Enchanting Eastern England

Visit England

HIGHLIGHTS:

Edinburgh - North York Moors - Peak District - Lincoln - Lincoln - Cambridge - Cambridge

Day 1 Edinburgh (Scotland)

Where better to begin a 10-day journey through some of Britain’s most storied destinations than historic Edinburgh? Before we begin the adventure though, it’s time to get to know your small group over a wholesome included dinner and perhaps a celebratory drink or two.

Will scotch whisky be your tipple of choice? 

Day 2 Edinburgh – Alnwick – Durham – North York Moors (England)

After a hearty Scottish breakfast at our hotel, we’ll hop in our luxury minicoach and cross over into England where our tour of the scenic eastern region truly begins.

We’ll dive straight in with a dose of medieval history at Alnwick Castle... Nestled on Northumbria’s wild coastline, Alnwick’s thick stone walls echo with epic tales of War of the Roses’ invasions and mysterious Gunpowder Plot schemes. Some of the castle’s opulent Italianate interior also had a starring role in both Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, so be prepared for a little on-screen magic. Finish off your visit with a stroll around Alnwick’s fragrant formal gardens before heading to the castle cafe for a quick lunch if you’re feeling peckish. Fun fact: it’s lodged inside a giant treehouse that’s one of the biggest in the world! Then, it's onwards to the equally historic Durham where we’ll marvel at the intricately carved, vaulted ceiling of its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.  Heads and hearts filled with stories of the past; we'll continue onwards to Yorkshire. Gaze out the window as we glide past the heather-peppered landscape of the atmospheric North York Moors – the location of tonight’s hotel where a delicious included dinner awaits...    

Day 3 North York Moors – Whitby – North York Moors

Tales of thrilling sea voyages, scandalous smugglers and infamous vampires lay in store for us in Whitby today! As we approach this picture-perfect seaside town, you’ll get your first glimpse of the stunning Yorkshire coastline – and the iconic silhouette of 7th century Whitby Abbey.

  Before we delve into its eerie remains, we’ll enjoy a leisurely welcome walk around the town with our Tour Leader – passing local landmarks like the Whitby Whale Bone Arch (a nod to the town’s whaling heritage) and the Captain Cook Memorial. Speaking of Captain Cook, our next stop is a museum dedicated entirely to the prolific explorer and ocean navigator who lived in Whitby when he wasn’t out at sea. After a guided tour of the museum’s fascinating exhibits, you’ll have some free time to get lost in Whitby’s cobblestone lanes at your own pace. Why not follow your nose to the Magpie Cafe – a local institution right on the harbourfront – for fish and chips? A fitting lunch for a day by the sea!  Then, it’s time for some Gothic ambiance at Whitby Abbey. Stroll beneath its soaring arches and encounter whispers of centuries gone by – from fearsome Viking invasions to literary legends. Ready to relax this evening after all that exploring? We’ll settle down for another included dinner back at our charming North York Moors hotel.  

Day 4 North York Moors – York – Peak District

Did you know that Yorkshire is home to one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe? This morning, we’ll rewind 700 years with a visit to delightful York.

  There’s no better way to soak up this city’s mystery-filled narrow streets (known as ‘Snickelways’), timber-framed buildings and majestic Minster than on foot. Get your bearings – including a wander down the famed 14th century Shambles – during a welcome walk with your Tour Leader before indulging in a little free time to soak up the city’s splendour even further. You may want to settle in for a spot of lunch at a cosy pub or treat your tastebuds to a crispy Yorkshire pudding stuffed with classic Sunday dinner trimmings from the York Roast Co.   Stomachs satisfied, we’ll climb back in the minicoach and swap the rolling hills of Yorkshire for the dramatic crags of the Peak District. Tonight’s hotel is in charming Buxton: a Georgian spa town brimming with handsome buildings that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of Bridgerton. Depending on what time we arrive, your Tour Leader may take you to the Buxton Pudding Emporium to sample a slice (or two) of its signature raspberry-flavoured pudding that’s topped with a scattering of golden breadcrumbs. It certainly rivals the nearby town of Bakewell for it’s very similar-tasting tart!  

Day 5 Peak District – Chatsworth House – Peak District

“It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills.

” These might be the words Jane Austen used to describe Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice – but it’s long been thought to have been inspired by the real-life Chatsworth House. A visit to this sprawling 17th century estate is today’s main event. Its lavish state apartments and masterpiece-covered hallways brim with intriguing tales which you’ll hear in all their glorious detail during an audio tour. Discover how Mary Queen of Scots was kept prisoner at Chatsworth during the 1570s. Or how it was the location of some of Britain’s most lavish parties during the 1770s hosted by its then Duchess and ever-so-glamorous socialite, Georgiana Spencer.  Finish your visit strolling between rows of fragrant seasonal blooms, past majestic statues and beneath towering redwoods in Chatsworth’s vast gardens before we return to Buxton for a leisurely evening at our hotel – including treating our tastebuds to a hearty included dinner.    

Day 6 Peak District – Eyam – Lincoln

We’ll revel in a morning of thrilling history today – specifically, in the village of Eyam.

As you wander down winding lanes fringed with pretty stone cottages, you’ll find it hard to believe that this bucolic spot was once the site of a tragic outbreak of the Black Death during the 1600s. After taking in a little fresh air and panoramic views of Derbyshire’s undulating hills, we’ll swap rustic country charm for medieval splendour at Lincoln Castle. This formidable 11th century fortress – that sits on the site of an earlier Roman structure – is home to an original 1215 Magna Carta. After perusing its time-worn pages and touring the castle’s recently restored towers, we’ll pop next door to the equally as impressive Lincoln Cathedral: an unmissable sight on the city’s skyline with its trio of lofty spires.  This evening is yours to spend exploring Lincoln’s cobbled streets and discovering the city’s multi-cultural food scene. Seek out a cosy pub to sample some wholesome, herb-infused Lincolnshire sausages or take your pick of global eateries – think tempting curry houses and tasty tapas.  

Day 7 Lincoln

Savour a slow breakfast at the hotel before diving into a whole day of self-guided discovery in Lincoln.

Continue your journey through the city’s rich history at the Lincoln Museum. Or encounter the Roman Lincoln Trail and put yourself in the shoes of 1st century legionnaires defending the city (then known as Lindum Colonia) from invaders.  Feeling famished? Seek out a quaint tearoom for lunch on medieval Steep Hill followed by a leisurely   browse of the area’s array of vintage boutiques. As the afternoon draws to a close, you could treat your ears to the heavenly sounds of the Choral Evensong – an almost daily event at Lincoln Cathedral. Alternatively, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city’s old town to relax with a pint of local ale and a hearty English meal.  

Day 8 Lincoln – Sandringham Estate – Cambridge

If you’ve always dreamed of glimpsing British Royalty, now might be your chance! Sandringham Estate – the private retreat of King Charles III – is our next port of call.

While he may not always be in residence, you’ll still encounter plenty of regal history as you wander its gilded halls. Don’t forget to take a stroll around Sandringham’s picturesque gardens, too, which are speckled with waving daffodils, cheerful snowdrops and fragrant magnolias during the spring months. Then, it’s time for us to move onto a city that’s famed for its punting, period properties and very prestigious university...  Expect to arrive in Cambridge in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to seek out one of its centuries-old pubs and soak up the old-world atmosphere ahead of a full day of exploring tomorrow.  

Day 9 Cambridge

You can’t visit Cambridge without trying the local’s favourite pastime: punting, of course! This morning we’ll be doing just that as we bob along the so-called ‘Backs’ of Cambridge University, passing various famous colleges where some of world’s greatest scholars have studied.

  Back on dry land, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour with a clued-up local. Expect to admire some awe-inspiring architecture as you tick off world-famous landmarks like The Wren Library and the dreamily named Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city further. Perhaps you’d like to stroll through a handful of Cambridge’s 31 esteemed colleges which boast impressive names like Corpus Christi, Kings, Magdalene and Trinity.  There are also museums and galleries galore (including the Fitz William that’s stuffed with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso), plus the option of simply indulging in a little retail therapy along quaint King Street. We’ll then reconvene for one final dinner together where we’ll swap stories from the week just gone and clink glasses to the unforgettable friendships we’ve made.   

Day 10 Cambridge – Newmarket – London

Before we journey to London where we'll part ways, there’s time for one more behind-the-scenes tour.

.. Saddle up for a morning delving into England’s rich sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. Nearly 200 horses call this working Thoroughbred stud farm home – and we’ll gain a unique insight into its history and breeding programme during a guided tour. If we’re lucky, we may even spot some of the Stud’s robust stallions swishing their tails and shaking out their manes in the paddocks.  Then, it’s onwards to the Big Smoke where we’d recommend you stay a few days to soak up even more Great British history and culture. As cherry-red double-deck buses whizz by and the clang of Big Ben rings out in the distance, we’ll bid farewell to our small group of new friends – and leave with an abundance of new memories. 

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