Edinburgh to London |

DURHAM, YORK, PEAK DISTRICT & CAMBRIDGE

English roots may be traced back to eastern England where the Celts, Romans, Saxons and Vikings all left their mark. Our tour offers a comprehensive insight into this area rich in history, architecture and cultural traditions. We explore the cathedral cities of Durham, York and Lincoln, visit Cambridge to see its world-famous university colleges and drive through the moorlands of Yorkshire to escape the crowds in the Peak District – one of England’s best loved national parks.

The Back-Roads Difference

Stay two nights in the heart of the Peak District National Park
Visit Sandringham Estate, the private retreat of Her Majesty The Queen
Enjoy a pub lunch where Jamie Oliver grew up and worked in the kitchen
Drift along the River Cam on a traditional punt to experience an integral part of English culture

A Tour For All Seasons

Did you know that Britain has some great winter attractions? From October we seek these out and incorporate them in the itinerary when some other attractions close. In December there is time at leisure to explore festive Christmas markets. In January, we will enjoy a Burn’s Night Party in the magnificent Guest Hall of Alnwick Castle and raise a glass to Scotland’s favourite bard with traditional ceremonies including a piper to pipe in the haggis.

Tour Inclusions

7 nights’ accommodation
Driver/tour leader
Mini-coach transportation
Full English breakfast daily
3 x evening meals, 1 x lunch
Cambridge Punting
Included Entrances: Lindisfarne Priory, Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Durham Cathedral donation, Captain Cook Museum, Chatsworth House, Blue John Cavern, Lincoln Cathedral, Sandringham Estate, Newmarket National Stud & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge.

What is not included in a Back-Roads Touring Tour?

Countries Visited

Scotland
England

For seasonal variations of this itinerary, please see notes below in blue.

Day 1 Edinburgh – Berwick-upon-Tweed – Lindisfarne – Alnwick

Overnight: Hogs Head Inn (or similar)

24-Jan-16: Day 1 Edinburgh – Berwick-Upon-Tweed – Lindisfarne – Alnwick

We travel south to Berwick-upon-Tweed, arguably England's most dramatic walled town. Our next stop is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, reachable only by a causeway at low tide. Marvel at the ornate carvings on the extensive ruins of Lindisfarne Priory before driving to Alnwick Castle, home to the 12th Duke of Northumberland. Tonight enjoy a hearty 4-course supper in Alnwick castle’s magnificent Guest Hall and raise a glass to Scotland’s favourite bard with traditional Burns Night ceremonies, including a piper to pipe in the haggis. After supper, head to the dancefloor and finish the evening with the customary Celtic music and ceilidh dancing! Stay overnight at the Hogs Head Inn, or similar. (D)

Day 2 Alnwick – Durham – Staithes – Whitby

Explore Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in England. After stopping in Staithes, once the largest fishing port in the north east of England, we continue to Whitby. Visit the museum chronicling a young Captain Cook’s training as a seaman before embarking on his epic voyages of discovery. Stay overnight at Mallyan Spout Hotel, or similar. (B)

Overnight: Mallyan Spout Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Whitby – North Yorkshire Moors – York – Peak District

Overnight: Rutland Arms Hotel (or similar)

02-Dec-15 & 16-Dec-15: Day 3 Whitby – North Yorkshire Moors – York – Peak District

Driving through the imposing North Yorkshire Moors, we make our way to York, the historic capital of northern England. After a short orientation walk you will have plenty of time to explore this city independently. We recommend visiting York’s Christmas Market, one of the most atmospheric in the country, with different market stall specialising is different goods from food and drink to sparkles and toys. Be sure to try a pint of traditional ale or a glass of mulled wine at the Medieval bar in Barley Hall! Later we travel to the Rutland Arms Hotel, or similar, our base for the next two nights. (B)

Day 4 Peak District – Chatsworth House – Blue John Cavern – Peak District

The Peak District is rich in history and is home to some of England’s finest scenery. Stunning Chatsworth House is the perfect place for a morning stroll and the Blue John Cavern is a fascinating network of caves to explore. (B, D)

Overnight: Rutland Arms Hotel (or similar)

03-Dec-15 & 17-Dec-15: Day 4 Peak District – Chatsworth House – Blue John Cavern – Peak District

The Peak District is rich in history and is home to some of England’s finest scenery. At stunning Chatsworth House the lower floors have been festively decorated to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. There is also an opportunity to visit their Christmas market with over 100 stalls, selling gifts for the whole family, mulled wine and mince pies. After exploring the fascinating network of caves at the Blue John Cavern we return to our accommodation in Bakewell. (B, D)

Day 5 Peak District – Lincoln

Today is dedicated to Lincoln. After visiting the Cathedral Quarter to see the iconic towers of Lincoln Cathedral, Ellis Mill, Jew’s House and Lincoln Castle, the rest of the day is yours at leisure. Overnight the White Hart Hotel, or similar. (B)

Overnight: White Hart Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Lincoln – Cropwell Bishop – Sandringham – Cambridge

In Cropwell Bishop, famous for Stilton cheese, visit a local creamery with more than 160 years of cheese making experience. Learn more about Stilton's protected status and enjoy a cheese tasting experience. In Sandringham, we see the estate which has been passed down through four generations of the British monarchy. Stay two nights at The Gonville Hotel, or similar. (B, D)

Overnight: The Gonville Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Cambridge

Take in the beauty of the 'Backs' of Cambridge University while drifting along the River Cam on a traditional punt. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. (B)

Overnight: The Gonville Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Cambridge – Newmarket – Clavering – London

At Newmarket National Stud, see behind the scenes of a working thoroughbred stud farm. At The Cricketers at Clavering, a delightful 16th century English country inn where Jamie Oliver grew up and worked, we enjoy lunch. After visiting Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Epping Forest we return to London. (B, L)

Note: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne causeway floods at high tide so the time we visit and spend at this site will be determined by the daily tidal variations.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off

This tour commences from the The Place, 34-38 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3HU at 8.30am. Please ensure you are at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

The tour finishes at 5:30pm at Grange Wellington Hotel, 71-72 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PA.

Notes

Back-Roads Touring have hand-picked an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary.

Mobility: All of our tours involve walking and require our guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

If we are unable to visit any market listed above, due to changes in opening times, we will substitute this with an alternative activity.