Discover the Best and Hidden Secrets of Britain

Discover the Best and Hidden Secrets of Britain

There are some places in the world where travel ‘curation’ is virtually essential and Britain is surely one of them. With so much to see and do across thousands of towns and villages, you could easily and unwittingly skip past some absolute treasures, some unforgettable experiences, if you don’t have experts to guide your way.

Having the highlights and hidden secrets curated for you, mixed with plenty of free time to make your own serendipitous discoveries is the best way to shape lifelong memories travelling through magnificent Great Britain.

So that’s the formula and here’s what it feels like with a snapshot of our Best of British Tour … stay in ancient castles, tour the gorgeous Cotswolds, explore Shakespeare’s village, visit Stonehenge, see beautiful Bath, York and Chester, enjoy a guided walk through Oxford and ride a heritage train to Whitby - all of it arranged for you, no hidden extra costs or optional paid side trips, maximum group size of 28, hand-picked quality accommodation and genuine, authentic local cuisine.

As wonderful as that all sounds - and there’s plenty more to see and do on this all-inclusive top to bottom circular journey around Great Britain - one of the key benefits of touring with us is the time you get to really experience each place. We don’t rush through landmarks for a quick photo stop and then race off to another spot. Our Chief Tour Designer, Euan Landsborough, ‘The Mo’ has crafted itineraries that allow our guests to really immerse themselves in each location, soak it all in and pause to reflect. It’s what sets us apart.

So how does that feel on tour? Well, when we visit the regions where legendary Scottish figures shaped history, we take time to dig a little deeper to connect with locals and take in the environments where those pivotal moments took place.

For example, after a free day in Edinburgh, we head to the open glens and brooding lochs of the Trossachs – the heart of Rob Roy country. It’s tranquil today but what an incredible story this landscape has to tell. In the wee town of Callander a picturesque gateway to and from the Highlands, we enjoy the quaint tearooms, its craft and woollen shops before our journey continues to the ancient capital, Stirling.
 

With a local guide regaling tales of the town’s colourful, often brutal, folkloric past, we wind through the old town to the spectacular castle that sits atop the signature crag that dominates the city vista. Enjoy expert commentary accompanying the journey and a full explanation of the William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace story so intrinsically linked to this part of the world. It’s a fascinating day that fittingly culminates in a locally focused dinner that includes a taste of haggis with ‘neeps and tatties’ (swede and potatoes) accompanied by traditional Scottish music and dance.

And this is all typical of what you’ll experience every day on this tour. Right from the outset, this thoughtful journey makes the most of every moment. On day-one, at 9am, you’ll head west from London with ample time to enjoy the incredible megaliths of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, Salisbury itself and then continue onward to Bath for three nights.

Other standout highlights of the 16 days include touring the world of Wentworth and Beatrix Potter in the Lake District with a cruise on fabled Lake Windermere, a decadent afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms in Harrogate, enjoy a ‘wee tipple’ at The Scotch Whisky Experience, see the majestic Clifton Suspension Bridge above the River Avon and if you travel in August, you’ll even attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The final night of the tour is a beauty with an exclusive stay in Leeds Castle with a grand farewell dinner in Lady Baillie’s Dining Room.

Discover the best and hidden secrets of Britain on our fascinating 16 day Best of British tour.