Essential Britain
Essential Britain
Essential Britain
12 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: London, Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GC-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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.
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
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
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: 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: 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: 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
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: 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.
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 HIGHLIGHT THE ROYAL EDINBUGRH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 26, August 2, 9 and 16.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: 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: Stratford-Upon-Avon
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
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided as detailed in the itinerary.
-
Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
-
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 3 three-course dinners.
-
Transport
Transport is provided by a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
-
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
-
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
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
-
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
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.
UNESCO Sites
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|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 terraine 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
-
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.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes full buffet breakfast daily, one lunch, and three three-course dinners.
-
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.
-
Is the tour fully guided?
Yes, the tour is fully guided with expert Tour Directors, Drivers, and Local Guides.
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
No, airport transfers at the destination are not included in the tour package.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
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.
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 07, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 03, 2025 - May 14, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 17, 2025 - May 28, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 06, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
May 02, 2026 - May 13, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
May 09, 2026 - May 20, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
May 16, 2026 - May 27, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 17, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 08, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 02, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 07, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.