4-Day Heart of England Tour from London: North Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon, Buxton and York

Escape busy London on a four-day small-group tour to North Wales and the heart of England! Visit Stratford-upon-Avon and trace the footsteps of William Shakespeare; relax and enjoy the wilderness of Snowdonia National Park; visit the small town of Buxton and see the beautiful Chatsworth House; explore the historic cities of York and Cambridge. Two nights of bed-and-breakfast or hotel accommodation (your choice) in Chester are included, plusone night in York. In a group of less than 16 people, you are sure to enjoy a personalized and valuable experience with your tour guide.

Back in the 16th century, none of the inhabitants of Stratford-upon-Avon thought that their sleepy village would one day become one of the most important tourist attractions in the UK, but William Shakespeare, who was born there, certainly changed that. This famous town is the first stop of your four-day tour from London to the heart of England. You’ll also visit Chester, where you’ll stay for two nights and York where you will spend one night in either a three-star bed and breakfast or three-star hotel (your choice when you book).

On your second day, visit Wales and the beautiful castle of Conwy; Snowdonia National Park, home to the highest mountain in Wales; Trefriw, a small spa village; and Llanberis, a famous destination for sportsmen interested in outdoor activities.

Continue through the Peak District, a region of stunning panoramic landscapes, where you'll visit the small town of Buxton, and then head to the gorgeous Chatsworth House.

Spend your final evening in the beautiful city of York. Explore its quaint cobblestone streets and see its magnificent monastery (St Mary's Abbey), and, of course, York Minster. Finally, stop in historic Cambridge on your way back to London.

Please note: Breakfast is included in your accommodation and you'll have enough free time to enjoy lunch and dinner independently at your own expense.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Victoria in central London

Departure Time:

9am

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point at approximately 7pm on Day 4

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Professional guide/driver
• Small-group tour (maximum 16 people)
• 3 nights in a 3-star B&B or hotel (depending on option selected)
  
• Transportation by 16-seat Mercedes minibus
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entrance fees

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 14 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Maximum of 2 Adults and 1 child in one room. Family rooms for 2 adults and 2 children are not available.
• Minimum age is 5 years
• It is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear. England can be a wet place!

Itinerary:

Day 1: London -- Stratford-Upon-Avon -- Chester (B)
From London, you will head first to Stratford-Upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Explore the beautiful, rural village and trace the playwright’s famous footsteps. Have lunch here (at own expense) and continue your tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge -- home to the first iron bridge in the world.

Then, make your way a bit closer to the Welsh border, to the city of Chester, where you’ll spend two nights in your choice of a bed-and-breakfast or hotel. Have free time to eat dinner in Chester (at own expense).

Day 2: Chester -- Wales -- Chester (B)
After breakfast (included), you'll have free time in the morning to explore more of Chester, whose cathedral is worth a visit. It was built in 1541 on an ancient temple site of the Druids and is a jewel of medieval architecture.

In the late morning, your guide will lead you across the Welsh border into Northern Wales. Visit the castle of Conwy, which was built by Edward I and is an excellent example of a picture-book medieval castle.

After lunch in Conwy (own expense), move on to Snowdonia National Park. Take a look at the impressive Dinorwic slate quarry, and admire Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain. Then head to the small spa village of Trefriw, where you can enjoy free time before passing the village of Llanberis.

Return to Chester in the early evening and have dinner there in one of the various restaurants (at own expense).

Day 3: Chester -- Peak District -- York (B)
After breakfast (included), your last day begins in the Peak District with its spectacular landscape -- perfect for photos! Visit the small town of Buxton with its stunning opera house and try some of the clear mineral water that the village is famous for.

Stop at Chatsworth House, seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and the setting for the hit Jane Austen film adaption -- Pride and Prejudice. Choose to either visit the house (own expense) and admire its fine collection of furniture, paintings and Neo-Classical sculptures, or take a walk through the woods with your guide to the nearby village of Eyam.

Leave the Derbyshire hills by coach and travel through Sherwood Forest, home to legendary Robin Hood, on your way to the historical city of York. Enjoy the evening in the city and have dinner in one of the various restaurants (own expense)

Day 4: York -- Cambridge -- London
Enjoy a morning at leisure exploring York, a city with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. Visit beautiful York Minster, or get lost in the maze of narrow streets, admiring the ancient city walls. Enjoy an early lunch (own expense) before heading back south. Your last stop will be in Cambridge, where you'll enjoy a walking tour with your guide. Marvel at the city's majestic architecture and medieval streets, and pose for pictures in front of Kings College Chapel before leaving to arrive back in London in the early evening.

Voucher Info:

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity. What's this?

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.