Heart of England, Wales & Yorkshire
5 day tour

  • Snowdonia National Park
  • Rabbie's Tours Chatsworth House
  • Conwy
  • Birthplace of Shakespeare Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Shrewsbury
  • York Minster
  • Chatsworth House

Travel through the Peak District, Shakespeare country, Welsh mountains, and beautiful British cities.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

National Parks
Mountains
Cathedrals
Universities
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Castles
Literature

Stratford–upon–Avon - The birthplace of Shakespeare has an impressive array of black and white Tudor buildings.

Ironbridge World Heritage Site - The oldest iron bridge in the world is the centrepiece of an area that was the cradle of the 18th century's Industrial Revolution.

The mountains of Snowdonia - These mountains offer a sense of scale and rugged beauty rarely seen in the UK.

Conwy Castle - Set on a river bank near an impressive pair of bridges, this brilliantly preserved 13th century estuary fortress is a visual treat.

Peak District National Park - Broadleaved woodlands give way to deep valleys in this geological wonderland.

Chatsworth House* - The magnificent grand house of the Devonshire family lies in a stunning estate, famed for its amazing fountains and verdant maze.

York and the Dales - The north of England’s remote sheep-rearing valleys lay beside the bustling, history-rich city of York.

Cambridge - A towering Gothic chapel dominates the heart of this charming university city and its beautifully maintained colleges.

 

Your journey


Travel through 2,000 years of history on this journey through Wales and England.

You roam the lively, Roman-walled city of York. You admire the magnificent medieval military architecture at Conwy. You experience the surroundings of Shakespeare’s Tudor England. And you wander amongst ancient college buildings in the beautiful university city of Cambridge.

But it’s not just history.

You also explore the rugged mountainous area around Wales’ highest peak and the verdant rolling landscapes of the Peak District National Park.

It’s a trip that lets you learn about how England and Wales developed into the countries they are today.

So, if you like a combination of historic highlights and wonderful scenery, then join this tour and travel through the best of England and Wales.

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 09:00 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
Finishes (approx.)
19:30 - London Victoria Drop Off, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Tour inclusions
  • Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
  • Tour accommodation
  • Attraction entry tickets

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Learn about Britain’s industrial revolution at Ironbridge
  • Find your inspirations in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare

You leave London and travel to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-up-Avon. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, you have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs.

You then head to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. Built during the age of Industrial Revolution, explore how it was pieced together or simply enjoy the views from above the lazily-flowing River Severn.

You make your way to the county town of Shrewsbury*; the narrow-streets of the town centre is almost completely encircled by the River Severn.

Charles Darwin was born in this bustling market town, and its timber-framed black and white Tudor buildings are your home for the next two nights.

 

*Please note that on some rare occasions, this tour may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury.

Day 2

  • Head into the heights of Wales’ Snowdonia National Park
  • March around the imperious walls of Conwy Castle

Your tour takes you to the heart of North Wales today.

Firstly, you explore the imposing might of Conwy and its medieval castle. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, this fortress offers spectacular views from the battlements.

Next, you roam the impressive mountains and valleys of the Snowdonia National Park, its slate quarries, and travel through the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadow of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.

Learn about Welsh struggles for independence and the tales of the rebellious Owain Glyndwr as you head back over back over the English border to your accommodation.*

 

*Please note that on some rare occasions, this tour may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury.
 

Day 3

  • Set your sights on the expanses of the Peak District National Park
  • Stroll around the fine stately home and gardens at Chatsworth House*

Lying northeast of Shrewsbury is the Peak District National Park, an expanse of rugged moorland with walled pastures and wooded valleys. Picturesque villages and unbeatable scenery line your route as you wind through this area’s unique landscape.

After a spectacular drive, you arrive in the elegant spa town of Buxton. It’s been attracting visitors to enjoy its natural thermal springs since Roman times. And it’s where you can fill up your bottle with crystal-clear water from the famous spring.

In the afternoon, you make your way to the Duke of Devonshire’s famous stately home and gardens at Chatsworth. This renowned building is regularly named the UK’s favourite country house thanks to its immense collection of furniture, priceless paintings, and neoclassical sculptures.

Travelling northwards, you pass through some of the old industrial heartlands of northern England to the historic walled city of York, where you spend the next two nights.

*Please note that entry to Chatsworth House is not included in the price of the tour ticket. Passengers will need to purchase their ticket on arrival at the attraction.

 

Day 4

  • Spoil yourself with the churches, museums, and riverside sights of York
  • Venture to the magnificent market towns of Knaresborough and the Yorkshire Dales

Today there are two options. You can choose to spend the day exploring the medieval heart of York, an ancient city with a colourful history dating back to the times of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans.

Alternatively, you can journey out with your guide on a half day excursion across the Yorkshire Dales to the handsome market town of Knaresborough. Here, you experience famed Yorkshire hospitality at its best before heading to some of the more remote areas and impressive scenery of the Eastern Dales.

Whichever option you choose, you spend your evening enjoying the sights and sounds of York.

Day 5

  • Study the stunning university city of Cambridge
  • Marvel at the cathedral of Lincoln

Departing the fair city of York in the morning, you begin your journey south to London.

You stop in the town of Lincoln, famed for its beautiful historic center and delicious Lincolnshire sausages. Make sure you check out the cathedral while you’re here; it was the world’s tallest building for around 200 years.

Leaving Lincoln, you continue south to the city of Cambridge. The iconic King’s College Chapel dominates the heart of the city. Take a guided punting ride along ‘the backs’ of the colleges, or climb the steps of St Mary’s tower to get a skyline view before heading back to London.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

  • Conwy Castle

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in the historic town of Shrewsbury and two nights in the medieval city of York.

 

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.

Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:

 

Approximate prices, per person per night

Overnight Location

 

Sole Occupancy

Multiple Occupancy

 

(1 person per room)

(2+ people per room)

B&B Standard

£80 - £120

£60 - £80

UK & Northern Ireland

€80 - €120

€60 - €80

Ireland

B&B En-suite

£100 - £145

£55 - £95

UK & Northern Ireland

€100 - €145

€55 - €100

Ireland

Hotel

£110 - £190

£75 - £150

UK & Northern Ireland

€130 - €235

€75 - €150

Ireland

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .


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