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Buttermere in the Lake District

Classic Britain at Leisure

England, Scotland & Wales

(14 days / 13 nights)

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10% OFF IN 2024

Explore 3 spectacular countries in one trip

Immerse yourself in the wonderful scenery and vivid history of England, Scotland and Wales on this 2-week trip. Explore bustling cities like London as well as the medieval streets of York and Edinburgh. Stand where the Romans stood along Hadrian’s Wall and in the spa town of Bath. Be awed by spectacular landscapes in the Lake District and at the mysterious Stonehenge stone circle. After each day, dine in both modern and traditional restaurants and stay in welcoming local accommodation.

10% OFF IN 2024

14 days / 13 nights

Price p.p. from

2040GBP

You save: 204 GBP per person

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1836 GBP

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted UK partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in the UK
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Get a taste of 3 countries in 1 trip: England, Scotland and Wales
  • Spend time at the cultural attractions of the UK’s capital, London
  • Explore the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and its magnificent castle
  • Stroll through the walled city of York, unchanged for centuries
  • Experience the picturesque world of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District
  • Walk the cobbled streets of Oxford where famous authors lived
  • Admire the Georgian grandeur and Roman history of Bath
  • Discover the famous Stonehenge neolithic stone circle
  • Visit the historic sites and wander through charming towns
  • Be driven past scenic surroundings with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Season

Apr-Oct

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

2179/1354 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND – WINDSOR & OXFORD

    Today, you arrive in England and start your journey around Britain. First, collect your rental vehicle from Heathrow Airport and set off! You could choose to stop a short drive away to visit Windsor Castle, home to royalty for nearly 1,000 years. Then, on your way to Oxford, you could stop in Marlow, a beautiful town located by the River Thames with plenty of food options.

    Finally, arrive in Oxford, your destination of the day. It is famous for being home to Oxford University, one of the best institutions in the world. Walk through the charming city centre and take in the grand university buildings and historic colleges dotted around. You’ll soon see why so many authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, chose to live here and took inspiration from this beautiful city.

    Spend the night in the Oxford area.

    Average driving distance: 88 km / 55 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT

    Get an early start from Oxford as you head north to the Peak District. When you reach this national park, you have plenty of choices in terms of stops. We recommend wandering along the riverside in the spa town of Matlock Bath or through the market town of Bakewell. And don’t forget to taste a local Bakewell tart! Nearby you’ll also find the stunning Chatsworth House that Jane Austen fans might recognise as “Pemberley” from Pride and Prejudice.

    Later, continue to York, where you’ll spend the night. This is an incredible example of an ancient English walled city. If you have time, walk around the historic centre to see York Minster and the Shambles street.

    Spend the night in the York area.

    Average driving distance: 349 km / 217 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 3: YORKSHIRE & HARROGATE SPA TOWN

    Today, you have the chance to explore the beautiful nature and towns of Yorkshire. You could start your day by heading to Harrogate, one of Yorkshire’s most elegant destinations. As one of England’s old spa towns, there’s plenty of history to discover, and you could enjoy lunch at the iconic Betty’s Tea Room.

    A little further on, you could discover the wild beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You could also head back to explore historic York some more. Climb the famous York Minster for spectacular city views.

    Spend another night in the York area.

    Average driving distance: 72 km / 45 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 4: HEADING NORTH TO SCOTLAND

    This morning you start the drive up to Scotland! Head north, passing cities like Durham and Newcastle. Then, you’ll reach the area along the famous Hadrian's Wall. We recommend making a stop in Vindolanda or Housesteads to uncover some of the ruins of this incredible Roman fortification. There are some picturesque towns in the area where you could stop for lunch, like Hexham or Corbridge.

    Later, you continue north travelling through the Northumberland National Park & Kielder Forest Park. Kielder is England’s largest forest and is full of local wildlife and impressive art installations.

    Finally, you cross into Scotland and drive through the lush region called the Scottish Borders all the way to the capital city, Edinburgh. On the way, we recommend a stop at the stately Abbotsford, the former home of writer Sir Walter Scott. You could also take a short detour to see the market town of Kelso.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh.

    Average driving distance: 362 km / 225 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 5: EXPLORING EDINBURGH

    You have a full day to relax in and explore Edinburgh. First, take a stroll through the New Town with its grand Georgian streets lined with shops and restaurants. Then, on a sunny day, you could relax in the lush Princes Street Gardens under the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

    You can spend the afternoon immersed in the winding, cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is the historic heart of the city and where you’ll find the famous Royal Mile. Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and go to a traditional pub to try the local whisky, gin or beer.

    Spend another night in Edinburgh.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 6: MAGICAL LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

    Today you say goodbye to Scotland and head back south to England. First, you’ll travel through one of Scotland’s hidden gems, the region of Dumfries & Galloway. Even from the road, you’ll be able to admire the rolling hills and lush landscape. You can stop in the historic burgh of Moffat, famous for its toffee.

    Then, get back on the road and drive to the Lake District in the north of England. Soak up the breathtaking natural scenery here. You could take a stroll through Keswickon the shores of the Derwentwater, and visit the nearby Castlerigg Stone Circle for views of the mountainous landscape. Or take a detour via Buttermere for more lake charms.

    Continue on to your accommodation in the Lake Windermere area.

    Average driving distance: 259 km / 161 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 7: EXPLORING TOWNS & NATURE

    Today you have the opportunity to explore more of the Lake District. Around Lake Windermere there are a host of activities you could choose from to immerse yourself in this stunning English region. Go hiking on the mountains surrounding the sparkling lake. Or book a boat tour across the water to take in the sights from a different angle.

    Later, fans of the artist and author may want to visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. Her children’s stories were based on the nature and wildlife she saw each day. Another writer who took inspiration from Windermere was William Wordsworth, and you can visit his former home, Dove Cottage.

    Spend the night in the Lake Windermere area.

    Average driving distance: 104 km / 65 mi.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 8: NORTH ENGLAND TO WALES

    Today, you head from the Lake District towards Wales. On your drive, you’ll have the opportunity to stop in Liverpool, a city famous for its music scene and for being the hometown of The Beatles.

    For even more city culture, you could stop in Manchester, famous for its rival football teams.  Both cities have thriving food scenes, so you could stop for lunch at a local restaurant and taste some specialities.

    Later, carry on towards Llandudno, a seaside town in North Wales known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts”. The area here is rich with coastal beauty and rural Welsh charm. You could spend some time wandering the pristine beaches and strolling along the pier. Why not board an alpine cable car to the highest peak in Great Orme Country Park (Y Gogarth)?

    Spend the night in the Llandudno area.

    Average driving distance: 200 km / 124 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 9: DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF SNOWDONIA

    You have the day to explore North Wales at your leisure. One option to experience this spectacular area is to board the Snowdon Railway to reach the breathtaking summit of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). For keen hikers, head to the valley of Ogwen (Dyffryn Ogwen) to explore a jaw-dropping glacial valley. There’s also a visitor centre to learn more about the geology of this area.

    Another highlight of Snowdonia is the picturesque Portmeirion a charming village on its own peninsula with a Mediterranean atmosphere.

    Don’t miss a visit to Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), Wales’ largest natural lake. On your way back to your accommodation, you might want to stop by the charming village of Betws-y-Coed.

    Spend another night in the Llandudno area.

    Average driving distance: 204 km / 127 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 10: ENGLISH & WELSH HIGHLIGHTS ON THE BORDER

    Ahead of you is a day driving back and forth between England and Wales. You’ll see the landscape at the cusp of each country and see first-hand the differences and similarities in towns across the border. Your first stop of the day is the town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire. Spot the statues, half-timbered houses, stunning churches and the red-bricked Shrewsbury Castle.

    Further along, you could stop in Ludlow for lunch. This is a market town renowned for its foodie scene. As you continue south, you’ll pass Herefordshire as well as the stunning Wye Valley, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Follow the meandering River Wye south, the natural border between England and Wales in this area. Along the way, stop by charming Welsh towns like Tintern and Chepstow for coffee breaks and to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

    Later, you arrive in Bath, your stop for the night. Enjoy dinner and then an evening walk around the city.

    Spend the night in the Bath area.

    Average driving distance: 325 km / 202 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 11: RELAX IN HISTORIC BATH

    Today, you have the whole day to explore the spectacular town of Bath. This ancient city is famous for (and named after) its Roman Baths, which date as far back as 60 CE You’ll find them located right in the city centre.

    You could choose to stroll along the River Avon and visit Pulteney Bridge. Bath’s streets are lined with incredible Georgian-era architecture, so even just walking around the city will be rewarding. Or, you might be interested in visiting the Jane Austen Centre, where you can discover the experience of the Austen family in Regency-era Bath.

    You could also venture out of town and explore the surroundings of Bath. A short drive to Bristol will reward you with a vibrant city, featuring a harbourside and many quirky shops and cafés. Make sure to stop by the Cabot Tower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city.

    Spend another night in the Bath area.

    Average driving distance: 40 km / 25 mi.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 12: STONEHENGE & LONDON

    This morning, drive south to one of the most famous sites in the country, Stonehenge. It is an unmissable stop on your tour! You’ll soon see why it is part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. With over 4,500 years of history, this site and stone circle is a true wonder to behold. You can also learn more at the exhibition centre nearby.

    From here, you complete your road trip by returning to London. You could take one last short detour to see Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city, or head directly to Heathrow Airport. Return your rental vehicle and then make your way to your accommodation in London. You have the rest of the day or evening at your leisure in the UK’s capital.

    Spend the night in London.

    Average driving distance: 166 km / 103 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 13: DAY AT LEISURE IN LONDON

    You have a full day to explore London. There are so many museums and attractions to see, so you’ll want to pick a few of your favourites. Make sure not to miss Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. Then stroll down to the River Thames to spot Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye. Further east you could visit the famous Tower of London and see Tower Bridge.

    London is a vibrant city full of diverse cultures, so you could pop by one of its markets to sample the food scene. You might even like to go to the theatre tonight. Whether it's exploring the city's rich history, shopping on trendy streets, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, you’re sure to have a memorable experience of London.

    Spend another night in London.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 14: DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND

    Today is the final day of your British adventure. Spend the morning at your leisure in bustling London before departing for the airport in time for your flight home. You could take public transport, like the tube or the Heathrow Express train. Or, for a convenient and comfortable ride, book a private transfer directly from your accommodation.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

View

Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. This will be in combination with Superio..

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Rental car

Enjoy your road trip with 2 authorised drivers and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Toyota Yaris (manual)
or similar

  • x4
  • x3
  • x1
  • M

Toyota Yaris (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Luggage: 1
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Manual

Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • M

Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual

Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A

Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

BMW 520 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

BMW 520 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • Limited availability between 21 March - 30 June 2024
  • Description: SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x8
  • x4
  • x5
  • A

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
10% OFF IN 2024

Price per person from

You save: 204 GBP per person

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1836 GBP

Tour Information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking your tour. It will give you more details about what the tour includes, your accommodation, driving in Britain and other useful information for your travels.

ABOUT OUR SELF-DRIVE TOURS
On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation across Britain as well as any activities specified in the itinerary.

As it is a self-drive tour, you get to pick when and where you want to stop based on your own interests. The highlights listed are suggestions, but you’re in charge of your trip!

Rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map, and our very own UK travel guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

ACCOMMODATION
During your self-drive tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

On our self-drive packages, you can choose from single or double rooms. Please note that in the UK, room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

Please also be aware that, due to the historic nature of properties we usually select, some of the rooms are only accessible by going up stairs, as there may be no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

DRIVING IN THE UK
The roads across Britain are usually in good conditions all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness.

Please be aware that in the UK motorists drive on the left side of the road (and on the right side of the car). If you are not used to driving on the left, we highly recommend choosing a vehicle with automatic transmission for your self-drive tour. If you want a manual transmission vehicle, keep in mind that you will need to shift gears with your left hand (floor pedals are the same).

You will have to get familiar with the motorways, single and dual carriageways as well as roundabouts around the country, but especially in England. The speed limits are different depending on the road you are on. In rural areas, you might notice roads are narrow and there are even single-track roads with passing places.

For inexperienced drivers who still want to get a taste of the UK, we offer a small group tour of Britain. We also have a selection of private and small group tours of Scotland. A local will be at the wheel and you can lean back, relax and enjoy the sights. View all Scotland tours for other alternatives.

SAFETY & WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please note that sightseeing and transport is dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered if conditions are not favourable. This includes ferries and drives. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24/7 helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are billed in British Pounds (£, GBP). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip.

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

CARBON OFFSETTING YOUR TOUR
Nordic Visitor is working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours. Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund.

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