Heart of England

4.8/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 2,781 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 281 Per Person
 Trip Length
6 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
London
6 Day Heart of England Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: England
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BHOLL5

Overview

Read 4 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 6 Day Heart of England. Neolithic man, Roman forces, celebrated writers and contemporary filmmakers have all made a mark on England’s heartland. On this quintessentially English tour, we’ll follow their tracks – covering Wiltshire’s ancient stone circles and movie-set good looks, the delightful hamlets of the Cotswolds, Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’ and Bath’s incredible architecture.

Itinerary

After meeting the group in England's vibrant capital, we'll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel. Stay: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, we'll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we'll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city's streets over the years with a locally guided walking tour. Then: we'll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages.

We'll enjoy some free time to stroll the elegant terraced High Street of Chipping Campden – before tucking into another delicious group dinner at our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Stay: Swan's Nest Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage today when we pay a visit to the playwright's timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway's pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! We'll have some time to enjoy lunch at our leisure – before we explore some picturesque Cotswolds hamlets this afternoon.

This evening will be ours to spend at our leisure. Stay: Swan's Nest Hotel (or similar) (B)

Day four promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or The Other Boleyn Girl. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we'll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true ‘wow' factor, where we'll make ourselves at home for our final two nights.

This evening, we'll spend exploring Bath at our own pace. Stay: The Abbey Hotel (or similar) (B)

After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we'll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time' at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain's only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you'd prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath's proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops.

At our last dinner together, we'll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories. Stay: The Abbey Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat House blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it's here that we'll start the day. We'll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads.

While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we'll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit the childhood home and final resting place of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Enjoy high tea at a charming village nestled amongst the Cotswolds
  • Discover the rich culture and extraordinary architecture of Bath

  • 5 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

  • 5 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Heart of England' Reviews

4.8
AVG. RATING 4.8 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
A step back in time discovering historic Villages in the Cotswolds 2 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2023
This small group tour was enjoyable from the start to the end. The historic Cotswold's villages and the surrounding countryside were stunning. We had regular stops and time to see the individual villages, learn of their history and the movies made in those villages. The two nights in Bath enabled us to enjoy the ingenuity of the Romans dating back 2,000 ...read more years as well as learn about the events of the regency era. I highly recommend this 5 day tour.
An extremely interesting trip with a great tour guide   1 , SA, Australia, Apr 2018
The tour guide was the most knowledgeable guide we have ever experienced from the pre-Roman kings to history of modern England. The tour met all our expectations. Not to forget the coach driver who negotiated the narrow country roads with ease especially when confronted by trucks coming from the opposite direction.
Cotswolds and Bath short break   5 , VIC, Australia, May 2017
Have travelled with Backroads (UK) twice before with excellent tours all round. This tour was also very good, but the tour guide was not quite so prepared as with previous tours, this detracted somewhat from the overall experience. Great group of fellow travellers.
Coach was rather uncomfortable for a 16 seater 5 , Australia, Sep 2012
Fabulous back roads tour as the guide was very informative and obliging (Nick). Had a bunch of Aussies with us so we were very much at home as we knew the 'lingo' so to speak. Would recommend the trip and have done so to who ever we have spoken to. One negative was that the bus was rather uncomfortable for 16 people although it was a 16 seater. Seats ...read more were very small even for an average person. Hotels were excellent choices and staff were nothing but helpful.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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