Exploring England

Heather, Robert, Dale and Ella Mylod

Saturday 8th June – Tuesday 18th June 2024

Number of Travellers:  4
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

On a carefully crafted adventure, enjoy exploring the beauty of England. Joined by a knowledgeable guide, visit the outstanding natural beauty of the Cotswolds, stroll along leafy riverside lanes and discover bustling villages of honey-coloured stone. Visit Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and spend time in the architecturally breathtaking city of Bath. Enjoy what’s sure to be a spectacular Taylor Swift performance in Liverpool, as well as enjoying time to wander around the Era’s Art Installation in the city. In London, enjoy a private boat trip on the Thames as well as an exclusive audience with one of the Imperial War Museum’s directors as you explore Winston Churchill’s War Rooms. Visit the city’s iconic sites and enjoy amazing theatre performances in the iconic West End. Each evening, relax in luxury hotels hand-picked for their attentive service, fabulous location and delicious food. On a trip where every detail has been meticulously taken care of, enjoy the charming and exciting nature of England.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 8th June | Arrive in Chester & Jimmy Carr | Overnight: Chester

Day 2 | Sunday 9th June | Stratford Upon Avon & Shakespeare | Overnight: Chippenham

Day 3 | Monday 10th June | Exploring the Cotswolds | Overnight: Chippenham

Day 4 | Tuesday 11th June | Visiting Bath | Overnight: Chippenham

Day 5 | Wednesday 12th June | Arrive in London & Operation Mincemeat | Overnight: Chelsea

Day 6 | Thursday 13th June | The War Rooms & The Player Kings | Overnight: Chelsea

Day 7 | Friday 14th June | Liverpool & Taylor Swift | Overnight: Liverpool

Day 8 | Saturday 15th June | Blenheim Palace & Oxford | Overnight: Oxford

Day 9 | Sunday 16th June | Stranger Things & the London Eye | Overnight: Chelsea

Day 10 | Monday 17th June | Explore London & The Moulin Rouge | Overnight: Chelsea

Day 11 | Tuesday 18th June | Depart

Highlights

  • Spend time in the pastoral beauty of the Cotswolds, visiting traditional villages full of rural charm.
  • Walk through history with a visit to Churchill's War Rooms and Blenheim Palace.
  • Experience London, from the iconic sites to the West End

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 8th June - Arrive in Chester & Jimmy Carr

Arrive at Manchester Airport this morning and meet your Wilderness England guide, Will. From here, transfer to Chester, and after dropping your bags at your hotel, head out to explore the city. After a relaxed afternoon, wind your way back to your accommodation, where you can have a snooze if jet lag is catching up and grab something to eat. Dinner reservations have not been made this evening to give flexibility for dining. Later, a taxi will pick you up at your hotel and you’ll transfer a short distance to enjoy an evening with Jimmy Car

Overnight: Chester | Chester Grosvenor
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Guide Details - Will Snow Read More +

Name: Will Snow
Contact Number: 07887 459559
Meeting Place: Manchester Airport Arrivals | Meeting Time: 07:00

Will will meet you at the arrivals gate at Manchester Airport.

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Chester Taxi Services
Pick Up Location: The Chester Grosvenor | Pick Up Time: 20:45 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +44(0)1244 421024

Chester Taxi services will pick you up form your hotel to take you to the Jimmy Carr show. The taxi driver has your number as well as Will’s number. Please pay locally, it will be around £30 and the taxi does take card.

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Chester Taxi Services
Pick Up Location: William Aston Hall, Wrexham | Pick Up Time: 23:00 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +44(0)1244 421024

The taxi will be waiting for you when the show finishes to take you back to your accommodation. Please pay locally, it will be around £30 and the taxi does take card.

Day 2 - Sunday 9th June - Stratford Upon Avon & Shakespeare

After breakfast, leave Chester and head out with Will to explore the outstanding natural beauty of the Cotswolds. Arrive in Stratford Upon Avon with time to wander around, perhaps choosing visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, now a historical museum dedicated to the Bard. Then enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre. Later, transfer to your hotel in the southern Cotswolds. Check in, enjoy dinner and perhaps make use of the spa facilitie

Overnight: Chippenham | Lucknam Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Walled Garden | Location: Lucknam Park
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 11435933

An earlier dinner is at your hotel tonight booked for the 3 of you. Please pay locally.

Day 3 - Monday 10th June - Exploring the Cotswolds

Head out this morning to spend a lovely day exploring the Cotswolds. One option is a walk 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. Later, spend the afternoon visiting the chocolate box villages of the Cotswolds, stopping by independent shops and cosy cafes. Have dinner at a local pub tonight along with your guide then return to your luxurious hotel this evening and relax.

Overnight: Chippenham | Lucknam Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Salutation Inn
Reservation Time: 18:30

Will will drive you to the local pub, where you can dine together. Please pay locally.

Day 4 - Tuesday 11th June - Visiting Bath

This morning, jump in with Will and ribbon your way to the architecturally stunning city of Bath. A well-being destination since Roman times, enjoy a tour of Bath Abbey learning about its history and the artists it inspired. You may well recognise it from films and TV shows. Later, head into the city where you can pick up a light lunch and explore the ancient Roman Baths, which were first established around 70AD. Spend the afternoon exploring the winding streets of the city on foot before stopping in for an early dinner at a popular local pub. Once back at your hotel this evening you might enjoy a final swim.

Later, after finishing his golf trip, Robert will catch the sleeper train from Glasgow to London

Overnight: Chippenham | Lucknam Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Huntsman
Reservation Time: 17:30 | Booking Reference: DMN-16863257287

We have the table from 5:30pm to 7:15pm but we do need to arrive on time to keep the reservation. Will will dine with you this evening before taking you back to your hotel. Please pay locally.

Day 4 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 11, 2024 | Rail Operator: Caledonian Sleeper
Departure Train Station: Glasgow Central | Departure Time: 22:00
Arrival Train Station: London Euston | Arrival Time: 07:15

Boarding commences at 10pm and the train departs at 11:4opm. Your e-ticket is included in the important information section.

You can enjoy priority access to the Club Car and station lounge access before and after you travel. Complimentary breakfast is included in the Club Car or delivered to your room, please let the staff on the train know what you would prefer when you board.

Once in London, take a taxi to your hotel. There will be plenty waiting at the station. Please pay locally.

Day 5 - Wednesday 12th June - Arrive in London & Operation Mincemeat

After breakfast, Will will pick you up at your hotel and you’ll transfer you to the Chippenham Railway Station. Here you will get the train south into London. On arrival, catch a local taxi (there will be plenty waiting) to your boutique hotel. Meet Robert, who will have arrived earlier this morning and get settled in. Enjoy a special afternoon tea to celebrate the start of your time in London. Then head to the banks of the River Thames this afternoon. Here, you will board a private boat which will take you on a luxury cruise along the river, allowing you to admire the famous landmarks from the water. You will be dropped off at Westminster Pier. You can walk, take the underground or a taxi to the Theatre District, where you have tickets to Operation Mincemeat this evening.

Overnight: Chelsea | The Cadogan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 12, 2024 | Rail Operator: Avanti West Coast
Departure Train Station: Chippenham Railway Station | Departure Time: 09:56
Arrival Train Station: Paddington Station | Arrival Time: 11:08

Your train e-tickets are included in the important information section.

Once in London grab a taxi to The Cadogan Hotel, please pay locally.

Day 5 - Afternoon Tea Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Cadogen
Reservation Time: 13:00

Afternoon tea, courtesy of Chef Benoît Blin, booked for 4 at The Cadogen.

Day 5 - Thames Private Boat Experaince Read More +

Activity: Thames Private Boat Experaince
Start Location: The Cadogen | Start Time: 15:30

A taxi will take you from your hotel to the pier, where you will meet the boat and set off on the cruise. You will be dropped off at Westminster Pier.

Day 5 - Operation Mincemeat Read More +

Activity: Operation Mincemeat
Start Location: Fortune Theatre | Start Time: 19:30
Booking Reference: 31067565

The show starts at 7:30pm, and you will be dropped off at the pier at 6pm so there will be time to grab a quick bite from a local cafe or street food take away rather than a sit down menu. There are options in and around Jubilee Market and you can take your food to Covent Garden and watch the street performers. The Fortune Theater is a 5 minute walk away.

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. Your tickets are included in the important information section.
Once the show has ended, take a taxi back to your accommodation. Please pay locally.

Day 6 - Thursday 13th June - The War Rooms & The Player Kings

After breakfast this morning, head to the Imperial War Museum. Here you will enjoy a private tour of Winston Churchill’s War Rooms lead by one of the museum’s directors giving you exclusive insight into both the man and the war. Feel free to ask questions and spend as long as you would like exploring the rest of the museum at your own pace. Once you’ve had your fill of the museum take the underground to the historic Borough Market. Wander round the stalls and wonder at all there is available. There are so many options it is worth doing a first pass of the whole market before heading back to pick up what you fancy. Then wander towards the river, you’ll be picked up for your mini cooper tour at the entrance to Southwark Cathedral at 3.30pm but if there is time before that you might want to visit the ruins of Winchester Palace and the The Golden Hinde, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s boat. Then meet up with your guide and their classic mini-cooper for a distinctly memorable tour of the city. The tour will end outside the Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, there will be time to grab another bite before the showing of The Player Kings.

Overnight: Chelsea | The Cadogan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Churchill War Rooms - Director Tour Read More +

Activity: Churchill War Rooms - Director Tour
Start Location: Churchill War Rooms | Start Time: 10:00
Booking Reference: D5NT6MY41
Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms

Make your way to the Churchill War Rooms, Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ. Your hotel can either book you a taxi or advise on the best underground route.

Your e-tickets are included in the important information section.

Day 6 - Small Car Big City Read More +

Activity: Small Car Big City
Start Location: Monmouth Coffee Company | Start Time: 15:30
End Location: Delfont Mackintosh Theatre | End Time: 5:00 pm
Phone: 020 7839 6737

Your mini cooper tour guide will meet you outside the entrance of the Monmouth Coffee Company, 2 Park St, London SE1 9AD at 3:30pm. There will be two cars.

On drop off Bob can make his way back to the hotel either on the underground or by taxi.

Day 6 - The Player Kings Read More +

Activity: The Player Kings
Start Location: Noel Coward Theatre | Start Time: 18:30
Booking Reference: 16802999

Please be in the theatre at least 10 minutes before the performance is due to start.

Once the show if over you can catch a taxi back to your hotel. Please pay locally.

Day 7 - Friday 14th June - Liverpool & Taylor Swift

After an early breakfast, hop in a taxi and make your way to the train station to catch your train to Liverpool. It’s 10 minute walk from the station or you can grab a taxi. Check into your hotel, where you can leave your bags and spend the afternoon exploring Liverpool, searching out the different Taylor Swift Era Art Exhibitions, which are dotted throughout the city. Grab an early bite in a local pub or restaurant and then head to your hotel to get ready. A pre-booked taxi will pick you up from your hotel at 17.30 pm and drop you at Breck Road as close as possible to the stadium. You will walk back to Breck Road once the show is finished to meet your taxi to take you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Liverpool | Lock & Key
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 14, 2024 | Rail Operator: Avanti West Coast
Departure Train Station: London Euston | Departure Time: 08:43
Arrival Train Station: Liverpool Lime Street | Arrival Time: 11:04

Your London hotel will scure a taxi for you, you will need to leave your hotel at 8am to give you plenty of time to get to the station. The taxi is payable locally.

If you would like to leave some of your luggage at the hotel you are more than welcome to do so as you are returning on the 16th.

Your train e-tickets are included in your important information section.

The interactive Taylor Swift map can be found here – https://www.visitliverpool.com/taylortown/taylor-town-trail/

Day 7 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Veezu Taxis
Booking Reference: 54954378
Pick Up Location: Lock & Key | Pick Up Time: 17:30
Phone: +44(0)151 708 7080

Do confirm with the taxi where they will pick you up when the show ends. Please pay locally.

Day 7 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Veezu Taxis
Booking Reference: 54954342
Pick Up Location: Breck Road | Pick Up Time: 23:30
Phone: +44(0)151 708 7080

Please pay locally.

Day 8 - Saturday 15th June - Blenheim Palace & Oxford

After breakfast this morning, meet your second Wilderness guide, Sam and wind your way out of the city into the tranquil countryside of the Cotswolds. It’s around a 3 hour 30 minute drive.  Along the way, you’ll stop to visit Snowshill, where you can wander around the aromatic fields of purple lavender and enjoy lunch at the cafe. Afterwards, head to Blenheim Palace where you can spend the day exploring. Spend as long as you would like exploring the palace and enjoy a buggy tour of the magnificent formal gardens as well. When you are ready to go Sam will transfer you to your hotel in Oxford and see you happily checked into your hotel. Head out to the city and choose from many of the great options available for your meal this evening as well as some live music.

Overnight: Oxford | The Randolf
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Guide Details - Sam Thompson Read More +

Name: Sam Thompson
Contact Number: +44(0)7542 387 100
Meeting Place: Lock and Key Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:30

Sam will meet you at the reception of your hotel for your journey to Oxford.

Day 8 - Live Music Oxford Read More +

There is live music tonight at The Market Tap by Tap Social from 8pm until 10pm, it is free entry. Band of Hope + Ben Smith are playing

Band of Hope – A band who grew up from the cracks in the pavement on Croft Road in Wallingford and sing songs about love, loss, hope, skinheads and power stations. Playing as a stripped back 4 piece, the band features Tom Crook (vocals, guitar), Paul Whitty (keys, vocals), Ben Smith (violin, mandolin, vocals), and Tom Fenner (percussion).

Ben Smith – Ben Smith loops violin and guitar to create heartfelt melodies that blend folk, electronica and film soundtracks.

 

Day 9 - Sunday 16th June - Stranger Things & the London Eye

After breakfast, head to the train station. It’s a 10 minute walk or the hotel can arrange a taxi for you. You’ll arrive back in London at 10:30am, the performance of Stranger Things begins at 3pm so you can choose to spend this time as you wish. Your hop on hop off Big Bus tickets are valid from today so you may wish to make use of those. Head to the Phoenix Theatre for your matinee performance this afternoon. A 10 minute walk takes you to an Indian chophouse for and early dinner. If it is a nice evening you way wish to walk the 15 minutes from here to the London Eye or jump in a cab if you are tight on time, where you can raise a glass of fizz to Father’s Day and take in the spectacular views of the city.

Overnight: Chelsea | The Cadogan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 16, 2024 | Rail Operator: Avanti West Coast
Departure Train Station: Oxford Railway Station | Departure Time: 09:30
Arrival Train Station: Paddington | Arrival Time: 10:26

There are physical tickets for this journey and your guide Will has them for you.

Day 9 - Stranger Things Read More +

Activity: Stranger Things
Start Location: Phoenix Theatre | Start Time: 15:00
Booking Reference: 31067565

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Tandoor Chop House at Covent Garden | Location: 8 Adelaide Street
Reservation Time: 18:45 | Booking Reference: 145434
Website: https://tandoorchophouse.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=restaurant-tandoorchophouse

They may be able to seat you early if you arrive ahead of time.

Day 9 - London Eye Champagne Experience Read More +

Activity: London Eye Champagne Experience
| Start Time: 20:45
Booking Reference: 18398488
Website: https://www.londoneye.com/

Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience

Day 10 - Monday 17th June - Explore London & The Moulin Rouge

Today, explore London at your own pace. With a hop-on, hop-off bus pass, visit some of the city’s iconic sites, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster and the Tower of London. Today is free to give you the most amount of flexibility to suit yourself. Choose to enjoy a farewell dinner in your hotel or eat out in a nearby local pub or one of the capital’s many amazing restaurants. Your Concierge would be happy to make arrangements for you if you wish.  Then bring your trip to England to a close with a show-stopping performance of Moulin Rouge.

Overnight: Chelsea | The Cadogan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Moulin Rouge Read More +

Activity: Moulin Rouge
Start Location: Piccadilly Theatre | Start Time: 19:30
Booking Reference: 31068171

Day 11 - Tuesday 18th June - Depart

A pre-booked taxi will pick you up from your hotel today and transfer you to Heathrow Airport. Arrive in plenty of time to travel through security and make your way to your gate, arriving relaxed and well-rested for your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: London Chauffeur Company
Booking Reference: 033547
Pick Up Location: The Cadogan Hotel | Pick Up Time: 08:15
Phone: +44 (0) 20 3637 4557

The transfer is booked for 4 people.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 5 and Day 8
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 5 and Day 8, excluding any taxis not pre-booked by Wilderness.
  • Train travel (not including the Underground)
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary, excluding Taylor Swift Concert.
  • Theatre and entrance tickets mentioned
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24 hour 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
Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness England Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 833 574 0690

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7482 170 401

Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More

Accommodation

Chester Grosvenor

Eastgate | Chester | Cheshire |
CH1 1 LT | England
Phone: +44 (0) 1244 324024
Web: chestergrosvenor.com

Lucknam Park Hotel

Chippenham | Wiltshire |
SN148AZ | England
Phone: +44 (0)1225 742 777
Web: lucknampark.co.uk

The Cadogan Hotel

75 Sloane St | Chelsea | London |
SW1X 9SG | England
Phone: +44 (0)20 704 87141
Web: belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/london/belmond-cadogan-hotel

Lock & Key

15-17 Duke Street | Liverpool | Merseyside |
L1 5AP | England
Phone: +44 (0)151 909 8766
Web: lockandkeyhotels.com

The Randolf

Beaumont Street | Oxford | Oxfordshire |
OX1 2LN | England
Phone: +44 (0)344 879 9132
Web: graduatehotels.com

Meet Your Guides

Will Snow

Contact Number: 07887 459559

Working for Wilderness Scotland has given me an opportunity to share the outstanding natural beauty of a world-class destination. The landscape and culture are unsurpassed. If I had to choose a favourite trip, it would be quite difficult, as it’s always a privilege to experience any journey in our remote surroundings with amicable, like-minded people.

Full Web Bio

Sam Thompson

Contact Number: +44(0)7542 387 100

As a child, my grandparents had a caravan in Kippford, which we holidayed at every year. This was where I fell in love with the UK and camping out under the stars.

Nowadays, I’m an adventurer and nomad exploring the British Isles, sometimes moving on two wheels, on foot, or in a boat.

When I’m not exploring, I can be found in my overalls. As a mechanic, fabricator, and joiner, there aren’t many things I won’t try to repair.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

Exploring England

Saturday 8th June – Tuesday 18th June 2024