Best of Britain

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
Best of Britain
12 Days
From AUD $5070 Was AUD $6760
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (2 reviews)

Best of Britain

Best of Britain

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
4.3
2 Reviews
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.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (2),
Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights)

Highlights

  • Take part in punting – a timeless, quintessentially Oxford pastime that will see you floating along the idyllic waters of this university city, seeing beautiful architecture and gardens from the perspective of a punt (boat).
  • 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 local ales.
  • Go on walking tours of Cardiff and Liverpool with your knowledgeable local leader – the best way to discover these cities! See the pubs frequented by The Beatles early in their career.
  • 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.
  • Explore the winding streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town with Edinburgh Castle overlooking your every step, then take a walking tour of the New Town – the birthplace of Harry Potter.
Best of Britain

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Train, Private vehicle, Public transport, Taxi

Guide Language

English

Starts

London, United Kingdom

Finishes

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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 adventure 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 – ask your local leader for all the best recommendations.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Oxford
Take a train to Oxford after breakfast this morning. Established in the 12th century, Oxford 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 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)
3
Day 3: Oxford
Today, you have a free day to explore Oxford. Maybe get a different view of Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower, get spellbound on a Harry Potter locations tour, visit the Ashmolean – Britain’s oldest public museum – or uncover the story of Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at its birthplace, Christ Church College.

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Moreton-in-Marsh
Have breakfast, then head out for a daytrip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Designated as an 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 charm of the local villages. This area is also known for its distinctive yellow limestone buildings, including medieval ‘wool churches’ and thatched homes. You’ll have lunch in the famous Hook Norton Brewery, where you can taste some award-winning ales. Tonight, you’re free to make your own dinner plans. You’ll 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)
5
Day 5: Cardiff
After breakfast, take a private transfer to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy some free time for lunch before setting off on a guided walking tour with a local expert. Discover many of Cardiff’s must-see highlights as you explore the city centre.The rest of the evening is yours to spend however you like – maybe step into the world of Doctor Who with a visit to some of the iconic filming locations from this hit BBC series. Your handy local leader will be ready with recommendations for where to keep exploring or grab a bite to eat.

Included Activities:

  • Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Snowdonia National Park
Wake up bright and early this morning for breakfast at your hotel, then take a private transfer to Beddgelert – a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales, translating to ‘Gelert’s Grave’. This community was named after the legend of Gelert the dog, who Prince Llywelyn left to guard his child. To this day, thousands visit the cairn of stones that mark this grave. When you arrive, 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 take you through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands and viewpoints spanning across the valley. You’ll stop for lunch along the way. After the hike, you’ll take a private transfer to Bangor – the oldest city in Wales. Once you arrive, the rest of your afternoon is free. Relax at your hotel or maybe 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)
7
Day 7: Liverpool
This morning, take a short train ride to Chester – a cathedral city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Take a boat cruise along the River Dee and see the highlights of this ancient city, with its red sandstone Roman walls, from the water. Have some free time for lunch, then take a train to Liverpool. Enjoy a free evening when you arrive – maybe hit one of the many pubs and meet some local Liverpudlians over a pint.

Included Activities:

  • Chester - boat tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Liverpool
Have breakfast this morning and then head into Liverpool – famously, the hometown of The Beatles. You’ll take a walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the famous architecture of the Georgian Quarter and local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey. Explore some local music shops, record stores and other famous locations tied to the music legends while learning about the history of Liverpool itself. After, maybe grab a pub dinner with your group before enjoying a free evening to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

  • Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Windermere
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 literary history as a central source of inspiration for 19th-century Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Have some free time for lunch, explore 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! The rest of your day is free – maybe continue to explore the region by foot, relax at your hotel or find a quaint spot for dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Windermere - West Shore Lakeside leader led hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Windermere
Today, you have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park – your trip leader will have plenty of suggestions for hikes, short walks and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour on Windermere Lake, visit Beatrix Potter’s home in Near Sawrey or try some of the legendary gingerbread in Grasmere.

Optional Activities:

  • Lake District - Six Lakes Spectacular Half day tour (39 GBP)
  • Lake District - Ten Lakes Spectacular Full day tour (69 GBP)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Edinburgh
Take a train to Edinburgh in Scotland this morning. The birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is a hilly city that has captured the hearts and minds of many writers throughout history and is a UNESCO City of Literature. When you arrive, you’ll take a city walk with your 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. Or, you could book a Potter-themed walking tour to see the locations that inspired JK Rowling and even visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle! Tonight, maybe join your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants.

Included Activities:

  • Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Free
  • Edinburgh - The Queen's Gallery at Holyroodhouse (11 GBP)
  • Edinburgh - Castle Visit (24 GBP)
  • Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour (24 GBP)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Edinburgh
With no further activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore Edinburgh for longer, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $6760

AUD $5,070
(Tour only)
Offer ends 31 Aug, 2026 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Aug 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
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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