Highlights of Britain 2025
Highlights of Britain 2025
Highlights of Britain 2025
11 Days Starting in London and ending in Edinburgh
Visiting: England, Scotland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHBLE5
Tour Overview
Join us for a classic journey that delves deep into Britain’s fascinating history and culture. In England we’ll trace the footsteps of famous writers and poets, uncovering the scenic countryside that inspired their greatest works. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey will take in evocative scenery and dramatic castles – immersing ourselves in age-old traditions as we go. Experience it all on this unforgettable 11-day journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London (England)
Accommodation: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
An epicentre of rich history and innovation, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2: London – Oxford – Cotswolds
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll leave the capital behind us and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where we'll discover the highlights of this medieval university city on an orientation walk with our expert Tour Leader. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages.
Day 3: Cotswolds – Stratford-Upon-Avon – Cotswolds
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we’ll board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before we return to the Cotswolds where there’ll be time to explore more of its rolling hills, charming villages and panoramic views.
Day 4: Cotswolds – Worcester – Denbighshire
Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll discover more about the crusades of saints and kings on a visit of Worcester Cathedral before our road turns towards the rugged ancient landscapes of Wales this afternoon. This evening, we’ll dine together in Denbighshire.
Day 5: Denbighshire – Snowdonia National Park – Denbighshire
Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is our next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. We’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner.
Day 6: Denbighshire – Liverpool – York
Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Toes still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Day 7: York
Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways – and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is ours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel.
Day 8: York – Castle Howard – Lake District
Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Our path will then take us through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, we’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel.
Day 9: Lake District
Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s highlights? Our first stop will be charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. With its flower-filled gardens and glorious views of Lake Windermere, it’s easy to see why Wordsworth was inspired by this tranquil spot. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. We’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to our accommodation for the evening.
Day 10: Lake District – Scottish Borders (Scotland)
Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll commence our day of culture this morning with a visit to The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and antiques, there’s something for everyone in this treasure trove! Next, we’ll turn our attention to Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here we’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening we have a local treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night.
Day 11: Scottish Borders – Abbotsford House And Rosslyn Chapel – Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before we say our goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Our tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh.
What's Included
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Meals
10 breakfasts, 5 dinner -
Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation
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Guide
Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.