England's Cities, Culture & Countryside: London to the Lake District - 15 Days

Highlights

• Sip high tea at a fancy hotel and discover London's macabre side on a scooter tour
• See Shakespeare performed in the very village where he was born
• Wind your way through Cotswolds villages and countryside
• Kayak and canoe across the UK's largest lake at Windermere
• Learn about the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in Manchester

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in London, Afternoon Tea, Villains of London E-Scooter Tour

Welcome to England! Any grand tour of this ancient island nation should begin in the capital of London, which is a treasure trove of culture and history. You'll experience the culture right off when, after arriving at the airport, your driver picks you up for the ride into the city and your hotel.

Once you've checked in, you'll transfer to another of the city's historic hotels (perhaps The Ritz or Savoy) for that quintessential British pastime: afternoon tea. This "light bite" became fashionable in the early 19th century and is still served at the traditional time, between 2-4 pm. It was originally intended to help fill the long gap between lunch and dinner but is now just as much a social engagement and an excuse to indulge in tray fulls of savory and sweet treats. These range from cakes and cookies to sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.

After enjoying the tea service, there will be some time to relax for the remainder of the afternoon. Then, in the evening, you'll meet a guide, hop on an e-scooter, and zip around London's scenic streets. This 2.5-hour tour focuses on the capital's more infamous and macabre history as you pass landmarks like the 11th-century Tower of London. Make your way through alleyways and past pubs and churchyards as you hear hear stories of East End gangsters, grave robbers, Nazi spies, and treacherous dukes while your guide delves into London's intriguingly dark history.

Day 2: Classic London Tour & Westminster Walk

Rise and shine! There's a lot of history and scenery to enjoy in London, and it starts right after breakfast. Your guide will meet you at the hotel, and the two of you will set off on a half-day city tour that hits the major highlights. First, head over to the Tower of London in time to see the opening ceremony. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the River Thames and has been an integral part of British history since the 11th century. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, this fortress comprises various sections, including St Thomas's Tower, Traitors' Gate, and the White Tower.

During a private, skip-the-line tour, you'll learn about this landmark's rich history. Over the centuries, it has served as a castle, a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution (two of Henry VIII's wives met their fateful end here). Inside, it's home to historic artifacts, with the star being the Crown Jewels. This collection of royal ceremonial objects features 23,578 gemstones and have been used in royal coronations since 1066.

Afterward, you'll take a scenic cruise on the famous River Thames, passing landmarks like the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. Then, leave the boat for a stroll through the City of Westminster, a London borough that's also the historic heart of the British monarchy. As you walk around landmarks like Westminster Abbey, you'll hear tales of famous kings and queens and the political intrigue that surrounds them. The grand finale of this outing is Buckingham Palace. The world's most famous residence has been the primary home of England's royal family since the turn of the 18th century. 

Day 3: Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare Performance & Pub Crawl

Say goodbye to London, as this morning, you'll pick up a rental car and hit the road on a 2.5-hour drive north to Stratford-upon-Avon. This charming medieval market town also happens to be the home of William Shakespeare. During a tour, you'll walk in the Bard's footsteps from cradle to grave, visiting the house of his birth and the church where he's laid to rest. The day culminates with a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose historic home is in Stratford-upon-Avon.

After the show, spend the evening familiarizing yourself with England's famous pub scene. These classic establishments are more than just watering holes—many are steeped in history and legend, with proprietors happy to share fascinating tales over a pint. This is particularly true in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you'll visit one or more centuries-old pubs with connections to Shakespeare himself. 

Day 4: Self-Drive Cotswolds Tour

This morning, you'll leave Stratford-upon-Avon on a self-guided driving tour of one of the most beautiful parts of the UK: the Cotswolds. This rural area of southern England encompasses six different counties and enjoys AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) conservation status. The region is denoted by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and various sites of cultural and historical interest. It's also known for charming cottage homes constructed of a distinct yellow limestone mined in the area for hundreds of years.

Your introduction to this enchanted area begins at Dover's Hill, a sublime lookout point offering panoramic views of the Cotswolds hills. Continue through the countryside, where you'll see major historical landmarks from the Roman Britain era. These might include the amphitheater at Cirencester and a Roman villa near Chedworth, which dates to the second century. Then, continue to Bibury, a lovely Cotswolds village sitting on the River Coln.

This theme continues with stops at other famous Cotswold villages. Stow-on-the-Wold is a bustling market town, steeped in history and with wonderful independent shops to discover, while Chipping Campden has a history dating to 14th century and features some of the most beautiful buildings in the region. Another highlight is Bourton-on-the-Water, a pretty village where a romantic stone bridge arches over the crystal waters of the River Windrush. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Day 5: Drive to Liverpool, Afternoon City Tour

Venture northwest this morning on a 2.5-hour drive from Stratford to Liverpool. This historic port city's reputation precedes it, as most folks are aware that this is the birthplace of the Beatles. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and then meet a guide for a well-rounded city tour that, of course, includes some Fab Four landmarks. 

During this jaunt around town, you'll visit highlights like the Victorian-era St Georges Quarter, with its famous art galleries and concert halls. There's also the Port of Liverpool Building and the Royal Liver Building, both marvels of Edwardian Baroque architecture and true symbols of the city. Beatlemaniacs can also visit the childhood homes of the four mop tops and the places that inspired some of their songs, including Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, and the famous Cavern Club.

Day 6: Drive to the Lake District & Ambleside

After a day in the city, you'll leave Liverpool this morning on a two-hour drive north to Lake Windermere. The UK's largest lake is part of the famous Lake District National Park, which covers 912 square miles (2,362 sq km) in northwest England's Cumbria region. It's one of the most popular holiday destinations in the nation due to its unspoiled countryside, long ribbon lakes, and literary heritage. Among others, it was once the stomping ground of legendary scribblers William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

You'll arrive in the charming town of Ambleside, which sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. After checking into your accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day free to relax amid the glory of Mother Nature. If you like, you can stroll through the town center, which is filled with romantic stone cottages, historic pubs, and green parks and gardens. Or, drive along the shore and stop in other picturesque waterfront villages like Bowness-on-Windermere. One other idea is to hop on a sailboat for a leisurely cruise around England's largest lake. 

Day 7: Lake District Guided Hike to Buttermere

Lace up your hiking boots because this morning, you're off on a five-hour hike between lakes as you traverse the unspoiled countryside. Meet your private guide just outside Ambleside at the starting point, from which you'll set off an 8.6-mile (13.8 km) hike.

The approximately five-hour journey will take you across green valleys and alongside soaring Lake District fells (mountains), stopping at various summits to marvel at panoramic views. Your destination is Buttermere, a glassy postcard of a lake that is even more remote and less developed than Windermere. At the end of the day, you'll transfer back to Ambleside by vehicle.

Day 8: Free Day on Lake Windermere

Today is yours to enjoy however you like, free of rigid itineraries. After a leisurely breakfast, you can head to the waterfront and enjoy some watersports and boat tours. Carve out some time later to rub shoulders with locals over lunch at a local pub. You can also browse the local shops and boutiques to pick up souvenirs. History buffs might want to take a 15-minute walk from town to find the remains of the second-century CE Ambleside Roman Fort, while nature lovers will enjoy a stroll around the hillside Stagshaw Gardens, a historic National Trust property overlooking Windermere.

If you feel like another day of walking, head out on the lovely "Coffin Route" to neighboring Grasmere. This gentle 4-mile (6 km) track crosses woodland, skirts the shores of Lake Grasmere, and passes Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth that houses a museum dedicated to the poet's life and works. You'll end in the enchanting village of Grasmere, where you can grab some of the town's famous gingerbread before catching a bus back to Ambleside. 

Day 9: Full-Day E-Bike Tour in Keswick

After breakfast, meet your guide and hop on an e-bike for a thrilling ride around the Lake District. This adventure takes place on the country paths and trails near the market town of Keswick, where mountain biking is a popular sport. Begin by getting outfitted in your gear and helmet, and then set off on the journey. This is a full-day ride, but the bike's electric motor will help shoulder the burden, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. 

You can customize the itinerary according to what you'd like to see, or rely on the advice of your expert guide. Go the scenic, leisurely route, or choose a more challenging adventure with off-road endurance options. Ride to the village of Threlkeld and back on a railway path explicitly designed for family-friendly cycling trips, or pedal around the green Fitz Park and try out its fun BMX track.

Additionally, you can cycle through Whinlatter Forest, home to some of the longest biking trails in the Lake District. More advanced riders can try the Mountain Bike Orienteering challenge, which combines forest roads and parts of the Quercus Trail through oak woodlands. Following a full day of riding, return to Ambleside. 

Day 10: Full-Day Lake District Canyoning Adventure

Time for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! This morning, transfer to the Stonycroft ghyll (waterfall) and river canyon for a full-day (six-hour) abseiling (rappelling) tour. It begins with an ascent up the canyon on a via ferrata network of cables and steel fixtures. This includes a tightrope walk 1,200 feet (365 m) above the valley floor. Next, scramble across a vertical cargo net high above the lush Buttermere Valley. 

After a quick break for lunch, you'll put on a wetsuit, hook onto your safety line, and rappel down the waterfall's various chutes and crevices. This route will take you alongside several cascades before reaching the river at the bottom of the canyon. Following the day's thrills, take it easy back in Ambleside. 

Day 11: Lake District Standup Paddleboarding Tour, Scenic Pony Trekking 

Eat a hearty breakfast this morning because afterward, you'll meet a guide, grab a paddle, and hit the lake on a standup paddleboarding tour. During this 2.5-hour activity, you'll enjoy serene paddling, active diving off the board, and time to swim. There's no need to worry about the weather, as wetsuits and life vests are provided.

Another fun Lake District adventure is on the agenda later today, as you hop in the saddle for a pony trekking adventure. This excursion begins at a countryside pub, where you'll meet your pony, grab the reins, and commence an hourlong ride down quiet bridle paths. This route passes by dazzling Lake District scenery, including patchwork farmland and green fells. Some experience is needed, as you'll be in control of your own steed for the duration of the tour.

Day 12: Lake District Canoeing or Kayaking, Beatrix Potter Tour

Head to the waterfront once again this morning and hop in a canoe or kayak for a two-hour ride across the lake. Along with a guide, you'll paddle around the shoreline, enjoying the surrounding scenery of lakeside woodlands backed by the region's dramatic fells. If the sun's out, you can even stop on shore for a picnic lunch. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the day free back in Ambleside.

If you feel like seeing another side of the Lake District, follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter on a literary-themed countryside tour. During this half-day excursion, you'll visit many of the sites associated with the famous children's author and creator of Peter Rabbit, who moved to the Lake District in 1905. The tour includes stops at the market village of Hawkshead and Hill Top, Potter's storybook farmhouse retreat. 

Day 13: Guided Hadrian's Wall Day Trip

Spend the day exploring one of ancient Britain's most popular tourist destinations—Hadrian's Wall. This Roman fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the second century during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and spans the country from west to east. The wall was constructed to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain and to control movement and trade, as well as to defend against invasions by tribes from what is now Scotland. 

This group tour begins at a viewpoint called Steel Rig. From there, hike along the wall 2.5 miles (4 km) to the well-preserved Roman fort of Housesteads. Next, head to Lanercost Priory, a medieval monastic site dating to the 12th century. Then, continue toward the central section of the wall, passing the ruins of turrets, forts, and castles on your way.

You'll stop around midday at the Roman Army Museum, which offers an immersive glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers who were stationed along the wall. There's a café here where you'll take a break for lunch, then continue to Vindolanda, a Roman supply base that has been extensively excavated to provide insight into life on the wall. History buffs will love exploring the research station, and country walks along the wall are a popular afternoon activity. The tour ends at a lovely viewpoint called Fell End, at which point you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 14: Drive to Manchester, City & Food Tour

Leave the Lake District this morning on a 1.5-hour drive south to Manchester. Once a small provincial town, the city exploded in the 19th century as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Today, it's a progressive and modern metropolis that retains its rich history rooted in science, music, arts, and sports.

After checking into your hotel, spend time discovering this cultural legacy on a tour of famous landmarks, like the fine Manchester Museum, home to 4.5 million artifacts ranging from dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies. You can also visit Chinatown to stroll the authentic shops and markets and pay a visit to Old Trafford Stadium, home to the wildly popular Manchester United football club.

Later, meet a local guide for a foodie tour of the city. During this 3-4-hour jaunt, you'll sample some of the best bites and pints at restaurants and pubs around the city. As you graze, you'll learn fascinating facts about Manchester and the heritage of its people and famous eateries, from the ice cream vendors of Ancoats' "Little Italy" to the diet of the Victorian mill worker. Prepare to feed both your brain and your belly!

Day 15: Depart Manchester

Your grand tour of England began in one of this country's fine cities and ends in another. After breakfast, you'll drive to the Manchester airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your flight home awaits. Safe travels!

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