Best of Britain

12 Days | Discover the best of the UK, hitting must-see sites in England, Wales and Scotland

3.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
USD $4,065
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Where did The Beatles, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Doctor Who originate? The UK of course! This 12-day trip will take you to a few of the must-see sites, through the rolling hills, mountainous landscapes and medieval cities of England, Scotland and Wales. Take a punt through Oxford, explore the beauty of the Cotswolds, walk Cardiff and discover popular filming locations of The Doctor, stroll through the majestic beauty of Snowdonia National Park, be inspired by The Beatles’ past in Liverpool, hike the stunning Lake District National Park and then end it all in picturesque Edinburgh – JK Rowling’s favourite writing location.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Britain including United Kingdom
Start
London, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
United Kingdom
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BMSB
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take part in punting – a truly timeless, quintessentially Oxford pleasure that will see you floating along the idyllic waters of this university city, seeing the beautiful architecture and gardens from the perspective of a boat (or punt).
  • Spend a day exploring arguably the most beautiful and most British countryside – the Cotswolds. Explore the sleepy villages, walk through endless fields and taste some of the best ales in the neighbourhood.
  • Discover cities Cardiff in Wales and Liverpool in England with leader-led walking tours, the best way to discover the city! In Cardiff, explore Dr Who filming locations and in Liverpool, tune in to everything The Beatles.
  • Walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), and explore the rolling hills, woodlands and picturesque villages. Then, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park, taking a relaxing walk along Lake Windermere.
  • With Edinburgh Castle overlooking your every step, walk the winding streets of the Old Town and take a walking tour of the New Town Scotland’s artistic treasure – the birthplace of Harry Potter.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Please note that most of the travels on this trip is done by train. While this is fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting you bags to and from the trains and moving them round the station. Sometimes a short walk from your hotel to the train station is also required. Please pack carefully and do not bring any unnecessary items with you. Suggested weight of your luggage should not exceed 12-15kg.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Best Of Britain including United Kingdom

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Train, Private vehicle, Public transport

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Activities
  • Oxford - Punting Activity
  • Moreton-in-Marsh - Cotswolds day trip & picnic lunch
  • Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour (Dr Who theme)
  • Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - Included guided hike: Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu
  • Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour
  • Chester - boat tour
  • Windermere - West Shore Lakeside Walk
  • Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour
Add on activities
  • Oxford - Oxford Castle and Prison tour - GBP16
  • Oxford - University of Oxford visit - Free
  • Oxford - Blenheim Palace visit - GBP35
  • Oxford - Ashmolean Museum visit - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in London and Edinburgh at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

3.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Greg · Traveled August 2024
The Best of Britain is truly the best.
Review submitted 19 Aug 2024

Martha · Traveled July 2024
This trip was just what I had hoped for — riding through the beautiful countryside (especially on the trains) and visiting lots of towns throughout the UK.
Review submitted 26 Jul 2024

peter · Traveled June 2024
Disappointed with the trip, especially given the huge costs associated, some hotels sub-par, tour guide was nota local, lacking knowledge. Also Intrepid led us to believe the transfer to the second trip to Ireland was to be arranged by Intrepid, this was not the case.
Review submitted 10 Aug 2024
Best of Britain
From
USD $4,065