5-Day Heart of England, Wales & Yorkshire Small-Group Tour from London

Day 1: London - Stratford upon Avon - Ironbridge

1. Stratford-upon-Avon
   2h
   The birthplace of Shakespeare has an impressive array of black and white Tudor buildings. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, you have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch (at own expense) in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs.
2. Ironbridge Gorge Museums
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   You then head to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. Built during the age of Industrial Revolution, explore how it was pieced together or simply enjoy the views from above the lazily-flowing River Severn.
3. Shrewsbury
   2h
   You make your way to the county town of Shrewsbury; the narrow-streets of the town centre is 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: Touring around North Wales

1. Castell Conwy
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the imposing might of Conwy and its medieval castle. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, this fortress offers spectacular views from the battlements.
2. Snowdonia-Eryri National Park
   45m
   Roam the impressive mountains and valleys of the Snowdonia National Park, its slate quarries, and travel through the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadow of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.
   Learn about Welsh struggles for independence and the tales of the rebellious Owain Glyndwr as you head back over back over the English border to your accommodation.

Day 3: Shrewsbury - Peak District National Park - Chatsworth House

1. Peak District National Park
   Pass by
   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 your route as you wind through this area’s unique landscape.
2. Buxton
   1h
   Buxton has been attracting visitors to enjoy its natural thermal springs since Roman times. And it’s where you can fill up your bottle with crystal-clear water from the famous spring.
3. Chatsworth House
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Make your way to the Duke of Devonshire’s famous stately home and gardens at Chatsworth. This renowned building is regularly named the UK’s favourite country house thanks to its immense collection of furniture, priceless paintings, and neoclassical sculptures.
4. York
   Pass by
   Travelling northwards, you pass through some of the old industrial heartlands of northern England to the historic walled city of York, where you spend the next two nights.

Day 4: Day exploring the sights of York. Options and attractions are subject to group's interests.

1. Yorkshire
   4h
   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. Here, you experience famed Yorkshire hospitality at its best before heading to some of the more remote areas and impressive scenery of the Eastern Dales.
   
   Whichever option you choose, you spend your evening enjoying the sights and sounds of York.

Day 5: York - Cambridge - London

1. Lincoln
   1h
   You stop in the town of Lincoln, famed for its beautiful historic center and delicious Lincolnshire sausages. Make sure you check out the cathedral while you’re here; it was the world’s tallest building for around 200 years.
2. Cambridge
   2h
   Leaving Lincoln, you continue south to the city of Cambridge. The iconic King’s College Chapel dominates the heart of the city. Take a guided punting ride along ‘the backs’ of the colleges, or climb the steps of St Mary’s tower to get a skyline view before heading back to London.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
• Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately. To ensure that bookings for passengers traveling together are not separated, please inform us if you have multiple bookings.
• When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
• Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
• Stratford - You have free time in Stratford between 12pm-2pm. If you'd like to visit the the Royal Shakespeare Theatre , Shakespeare’s Birthplace or any of the town’s attractions, please reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• York - You have free time in York from 1.45pm. If you'd like to visit the York Minster or any of the town’s attractions, please reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Cambridge - You have free time in Cambridge between 1.45pm-4pm. If you'd like to visit the King’s College or any of the town’s attractions, please reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Conwy Castle - Entrance to Conwy Castle included in tour price.
• Chatsworth House - Entrance to Chatsworth House included in tour price.
• B&Bs 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. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
• Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
• In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.