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Essential Britain

12 Days London Return
Essential Britain
Essential Britain
Essential Britain

Overview

Read 12 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Globus 12 Day Essential Britain. Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. read more

With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Alnwick so you can plan your day your way.
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Trip Length
Trip Length

12 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

London

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

London

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Globus
Trip Reviews
12 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.3/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star

Budget
Budget

Premium

Age Range
Age Range

5-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

45

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

GC

Itinerary

Welcome to London!

Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.

Secrets of the Stones

Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take time to view the monument up close. Head to the quaint market town of Ilminster for a welcome lunch at a local pub. 219 mi / 352 km (B/L)

LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!

Legends of Land & Sea

Start the day with a scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, before enjoying a drive through the West Country into Poldark's Cornwall. Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers' port of Looe. Head back to Plymouth and enjoy some free time. 42 mi / 70 km (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark' saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel.

Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs

At Glastonbury, hear about the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and then head to the Georgian city of Bath, visit the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths, and take time to explore this fascinating city on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. 184 mi / 295 km (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of King Arthur's legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.

Moor than Meets the Eye

Your journey through Wales takes you on a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and via the ancient market town of Builth Wells. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, host to one of the world's most colorful annual music festivals. On arrival in Liverpool, there's some free time to enjoy this vibrant city. 190 mi / 306 km (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky.

Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows

Start the day with a visit to The Beatles Story, for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a break in Wordsworth's beloved Grasmere and try original Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for runaway young couples, and join in a fun wedding re-enactment. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. 236 mi / 380 km (B/D)

LOCAL FAVORITE - TIMELESS TRADITIONS: Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows.

Landmarks, Lochs & Legends

An orientation drive shows you Glasgow's landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and Georgian squares before heading on a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. View Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak from Fort William before following the length of the legendary Loch Ness, en route to Inverness, the Highland capital. 178 mi / 286 km (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.

Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes

View the battlefield of Culloden Moor, scene of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish clans, before a walk through the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town before a drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge takes you to Edinburgh. 202 mi / 326 km (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO: Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on select departures.

ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.

Crown Jewels & Castle Views

Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, see the royal regalia and Scotland's Crown Jewels.

Spend your day your way in Alnwick

This morning, head to Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and more recently featured in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Explore more of Alnwick with your choice of Globus Choice Excursions.

  • BLOOMING MARVELOUS - See the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland blooming as a true 21st century experience full of imagination, inspiration and fun. Stroll the Alnwick Garden for an eye-popping experience in one of the world's most ambitious new gardens.
  • CAPTURE THE CASTLE - The second largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years. Explore the castle and its grounds, featured in historical films, Shakespeare productions, and Harry Potter movies.

Next, make your way to York, England's most complete medieval city. Admire the great structure of the Minster and follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. 214 mi / 344 km (B/D)

Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare

Head back to London via historic Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and enjoy a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. You will return to London at about 3.30 pm. 255 mi / 410 km (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A LEGEND SLEPT HERE: Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare's fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard's wife-to-be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare's family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit to Stonehenge
  • Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths
  • Visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool
  • Grasmere Gingerbead tasting
  • Join in a wedding re-enactment in Gretna Green
  • Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels
  • Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2026: August 1, 8, 15 and 22 departures)
  • Globus Choice Excursions in Alnwick – included in your tour with your choice of an inside visit to Alnwick Castle or a visit to Alnwick Garden
  • Lunch in a local pub in Ilminster
  • Scenic cruise on the Plymouth Sound
  • Visit to Glastonbury
  • Guided walking tour of medieval York, including The Shambles
  • Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare's Birthplace
  • Orientation drive in Glasgow
  • Visit to Llangollen

  • 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner

  • London: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (Superior First-Class):
    Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
  • London: Park Plaza Waterloo (Superior First-Class):
    The 494-room property is situated within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye, the London Dungeons and the Imperial War Museum. The Florentine Restaurant serves a Brasserie-style menu; the bar features the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails; and for a relaxing cup of coffee, head to the illy Caffè bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
  • Plymouth: Crowne Plaza Plymouth (Superior First-Class):
    A modern hotel with sea views overlooking Plymouth Hoe. Thanks to Sleep Advantage® programme, guests enjoy a good night's rest, with premium bedding, quiet zones and a guaranteed wake up call. There is Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill with sea views and Drakes Bar and Lounge. Guests can workout in the gym or wind down in the heated pool. There's also an outdoor garden for those who prefer to enjoy the fresh air.
  • Cardiff: Holland House hotel Cardiff by Sunday (Superior First-Class):
    Holland House Hotel Cardiff by Sunday is a modern hotel situated in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff, with 165 bedrooms. All of the sights and attractions of Cardiff are within walking distance such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle.
  • Liverpool: Pullman Liverpool (Superior First-Class):
    Guests will enjoy the conveniences of this central hotel and its bar, lounge, and Marco Pierre White Wheelers of St. James Oyster Bar & Grill Room. All guestrooms are bright, modern, and luxurious, and come with blackout curtains, minibar with complimentary mineral water, 55" TV with SKY TV channels, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, robe and slippers, waterfall shower, and luxury toiletries. There is free 5G Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
  • Glasgow: Clayton Hotel Glasgow (Superior First-Class):
    The hotel is situated on Clyde Street overlooking the beautiful River Clyde and just a 10 minutes' walk from George Square, and Glasgow's main shopping streets, art galleries, bars and restaurants. All rooms are air-conditioned and include King Koil mattresses for an enhanced sleep experience, HD TVs with Chromecast, WIFI and complimentary use of fitness suite.
  • Inverness: AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness (Superior First-Class):
    Where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, AC Hotel Inverness, the largest hotel in the city, offers modern accommodation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This perfectly positioned hotel is only a short walk from Inverness Railway Station and the finest shopping and sightseeing spots. Our thoughtfully designed guest rooms offer modern decor, flexible workspace, free Wi-Fi, a smart TV and plenty of space to unwind or focus before your meeting in a calm environment. The perfect blend of form and functions for a stay in Inverness. Start the day with a European-style breakfast and end it with hand crafted cocktails at the AC Lounge. The restaurant completes the offer with tapas-style bites and local flavors, perfectly paired with iconic views across the river. After a long day of exploring the legend of Loch Ness, let us pour you a glass of our signature gin tonic whilst you welcome a moment of tranquility on our riverside terrace. Unfold an enriching stay in one of Scotland's most picturesque cities.
  • Edinburgh: Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh (First-Class):
    A fine 3 star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center's popular Princes Street. Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh has great views of Edinburgh Castle. The 158 stylish rooms all have internet access and satellite TV. Princes Dining Room and Bar are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for light snacks and drinks.
  • York: Mercure York Fairfield Manor (First-Class):
    One of the most tranquil hotels in York, set in 6 acres of private grounds on the outskirts of the historic walled cathedral city and the banks of the River Ouse. All 89 comfortable bedrooms have HD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WIFI.

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
  • Due to the Solstice closure of Stonehenge on 21st June, departure June 20 will visit Salisbury rather than Stonehenge.
  • This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
  • We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
  • Headsets available on tour except for London.

Operator

Globus
 (813) Reviews
Total No. of Tours328
At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way it makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures that you’ll want to re-live forever. We’ve been creating wonder-filled first class touring for more than 90 years; we have the experience and local knowledge globally to craft immersive adventures more that make Globus travellers feel alive. Not only can you expect to see the big sites, we’ll also take you deeper in each location, right to the beating heart of each new discovery.

At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
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Culture Through Cuisine

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Expert Local Guides

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Trip Reviews (12)

Globus Reviews
Reviews 12 Reviews
Average Rating 4.3 out of 5
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
UK tour 3 , QLD, Australia, Sep 2019
Enjoyed the trip but in some places we felt very rushed, like Glasgow. I would like to have seen more and in the districts. It would have been nice to see Beatrix Potter's house. I thought the ferry was a waste of time and stopping 10 seconds up the road a complete waste of time. Some hotels were very dated and old especially Inverness and Portrush. read more The driver Dave and Annie, the tour guide, were awesome and a fantastic asset to Globus.
Essential Britain 8 , VIC, Australia, Jul 2018
If you want to see a lot in a short amount of time, this is the tour. Spend a lot of time on the coach, leave at 8am and get to hotels around 5-4.30. Many meals provided. Welsh night and Ceremony of the Haggis was great. Other optional tours OK. Hotels good though we were given bathrooms better suited to those on the tour with reduced mobility who had read more an ordinary bathroom with shower over a bath. The only down side was insufficient time st Edinburgh castle. Need to go back independently. Booking with Global Journeys and Jemma was trouble free.
Excellent Holiday   6 , WA, Australia, Jun 2017
From beginning to end the tour was just a pleasure to be part of. We had excellent group of folk...all willing to make it good for everyone else. Our tour guide,Gail, was just perfect. Making everything so clear so as to not be in doubt as to the schedule and very clear in giving the history of places on the tour. We have no regrets whatsoever. This read more trip will always have good memories for us.
Wonderful trip around Britain and Scotland taking in all the attractions. 9 , NSW, Australia, May 2017
Very well organised holiday. The accommodation was excellent. Bill the tour guide was very knowledgeable and very easy to get along with. Dai our coach driver was equally good, and I hope his health is improving. I have travelled on a number of Globus tours because they are well organised and worry free, and I was not disappointed this time. I will read more definitely be booking another holiday with Globus in the near future.
Enjoyed the Active pace of the tour 6 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2015
Very well organised and informative. Tour Guide was fun and informative. Accommodation in Plymouth, Glasgow and Inverness we felt below standard (poor plumbing facilities). The tour enabled us to view major and smaller places of interest. Excellent guide that also allowed our own time to see points at our own pace at certain places along our tour. Enjoyed read more the Active pace of the tour.
Was a pleasure to tour the United Kingdom with Globus 4 , NSW, Australia, Mar 2015
It certainly was a pleasure to tour the United Kingdom with Globus. Our tour guide, Stewart James was exceptionally knowledgeable on the histories of the towns and counties we visited. Accommodation was great and porterage was included which was a much appreciated asset on the tail end of each day.
Well organised and we were really looked after 4 , Australia, May 2014
Everything went according to plan. We seen nearly everything we wanted to see. Well organised and we were really looked after by our tour guide she was lovely and very informative. I would book with Global Journeys again as no hassles with anything.
Pace abit fast for me 3 , Australia, May 2013
My only criticism of the tour was that on a few occasions we spent more time getting to the venue than the time allowed there. During this time we also had to get lunch etc and visit bathrooms. All this takes up the time and there is very little time left for actual sightseeing. This also occasionally happened at night - we arrived around 5pm or 6pm read more and left at 8am. I feel this particular tour would benefit from 2 more nights (same itinerary). Sights visited and tour guide (5 star) great.
Our first bus tour and we both enjoyed it so much 3 , Australia, Sep 2012
This was our first bus tour and we both enjoyed it so much. Both the tour director and the bus driver were great. We saw heaps and enjoyed the company of the other travelers. The pace was quite fast so next time we may select a slower one so we could spend more time in each place.
Simply awesome 3 , Australia, Apr 2012
The Essential Britain tour with Globus was simply awesome. The Tour Director Ian Walker and Tom the Driver did a magnificent job. Ian was full of knowledge and provided us with information on both major and trivial points of interest. Meals were very good and the hotels fantastic with the exception of one. Complimentary WiFi would have been good. Highlights read more of the tour would have been Bath, Dartmoor, Chester, the Scottish Highlands especially seeing an F15 jet fighter flying low through the highlands in Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Alnwick Castle and York.
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