Best of Britain

Trip Type: Explorer|Rail|
United Kingdom | 12 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 5,624.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Where did The Beatles, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Doctor Who originate? The UK of course! This 12-day trip will take you to a few of the must-s...

Best of Britain

Where did The Beatles, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Doctor Who originate? The UK of course! This 12-day trip will take you to a few of the must-see sites, through the rolling hills, mountainous landscapes and medieval cities of England, Scotland and Wales. 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 and then end it all in picturesque Edinburgh – JK Rowling’s favourite writing location.

Welcome to London! England’s capital and largest city stands on the River Thames and has a history spanning back to the time of the ancient Romans. There’s lots to see and do in this bustling metropolis, so it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, you’re free to hit a West End show or find a fancy restaurant for dinner with a view.

After breakfast this morning, take a train to Oxford – established in the 12th century, this city revolves around its prestigious university of the same name. The architecture of the city’s medieval centre led poet Matthew Arnold to the nickname 'City of Dreaming Spires'. When you arrive, enjoy a spot of punting – a timeless Oxford tradition of taking a leisurely boat ride (or punt) upstream. Pass along gorgeously green gardens and admire the city from the water. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit the famed college campuses or the Botanic Gardens, where you can picnic for lunch.

After breakfast this morning, you have the day free to explore Oxford. If you haven’t already, it’s highly recommended that you take a tour of the University of Oxford, with its many prestigious libraries and historic buildings. Then, you might want to explore Oxford Castle and Prison or the Ashmolean Museum – the university’s museum of art and archaeology. Then, maybe check out Blenheim Palace – a 300-year-old country house in Woodstock and the only non-royal house in England to hold the title of palace. Tonight, why not reconnect with your group and find a spot of dinner?

Enjoy breakfast and then take a day trip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Designated as the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region rises from the meadows of the upper Thames and is a beautiful place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Explore the English countryside and the peaceful beauty of the local villages. This area is also known for its distinctive local yellow limestone buildings, including medieval-looking cathedrals and thatched homes. If the weather is right, today is perfect for a picnic lunch in the park with your group. Tonight, you’re free to make your own dinner plans. Spend the night in Moreton-in-Marsh.

After breakfast, take a train to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy some free time for lunch and then take a walking tour with a local guide – calling all Dr Who fans, this one is for you! Explore various filming locations and a few of the city’s hotspots related to The Doctor, all within Cardiff’s city centre. After you walk in the footsteps of David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker and Matt Smith, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore, time travel or visit Cardiff Castle – which has stood for almost 2000 years. Tonight, relax in your hotel, enjoy a Dr Who marathon, or find a great spot for dinner with your group.

Wake up nice and early this morning for breakfast at your hotel and then take a private transfer to Beddgelert – a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales and translating to Gelert’s Grave. This community was named after the legend of Gelert the dog, who Prince Llywelyn left to guard his child. The prince found the dog covered in blood and assumed he had turned on the child, thus killing him. Tragically, the prince realised that Gelert had saved the child from a nearby wolf. Stricken with grief and remorse, the prince gave his heroic hound a ceremonial burial by the river, and to this day, thousands visit the cairn of stones that mark Gelert’s grave. When you arrive in this riverside village, take a scenic hike on the Lon Gwyrfai path to Rhyd Ddu. Winding through some of the best parts of Snowdonia National Park, this trail will wind through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands and viewpoints spanning across the valley. An included group lunch will break up the walk, and after, you’ll take a private transfer to Bangor – the oldest city in Wales. When you arrive, the rest of the afternoon is free. Relax at your hotel or visit one of the many cathedrals in the city.

Have breakfast this morning at your hotel and then take a direct train to Liverpool – famously, the hometown of The Beatles. After arrival, check in and hit the streets of this city. You’ll take a Beatles-themed walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the famous architecture of the Georgian Quarter, local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey, and maybe even the childhood homes of Paul and John. Explore some local music shops, record stores, and other famous locations tied to the historic musical geniuses while learning about the history of Liverpool itself. After, maybe grab a pub dinner with your group before enjoying a free evening to explore on your own.

This morning, take a short train ride to Chester - another cathedral city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Take a boat cruise along the River Dee and sightsee this ancient city, with its red sandstone Roman walls, from the water. Enjoy some free time for lunch and then take a train back to Liverpool. Enjoy a free evening when you arrive – maybe hit one of the many pubs again and spend a night with some local Liverpudlians.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a train to Windermere, in the famous Lake District of England. A mountainous region and national park, this area is popular for its stunning scenery, glacial ribbon lakes and historic literary association. Enjoy some free time for lunch, exploring the town of Windermere and then take a guided walk with your trip leader along the shore of Lake Windermere – by far, the most popular natural lake to explore in the district. This lake is also the largest in the country! Extend your walk this afternoon, relax in your hotel or find a quaint spot for dinner with your group – the evening is yours.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning with your group. You have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park today – your trip leader will have many suggestions for hikes, short walks and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour, very popular on Windermere Lake, or take a drive to Beatrix Potter’s home in Near Sawrey. You could also choose to visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Neolithic period. There’s so much to see and do in this gorgeous national park, it’s a nature-lover’s paradise!

After breakfast, take a train to Edinburgh, Scotland this morning. The birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is a hilly city that has captured the hearts and minds of many. When you arrive, you’ll take a walking tour with your trip leader. Explore the medieval Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle looming above, then head into the Georgian New Town, with its beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe explore the castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels, or head to Arthur’s Seat, an imposing peak with sweeping views over the city in Holyrood Park. You can also book a Potter-themed walking tour to further explore the city and learn about JK Rowling’s inspirations and writing locations and even visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle! Maybe celebrate a trip well-travelled tonight with your group with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants.

There are no activities planned for today so after breakfast, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay and explore Edinburgh for longer, consider booking a combo trip or speak to our booking agent about extended accommodation.

Meals
11 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(s),

Transport
Train , Private vehicle , Public transport

Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights)

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 Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu
  • Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour
  • Chester - boat tour
  • Windermere - West Shore Lakeside Walk
  • Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour
  • Take part in punting – a truly timeless, quintessentially Oxford pleasure that will see you floating along the idyllic waters of this university city, seeing the beautiful architecture and gardens from the perspective of a boat (or punt).
  • Spend a day exploring arguably the most beautiful and most British countryside – the Cotswolds. Explore the sleepy villages, walk through endless fields and taste some of the best ales in the neighbourhood.
  • 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.
  • Walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), 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 Lake Windermere.
  • With Edinburgh Castle overlooking your every step, walk the winding streets of the Old Town and take a walking tour of the New Town Scotland’s artistic treasure – the birthplace of Harry Potter.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
  • Please note that most of the travels on this trip is done by train. While this is fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting you bags to and from the trains and moving them round 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 12-15kg.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price:
NZD 6,400.00 NZD 6,080.00

Price:
NZD 6,155.00 NZD 5,847.00

Price:
NZD 6,155.00 NZD 5,847.00

Price:
NZD 6,155.00 NZD 5,847.00

Price:
NZD 6,340.00 NZD 6,023.00

Price:
NZD 6,155.00 NZD 5,847.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,624.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,624.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,624.00

Price:
NZD 5,980.00 NZD 5,681.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 6,155.00 NZD 5,847.00

Price:
NZD 6,395.00 NZD 6,075.00

Price:
NZD 6,155.00 NZD 5,847.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
BMSB
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
London, United Kingdom
Trip Finishes:
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Countries Visited:
United Kingdom
map

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
United Kingdom | 12 Days | 1 - 12 People

More Experiences From United Kingdom