York and the Lake District

Departing London, we make our way North – first stop is the elegant medieval city of Cambridge, home to one of the world's most prestigious universities whose alumni includes Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, CS Lewis and Sir Isaac Newton. With free-time to explore you can stroll amidst the striking architecture of the historic colleges and quads perhaps visiting King College Chapel, Cambridge's most iconic building, or taking a “punt” on the river Cam in a boat guided by one of the resident students. After lunch we'll continue north to the historic city of Lincoln; visit the imposing medieval hill-top Cathedral which was once the tallest building in the world or explore the tangle of streets which make up Lincoln's Roman quarter. At the Norman era castle, you can see one of the only surviving copies of the world’s oldest constitution; the Magna Carta. By late afternoon we continue North to our overnight base in York.

Overnight: York.

Departing York, we pass in to the rustic scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, a National Park known for its beautiful green hills and valleys, called ‘Dales’. Our first stop will be in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate; here you can enjoy the architecture and formal public gardens or visit the famous Pump room. Next, we journey deep into the Dales and along the narrow country roads, characteristic of the region; our route will take us to the beautiful Aysgarth Falls which famously featured in the film Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves, and then to Hawes village and market, home to Yorkshires’ most famous cheese; Wensleydale. By afternoon we pass in to the Lake District where we visit the village of Grasmere once the home of William Wordsworth; with free-time to explore you may choose to visit his former home Dove Cottage or sample some of the local speciality - Grasmere gingerbread. Finally, we retire to our overnight base in Windermere.

Overnight: Windermere, Lake District.

Meals: Breakfast included

Our day today is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty and heritage of the Lake District, England's largest National Park. This morning we’ll pass Hill Top Cottage, the former home of Beatrix Potter whose animal stories such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit were no doubt inspired by the surrounding landscapes and abundant wildlife. Our drive will then take us over the famous Honister Pass, widely regarded as one of England’s most scenic routes before we head to the traditional market town of Keswick for our lunch-stop. By afternoon we’ll see the nearby dramatic Castlerigg Stone Circle, thought to date back more than 4,000 years, before we complete the loop around Ullswater Lake whose waters and shores reputedly inspired Wordsworth's iconic poem Daffolfils. On route we'll take time to visit the Aira Force waterfall set amidst beautiful woodland where you can draw some inspiration of your own before we return to Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. You may want to take a short cruise on the water, the perfect way to round off your day in the Lakes.

Overnight: Windermere, Lake District.

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we return over the Dales back to the historic city of York to explore in depth; York remains one of England’s greatest cities and boasts a complex and fascinating history. Over the centuries York has been occupied by the Romans, Vikings and Saxons who have all left their mark on the ancient city. We’ll enjoy plenty of free-time here to explore all the city has to offer; rail enthusiasts may choose to visit the National Railway Museum, whilst history buffs can visit the Jorvik Viking Centre, the Georgian Faifax House or the Mickelgate Bar Museum. Those looking to site-see can take a stroll atop the ancient city walls or wander through the historic central streets known as 'The Shambles', England’s oldest shopping street. Rail enthusiasts can visit the National Railway Musuem whilst those looking for a fright can take part in one of the many fantastic ghost tours, after all York is reputedly one of England’s most haunted cities. A perfect round-off to the day will be a visit the majestic York Minster, the largest medieval gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Overnight: York.

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we return South, passing in to the Peak District National Park and making our way to the magnificent Chatsworth House; the Seat of the Duke of Devonshire, this grandiose 16th century stately home is set amidst 1,000 acres of parklands and is famed as a filming location for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. After free-time to explore, our journey continues as we make our way to Stratford-upon-Avon, which was the birth-town of the World’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. You’ll have time to explore this quaint medieval town of timberwork buildings and perhaps discover some Shakespeare heritage with time to visit the Shakespeare’s Birthplace exhibition dedicated to his life and works or Trinity Church, his final resting place. After this it will be time to make our way back to London where our York & the Lake District tour concludes.

Meals: Breakfast included