email: [email protected]
tel: 866-740-3890
An Adventure to England and Wales
Example Family
Monday 19th August – Sunday 1st September 2024
Monday 19th August – Sunday 1st September 2024
On a carefully crafted, bespoke trip, explore the charming nature of southern England with your knowledgeable Wilderness guide. Begin by visiting the Cotswolds, England’s largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). A landscape of rolling green fields, honey-coloured villages and ancient deciduous woodland, it’s a wonderful place to explore on foot. Afterwards, travel west into Wales to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park. Enjoy fabulous walking, visit the pretty market town of Hay-On-Wye and take some free time to relax. Journey south to explore the sea-soaked shores of Cornwall. Wander through the cobbled streets of tiny fishing villages, pop into artisanal shops and enjoy fresh seafood. By the rolling waves of the Atlantic, visit medieval castles and look out for seals, dolphins and an eclectic number of sea birds. On a trip that showcases the beauty of southern England and Wales, enjoy peaceful hikes, delicious food and charming accommodation in excellent company.
Arrive at Heathrow this morning and meet your Wilderness guide. Leave the bustling metropolis of London behind and head west into the Cotswolds – a region cherished for its pastoral charm, pretty villages, flower-rich limestone grassland and deep incised valleys. The inspiration for many works of art and literature, including Beatrix Potter, J.R.R Tolkien and Jane Austen, it’s a pretty and interesting place to explore. Arrive at a beautiful, traditional country inn tucked in the heat of a picturesque village and take some time to settle in. Perhaps enjoy a stroll in the warm afternoon light, before enjoying dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: The Cotswolds
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Wake up this morning in the peaceful, rural beauty of the Cotswolds. After breakfast, lace up your boots and pop on your day pack, joining your guide for a lovely, undulating walk. Once option is a hike through the Windrush Valley. Begin by meandering through the pretty market town of Burford, looking out over sweeping arable fields and 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 that sits quietly in a grassy meadow. Enjoy a packed lunch, listening to the skylarks and blackbirds, before continuing on to explore the valley on foot. Return this evening to your cosy accommodation.
Overnight: The Cotswolds
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, enjoy visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, which is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Known for its five stone bridges that arch across the River Windrush, it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a morning meander. Today’s itinerary is extremely flexible, with the option to spend time doing some shopping, strolling around the pretty streets and sampling the local produce. This afternoon transfer to Lower Slaughter and enjoy a circular walk that ribbons its way through the countryside. Along with wonderful views, the trail passes a 16th-century Dovecote and through Upper Slaughter, another quintessential Cotswold village home to a beautiful parish church.
Overnight: The Cotswolds
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
As the soft dawn mist fades from the fields, enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Today, you’ll hike part of the Cotswolds Way, the 102-mile long-distance trail that runs the length of the Cotswolds. There are a few sections to choose from, one of which involve a climb up Dover’s Hill and to the 3-storey Broadway Tower with commanding views. Or perhaps discover the rich and ancient history of the area as you reach Beckbury camp, an Iron Age fort that dates back to 2000 BC. Then pass the ruins of 13th-century Hailes Abbe and on to Belas Knap, this extensive Neolithic burial chamber is where ancient people would gather to bury their dead over 5000 years ago. The length of the hike can be flexible based on how you are feeling, but however many miles you have under your belt, you can end the day with a visit to a local inn in Chipping Campden.
Overnight: The Cotswolds
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave the Cotswolds and, with your guide, cross the border into Wales, Land of Dragons. Carved out in the Ice Age, the mountains, hills and valleys are arrestingly beautiful. Over the border, stop in Wye Valley – designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; with its winding river, lush forests and miles upon miles of wildflower meadows, it’s easy to see why. Enjoy a walk with your guide through the valley before continuing into the rugged hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park and checking into your charming Welsh country hotel.
Overnight: Brecon Beacons National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Culture and heritage are incredibly important in Wales; in fact, Welsh is predominantly spoken in many areas, and you’re likely to hear snippets of the lyrical language as you visit the pretty market town of Hay-On-Wye. Just north of the Black Mountains and known as the Town of Books, the town is full of independent and quirky artisanal shops and is famous for its secondhand and antiquarian bookshops – with some specialising in rare and out-of-print volumes. It’s a lovely place to spend a couple of hours exploring before enjoying lunch in a local cafe. Later this afternoon, head out with your guide for a walk to soak up the beauty of the Welsh countryside before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Brecon Beacons National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you’ll leave Wales, crossing back into England and travelling south today to the salt-stained coastline of Cornwall, famed for charming fishing villages, pristine beaches and the Cornish Pasty. Enjoy the scenic drive, around 4 hours, with time to stop and stretch your legs before arriving at the village of Tintagel, imbued with legends of King Arthur. Walk along the headland and into the footfalls of history, crossing the spectacular bridge to explore the ruins of Tintagel Castle. Later, head to the small village of Port Isaac, set high on the Cornish coastline. Settle into your cosy hotel tonight and enjoy dinner on the coast.
Overnight: Port Isaac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, take a stroll through the winding lanes of Port Isaac, the 14th-century fishing village where white-washed cottages look out over the Atlantic ocean. Once you have soaked in the sites and sounds a short drive to Port Quin takes you to the start of your point-to-point hike where you will follow part of the South West Coast Path – one of the UK’s most treasured national trails. Where ribbons of water meander inland and views stretch far out towards the horizon, this is sure to be a memorable walk. Upon arrival in the coastal village of Rock, board a ferry to make the short crossing to the charming port of Padstow with its golden sand beaches.
Overnight: Port Isaac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll head St Agnes head, an area protected by the National Trust. Enjoy a quiet coastal walk here, passing the historical landmark Towanroath, the remains of a key engine mining house. This afternoon we’ll head to Healeys, a family-owned Cornish cyder farm and distillery. Enjoy a vintage tractor ride through the orchards before taking a tour of the distillery, including the workshop and cellar, and ending with a special tasting. Later transfer to beautiful St Ives, the jewel in the Cornish crown.
Overnight: St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
As the sun makes the sea sparkle, enjoy a stroll through St. Ives. Popular with artists, the village is a delightful jumble of cobbled streets, historic buildings and independent shops. Spend the morning exploring the town, perhaps visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. An English artist and sculptor, Barbara Hepworth moved to St Ives at the beginning of the Second World War and remained there for the rest of her life. This afternoon, enjoy a wildlife boat trip from St Ives, keeping an eye out for seals and dolphins as you learn more about this spectacular coastline from the knowledgeable crew.
Overnight: St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, enjoy an adventure to Land’s End – the most westerly tip of England. After breakfast, begin your hike in a tiny fishing hamlet, where a cobblestone slipway slides into turquoise water and the locals fish for mackerel, crab and lobster. Walk across the clifftops, stopping to explore Minack Theatre, a stunning open-air stage overlooking the Atlantic. Afterwards, pause for a snack and a paddle on a stunning sandy beach. This rocky, winding coastline is beautiful and invigorating, with plunging cliffs, sea caves, and deep blue pools. After reaching Land’s End, transfer back to St. Ives and take some time to relax before dinner.
Overnight: St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, head out to visit St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island home to an ancient castle, chapel and local community. Immerse yourself in stories of deception and disguise while you explore. After returning to the mainland, enjoy a short hike along the coastal path, looking out for the Wheal Prosper engine house, which strikes a remarkable silhouette against a big blue sky. Afterwards, hop in with your guide and head back north to Windsor. It’s a long drive but one that will take you through some beautiful countryside. On arrival in Windsor, your guide will drop you off say goodbye. Enjoy the evening at your hotel on the Themes.
Overnight: Windsor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After a relaxed breakfast, experience a leisurely day in Windsor. Spend the morning exploring the historic Windsor Castle, marvelling at its rich heritage. Afterwards, unwind with a tranquil rowing boat ride on the Thames, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of this charming riverside town. Later, enjoy a final dinner before an early night ahead of tomorrow’s travel day.
Overnight: Windsor
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake refreshed after a good night’s sleep, and after breakfast, transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The price for the trip for 8 people based on twin share rooms is £6195 per person
The solo room supplement for this trip is £1985 per person
All prices are based on availability at time of booking
Please see our booking terms here.
Monday 19th August – Sunday 1st September 2024
Last updated: Thursday 1st February - 14:39
