Wednesday 2nd July – Friday 11th July 2025
V2 – 13/05/25
From Edinburgh Airport, a private driver will provide a seamless transfer to a city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time, choose to relax at the hotel or head out to explore the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Apex Grassmarket
Room Type: 1 x City Double 1 x City Double as a twin
Meals Included: None
This morning, a private walking tour with an expert guide unveils the winding cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Highlights include the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the mighty fortress of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile. From the castle ramparts, tales of the One O’Clock Gun and the city’s past come to life. The tour concludes at the castle, leaving time to explore its halls and exhibitions.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Apex Grassmarket
Room Type: 1 x City Double 1 x City Double as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you to Edinburgh Waverley station where you will travel 1st class to Oxenholme the Lake District.
Your guide for the next few days will meet you at Oxenholme Station to take you into the Lakes where you will enjoy a delightful afternoon aboard a traditional steamer boat for a scenic journey across Ullswater to Howtown. Revel in the breathtaking landscapes that unfold along the tranquil water, immersing in the serenity of this iconic region.
Upon arrival in Howtown, set off on a picturesque walk back to the charming town of Glenridding along the shores of Ullswater before you guide drops you at your Lakeland hotel, the Langdale Hotel and Spa.
Overnight: Ambleside | Langdale Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1 x Roomy Lakeland Signature 1 x Roomy Lakeland Signature as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, set off and explore the mystical Castlerigg Stones, standing proudly against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District. Feel the ancient energy of this Neolithic stone circle as you absorb the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Continue your adventure to the charming town of Keswick, where quaint shops and picturesque streets beckon exploration. If you’d like to embark on a short hike then Latrigg Fell offers panoramic views of Keswick, nearby fells and the lake. Alternatively you could venture to the Surprise View, an easy but steep climb which rewards you with a stunning view over Derwentwater.
From Keswick, journey to the serene shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, surrounded by lush landscapes. Whether you choose to stroll along the lake’s edge or simply revel in the tranquil ambiance, this itinerary promises a day filled with natural wonders and cultural delights in the heart of Cumbria.
Overnight: Ambleside | Langdale Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1 x Roomy Lakeland Signature 1 x Roomy Lakeland Signature as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, step into the literary world of William and Dorothy Wordsworth with a visit to their home in the Lake District, where the surrounding landscapes inspired their work. See where Wordsworth once lived, the scent of old wood and ink lingering in the quiet rooms filled with literary echoes. Outside, the Lake District hills shimmer under a gentle mist, inviting reflection and poetry as you stroll the same garden paths that inspired verses centuries ago.
Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of Grasmere Gingerbread, followed by a leisurely lunch in Ambleside. Spend the afternoon in Ambleside, with its charming stone buildings, cosy cafés, and welcoming atmosphere nestled at the head of Lake Windermere. Perhaps delight in feeding ducks by the water’s edge or exploring the quirky Bridge House perched over Stock Ghyll. Embark on a walking trail, explore local bookshops and ice cream stops, or simply enjoy a relaxing tea with scenic views.
The day ends with a blend of literary history and scenic beauty in the heart of the Lake District.
Overnight: Ambleside | Langdale Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1 x Roomy Lakeland Signature 1 x Roomy Lakeland Signature as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your private guide will take you to Manchester Piccadilly railway station where you will travel 1st class to Cheltenham Spa to begin the next phase of your journey.
Your guide for the Cotswolds will collect you from Cheltenham Spa and you will then spend a delightful afternoon uncovering the charm of the Cotswolds, starting in Broadway, known for its honey-coloured stone buildings and inviting shops. Wander through its picturesque streets before heading to Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town famous for its antique shops and the hidden gem, St Edward’s church, flanked by two ancient yew trees, believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.
Next, if you have time, explore the idyllic villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, connected by a scenic riverside walk that highlights the area’s peaceful beauty. Continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” where charming bridges span the River Windrush.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Room as a Twin - interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Head into Oxford, the ‘City of Dreaming Spires.’ Spend an enchanting day exploring Oxford with your local expert guide, who brings the city’s rich history and magical tales to life, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural vibrancy that defines the city.
Wander through the cobbled streets and grand college courtyards, imagining scenes from Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland where they were inspired or filmed. Peek into the Bodleian Library and spot gargoyles perched on ancient rooftops, while soaking up stories of famous scholars and hidden legends. With plenty of time for stops, from sweet shops to peaceful gardens, it’s a perfect blend of learning, laughter, and discovery.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Room as a Twin - interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your day begins with a scenic drive through the idyllic Wiltshire countryside, where time seems to slow as you arrive in the charming village of Lacock. Cobblestone streets and timber-framed cottages create a storybook setting and you wander through the tranquil grounds of Lacock Abbey, its medieval cloisters and Gothic architecture whispering centuries of history. Serving as the perfect backdrop for several scenes in the Harry Potter films, exploring the abbey adds a magical layer to the experience, especially when wandering through the cloisters featured in The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
After a leisurely lunch, continue on to Castle Combe, often hailed as England’s prettiest village. Here, stone cottages line quiet lanes, and the gentle stream flowing beneath an arched bridge adds to the postcard-perfect atmosphere. As the afternoon light casts a golden glow, stroll through the village square, savour the peaceful beauty and timeless charm of the Cotswolds.
Overnight: Bath | The Queensberry Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Room 1 x Superior Room as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, meet your local expert guide and explore the Georgian gem of Bath with an expert local guide, beginning at the Roman Baths. Walk through the ancient complex, where tales of Roman rituals and sacred waters come to life, and admire the well-preserved Great Bath and original stone pavements.
Next, stroll to Bath Abbey, its Gothic spires towering above. A tour unveils hidden stories behind the stained glass windows and fan-vaulted ceiling, revealing the Abbey’s 1,300-year history, from its Saxon origins to its role in coronations. The space evokes a deep connection to centuries of devotion and architectural splendour.
Overnight: Bath | The Queensberry Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Room 1 x Superior Room as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to visit the magnificent Stonehenge. Feel the weight of history in the air as you explore this iconic site, marvelling at the architectural ingenuity of ancient civilisations. You will be met by an expert guide at Stonehenge who will regale you with the history and stories associated with this ancient monument.
You will then continue your journey 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
Please see our booking terms here.
Wednesday 2nd July – Friday 11th July 2025