5-day Heart Of England Tour From London: North Wales, Stratford-upon-avon, Buxton And York

Day 1: London - Stratford upon Avon - Ironbridge

Stop At: Shakespeare's Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW England
The birthplace of Shakespeare has an impressive array of black and white Tudor buildings. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, you have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch (at own expense) in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Coach Road, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7DQ England
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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
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.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Shrewsbury. Please note – on some dates this tour may stay in Chester for the first two nights.

Day 2: Touring around North Wales

Stop At: Conwy Castle, Coast Rd - A55, Conwy LL32 8AY Wales
Set on a river bank near an impressive pair of bridges, this brilliantly preserved 13th century estuary fortress is a visual treat. *Entrance to Conwy Castle is included in the tour price.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Snowdonia National Park, Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, Wales
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.
Duration: 45 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Shrewsbury. Please note – on some dates this tour may stay in Chester for the first two nights.

Day 3: Shrewsbury - Peak District National Park - Chatsworth House

Pass By: Peak District National Park, Peak District National Park, England
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.

Stop At: Buxton, Buxton, Derbyshire, England
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.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Chatsworth House, Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1PP England
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.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: York, York, North Yorkshire, England
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.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in York.

Day 4: Day exploring the sights of York. Options and attractions are subject to group's interests.

Stop At: Yorkshire, Yorkshire, England
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.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in York.

Day 5: York - Cambridge - London

Stop At: Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England
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.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
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.

Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.