SHORTLIST

Highlights of Britain 2025

Join us for a classic journey that delves deep into Britain’s fascinating history and culture. In England we’ll trace the footsteps of famous writers and pts, uncovering the scenic countryside that inspired their greatest works. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey will take in evocative scenery and dramatic castles – immersing ourselves in age-old traditions as we go. Experience it all on this unforgettable 11-day journey.

Tour details
Tour Provider Back-Roads Touring Co
Price From
$5,844
Number of Days
11
Start Location
London, Europe
End Location
Edinburgh, Europe
Age Range
Avg. 60+
Group Size
4 to 18
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy
Itinerary Open all
London (England)

An epicentre of rich history and innovation, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. Accommodation: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar)

London – Oxford – Cotswolds

After breakfast, we’ll leave the capital behind us and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where we'll discover the highlights of this medieval university city on an orientation walk with our expert Tour Leader. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages. Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)

Cotswolds – Stratford-Upon-Avon – Cotswolds

This morning, we’ll board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before we return to the Cotswolds where there’ll be time to explore more of its rolling hills, charming villages and panoramic views.
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)

Cotswolds – Worcester – Denbighshire

We’ll discover more about the crusades of saints and kings on a visit of Worcester Cathedral before our road turns towards the rugged ancient landscapes of Wales this afternoon. This evening, we’ll dine together in Denbighshire. Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)

Denbighshire – Snowdonia National Park – Denbighshire

Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is our next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. We’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner. Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)

Denbighshire – Liverpool – York

Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Ts still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)

York

We’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways – and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is ours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel. Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)

York – Castle Howard – Lake District

Today we’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Our path will then take us through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, we’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel. Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)

Lake District

What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s highlights? Our first stop will be charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. With its flower-filled gardens and glorious views of Lake Windermere, it’s easy to see why Wordsworth was inspired by this tranquil spot. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. We’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to our accommodation for the evening. Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)

Lake District – Scottish Borders (Scotland)

We’ll commence our day of culture this morning with a visit to The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and antiques, there’s something for everyone in this treasure trove! Next, we’ll turn our attention to Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here we’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening we have a local treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night. Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)

Scottish Borders – Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel – Edinburgh

Before we say our goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Our tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh.

Inclusions
  • - 10 nights in hand-picked accommodation

  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Explore some of Britain’s most spectacular regions including the Cotswolds, Snowdonia National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District
  • Discover the medieval Shambles and Snickelways of York
  • Immerse yourself in the grandeur and opulence of Castle Howard
  • Get better acquainted with the Fab Four at The Beatles Story museum
  • Breakfasts: 10
  • Dinners: 5
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
23 Mar 2025 02 Apr 2025 8 $5,844
30 Mar 2025 09 Apr 2025 14 $5,844
06 Apr 2025 16 Apr 2025 18 $5,974
13 Apr 2025 23 Apr 2025 1 $5,974
20 Apr 2025 30 Apr 2025 2 $5,974
27 Apr 2025 07 May 2025 4 $5,974
29 Apr 2025 09 May 2025 5 $5,974
04 May 2025 14 May 2025 Fully Booked $6,739
06 May 2025 16 May 2025 12 $7,039
09 May 2025 19 May 2025 10 $7,039
11 May 2025 21 May 2025 2 $7,039
13 May 2025 23 May 2025 10 $7,039
16 May 2025 26 May 2025 14 $7,039
18 May 2025 28 May 2025 15 $7,039
20 May 2025 30 May 2025 13 $7,169
23 May 2025 02 Jun 2025 16 $7,169
25 May 2025 04 Jun 2025 12 $7,379
27 May 2025 06 Jun 2025 8 $7,169
30 May 2025 09 Jun 2025 13 $7,169
03 Jun 2025 13 Jun 2025 5 $6,764
08 Jun 2025 18 Jun 2025 2 $6,764
10 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025 4 $6,764
17 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 7 $6,764
22 Jun 2025 02 Jul 2025 12 $6,764
29 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 4 $6,764
06 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025 11 $6,594
08 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 12 $6,594
13 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025 11 $6,594
20 Jul 2025 30 Jul 2025 6 $6,594
22 Jul 2025 01 Aug 2025 6 $6,594
27 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 14 $6,594
03 Aug 2025 13 Aug 2025 12 $6,594
05 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025 11 $6,594
10 Aug 2025 20 Aug 2025 1 $6,594
17 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 2 $6,594
24 Aug 2025 03 Sep 2025 18 $6,594
26 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 14 $6,594
31 Aug 2025 10 Sep 2025 18 $6,594
02 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025 12 $7,039
05 Sep 2025 15 Sep 2025 12 $7,039
07 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025 16 $7,039
09 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 18 $7,249
12 Sep 2025 22 Sep 2025 18 $7,039
14 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025 18 $7,039
16 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025 14 $6,869
19 Sep 2025 29 Sep 2025 16 $6,869
21 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 18 $6,869
23 Sep 2025 03 Oct 2025 18 $6,869
26 Sep 2025 06 Oct 2025 14 $6,649
28 Sep 2025 08 Oct 2025 14 $6,649
30 Sep 2025 10 Oct 2025 18 $6,249
05 Oct 2025 15 Oct 2025 7 $5,974
12 Oct 2025 22 Oct 2025 14 $5,974
19 Oct 2025 29 Oct 2025 18 $5,974