Extraordinary England & Scotland
Extraordinary England & Scotland
Extraordinary England & Scotland
10 Days Starting in Windsor, England and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Windsor, Oxford, Cotswolds, The Lake District, Lake District, Edinburgh, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DE-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Extraordinary England & Scotland" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of the UK. Experience the charm of England and Scotland with a blend of walking tours, scenic train journeys, and boat cruises. Stay in luxurious accommodations, including the Macdonald Windsor Hotel and The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George. Delight in daily breakfasts, several dinners, and a unique haggis lunch. Explore iconic sites such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy special experiences like whisky tasting at Abbotsford House and a visit to the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre. Traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds and the Lake District, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these storied lands. Conclude your adventure in Glasgow, having created unforgettable memories of England and Scotland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Windsor,England
Location: Windsor
Accommodation Name: Macdonald Windsor Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
At 3.00pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions and walk the short distance to Windsor Castle to visit inside the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and one of the official residences of over 40 monarchs. Later enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Windsor,Oxford,Blenhiem Palace,Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
WINDSOR–OXFORD–BLENHIEM PALACE–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Dukes and Dreams Walk with your Tour Director through the beautiful streets of Oxford with a small group focused tour to be introduced to “the city of dreaming spires.” On to magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Dukes of Marlborough since the early 1700s. Overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of the Cotswolds. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTDREAMING AND LEARNING Architectural beauty, academic significance and cultural contributions are only three reasons why the city of Oxford is renowned worldwide. The University of Oxford, established in the 12th century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and consistently ranks in the top universities in globally. The city is home to stunning and unique architecture as well as a bustling covered market that is home to over 50 independent shops, cafes, bars, and experiences. Truly film set stuff!
Day 3: Stratford-Upon-Avon,Cotswolds Excursion
Location: Cotswolds
Accommodation Name: Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–COTSWOLDS EXCURSION Cotswolds Charm This morning, you’ll be enchanted by the landscape of rolling hills and the picturesque villages as you explore the Cotswolds. Time to enjoy the honey-coloured limestone buildings, stone walls and thatched houses before your return to Stratford-upon-Avon and a visit to William Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Plenty of time to explore this market town on your own this afternoon. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Day 4: Stratford-Upon-Avon,Levens Hall,Grasmere,The Lake District
Location: The Lake District
Accommodation Name: Daffodil Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LEVENS HALL–GRASMERE, THE LAKE DISTRICT To the Lakes Travel north through the English midlands to Elizabethan Levens Hall with its renowned topiary garden, the oldest in the world. Onwards to the heart of the Lake District, and at Rydal Mount get absorbed by the life and times of poet William Wordsworth and in an intimate reading of his poems discover why this tranquil setting inspired him to write some of the finest romantic poems in the English language. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTFLOWERY WORDS William Wordsworth lived in the Lake District for much of his life, 36 years at Rydal Mount. His “Daffodils” poem beginning “I wandered lonely as a cloud” is the quintessential Lake District poem characterized by its emphasis on nature, emotion, and the importance of the individual experience. Feel it all amongst the beauty that motivated its creation.
Day 5: Grasmere,Lake District Excursion
Location: Lake District
Accommodation Name: Daffodil Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
GRASMERE–LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION Trains, Lakes & Gingerbread Enjoy a relaxed and scenic day in the Lake District, including a train journey through the Leven Valley to Lakeside where you’ll board a boat for a cruise of unrivaled scenic beauty across Lake Windermere. Stroll in the bustling village of Bowness-on-Windermere before returning to the village of Grasmere to sample the famous Grasmere Gingerbread. (B)LOCAL FAVORITEFULL STEAM AHEAD Step back in time on the Haverthwaite Steam Railway, a heritage line originally built in the mid-19th century to carry iron ore between Barrow in Furness and the Lake District. Saved from closure in the 1970s, the 3.5-mile track is operated by enthusiasts with the journey taking you to the shore of Lake Windermere. Scenic beauty and nostalgic charm at its best!
Day 6: Grasmere,Abbotsford House,Edinburgh,Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
Meals Included: Breakfast
GRASMERE–ABBOTSFORD HOUSE–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Escape to Scotland Continue to the Scottish border, pausing at Gretna Green where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples, and into the Scottish Lowlands. At Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, a guided tour is followed by a tasting of Abbotsford Whisky. Spend the next two nights in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTTOMES AND TARTANS Your small group tour of Abbotsford House gets you up close to the home of Sir Walter Scott, renowned Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and biographer. His numerous novels helped to shape the modern perception of Scotland and its history through characters such as Rob Roy and his interpretation of key events in Scottish history, and he is credited for promoting the use of tartan and Highland dress. And to top off your visit, join a special private tasting and talk about Abbotsford Whisky.
Day 7: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Crown Jewels and Castle Views Morning sightseeing with your small group companions in the company of a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors and novelists associated with the city of Edinburgh. In the “Old Town” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire up close Scotland’s crown jewels. The afternoon is free to explore. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTMUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain”. Here you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
Day 8: Edinburgh,St Andrews,Scone Palace,Highlands
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Dunkeld House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
EDINBURGH–ST ANDREWS–SCONE PALACE–HIGHLANDS Highland Tees From Edinburgh head over the mighty Firth of Forth and a fun inclusion is the opportunity to hit a few balls at the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range. At Scone Palace, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Mansfield, join your guide for a private tour and hear about the crowning of Scottish kings including MacBeth and Robert the Bruce. On into the Highlands to your overnight accommodation. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HOME OF SWING St Andrews is considered the “Home of Golf” for good reason. The earliest documented mention of golf in St Andrews dates back to 1552. Two hundred years later The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was formed, and it has played a significant role in shaping the rules and traditions of golf. The Old Course is, as the name suggests, one of the oldest courses in the world with a history spanning over 600 years. Hole in one!
Day 9: Highlands,Castle Menzies,Glenside Farm,Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLANDS–CASTLE MENZIES–GLENSIDE FARM–GLASGOW A Toast to the Haggis First stop today is coffee at Castle Menzies, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years, its location ensuring it has been involved in much of Scotland’s turbulent history. At the [LF] Glenside Farm Haggis Experience, you’ll hear all about Scotland’s national dish. Discover how to make it and enjoy a never-to-be-forgotten haggis lunch. Through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the final stop is the city of Glasgow where dinner in a local restaurant rounds off a memorable time in England and Scotland. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Dig into the iconic dish of Scotland with a celebration and Haggis dinner. This traditional Scottish specialty is famously associated with Burns Night, celebrated annually each January 25th in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. His legendary poem, “Address to a Haggis” is traditionally recited before haggis is served. At Glenside Farm, your small group will hear all about the history, traditions, and cultural importance of this national dish of Scotland. A must-try for a true Scottish experience!
Day 10: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel, Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon, Daffodil Hotel and Spa, The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George, Dunkeld House Hotel, and Clayton Hotel Glasgow.
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Meals
Daily breakfast, several dinners, and a haggis lunch are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, William Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Levens Hall, Rydal Mount, Abbotsford House, Edinburgh Castle, and Scone Palace.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations including a train journey through the Leven Valley and a boat cruise across Lake Windermere.
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Special Experiences
Special experiences such as a whisky tasting at Abbotsford House, a visit to the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range, and the Glenside Farm Haggis Experience.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Forth Road Bridge|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|The English Lake District
Accommodation
Stay at a selection of charming hotels including Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel, Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon, Daffodil Hotel and Spa, The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George, Dunkeld House Hotel, and Clayton Hotel Glasgow.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a mix of walking tours, scenic train journeys, and boat cruises, ensuring a relaxed and immersive experience through England and Scotland.
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinner
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a mix of walking tours, scenic train journeys, and boat cruises, providing a relaxed and immersive experience through England and Scotland.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily breakfast, several dinners, and a haggis lunch.
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What special experiences are offered during the tour?
Special experiences include a whisky tasting at Abbotsford House, a visit to the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range, and the Glenside Farm Haggis Experience.
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What guided tours are part of the itinerary?
Guided tours include visits to Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, William Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Levens Hall, Rydal Mount, Abbotsford House, Edinburgh Castle, and Scone Palace.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Windsor, England.
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Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes in Glasgow, Scotland.
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Is there any uphill walking involved in the tour?
Yes, there is some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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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.
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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.
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