Enchanting England & the Corners of Cornwall

Where better to begin a 10-day journey through some of Britain's most storied destinations than historic Edinburgh? Before we begin the adventure though, it's time to get to know your small group over a wholesome included dinner and perhaps a celebratory drink or two. Will scotch whisky be your tipple of choice?

After a hearty Scottish breakfast at our hotel, we'll hop in our luxury minicoach and cross over into England where our tour of the scenic eastern region truly begins. We'll dive straight in with a dose of medieval history at Alnwick Castle...

Nestled on Northumbria's wild coastline, Alnwick's thick stone walls echo with epic tales of War of the Roses' invasions and mysterious Gunpowder Plot schemes. Some of the castle's opulent Italianate interior also had a starring role in both Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, so be prepared for a little on-screen magic.

Finish off your visit with a stroll around Alnwick's fragrant formal gardens before heading to the castle cafe for a quick lunch if you're feeling peckish. Fun fact: it's lodged inside a giant treehouse that's one of the biggest in the world! Then, it's onwards to the equally historic Durham where we'll marvel at the intricately carved, vaulted ceiling of its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.

Heads and hearts filled with stories of the past; we'll continue onwards to Yorkshire. Gaze out the window as we glide past the heather-peppered landscape of the atmospheric North York Moors – the location of tonight's hotel where a delicious included dinner awaits...

Tales of thrilling sea voyages, scandalous smugglers and infamous vampires lay in store for us in Whitby today! As we approach this picture-perfect seaside town, you'll get your first glimpse of the stunning Yorkshire coastline – and the iconic silhouette of 7th century Whitby Abbey.

Before we delve into its eerie remains, we'll enjoy a leisurely welcome walk around the town with our Tour Leader – passing local landmarks like the Whitby Whale Bone Arch (a nod to the town's whaling heritage) and the Captain Cook Memorial. Speaking of Captain Cook, our next stop is a museum dedicated entirely to the prolific explorer and ocean navigator who lived in Whitby when he wasn't out at sea.

After a guided tour of the museum's fascinating exhibits, you'll have some free time to get lost in Whitby's cobblestone lanes at your own pace. Why not follow your nose to the Magpie Cafe – a local institution right on the harbourfront – for fish and chips? A fitting lunch for a day by the sea!

Then, it's time for some Gothic ambiance at Whitby Abbey. Stroll beneath its soaring arches and encounter whispers of centuries gone by – from fearsome Viking invasions to literary legends. Ready to relax this evening after all that exploring? We'll settle down for another included dinner back at our charming North York Moors hotel.

Did you know that Yorkshire is home to one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe? This morning, we'll rewind 700 years with a visit to delightful York.

There's no better way to soak up this city's mystery-filled narrow streets (known as ‘Snickelways'), timber-framed buildings and majestic Minster than on foot. Get your bearings – including a wander down the famed 14th century Shambles – during a welcome walk with your Tour Leader before indulging in a little free time to soak up the city's splendour even further. You may want to settle in for a spot of lunch at a cosy pub or treat your tastebuds to a crispy Yorkshire pudding stuffed with classic Sunday dinner trimmings from the York Roast Co.

Stomachs satisfied, we'll climb back in the minicoach and swap the rolling hills of Yorkshire for the dramatic crags of the Peak District. Tonight's hotel is in charming Buxton: a Georgian spa town brimming with handsome buildings that look like they've been plucked straight out of Bridgerton. Depending on what time we arrive, your Tour Leader may take you to the Buxton Pudding Emporium to sample a slice (or two) of its signature raspberry-flavoured pudding that's topped with a scattering of golden breadcrumbs. It certainly rivals the nearby town of Bakewell for it's very similar-tasting tart!

“It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills.” These might be the words Jane Austen used to describe Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice – but it's long been thought to have been inspired by the real-life Chatsworth House.

A visit to this sprawling 17th century estate is today's main event. Its lavish state apartments and masterpiece-covered hallways brim with intriguing tales which you'll hear in all their glorious detail during an audio tour. Discover how Mary Queen of Scots was kept prisoner at Chatsworth during the 1570s. Or how it was the location of some of Britain's most lavish parties during the 1770s hosted by its then Duchess and ever-so-glamorous socialite, Georgiana Spencer.

Finish your visit strolling between rows of fragrant seasonal blooms, past majestic statues and beneath towering redwoods in Chatsworth's vast gardens before we return to Buxton for a leisurely evening at our hotel – including treating our tastebuds to a hearty included dinner.

We'll revel in a morning of thrilling history today – specifically, in the village of Eyam. As you wander down winding lanes fringed with pretty stone cottages, you'll find it hard to believe that this bucolic spot was once the site of a tragic outbreak of the Black Death during the 1600s.

After taking in a little fresh air and panoramic views of Derbyshire's undulating hills, we'll swap rustic country charm for medieval splendour at Lincoln Castle. This formidable 11th century fortress – that sits on the site of an earlier Roman structure – is home to an original 1215 Magna Carta. After perusing its time-worn pages and touring the castle's recently restored towers, we'll pop next door to the equally as impressive Lincoln Cathedral: an unmissable sight on the city's skyline with its trio of lofty spires.

This evening is yours to spend exploring Lincoln's cobbled streets and discovering the city's multi-cultural food scene. Seek out a cosy pub to sample some wholesome, herb-infused Lincolnshire sausages or take your pick of global eateries – think tempting curry houses and tasty tapas.

Savour a slow breakfast at the hotel before diving into a whole day of self-guided discovery in Lincoln. Continue your journey through the city's rich history at the Lincoln Museum. Or encounter the Roman Lincoln Trail and put yourself in the shoes of 1st century legionnaires defending the city (then known as Lindum Colonia) from invaders.

Feeling famished? Seek out a quaint tearoom for lunch on medieval Steep Hill followed by a leisurely browse of the area's array of vintage boutiques. As the afternoon draws to a close, you could treat your ears to the heavenly sounds of the Choral Evensong – an almost daily event at Lincoln Cathedral. Alternatively, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city's old town to relax with a pint of local ale and a hearty English meal.

If you've always dreamed of glimpsing British Royalty, now might be your chance! Sandringham Estate – the private retreat of King Charles III – is our next port of call. While he may not always be in residence, you'll still encounter plenty of regal history as you wander its gilded halls.

Don't forget to take a stroll around Sandringham's picturesque gardens, too, which are speckled with waving daffodils, cheerful snowdrops and fragrant magnolias during the spring months. Then, it's time for us to move onto a city that's famed for its punting, period properties and very prestigious university...

Expect to arrive in Cambridge in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to seek out one of its centuries-old pubs and soak up the old-world atmosphere ahead of a full day of exploring tomorrow.

You can't visit Cambridge without trying the local's favourite pastime: punting, of course! This morning we'll be doing just that as we bob along the so-called ‘Backs' of Cambridge University, passing various famous colleges where some of world's greatest scholars have studied.

Back on dry land, we'll embark on a guided walking tour with a clued-up local. Expect to admire some awe-inspiring architecture as you tick off world-famous landmarks like The Wren Library and the dreamily named Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city further. Perhaps you'd like to stroll through a handful of Cambridge's 31 esteemed colleges which boast impressive names like Corpus Christi, Kings, Magdalene and Trinity.

There are also museums and galleries galore (including the Fitz William that's stuffed with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso), plus the option of simply indulging in a little retail therapy along quaint King Street. We'll then reconvene for one final dinner together where we'll swap stories from the week just gone and clink glasses to the unforgettable friendships we've made.

Before we journey to London, there's time for one more behind-the-scenes tour... Saddle up for a morning delving into England's rich sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. Nearly 200 horses call this working Thoroughbred stud farm home – and we'll gain a unique insight into its history and breeding programme during a guided tour. If we're lucky, we may even spot some of the Stud's robust stallions swishing their tails and shaking out their manes in the paddocks.

Then, it's onwards to the Big Smoke where we'll bid farewell to our new friends – before checking into our London hotel and getting to know our new small group of travellers over a welcome dinner this evening. 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.