TOUR 7L
OXFORD, STRATFORD AND THE COTSWOLDS (WITH LUNCH) – CURRENT PRICES / BOOK
TOUR 7
OXFORD, STRATFORD AND THE COTSWOLDS (NO LUNCH) – CURRENT PRICES / BOOK

The Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds sightseeing tour makes for a wonderul day out taking in some of England’s most breathtaking countryside and views, with stacks of interesting historic buildings including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Christ Church, venue of many scenes from the ever popular Harry Potter films.

Days Operating - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Duration – Approximately 10 hours : STARTS 08.45AM – FINISHES APPROX 6.30PM

Tour Descriptions

Oxford
Enjoy a walk through this beautiful university town that was deemed the “city of dreaming spires” by poet Matthew Arnold.  For over 900 years this town has been the centre of academic excellence, and has had students such as Tony Blair, C.S Lewis, Bill Clinton and Harper Lee.  Oxford has so much to offer, stunning river views, incredible architecture, an interesting history and even shows and shopping, which means there is something for everyone.  You should definitely make sure you make the most out of your visit. 

Christ Church
A treat for Harry Potter fans, the dining hall of Christ Church is transformed into the Grand Hall of Hogwarts for the films. However, if you’re not a fan, a visit to Christ Church is still an amazing experience.  Portraits frame the walls, including one of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice and Wonderland, who was actually a teacher there.  Christ Church is one of the largest colleges at Oxford University and is also a Cathedral Church with a choir that has sung on the Vicar of Dibley. 

Cotswolds
Prepare to be captivated by this beautiful area of England, a peaceful zone in between four of England’s city.  This gentle hilly region is home to sleepy stone villages and bustling market towns but also to some of England’s most picturesque views.   The natural beauty of the area of Cotswolds can only be described as absolutely stunning.

Lunch in the Cotswolds (Optional on Tour 7L)
In one of Cotswolds charming villages is where we will stop for lunch.  Enjoy a delicious meal in a traditional English pub that is reached by crossing a medieval bridge over the River Windrush.  After you have eaten you can admire the sights of this old wool town.

Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon
This old market town, situated on the outskirts of the Forest of Arden is the birthplace of one of history’s greatest and most famous writer, William Shakespeare.    Inside the half timbered house, where he was born nearly 450 years ago in April 1564, you will gain a fascinating insight into the genius’ childhood. 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Another historic gem from Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s wife’s cottage has been described as one of the most picturesque properties from the Birthplace Trust.  Inside see historic domestic artefacts from the 1500s and experience a keyhole look into the childhood of the woman who married one of Britain’s greatest writers. 

Estimated arrival time back to London is around 6.30pm.

OXFORD, STRATFORD AND THE COTSWOLDS (WITH LUNCH) – CURRENT PRICES / BOOK
OXFORD, STRATFORD AND THE COTSWOLDS (NO LUNCH) – CURRENT PRICES / BOOK

CURRENT PRICE / BOOK  TICKETS WITH LUNCH
CURRENT PRICE / BOOK  TICKETS WITHOUT LUNCH

Tour Description

Tour Duration – 10 hours

The Leeds, Canterbury, Dover & Greenwich River Cruise tour offers exceptional value for money, which includes a good cross section of sightseeing across Kent to Dover as well as historical Greenwich, one of London’s most charming locations.

The tour is available with or without lunch.

Tour Highlights

Leeds Castle
Canterbury Cathedral
White Cliffs of Dover
Dover Castle
Greenwich Naval College & Observatory
Thames Cruise (Greenwich to Embankment)

Leeds Castle
In the heart of Kent, this stunning castle sits on two islands on the River Len, where it is surrounded by 500 acres of idyllic parkland. Not only beautiful, this castle is full of interesting history after it has spent over 900 years home to royalty and lords including Henry VIII.  

Canterbury Cathedral
As one of the oldest and famous Christian structures in Britain, this magnificent cathedral has sat in the medieval city of Canterbury since it was rebuilt in the 11th century.  This impressive place has had 104 archbishops to date and been part of important events in Christianity’s history in Britain, including the murder of Tomas Becket and the Dissolution of the ministries. 

Lunch
We will stop for lunch near the Cathedral

White Cliffs of Dover
This iconic landscape has played a role in battles since the middle ages including in WW2, but also has been a sight of tourism.  At England’s most famous landscapes we will see Dover Castle, the White Cliffs and the English Channel. 

Greenwich
Originally founded in 1694 as a hospital for navy sailors, the Old Royal Naval College stretches along the South bank of the River Thames.  As well as this we will see the Royal Observatory, which is part of the National Maritime Museum. 

Thames River Cruise
Finally, we will take a charming cruise from Greenwich to the Embankment Pier.  Along the way you will see the stunning views of the Thames riverside.

CURRENT PRICE / BOOK  TICKETS WITH LUNCH
CURRENT PRICE / BOOK  TICKETS WITHOUT LUNCH

FURTHER DETAILS / BOOK – ONLY £29.99 / ADULT & £15.99 / CHILD!

DESCRIPTION

Enjoy Christmas at Warwick Castle, a stunning Medieval Castle built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It is compared in scale and grandeur to Windsor Castle and is a Grade 1 listed building as well as being protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Warwick Castle is beautifully situated on a sandstone bluff at a bend on the River Avon. It is provides a breathtaking view but with this tour, you can experience being part of the Castle’s grandeur.

Your traditional Christmas lunch will be held in the Medieval Undercroft and will consist of a delicious 3 course meal. On arrival you will receive a glass of mulled wine and then for starter enjoy handmade duck and orange pate with Cumberland sauce, fresh salad garnish and onion bread. Your main meal will consist of duo of roast gammon and turkey (with all the trimmings), served with seasonal vegetables and of course Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or apple and pear tart with vanilla ice cream. This will be delightfully finished off with coffee and truffles. Delicious!

There is of course a vegetarian option that consists of: Tomato and red pepper soup with croutons, Chestnut, Leek and Mushroom Filo Parcel with cream of mushroom and Leek sauce.

Lunch will be served at 12.30pm so you should arrive to be seated by midday.

Included in the price of your ticket will be entry to the Castle and its’ grounds. Admission is between 10am to 5pm so if you want to get there early to do some exploring you can. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens; the rose garden or the peacock garden where you can stroll down to the river through Pageant Field which is lined by Cedar trees some of which are over 200 years old. Inside, you can visit the State Rooms and Great Hall which would have always been at the heart of Castle Life. Despite its’ current grandeur, dirt and straw would have covered the floor in the Middle Ages and at its’ centre, a great fire would have provided light and warmth despite turning the air acrid. It would have been the location for many a great feast and the nobility would have even slept here. Then if you’re brave enough, you can visit Ghost Tower which is supposedly still haunted by Sir Fulke Greville who was stabbed to death in an argument in London.

You will be eligible for VIP parking in the Stratford Road car park (subject to availability).

This tour is available from 29th November to 24th December except 3rd and 14th December.

FURTHER DETAILS / BOOK – ONLY £29.99 / ADULT & £15.99 / CHILD!

SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £5.00 PER PERSON OFF RRP FOR THIS TOUR! -BOOK

Dickensian Christmas in Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich with Lunch (Tour C1)

BOOK SPECIAL OFFER CHRISTMAS TOUR

Tour Description – Tour C1

A wonderful way to spend Christmas Day, 25th December; this tour takes in the beautiful Kent Countryside, a service at Canterbury Cathedral, traditional Christmas lunch, White Cliffs of Dover and a trip to Greenwich.

We begin around 8.45am, departing from Victoria Head Office and travelling through the Kent countryside on the way to a service at the famous Canterbury Cathedral. The famous Christmas Day ‘Sung Eucharist service is often graced by the Archbishop himself. The Cathedral maintains a living community but it is a huge tourist attraction, one of the biggest in the country and has been visited by Pilgrims and visitors since the Middle Ages. Remarkably, the history of the Cathedral dates back to 597AD. In 1170, the Archbishop Thomas Beckett was killed in the Cathedral.

The Cathedral was immortalised in Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Traditional Christmas Lunch consists of a starter and roast turkey with all the trimmings (or a vegetarian option). Dessert is Christmas pudding or mince pies and a glass of wine and tea or coffee are also included.

After lunch, you will get to see the remarkable White Cliffs of Dover. Still an important English port, the stunning cliffs are strikingly white due to the composite of chalk. They are truly fabulous to behold and well worthy of a visit.

Greenwich is the last stop before arriving back in London around 6.30pm. Greenwich is famous for its’ maritime history and is the home to Greenwich Meantime, Greenwich Meridian, Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.

BOOK TOUR 7F DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE’S COUNTRY

Enjoy a walking tour in Oxford, optional lunch in the Cotswolds, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Once we arrive in Oxford, you can enjoy a gentle walk with our guide. He will show you the ancient squares and narrow alleyways that remain untouched by the fast pace of the modern world. Get to see too the Bodleian Library which is the second largest library in the UK. The library is not contained in one building but is sprawling across various buildings in Oxford. It is unique as a library in that no books can be borrowed, only read on the premises. Part of the tour here includes seeing the Divinity School which has a magnificent vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of Gothic architecture.  See too the unique and beautiful College Courtyards.

On to The Cotswolds, arguably one of the prettiest areas in England with some breathtaking scenery. See the sleepy villages and cottages built in Cotswold stone with stunning thatched roofing and the bustling market towns that remain in their traditional style. The Cotswolds has so much natural beauty and the prevailing sense is of time standing still.

Then we take you to see the part of the world where Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. See the house in Henley Street that his father John owned and that remained in Shakespeare’s descendants hands until the 19th Century. There will be time to explore the area before we head out to see Anne Hathaway’s cottage which is a mile West of Stratford in the idyllic hamlet of Shottery.

This beautifully preserved thatched cottage has adorned chocolate boxes and tea towels and is arguably the most picturesque building in England. Owned by Anne’s prosperous family, the cottage consists of twelve rooms and in reality is an Elizabethean Farmhouse that originally would have had 90 acres of land attached to it. Externally, very little has been changed and some of the building structure dates back to before the 15th Century. Internally, see original 16th Century fireplaces, remains of the Great Hall and the wooden bedstead where it is said Anne would have been born. Anne Hathaway and William Shakespeare married in 1582.

This tour does not include lunch that will be in the Cotswolds at a traditional venue. Neither does it include entry tickets.

Tour runs Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

BOOK TOUR 7F DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE’S COUNTRY

BOOK TOUR P9 – FREE AND EASY DAY TRIP TO YORK

This tour departs by National Express train from Kings Cross station at 8am. If you arrive at 7.15 and meet the tour representative by the ticket office, they will escort you to your train where your seat has been reserved. You will arrive in York at 9.51am.

Your ticket includes an open top bus tour and this departs from outside the station every 20 minutes. This tour will give you a glimpse of York’s stunning, historical architecture as well as the stunning York Minster, the impressive Gothic Cathedral with fabulous stained glass windows and the medieval shopping streets of the shambles.

Included in this package is entry to Jorvik Viking Centre which is a reconstructed Viking settlement. Constructed on the actual site where the original City would have been over a 1000 years ago and where numerous artifacts have been discovered by archaeologists. It is a fascinating insight into the Viking world as you get to walk the streets as they would have been and get to meet some Vikings too!

York has so much to offer the visitor and once you have enjoyed your tours, why not take some time to explore some of the numerous galleries and museums or go shopping in its’ fabulous traffic free centre. You will find an abundance of fascinating shops, including craft shops, elegant boutiques, book and antique dealers. Maybe you will get time to have a cruise on the River Ouse.

This riverside walled City is waiting for you to explore it and we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Your return train departs 7.14pm and arrives back in London at 9.17pm.

Available Days: Monday to Thursday.

BOOK TOUR P9 – FREE AND EASY DAY TRIP TO YORK

BOOK FREE AND EASY BEATLES AND LIVERPOOL

The Beatles are synonymous with Liverpool and this tour will take you from Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street on board a Virgin Train. You should meet the tour representative by the ticket office at 6.30am, ready for 7.13 departure.

Once you arrive at 9.47, we suggest you make your way to Matthew Street where it all began in The Cavern, the cellar club where the Beatles were discovered by Brian Epstein. Visit The Beatles Shop here and the Matthew Street Gallery. Why not visit the Cavern Pub which opens at 11am and is situated opposite the Cavern Club. Enjoy some fabulous Beatles memorabilia here.

Then head towards Albert Dock which is left into North John Street. Once there, enjoy The Beatles Story Exhibition which gives you a glimpse into the lives of John, Paul, Ringo and Paul; from their early days to their solo careers.

You are booked onto the Magical Mystery Bus Tour in the afternoon. It departs from the Beatles Story Exhibition and finishes at the famous Cavern Club two hours later. You will be escorted by an expert guide and your tour will be on a bus identical to the one used in the 1967 film ‘The Magical Mystery Tour’. Get to see birthplaces, schools and homes of the Beatles’ also see Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields with some photo opportunities.

The Beatles have become such legends that you can find evidence of them everywhere you go on this tour and if you have any interest in these icons of music, this free and easy trip is for you.

The train back to London departs at 6.15pm, arriving at 8.48pm.

* In the unlikely event the Magical Mystery Bus Tour is cancelled, you will receive a £10 discount.

BOOK FREE AND EASY BEATLES AND LIVERPOOL

BOOK 3 STAR TWIN EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT FIRST CLASS

Edinburgh is a city rich in culture and we can offer a tour that begins and ends in style. Traveling First Class upon National Express will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Refreshments will be provided for you.

You will meet a representative by the ticket office at Kings Cross Station where you will be escorted to your reserved seat at 6.30am for 7am departure. You will arrive in Edinburgh at 11.32am.

On your arrival, your ticket gives you the chance to enjoy the city on the Open Top Bus tour. Marvel at the Medieval Old Town or Georgian New Town and learn about the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Greyfriars Bobby; the loyal Skye Terrier who maintained his post on his dead master’s grave for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. The little dog caught the attention of the local people of the time. They  would gather to watch at the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard where his master lay. At the one o’clock gun signal, the little dog would leave for his midday meal before returning to his post. The gun salute is still a tradition and can be heard daily except for Sundays.

Entry to Edinburgh Castle is included and no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without seeing this imposing and wonderful building. Over a million visitors a year travel to see Edinburgh Castle. The rock on which it has stood for over a thousand years was formed 70 million years ago and recent archaeological excavations on the site have discovered that Iron Age man inhabited the rock as long ago as 850BC.

The Castle was home to King Robert the Bruce who won the Castle back from the English in 1314. It was during this period of the Wars of Independence (1296 1342) that the Castle changed hands four times. You can visit the Royal Apartments and see the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to a son who became King James VI of Scotland (James I of England).

The views from the Castle are quite breathtaking and must be experienced and enjoyed as part of the experience. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of the Kingdom of Fife to the North.

The Castle Esplanade is the venue for the Edinburgh Military Tatoo which takes place over 3 weeks in August. The Army marches and re-enacts historical moments bathed in floodlights. There is an iron wall fountain In the north-east corner of the Esplanade which is known as the Witches Well. Eerily, it is the spot where centuries ago, women who were found guilty of witchcraft, were put to death.

DAY 2

With no scheduled tours, you can enjoy Edinburgh at your leisure. Whether you are looking for something traditional or contemporary, you will find it in Edinburgh. There are galleries to enjoy, shops, fabulous bars and restaurants or even the city zoo!

Departure from Edinburgh will be on the 5.30pm train.

Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Tour includes overnight accommodation in 3 star twin with Scottish breakfast

BOOK 3 STAR TWIN EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT FIRST CLASS

BOOK EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT 3 STAR TWIN

Take advantage of this overnight tour and enjoy a City rich in culture. Whether you prefer the Medieval Old Town or Georgian New Town, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

DAY 1

The tour begins at Kings Cross station at 6.30am (7am departure) on the National Express. You will meet a representative by the ticket office who will then escort you to your reserved seat. You arrive in Edinburgh at 11.32am.

Once you arrive in Edinburgh, you can join the Open Top Bus which will take you on a tour of this fascinating City.  You will get to see sights such as the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Greyfriars Bobby. The loyal Skye Terrier maintained his post on his dead master’s grave for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. The little dog really caught the attention of the people who would gather to watch at the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard where his master lay. At the one o’clock gun signal, the little dog would leave for his midday meal before returning to his post.

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the castle which is included in this package. Over a million visitors a year travel to see Edinburgh Castle. Steeped in history, it has stood on Edinburgh Rock for over a thousand years and has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens including King Robert the Bruce who won the Castle back from the English in 1314 and Mary Queen of Scots. Get to see the Royal Apartments and the tiny room where Mary gave birth to her son King James VI of Scotland (James I of England). During the Wars of Independence between Scotland and England, (1296 – 1342), the Castle changed hands four times.

The ancient honours of Scotland, the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State are kept in the Crown Room. And today, you can still hear the 1 o’clock gun salute (except on Sundays).

The rock on which the castle stands was formed 70 million years ago and recent archaeological excavations on the site have discovered that Iron Age man inhabited the rock as long ago as 850BC.

The structure and grandeur of this magnificent building is the epitome of what a castle should be and the panoramic views over Edinburgh are unbeatable. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of the Kingdom of Fife to the North.

Visit the Castle Esplanade which is the venue for the Edinburgh Military Tatoo which takes place over 3 weeks in August. The Army march and re-enact historical moments under floodlight. In the north-east corner of the Esplanade, there is an iron wall fountain, known locally as the Witches Well and it is the spot where, centuries agao, women found guilty of witchcraft, were put to death.

DAY 2

Enjoy at your leisure! Take advantage of the fabulous shopping in Edinburgh or visit some of the famous sights. Whether you are looking for something traditional or contemporary, it can be found in Edinburgh. With a wealth of art galleries, shops, the city zoo and fabulous bars and restaurants, there is plenty to do.

Departure will be on the 5.30pm train.

Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Tour includes overnight accommodation in 3 star twin with Scottish breakfast

BOOK EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT 3 STAR TWIN

BOOK THE COTSWOLDS WITH LUNCH AND BLENHEIM PALACE

DESCRIPTION

This is a relaxed and wonderful tour that incorporates some stunning Cotswolds villages. You also get to see the magnificence of Bleinheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

For the price of this tour, enjoy a fabulous lunch at a traditional English pub which will be chosen for its’ locality and quality of food as well as the building itself.

You depart London at 8.45am from Victoria and travel in air conditioned comfort to The Cotswolds, one of the most photographed places in the whole of England. We stop at Burford, known as the Southern Gateway to The Cotswolds. The quirky high street gently slopes down to the River Windrush where a Medieval Bridge crosses the river and offers a great photo opportunity. Go back in time as you stroll down this high street where many of the shops and cottages remain unchanged since Tudor times.

Next stop is Bourton on the Water, which is a pretty and idyllic little village. It straddles the River Windrush and has a series of unusual low stone bridges. Standing back from the river are a series of traditional Cotswold buildings. Bourton on the Water has been labeled the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.

Stow-On-The-Wold is a delightful and ancient wool town that was once a bustling and important market town. At the height of the Wool Industry, as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at its’ huge annual fairs. There is an ancient cross here which originally dates back to the 15th Century and the town stocks still exist too. They would have been used to punish petty criminals until the 19th Century. There are antique shops, art gallery’s and gifts and craft shops available here, as well as the usual fine Cotswold buildings.

Lunch will be an experience at a traditional English pub.

The last part of this great tour is entry to Blenheim Palace which was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the enigmatic Prime Minister of England. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland, with beautiful gardens and a magnificent lake. Inside you can stroll through buildings with hand painted ceilings and some fabulous tapestries and paintings, as well as a unique porcelain collection. Blenheim palace was created as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

AVAILABLE DAYS: WED, FRI AND SUN

DURATION: DEPARTURE FROM VICTORIA AT 8.45AM AND RETURN LONDON 6.00PM (APROXIMATE TIMES)

BOOK THE COTSWOLDS WITH LUNCH AND BLENHEIM PALACE