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Quintessential English Charm: The Cotswolds, Lake District and Yorkshire

Price: P.O.A.
Carbon Score: 240Kg
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Overview

On the thoughtfully crafted trip, enjoy exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes of England. Begin your adventure in the charming region of the Cotswolds, cherished for its pastoral charm and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the landscape is also rich with history – peppered with ancient ruins, tumbling castles and intriguing archaeological sites. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, hike along quiet lanes, stopping for lunch in lovely cafes and spotting a variety of wildlife.

Afterwards, travel north into the Lake District National Park, a landscape full of hanging valleys, rushing waterfalls, and impressive crags cloaked in volcanic rock. Enjoy a boat trip and visit Dove Cottage – the historic home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. Wander around the pretty village of Grasmere,  try its famous gingerbread and chat with your guide about the history and heritage of a region that has inspired writers, poets and playwrights.

Finish your trip by spending time in the historic region of Yorkshire. A diverse landscape, the region encompasses the Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, with the Pennine Mountain Range forming a rocky spine down its centre. Also home to much arable land, Yorkshire has an outstanding natural larder, with many award-winning restaurants to match. Its widely embraced field-to-fork ethos secures its standing as one of the top food destinations in the UK. Enjoy a foodie tour and visit Malton – widely celebrated as Yorkshire’s Food Capital. On a trip where each day is perfectly paced and reveals hidden gems and local secrets, join us to enjoy a fantastic adventure in England.

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Highlights

  • Explore the Cotswolds and discover tapestry of honey-coloured villages, charming landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
  • Delve into Yorkshire's culinary scene and delight the palate with its hearty fare and regional specialties.
  • Begin your birdwatching adventure in England, learning more about the species you spot from your knowledgable guide.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Arrive in England & Castle Combe

Land in London and meet your private driver, who will whisk you away to the picturesque region of the Cotswolds. En route, stop in Castle Combe, a charming English village where your lovely, knowledgeable guide will be waiting for you. Enjoy a mellow walk through the pretty streets, chatting about the adventure ahead. Continue your journey, arriving this afternoon at Dormy House, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the countryside.

Overnight: Cotswolds | Dormy House
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Local Wildlife & The Cotswold Way

Early this morning, head out with your guide to explore the Cotswolds, a landscape of rolling, sheep-speckled fields, honey-coloured villages and ancient deciduous woodland. Meet a local naturalist who will introduce you to a varied mix of woodland and grassland birds. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic walk along the Cotswold Way (a 164km trail that stretches from the charming old wool merchants’ town of Chipping Camden to the Roman city of Bath) before stopping for lunch in one of the bustling villages. Enjoy dinner back at your hotel this evening and take some time to relax.

Overnight: Cotswolds | Dormy House
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - The Windrush Valley

This morning enjoy a circular walk through the Windrush Valley. Meander through the pretty market town of Burford, looking out over the sweeping arable fields before passing through the now deserted hamlet of Widford. Not much remains of the settlement now, apart from the tiny 13th-century St Oswald’s Church, which sits quietly among the old stone walls and grassy meadows. This afternoon is open to do as you please, whether you wish to spend time relaxing at Dormy House or popping into some of the artisanal shops in the pretty villages.

Overnight: Cotswolds | Dormy House
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Northbound to the Lake District

After breakfast, wind your way north to the Lake District National Park. Along the way, visit the village of Bibury and enjoy a lovely lunch. Later, make a stop at Tatton Park, spending time exploring the grand house and enchanting gardens. Your final destination is Forest Side Hotel, a gothic mansion surrounded by the stunning countryside of Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere. Take some time to settle in before enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Lake District | Forest Side
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Ullswater Steamer & Glenridding

After breakfast, head out for a tranquil voyage on the Ullswater steamer – gliding across the iridescent lake and soaking up the wonderful views that unfurl beyond the bow. Venture ashore at Howtown and continue to explore on foot, meandering your way to the enchanting village of Glenridding. Wander through its charming streets, looking up at the surrounding fells that climb steeply towards the sky. Return to Forest Side and enjoy an aperitif in the garden.

Overnight: Lake District | Forest Side
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Dove Cottage and Grasmere

This morning, head into Grasmere, one of the prettiest villages in the Lakes. Enjoy visiting Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy from 1799 to 1808. Step back in time as you explore the tranquil rooms still full of the late poet’s possessions. Afterwards, spend some time strolling along Grasmere’s narrow streets and perhaps picking up some famous Grasmere Gingerbread. This afternoon, explore Beatrix Potter’s House, discovering the enchanting world of the beloved children’s author and illustrator.

Overnight: Lake District | Forest Side
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Hadrian’s Wall & Vindolanda

Pack your rucksacks and head out for a fascinating day of history and hiking, visiting Vindolanda and Birdoswald Roman Forts. Begin by exploring Vindolanda, where the well-preserved remains offer a glimpse into what life would have been like for the Romans on the northern frontier. Afterwards, enjoy hiking along Hadrian’s Wall and visiting Birdoswald. As you walk, chat with your guide about the region’s incredible history as you soak up the breathtaking views.

Overnight: Lake District | Rothay Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Castlerigg Stone Circle & Keswick

After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle – undoubtedly one of the most dramatically situated stone circles in Britain. Afterwards, spend some time exploring the old market town of Keswick, wandering through the pretty streets and popping into independent shops, including sweet-smelling bakeries wafting their wares in wickers baskets. From Keswick, travel to the serene shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and enjoy a walk around the water’s edge. This evening settle into your lovely hotel, Rothay Manor.

Overnight: Lake District | Rothay Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Exploring English Woodlands

Lace up your boots and head out to explore the sheltered, leafy woodlands of Langdale and Grizdale Forest. Ribbon your way through the old trees, catching glimpses of the mountains beyond as you traverse scenic trails and chat with your guide about the local flora and fauna. As the day unfolds, reward yourself with a well-deserved pub lunch. Depending on what you fancy this afternoon, you may like to continue exploring with your guide or return to Rothay Manor to relax.

Overnight: Lake District | Rothay Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Yorkshire Dales & Wensleydale Creamery

After a relaxed breakfast, head west into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Straddling the Pennines (the mountainous spine of England), the Dales is a wonderfully diverse landscape full of ribboned glens, windswept hills and thundering waterfalls. Enjoy a mellow walk with your guide, spotting the hardy swaledale and dalesbred sheep that roam across the limestone pastures, moors, and rough fells. Afterwards, visit Wensleydale Creamery and enjoy a tour and tasting. Both an art and a science, cheesemaking in Yorkshire has been part of the rural and cultural landscape since the 12th century. This evening, settle into the luxurious Grantley Hall.

Overnight: Yorkshire | Grantley Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - York & Malton Food Tour

Head out today to enjoy a bespoke food tour. First, head to York and spend the morning exploring
the culinary delights of one of England’s most beautiful historic cities. Ribbon your way through the snickelways, admiring the magnificent Georgian townhouses as you visit independent shops and stalls full of locally produced, seasonal produce. Afterwards, head into the Malton, celebrated as Yorkshire’s Food Capital. Thread your way through the market, learning more about the region’s thriving food scene and meeting local producers. Unsurprisingly, there won’t be any need for lunch today, but a celebratory dinner will be on the cards when you return to Grantley Hall this evening.

Overnight: Yorkshire | Grantley Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and transport you to Manchester Airport, where you can begin your journey home. Arrive with plenty of time to sail through security and board your flight feeling rested, rejuvenated, and full of stories about your English adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Quintessential English Charm: The Cotswolds, Lake District and Yorkshire

To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this tour, please complete the form below:

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Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 11 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfasts as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 11
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
    • Guided hike in Castle Coombe
    • Guided hike along the Cotwolds Way
    • Guided hike through the quaint villages of the Cotswolds
    • Guided hike along Ullswater shore and trails
    • Guided hike in Grasmere
    • Guided hike along Hadrian’s Wall
    • Guided hike in Langdale Peaks and Grizedale Forest
    • Guided hike in Wensleydale
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Naturalist Dawn Walk
    • Entry to Tatton House
    • Passage on Ullswater Steamer Boat
    • Entry to William Wordsworth Museum
    • Entry to Dove Cottage
    • Tastings at Grasmere Gingerbread
    • Entry to Beatrix Potter House
    • Entry to Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum
    • Entry to Birdoswald Roman Fort
    • Private Food Tour in Malton
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision

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