Best of England, Wales and Scotland

19 Days | From mountainous national parks to buzzing city centres, explore the best of England, Wales and Scotland

4 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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NZD $11,490
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Where can you find the birthplace of Harry Potter, mountainous national parks, rolling countryside and medieval architecture? The UK of course! This three-week adventure will take you through some must-see sites in England, Wales and Scotland. Take a punt through Oxford, explore the beauty of the Cotswolds, walk Cardiff and discover popular filming locations of The Doctor, stroll through the majestic beauty of Snowdonia National Park, be inspired by The Beatles’ past in Liverpool, hike the stunning Lake District National Park, hit the town in Glasgow, support local communities in picturesque Edinburgh (JK Rowling’s favourite writing spot), travel through the undulating landscape of the Scottish Highlands and Cairngorms National Park and discover the untouched and stunning Isle of Skye.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of England, Wales And Scotland including United Kingdom
Start
London, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
United Kingdom
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BMSBC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys as you travel to the Highlands on the world-famous West Highland Railway, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame. Then explore the birthplace of the novels in Edinburgh.
  • Nothing beats getting to know a place on your own two feet, so get your walking shoes on for explorations of Portree Bay, Creag Bheag and Fort William with views of the UK’s highest peak – Ben Nevis – in all its glory.   
  • Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, soak up the fresh sea air and mountain views and taste your way through the local whisky. Then, take a day trip through the stunning landscapes and medieval castles of Skye.    
  • Discover cities Cardiff in Wales and Liverpool in England with leader-led walking tours, the best way to discover the city! In Cardiff, explore Dr Who filming locations and in Liverpool, tune in to everything The Beatles.   
  • From the gorgeous Cotswolds, walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Snowdonia National Park, and explore the rolling hills, woodlands and picturesque villages. Then, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park, taking a relaxing walk along Windermere Lake.  

Is this trip right for you?
  • Please note that most of the travel on this trip is done by train. While this is a fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting your bags to and from the trains and moving them around the station. Sometimes a short walk from your hotel to the train station is also required. Please pack carefully and do not bring any unnecessary items with you. Suggested weight of your luggage should not exceed 12 to 15kg.
  • This trip includes a moderate hike on the Isle of Skye. This activity can be opted out of should you wish to refrain from participating.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Best Of England, Wales And Scotland including United Kingdom

Inclusions

Meals

17 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Train, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights), Guesthouse (2 night)

Activities
  • Oxford - Punting Activity
  • Moreton-in-Marsh - Cotswolds day trip & picnic lunch
  • Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour (Dr Who theme)
  • Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - Included guided hike: Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu
  • Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour
  • Chester - boat tour
  • Windermere - West Shore Lakeside Walk
  • Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour
  • Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
  • Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
  • Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct Crossing
  • Isle of Skye - Guided hike
  • Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
  • Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
  • Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
  • Inverness - River Ness walk
  • Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
Add on activities
  • Oxford - Oxford Castle and Prison tour - GBP16
  • Oxford - University of Oxford visit - Free
  • Oxford - Blenheim Palace visit - GBP35
  • Oxford - Ashmolean Museum visit - Free
  • Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
  • Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
  • Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP17
  • Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - GBP3
  • Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
  • Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
  • Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
  • Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - GBP8
  • Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13
  • Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola - GBP26
  • Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
  • Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
  • Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
  • Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
  • Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse - GBP13

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in London at the start of the trip, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.
3. As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Glasgow.
4. At the end of first part of your trip you will be provided with a train ticket and instructions how to reach the start of the second part of your trip. This part of your journey will not be assisted by our Tour Leader.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Fran · Traveled July 2024
A great trip that covers a lot of must see locations. Given it is rated as an ‘original’ tour, we were pleasantly surprised by the standard of accommodation included. Given we are both in our 60’s and this being our first ever organised tour, we did find it a little too long and hectic. But well worth it nonetheless! We now know where we would love to visit again sometime in the future.
Review submitted 12 Aug 2024
Best of England, Wales and Scotland
From
NZD $11,490