Best of England, Wales & Yorkshire: 5-Day Small-Group Tour
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- Duration
- 5 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- London → London
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Are you ready for 2,000 years of history set amid spectacular natural scenery? Stroll the vibrant, Roman-walled city of York. Marvel at Conwy's impressive medieval military architecture. Step into Shakespeare's Tudor England. Wander ancient college buildings in the university city of Cambridge.
You'll also discover the rugged area around Wales' highest peak and the verdant rolling landscapes of the Peak District National Park.
- Walk in the footsteps of the world's greatest playwright in Stratford-upon-Avon, then marvel at the world's first iron bridge at Ironbridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the River Severn
- Climb the battlements of Conwy Castle — admission included — built by Edward I in the 13th century, and journey through Snowdonia National Park along the dramatic Llanberis Pass beneath Wales' highest peak
- Wind through the Peak District National Park, fill your bottle from Buxton's famous thermal spring, and explore the magnificent Chatsworth House — the UK's favourite country house
- Spend two nights and a free day in the Roman-Viking walled city of York, with the option of a half-day excursion to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and market town of Knaresborough
- Stop in historic Lincoln to admire its awe-inspiring cathedral — once the world's tallest building — then explore the timeless university colleges and riverside charm of Cambridge
5-Day England, Wales & Yorkshire Tour Itinerary
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Day 1
Home of Shakespeare – Stratford-upon-Avon
Depart London and make your way to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This charming market town is home to the bard's childhood home, school, and resting place. You'll have time to explore at your leisure and enjoy free time for lunch at a riverside pub or one of the town's many restaurants.
Then travel on to Ironbridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world's first iron bridge. Constructed during the Industrial Revolution, take time to learn about its history or simply soak in the scenic views over the tranquil River Severn.
Your journey continues to Shrewsbury, a delightful market town almost entirely encircled by the River Severn. The birthplace of Charles Darwin, its black and white Tudor-style buildings offer a picturesque setting for your two-night stay. Please note: In rare cases, this tour may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury.
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Day 2
North Wales & Conwy Castle
Today, your journey brings you to the heart of North Wales. Begin with a visit to the formidable Conwy and its impressive medieval castle, constructed by Edward I in the 13th century. From its lofty battlements, take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Then, venture into the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia National Park, renowned for its historic slate quarries. Travel through the dramatic Llanberis Pass, set beneath Snowdon — the highest peak in Wales.
In the late afternoon, we cross the English border and return to Shrewsbury. Please note: On rare occasions, this tour may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury.
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Day 3
Chatsworth House & The Peak District
Northeast of Shrewsbury lies the expansive Peak District National Park, a breathtaking region of windswept moorland, walled pastures, and wooded valleys. As you travel through this remarkable landscape, you'll encounter charming villages and unforgettable views.
After a scenic drive, you'll arrive in Buxton, a spa town famed for its natural thermal waters since Roman days. Be sure to stop and fill your bottle from the town's renowned crystal-clear spring.
Later in the day, explore Chatsworth, the magnificent stately home and gardens of the Duke of Devonshire. Regularly named the UK's favourite country house, this iconic building boasts exquisite furniture, priceless artworks, and neoclassical sculptures. Please note: Entry to Chatsworth House is not included in the tour price. Tickets must be purchased on arrival. Your route continues north to the walled city of York, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
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Day 4
Free Day in York or Optional Trip to Knaresborough
Today, you've got two great choices. You can spend the day exploring the medieval heart of York, a historic city with a rich past spanning the Romans, Vikings, and Normans.
Or, if you prefer, join your guide on an optional half-day excursion through the Yorkshire Dales to the picturesque market town of Knaresborough. Experience the warmth of Yorkshire hospitality before heading deeper into the stunning landscapes of the Eastern Dales.
No matter which option you take, your evening is free to soak up the sights and sounds of York.
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Day 5
Lincoln & Cambridge
Leaving the charming city of York in the morning, your journey south to London begins. Your first stop is the historic town of Lincoln, known for its charming old town, remarkable medieval architecture, and, naturally, its beloved Lincolnshire sausages. Don't miss the cathedral — it was the tallest building in the world for nearly 200 years. With its soaring spires, intricate design, and breathtaking stained-glass windows, it's sure to leave you in awe.
Your next destination is Cambridge, a city of timeless elegance and intellectual heritage. Enjoy your free time discovering the famous university, exploring its iconic colleges, or wandering through the city's museums, age-old churches, and bustling market areas. For something special, consider joining an optional guided punting ride along the river, or climb the steps of St Mary's Tower for sweeping views of the city.
After immersing yourself in Cambridge's grace and history, the journey back to London continues. As you make your way back, reflect on the sights that define the heart of England and the spirit of Wales. The bustling energy of London draws closer, yet the peaceful countryside and the stories you've experienced linger in your mind — reminders of the adventure, tradition, and natural beauty of this unforgettable tour.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 4 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
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Conwy Castle – admission included
Meals
- 4 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.
- In rare cases, this tour may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury on nights 1 and 2.
- Entry to Chatsworth House is not included. Tickets must be purchased on arrival.
- Tour reference code: 318585
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 4 nights en-suite B&B accommodation with daily breakfast, admission to Conwy Castle, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide throughout.
The tour starts and ends in London. You depart from London on Day 1 and return to London on Day 5 after visiting Cambridge.
Yes. Admission to Conwy Castle is included in the tour price. You will visit on Day 2, along with Snowdonia National Park and the dramatic Llanberis Pass beneath Snowdon, Wales' highest peak.
No. Entry to Chatsworth House is not included in the tour price — tickets must be purchased on arrival when you visit on Day 3. Your guide will be on hand with information about the house and its remarkable collection of furniture, artworks, and neoclassical sculptures.
The tour includes 4 nights en-suite B&B accommodation: 2 nights in Shrewsbury after Days 1 and 2, and 2 nights in York after Days 3 and 4. Please note that in rare cases the tour may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury.
On Day 4, rather than spending the full day in York, you have the option to join your guide on a half-day excursion through the Yorkshire Dales to Knaresborough — a picturesque market town known for its warm Yorkshire hospitality and stunning Eastern Dales landscapes. This is optional; you are equally welcome to spend the day independently in York.
Lincoln is a historic town with a charming old quarter and remarkable medieval architecture. Its cathedral is the star attraction — it held the title of the world's tallest building for nearly 200 years, and its soaring spires, intricate stonework, and breathtaking stained-glass windows make it unmissable. The stop in Lincoln comes before continuing south to Cambridge.
The tour starts from US $1,469 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $2,295 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.