Enchanting Eastern England

Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh – Lindisfarne – Alnwick

After meeting in the iconic city of Edinburgh, well cross over into England to begin our tour of Eastern England. Our first stop will be the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where well discover the dramatic ruins of the famous priory. To end the day, well carry on to Alnwick Castle – the majestic home of the Duke of Northumberland – where well see some of the rooms that took a starring role in Downton Abbey. On the menu tonight: a delicious welcome dinner.
Accommodation: The White Swan Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Alnwick – Durham – Whitby – North York Moors

This morning well move on to Durham, where well step inside the the Cathedral: a magnificent architectural monument now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our road will then carry us to the traditional seaside resort of Whitby – where the fascinating Captain Cook Museum awaits us. Tonight, well rest our heads in the charming North York Moors district.
Accommodation: Gisborough Hall Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 North York Moors – Peak District

Today theres a tipple or two in store for us at the quaint Ampleforth Cider Mill – where well be lucky enough to enjoy a tour of the historic orchard (which boasts over 40 varieties of heritage apple trees) and learn how the award-winning cider is made. Then: its onwards to the breathtaking Peak District, where the rest of the evening will be yours to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation: The Rutland Arms Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Peak District – Chatsworth House – Peak District

This morning well stretch our legs on a stroll at Chatsworth House, a grand stately home that is said to have inspired Jane Austen with its impressive architecture. (In fact, Chatsworth featured in Pride and Prejudice as Pemberley, the home of none other than Mr Darcy.) Then: well take in splendour of an entirely different kind at Blue John Cavern, a world-famous series of caves.
Accommodation: The Rutland Arms Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Peak District – Lincoln

Today well bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District as we journey onwards to the historic town of Lincoln – but before we get there, weve two stops to make. First well visit Eyam, where well learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. Then: well raise a glass (or two) on a tour of a local brewery.
Accommodation: The White Hart Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Lincoln

This morning will see us touring the spectacular Lincoln Cathedral – one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England – as well as the Castle, which houses an original 1215 Magna Carta. After that, the afternoon will be yours to seek out restaurants, pubs and boutique shops – or to continue your discovery of the citys rich history.
Accommodation: The White Hart Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Lincoln – Sandringham Estate – Cambridge

Today, weve a date with royalty: Sandringham House is our next stop. The private residence of Her Majesty The Queen, Sandringham is a magnificent stately home with picturesque gardens – and even a museum! After our tour, well move on to Cambridge: an iconic city filled with history and tradition.
Accommodation: The Gonville Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Cambridge

After taking to the water for a punting experience along the Backs of Cambridge University, the day will be yours to spend spotting world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. Step inside colleges and chapels, museums and galleries – or simply indulge in a little retail therapy. This evening, well look back on our journey as we enjoy one last group dinner.
Accommodation: The Gonville Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Cambridge – Newmarket – Lavenham – London

Theres time for one more behind-the-scenes tour today: prepare to delve into Englands sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. At this working thoroughbred stud farm we may see stallions in the paddocks – and occasionally, foals in the nursery. After that, well stop off in the medieval wool town of Lavenham before hitting the road to London – where well say goodbye.