History, Heritage & Coastal Beauty
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.
Flight from Toronto to London.
Arrive in London and meet your coach driver and guide before journeying west into the beautiful English countryside. Visit the iconic prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, one of Britain’s most famous sites, and explore the visitor centre and ancient stone circle at your leisure. Then continue through the rolling Dorset countryside, passing the historic abbey town of Sherborne and the famous hillside figure of the Cerne Abbas Giant.
We enjoy a morning walking tour of Dorchester, Dorset’s historic county town and former home of author Thomas Hardy, including the Roman Town House and charming town centre. In the afternoon, we visit Athelhampton House, one of England’s finest Tudor manor houses with beautiful gardens, then continue to Tolpuddle for a short stop at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, an important site in British trade union history.
This morning we visit Weymouth, an elegant seaside resort known for its Georgian seafront and historic harbour, then continue to Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts with views across Portland Harbour. In the afternoon, we explore Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and the famous Abbotsbury Swannery, home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans, with a memorable late afternoon feeding experience.
Travel along the spectacular Jurassic Coast this morning with stops at the dramatic viewpoint overlooking Durdle Door and the picturesque bay at Lulworth Cove. In the afternoon we visit the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle, dramatically set above the charming village.
We will depart for the vibrant coastal town of Poole. We will enjoy a scenic coastal cruise around Poole Harbour and toward Brownsea Island and the Jurassic Coast, offering excellent views of the harbour and the surrounding coastline.
We travel through the scenic New Forest National Park, with panoramic views of heathland, woodland, and roaming ponies, before boarding the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. On arrival, we visit the spectacular Needles viewpoint before continuing across the island to our hotel in Ryde.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the island’s famous Military Road with panoramic coastal views and photo stops along the way. In the afternoon we visit Carisbrooke Castle, a historic fortress associated with King Charles I and famous for its resident donkeys and extensive grounds.
This morning we visit Quarr Abbey, a peaceful Benedictine monastery surrounded by woodland and gardens. In the afternoon we enjoy free time in the picturesque village of Godshill with its traditional cottages, tea rooms and local shops.
Today we visit the sailing town of Cowes, renowned for its yachting and regattas, then continue to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved seaside residence. Explore the magnificent state rooms, gardens, and private beach while discovering royal life in the Victorian era. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local pub.
We take the ferry from Fishbourne to Portsmouth and explore the renowned Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to naval icons including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum.
In the morning we visit The D-Day Story, Britain’s leading museum dedicated to the Normandy landings before a guided walking tour of historic Old Portsmouth, including the harbour fortifications and cathedral quarter. We will enjoy lunch with excellent harbour views and fish and chips. You can then relax along the waterfront or explore independently in the afternoon.
We say goodbye to the south and travel back to London. On arrival we enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of London including many of the capital’s famous landmarks such as Westminster, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames. The afternoon will be at leisure.
This morning we visit the historic Tower of London and view the magnificent Crown Jewels. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in London, with optional museums, shopping, West End theatre, river cruises, or other attractions. This evening, gather for a 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).
