Best of Britain

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.3

2 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Where did The Beatles, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Doctor Who originate? The UK of course! This 12-day trip will take you to a few of the must-see sites, through the rolling hills, mountainous landscapes and medieval cities of England, Scotland and Wales.

Highlights

Take part in punting – a truly timeless, quintessentially Oxford pleasure that will see you floating along the idyllic waters of this university city, seeing the beautiful architecture and gardens from the perspective of a boat (or punt).
Spend a day exploring arguably the most beautiful and most British countryside – the Cotswolds. Explore the villages, walk through endless fields and taste some of the best ales in the neighbourhood.
Discover cities Cardiff in Wales and Liverpool in England with leader-led walking tours, the best way to discover the city!
Walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), and explore the rolling hills, woodlands and picturesque villages. Then, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park, taking a relaxing walk along Lake Windermere.
With Edinburgh Castle overlooking your every step, walk the winding streets of the Old Town and take a walking tour of the New Town, the birthplace of Harry Potter.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Train,Private vehicle,Public transport,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

London, United Kingdom

Finishes

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: London

Welcome to London! England’s capital and largest city stands on the River Thames and has a history spanning back to the time of the ancient Romans. There’s lots to see and do in this bustling metropolis, so it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, you’re free to hit a West End show or find a fancy restaurant for dinner with your group.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Oxford

After breakfast this morning, take a train to Oxford – established in the 12th century, this city revolves around its prestigious university of the same name. The architecture of the city’s medieval centre led poet Matthew Arnold to the nickname 'City of Dreaming Spires'. Enjoy a spot of punting – a timeless Oxford tradition of taking a leisurely boat ride (or punt) upstream. Pass along gorgeously green gardens and admire the city from the water. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit the famed college campuses or the Botanic Gardens, where you can picnic for lunch.

Included Activities:

Oxford - Punting Activity

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Oxford

After breakfast this morning, you have the day free to explore Oxford. Perhaps gaze out at Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower, visit Britain’s oldest public museum, get spell-bound on a Harry Potter locations tour or simply follow in Alice’s footsteps at Christ Church.

Optional Activities:

Oxford - Oxford Castle and Prison tour (16 GBP)
Oxford - Ashmolean Museum visit - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Moreton-in-Marsh

Enjoy breakfast and then take a day trip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Designated as the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region rises from the meadows of the upper Thames and is a beautiful place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Explore the English countryside and the beauty of the local villages. This area is also known for its distinctive local yellow limestone buildings, including medieval-looking cathedrals and thatched homes. Today’s lunch will take place in famous Hook Norton Brewery. Tonight, you’re free to make your own dinner plans. Spend the night in Moreton-in-Marsh.

Included Activities:

Moreton-in-Marsh - village visit
Hook Norton Brewery visit & lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Cardiff

After breakfast, take a train to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy some free time for lunch and then take a walking tour with a local guide – calling all Dr Who fans, this one is for you! Explore various filming locations and a few of the city’s hotspots related to The Doctor, all within Cardiff’s city center. The rest of the evening can be spent at your leisure.

Included Activities:

Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour (Dr Who theme)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Snowdonia National Park

Wake up nice and early this morning for breakfast at your hotel and then take a private transfer to Beddgelert – a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales and translating to Gelert’s Grave. This community was named after the legend of Gelert the dog, who Prince Llywelyn left to guard his child. The prince found the dog covered in blood and assumed he had turned on the child, thus killing him. Tragically, the prince realised that Gelert had saved the child from a nearby wolf. Stricken with grief and remorse, the prince gave his heroic hound a ceremonial burial by the river, and to this day, thousands visit the cairn of stones that mark Gelert’s grave. When you arrive in this riverside village, take a scenic hike on the Lon Gwyrfai path from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert. Winding through some of the best parts of Snowdonia National Park, this trail will wind through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands and viewpoints spanning across the valley. An included group lunch will break up the walk, and after, you’ll take a private transfer to Bangor – the oldest city in Wales. When you arrive, the rest of the afternoon is free. Relax at your hotel or visit one of the many cathedrals in the city.

Included Activities:

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - Included guided hike: Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Liverpool

Have breakfast this morning at your hotel and then take a direct train to Liverpool – famously, the hometown of The Beatles. After arrival, check in and hit the streets of this city. You’ll take a walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the famous architecture of the Georgian Quarter, local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey. Explore some local music shops, record stores, and other famous locations tied to the historic musical geniuses while learning about the history of Liverpool itself. After, maybe grab a pub dinner with your group before enjoying a free evening to explore on your own.

Included Activities:

Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Liverpool

This morning, take a short train ride to Chester - another cathedral city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Take a boat cruise along the River Dee and sightsee this ancient city, with its red sandstone Roman walls, from the water. Enjoy some free time for lunch and then take a train back to Liverpool. Enjoy a free evening when you arrive – maybe hit one of the many pubs again and spend a night with some local Liverpudlians.

Included Activities:

Chester - boat tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Lake District National Park

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a train to Windermere, in the famous Lake District of England. A mountainous region and national park, this area is popular for its stunning scenery, glacial ribbon lakes and historic literary association. Enjoy some free time for lunch, exploring the town of Windermere and then take a walk with your trip leader along the shore of Lake Windermere – by far, the most popular natural lake to explore in the district. This lake is also the largest in the country! Extend your walk this afternoon, relax in your hotel or find a quaint spot for dinner with your group – the evening is yours.

Included Activities:

Windermere - West Shore Lakeside leader led hike

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Lake District National Park

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning with your group. You have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park today – your trip leader will have many suggestions for hikes, short walks and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour, very popular on Windermere Lake, visit Beatrix Potter’s home in Near Sawrey or buy legendary gingerbread in Grasmere.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Edinburgh

After breakfast, take a train to Edinburgh, Scotland this morning. The birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is a hilly city that has captured the hearts and minds of many. When you arrive, you’ll take a city walk with your trip leader. Explore the medieval Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle looming above, then head into the Georgian New Town, with its beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe explore the castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels, or head to Arthur’s Seat, an imposing peak with sweeping views over the city in Holyrood Park. You can also book a Potter-themed walking tour to further explore the city and learn about JK Rowling’s inspirations and writing locations and even visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle! Maybe celebrate a trip well-travelled tonight with your group with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants.

Included Activities:

Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Edinburgh

There are no activities planned for today so after breakfast, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay and explore Edinburgh for longer, consider booking a combo trip or speak to our booking agent about extended accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,575

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Kim

Traveled, September 2023

09/29/2023

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

4.0

Frances

Traveled, August 2023

09/17/2023

This was a really enjoyable and comprehensive tour of Shetland, we had an amazing tour guide and had lots of good walking. A great mix of history, sightseeing, and culture.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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