Discover England & Wales in Comfort and Style

LONDON TO DORSET VIA THE JURASSIC COAST

Meet your driver guide this morning and tour along The Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Jurassic Coast, also known as the Dorset and East Devon Coast, is a World Heritage Site on the English Channel coast of southern England. It stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, a distance of about 96 miles, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in mid-December 2001. The cliff exposures along the coast provide an almost continuous sequence of rock formations spanning the Mesozoic Era, or some 185 million years of the earth's history. The area's important fossil sites and classic coastal geomorphologic features have contributed to the study of earth sciences for over 300 years.

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, 9 Fore St. Evershot, Dorchester, DT2 0JR

Overnight in a Classic Room inclusive of breakfast

Intimate and special, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant is a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, surrounded by beautiful countryside and offering a cosseting experience in the heart of Dorset. With genuine warm service, innovative and delicious menus, a relaxing spa, a stunning indoor pool, and fragrant landscaped gardens, this charming country-house hotel is the quintessential luxurious escape.

DORSET TO ST. AUSTELL VIA DEVON

Meet your driver guide this morning and enjoy a scenic drive through Devon and on to Saint Austell in Cornwall. Your driver will discuss possible stops as you travel. 

The Carylyon Bay Hotel  Sea Rd, Carlyon Bay, Saint Austell, PL25 3RD

2 nights in a Deluxe Sea View Room inclusive of breakfast. 

Discover Cornwall's finest luxury hotel by the sea, set above St Austell Bay with truly breathtaking views. Our hotel is the perfect destination for your next Cornish getaway. With AA rosette award-winning dining, an AA Recommended spa, 18 hole championship golf course, and 250 acres of private grounds for you to explore. Whether it’s a spa weekend, golfing getaway, or family holiday, let our coastal hotel sweep you off your feet as you acquaint yourself with the Cornish charm.

You will enjoy a day with your driver/guide for private touring along the West Coast, St Ives, Botallack, Minack Theatre and St Michaels Mount. 

St. Ives: One of Cornwall’s most treasured towns, St Ives is famed for its picturesque cobbled streets and coastal allure. However, up until the nineteenth century, it was primarily a bustling hub for the pilchard trade and a key exporter of tin across the UK and Europe. The town’s fortunes changed in 1887 with the opening of the St Erth to St Ives railway line, transforming this once modest fishing port into a must-visit destination for holidaymakers and artists alike.

Botallack is a coastal village in west Cornwall, England, renowned for its dramatic industrial heritage. It is a central part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site (UNESCO), featuring the iconic Crowns engine houses that cling to the foot of steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea. The theatre is at Porthcurno, four miles from Land's End in Cornwall, England. The Minack's performing season runs from Easter to the end of October and includes a wide range of music and theatre.

St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island joined to the mainland by a cobbled causeway. Each year, thousands of visitors from across the globe come for its rich history, natural beauty, subtropical gardens and, of course, iconic castle. Access to the island is ruled by the tides. This means getting across and back is an experience in itself. You may find yourself gliding into the historic harbour on a small ferryboat. Then returning to shore across the ancient causeway, the sea lapping at its edges.

We include a day wihth a driver/guide for local touring including Port Isaac and Tintagel Castle.

Port Isaac is a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast of north Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom. The nearest towns are Wadebridge and Camelford, each ten miles away. A nearby hamlet, Port Gaverne, is sometimes considered to be part of Port Isaac.

Tintagel Castle: During the 5th to 7th centuries, the island fortress of Tintagel was the stronghold of post-Roman Cornish rulers. Memories of Tintagel’s past glories inspired many legends, and in the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote that King Arthur was conceived here. The castle's atmospheric ruins stand partly on the mainland and partly on the island. In medieval times the two halves were connected by a bridge. Today, you can cross our own footbridge to explore the rugged island and visit the iconic sculpture of Gallos - a life-sized artwork inspired by the legend of King Arthur.When the tide’s out, you can enjoy the small sandy beach and explore the atmospheric Merlin’s Cave.

Thornbury Castle Hotel, Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH

2 nights included in a Superior Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast. 

Pass through the gateway and find, beyond those striking stone walls, a true escape from the everyday. Experience a luxurious Relais & Châteaux retreat and majestic castle hotel, channelling 1520s grandeur and modern splendour.

We include a day tour to Bath City with a private morning walking tour including entrance to The Roman Baths. The afternoon is free to do some sightseeing at your leisure in Bristol. 

Private 2 Hour walking tour of Bath including entrance to the Roman Baths. See all the attractions and learn about Bath and its history in an entertaining and informative walk. Route includes Abbey, Pump Room, Bathing Establishments, Medieval Wall, Queens Square, Circus, Royal Crescent, Assembly Rooms, Milsom Street, Pulteney Bridge and much more. See the attractions from outside and get tips from a local as to how to spend the rest of your time in Bath. You will be guided by a professional, experienced local tour guide. Allow 2 hours for the tour. Approximately 1.8 miles, 3 km approximately at moderate walking pace. 

We arrange for our expert Welsh driver/guide today to collect you at your hotel and travel to the Grove, Narberth or Penally Abbey and onto Pembrokeshire for an overnight stay. Perhaps visit the beautiful seaside town of Tenby with its sweeping golden sand beaches , medieval walls and castle. Some walking and discovery along the Pembrokeshire Coastal path with options to visit places like Stackpole Quay and Barafundle Bay, St Govens Chapel and/or Stack Rocks. All stunning locations along the beautiful coastal path which is one of the best National Parks in the UK. For history lovers, we could visit Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

Narberth is a gorgeous little market town in the east of Pembrokeshire. Multicoloured Edwardian and Georgian buildings line the high street which has developed quite a reputation as a shopper’s heaven. The town has grown around the walls of its stone castle, but the name is older than the castle. Narberth is derived from ‘Arberth’, the pre-Norman name for the district (or commote). This Celtic heritage is also represented in the myth and legend of the Mabinogion – ancient Welsh folk tales that were written down in the 14th century, originating from an earlier tradition of oral storytelling.

Pembroke is a town and community in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with a population of 7,552. The names of both the town and the county have a common origin; both are derived from the Cantref of Penfro: Pen, 'head' or 'end', and bro, 'region', 'country', 'land', which has been interpreted to mean either 'Land's End'[4] or 'headland'.[5] Pembroke features a number of historic buildings, town walls, complexes and Pembroke Castle which was the birthplace of Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII of England.

The Grove of Narberth, Grove of Molleston, Narberth, SA67 8BX

Overnight included in a Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast

Hidden in the rolling Narberth hills, surrounded by meadows, woodland and mature gardens, if you weren’t looking for the Grove you might just miss it. The warmest of Welsh welcomes awaits you here, the kind reserved for the oldest and best of friends, as you wander through the thoughtfully restored house and grounds, your new home from home deep in the Pembrokeshire countryside. Breathe in the magic, soak in the fresh air, and escape to thoughtful luxury.

We suggest we travel up to North Wales along the quiet but beautiful west coast passing numerous small towns and fishing villages as the hills become larger and more mountainous the further north we travel. Options today include St David’s cathedral in the tiny village of St Davids. There’s been a religious settlement here, named after the patron saint of Wales, since the mid AD600s. We could also visit the 4500-year-old neolithic burial chamber of Pentre Ifan which points like an arrow out over the Irish sea. It’s believed to be built with stone from the same quarry as Stonehenge. Heading north, we could visit Harlech Castle, one of the 4 UNESCO World heritage castles in the Ring of Iron built by Edward 1st in the 1280s after the English conquest of Wales. The 4 castles of the ‘’Castles and Town Walls of Edward 1st in North Wales’’ are collectively described as the most important examples of medieval military architecture in Europe by UNESCO.

Palé Hall Hotel , Palé Estate, Bala LL23 7PS

3 nights in a Grand Room inclusive of breakfast

Palé Hall, where historic grandeur meets contemporary excellence. An extraordinary Victorian estate where five-star hospitality and the dramatic beauty of Snowdonia converge to create Wales' most distinguished country house escape. Set within 50 acres of immaculate gardens and parkland, our meticulously restored Victorian country estate offers a luxurious retreat into nature where every detail is crafted for our guests.

Today we can visit the magnificent Snowdonia National park/Eryri with its 14 peaks towering over 3000 feet, lush green valleys and sparkling lakes. Visit quaint mountain villages like Betws y Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, and Beddgelert, named after the sad legend of Gelert the hunting hound. If we’re lucky, we may get to see wild Welsh Mountain goats and the native Carneddau mountain ponies. We’ll be close enough to see the finest of Edward 1st’s castles at Caernarfon, the Roman fort of Segontium or the native Welsh castle of Dolbadarn, home of Llewelyn ap Iorwerth, the greatest native prince of Wales. Or, maybe a steam railway ride.

Betws-y-Coed is a village and community in Conwy County Borough, Wales. The village is located near the confluence of the River Conwy and the River Llugwy and is on the eastern edge of Snowdonia.

Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia) in North Wales is Britain's largest National Park, famous for its rugged mountains (including Wales' highest, Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon), glacial valleys, lakes, and rich Welsh culture, offering extensive hiking, wildlife, and history with landmarks like ancient castles and quaint villages, appealing to millions seeking adventure and tranquillity.

Segontium: Established nearly two millennia ago, this strategically-placed fort at the edge of the Roman Empire bustled with life for more than three hundred years. Segontium was founded by Agricola in AD77 after he brutally suppressed a rebellion by the native tribe known as the Ordovices. Designed to hold a 1,000-strong regiment of auxiliary infantrymen, it was linked by Roman roads to the main legionary bases at Chester and Caerleon. Thanks to excavated coins we know the Romans stayed until about AD394 – no other fort in Wales was held so long. Segontium not only controlled access to fertile and mineral-rich Anglesey but later helped defend the Welsh coast against Irish pirates.

Dolbadarn Castle: Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Castell Dolbadarn was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley. Today the site is dominated by the sturdy round tower, very different in style to the unmortared slate slabs which make up the castle’s curtain walls. Standing 50ft/15.2m high, the tower’s design was probably inspired by that of similar fortresses built by Llywelyn’s rivals in the borderlands of the southern Marches.

A day on the North coast and the Conwy valley, The medieval town of Conwy is the best preserved medieval town in Britain and home to the 13th century Conwy castle with its town walls surrounding the old town area. A number of 16th century Tudor town houses line the street including Plas Mawr which is recognised as the best preserved Elizabethan town house in Britian. The pretty fishing quay lies along the side of the tidal River Conwy where you can find lobster and crabbing boats and the smallest house in Britain. A day in the area wouldn’t be complete without a drive round the majestic Great Orme. Huge limestone cliffs rise dramatically out of the Irish Sea giving far reaching views out to sea and across to the Island of Anglesey. There’s a chance of spotting more of North Wales’ famous wild life with Kashmir goats living along the cliff edge and Atlantic Grey Seals inhabiting the rocky coves. Finally , late May is the perfect time to visit Bodnant Gardens, one of the best horticultural gardens in the UK. Its globally famous for its 50 foot Laburnum arch which should be in full bloom during your visit. Built on 60 acres of gently rolling mountainside, Bodnant covers parkland, champion trees, water features and ornamental and terraced formal gardens with plants from all over the world collected over the gardens 150 year history.

Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1287. UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage Site.

Conwy, previously known in English as Conway, is a walled market town, community and the administrative centre of Conwy County Borough in North Wales. The walled town and castle stand on the west bank of the River Conwy, facing Deganwy on the east bank.

Plas Mawr: Britain’s finest town house of the golden Elizabethan age. Never was a building better named. Plas Mawr, or the Great Hall, is quite simply the finest surviving Elizabethan town house anywhere in Britain. This was a golden age when fabulously wealthy merchants invested in mansions, rich fittings and lavish entertaining. The house’s main frontage is discreetly hidden away in a steep narrow lane. So the High Street gatehouse only hints at the grandeur within, as you rise via a series of terraces to explore 17 impressive rooms. You won’t have to look far for clues about its creator. Wynn’s initials – R.W. – can be found all over Plas Mawr’s vividly painted ornamental plasterwork.

Bodnant Garden: With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant. Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delight for the senses. With year-round colour, the garden can be whatever you want it to be, whether that's a hive of activity or a haven of tranquility and relaxation, this is truly a special place for all ages.

Travel from North Wales via Chester and on to the Lake District. Visit the 2000 year old city of Chester with its roman walls and amphitheatre standing side by side with its unique Tudor rows and exceptional cathedral. Time for exploration of the city and lunch. Onto Grasmere and check in to your accommodation.

Chester: The ancient city of Chester is a breathtaking experience with each chapter of Chester's history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings

Grasmere is a village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Lakes, in the Westmorland and Furness district of Cumbria, England, and situated in the centre of the Lake District and named after its adjacent lake. Grasmere lies within the historic county of Westmorland.

The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Keswick Rd, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9PR

2 nights in a Valley View Superior Room inclusive of breakfast. 

By the shores of Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District, The Daffodil Hotel & Spa presents a brand new concept. Beautifully appointed by Interior Designer Paul Sawford, each room is inspired by Fibonacci designs and exclusive features provide you with the ultimate comfort for your stay. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, our relaxed luxury hotels serve as ideal retreats for explorers seeking both relaxation and adventure

Enjoy a full day with your driver/guide for touring The Lake District. You will travel from Bowness Bay towards Waterhead, cruising on England’s largest Lake, Windermere. Sit back and enjoy the unrivalled views from the Lake towards the fell ranges beyond.  After arriving at Waterhead you make your way to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm, where she wrote many of her famous children’s stories in this 17th century cottage. You will have the opportunity to explore the gardens and visit the shop. Continuing onto the medieval village of Hawkshead, you will have a little time to explore its many delightful features. There is plenty of photo opportunities as William Wordsworth old Grammar School is located here.  Onwards then, to the renowned beauty spot of Tarn Hows, which is one of the most photographed locations in the Lake District. Soak up the stunning views looking towards the mountains at Tarn Hows, before making your way back to your hotel.

The Lake District: From sixteen sparkling lakes and England’s highest mountains, to sheltered valleys, heather moorlands and salty seascapes, Cumbria and the Lake District have inspired and captivated generations of visitors and famous writers and poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. But there’s more to see than just scenery. The area has a rich heritage to discover, a vibrant and contemporary cultural scene, and a growing reputation for fine food and drink. And on top of all this, there is a huge choice of tourist activities in some of the greatest Great Outdoors in the world. The unique landscape that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter today nurtures a new generation of writers, artists and musicians. Sculpture trails, poetry programs, street art and theatre add up to a thriving cultural scene. The area has a fascinating heritage, too. In stone circles and Roman forts, in historic houses and museums, the past still echoes. From microbreweries and Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafés and farmers markets, Cumbria and the Lake District is fast becoming a food lover’s paradise. Whether it’s the simplest loaf or the most sumptuous delicacy, you’ll find food and drink produced and prepared by people who are passionate about quality. There are also lots of nature trails, so you can arrange a picnic through the hotel and head out for a day hike.

Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Farm: Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, it was the place that inspired her stories and her love for the Lake District. The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the garden path to the front door and see for yourself why Beatrix loved this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.

Hawkshead is a village and civil parish in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England. It lies within the Lake District National Park and was historically part of Lancashire. The parish includes the hamlets of Hawkshead Hill, 1.2 miles to the north west, and Outgate, a similar distance north.

Meet with your driver/guide for a private transfer to York with stops along Hadrian’s Wall, through Yorkshire.

Hadrian's Wall, also known as the Roman Wall, Picts' Wall, or Vallum Hadriani in Latin and is a former defensive fortification of the Roman Empire dating back to AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is in northern England. It encompasses thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, hills and villages. Southeast, on the River Wharfe, the Bolton Abbey Estate includes the ruins of a 12th-century monastery. Malham Village features a towering cliff, and a footpath leading to Gordale Scar, a limestone ravine with waterfalls. A 5-arched bridge crosses the river at Burnsall Village.

York: To uncover the city’s more unusual past, take a trip to Britain’s oldest living convent or step below ground for a fascinating look at York's last Cold War relic. Check out all things Roman at the Roman Bath Public House or journey back 150 million years at the Yorkshire Museum.

The Grand Hotel York , Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD

2 nights in a Grand Heritage Suite inclusive of breakfast

Built in 1906 as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, The Grand Hotel, York is a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. Designed by William Bell and Horace Field, the building showcases elegant marble interiors, oak-panelled rooms, and the majestic Grand Boardroom. A cherished landmark in the heart of Yorkshire, The Grand was lovingly restored to its original splendour in 2010. Today, it stands as an award-winning five-star hotel, welcoming guests with the warmth, charm, and character of true Yorkshire hospitality.

This morning you will meet your guide for a walking tour of York, the best-preserved ancient city in England! A visit to the cathedral, known as York Minster, is a must as it's the largest cathedral of its age in England. A walk on the ramparts, a tour of the labyrinthine old streets, a visit to one of the many ancient parish churches, ruined abbeys, the Norman Clifford's Tower or one of the many museums. You can discuss your interests directly with your guide today and he will tailor the tour to suit. The tour will end at lunchtime, and you can enjoy a free afternoon.

In the the afternoon we include a private driver/guide to see the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

The North Yorkshire Moors National Park: Sweeping moorland, a crinkly coast, ancient woods and timeless villages – the North York Moors is a special place, forged by nature and shaped over generations. Give yourself time to discover its secrets, from amazing wildlife to dazzling night skies.

This morning, you will be privately transferred to Manchester Airport to catch your connecting or departing flight.

 We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.

All our suggested tours are created by locals, using years of country knowledge. It’s your tour though. That’s why any of our itineraries can be tailored to exactly suit your needs. And that might mean fitting it to your budget. Do you have a particular destination in mind, We can include any specific request, so please ask.

Please note that we can also use some or all 4-star hotels in great locations. We can adjust services to meet your wish list, your requirements and your budget.

The Cost for this Wonderful Private Tour as shown online based on 2 Guests sharing a room ranges from UK POUND £11995 - £13795 per person sharing.

Please see below for complete list of included services.

Accommodation is included for 15 nights at the following hotels including breakfast.

Accommodation

Transport (Private services throughout)

• Private Arrival Transfer London Heathrow Airport
• London to Dorset via The Jurassic Coast
• Dorset to St. Austell via Devon
• Private touring along the West Coast
• Local touring including Port Isaac and Tintagel Castle
• Day Tour to Bath with a private Morning walking tour
• The Roman Baths
• Bristol to Pembrokeshire 
• Exploring North Wales 
• Snowdonia National park/Eryri
• The North Coast and the Conwy Valley
• Chester and on to the Lake District
• Touring The Lake District with your driver/guide
• Private Transfer from the Lake District to York
• Half day Touring the North Yorkshire National Park
• Private transfer to Manchester Airport

Services

• The Minack Theatre      Entrance Fee
• St Michael's Mount        Shared Service
• Tintagel Castle               Ticket
• Roman Baths                 Entrance Fee
• Conwy Castle                 Entrance Fee
• Plas Mawr                      Entrance Fee
• Bodnant Garden            Entrance Fee
• Beatrix Potter's              Entrance Fee
• Morning Walking Tour   Private Service

We also include hotel taxes and fees, (please note that city tax is payable locally) communication costs and the help of our local travel experts throughout your trip; 24/7.

What's Not Included

• Your flights to and from Europe
• Gratuities and tips to driver-guides and local guides
• Anything that we’ve not mentioned above

BOOKING: The proposal is subject to availability and subject to our terms and conditions available on request. To book we require a 30% deposit which is non-refundable as required to pre-book all services.  We accept payments by credit card or by bank transfer. The balance of your trip would be due by 60 days prior to travel.  We strongly suggest taking out travel insurance with your local broker or online provider.