Castles and Kilts

Visit England

Day 1

Welcome to London

Delight in the magic and mystery of an ancient land of kings and queens, knights and magical creatures.

Your springboard to an unforgettable Family Experience through Britain is the lively capital of London, which you will have an opportunity to explore with your clan before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable kick-off bash.

Day 2

Discover the Sights of London Family Fun

March down the grand boulevards and secret lanes of London, exploring the city's iconic sights with a Local Specialist.

Practice your royal wave at Buckingham Palace, snap a selfie in front of Big Ben and see where Britain's royalty has been crowned since the 11th century. Enjoy some Family Fun and head to platform 9¾ to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express. Admire the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to the event taking place), before enjoying free time for a leisurely lunch at St. Katherine's Dock near Tower Bridge. Our last stop today is the brooding Tower of London where we'll rub shoulders with the Beefeaters and see the Crown Jewels.

Day 3

London Your Way

Soak up the buzzing multicultural atmosphere of London on this full day at leisure.

Explore the wonders of science and centuries of natural history at the city's fascinating museums, delve into the dark depths of the London Dungeon or take a spin on the London Eye. Wander through the colourful array of toys at Hamleys on Regent Street or take a day trip to 11th-century Windsor Castle – the choice is yours.

Day 4

Journey to Oxford and on to Elegant Bath Family Fun

Imagine yourself as an Oxford scholar as you enjoy a quick visit (as long as students are not sitting exams) to the imposing historic hall of Oxford's Divinity Schools.

This was used as the film location for the Hogwarts hospital wing. Later, we continue to the pretty Wiltshire village of Lacock for some Family Fun to see Harry Potter's house. Perhaps visit the 13th-century Lacock Abbey, or devour a traditional afternoon tea and cake in one of the local tea rooms before arriving in Bath for your overnight stay. Gain insights into the elegant city of Bath during Roman times, enjoying an orientation that will include beautiful Pulteney bridge. Admire the honey-hued Georgian architecture of Bath and view such highlights as the 15th-century Bath Abbey before crossing the border into Wales.

Day 5

Onwards to Historic Wales and Ruthin Castle Stays With Stories Make Travel Matter

We stop in the historic town of Llangollen, famous for its annual Eisteddfod, and then cross the Horseshoe Pass to a medieval castle and one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, where we'll spend the next two nights.

Dine like lords and ladies this evening enjoying a delicious Welsh dinner with your new travel friends.

Day 6

Exploring North Wales Connect with Locals

Begin your day exploring the wonders of North Wales.

First, we’ll visit Llanberis, the gateway to Mount Snowdon. Here, you can opt for a ride on the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway, take in the legendary Blade of the Giants, soak up the stunning scenery of Snowdonia National Park, or delve into the area’s mining heritage at the National Slate Museum. Next, we head to Caernarfon, home to a majestic medieval castle. Enjoy free time to explore the historic town or join an optional experience for a traditional pub lunch and time to wander the castle grounds. Our journey continues along the coastal road, with views of the Menai Strait and Anglesey – once famed as the stronghold of the ancient Druids. We arrive in the charming town of Conwy, where you’ll Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Smallest House in Great Britain – a quirky gem with a big story. We’ll return to Ruthin Castle in the evening, where you can relax and reflect on a day filled with Welsh legends and breath-taking landscapes.

Day 7

Explore a Manor Farm and Continue to Lancaster Dive Into Culture

The highlight of today will undoubtedly be the opportunity to Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring an English cream tea at the renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre.

Discover centuries of history at Tatton Park, set within a 1,000 acre (400 ha) deer park. We'll join the butler and housekeeper of this elegant medieval manor house and Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into the day-to-day of English aristocrats once upon a time. We continue north to the Lake District, whose enchanting landscapes have inspired poets and writers for centuries. Consider boarding a steam train for a brief journey, then cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere before arriving at your hotel.

Day 8

Admire Hadrian’s Wall and on to Edinburgh Family Fun

Start today with some Family Fun to experience life as a brave Roman soldier on Emperor Hadrian's northern frontier, exploring the treasures of the Roman Army Museum and Hadrian's Wall.

We cross into 'Bonnie Scotland' and arrive in the charismatic capital of Edinburgh where we'll have an opportunity to explore tonight at leisure.

Day 9

Uncover Edinburgh’s Treasures

Delve into the magic of Edinburgh's iconic sights and stunning landscapes as you join a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist.

Ramble up the Royal Mile and see the tall spires of the Scott Monument, visit Edinburgh Castle, where you will hear tales of bravery, treason and intrigue. Get lost in 'Auld Reekie', strolling through its secret lanes and past medieval façades or join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience. Our epic family adventure is almost at its end. Celebrate a memorable holiday with new friends and your Travel Director at dinner. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Day 10

Journey Home

It's time to say bye for now, but not goodbye forever, as the curtain falls on an unforgettable Family Experience through Britain.

Dining Summary

1 Kickoff Party (KP)

9 Breakfast (B)

4 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

Chester: Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest English cream tea.

Family Fun

London: Let your inner magician loose as you visit Harry Potter highlights such as Platform 9 ¾ and the red telephone box gateway to the Ministry of Magic.

Lacock: See the charming Lacock Village, where famous scenes of Harry Potter were filmed and explore Lacock Abbey where you’ll recognise some of the corridors and classrooms of Hogwarts.

Hexham: Experience life as a brave Roman soldier on Emperor Hadrian's northern frontier, exploring the treasures of the Roman Army Museum and Hadrian's Wall.

Iconic Experience

London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist. 

Oxford: See an imposing and historic hall of one of Oxford's Schools.

Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.

Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Must-see Highlights

Explore London, Chester and Edinburgh

Discover Oxford and Bath

Visit the Tower of London, Divinity School in Oxford, Lacock village, Llangollen, Tatton Park to meet the butler and housekeeper, England's Lake District, the Roman Army Museum in Brampton, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Castle

View the scenic Lake District

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is included for you on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Trafalgar Difference

Ruthin: Stay in the 13th-century Ruthin Castle in North Wales with its original moat and acres of parkland.

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