English Culture & Nature Tour: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool & Lake District - 10 Days

Highlights

• Explore the Tower of London for a glimpse at over 900 years of the capital's history
• See Shakespeare performed live in his hometown at Stratford-upon-Avon
• Explore the gorgeous Lake District and cruise Lake Windermere on a sailboat
• Learn about Roman Britain on an evocative, full-day exploration of Hadrian's Wall
• Eat your way through Manchester's thriving gastronomy scene on a food tour

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in London, Tour the Tower of London 

Welcome to England! This nation enjoys a rich historical legacy that spans the ages, from pre-history to the Roman conquest and the Medieval period through the Tudor dynasty and the Victorian era to today. Its epicenter is London, a grand capital that has retained its historic landmarks while evolving into the contemporary model of a great global metropolis.

At the airport, a driver will meet you for the ride into the city and your hotel. Then, see London's captivating history yourself on a guided tour of the famous Tower of London. 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.

Over the centuries, this landmark 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 cache of royal ceremonial objects features 23,578 gemstones, and pieces of the collection have been used in royal coronations since 1066.

Day 2: Visit Borough Market, Transfer to Stratford-upon-Avon

Today's culinary adventure begins across the river from the Tower of London in Southwark, a neighborhood known for its galleries, theaters, and markets. Here you'll find the historic Borough Market, an enormous market hall featuring over 100 food vendors, restaurants, bars, and shops. These include fresh produce stalls, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemakers, bakers, coffee roasters, delis, wine bars, artisanal pastry shops, and scores of international food stands representing every corner of the world.

After filling yourself with history and delectable tidbits, you'll leave London on the 2.5-hour transfer northwest 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. A fitting end to this fine day involves taking in a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose historic home is in Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Day 3: Full-Day Cotswolds Discovery Tour

This morning, you'll leave Stratford-upon-Avon on a 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 Cotswolds 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 4: Tour Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon Pub Crawl

Today you'll travel a few minutes north of town Warwick Castle, a medieval estate built by William the Conqueror in 1068. During a guided tour, experience more than 1,000 years of history as you visit its great hall, walk its ramparts, and head down to the dungeon. You can also stroll its manicured gardens, where falconry, jousting, and archery take place in the summer. 

Upon returning to Stratford-upon-Avon, you'll spend the rest of the day 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 5: Transfer to Liverpool, Classic Beatles Tour

Say goodbye to Stratford-upon-Avon as you leave early on a 2.5-hour transfer north to Liverpool. Located in northwest England on the Irish Sea, this is one of England's key port cities. It's also famously the birthplace of the Beatles, the world's first music supergroup. Upon arrival you'll check into your hotel, then meet a local guide for a Beatlemania tour perfect for music fans.

As your expert guide leads you around the city, you'll discover the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Besides fascinating anecdotes and lore, the tour stops at landmarks central to the members. These include their childhood homes as well as the Cavern Club, where the four lads got their start and which remains the cradle of British pop music.

Day 6: Transfer to Windermere, Lake Windemere Sailing Tour

The road trip around England continues this morning as you meet your driver for the two-hour ride north to Lake Windermere. England'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.

After checking into your hotel, you'll head to the waterfront and hop on a sailboat for a private two-hour cruise. As you glide along the shimmering waters of Windermere, you can relax on deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This includes the woodlands along the lakeshore as well as the peaks and fells (mountains) behind it. If you like, afterward you can do some fishing or hike around the waterfront.

Day 7: Lake District Highlights Driving Tour

See the full breadth of the Lake District in all its majesty as you leave town this morning on a guided countryside tour. This half-day road trip will take you to many highlights and numerous lakes. Along the way, you'll visit the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle, which affords picture-postcard views of the Lake District's highest peaks. You'll also stop at the arched Ashness Bridge, drive the winding Kirkstone Pass, and much more.

As you go, your expert local guide will impart fascinating knowledge and lore about the region. Around midday, you'll stop in a countryside village for a traditional pub lunch or take your meal at a local bistro. The tour continues until the end of the afternoon, at which point you'll return to Windermere.   

Day 8: Guided Day Trip to Hadrian's Wall 

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 9: Transfer to Manchester, Foodie Tour

Leave this morning on a two-hour transfer south to Manchester, your final destination on the itinerary. Once a small provincial town, Manchester exploded in the 19th century as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Today it's progressive and modern city that nevertheless retains its rich history rooted in science, music, arts, and sports. Manchester is also proud of its culinary scene, which you'll discover upon arrival.

After checking into your hotel, 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!

Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy on a self-guided tour. If you like, visit the fine Manchester Museum, home to 4.5 million artifacts ranging from dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies. Next, stop in Chinatown to stroll the authentic shops and markets (it's also a great place to grab dinner). You can also pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Old Trafford Stadium to learn the history of the wildly popular Manchester United football club. End with a stroll around the gardens and ponds of Heaton Park, an urban green space covering more than 600 acres (242 ha).

Day 10: Depart Manchester

It's been a whirlwind adventure across the length and breadth of England. Now, unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye. In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport in Manchester, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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