Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Britain" tour and explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of England, Scotland, and Wales. This fully guided journey takes you from the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge to the legendary Loch Ness, with stops at iconic sites like The Beatles Story in Liverpool, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (seasonal). Enjoy scenic drives through the Taff Valley, Brecon Beacons National Park, and the West Country to Poldark’s Cornwall. Stay in comfort at top hotels and travel in style on a first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. This small-group tour ensures an intimate and immersive experience, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites and sampling local delights like Grasmere gingerbread. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In London,England
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Day 2: London,Stonehenge,Ilminster,Plymouth
Location: London, Stonehenge, Ilminster, Plymouth
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTH Secrets of the Stones LONDON Meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 8 am before departing for Stonehenge.STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument.ILMINSTER [LF] Lunch at a local pub.219 mi / 352 km (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!
Day 3: Plymouth. Excursion To Cornwall
Location: Plymouth, Cornwall, Looe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALL Legends of Land & Sea PLYMOUTH [LF] All aboard for a scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound. Enjoy a scenic drive through the West Country to Poldark’s Cornwall.LOOE Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port.PLYMOUTH Free time this evening. (B) 42 mi / 70 kmLOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel.
Day 4: Plymouth,Glastonbury,Bath,Cardiff,Wales
Location: Plymouth, Glastonbury, Bath, Cardiff
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Cardiff Holland House
Meals Included: Breakfast
PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs GLASTONBURY Visit the town of the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail.BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths. (B) 184 mi / 295 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.
Day 5: Cardiff,Builth Wells,Llangollen,Liverpool,England
Location: Cardiff, Builth Wells, Llangollen, Liverpool
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND Moor than Meets the Eye Take a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park.BUILTH WELLS Stop at the ancient market town.LLANGOLLEN Visit the picturesque town.LIVERPOOL Free time the remainder of the day. (B) 190 mi / 306 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky.
Day 6: Liverpool,Grasmere,Gretna Green,Scotland,Glasgow
Location: Liverpool, Grasmere, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the Fab Four.LAKE DISTRICT Take a scenic drive.GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth’s beloved village, and sample [LF] the original Grasmere gingerbread.GRETNA GREEN See where a Scottish blacksmith performed weddings for eloping young couples and [LF] join in a fun wedding re-enactment. (B,D) 236 mi / 380 kmLOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows.
Day 7: Glasgow,Fort William,Inverness
Location: Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Inverness Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS Landmarks, Lochs & Legends GLASGOW Orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Take a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe.FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, UK’s highest peak.LOCH NESS Drive the length of the legendary lake en route to Inverness. (B,D) 178 mi / 286 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
Day 8: Inverness,Culloden—Pitlochry,St. Andrews,Edinburgh
Location: Inverness, Culloden, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast
INVERNESS–CULLODEN—PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes CULLODEN MOOR See the battlefield.PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort.ST. ANDREWS Visit the home of golf and the famous university town. (B) 202 mi / 326 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.TOUR HIGHLIGHTTHE ROYAL EDINBUGRH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 26, August 2, 9 and 16.
Day 9: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Crown Jewels & Castle Views EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, see the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
Day 10: Edinburgh,Alnwick,England,York
Location: Edinburgh, Alnwick, York
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure York Fairfield Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK Lights, Camera, Alnwick! ALNWICK Visit Alnwick Castle, setting for many film productions. Choose between touring the castle or taking a stroll through the magnificent gardens.YORK See York Minster and browse the shops of The Shambles. (B,D) 214 mi / 344 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Visit Alnwick Castle to discover 700 years of English and family history of its owners, the Percy Family. Continuing the lineage of centuries of Dukes, Duchesses, and Earls whom have called the impressive castle home. The castle is a haven for movie and TV buffs as the filming location for many productions, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. If nature is more to your liking, consider a visit to the splendid 12-acre Alnwick Gardens.
Day 11: York,Stratford-Upon-Avon,London
Location: York, Stratford-upon-Avon, London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. (B) 255 mi / 410 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard’s wife-to-be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Day 12: London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided as detailed in the itinerary.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 3 three-course dinners.
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Transport
Transport is provided by a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
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Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO Sites including City of Bath, Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, Forth Road Bridge, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Stonehenge, The English Lake District, and The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the destination is not included.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 3 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds. ...more ...less
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape|Forth Bridge|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The English Lake District|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Park Plaza Waterloo in London, Crowne Plaza Plymouth, Mercure Cardiff Holland House, Pullman Liverpool, Clayton Hotel Glasgow, Mercure Inverness Hotel, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street, and Mercure York Fairfield Manor.
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes full buffet breakfast daily, one lunch, and three three-course dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfort at various hotels including Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Park Plaza Waterloo in London, Crowne Plaza Plymouth, Mercure Cardiff Holland House, Pullman Liverpool, Clayton Hotel Glasgow, Mercure Inverness Hotel, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street, and Mercure York Fairfield Manor. ...more ...less
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Is the tour fully guided?
Yes, the tour is fully guided with expert Tour Directors, Drivers, and Local Guides.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
No, airport transfers at the destination are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Does the tour visit any UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Yes, the tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Bath, Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, Forth Road Bridge, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Stonehenge, The English Lake District, and The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes various activities such as visiting the town of the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, taking a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park, visiting Wordsworth’s beloved village and sampling the original Grasmere gingerbread, visiting the battlefield of Culloden Moor, enjoying a scenic drive through the West Country to Poldark’s Cornwall, visiting The Beatles Story in Liverpool, driving the length of the legendary Loch Ness en route to Inverness, and attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance (July 26 through August 16 only).
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Essential Britain
12 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Ilminster, Plymouth, Cornwall, Looe, Glastonbury, Bath, Cardiff, Builth Wells, Llangollen, Liverpool, Grasmere, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness, Culloden, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Alnwick, York, Stratford-upon-Avon ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GC-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians