England at its Best Off the Beaten Path
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
Fly directly from Toronto to Manchester.
Arrive and transfer to your centrally located hotel in York before a delicious Welcome Dinner.
York’s famous medieval streets are beautifully preserved within its ancient walls. In the morning, we explore its medieval architecture, Georgian houses, and the world-famous Shambles on a guided walking tour. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of Fountains Abbey, one of England’s largest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries. Stroll through Studley Royal Water Garden and enjoy the idyllic villages and peaceful atmosphere of the Yorkshire Dales.
The picturesque beauty of North York Moors includes acres of rolling hills and shimmering coastline. Visit the town of Whitby, take a ride on the North York Moors Railway and stop in Pickering, a 1930’s themed station. Enjoy dinner at an 18th-century freehouse at the highest point of North York Moors National Park.
Thirsk, a gem of medieval Yorkshire, is home to best-selling author and veterinarian Alf Wright. Visit the museum dedicated to his life and TV series, All Creatures Great & Small. Next, experience a guided tour of Newby Hall—one of Britain’s finest Adam Houses filled with 18th-century decoration. Enjoy dinner at a local pub!
Hear enthralling tales of Victorian Britain as you stroll through the 19th-century industrial village of Saltaire. Proceed to historic Skipton and discover the 900-year-old castle and cobbled High Street as you take in the city’s natural beauty. Enjoy free time to explore Skipton’s award-winning historic market.
Harrogate’s historic buildings, gardens and eclectic shops make it one of Yorkshire’s most elegant cities. Art lovers and antique hunters will love the cobbled streets in the Montpellier Quarter. Visit the Royal Pump Room before a guided walking tour and time to explore on your own.
Travel through the Peak District’s beloved Provincial Parks dotted with historic sites and pretty villages. Visit Chatsworth House, the lavish home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Indulge in a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea and proceed to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a 5-night stay.
Ludlow, a thriving medieval market town, is an architectural gem. There are almost 500 listed buildings here, including The Buttercross, St. Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Castle, The Readers House and The Feathers Hotel. Walk through the Ludlow Castle grounds and see the ancient homes of royalty!
SEPT Departure follows the below itinerary
Day 9: STOKESAY/LUDLOW In the morning, we will visit Stokesay Castle which is dated back to 1291. Afterwards journey to Ludlow for a guided walking tour of this thriving medieval market town, it is an architectural gem. There are almost 500 listed buildings here including The Buttercross, St. Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Castle, The Readers House and The Feathers Hotel. Enjoy a walking tour through this market town and the grounds of Ludlow Castle and see the ancient homes of royalty!
Begin with a walking tour in historic Worcester, a university city with a beautiful cathedral. Next, visit Westons Cider, operated by generations of the Weston family. Enjoy a tour followed by a delicious lunch and tasting of the famous cider at a nearby pub!
Take a guided walking tour of Shakespeare’s delightful hometown lined with timber houses. Visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, and Shakespeare’s daughter’s home— now known as Judith’s Tasting House, where you’ll learn the fascinating history of gin and enjoy a tasting.
The birthplace of Shakespeare is a wonderful city in which to stroll along the River Avon, or enjoy a riverboat cruise. Get lost in the history and the 600-year-old buildings as you explore the quaint little shops, or attend a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Meander through the honey- coloured villages of the Cotswolds, designated as an area of outstanding beauty. Visit Bourton-on-theWater and enjoy a delicious lunch in a Cotswolds pub oozing local character. We settle in at our hotel in the heart of Surrey.
Today is a day at leisure to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the Surrey countryside. Tonight, we will enjoy our delicious Farewell Dinner.
Fly home from London.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
