SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Towards the ancient city of York

We’ve designed this tour of England by train to begin with a railway journey from London to York, though we can easily tailor-make this to suit you.

Whichever route you choose, you will arrive at one of the UK’s most atmospheric destinations.

Your accommodation

The classic Victorian railway hotel is a fixture of many of the UK’s finest cities, and York is no different. Set right on the station, this could not be more convenient for train travellers and has been treated to a sprucing up in recent years. There’s an appealing range of dining, from bar food to a more formal brasserie, and the centre of the ancient city is within easy strolling distance.

Days 2 & 3 – Exploring York

The walled City of York, set at the confluence of Rivers Ouse and Foss, has seen major political events played out on its doorstep over its entire 2,000 year existence, moving from ecclesiastical powerhouse, to industrial hub, to major tourist attraction enjoyed by visitors from all over the world, drawn here by a rich heritage, with the jaw-dropping Gothic Minster at its centre.

While here, you’ll enjoy use of a York Pass, allowing entry to all of York’s major attractions and alleviating the need to queue for tickets at each. We’ll also include our own tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

Day 4 – Heading north to Haydon Bridge

On a train journey of just over two hours, you’ll traverse some of northern England’s finest scenery, emerging from North Yorkshire into Northumberland, skirting the North Pennines and arriving at the village of Haydon Bridge.

Your accommodation

Conveniently placed within walking distance of the railway station, your guest house in Haydon Bridge is a cosy and inviting residence of endless appeal. This family-owned spot features simply adorned, comfortable rooms, while the traditional breakfast, served unhurried in the charming dining room, provides all the zip you need to get the most from your morning.

Day 5 – Heed the call of Hadrian’s Wall!

This morning you’ll be met at your guest house by our specially chosen expert guide and taken on a full day private tour of breath taking Hadrian’s Wall.

Stretching 73 miles across the northern tip of England, Hadrian’s Wall is the largest Roman artefact in existence – too big to tackle without insider knowledge. You’ll be guided by a friendly and knowledgeable local, taken to the most significant points of the wall, while enjoying a picnic lunch along the way.

Day 6 – Continue by train to the Lake District

A fairly short train journey this morning, from Haydon Bridge to Penrith, gateway to the north lakes. Arriving at Penrith, you’ll be met by private transfer and dropped at your hotel in an evocative and historic village on Ullswater.

Ullswater is one of our favourite spots in the Lake District; in the shadow of Helvellyn, England’s third highest peak, Ullswater is regarded by many as the most beautiful of the lakes, and who are we to argue?

Stretching for nine miles, surrounded by classic English countryside and ancient settlements, Ullswater is the best of the Lake District in miniature, and a place to which we never tire of returning.

Your accommodation

Set within one of the Lake District’s most historic villages, your hotel on Ullswater has been a part of village life since mid-Victorian times, variously blacksmith’s workshop, post office and now a stylish and comfortable, family owned residence with acclaimed bistro-style restaurant and popular bar.

The rooms have touches of the surrounding nature about them, with individually styled timber details complimenting the modern beds and bathrooms.

Day 7 – Guided tour of the Lake District

This morning you’ll be met at your hotel and taken on a private guided tour of the best of the Lake District with our specially chosen, local driver-guide. Gorgeous towns and villages, dramatic scenery, twisting mountain passes and a stop for lunch at a country inn all make for a terrific day out.

Day 8 – Steam around the lake at Your Leisure

This morning enjoy a terrific breakfast before taking a short stroll to the lakeside and boarding a classic Ullswater steam vessel for what could be, if you wish, a whole day on and around the lake.

Bring your walking boots, and a packed lunch (available at your hotel) and hop on and off the boat as much as you wish at any of its four stopping points around the lake, or simply stay put on the boat and enjoy the scenic sail around this most beautiful part of the Lake District.

Day 9 – Onwards to ancient Chester

Your tour of England by train turns south today. Transfer back to Penrith station this morning and catch a train to the historic and picturesque city of Chester.

Your accommodation

Your hotel in Chester is a fairly new purpose-built property on the edge of the city centre, overlooking the famous racecourse.

The alluring rooms are stylishly furnished and feature large windows with views over the city. Dining here is something of an event, especially in the fifth floor, fine-dining brasserie, while more casual fare can be enjoyed in the ground floor bar.

Day 10 – Chester at your feet

Founded as a Roman fortress in the first century AD, and enclosed by extensive Roman walls, Chester is as charming a city as you’ll find anywhere. Rich in historical attractions including the wonderful Norman/Perpendicular Cathedral, the Tudor ‘Rows’ shopping district, the delightful River Dee and the impressive Roman Gardens, spend a couple of days getting to know the city.

Day 11 – To the beguiling city of Bath

Take a taxi this morning for the short ride to Chester station and board the train to Bath. On the way, your train will flirt with the border between England and Wales, traverse the Shropshire Hills and skirt the Brecon Beacons, with a change at Newport before arrival at Bath Spa station.

One of the most attractive cities in England, Bath retains an enormous number of sites of significant historical interest, its Georgian terraces giving way to Roman remains, while colourful structures cling to the hillsides surrounding the city, from the top of which simply magnificent views can be enjoyed.

Your accommodation

Set just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town, yet secluded on a quiet street overlooking one of Bath’s peaceful parks, your accommodation in Bath is a superb guest house of outstanding quality. Independently owned by a family whose love of Bath they are only too happy to share, the house has been subjected to recent upgrades to rooms, guest lounge and dining room, making this one of the city’s most appealing places to stay.

Day 12 - Walking tour of Bath

After breakfast, take a short walk to the centre of town to meet your local guide, joining a small group saunter around this most beautiful and ancient city. Along the way you’ll hear about some of the most significant Georgian architecture, the 12th century abbey, the Roman baths, Pulteney Bridge and much more. Later, you’ll have plenty of time to continue exploring at your own pace.

Day 13 - Southwest to Penzance

Heading today for the southwestern extremity of the UK rail system, you board the train at Bath bound for Penzance in Cornwall. The train wends its way through Somerset and Devon before arriving at this ancient town of smugglers and pirates.

Your accommodation

A short taxi ride from the station, your accommodation in Penzance is a gorgeous Georgian townhouse, perched about Penzance’s working harbour and filled with a superb collection of antique, mid-century and carefully chosen modern furniture and art. Bedrooms feature indulgent beds and high spec en suites, and your friendly host offers home-cooked kitchen suppers on selected evenings.

Day 14 – Guided walk around Penzance

Enjoy breakfast this morning, before a visit from a friendly local guide who will take you off on a guided walk, uncovering the most ancient and fascinating details of Penzance. Rich in stories of smuggling and piracy, and with a host of hidden historical detail, your guide will bring much of it to life on this easy guided stroll.

Day 15 – A final train journey to London

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast this morning, before taking a taxi back to Penzance station to board the train to London

PRICING

Prices are based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and standard-class train travel; transfers in the Lake District; a York Pass; a private guided day out on Hadrian’s Wall; a ‘Round the Lake’ pass for Ullswater and a guided tour of Bath and Penzance. For a supplement we would be happy to upgrade train travel to first class, where available.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

As this trip is car-free and self-guided, we recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person. Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.