies.

Overnight: Oxford

Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 1 hour to Oxford (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 back on the rails today for a journey in to the North England and the grandiose 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. 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 and 30 minutes (approx.)*

Continue north passing through the rugged landscapes of Northumberland and over the border through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh, the picturesque Scottish capital. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled Old Town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian New Town. Stroll past the Gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today explore Edinburgh in more depth; perhaps enjoy a spot shopping along Princes Street, visit Scotland’s national museums and galleries or discover Royal Edinburgh with visits to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queens Edinburgh residence, or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks, the official royal yacht for over forty years. By afternoon, take a short rail journey from Edinburgh to the historic town of Stirling, whose impressive castle was once the Royal seat of Scotland.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning board the train for a journey south once more through the Scottish Lowlands, over the border to England and in to 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: 3 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

Board the train southbound to the charming city of Chester to discover the many historic sites including the medieval city walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre and an impressive cathedral before wandering along the unique Tudor Facaded The Rows offering some unique boutique shopping. Time-permitting you may choose to take a short rail ride to the contrasting but equally enchanting city of Liverpool. Achieving the accolade of European City of Culture in 2008, Liverpool is a thriving destination bustling with heritage sites dedicated to its most famous residents – the Beatles.

Overnight: Chester

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 3 hours (approx.)*

Continuing South your rail journey today takes you through the rolling hills of the Welsh border Marches and in to Wales to Cardiff, the nation’s capital city. After dropping your bags at your hotel begin by wandering the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays Park, home to the national museum and gallery of Wales, the Victorian market and shopping arcades or tour the famous Millennium Stadium home of the Welsh national rugby team. Not to be missed is the city's magnificent centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman walls and Norman tower with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

A short train ride from the centre is the cosmopolitan Cardiff Bay; once the largest coal port in the world, the rejuvenated bay is now home to a host of sites including the seat of Welsh government, the Millennium Centre, the Victorian Pierhead building and Norwegian Church. By afternoon you may choose to take a local bus or taxi to the open-air museum at St Fagans which showcases Welsh life through the ages, or take a short train ride to nearby Caerphilly to see the magnificent ruins of the 13th century fortress at Caerphilly Castle complete with concentric moat and leaning tower.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

A short train ride East takes you from Cardiff beneath the Severn Estuary and over the English border 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

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)*

Today, join a local driver on a small-group day tour through the villages and countryside of Wiltshire. Enjoy a journey of discovery as you visit considered to be England’s prettiest village, the historic market town of Castle Combe. Then, walk amongst the ancient standing stones at Avebury village and spot striking features of the local landscape such as Silbury Hill and Cherhill White Horse. Undoubted highlights of the day include visits to the iconic site at Stonehenge and Lacock Village whose pretty cobbled streets you may recognise from television and film including "Pride and Prejudice", "Downton Abbey" and "Harry Potter".

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Today you’ll be whisked eastwards on the direct line to London; this will be your base for your final two nights 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: 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*

Today explore London in more depth; culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum. You may choose to stroll through Hyde Park to the elegant Kensington Palace or simply enjoy the abundance of shopping opportunities the city has to offer; from the department stores of Oxford Street to the host of traditional street markets such as the one in Covent Garden.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

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