Enchanting Eastern England

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Edinburgh


London

Tour summary

10 days

Scotland & England

14 meals

18 guests (max)

Driver

Trip leader

Luxury minicoach

Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy

9 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation

9 nights

Trace your way along the East of England, where the North York Moors enthrall with sweeping vistas and university cities charm with centuries-old architecture. Discover the romance of this enchanting region as you glide along the glistening River Cam on a traditional punt, soak up the cosy chatter in a rustic pub with a freshly poured pint, and marvel at the grandeur of Sandringham Estate’s picturesque house and gardens. This adventure is sure to capture your heart.

Tour highlights

  • Call in at Sandringham Estate, private retreat of The Royal Family
  • Experience a unique behind-the-scenes tour at Newmarket National Stud
  • Delight in a traditional punting experience along the ‘Backs’ of Cambridge University  

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh (Scotland)

The historic Scottish city of Edinburgh is where we’ll meet ahead of our incredible journey into Eastern England. Get to know your expert Tour Leader and travel companions better over tonight’s delicious welcome meal. 

 

The historic Scottish city of Edinburgh is where we’ll meet ahead of our incredible journey into Eastern England. Get to know your expert Tour Leader and travel companions better over tonight’s delicious welcome meal. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Malmaison Edinburgh (or similar) 

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - Edinburgh – Alnwick – Durham – North York Moors (England)

This morning, we’ll cross over into England to begin our tour of the fascinating and scenic eastern region of this enchanting country. Our first stop? Alnwick Castle – the majestic home of the Duke of Northumberland. Here, we’ll admire some of the rooms that took a starring role in Downton Abbey and enjoy some free time to wander the serene gardens. Then, we’ll move onto Durham, where we’ll step inside the Cathedral: a magnificent Norman-style monument now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the visit, we drive to North York Moors where tonight, we’ll come together for an included group dinner. 

 

This morning, we’ll cross over into England to begin our tour of the fascinating and scenic eastern region of this enchanting country. Our first stop? Alnwick Castle – the majestic home of the Duke of Northumberland. Here, we’ll admire some of the rooms that took a starring role in Downton Abbey and enjoy some free time to wander the serene gardens. Then, we’ll move onto Durham, where we’ll step inside the Cathedral: a magnificent Norman-style monument now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the visit, we drive to North York Moors where tonight, we’ll come together for an included group dinner. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Gisborough Hall Hotel (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 3 - North York Moors – Whitby – North York Moors

This morning our road will carry us to the traditional seaside resort of Whitby – where a guided tour of the fascinating Captain Cook Museum awaits us. After, we’ll visit Whitby Abbey, a 7th century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey church claims its place overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner at our accommodation in the charming North York Moors district. 

 

This morning our road will carry us to the traditional seaside resort of Whitby – where a guided tour of the fascinating Captain Cook Museum awaits us. After, we’ll visit Whitby Abbey, a 7th century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey church claims its place overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner at our accommodation in the charming North York Moors district. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Gisborough Hall Hotel (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 4 - North York Moors – York – Peak District

We’ll rewind back to the Middle Ages this morning with a visit to the delightful medieval city of York. Here we’ll seek out the mystery-filled narrow streets (known as ‘Snickelways’) and timber-framed buildings of the famed Shambles – where there are plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! Enjoy some free time to soak up the city’s splendour and settle in for a spot of lunch at a cosy pub or local bistro. Finally, we’ll continue to our accommodation in Buxton in the breathtaking Peak District – where the evening will be yours to enjoy as you please. 

 

We’ll rewind back to the Middle Ages this morning with a visit to the delightful medieval city of York. Here we’ll seek out the mystery-filled narrow streets (known as ‘Snickelways’) and timber-framed buildings of the famed Shambles – where there are plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! Enjoy some free time to soak up the city’s splendour and settle in for a spot of lunch at a cosy pub or local bistro. Finally, we’ll continue to our accommodation in Buxton in the breathtaking Peak District – where the evening will be yours to enjoy as you please. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Buxton Crescent Hotel (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 5 - Peak District – Chatsworth House – Peak District

This morning, we’ll start with a visit to Eyam, where we’ll learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. Then, it's time to stretch our legs on a stroll around 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 Mr Darcy. We’ll enjoy an audio tour of the lavish apartments and some free time to wander the exquisite gardens – before returning to the Peak District for an afternoon spent exploring at your leisure. 

 

This morning, we’ll start with a visit to Eyam, where we’ll learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. Then, it's time to stretch our legs on a stroll around 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 Mr Darcy. We’ll enjoy an audio tour of the lavish apartments and some free time to wander the exquisite gardens – before returning to the Peak District for an afternoon spent exploring at your leisure. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Buxton Crescent Hotel (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 6 - Peak District – Lincoln

Today we’ll bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District as we journey onwards to the historic city of Lincoln. When we arrive, we’ll visit Lincoln Castle: the formidable home to an original 1215 Magna Carta. Then, we’ll explore the equally as spectacular Lincoln Cathedral – one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England. This evening is ours to spend exploring Lincoln’s charming cobbled streets for some local fare or relaxing at our hand-picked accommodation. 

 

Today we’ll bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District as we journey onwards to the historic city of Lincoln. When we arrive, we’ll visit Lincoln Castle: the formidable home to an original 1215 Magna Carta. Then, we’ll explore the equally as spectacular Lincoln Cathedral – one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England. This evening is ours to spend exploring Lincoln’s charming cobbled streets for some local fare or relaxing at our hand-picked accommodation. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

The White Hart Hotel (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 7 - Lincoln

Today, you’ve got a whole free day to enjoy Lincoln at your leisure. Seek out a quaint tearoom for lunch, stroll the array of vintage boutiques and continue your discovery of the city’s rich history. For dinner tonight, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city’s old centre for a hearty English meal. 

 

Today, you’ve got a whole free day to enjoy Lincoln at your leisure. Seek out a quaint tearoom for lunch, stroll the array of vintage boutiques and continue your discovery of the city’s rich history. For dinner tonight, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city’s old centre for a hearty English meal. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

The White Hart Hotel (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 8 - Lincoln – Sandringham Estate – Cambridge

We’ve a date with royalty today: Sandringham House is our first stop. The private residence of King Charles III, Sandringham is a magnificent stately home with picturesque gardens – and even a museum. After our insightful visit we’ll move on to Cambridge: an iconic city filled with history and tradition. This evening, why not relax in one of its centuries-old pubs and soak up the old-world atmosphere. 

 

We’ve a date with royalty today: Sandringham House is our first stop. The private residence of King Charles III, Sandringham is a magnificent stately home with picturesque gardens – and even a museum. After our insightful visit we’ll move on to Cambridge: an iconic city filled with history and tradition. This evening, why not relax in one of its centuries-old pubs and soak up the old-world atmosphere. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 9 - Cambridge

It’s time to take to the water! This morning we’ll enjoy an iconic punting experience along the ‘Backs’ of Cambridge University. Back on dry land, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour with a local – spotting world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city further. Step inside colleges and chapels, museums and galleries – or simply indulge in a little retail therapy. Later, we’ll look back on our magnificent journey and clink glasses over tonight’s farewell dinner.   

 

It’s time to take to the water! This morning we’ll enjoy an iconic punting experience along the ‘Backs’ of Cambridge University. Back on dry land, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour with a local – spotting world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city further. Step inside colleges and chapels, museums and galleries – or simply indulge in a little retail therapy. Later, we’ll look back on our magnificent journey and clink glasses over tonight’s farewell dinner.   

 

Included today

Accommodation

Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 10 - Cambridge – Newmarket – London

There’s time for one more behind-the-scenes tour today: prepare to delve into England’s sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. On a guided tour of this working Thoroughbred stud farm, we’ll gain a unique insight into Thoroughbred breeding and may have the opportunity to view some of the Stud’s robust stallions in the paddocks. After that, we’ll make tracks to London – where we’ll say our final goodbyes. 

There’s time for one more behind-the-scenes tour today: prepare to delve into England’s sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. On a guided tour of this working Thoroughbred stud farm, we’ll gain a unique insight into Thoroughbred breeding and may have the opportunity to view some of the Stud’s robust stallions in the paddocks. After that, we’ll make tracks to London – where we’ll say our final goodbyes. 

Included today

Meals
  • Breakfast

Worth noting:

Please note: if you’re departing on 13 July, 10 August or 5 October 2025, you’ll visit the breathtaking Burghley House & Gardens instead of Sandringham Estate. This also applies to specific departures in July, August and October 2026. 

Things we think you'll love

A group of Thoroughbred Newmarket Studs idling in a Stable.
Signature moment

A star-studded affair

Visit the heart of the thoroughbred industry, The National Stud in Newmarket. Here, you'll gain behind-the-scenes insight of England's proud sporting history as you wander through the farm's winding trails on a guided tour.

A view of the Trinity College bridge over the Ponting River in Cambridge.

Private punting views

Take to calm waters along the 'Backs' of Cambridge University and pass by entrancing architecture during a legendary punting experience.

A view of the grand Sandringham Estate, the former residence of Charles III.

Sandringham Estate saunters

Stroll through the house and gardens of Sandringham Estate, where members of the The Royal Family rest and rejuvenate.

Read the reviews

Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

5

Anonymous October 2024

Giovanni and Ash were great. I was amazed at Gio’s preparation and narration and “Ash’s” driving skills especially the many tight, “backroads” situations.

My wife and I had a couple of hotel issues...

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4

Anne Bl October 2024

We did the Enchanting Eastern England tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it, although you do need some fitness. Lots of walking and trying to keep up with guide. However, it was well-worth it. The guide was...

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5

Anonymous September 2024

Both guide and driver were exceptional in their knowledge and very accommodating when emergency assistance was needed

5

Anonymous September 2024

Adequate number of days. Excellent tour leader in Charlie. Provided wonderful regional treats throughout the tour.

5

Anonymous September 2024

Well organized lots of historical sites

4

Anonymous August 2024

Good tour . Coach not crowded (9pax in 20 seat Mercedes Sprinter). First class guide.
Vg accommodation except one room. It was exactly what we were looking for.

5

Anonymous August 2024

This Tour was excellent - professional & friendly with very scenic & well-planned with places of interest (eg castles, stately homes, cathedrals etc) & enjoyable hotels & dining. Especially enjoyed...

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4

Anonymous August 2024

We enjoyed this tour. The places chose for us to visit ranged from very to not so interesting to us such as the National Horse Stud at Newmarket. The coach was a Mercedes Sprinter which was...

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5

Barbara So June 2024

Perfectly planned tour, smaller group allowed us to go down ‘back roads’ & be in the heart of rural communities. Sights visited were amazing, & accomodation & meals were good. Our group was terrific...

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5

Wendy Tu June 2024

This was a relaxed, informative and varied tour. There was a good balance between stunning cathedral and castle visits and relaxed rambles around old towns and country estates. The small group...

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4

Anonymous June 2024

This tour was lovely , guided by a really good tour guide. Wish they got us in our hotels sooner so we could do afternoon tours a little refreshed . From 7 am starts to 4 pm is a long day . Just about...

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5

Anonymous June 2024

Allan was a lay back, relaxed tour guide and the itinerary was just what I wanted to see. I was delighted that we visited Newgate Stud. Amazing!

2

Anonymous June 2024

Was tired of seeing cathedrals and manor houses.

Felt an overnight stay in Lincoln and Cambridge was unnecessary.

Accommodation was of a very poor standard.

Tour leader’s attitude was a little...

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4

Anonymous June 2024

Overall a good tour , hotels were not of a consistent quality, ok in Edinburgh, very good at Guisborough and Cambridge, not so good at Ringwood Hall and Lincoln, driver was safe and courteous, tour...

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5

Anonymous May 2024

A wonderful tour with a great mix of places of interest. Small group fantastic.

4

Anonymous May 2024

Very good experience. Well run and overall good service. Guide Gideon was interesting and informative. One of the hotels in particular was below expectations and not suitable for older people- the...

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5

Anonymous May 2024

Could not have asked for a better, more competent tour guide and driver. They exceded expectations.
I have seen eastern Britain in all its glory.

5

Michele Ad October 2023

Everything met my expectations and needs

5

maria Ad October 2023

Our travels from Scotland down the East Coast to London was amazing. I took so many photos! From ruins and old castles, to quaint shops and beautiful open spaces, I feel there was something for...

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4

Brian Sm October 2023

on the whole the tour was quite good. Would have liked to see more of the culture in the area and less cathedrals and castles. The evening meals the tour provided were one of the down sides of the...

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4

Anonymous September 2023

Interesting itinerary - guide had good knowledge of the area

4

Anonymous September 2023

Good - Itinerary, 2 night stays, most hotels, small group
Bad - no wifi on bus, not as much free time as advertised

4

Brian Sm September 2023

Great history & a good select of locations
Enjoyed the group to travel with

4

Anonymous September 2023

The tour covered excellent highlights of eastern England and was flexible enough to include two extra stately homes to meet the specific interests of the group. Staying two nights in each hotel was...

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4

Anonymous September 2023

Interesting itinerary. Great to be smaller number of people. Good to have two night stays. Tour guide enthusiastic but a bit inexperienced, allowing the more aggressive customers to dictate pace of...

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5

Jean Di August 2023

Loved the fact that we were the only ones on some of the back roads in England.

5

Anonymous August 2023

Thought it was great value for the price. Just showed up each morning and things were planned but there was free time to explore as well.

5

Anonymous June 2023

The tour was well planned and took us to places of interest to me. I enjoyed the planned excursions on the itinerary and the unexpected additional places we visited.

4

Anonymous June 2023

Great .. little more motorway than expected

5

Ann Zb June 2023

Really was back roads!! Interesting.

5

Leng June 2023

Good service, enjoyed the sights and places we visited, most of all great company

5

Anonymous June 2023

This was an awesome trip.

5

Anonymous October 2022

The background knowledge and experience of the guide added much to the enjoyment of the tour. There was less focus on trendy aspects of the sites visited, and a deeper examination of all things...

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5

Anonymous October 2022

Very good, very friendly and well guided

1

Anonymous October 2022

Very poor choice of hotels. Repetitive and boring activities.poor quality coach. Very poor Covid policy and implementation of basic Covid safety precautions.

4

Anonymous September 2022

see above................

1

Anonymous September 2022

Poor quality accommodation badly organised very poor itinerary.

4

Anonymous September 2022

I am willing to pay a bit extra for boutique hotels, back road experiences, very small groups, and one-on-one experiences: in that, Blue Roads delivers almost consistently!

4

Anonymous September 2022

Enjoyed cathedral visits.
Interesting going to Lindisfarne.
Liked seeing different landscapes.
Enjoyed travelling with a varied group of people.

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Trip notes icon
Download tour notes

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.

FAQs

The weather in England is famously unpredictable! Generally, summer can be warm and sunny but rain and cloudy skies are still possible. Autumn and winter are cool, wet and windy. We suggest packing for changeable weather – layers, an umbrella and a trusty raincoat will be essential.  

Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.  

Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day. It’s common for kettles to be included in rooms in England, ready for you to make a refreshing cup of English tea! 

Currently, this tour is available in one direction. We’ll start our journey in majestic Edinburgh and trace our way down the East of England, before finishing our travels in vibrant London. 

All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!

Download tour notes

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