- English Lake District
- Yorkshire
- The Cotswolds
- Berkshire
- London
From the glittering lakes in the north, to the historic cities of the south
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
- Discover hidden parts of the Cotswolds
- Explore the Yorkshire Dales
- Visit the World Heritage Site, Avebury Stone Circle
- Historic tour of Hadrian's Wall
- Horse and carriage ride through Windsor Great Park
- Discover the secrets of the City of London
What's included
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Domestic flight from Leeds to London
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
- Expert local guides in each destination
- Private transfers
At a glance
From the mountains and lakes in the north through the rolling green hills dotted with quintessentially English country houses, down to the vibrant capital of London, this trip weaves in countless historic and cultural highlights along the way, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
After waking up with lakeside views at the idyllic Linthwaite House, you’ll travel to the World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall, introducing you to England’s Roman history. You’ll then be blown away with an excursion to the expansive Yorkshire Dales where heather and crags decorate the valleys, followed by a tour of York.
Heading south, you’ll discover the highlights of the Cotswold, such as the World Heritage Site Avebury Stone Circle dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age.
After a tour of Bath, you’ll enjoy a game of croquet and a tour of Oxford, before heading over to Berkshire to discover Windsor Castle and its grounds on a horse drawn carriage.
Your final stop takes you to the capital, where you’ll see the iconic Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and a range of lesser known treasures on a Secrets of the City walking tour.
Example trip itinerary
The Lake District
Transfer
* Airside meet and greet at Newcastle airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in the Lake District
Accommodation in The Lake District
English Lake District
Overview
Surrounded by carefully maintained gardens and private forests, the award-winning Linthwaite House is the perfect place to experience the scenic Lake District from.
The boutique hotel’s 36 stylish rooms range from quaint and cosy to luxuriously spacious. The larger rooms look out over the gardens, croquet lawn or the lake. Individually designed, the rooms offer all the modern conveniences needed for the utmost comfort.
Specialising in modern British food, the restaurant has won numerous awards. Split across three dining rooms, the restaurant offers guests regional and seasonal Cumbrian flavours. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the restaurant, or take a table on the terrace and gaze out over Lake Windermere.
Take your relaxation to the next level by booking an in-room spa treatment. The menu of pampering treatments includes a variety of massages, body wraps and beauty therapies.
→ Find out more
Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort, dating back to AD124, takes you back to the Roman Empire. Walk through the remarkably preserved barrack blocks and the hospital, see some of the oldest toilets you're ever likely to see, and admire the stunning panoramic rural views from this ancient fortress. There's also an interactive museum that showcases objects once belonging to Roman soldiers.
Follow the classic walk around Loughrigg Terrace and Rydal Water and see the typical Lakeland scenery that inspired the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Created by fire and carved by ice, the dramatic valleys of the English Lakes have inspired many literary greats with their rugged beauty. Over the course of the day you’ll continue explore this history with visits to Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of the famous poet.
The gardens at Dalemain have always been a place of peace and tranquillity, and have been loved by the Hasell family for generations. Join Jane Hasell-McCosh for a very special tour, taking in the 18th-century terrace walk, herb knot garden, wild gardens and classic English rose walk, which boasts over 100 old-fashioned roses.
Jane will be delighted to discuss the developments and designs of her gardens, focusing on the plants and areas closest to her heart. After visiting the garden, head inside the house and hear stories of those who lived and worked at Dalemain in the Victorian and Edwardian era, with access to unseen areas of the house and illuminating tales of the house throughout history. At the conclusion of your tour, take a seat in the private drawing room and partake in a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by your host, Jane.
The Yorkshire Dales has many moods; it can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil. It includes some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK, from crags and pavements to an underground labyrinth of caves. Each valley or 'dale' has its own distinct character, set against expansive heather moorland tops. Stone-built villages sit amongst traditional farming landscapes of field barns, drystone walls and flower-rich hay meadows, and show how the area has been shaped over thousands of years by the people who have lived and worked here. Spectacular waterfalls and ancient broadleaved woodland contrast with the scattered remains of former mine workings and other rural industries which remind us of the area's rich industrial heritage.
You will drive through some of the villages, learn about the flora and fauna and see historic sites and churches.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in York
York
Accommodation in York
Yorkshire
Overview
Set in quiet gardens just five minutes’ walk from the historic centre, The Principal York is the perfect place to discover this truly beautiful city.
Overlooking the York Minster, the 155 elegant rooms and suites have been refurbished by award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair. Each carefully blends the splendour of Victorian architecture with top-end modern amenities, including a rain shower, to ensure the ultimate in comfort and style.
Dining at the Refectory Kitchen & Terrace is a pleasure for the senses, and local ingredients are thoughtfully combined to create contemporary British classics. A traditional afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room which boasts spectacular views and a full English breakfast buffet is on offer each morning.
A heated swimming pool, sauna, gym and Jacuzzi await you after a day of discovering the charming cobbled streets and grand architectural structures of York. The hotel is also situated next to the York train station if you are keen to explore further afield.
→ Find out moreOn this walking tour of York you will get to explore some of the streets and most popular sites in this walled city which was founded by the ancient Romans. Some of the highlights you might see along the way are the 13th-century Gothic cathedral York Minster, York Castle, The Shambles and the River Ouse.
Transfer
Private transfer to Leeds Bradford Airport
Flight
Flight to London
Transfer
Airside meet and greet at London Heathrow airport
Recognised as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape, Avebury is a place where you can connect with history and take time to imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago. The stone circles and henge monument are particularly unusual, not just because it is the largest stone circle in the world but also for the fact that it is the only stone circle with a village built within it.
The Cotswolds
Accommodation in The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds
Overview
Escape to an elegant country home set on 500 acres of parkland and gardens. Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa combines luxury and tradition, offering guests an indulgent space to retreat and feel pampered.
The 42 rooms and suites in the Palladian mansion have been designed with the utmost comfort in mind. Antiques and deluxe furnishings are combined with modern elements, celebrating the hotel’s history as well as ensuring guests have everything they would expect from a luxury country hotel.
Dine at the Michelin starred Park restaurant where the menu features organic ingredients from nearby suppliers, as well as from the hotel’s own gardens. For alfresco dining and more informal lighter meals, take a table at the stylish Brasserie near the spa.
The beautifully maintained gardens around Lucknam Park make for invigorating outings on foot or on horseback. Explore the historic Walled Garden, The Rose Garden, the Arboretum and the old Vinery greenhouse.
Visit the spa to make use of the indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and outdoor salt water plunge pool. Guests can choose from a variety of relaxing treatments and spend time in several thermal cabins. Or spend some time in the Wellbeing House where there are yoga and pilates studios, a Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy room and a relaxation room.
There are also on-site equestrian facilities including training, all-weather and lunge arenas and a cross country course. Or let the fresh produce from the lush gardens inspire you to take part in a cookery course.
→ Find out moreBath has always been a city of pleasure. From the time of the Romans, the famous hot springs have attracted folk looking to relax and socialise. The Georgians developed the city to become a harmonious architectural ensemble that is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many ways to discover this charming city, whether it's through its Jane Austen connections, indulgent foodie scene, graceful architecture, parks and gardens, or simply relaxing in the world’s best-preserved Roman bathhouses.
At your hotel, enjoy a round of one of the most English of sports, croquet. An expert tutor will guide you through the game and teach you the subtle rules that govern the sport.
Discover some of the iconic sites of the Cotswolds as you delve back into history to where it all began. The tour will be full of revelations and insights as you learn the story of how England became England. You'll go deep into the story of England's first king as well as explore the authentic Cotswolds. Visit the 'most important town in England no-one has ever heard of' and explore ancient, untouched villages and Saxon churches that date back over 1000 years.
For your exclusive tour of the Abbey Gardens, you’ll be greeted by the owner and escorted around the house and gardens before they open to the public. The gardens are a series of rooms, each very different to the last, reflecting the history of the site and the personality of the current owners. You’ll be free afterwards to wander around the gardens at your own leisure and stroll through the town of Malmesbury.
The presence of Oxford University can be felt throughout the centre of this august city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, the patchwork of college buildings, churches and quaint streets make Oxford a beautiful place to discover the stories surrounding some of the most important characters in British history. Your local guide will tailor a tour around your interests, whether it be college gardens, religion, stained glass or Inspector Morse or Harry Potter.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Berkshire
Berkshire
Accommodation in Berkshire
Southern England
Overview
Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House is a beautifully historic Grade I-listed building set within 376 acres of National Trust Grounds. It has played host to many an occasion in its 350-year history and today it is every bit as glamorous as it once was.
The house has stayed true to its roots, with antique furniture, period pieces and beautiful artwork adorning the walls. Entering the property feels like stepping back in time, but with all the modern amenities and facilities of a contemporary luxury hotel, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds.
47 rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, many coming with private terraces that look out over the courtyard and the surrounding countryside. There is also a three-bedroom cottage perched on the banks of the River Thames with a private garden, two lounge areas with open fireplaces and a kitchen with its own dining area.
Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating and drinking. Enjoy fine dining at Andre Garrett, where locally sourced ingredients and a menu that follows the seasons create a brilliantly British dining experience. For a more informal atmosphere, enjoy the mix of classic American and British dishes at the Astor Grill, located in the old stable block, and for something quintessentially English, take afternoon tea in the great hall.
The Pavilion Spa is tucked away in the walled garden, and here you can enjoy a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool or relax and unwind with a signature treatment. There is also a fitness suite as well as indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
→ Find out moreWindsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.
Experience a unique perspective to the Great Park with a horse-drawn carriage ride accompanied by your guide who can share the knowledge of stories and events at the park, which have been passed down through the generations of coachmen who have worked for this family business. Ride down the famous Long Walk, which has wonderful views of Windsor Castle, and was part of the route the newlywed royals Megan and Harry took on their wedding day. The carriages are all classic models that have been maintained, restored or re-created to be the same as those used centuries ago. They are fitted with authentic wheels, traditional fittings and skills which date back to the 14th century.
Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor masterpiece. Henry VIII's vast kitchens are unique and the palace continued to grow up until the 17th century. The result is a wonderful tapestry of English architecture, tomes of fascinating stories and some of the most beautiful gardens in London.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in London
London
Accommodation in London
London
Overview
Surrounded by fashion boutiques and upmarket eateries, this luxury hotel in Marylebone Village is just minutes from trendy and bustling Oxford Street.
Art, culture and design play important roles in the hotel’s aesthetic lending the public spaces and 257 rooms and suites a vibrant charm. Contemporary and antique furnishings and art add character. The three London suites feature private terraces and offer impressive views of the city.
Dine at 108 Brasserie and 108 Pantry, or end the day with a cocktail or two at 108 Bar. Menus feature seasonal cuisine and local ingredients. Expect your meal to be relaxed, yet still stylish.
Take care of your body and mind with fresh juices and smoothies and spend time in the Third Space gym, wellness centre and spa.
→ Find out moreLondon
Highlights
- 50 rooms and suites
- Restaurant and bar
- Conservatory
- Library
- Swimming pool
Overview
London might be a city steeped in history but it’s certainly keeping pace with the best of them. The thoroughly British Haymarket Hotel is chic and modern whilst staying true to its roots, and there’s no compromise on location, either, as you find yourself in the heart of the capital’s theatre district.
With bright splashes of colour, bold prints and plenty of quirky design features, the Haymarket is a beacon of contemporary British style. The 50 rooms and suites have been individually designed, each with their own unique character.
The restaurant serves seasonal cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and the barmen are a dab hand at mixing elegant and refreshing cocktails. Make sure you indulge in the great British tradition of afternoon tea, a delightful mix of cakes, sandwiches, scones and of course, a pot of steaming loose-leaf tea. Head to the library when you want to retreat with a book or the morning papers.
The hotel’s indoor pool is not just for the health conscious; a ceiling studded with hundreds of fibre optic lights and an ever-changing light installation adds a real sense of atmosphere, and the poolside bar is your go-to for quenching your thirst. Exploring the capital couldn’t be easier: Mayfair and Regent Street are a mecca for shoppers; get your fix of culture at Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery; and take a stroll around St James’ Park, the oldest of the city’s eight Royal Parks.
→ Find out moreWestminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.
The City of London is at once ancient and modern. Skyscrapers are built along medieval passageways. The juxtaposition of old and new makes the Square Mile one of the most exciting, but also enigmatic, neighbourhoods of London. For nearly 2,000 years, humans have been shaping this marshy land north of the River Thames with buildings, infrastructure, ideas, inventions and passions. Discover some of the secrets of the City on this privately guided walking tour.
One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The King in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.
Transfer
Private transfer to Heathrow Airport
Transfer
Airside departure assistance
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Enticing England: A Journey from North to South
How we work
From the mountains and lakes in the north through the rolling green hills dotted with quintessentially English country houses, down to the vibrant capital of London, this trip weaves in countless historic and cultural highlights along the way, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. After waking up with lakeside views at the idyllic Linthwaite House, you’ll travel to the World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall, introducing you to England’s Roman history. You’ll then be blown away with an excursion to the expansive Yorkshire Dales where heather and crags decorate the valleys, followed by a tour of York. Heading south, you’ll discover the highlights of the Cotswold, such as the World Heritage Site Avebury Stone Circle dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. After a tour of Bath, you’ll enjoy a game of croquet and a tour of Oxford, before heading over to Berkshire to discover Windsor Castle and its grounds on a horse drawn carriage. Your final stop takes you to the capital, where you’ll see the iconic Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and a range of lesser known treasures on a Secrets of the City walking tour. | Whats included?
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Days 1 - 4 |
The Lake District |
Flights & transfers
* Airside meet and greet at Newcastle airport |
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Private transfer to your hotel in the Lake District |