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Best of British

Experience the essence of Britain

Spend a day touring the stunning Lake District and cruise on Lake Windermere.

We take the time to do Britain justice…. from Stonehenge to the ‘bravehearts’ of Scotland and Tintern’s romantic Abbey. Discover the Kingmakers of Warwick and learn of Australia’s own heritage in Captain Cook’s Whitby. Soak up the history of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon and indulge in traditional British fare. As a finale, be treated like royalty with an overnight stay in magnificent Leeds Castle! Join us on the 10th of August for our special event departure, including 'The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo'. Performed by the British-Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the capital of Scotland, truly a must-see event!

  • Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach

  • Welcome drink on Day 1 27 meals including English/Scottish breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L) including a pub lunch in Wells and a fish & chip lunch in Whitby and 9 evening meals including a dinner cruise in Stratford-Upon- Avon and farewell dinner in Leeds Castle (D) A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners

  • Free WiFi at most hotels (where available) 16 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)

  • Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) Local guides as described in the itinerary

  • Hand Selected Albatross Experiences include a private cruise on Lake Windermere, Captain Cook's Whitby and a decadent afternoon tea in York. ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described

Tour itinerary

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Hand Selected Experiences

These are just a few of the very special hand selected experiences that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.

Stonehenge

Medieval Salisbury & Sutton Veny

Spend time exploring the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury. Later , we visit the remarkable megaliths of Stonehenge, situated on the Salisbury Plain. We also make a short stop at the graveyard at Sutton Veny’s St John the Evangelist church to pay our respects to the ANZAC soldiers and five Australian nurses buried here in 1918.

Wells

Britain's Smallest City

Take a leisurely orientation stroll along the moated walls of the Bishops Palace, before visiting the Wells' majestic gothic Cathedral and Cloisters. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at the charming 600 year old Swan Hotel.

Bristol

Harbour Cruise and visit SS Great Britain

To bring alive this fascinating port city we have included a private boat cruise along Bristol’s historic harbour and entrance to the magnificent SS Great Britain. Designed by the great Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the decks above and below are beautifully preserved.

Bath

Guided walking tour, & visits to Roman Baths and Bath Abbey

A guiding walking tour allows you to explore the pretty city of Bath including visits to the Roman Baths & Pump Room & Bath Abbey with its magnificent stained glass windows and fan vaulted ceiling.

Lake District

Sightseeing & a Scenic Lake Windemere Cruise

After a delightful day touring the famous Lake District and visiting Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage, its time to sit back and relax on a private scenic boat cruise on lovely Lake Windermere.

Edinburgh

Royal Yacht Britannia & Edinburgh Castle

Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia and then, accompanied by a local guide, cross the drawbridge and explore Edinburgh Castle.

Alnwick Castle

Guided tour

Stunning Alnwick Castle, dates back 1000 years, and its grand staterooms and lavish furnishings will not disappoint. Home to the current Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is also famous for having featured in numerous TV series and movies, such as special editions of Downton Abbey, and of course as mysterious ‘Hogwarts’ in the Harry Potter series.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Heritage train ride

Travel across the North Yorkshire Moors aboard a Heritage train from Pickering to Whitby, once home to the famous explorer Captain Cook. Arriving in Whitby, we visit both Whitby’s Benedictine abbey and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and enjoy a fish and chip lunch.

Chatsworth House

Guided visit

A stunning stately home, Chatsworth is home to wonderfully ornate interiors, works of art and picturesque gardens.

Dates and Prices

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* Dates, prices, itineraries and hotels shown may be subject to change on specific departures. Please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.

Pre-register your interest

To register your early interest in our 2026 Europe and UK Spring tours, please complete our pre-registration form.  We will keep you informed as our tours are developed and released.

Your Hotels

Tour Suitability

Due to the nature of the tour, lots of the attractions and accommodation we visit require you to navigate steps and stairways.

  • This tour is packed with inclusions and visits to Castles, Abbey’s and Stately homes. Their very design often means you are on your feet more than usual and there are often steps and stairways to negotiate.
  • In Leeds Castle your wonderful rooms are on the first and second floors and, being a grand castle, there is no lift.

Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.

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