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Highlights of Britain

4.8/5 Based on 9 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 5,409 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 124 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
Edinburgh
11 Day Highlights of Britain Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: England, Wales, Scotland
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BHBLE4

Overview

Read 9 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 11 Day Highlights of Britain. Join us for a classic Back-Roads 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.

Itinerary

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. Stay: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar) (D)

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. Stay: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar) (B)

There will be plenty of time to enjoy this morning at your leisure before we board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We'll have some time to follow in the Bard's footsteps on an orientation tour before pressing on to the rolling hills and panoramic views of the Cotswolds. Stay: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: The Mulberry Inn (or similar) (B/D)

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. Stay: The Mulberry Inn (or similar) (B/D)

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. Stay: The Churchill Hotel (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: The Churchill Hotel (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar) (B/D)

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. Stay: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: Woodland House Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

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. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore some of Britain's most spectacular regions including the Cotswolds, Snowdonia National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District
  • Discover the medieval Shambles and Snickelways of York
  • Immerse yourself in the grandeur and opulence of Castle Howard
  • Get better acquainted with the Fab Four at The Beatles Story museum

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

  • 10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

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

Trip Reviews (9) View All Most Recent 'Highlights of Britain' Reviews

4.8
AVG. RATING 4.8 / 5
9 Reviews
5 Star
78%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Great British Tour 1 , ACT, Australia, Jun 2019
Our “Highlights of Britain” ten day tour was an excellent experience. The tour was very well paced and we had enough time to enjoy ourselves at each place we visited. All of the accommodation was first class with our stay at The Mulberry Inn in Wales a special treat.

Harriet is a lovely caring person and very knowledgeable guide. Chris made the ...read more whole tour feel safe and secure as he drove us through the back roads of Britain. A big thank you to the entire Back-Roads and Global Journeys teams for an excellent experience.
10days highlights of Britain Back-roads 2 , QLD, Australia, May 2019
Wonderful way to see England and Scotland, great scenery, lots of photo stops and flexible on places and times. Our driver and guide worked together and were part of the tour, extra walks before dinner. Stopping and looking at some of the family history on the way. Highly recommend Back-Roads.
Amazing tour - some great highlights including some I hadn’t expected   5 , ACT, Australia, Sep 2018
My first tour with Back-Roads and I was very impressed - group of 15 with a great guide and driver. We visited the highlights as outlined in the tour description but it was some of the additional things suggested by the guide which really elevated the tour - additional stops in small villages in the Cotswolds, a suggestion to walk up the hill above ...read more the accommodation in Wales (which was amazing in itself), or to attend a church service at York Minster on a free day. Lots of back roads (single lane country roads), great boutique accommodation that reflected the location (not large chains) and a tour guide and driver who you felt loved this part of the country and wanted to share it with you.
Highlights of Britain 11 , Australia, May 2016
One of the best tours we've ever done. Very good group of fellow travellers & David was an excellent guide/driver. Interesting itinerary plus lots of extras included. Flexible route chosen to give us the best viewing as we had wonderful weather & David obviously knew the area very well. Castle Howard, York Minister, Bodnant Welsh lunch as well as the ...read more full day in the Lake District were definite highlights. Farewell dinner at Comlongon Castle was very special.
Could not fault the tour 7 , NSW, Australia, May 2015
Backroads bus tour was excellent, far exceeded our expectations. The historical knowledge of our tour driver was exceptional. Accommodation superb, food great, all areas visited were interesting, countryside beautiful. Could not fault the tour.
Would recommend this trip to others without hesitation 7 , Australia, Jul 2014
Loved the Highlights of Britain trip in its entirety. The coach was extremely comfortable and the tour leader excellent and so full of interesting information. I would recommend this trip to others without hesitation.
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Brochure

Europe & UK

Back-Roads Europe & UK (2024-25)

Back-Roads Touring's brochure offers deep-diving holidays, letting travellers experience destinations as locals do. For over 30 years, we've curated small group tours that balance iconic sights with hidden gems, paired with charming local retreats. It's not just about sightseeing; it's about immersion and independent exploration. Dive in.

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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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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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