Visit Chester, Bath, York, Carlisle, Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon to unlock the best that Britain has to offer. Visit us at www.heritagecities.com

1. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 1
TREASURE HOUSES AND GARDENS TOUR
Oxford, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London www.heritagecities.com
OXFORD BATH
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON LONDON

2. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 1
TREASURE HOUSES AND GARDENS TOUR
Oxford, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London
DAY 1
Arrive London where we will meet and escort you to your hotel in Oxford, Burford or
Woodstock, pausing on the way for a leg stretch around the beautiful and award-winning
Waterperry Gardens. Once checked in, independent sightseeing until a welcome reception,
dinner and an early night. Overnight here for 2 nights.
DAY 2
Getting the day off to a spectacular start, we’ve arranged a memorable visit to Blenheim
Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the ancestral home of the Dukes of
Marlborough. With some free time in the picturesque market town of Woodstock,
into Oxford for a walking tour of some of the hidden College gardens.
DAY 3 Stratford-upon-Avon
Oxford
Heading south, this morning’s ‘step back in time’ will include a visit to the awe-inspiring
Stonehenge before reaching Avebury where you’ll have time to walk among the prehistoric Bath London
stones that encircle the village. With a lesson in Dowsing, the next stop will be the privately
owned, romantic Italianate gardens at Iford Manor. Overnight Bath for 2 nights.
DAY 4
After breakfast, there’s a guided walking tour of the city which will include a visit to the
Bath Abbey and the adjacent Roman Baths. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps discovering
the original Theatre Royal and now a Masonic Lodge or enjoying a couple of hours
at the Thermae Bath Spa.
DAY 5
As you meander through the Cotswolds, you’ll see two contrasting gardens, firstly at
the Abbey House, Malmesbury which is the home and creation of the Naked Gardeners,
Barbara and Ian Pollard. With a pub lunch on the way, your next stop will be to see the
superb gardens at historic Sudeley Castle, burial place of Queen Katherine Parr the
last of the six wives of King Henry VIII. Overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon for 2 nights.
DAY 6
This morning, there’s a tour of the Shakespeare Houses where the costumed interpreters
vividly bring to life Elizabethan England. The afternoon will be spent at the fascinating
Coughton Court which is closely associated with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and where
you’ll find another absolutely fabulous garden. Tonight, you might consider an evening
at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
DAY 7
Leaving Stratford for London, pause for a visit to treasure-filled Waddesdon Manor,
the French style chateau built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. Once checked into
your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Theatre tickets can be purchased in advance.
The tour can be timed to coincide with either the Chelsea Flower Show (end May)
or the Hampton Court Flower Show (early July).
DAY 8
Private transfers to the airport for the return flight home.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

3. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 2
LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon www.heritagecities.com
OXFORD BATH
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

4. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 2
LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon
DAY 1
Arrive London where we will meet and escort you to your hotel in Oxford, Burford or
Woodstock, pausing on the way to breath in some clean English country air in the
lovely Savill Gardens near Windsor. Once checked in, independent sightseeing until
a welcome reception, dinner and an early night. Overnight here for 2 nights.
DAY 2
Today’s Bibliophile Oxford visit begins at the Bodleian Library and includes the wonderful
Divinity School, Duke Humphreys Library (Hogwarts Library) and Convocation House.
The literary walking tour can then be themed along the lines of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien
or Pottering with Harry. This afternoon will be spent discovering the priceless treasures
and landscaped gardens at Blenheim Palace.
Stratford-upon-Avon
DAY 3 Oxford
Today’s highlights will be a viewing of the current exhibition at Modern Art Oxford Bath London
before seeing the Old Master drawings and paintings at the Christ Church Picture Gallery.
The rest of the day will be for you to discover Oxford under your own steam.
DAY 4
Leaving Oxford, we’ll take you on a meander through the Cotswold countryside for
a curator led tour of the eclectic collection at Compton Verney, the art gallery in the
Warwickshire countryside. With a close look at the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Movement
in Chipping Campden, into Stratford-upon-Avon for 3 nights. We can arrange
theatre tickets for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as and when required.
DAY 5
This morning you’ll discover Elizabethan England as vividly brought to life by the Shakespeare
Houses. During the afternoon you’ll take a tour of Palladian Ragley Hall, the family home of
the Marquis and Marchioness of Hertford. While you’re there you’ll also see the collection
of 20th and 21st century works of art at the Jerwood Sculpture Park.
DAY 6
Breaking with the literary and arts theme for a morning, much of today will be spent at
spectacular Warwick Castle where, if we’ve got the timing right, you’ll see jousting displays,
Birds of Prey in full flight and a whole lot more. Visiting the town of Warwick, you’ll also see
the Lord Leycester Hospital, a magnificent range of 14th century, half-timbered buildings
that were adapted into almshouses in 1571.
DAY 7
Heading for London, break the journey at the moated, Elizabethan Broughton Castle,
the ancestral home to the Lord and Lady Saye and Sele which was extensively used
in the filming of Shakespeare in Love. Overnight in London (2 nights).
DAY 8
Free and easy in London. An evening at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre could finish this tour
in style.
DAY 8
Private airport transfers or independent extensions.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

5. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 3
TREADING THE BOARDS
Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London www.heritagecities.com
BATH LONDON
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

6. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 3
TREADING THE BOARDS
Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London
DAY 1
Arrive London Heathrow where we will meet and escort you to the roman city of Bath. For those
who’ve not seen it before, we could arrange a visit to Windsor Castle on the way. Once in Bath,
rest and relax prior to dinner and the chance for an early night. Overnight in Bath for 3 nights.
DAY 2
This morning’s walking tour will concentrate on the city centre and include a visit to the
original Theatre Royal before taking a backstage tour of its magnificent and sumptuously
restored successor. The walk will finish at the Roman Baths where after a visit, the rest
of the day is free.
DAY 3
Stratford-upon-Avon
After breakfast, you will head for Glastonbury Abbey for a fascinating insight into the myths
and legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Returning to Bath, pause
for a visit to the beautiful cathedral in Wells. The balance of the day is at leisure before an Bath London
evening performance at the Theatre Royal.
DAY 4
Leaving Bath, your next destination is Stratford-upon-Avon, taking the scenic route through
a number of well known, sleepy Cotswold villages and market towns. Depending on the
time of the year, visits to a couple of lovely gardens could be added to the itinerary.
Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon for the next 3 nights.
DAY 5
This morning will be filled with a front stage back stage tour of the newly reopened
Royal Shakespeare Theatre which will be followed by a free afternoon prior to an
evening performance at the intimate Swan Theatre.
DAY 6
Today, we’re going to take a leisurely look at the 5 Shakespeare Houses, listening to the
costumed interpreters who at Mary Arden’s House and at the Birthplace bring to life
Elizabethan England. This evening dinner will be at the Theatre Restaurant prior to this
evening’s production in the main house.
DAY 7
Over breakfast, there will be a conversation with a member of the RST about the two
performances you’ve seen. Mid morning, leave Stratford-upon-Avon and making for London
we can arrange visit to either the superb garden at Waterperry, a tour of the treasure-filled
Waddesdon Manor or a stroll around the university colleges in Oxford.
DAY 8
On the agenda this morning is a tour of the Theatre Collection at the Victoria and Albert
Museum. Depending on the time of year, the tour will finish with either.
I Dinner and an evening performance at the Globe Theatre.
I An actor-led tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, supper in a Theatreland restaurant
and then the West End show of your choice.
DAY 9
Private airport transfers or independent extensions.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

7. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 4
GIRLS GETAWAY
Oxford, Bath and London www.heritagecities.com
OXFORD LONDON
BATH

8. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 4
GIRLS GETAWAY
Oxford, Bath and London
DAY 1
Arrive London Heathrow or Gatwick where we will meet and escort you to the university city of
Oxford, pausing on the way for a cup of coffee and a leg stretch around the lovely Waterperry
Gardens. Once checked in, we will take you on a leisurely orientation tour before leaving you
to your own devices. Welcome reception, dinner and overnight in Oxford for three nights.
DAY 2
Today’s ‘pick and mix’ Oxford tour can include your choice from the following:
I The outstanding textile collection at the Ashmolean Museum
I The world wide collection at the Pitt Rivers Museum
I A viewing of the ecclesiastical vestments at Christ Church Cathedral
I The William Morris room at Exeter College and then the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 3 Oxford
Today’s Woodstock Textile Trail will reveal some truly outstanding treasures in and around this Bath London
well known Cotswold town. You’ll see the Woodstock Wallhangings which tell the town’s
story in colourful textile pictures and the Stonesfield Embroidery, a fine and rare example
of 18th century needlework. St Mary Magdalen’s Church is where you’ll find over 200 kneelers,
each with about 28,000 individual stitches. To complete the day, you’ll also see the truly
magnificent tapestries that adorn the State Room walls in Blenheim Palace.
DAY 4
Leaving Oxford, your journey to Bath will take you through Cotswold villages like Burford,
Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden (a very good place for a lunch stop) and Broadway,
pausing during the afternoon for a special tour of the ‘Herbs for Healing’ garden near
Cirencester. From here it is not far at all to your hotel in the roman city of Bath,
your base for the next two nights.
DAY 5
After breakfast, there’s a brief walking tour of the city centre which includes Bath Abbey and
after morning coffee in the Pump Room you’re in the right place for a visit to the Roman Baths.
With an afternoon free for shopping, why not bring the day to a close with a couple of hours
at the Thermae Bath Spa.
DAY 6
Leaving Bath and after a step back into the mists of time at the Avebury Stone Circle,
the journey will have something of a royal flavour as you pass through Marlborough
where Kate Middleton went to school, Bucklebury where she grew up and Sandhurst
where Prince William did his army officer training at the Royal Military Academy.
Once checked into your London hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 7
Having been organised for the past six days, you’ll be pleased to know that today is totally free
for you to revisit familiar haunts or discover London on your own. To finish with a flourish,
we can arrange an actor-led tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, supper in a Theatreland
restaurant and seats at tonight’s performance of your choice.
DAY 8
Private transfers back to the airport or extensions on an independent basis.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

9. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 5
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and London www.heritagecities.com
OXFORD LONDON
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

10. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 5
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and London
DAY 1
Depart London Heathrow or Gatwick and on the way to Oxford, drop into Windsor for a
‘beat the crowds’ visit to its magnificent castle. Once in Oxford, rest and relax before a 5.30pm
welcome reception and dinner and a chance for an early night. Overnight here for 2 nights.
DAY 2
Today’s walking tour will include visits to a number of Colleges including a special Harry Potter
and Alice in Wonderland tour of Christ Church and its Cathedral. Associations with CS Lewis
will also be worked into the itinerary. The afternoon will be at leisure in Oxford.
DAY 3
Leave Oxford for Stratford-upon-Avon with visits on the way to treasure-filled
Stratford-upon-Avon
Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the moated Elizabethan
Oxford
Broughton Castle which was extensively used for the filming of Shakespeare in Love.
Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon for 2 nights. London
DAY 4
Most of this morning will be spent discovering the Shakespeare Houses where costumed
interpreters bring 16th century England vividly to life. We’ll also include a visit to Holy Trinity
Church, the Bard’s final resting place. The afternoon will be at leisure in Stratford-upon-Avon.
DAY 5
To Coventry Cathedral where in 2012, they will be celebrating its 50th anniversary,
before returning to Stratford after a ‘shake the dust off the history books’ few hours
at stunning Warwick Castle.
DAY 6
Leave Stratford-upon-Avon so that you’re in London by lunchtime. Before checking in,
we’ve arranged an orientating city tour that finishes with a special tour of Southwark
Cathedral. Once checked in, the rest of the day’s at leisure. Theatre tickets for the
West End show of your choice can be booked in advance.
DAY 7
A totally free day to go where you will in our capital city.
DAY 8
Private transfer to Heathrow or Gatwick for the return flight home.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

11. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 6
GREAT CASTLES, STATELY HOMES AND
GARDENS IN ENGLAND’S NORTH COUNTRY
www.heritagecities.com
A three country tour
CHESTER YORK
© D&H Photographers
CARLISLE

12. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 6
GREAT CASTLES, STATELY HOMES AND
GARDENS IN ENGLAND’S NORTH COUNTRY
A three country tour
DAY 1
Arrive Manchester Airport where we will meet and take you to the nearby Roman city of Chester
for a leg stretch and cup of coffee. Once checked in, free time until around 4pm when there’s
a private tour of the Cathedral which can be followed by Choral Evensong (optional) before
a welcome reception, dinner and the chance for an early night. Overnight Chester (2 nights).
DAY 2
You’ll spend the day in North Wales where the day can be spent walking the walls in Conwy, Carlisle
driving through the Snowdonia Mountains, discovering 12th century Britain at Caernarfon York
Castle and whiling away an hour at the Italianate village of Portmeirion. Return to Chester
for the night. Manchester
Chester
DAY 3
Leave Chester and make for the Lake District for a cruise on Lake Windermere and
visits to the former homes of William Wordsworth at Dove Cottage and of Beatrix Potter
at Hill Top near Sawrey. Overnight Carlisle (2 nights).
DAY 4
With Scotland so close, today you’ll hop across the border for a special visit to Drumlanrig
Castle owned by His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry and one of the
most rewarding and romantic of Scotland’s great houses. Returning to Carlisle, you’ll also
see Threave House which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and famous as
a garden for all seasons.
DAY 5
Today’s outing will take you from west to east along Hadrian’s Wall, stopping at Vindolanda
to discover what life was like at this the northernmost point of the Holy Roman Empire.
Another halt will be called at Durham where you just have to see its magnificent
Cathedral before pressing on to the Viking city of York (2 nights).
DAY 6
To give you your bearings, we’ll start with a guided walking tour of the city centre
after which you’re fee until 4pm where we’ve arranged a private tour of the imposing
York Minster which can be followed by Choral Evensong (optional).
DAY 7
Being the last day, we’ve come up with something memorably special as we take you
to see 12th century Fountains Abbey, one of the most remarkable sites in Europe and
its adjacent Studley Royal, a remarkable Georgian water garden. To finish with, there’s
Harewood House, one of the great Treasure Houses of England. Your final night will be
in a hotel close to Manchester Airport.
DAY 8
To the airport for the return flight home.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

13. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 7
GREAT CATHEDRALS IN ENGLAND’S
NORTH COUNTRY
www.heritagecities.com
Chester, York
CHESTER YORK
© Britainonview/Doug McKinlay
© Britainonview
YORK CHESTER

14. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 7
GREAT CATHEDRALS IN ENGLAND’S
NORTH COUNTRY
Chester, York
DAY 1
Arrive Manchester Airport where we will meet and take you to the nearby Roman city of Chester
for a leg stretch and cup of coffee. Once checked in, free time until around 4pm when there’s
a private tour of the Cathedral which can be followed by Choral Evensong (optional) before
a welcome reception, dinner and the chance for an early night. Overnight Chester (2 nights).
DAY 2
Into North Wales for a walk along the walls of Conwy Castle and a few utterly pleasurable
hours at Bodnant, one of Britain’s finest gardens. Returning to Chester, stop to see St Asaph York
Cathedral, the smallest cathedral in the UK, an important ecclesiastical centre for centuries
and dating back to 560AD. On the way back to Chester, you might like to visit the beautiful Manchester
shrine St Winefride’s Well in Holywell. Chester
DAY 3
Today we’ve arranged a light hearted look at The Beatles in their former home city of Liverpool.
It begins with a ‘ferry ’cross the Mersey’ and a leisurely visit to the Beatles Story. While here
in the Albert Dock area, a visit to the Maritime Museum is strongly recommended and
a Magical Mystery bus tour can also be included before visiting the truly spectacular
Liverpool Cathedral. Return to Chester for the night.
DAY 4
After breakfast, you’ll leave Chester and make straight for the Viking city of York where after
leaving your luggage at the hotel a walking tour will give you your bearings and a better
understanding of York’s colourful history. At 4pm, there’s a special tour of the Minster
and you might like to stay on for Choral Evensong.
DAY 5
Today’s circular tour will give you an insight into the World of James Herriot, the internationally
renowned author of All Creatures Great and Small. It will be followed by a visit to Ripon
Cathedral, one of the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in Britain. On then to
12th century Fountains Abbey, one of the most remarkable sites in Europe and its adjacent
Studley Royal, a remarkable Georgian water garden.
DAY 6
With so much to see and do in York, a totally free day in the city might be well received.
Alternatively, we can arrange a Brideshead Revisited few hours at impressive Castle Howard
and a Fish ’n’ Chip supper in the coastal town of Whitby.
DAY 7
Leave York for a final night at a hotel near Manchester Airport but with a detour to see
the treasure-filled Palace of the Peaks at Chatsworth, the ancestral home of the Dukes of
Devonshire. Time permitting we can provide some end of tour retail therapy with a
‘how much damage can you do in an hour’ ex-factory shopping visit to Wedgwood!
Overnight near Manchester Airport.
DAY 8
To the airport for the return flight home.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

15. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 8
GREAT GARDENS IN ENGLAND’S
NORTH COUNTRY
www.heritagecities.com
Chester, York
CHESTER YORK
© Britainonview/Doug McKinlay
© Britainonview
YORK CHESTER

16. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOUR 8
GREAT GARDENS IN ENGLAND’S
NORTH COUNTRY
Chester, York
DAY 1
Arrive Manchester Airport where we will meet and take you to the ancient Roman city of Chester
where after a brief walking tour of the city and a welcoming cup of coffee, you’ll check into
your hotel. Rest and relax until about 4pm when we’ve arranged tea and cakes at a
privately-owned garden near the city. Early supper and the chance for an early night.
Overnight Chester (3 nights).
DAY 2
To Tatton Park where you’ll discover one of England’s finest gardens which over the centuries York
have been shaped and influenced by some of the best garden designers in the country.
Before leaving, there’s time for lunch (indep) in the Stables Restaurant and a tour of the Manchester
house itself. On the return to Chester, there are two award-winning gardens for you to visit, Chester
either at privately-owned Arley Hall or at the fascinating 800 year old Norton Priory.
DAY 3
A day in North Wales which begins with a drive up and over the Horseshoe Pass and into
Llangollen. After a brief stop there, you’ll be on your way to Ewephoria and an entertaining
insight into a day in the life of a Welsh shepherd and his sheepdogs. On then to visit
the lovely privately-owned garden at Maenen Hall, a photo opportunity at Conwy Castle
and a cup of tea and Welsh cakes at the internationally famous Bodnant Garden.
DAY 4
Heading for York, you’ll take a swing through the Derbyshire Peak District to see the
unmissable Chatsworth and the nearby Haddon Hall where the rose display in June/July
is fragrantly and colourfully gorgeous. Overnight in the Viking city of York (3 nights).
DAY 5
To Castle Howard, aka Brideshead, dramatically set between two lakes with extensive gardens
and mightily impressive architecture. By contrast, the afternoon visit will be to Scampston Hall,
the home of Sir Charles and Lady Legard where the wonderful walled garden is the creation
of the renowned designer and plantsman Piet Oudolf (co-designer of Chicago Millennium Park’s
Lurie Garden).
DAY 6
Leaving York for Manchester Airport your first stop will be to see 12th century Fountains Abbey,
one of the most remarkable sites in Europe and its adjacent Studley Royal, a remarkable
Georgian water garden. Finishing on a high note will be the afternoon in the award-winning
gardens at privately owned Newby Hall which is full of rare and beautiful shrubs and plants
and a famous double herbaceous border. Overnight near Manchester Airport.
DAY 7
By train to London for a 2-3 night extension or to the airport for the return flight home.
Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER www.heritagecities.com

17. BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES
TOURING MAP
8 DIFFERENT TOURS AVAILABLE
Bath, Carlisle, Chester, London, Oxford, www.heritagecities.com
Stratford-upon-Avon and York
Carlisle
York
Chester
Stratford-upon-Avon
Oxford
Bath London
UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER