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Within NZ: (03) 365 0746 • International: +64 3 365 0746
From John O Groats to Lands’ End, an epic journey through Scotland and England awaits you. Dramatic landscapes, wild coastlines, iconic castles, spectacular national parks, places of historic interest and picture postcard villages combine with special experiences to delight even the most seasoned traveller on this trip of a lifetime.
Duration: 38 days
Holiday Type:
Escorted Tours
Departure dates:
The tour operates in the reverse direction on this departure date.
Make an enquiryOn arrival in Edinburgh, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private car to your downtown, city hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and local hosts for a welcome dinner before having the next day free to explore this beautiful and cultured city.
Distance: 249km (155miles)
Collect your motorhome this morning and travel over the Forth Bridge to the ‘Fair City’ of Perth, located on the banks of the River Tay. This gorgeous city was once the capital of Scotland and a picturesque playground for kings and queens. Continue north into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, skirting the Cairngorms National Park, Britain’s largest. On Day 4 enjoy a morning cruise on Loch Ness with an included visit to the 1000-year old ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Distance: 209km (130miles)
This morning you may like to stop at Dunrobin Castle and Gardens and enjoy a self-guided tour of this 189 room Castle which resembles a French chateau with its towering conical spires. Continue your journey through the village of John o’Groats to the Castle of Mey. Enjoy a tour of the castle and stroll around the Walled Gardens. Your stay at Dunnet Head offers majestic views over the Pentland Firth. On day 6 you have the option of taking a ferry trip to the nearby Orkney Islands with their special historic sites including Skara Brae Neolithic Village and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle.
Distance: 338km (210miles)
The tiny village of Durness is situated in the northwest highlands of Scotland in the traditional county of Sutherland. One of the most sparsely populated wilderness areas in Western Europe, the rugged terrain is one of mighty mountains, russet heathland and turquoise sea lochs. After our overnight stay beside the beach, we journey on to the small but pretty village of Kinlochewe close to the head of Loch Maree, a very strong contender for the title of Scotland’s most scenic loch.
Distance: 217km (135miles)
We recommend an early start this morning to make the most of our suggested visit to the Isle of Skye. It is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. The island will enchant you with its mountain ranges, miles of dramatic coastline and captivating history. Portree, its largest town, overlooks a sheltered bay decorated by a picturesque string of brightly coloured houses. Be sure to explore Eilean Donan Castle as you drive on to Morvich. This 13th century castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland and has featured in numerous movies and television shows.
Distance: 105km (65miles)
An easy drive this morning as we continue on to Fort William, our next destination. The surrounding area offers a fantastic range of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities. There is a multitude of walks and cycle tracks at your doorstep and there are many historical sites for you to explore. On day 12, we board ‘The Jacobite Steam Train’ for an 84-mile round trip described as one of the great railway journeys of the world.
Distance: 145km (90miles)
This mesmerising loch lies in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Surrounded by charming villages and rolling countryside, it offers some truly wonderful land and water-based activities … everything from golf, hiking, cycle and boat hire, cruises (including a waterbus ferry to several small islands within the loch), canoeing, Segway safaris, local distilleries to name just a few. And less than an hour away is Glasgow, easily accessible by bus or train.
Distance: 249km (155miles)
It’s over the border into England today to the Lake District National Park. Along the way maybe visit the Old Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green, used for runaway marriages, and then stop off at Hadrian’s Wall, the famous wall built by the Romans. The Lake District is one of England’s most beautiful areas and our campsite is situated in Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. There are numerous lake and hillside tracks and trails within easy access and there is no shortage of water-based activities to dip into. Also nearby is the beautiful valley of Borrowdale where you’ll find the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle and the medieval and much photographed pack horse bridge at Ashness.
Distance: 225km (140miles)
Head east to the Pennines and across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its scenic wild valleys and crags. We recommend a stop at Bolton Abbey where you can view the ruins of this 12th century Augustinian monastery. If time permits, a visit to the picturesque market town of Ilkley is also suggested before arriving at your campsite on the outskirts of York. On day 19 enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic walled city to learn about its famous landmarks and the influences that stretch back to the time of the Vikings and before.
Distance: 161km (100miles)
The high hills of the Peak District are home to numerous attractions. En-route to the spa town of Buxton, be sure to stop at the beautiful village of Castleton, situated at the head of the Hope Valley. The imposing ruins of Peveril Castle, one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, stand high above the village. During your stay, a visit to Bakewell is highly recommended. Perhaps best known for its unique and delicious pudding, the village is an ideal place for an interesting town walk. Located very close by is Chatsworth House and Gardens, one of the largest and elegant stately homes anywhere in the world.
Distance: 217km (135miles)
Explore the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the 16th century birthplace of the famous playwright, William Shakespeare. This quintessential town of cobbled streets is flanked by handsome Tudor buildings, traditional family run shops and boutiques, olde-worlde pubs and the River Avon that meanders its way through its centre. From here, a leisurely drive brings you into the Cotswolds, home to beautiful honey coloured stone villages and the largest Area of Outstanding Natural beauty in England and Wales. On your free day, be sure to visit some of the areas prettiest villages including Bouton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the Wold, Chipping Camden or the largest open-air street market in Moreton-in-Marsh. On day 24 enjoy a full day coach excursion to Blenheim Palace, a 300 year old World Heritage site and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Continue on to the university city of Oxford, where you’ll have time to explore the sights of the city and the University Colleges at your leisure.
Distance: 105km (65miles)
It’s a short drive today to the historic city of Bath but there are so many great places to stop and visit along the way, among them the charming and fairy-tale-like villages of Bibury and Castle Combe. Another suggestion is Lacock Abbey and Village, a famous film location having appeared in Downton Abbey, Pride & Prejudice and the Harry Potter films. Your campsite for the next 2 nights is situated close to the centre of Bath with public bus access on the doorstep into the city centre. Day 25 is free to explore this World Heritage site famed for its splendid Roman Spa and amazing Georgian architecture. Best appreciated on foot, be sure to take in the Royal Crescent (one of Britain’s most beautiful streets), the spectacular Bath Abbey and the historic Theatre Royal. Entry into the city’s ancient Roman Baths, built in 75AD as a religious spa complex, is included.
Distance: 257km (160miles)
Continue your travels through Somerset and Devon to the Celtic county of Cornwall. Places to visit en-route include Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Tor and the Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy a 4-night stay near the picturesque harbour village of Looe. During your stay, recommended attractions include The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, The Minack Theatre, stunning Porthcurno Beach and the many beautiful coastal towns like nearby Polperro where you can take a ferry to Fowey. On day 29, enjoy a guided day tour to some of Cornwall’s key locations. Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle. Next, we visit the small, picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, perhaps better known as Port Wenn, the location used for the filming of the popular television series, ‘Doc Martin’. Then on to Padstow, the home of celebrity chef Rick Stein. This charming, working fishing port is surrounded by glorious beaches and if time permits, maybe take the ferry across the Camel River to the village of Rock, popular with the rich and famous.
Distance: 185km (115miles)
Leaving Cornwall, skirt the famed Tamar Valley and Dartmoor National Park as you make your way into the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Your next stop is Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site famed for its many fossils and picturesque geographic features. Day 32 is free to explore the local surrounds. The nearby coastal town of West Bay is renowned for its striking sandstone sea cliffs and boasts a pretty fishing harbour and two great beaches. Chesil Beach to the east and fossil finding country around Lyme Regis are both within easy reach.
Distance: 161km (100miles)
Head north through Dorset and across Salisbury Plain today to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. Take in the unforgettable atmosphere of Europe’s best known pre-historic monument which dates back 5,000 or more years. Our journey continues east to one of England’s finest historical cities, Winchester. This unspoilt cathedral city sits on the edge of the rolling South Downs National Park and was once England’s ancient capital. Known for its medieval cathedral, there are many other great places to visit on your free day, including Winchester College, The Great Hall, Wolvesey Castle, Hospital of St Cross, The Gurkha Museum and The City Mill to name a few.
Distance: 113km (70miles)
Return your motorhome today and transfer by coach from the depot to your London city hotel. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy the city at your own pace with an included ticket for the London Hop on and Hop off sightseeing bus tour. There is so much to choose from including the historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, numerous Art Galleries and Museums, the city’s Royal Parks and of course, the great shopping and the shows in the West End.
On day 37, we’ve included a full day excursion to see Hampton Court Palace & Gardens, built for and home to, King Henry VIII. In the afternoon, we travel to the historic market town of Windsor, where a tour of Windsor Castle is included. In the evening, enjoy a farewell group dinner where you can relive and share your stories of a wonderful tour.
Sadly, your adventure ends today and it’s time to say goodbye to your newfound friends. You’ll be transferred to your chosen London airport for your onward flight, leaving with lifelong memories of an extraordinary holiday experience of England and Scotland.
Within NZ:
(03) 365 0746
International:
+64 3 365 0746
