Original
Explorer
Best of England, Wales and Scotland
19 days • 4.5
4.5
Excellent
2 reviews
19 days
Start
London, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Trip Code
BMSBC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
17 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
Train, Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Guesthouse (2 night)
From £5,144(19 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys as you travel to the Highlands on the world-famous West Highland Railway, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame. Then explore the birthplace of the novels in Edinburgh.
Nothing beats getting to know a place on your own two feet, so get your walking shoes on for explorations of Portree Bay, Creag Bheag and Fort William with views of the UK’s highest peak – Ben Nevis – in all its glory.
Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, soak up the fresh sea air and mountain views and taste your way through the local whisky. Then, take a day trip through the stunning landscapes and medieval castles of Skye.
Discover cities Cardiff in Wales and Liverpool in England with leader-led walking tours, the best way to discover the city! In Cardiff, explore Dr Who filming locations and in Liverpool, tune in to everything The Beatles.
From the gorgeous Cotswolds, walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Snowdonia National Park, and explore the rolling hills, woodlands and picturesque villages. Then, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park, taking a relaxing walk along Windermere Lake.
Is this trip right for you?
Please note that most of the travel on this trip is done by train. While this is a fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting your bags to and from the trains and moving them around the station. Sometimes a short walk from your hotel to the train station is also required. Please pack carefully and do not bring any unnecessary items with you. Suggested weight of your luggage should not exceed 12 to 15kg.
This trip includes a moderate hike on the Isle of Skye. This activity can be opted out of should you wish to refrain from participating.
Itinerary
From mountainous national parks to buzzing city centres, explore the best of England, Wales and Scotland
Where can you find the birthplace of Harry Potter, mountainous national parks, rolling countryside and medieval architecture? The UK of course! This three-week adventure will take you through some must-see sites in England, Wales and Scotland. Take a punt through Oxford, explore the beauty of the Cotswolds, walk Cardiff and discover popular filming locations of The Doctor, stroll through the majestic beauty of Snowdonia National Park, be inspired by The Beatles’ past in Liverpool, hike the stunning Lake District National Park, hit the town in Glasgow, support local communities in picturesque Edinburgh (JK Rowling’s favourite writing spot), travel through the undulating landscape of the Scottish Highlands and Cairngorms National Park and discover the untouched and stunning Isle of Skye.
Inclusions
Meals
17 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
Train, Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Guesthouse (2 night)
Included activities
Oxford - Punting Activity
Moreton-in-Marsh - Cotswolds day trip & picnic lunch
Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour (Dr Who theme)
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - Included guided hike: Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert
Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour
Chester - boat tour
Windermere - West Shore Lakeside leader led hike
Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour
Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct view
Isle of Skye - Guided hike
Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
Inverness - River Ness walk
Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
Optional activities
Oxford - Oxford Castle and Prison tour - GBP16
Oxford - Ashmolean Museum visit - Free
Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP17
Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - GBP3
Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - GBP8
Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13
Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola - GBP26
Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse - GBP13
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in London at the start of the trip, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.
3. As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Glasgow.
4. At the end of first part of your trip you will be provided with a train ticket and instructions how to reach the start of the second part of your trip. This part of your journey will not be assisted by our Tour Leader.
Reviews (2)
5 stars
1
4 stars
1
Madelyn
May 08, 2025
This trip was magical! I learnt and saw so much and enjoyed every second! Ruth was incredible as out guide for England and Wales and Rob was wonderful as our guide for Scotland. I would do this trip many times over as I loved it!
Fran
Aug 12, 2024
A great trip that covers a lot of must see locations. Given it is rated as an ‘original’ tour, we were pleasantly surprised by the standard of accommodation included. Given we are both in our 60’s and this being our first ever organised tour, we did find it a little too long and hectic. But well worth it nonetheless! We now know where we would love to visit again sometime in the future.
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