Leigh & Emily's Journey through England - V3

Day 1 - Friday 11^th April - Welcome to England

Arriving in London, you’re greeted by the city’s vibrant energy before meeting your private transfer, a comfortable escape from the bustling streets. As you drive away, urban sprawl gives way to the picturesque charm of the English countryside, unfolding into the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Soon, you reach Broadway, a village straight out of a storybook with charming tea rooms and historic cottages. Your hotel, a 600-year-old manor steeped in history, offers a warm welcome as evening falls. Surrounded by the charm and quietude of the countryside, you settle in, ready to unwind in an authentic piece of English heritage.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Main House Classic Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 12^th April - Historical Cotswolds

You begin your day by meeting your local guide and head out to explore the history of The Cotswolds. Winding through scenic villages, arrive first at the iconic Broadway Tower, a striking 18th-century folly perched atop the Cotswold escarpment. Climbing to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the countryside, with vistas stretching as far as Wales on a clear day.

Later, journey to Sudeley Castle, a historic gem filled with tales of royalty and resilience. Wandering its elegant halls and lush gardens, you learn about its past residents, including Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, while taking in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape, making for a day steeped in English history and charm.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Main House Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 13^th April - Quintescential Villages

Spend today exploring local villages and absorbing the beauty of the area. Your day begins in the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, where centuries-old buildings and bustling stalls invite you to browse unique shops and cosy cafes. From there, head to Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic hilltop village known for its antique stores and picturesque squares, perfect for discovering rare finds and quaint boutiques. Next, the enchanting twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter await, with peaceful riverside walks, honey-coloured stone cottages, and hidden local galleries that feel like stepping back in time. Finally, arrive in Bourton-on-the-Water, the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” where narrow bridges cross over the tranquil River Windrush, and shops line the streets with artisan goods and local crafts. Each stop offers its own blend of history and charm, inviting you to uncover the hidden gems of these quintessential English villages.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Main House Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 14^th April - Transfer to the Peak District

Driving north, you enter the wild, windswept beauty of the Peak District, a landscape that inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Stopping in Hathersage, you set off on the atmospheric Hathersage Trail, where rugged moorlands and rocky outcrops evoke scenes straight from Brontë’s pages. Walking the paths, you can almost feel the presence of her characters against the dramatic landscape. Later, you arrive at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, nestled in the village of Haworth, where Charlotte and her siblings lived and wrote. Stepping inside, you’re transported back to the Brontës’ world, with preserved rooms, manuscripts, and personal belongings offering a glimpse into their lives and creative genius—a truly enriching stop in the heart of literary history.

Overnight: Skipton, Yorkshire Dales | The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 15^th April - Arrival into the Lake District and Ambleside Delights

Continuing northward, you reach the Lake District, its serene lakes and rolling hills casting a spell that has inspired writers for centuries. Your first stop is Dove Cottage, the quaint, ivy-covered home of poet William Wordsworth. Inside, you walk through rooms where Wordsworth penned some of his most famous lines, feeling the timeless ambiance that moved his creativity. A short stroll away, you savour a treat from the famed Grasmere Gingerbread shop, where the unique, spicy-sweet aroma fills the air. Later, in Ambleside, you wander through charming streets lined with independent bookshops and views of Lake Windermere, immersing yourself in the area’s literary spirit and tranquil beauty—an unforgettable day in England’s beloved literary heartland.

Overnight: Windemere | Langdale Chase
Room Type: 1x Windermere Lake View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 16^th April - Hadrian's Wall

Leaving the Lake District, you head east to explore Hadrian’s Wall, the iconic Roman fortification stretching across northern England. Starting at Housesteads Roman Fort, one of the most well-preserved sites along the wall, you wander through ancient stone ruins, imagining the life of Roman soldiers who once guarded the empire’s northern frontier. As you hike along the wall’s rugged paths, panoramic views unfold over rolling moorlands and craggy hills, giving a sense of the vast landscape that once marked the edge of Rome. Stopping at the Vindolanda site, you explore the fascinating museum housing artifacts like tablets and sandals, offering a vivid glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. The day wraps up with one last look at the wall stretching endlessly along the horizon, a testament to history and human perseverance.

Overnight: Windermere | Langdale Chase
Room Type: 1x Windermere Lake View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 17^th April - London Bound

Bidding farewell to your guide, you board a scenic train southbound, watching the landscapes shift from rugged northern hills to gentle English countryside, each mile bringing you closer to London. The journey is a peaceful transition, with views of charming villages, verdant fields, and meandering rivers passing by your window. Arriving in the capital’s lively embrace, your private transfer awaits to whisk you through London’s dynamic streets to your centrally located hotel. Here, you have the freedom to unwind in the comfort of your room or step out and explore the city’s vibrant attractions at your own pace, soaking in London’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern energy.

Overnight: London | The Bloomsbury Hotel
Room Type: 1x Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Friday 18^th April - Exploring London

Option 1:
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tower of London, where your local expert guide breathes life into centuries-old stories of intrigue and betrayal, from the dark tales of royal prisoners to the glittering Crown Jewels. As you stroll through the medieval fortress, feel the weight of history beneath your feet and hear of the Beefeaters’ ancient traditions. Next, journey to Westminster Abbey, a breathtaking Gothic marvel where kings and queens have been crowned for nearly a thousand years. Your guide shares secrets of royal weddings, coronations, and the resting places of poets, scientists, and monarchs. Along the way, explore hidden gems like St. James’s Park, with its serene lake views, and marvel at the Houses of Parliament, as your guide paints a vivid picture of London’s rich and tumultuous past.

Option 2: Enjoy a leisurely day in London, starting with a shopping spree through the city’s most famous shopping spots. Begin at the luxury boutiques of Bond Street, then make your way down Regent Street for a mix of high-end and classic British stores, stopping by Liberty with its unique Tudor-style facade. Take a detour through Covent Garden for artisanal finds and quirky street performers before arriving at Piccadilly. Here, treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, where elegant surroundings and impeccable service set the stage for tiers of delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite pastries. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and relaxation in one of London’s most iconic spots.

Overnight: London | The Bloomsbury Hotel
Room Type: 1x Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Saturday 19^th April - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast