York and the Lake District 2021

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: Grange Hotel (or similar), York

This morning we pass into the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales; an area known for its beautiful green valleys. First stop will be the beautiful Aysgrath Falls before we travel to the traditional Yorkshire town of Askrigg; you may recognise this charming town as the fictional village of ‘Darrowby’ from the TV series All Creatures Great & Small, based on the books of James Herriott. By afternoon we pass in to the Lake District to the impressive Sizergh Castle, a country estate which dates back to the fourteenth century. Next we’ll travel to Hill Top, the lakeland home of author Beatrix Potter whose works were inspired by the natural beauty of lakes and whose creations include the famous Peter Rabbit. Our final stop is Bowness-on-Windermere, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Burnside Hotel (or similar), Bowness-on-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. First stop will be Dove Cottage former home of English Poet, William Wordsworth, before heading for nearby Grasmere, a charming lakeland village famous of its spiced gingerbread. Our drive will then take us over the famous Honister Pass, widely regarded as one of England’s most scenic routes, to Keswich. After a lunch-stop we’ll see 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 Daffodils. By late afternoon we return to Bowness-on-Windermere for free-time where you can explore the town or enjoy a boat trip on the waters.

Overnight: Burnside Hotel (or similar), Bowness-on-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. A perfect round-off to the day will be a visit the majestic York Minster, the largest medieval Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Overnight: Grange Hotel (or similar), York

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we return South to visit one of Britain’s great Elizabethan houses; Hardwick Hall. This stunning country estate dates back to the 16th century and was owned by Bess of Hardwick who became the second wealthiest female in Britain after Queen Elizabeth I. We’ll enjoy time to explore the house and gardens before our journey continues to Stratford-upon-Avon, birth-town of the World’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. Discover Shakespeare's heritage which is abundant throughout the town - perhaps visit Shakespeare's Birthplace exhibition itself 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