Highlights of Britain

DAY 1 LONDON – OXFORD – COTSWOLDS We leave the capital behind for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford, where we have a guided walking tour. Then it’s off to the Cotswolds where we visit an 18th century woollen mill to learn about an industry steeped in regional heritage. Tonight’s dinner is at the world famous Pudding Club. (D) Accommodation: (Three Ways House Hotel) DAY 2 COTSWOLDS - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - COTSWOLDS Enjoy this morning at your own leisure before a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon; a medieval market town. (B) Accommodation: (Three Ways House Hotel) DAY 3 COTSWOLDS – IRONBRIDGE – DENBIGHSHIRE This morning we follow the crusades of saints and kings as we tour Worcester Cathedral. Our road then turns towards the rugged, ancient landscapes of Wales. En route, we stop to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ironbridge Gorge before we reach Denbighshire for an included dinner. (B,D) Accommodation: (The Mulberry Inn) DAY 4 DENBIGHSHIRE – SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK – DENBIGHSHIRE It’s time to soak up the splendour of North Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and take part in a Welsh cooking demonstration. Tonight, meet back at the hotel for a delicious dinner. (B,D)  Accommodation: (The Mulberry Inn) DAY 5 DENBIGHSHIRE– CHESTER – HAWORTH – YORK A walking tour of Chester takes us along streets lined with striking black and white Tudor buildings. After paying homage to some of Britain’s literary greats at the Brontë Parsonage at Haworth, we continue to York. (B) Accommodation: (Churchill Hotel) DAY 6 YORK This morning your Tour Leader will introduce the old town of York, before leaving you free to explore. (B) Accommodation: (Churchill Hotel) DAY 7 YORK – CASTLE HOWARD – LAKE DISTRICT Experience the glory days of the English country estate at the Castle Howard. Our path then takes us through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where we pass rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey is the Lake District. (B,D) Accommodation: (Waterhead Hotel) DAY 8 LAKE DISTRICT Our first stop on the shores of Lake Windermere is Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm, where she wrote many of her beloved children’s stories and also visit Hawkshead Grammar School. Then we drop by Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth. The afternoon sees us take to the water on a lake cruise, before returning to our accommodation for a relaxing evening. (B) Accommodation: (Waterhead Hotel) DAY 9 LAKE DISTRICT – SCOTTISH BORDERS Today we visit Birdoswald Roman Fort before arriving at the Scottish Borders. A traditional Scottish dinner of Haggis and a piper demonstration provides us with a grand ending to our final night. (B,D) Accommodation: (Frairs Carse Hotel) DAY 10 SCOTTISH BORDERS – ABBOTSFORD HOUSE – ROSSLYN CHAPEL – EDINBURGH We visit Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel before reaching Edinburgh where our tour ends. (B) At Back-Roads we pride ourselves on securing charming, intimate boutique accommodation for our guests. On rare occasions, we may be required to substitute a property previously listed in our itineraries. Please note that any hotel changes will be consistent with our high standards.