8 Days: Conwy Castle - Chatsworth House - Robin Hood’s Bay - Snowdonia - Stratford–upon–Avon - Castlerigg Standing Stones

Tour overview:

This 8 day adventure takes in the rich history, landscapes, and heritage of Britain from London to Edinburgh. Visit Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, explore the castles and mountains of North Wales, and admire the grand estate of Chatsworth House in the Peak District. Discover the medieval charm of York, travel through the Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful Lake District, and follow the historic line of Hadrian’s Wall before crossing the border into Scotland’s capital.

Day 1 - Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon & Ironbridge

You leave London and head to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. 

We travel through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for a stunning range of rolling chalk hills, historic villages, and rich biodiversity.

Stratford-upon-Avon. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, you have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs. 

You then head to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. 

You make your way to the county town of Shrewsbury; the narrow streets of the town centre are almost completely encircled by the River Severn. Charles Darwin was born in this bustling market town, and its timber-framed black and white Tudor buildings are your home for the next two nights.

Day 2 - North Wales & Snowdonia National Park

Our tour takes us to the heart of North Wales today. Its tongue-twisting language is the oldest in Great Britain; it's the land of castles, with over 600 across the country; and it's a landscape of inescapable beauty. 

Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This gorgeous harbor town is known for an imposing medieval castle perched by the sea. 

Recharged after lunch, we travel into the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), where we roam the impressive mountains and valleys and travel through the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadow of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.

Next, is the charming village of Betws-y-Coed. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush forests, it offers picturesque streets lined with traditional stone cottages. In the late afternoon, we head over the English border and travel back to Shrewsbury. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 3 - Chatsworth House & Peak District National Park

Lying northeast of Shrewsbury is the Peak District National Park, an expanse of rugged moorland with walled pastures and wooded valleys. Picturesque villages and unbeatable scenery line our route as we wind through this area’s unique landscape.

After a spectacular drive, we arrive in the elegant spa town of Buxton. It’s been attracting visitors to enjoy its natural thermal springs since Roman times.

In the early afternoon we reach the impressive Chatsworth House, the Duke of Devonshire’s famous stately home and gardens. You'll have several hours here to explore.

Later we arrive in the historic city of York, a place where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern charm. As evening falls, the city comes alive with a magical atmosphere. We stay here for three nights so you can wander through the lit cobbled streets of The Shambles, visit one of the city's cozy pubs, or take a walk along the medieval city walls.

Day 4 - Exploring the medieval heart of York or optional excursion

Today there are two options. You can choose to spend the day exploring the medieval heart of York, an ancient city with a colourful history dating back to the times of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans.

Alternatively, you can journey out with your guide on a half-day excursion across the Yorkshire Dales to the handsome market town of Knaresborough.

*This is the end of the first leg of your tour so you leave your group and explore York on your own until the end of today. You will join the second leg of the tour on day 5.

Day 5 - Whitby & Robin Hood’s Bay

*You join the second leg of the tour today - get ready to meet a new driver-guide and new fellow travellers.

You journey out with your guide on a half-day excursion to the magnificent North York Moors National Park. Your next stop is Whitby, a bustling fishing port and inspiration for the imagination of Bram Stoker, who stayed here in a hotel while writing his famous novel Dracula. After lunch and free time in Whitby, you travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, renowned for its charming narrow streets, historic cottages, and breathtaking views of the North Sea. 

We return to York in the early evening

Day 6 - Yorkshire Dales National Park

You're picked up from your accommodation and head west into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats, and rich cultural heritage. 

Your driver-guide takes you to some of the hidden gems of the national park.

Following food lovers will enjoy visiting Hawes, a charming Yorkshire Dales town and home of Wensleydale cheese.

During our lunch stop, explore the Wensleydale Creamery, watch cheese-making in action, and sample its delights. Stroll the cobbled alleys before we journey through scenic countryside, pausing for photos en route to Appleby-in-Westmorland. This historic market town features sandstone cottages and the imposing Appleby Castle, rich with stories of the past.

Finally, we enter the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where rugged mountains and serene lakes reflect the timeless beauty immortalized by the Lake Poets.

As evening approaches, we arrive in the vibrant market town of Keswick by Derwentwater, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation and have free time to explore the charming town.

Day 8 - Hadrian’s Wall & Arrive in Edinburgh

We say farewell to the Lake District with its dramatic fells, shimmering lakes, and rolling green valleys, and travel through some of northern England's most stunning and diverse landscapes. As we travel northeast, the scenery transitions to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its windswept moorlands and secluded dales.

The tour continues toward Hadrian’s Wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You’ll have time to walk beside the wall and feel the isolation that Roman soldiers experienced while guarding against the ‘barbarians’ to the north. As you journey along the wall, your guide will recommend the best sites to visit.

Next: exploring the archaeological site of Vindolanda, where you can step into the lives of those at this Roman fort. Years of excavation have uncovered incredible artifacts, from shoes and jewelry to bones and pottery. 

Heading north, we stop at Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, a historic border crossing between England and Scotland. Traveling through the scenic Scottish Borders, with its rolling hills, ancient abbeys, and charming villages, we pause in Jedburgh, home to the impressive 12th-century Augustinian Abbey.

Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages and scenic vistas, before you arrive in Edinburgh.