Sober Curious | England & Scotland | End Glasgow | Summer | 2025
Sober Curious | England & Scotland | End Glasgow | Summer | 2025
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, UK
Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK
Birmingham city canal, UK
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
Oxford University, Oxford, UK
River Irwell banks in Manchester City Centre, UK
The Beatles statue, Liverpool, UK
Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK
Mile Castle 39 (Castle Nick), Hadrian's Wall, UK
St Andrews, Scotland
Loch Ness, Scotland
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
$2959
Sober Curious | England & Scotland | End Glasgow | Summer | 2025
11 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, York, Lake District National Park, Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Dundreggan, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBBRS20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a unique journey through England and Scotland with the "Sober Curious" tour, starting in vibrant London and concluding in lively Glasgow. This limited edition summer 2025 adventure invites you to explore iconic destinations like Windsor, Bath, Oxford, and Edinburgh, all while embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes experiences over alcohol. Discover the historical charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, the cultural vibrancy of Liverpool, and the natural beauty of the Lake District. Enjoy activities such as a magic show in Bristol, a baking class in Birmingham, and a cruise on Loch Ness. With opportunities to engage in local traditions and explore stunning landscapes, this tour offers a refreshing perspective on travel, perfect for those seeking meaningful connections and unforgettable memories. Whether you're wandering the cobblestone streets of York or hiking to Arthur's Seat, this journey promises a rich tapestry of experiences without the hangover.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Bristol Via Windsor And Bath
Location: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol
Accommodation Name: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good morning dear Londonites! Meet your new sober curious crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves. Hello Windsor, at the top of our agenda today is obviously, getting a magnificent view of the royal Windsor Castle! Afterwards, you’ve got some free time. So why not strut like a royal around this beautiful town studded with gardens and riverside views. And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination. Ready? We’re going back in time. Because you’ve got some free time to explore this historical town. Visit the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, the Jane Austen museum or maybe do a canal cruise! (Go on, live your period drama dreams.) Welcome to the wonderful city of Bristol. Colourful buildings, charming streets, beautiful bridges - you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats…dinner’s on us today! So, drop your bags off at our hotel and join us. What next? We’ve got one last trick up our sleeve. It’s time for a magic show!
Day 2: Bristol To Birmingham Via Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham
Accommodation Name: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to wake up! We’ve got some more exploration to do. And you’ve got a delicious breakfast waiting for you. Today, you can choose to check out Bristol’s street art with a local guide before we make our way into Oxford! You’ve been dreaming about this. Haven’t you? We’re finally in THE Oxford - with its world-famous museums, libraries, churches and of course, University. You can even choose to roam around the river on a Punt. There's so much to be discovered here. So, it's a good thing you've got some free time in this quaint little town (that's also the home of Shakespeare!). In the evening, we'll head to our stop for the night - Birmingham. Hungry? We’ll grab a quick bite in town. Then, it’s time to make our very own treat at a great British baking class! (You know, the iconic white tent and all.)
Day 3: Birmingham To Manchester Via Liverpool
Location: Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester
Accommodation Name: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Birmingham, you’ve been grand. But we’ve got places to be. Grab some breakfast before we hop onto our coach once more. Welcome to Liverpool. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent as we take a guided walking tour of the cities best hotspots. Tonight’s dinner is a 5-course local farm-to-fork meal, followed by a stroll around the farm to see where the food you just ate was grown. Hope you brought a big appetite!
Day 4: Manchester To York
Location: Manchester, York
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ve got the morning to spend exploring the red-bricked streets of this city. Need a caffeine boost? The local coffee shops here have just what you need. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked.
Day 5: York To Carlisle Via Lake District
Location: York, Lake District National Park, Carlisle
Accommodation Name: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise & shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. (Sorry). Obstacles aren’t really our thing. But when they’re all natural? Like rocky chutes, clear pools of water and even the occasional mini waterfall - all in the oh-so-stunning Lake District? Who can say no? And today, you have the option to explore it all. We’ll end the day in quaint and charming Carlisle, England's northern-most town (right on the border of England & Scotland)! Nothing like the northern air to cosy up and wake as fresh as a daisy the next morning for all our activities.
Day 6: Carlisle To Edinburgh Via Hadrian's Wall
Location: Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. Back in the 21st Century, we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh - all alive and buzzing during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We'll stroll around the cobblestoned streets and then catch a comedy show to see what the world renowned festival is all about.
Day 7: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!). Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street. Up for a mini adventure? Then join us this afternoon for a hike to Arthur’s Seat - one of the city’s most famous spots.
Day 8: Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands
Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation Name: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales and a chance to compete in some optional traditional Highland games.
Day 9: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Loch Ness And Dundreggan
Location: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Dundreggan, Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness, the mood will only be rising. We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness and hop on board for a cruise of the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... Small pitstop! We'll check out the lush, hilly rewilding centre here to learn about how Scotland's native animal species are reintroduced in the wild. We'll arrive into Glasgow, drop our bags and dive straight into all that makes this city glow. Think live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & a chance to savour a home-cooked meal too.
Day 10: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey everyone. We're up bright and early today, and this city's all yours to explore. Plus, you've got the option to check out the nearby Stirling castle (and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeedom!"). And even learn & eat all about Scotland's national Dish - Haggis.
Day 11: End Glasgow/Train To London
Location: Glasgow, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip sadly comes to an end after breakfast in Glasgow. It’s time to say bye to your new travel squad and plan the next journey. Or if you've chosen to end in London, catch the train back to London, where the trip ends upon arrival.
What's Included
-
Windsor Castle View
Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle.
-
Bath Exploration
Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
-
Bristol Magic Show
Experience a mind-bending magic show in Bristol.
-
Oxford Tour
Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford, including the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world.
-
Stratford-upon-Avon Exploration
Explore the town that Shakespeare once called home, with clues about his life scattered everywhere.
-
Birmingham Baking Class
Participate in a Great British Baking Class in Birmingham.
-
Liverpool Beatles Tour
Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see iconic landmarks in Liverpool.
-
Manchester Farm-to-Fork Dinner
Enjoy a 5-course dinner at Groobarbs Field Kitchen with locally sourced ingredients.
-
York Minster Visit
Explore York Minster and learn about the city's Viking and Roman roots.
-
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Attend a comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
What's Not Included
Electronic Travel AuthorizationTravelers entering or transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from January 8, 2025.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a coach, with scenic drives through England and Scotland, including stops at iconic locations like Windsor, Oxford, and the Scottish Highlands, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at various Ibis hotels across England and Scotland, including Ibis Bristol Centre, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, and Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, ensuring a cozy and convenient base for your explorations.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- London: What does sober curious mean? Sober curious travel means you’re interested in trialling a trip that doesn’t involve alcohol. (AKA travel without the hangover). Instead of spending evenings drinking in the pub, you’ll take part in whole range of other activities with your crew.
- London: Do I have to be completely sober to join this trip? Nope, this trip is for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol & want to travel with like-minded people. You don’t have to live a completely sober lifestyle to join in.
- London: How will we fill our time? This trip offers most of the same Included Activities and Free Time Add-ons as our classic trips to Great Britain and Ireland - but you’ll swap those that revolve around alcohol for some extra special experiences (exclusive to our Sober Curious trips!) - all without stepping foot in a bar.
Included Experience
- Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot a royal if you're lucky.
- Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
- Bristol: Think magic shows are only for kids? This show will change your opinion. Nothing will prepare you for the mind-bending tricks you'll witness by this pro magician.
- Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford. And also the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world!
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that this legendary literature writer once called home. From Shakespeare's birthplace to where we he was buried - you'll find clues about his life scattered everywhere in this town.
- Birmingham: Chef hats on! Get ready to rustle up the yummiest baked goodies at this Great British Baking Class. The head chef will show us how to whip up a storm, all inspired by the popular show. Yum. Yum. Yum.
- Liverpool: One for fans of The Beatles. Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.
- Manchester: Time for a wholesome 5-course dinner at Groobarbs Field Kitchen! Every ingredient in your food is locally sourced (and seasonal too!) - straight from the farm to your table. After dinner, you'll be able to explore the farm where your food just came from. It doesn't get any fresher than this!
- York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.
- Edinburgh: Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle. They’re all here to fill up your memory and Insta feed.
- Edinburgh: Wanna know what the buzz around Edinburgh Fringe Festival is all about? Here's your chance! We got you tickets to a comedy show at the festival. Get ready to witness this explosion of fun and creativity IRL.
- Edinburgh: You can't miss out on a hike to Arthur's Seat when you're in Edinburgh - it's practically a ritual!
- St. Andrews: If you like golf, you’ll love St Andrews. But if you think it spoils a nice walk in the park, there’s also Swilcan Bridge.
- Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
- Scottish Highlands: Ever wondered how native animal species - like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx and Beavers - are reintroduced into the wild? Come learn about it all from an expert (who'll also tell you how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested too!). Every penny you spend here will directly support Trees for Life, a TreadRight supported project.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the concept of a 'sober curious' tour?
A 'sober curious' tour is designed for those interested in experiencing travel without alcohol. Instead of spending evenings in bars, participants engage in a variety of other activities, allowing them to explore destinations without the hangover.
-
Do I need to be completely sober to join this tour?
No, you do not need to be completely sober to join this tour. It is for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol and want to travel with like-minded individuals.
-
What kind of activities can I expect on this tour instead of visiting bars?
This tour offers a range of activities that do not revolve around alcohol, such as exploring historical sites, attending magic shows, participating in baking classes, and enjoying local cultural experiences like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
-
What is a modular trip?
A modular trip means that fellow travelers will join and leave at various locations throughout the tour. This allows for new introductions and farewells with like-minded travelers along the journey.
-
What is included in the dining experience on this tour?
The dining experience includes 3 dinners and 10 breakfasts, with meals featuring local and seasonal ingredients, such as a 5-course farm-to-fork dinner in Manchester.
-
What is the significance of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival during the tour?
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a world-renowned event featuring a variety of performances. During the tour, participants have the opportunity to attend a comedy show, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Saturday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
