London to Edinburgh: The Best of Britain – 8-Day Small Group Tour
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- Duration
- 8 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- London → Edinburgh
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Journey across the best of Britain, from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, taking in castles, national parks, historic cities, and dramatic coastline along the way.
Stand among ancient stone circles, walk sections of Hadrian's Wall, cruise the Lake District's waters, and explore the medieval streets of York — eight days packed with the landscapes and landmarks that define Britain.
- Explore Conwy Castle, Edward I's 13th-century fortress, and walk the battlements for views over Snowdonia National Park
- Visit Chatsworth House, the magnificent estate of the Duke of Devonshire, set within the Peak District National Park
- Discover the medieval walled city of York, including York Minster and a free day to explore at your own pace
- Follow the coast to Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay, then cruise Lake Windermere and stand among the 5,000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Walk a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman Empire's northern frontier, before arriving in Edinburgh
8-Day London to Edinburgh Itinerary
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Day 1
Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon & Ironbridge
This morning you'll depart London for Stratford-upon-Avon, where you'll have free time to visit Shakespeare's birthplace and explore the village (Anne Hathaway's Cottage optional, not included). After free time for lunch, you'll continue to Ironbridge to see the historic iron bridge set in its wooded gorge. From there you'll travel on to Shrewsbury, your base for the next two nights.
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Day 2
North Wales & Snowdonia National Park
You'll depart for North Wales and stop first at Conwy Castle, Edward I's 13th-century fortress, where you can walk the battlements for views over the town. From there you'll continue into Snowdonia National Park, passing the Dinorwic slate quarries and the Pass of Llanberis beneath Snowdon, Wales' highest peak. You'll hear about the history of Owain Glyndwr along the way before returning to Shrewsbury.
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Day 3
Chatsworth House & Peak District National Park
This morning you'll drive through Peak District National Park, passing moorland and valley scenery, with a stop in the spa town of Buxton to fill your water bottle from the natural spring. You'll continue to Chatsworth House, home of the Duke of Devonshire, for a visit to the state rooms and their art and furniture collections. From there you'll head north through England's former industrial heartland to York, your base for the next two nights.
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Day 4
Exploring the Medieval Heart of York or Optional Excursion
Today is free to explore York independently — walk the city walls, visit York Minster, or browse the museums. Alternatively, join an optional half-day excursion to the Yorkshire Dales to see towns such as Knaresborough or Ripon (not included). The rest of the day is free to relax, have dinner, and explore the shops at your own pace.
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Day 5
Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay
After a free morning in York to see York Minster, you'll depart into North Yorkshire Moors National Park. You'll stop in Whitby for free time for lunch and a look at the Royal Hotel, linked to Bram Stoker's Dracula, then continue to the fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. You'll return to York for the evening.
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Day 6
Yorkshire Dales National Park
You'll travel west through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing rolling hills and traditional farmland, then continue through the Northern Dales, known for their cattle markets and scenery. By evening you'll arrive in Keswick, your base in the Lake District, with free time to explore on arrival.
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Day 7
Wordsworth's Dove Cottage & The Lake District
After breakfast you'll visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, more than 5,000 years old, then continue to Ullswater for a walk to Aira Force waterfall. You'll cross Kirkstone Pass to Windermere for free time for lunch and a 45-minute lake cruise, then visit Hawkshead's grammar school, once attended by William Wordsworth. The day finishes in Grasmere with free time for Dove Cottage or the Daffodil Garden before you return to Keswick.
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Day 8
Hadrian's Wall & Arrive in Edinburgh
You'll cross Hartside Pass, rising to over 1,900 feet, for views across the Lake District and the Scottish hills. Next you'll stop at Hadrian's Wall to walk a section of the Roman frontier along the historic Dere Street route. Crossing into Scotland, you'll visit Jedburgh Abbey before a final stop at Scott's View overlooking the River Tweed, arriving in Edinburgh where the tour ends.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 7 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide & Admissions
- Expert local driver-guide throughout
- Admission to Conwy Castle
- 45-minute islands cruise on Lake Windermere
- Admission to Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum
- Admission to Chatsworth House & Garden
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (20 kg / 44 lbs) & 1 small carry-on bag. Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- Tour reference code: 357400
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 7 nights en-suite B&B accommodation with daily breakfast, an expert local driver-guide throughout, admission to Conwy Castle, a 45-minute islands cruise on Lake Windermere, admission to Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, admission to Chatsworth House & Garden, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach.
The tour starts in London on Day 1 and ends in Edinburgh on Day 8, after a final stop at Scott's View overlooking the River Tweed.
The tour uses B&B en-suite accommodation for 7 nights, with breakfast included each morning, including two-night stays in Shrewsbury and York. B&Bs are traditionally small, family-owned properties usually located on the outskirts of towns, so guests should be prepared for a short walk to local facilities. Lifts are not available; if you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room in advance (subject to availability).
Yes. Day 4 in York is a free day to explore the city independently, including York Minster and the city walls, or you can join an optional half-day excursion to the Yorkshire Dales at your own expense — not included in the tour price.
Yes. A 45-minute islands cruise on Lake Windermere is included in the tour price, on Day 7 as part of your time in Windermere.
Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage up to 20kg (44lbs), which is stowed in the coach's luggage compartment and not accessible until drop-off, plus 1 small carry-on bag.
The tour starts from US $2,861 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $4,470 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.