Corners of Cornwall & Highlights of Britain

You'll be hard-pressed to find a city as vibrant as London. Before getting to know our small group over a welcome dinner this evening, why not spend a day (or three) admiring England's capital? You could uncover the East's buzzing art scene with its plethora of intimate pop-up galleries and vibrant street art. Or, perhaps the West's renowned shopping districts are calling for a dose of retail therapy at its quirky boutiques and sparkling department stores. And that's not forgetting the city's foodie havens and glittering landmarks, of course. The list goes on! Here's to the start of an incredible week!

Wave goodbye to towering skyscrapers and sparkling city lights, England's West Country awaits. Settle into the minicoach as we journey to Wells, which welcomes us with open arms. Often referred to as England's smallest city, our in-the-know Tour Leader will help us discover its treasures, including the oldest medieval street in Europe and the stately bishop's residence.

The jewel in the crown? The magnificent Wells Cathedral. Step inside this Gothic masterpiece and be awestruck at the nave's soaring, vaulted arches. Seek out the intricate astronomical clock and listen for its chiming bell that signals the appearance of miniature jousting knights (yes, really!). And bathe in the peaceful, dappled light of the Jesse Window – a multicoloured stained glass marvel.

To close today's chapter, we'll journey from Somerset's postcard-perfect lanes to Dartmoor National Park's heather moorland and gorse-clad tors – a landscape that has inspired writers including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. You may also recognise Dartmoor as the setting for several scenes in Steven Spielberg's War Horse! These sweeping vistas have seen centuries of human activity, from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and beyond. And as we weave through the undulating open country, keep an eye out for the roaming, semi-wild ponies. They've called this place home for over four millennia!

This afternoon, step back in time as you settle into our accommodation – an 18th-century coaching inn-turned-hotel that's just bursting with character. Bask in the glow of its open fireplace with a pint of locally brewed Jail Ale before we gather for dinner with the group, sharing our excitement for the days ahead.

Where turquoise waters swell against jagged cliffs, surfers glide like dancers on powerful waves and the masts of sailboats ring like wind chimes in the sea breeze – it's got to be North Cornwall.

We'll get our first taste for Cornish life in Port Isaac, the idyllic fishing village whose whitewashed cottages and winding streets served as the setting for the Doc Martin TV series. As you meander past the slate-fronted houses, melodies of traditional sea shanties drift through the air – did you know the local Fisherman's Friends folk music group call this place home? Time to warm up those vocal cords... With free time for lunch, you could tuck into a fresh crab sandwich (or two): a true Cornish classic packed with fresh crab meat, crisp lettuce and smooth mayonnaise. Count us in!

Then, we'll travel on to Padstow, a picturesque port town that's overflowing with bustling cafés, independent shops and sweeping estuary views – not to mention its charming centuries-old harbour. A haven for seafood lovers, celebrity chef Rick Stein has left his mark on the town with his renowned restaurant. Why not spend some time enjoying a traditional cream tea? And let the hubbub of harbourside life unfold before you. (Just remember, the Cornish way to enjoy a freshly baked scone is with jam first, then clotted cream!).

To round off our day, we'll journey to the lively seaside town of Falmouth, our base in South Cornwall for the next two nights. Whether it's treating yourself to a swim and a pamper in our carefully selected hotel or taking a short stroll into town where you'll find ample options for a delicious dinner, the evening is yours for the taking.

Soak up our hotel's hundred-year-old history over a hearty breakfast and fuel up for the day ahead – St Michael's Mount is calling. A tidal island just off the coast of Penzance, its cobbled causeway emerges at low tide, offering an iconic stroll across from the mainland. From the lookouts of its medieval castle, panoramic views of Mount's Bay greet you – take a moment to fill your lungs with the bracing sea air as the glistening water ripples like oil on canvas.

We'll be setting our sights on West Cornwall and St Ives next, a true gem of the Cornish coast that's hugged by pristine golden beaches and turquoise water. Meander through the cluster of cobblestone streets, drop in at the Tate art gallery or order a well-earned pint of fruity, Cornish ale at the Sloop Inn pub, one of the oldest in Britain (dating back to 1312, no less). All this exploring is thirsty work after all! Feeling peckish? Well, there's a Cornish pasty with your name on it. Seek out one of these half-moon-shaped pastries, traditionally filled with beef and vegetables, and you'll have had a true taste of Cornish culinary heritage.

After saying goodbye to St Ives, it's back on our luxury minicoach to Falmouth. We're treated to a meal at our hotel this evening – a chance to share stories from the day (and favourite pasty flavours) with the group.

There's a real treat in store for the green-fingered: we're off to explore Tregothnan Estate, one of Cornwall's largest estates and home to the first tea plantation in Britain. A member of the gardening team will give us a private tour of the grounds and the plantation, where we'll learn all about the only tea grown in England – from the first tea bushes planted in 1999 to the unique conditions needed to cultivate perfect leaves. After sampling, and filling our bags with, some of this uniquely British produce (for a taste of Cornwall back home, of course), we'll tear ourselves away from the serene riverside setting and journey on to the St Austell Bay area.

Our home for the next two nights is nothing short of picture-perfect. Our thoughtfully-chosen hotel is perched on the cliffside, offering mesmerising views of the Cornish coastline that we've come to know and love. Dinner is yours for the taking this evening, and you'll be spoilt for choice at our hotel's award-winning restaurant.

Today, you're free to write your own chapter in this captivating corner of Cornwall. If you fancy a walk, you could wander down to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Charleston harbour, where handmade dairy ice creams and classic filming locations await (Poldark, anyone?). Or perhaps you could spend some time connecting with nature at the world-famous Eden Project. Often hailed as the ‘eighth wonder of the world', its two tropical biomes are teeming with an abundance of lush plants and towering trees around every turn, and even the odd lizard or two...

As another option, why not simply indulge in the comforts of our luxurious hotel? Whether it's relaxing by the pool, pampering yourself at the spa, playing a round of golf or just drinking in the fresh, sea air as you weave your way through the 250 acres of private grounds, our accommodation is a true haven for rest and relaxation. This evening, as night casts its spell over the bay, raise a glass to another brilliant day. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, transforming the sea from azure blue to molten silver.

The striking red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast are calling! But not before we pay a visit to Buckfast Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery, where you can take a moment to pause under the vaulted arches of its impressive church.

Then, it's time to follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning in Lyme Regis, the pioneering palaeontologist who called this quaint coastal town home. As you etch your way along the beach, be on the lookout for fossils from around 200 million years ago (yes, really!) that are often revealed by the crumbling cliffs or washed up on the shoreline. From ammonites to belemnites, these marine relics offer a glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past.

Our final dinner is waiting for us in Salisbury. Swap contact details and photos with the group, and give a hearty ‘cheers' to the memories made.

Listen to the patter of footsteps in hushed cloisters, gaze up at the tallest spire in Britain and cast your eyes over the legendary Magna Carta – Salisbury Cathedral beckons! Spot the pointed arches, flying buttresses and intricate stonework that solidify the cathedral as an early Gothic architectural feat before we travel back to London to say our goodbyes. While we may be bidding farewell to our Cornish adventure, the region's magic is sure to leave an indelible mark.

Palaces dripping in historical intrigue. Streets thronged with iconic red buses. A bustling pub on every corner. London couldn't be a more fitting place to embark on the next leg of our tour of Britain! Begin by greeting your next expert Tour Leader and the rest of your small group before we dig into our very first meal together. Uncover each other's back stories over the dinner table and say cheers to the adventure ahead!

After an energy-boosting breakfast with your group, we'll wave goodbye to the Big Smoke as we start our journey north. Our next stop's skyline is equally as impressive as the capital's – with twisting spires, majestic domes and more than a few grinning gargoyles.

Did you know that Oxford University is the second oldest university in the world? Or that the city served as the official capital for four years during the English Civil War? We'll uncover plenty more historical nuggets as we walk in the footsteps of the colleges' illustrious alumni – think Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll – on an orientation tour with our clued-up Tour Leader.

After a little free time to wander and grab some lunch (the city's historic Covered Market is our top pick!), we'll continue our journey west. Our path will take us through several of the idyllic old-world villages of the Cotswolds. Marvel at their honey-hued cottages forged from yellow limestone and soak up vistas of the undulating wolds. Then, a free evening awaits in Mickleton, where you'll find a choice of charming local pubs to dine in.

All the world's a stage, and all men and women merely players! Today, our stage will be the storied streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon: the esteemed birthplace of William Shakespeare. Revel in remarkable tales of his life, loves and losses on a walking tour with your Tour Leader. If there's time, we'll pay homage to the playwright with a visit to his grave. Make sure you spare a minute to peruse the epitaph which is supposedly a curse written by Shakespeare himself...

This afternoon, there's more exploring to be done in the delightful Cotswolds. We'll weave effortlessly along the region's narrow lanes, stopping off at a few of your Tour Leader's favourite villages. Broadway, often called the prettiest village in England, will likely be one of them. If the weather's dry, stretch your legs with a walk through its unusually long high street, stopping for coffee and cake breaks along the way.

Thrilling tales of the crusades fought by saints and kings are on the agenda today as we leave the Cotswolds behind for Worcester. Gaze up in awe at Worcester Cathedral's intricately painted ceiling and feel the temperature drop as we venture down into its Norman-era Crypt of St Wulfstan: the Bishop of Worcester during the 11th century.

Following our medieval history fix, we'll begin our scenic journey to Denbighshire – rolling through the serene Shropshire Hills where we'll make two memorable stops en route. Uncover an Olympic connection in the unassuming village of Much Wenlock and stand in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the UNESCO World Heritage Ironbridge Valley.

Wales's Denbighshire region is known for its tiny, twisting country lanes – but we'll make short work of them in our minicoach. When we do arrive at tonight's hotel, you can expect a very warm welcome from the inn's characterful owner who loves to personally greet every one of his guests.

Warning: not much will prepare you for the jaw-dropping beauty of Snowdonia National Park. This 823-square-mile tapestry of rugged peaks, shimmering lakes (known locally as lynns) and windswept coastline is the setting for today's adventure – and you can expect plenty of imagination-stirring encounters.

Your Tour Leader will decide the specific route you'll take but you can expect it to be steeped in local history and outstanding natural beauty. Cast your eyes across soaring summits in the charming mountain town of Betws-Y-Coed. Challenge yourself to a tongue twister in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – a village on the lovely Isle of Anglesey that's famed for having Europe's longest place name.

You might also feel your heart race a little while walking across the Pontcysyllte (pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay) Aqueduct – a UNESCO World Heritage site that's suspended 40 metres above the tumbling rapids of the River Dee. Then, we'll retrace our steps back to the hotel for another sumptuous group meal and an after-dinner surprise...

We'll get a little help from our friends at The Beatles Story Museum today as we swap the picture-perfect Welsh countryside for the hustle and bustle of Liverpool. Get into the Beatlemania spirit while touring the museum's musical displays, including stepping foot in a recreation of the iconic Abbey Road Studios.

Afterwards, there'll be free time to explore Liverpool's Grade I-listed Royal Albert Docks. Once one of the UK's busiest dock complexes during Victorian times, it's now a hub of culture and cuisine – complete with its very own Tate art gallery.

This afternoon, our route takes us east to York. But before we immerse ourselves in fearsome Viking tales, we'll sweep through the wild moors and rippling hills of the Pennines. Perhaps you'll hear the whispers of the Brontë sisters' timeless characters as we go.

Treat yourself to a full English breakfast this morning – you'll need the extra energy for a busy day of exploring extraordinary York. History echoes off every cobblestone of this incredible city. Soak up stirring stories of old during an orientation walk with your Tour Leader, slipping down enchantingly narrow Snickleways, past the crooked 13th-century cottages of the Shambles and emerging in the shadow of the monumental York Minster.

The rest of the day is free for you to dive further into the city's many allures. Experience Viking tales come to life in the interactive Jorvik Centre museum. Walk in the footsteps of medieval sentries on the impeccably preserved York City Walls. Or sink your teeth into a fat rascal – a traditional scone bursting with juicy currants and zesty citrus – at the quintessentially Yorkshire tearoom, Bettys.

Our final night in York is yours to do with as you wish. The city has a fantastic independent food scene – just ask your Tour Leader for suggestions for tonight's dinner.

We'll leave medieval York behind this morning and jump forward a few hundred years at Castle Howard. This glorious 17th-century English estate has some serious curb appeal, with its Baroque-style frontage embellished with exquisitely carved coronets, cyphers and cherubs a true feast for the eyes.

Wander the castle's grand rooms and gaze up at the whimsically painted ceiling of its 70-foot dome before riding the free road train through the splendid grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for the tinkling Atlas Fountain and the Temple of the Four Winds – a hilltop folly originally built as a reading and writing nook.

Next, our path will take us through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, winding us past tumbling rivers, through lush valleys and into tiny villages that appear trapped in time. Cricket fans will strike lucky with a stop in Thirsk – the birthplace of Thomas Lord, founder of Lord's Cricket Ground. And if there's time, we'll also make a small detour to the Ribble Valley to witness the Grade II Ribblehead Viaduct snaking its way across the heather-dusted moors.

The final chapter of today's adventure sees us entering the legendary Lake District. Marvel at the verdant scenery as we glide effortlessly down twisting country lanes towards our hotel. Tonight, we'll settle in for a delicious group dinner with a lovely view of Lake Windermere – England's largest lake.

Rugged mountain fells, tarns that sparkle in the sun and forests that hum with birdsong...it's no surprise that this spectacular region has been a muse for so many literary geniuses over the centuries!

With that in mind, it's only fitting to start our day at Hill Top – the idyllic former holiday home of Beatrix Potter. Feel your inner child squeal with delight in the flower-filled gardens where miniature scenes from some of her most famous books nestle amongst the greenery. You can even flick through a few books (or buy some as souvenirs) in the house's second-hand book nook.

More inspiring vistas await us this afternoon as we explore the heart of the Lake District – allowing your Tour Leader to personalise the route with their most beloved stops. Finally, we'll end the day soaring across Windermere on a tranquil boat cruise. Soak up the serenity of the region as dusk settles over the soaring peaks, casting fantastical shadows on the water. Is this “the loveliest spot that man hath found” as William Wordsworth wrote? We certainly think so.

We'll hit the road early this morning – heading north through Northumbria towards bonnie Scotland. Before we cross the border though, it's time to hunt for treasure in The Bowes Museum. This palatial art gallery sits on the fringes of Barnard Castle and its halls are stuffed with an eclectic collection of priceless art and antiques. And its crowning glory? A life-size silver clockwork swan that you won't believe dates to the 18th century!

As we creep ever closer to Scotland, we'll stumble across one of the most northerly frontiers of the mighty Roman empire: Hadrian's Wall. Hop off the minicoach at Lanercost Priory to explore a duo of historical architectural gems, unearthing stories of old as you wander between eerie yet beautiful ruins dating back as far as the 2nd century.

Then, one last group dinner awaits at our hotel in the rugged Scottish Borders. On tonight's menu? A traditional Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties, of course! Before you tuck in, your ears will be treated to the moving notes of the bagpipes – a fitting end to our very British romp.

We've got two more highlights in store for you before we round off our tour in the history-rich Scottish capital. First up is an artistic masterpiece in the form of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. Situated within its own dedicated visitors centre near the Borders, this immense tapestry (that's made up of a whopping 160 linen panels) is one of the world's largest community art projects. Countless tales from ancient times to the present day have been adorned upon it – making it a true saga of Scottish history.

With our creative juices flowing, we'll move onto the intriguing Rosslyn Chapel. The eagle eyed among you might recognise it from the Da Vinci Code (both the novel and the film). We'll inspect its intricately carved interiors, whose mysterious patterns and symbols have long baffled historians, before we board our luxury minicoach one last time.

Edinburgh might be our tour's final stop – but where will your journey take you next? You could continue your Gaelic chapter on our Scottish Journey tour. Or why not unlock more unexpected British experiences on our Enchanting Eastern England escape?