Visiting historical cities in Britain is like stepping back in time. From the cobblestone streets of York to the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, you'll be immersed in centuries of rich history. Explore the iconic landmarks of London, such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Discover the contrasting history of these wonderful cities and make your own comparisons on your journey of discovery along the length of Britain. Whether it's the Roman baths in Bath or the Georgian architecture of Edinburgh's New Town, the UK's historical cities offer a captivating journey back in time.
Highlights
Edinburgh Castle, Dominating the City
York Minster, the Largest Abbey in Europe
Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Day By day
Welcome to London, the beating heart of Britain where history meets modernity in a vibrant blend of cultures and traditions. Founded by the Romans, London is an exceptional mix of the historic and the modern. Next, explore iconic historic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, stroll along the serene Thames River, and savour world-class cuisine from diverse corners of the globe. Immerse yourself in the city's rich arts scene at museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern. London's energy is contagious, making it an unforgettable destination for every traveller. Overnight: London
Your historic tour of Britain continues as you hop on, Hop off, on a whistle-stop tour of London on an open-topped bus. The first stop has to be the Tower of London. Learn from the infamous Beefeaters, how they guard the Tower, and the stories that lay within. Discover the famous White Tower, built by William the Conquerer following his invasion in 1066! Continue to Westminster Abbey, notably the most famous Gothic Church, and one of the oldest buildings in London. After all that sightseeing, it’s time to sample the delights of the ‘Great British Grub’, with tasting delights and samples of, fish and chips, bacon baps, and sausage rolls to get you started. Overnight: London
All aboard for your day trip from London to Oxford, where you will discover a beautiful historic city, home to England’s oldest university. With a personal guide to lead the way, you will be able to maximize your visit. Your tour will include a lunchtime stop in a traditional English pub in a picturesque Cotswolds village. To complement your experience, you will have time to explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare, with a visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Your guide and driver will return you safely to London for your final night in England's capital. Overnight: London
After your historic escapade in London, you'll move on to to Bath, the picturesque city nestled in Somerset, England, renowned for its breathtaking Georgian architecture and ancient Roman-built baths. The city's centrepiece is the UNESCO-listed Bath Abbey, an impressive Gothic cathedral. Bath's Roman Baths, fed by natural hot springs, are a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into ancient bathing rituals. The city is also famous for its elegant Georgian townhouses and the iconic Pulteney Bridge spanning the River Avon. Bath's rich history and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for travellers and budding historians. Overnight: Bath
Your historic journey through Britain continues as you experience the rich prehistoric heritage of southern England. On your private day tour from Bath, you'll effortlessly explore three iconic sites. Depart from Bath, revelling in beautiful scenic views of England's countryside as you journey to Avebury, home to the world's largest Neolithic stone circle. Wander among ancient stones and then visit the West Kennet Long Barrow tomb. Your expedition continues to the awe-inspiring and mysterious stone circle of Stonehenge where 5000 years of history covers the English countryside. This exclusive tour features a private car and a knowledgeable guide for a deeper exploration of Avebury's stones, the Long Barrow tomb, and Stonehenge. Overnight: Bath
Time to head north through England and delve into a whole new chapter of Britain’s history. Welcome to York, rich in historical secrets and conflicts, where your imagination can roam free as you explore the myriad of alleyways. With numerous galleries, museums, and tours to choose from, we highly recommend a guided historical walk along York's ancient city walls, followed by a climb to the summit of York Minster's Central Tower, offering a breathtaking view of the city. To cap off your day, transport yourself back in time as a Viking at the Jorvik Viking Centre, complete with an immersive Viking Ride. Your lunch and dinner times are sure to be fun in York, where there's a famous saying: “There is a different pub in York for each day of the year!" Overnight: York
From York your historical tour of Britain heads to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales to witness breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, limestone formations, and charming villages like Hawes. Continue to the coastal town of Whitby, known for its Gothic abbey and delicious fish and chips. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth to learn about the famous literary family. Finally, savour the flavours of Yorkshire cuisine, including Yorkshire puddings and Wensleydale cheese, as you soak in the region's rich history and natural beauty. Overnight: York
From England to Scotland, a mere step unveils an entirely new world of culture and heritage. Welcome to Edinburgh, a city steeped in captivating history and vibrant traditions. Explore the stunning architecture of the Royal Mile, where centuries of stories come to life. Don't miss the enchanting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, offering breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens or savour some traditional Scottish cuisine at a cozy local pub. With its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable experience. Overnight: Edinburgh
It's time to once again escape the city for the day, and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Head to Fort William, a town in the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll board the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express. This train ride, one of the greatest in the world, offers stunning views of the Scottish countryside, including the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films. Not only will you have time to immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter but also experience the rich history and natural beauty of Scotland. Overnight: Edinburgh
Your historic journey in Scotland continues with an unforgettable day in the Highlands, exploring the enigmatic Loch Ness. Watch out for the legendary monster on the loch's shores or during a scenic 1-hour boat cruise. Immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history amidst iconic landscapes like Glen Coe, the Great Glen, and Highland Perthshire. You might even glimpse the majestic Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, adding a monumental touch to this incredible journey. Overnight: Edinburgh
Leaving behind the quaint charm of Britain’s historical cities and towns, with its majestic landmarks, tales of legends, and centuries-old traditions, your departure marks the end of an enriching odyssey through Britain's vibrant past. Thank you for traveling with us and we hope to see you again.
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accommodation
Boutique hotels, unique lodgings, and authentic houses... our team will carefully handpick your accommodations while traveling with us
Our Expertinsight
"As you visit some of Britain's richest, most historic cities, don't limit yourself to well-known heritage sites. Off-the-beaten-track visits are a must; open your eyes to discover local secrets! Near St Giles's Cathedral in Edinburgh, seek out the mosaic of the heart of Midlothian on the pavement, where the former entrance of an old Tolbooth once stood. Legend has it that locals spit on it for good luck. In York, don't miss the Shambles – known as the world's narrowest street! In London, look for the York Watergate near the Thames, marking the original riverbed before the construction of the modern-day embankment. For the more adventurous, climb the 311 steps of The Monument, erected to commemorate the Great Fire of London. Take time to schedule an unforgettable dining experience in London and let us secure a reservation at The Savoy or Harrods for the ultimate afternoon tea."
Jane, Local Expert
Testimonials
We had an amazing time in England and Scotland!! Thank You Stephen and your team for working with us with adding people to our trip last minute. We appreciate all your hard work, and we were able to have a memorable experience we will remember forever! The locations and hotels you picked were so fun and we feel we would have missed out on seeing so much of it weren’t for your recommendations. We have already recommended High Point Holidays to friends and family based on our experience and we will continue to use you for future travels. Thanks Again.
Zane & Jamey N.
We reached out to High Point Holidays to help plan a 10 day trip for me, my husband, our daughter, and my in-laws to London and Edinburgh. We wanted to base our trip off of a group tour itinerary that we found, with some changes and additions to the attractions each day to ensure everyone got to do and see the things most important to them. Marion worked with me for almost a month, adjusting things to help fit our budget and recommending things to help us get everything into the trip. She was VERY patient and always kind, which I appreciated, because I couldn't make final decisions without consulting the others. I never felt pressured in any way (also much appreciated). She truly felt like a trusted friend who was helping me plan a dream trip.
Betsay P.
We are
a full-service Tour Operator and our trips generally include:
accommodation, transportation, visits, immersive experiences, personal crafting, unique roadbook creation and assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded). Please note that this trip price will vary based on factors such as your hotel preferences, your favourite transportation mode, whether you want to take part in shared group activities or private experiences, travel dates, and more. To receive a customized quote for your tailor-made trip, please reach out to us directly.