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Best of Britain

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Best of Britain

Was From $ 5,990 AUD
Now From $ 5,008 AUD
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Description

Where did The Beatles, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Doctor Who originate? The UK of course! This 12-day trip will take you to the best of Britain, through the rolling hills, mountainous landscapes and medieval cities of England, Scotland and Wales. Take a punt through Oxford, explore the beauty of the Cotswolds, walk Cardiff and discover filming locations from Doctor Who, stroll through the majestic beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, be inspired by The Beatles’ past in Liverpool and hike the stunning Lake District National Park. End it all in picturesque Edinburgh – JK Rowling’s favourite writing location.

Trip Name
Best of Britain
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Take part in punting – a timeless, quintessentially Oxford pastime that will see you floating along the idyllic waters of this university city, seeing beautiful architecture and gardens from the perspective of a punt (boat).
  • Spend a day exploring arguably the most beautiful and most British countryside – the Cotswolds. Explore the villages, walk through endless fields and taste some of the best local ales.
  • Go on walking tours of Cardiff and Liverpool with your knowledgeable local leader – the best way to discover these cities! See the pubs frequented by The Beatles early in their career.
  • Walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) 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 Lake Windermere.
  • Explore the winding streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town with Edinburgh Castle overlooking your every step, then take a walking tour of the New Town – the birthplace of Harry Potter.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - London
Welcome to London! England’s capital and largest city stands on the River Thames and has a history spanning back to the time of the ancient Romans. There’s lots to see and do in this bustling metropolis, so it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, you’re free to hit a West End show or find a fancy restaurant for dinner with your group – ask your local leader for all the best recommendations.
Day 2 - Oxford
Take a train to Oxford after breakfast this morning. Established in the 12th century, Oxford revolves around its prestigious university of the same name. The architecture of the city’s medieval centre led poet Matthew Arnold to the nickname 'City of Dreaming Spires'. Enjoy a spot of punting – a timeless Oxford tradition of taking a leisurely boat ride (or punt) upstream. Pass gorgeously green gardens and admire the city from the water. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit the famed college campuses or the Botanic Gardens, where you can picnic for lunch.
Day 3 - Oxford
Today, you have a free day to explore Oxford. Maybe get a different view of Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower, get spellbound on a Harry Potter locations tour, visit the Ashmolean – Britain’s oldest public museum – or uncover the story of Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at its birthplace, Christ Church College.
Day 4 - Moreton-in-Marsh
Have breakfast, then head out for a daytrip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region rises from the meadows of the upper Thames and is a beautiful place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Explore the English countryside and the charm of the local villages. This area is also known for its distinctive yellow limestone buildings, including medieval ‘wool churches’ and thatched homes. You’ll have lunch in the famous Hook Norton Brewery, where you can taste some award-winning ales. Tonight, you’re free to make your own dinner plans. You’ll spend the night in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Day 5 - Cardiff
After breakfast, take a private transfer to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy some free time for lunch before setting off on a guided walking tour with a local expert. Discover many of Cardiff’s must-see highlights as you explore the city centre.The rest of the evening is yours to spend however you like – maybe step into the world of Doctor Who with a visit to some of the iconic filming locations from this hit BBC series. Your handy local leader will be ready with recommendations for where to keep exploring or grab a bite to eat.
Day 6 - Snowdonia National Park
Wake up bright and early this morning for breakfast at your hotel, then take a private transfer to Beddgelert – a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales, translating to ‘Gelert’s Grave’. This community was named after the legend of Gelert the dog, who Prince Llywelyn left to guard his child. To this day, thousands visit the cairn of stones that mark this grave. When you arrive, take a scenic hike on the Lon Gwyrfai path from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert. Winding through some of the best parts of Snowdonia National Park, this trail will take you through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands and viewpoints spanning across the valley. You’ll stop for lunch along the way. After the hike, you’ll take a private transfer to Bangor – the oldest city in Wales. Once you arrive, the rest of your afternoon is free. Relax at your hotel or maybe visit one of the many cathedrals in the city.
Day 7 - Liverpool
This morning, take a short train ride to Chester – a cathedral city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Take a boat cruise along the River Dee and see the highlights of this ancient city, with its red sandstone Roman walls, from the water. Have some free time for lunch, then take a train to Liverpool. Enjoy a free evening when you arrive – maybe hit one of the many pubs and meet some local Liverpudlians over a pint.
Day 8 - Liverpool
Have breakfast this morning and then head into Liverpool – famously, the hometown of The Beatles. You’ll take a walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the famous architecture of the Georgian Quarter and local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey. Explore some local music shops, record stores and other famous locations tied to the music legends while learning about the history of Liverpool itself. After, maybe grab a pub dinner with your group before enjoying a free evening to explore at your own pace.
Day 9 - Windermere
After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a train to Windermere, in the famous Lake District of England. A mountainous region and national park, this area is popular for its stunning scenery, glacial ribbon lakes and literary history as a central source of inspiration for 19th-century Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Have some free time for lunch, explore the town of Windermere and then take a walk with your trip leader along the shore of Lake Windermere – by far, the most popular natural lake to explore in the district. This lake is also the largest in the country! The rest of your day is free – maybe continue to explore the region by foot, relax at your hotel or find a quaint spot for dinner with your group.
Day 10 - Windermere
Today, you have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park – your trip leader will have plenty of suggestions for hikes, short walks and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour on Windermere Lake, visit Beatrix Potter’s home in Near Sawrey or try some of the legendary gingerbread in Grasmere.
Day 11 - Edinburgh
Take a train to Edinburgh in Scotland this morning. The birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is a hilly city that has captured the hearts and minds of many writers throughout history and is a UNESCO City of Literature. When you arrive, you’ll take a city walk with your leader. Explore the medieval Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle looming above, then head into the Georgian New Town with its beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe explore the castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels, or head to Arthur’s Seat, an imposing peak with sweeping views over the city in Holyrood Park. Or, you could book a Potter-themed walking tour to see the locations that inspired JK Rowling and even visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle! Tonight, maybe join your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants.
Day 12 - Edinburgh
With no further activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore Edinburgh for longer, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-06-202626-06-2026AUD $ 6,341-
22-06-202603-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
06-07-202617-07-2026AUD $ 5,092-
13-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 5,602-
03-08-202614-08-2026AUD $ 5,550-
10-08-202621-08-2026AUD $ 5,856-
24-08-202604-09-2026AUD $ 5,942-
31-08-202611-09-2026AUD $ 5,746-
07-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 6,001-
14-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 6,583-
21-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 6,230-
12-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 5,008-
15-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 5,204-
05-04-202716-04-2027AUD $ 5,854-
19-04-202730-04-2027AUD $ 5,854-
03-05-202714-05-2027AUD $ 6,030-
10-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 6,206-
17-05-202728-05-2027AUD $ 6,322-
31-05-202711-06-2027AUD $ 6,322-
07-06-202718-06-2027AUD $ 6,322-
14-06-202725-06-2027AUD $ 6,206-
21-06-202702-07-2027AUD $ 6,030-
28-06-202709-07-2027AUD $ 6,030-
05-07-202716-07-2027AUD $ 6,030-
12-07-202723-07-2027AUD $ 6,030-
26-07-202706-08-2027AUD $ 6,030-
02-08-202713-08-2027AUD $ 6,030-
09-08-202720-08-2027AUD $ 6,206-
23-08-202703-09-2027AUD $ 6,206-
06-09-202717-09-2027AUD $ 7,025-
13-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 7,025-
27-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 6,895-
11-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 6,505-
25-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 6,505-
13-03-202824-03-2028AUD $ 6,505-
03-04-202814-04-2028AUD $ 6,505-
17-04-202828-04-2028AUD $ 6,505-
01-05-202812-05-2028AUD $ 6,505-
08-05-202819-05-2028AUD $ 6,505-
15-05-202826-05-2028AUD $ 6,505-
29-05-202809-06-2028AUD $ 6,505-
05-06-202816-06-2028AUD $ 6,505-
12-06-202823-06-2028AUD $ 6,505-
19-06-202830-06-2028AUD $ 6,505-
26-06-202807-07-2028AUD $ 6,505-
03-07-202814-07-2028AUD $ 6,505-
10-07-202821-07-2028AUD $ 6,505-
24-07-202804-08-2028AUD $ 6,505-
31-07-202811-08-2028AUD $ 6,505-
07-08-202818-08-2028AUD $ 6,505-
21-08-202801-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
04-09-202815-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
11-09-202822-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
25-09-202806-10-2028AUD $ 6,505-
09-10-202820-10-2028AUD $ 6,505-
23-10-202803-11-2028AUD $ 6,505-
27-11-202808-12-2028AUD $ 6,505-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Train, Private vehicle, Public transport, Taxi

Map