Heart of England
London
London
Heart of England
Tour summary
6 days
England
8 meals
18 guests (max)
Driver
Trip leader
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy 5 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation
5 nights
Step into storybook England, where Oxford enchants with its ‘dreaming spires’ and Bath inspires with its Roman and Georgian architecture. Trace Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon as you visit his timbered childhood home. Indulge in the sweet and savoury delights of high tea in the charming Cotswolds. And pause in Lacock Abbey, where hushed cloisters whisper of movie magic and centuries past. Delve into the heart of England with us, where your next chapter is ready to begin.
Tour highlights
- Visit the childhood home and final resting place of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Enjoy high tea at a charming village nestled amongst the Cotswolds
- Discover the rich culture and extraordinary architecture of Bath
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - London (England)
After meeting the group in England’s vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
After meeting the group in England’s vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - London – Oxford – Stratford-upon-Avon
After breakfast, we’ll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we’ll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city’s streets over the years with a locally guided walking tour. Then: we’ll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages. We’ll enjoy some free time to stroll the elegant terraced High Street of Chipping Campden – before tucking into another delicious group dinner at our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.
After breakfast, we’ll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we’ll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city’s streets over the years with a locally guided walking tour. Then: we’ll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages. We’ll enjoy some free time to stroll the elegant terraced High Street of Chipping Campden – before tucking into another delicious group dinner at our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Included today
Accommodation
Swan’s Nest Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 3 - Stratford-upon-Avon – Cotswolds – Stratford-upon-Avon
The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage today when we pay a visit to the playwright’s timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway’s pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! We’ll have some time to enjoy lunch at our leisure – before we explore some picturesque Cotswolds hamlets this afternoon. This evening will be ours to spend at our leisure.
The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage today when we pay a visit to the playwright’s timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway’s pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! We’ll have some time to enjoy lunch at our leisure – before we explore some picturesque Cotswolds hamlets this afternoon. This evening will be ours to spend at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Swan’s Nest Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - Stratford-upon-Avon – Lacock – Bath
Day four promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or The Other Boleyn Girl. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we’ll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true ‘wow’ factor, where we’ll make ourselves at home for our final two nights. This evening, we’ll spend exploring Bath at our own pace.
Day four promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or The Other Boleyn Girl. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we’ll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true ‘wow’ factor, where we’ll make ourselves at home for our final two nights. This evening, we’ll spend exploring Bath at our own pace.
Included today
Accommodation
The Abbey Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 - Bath
After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we’ll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain’s only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you’d prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath’s proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops. At our last dinner together, we’ll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories.
After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we’ll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain’s only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you’d prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath’s proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops. At our last dinner together, we’ll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories.
Included today
Accommodation
The Abbey Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 - Bath – Longleat House and Avebury – London
The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat House blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it’s here that we’ll start the day. We’ll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we’ll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London.
The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat House blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it’s here that we’ll start the day. We’ll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we’ll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love
A lady's high tea
Cradle a warm china teacup in your hands as you sip on English tea in the comfort of a 15th-century family home nestled in the Cotswolds. Whilst you relax, your elegant hostess will share fables of the local area.
Shakespeare's home town
Stroll where famed literary hero strolled in the quaint town of Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting Shakespeare's childhood home and final resting spot.
Bath's architectural timelines
Travel through time in Bath, where Roman and Georgian architecture blend together in a stunning and sophisticated way.
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo
Wendy Wi July 2025
The Backroads Heart of England tour was wonderful and my highlights was the Shakespeare history in Stratford Upon Avon and the gorgeous Cotswold villages and the yellow stone dwellings.
Anonymous July 2025
The Back Roads Tour, The Heart of England, was absolutely wonderful. Our guide, John Kerr and driver, Dan, were exceptional. We were well informed of the background stories to the places we visited...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2025
Well paced, well organised, well informed.
Excellent tour guide Terry Gibson and driver Ashley.
Thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Liked the small group.
Would recommend to all.
Alexis Vi June 2025
The Heart of England Back Road Tour was great, I saw some amazing places in the UK.
The Tour guide was informative and friendly and the Driver was great. A very memorable trip for my first time in...
Susan Id June 2025
This tour was more than we expected
Our bus was lovely and our tour guide Terry was absolutely amazing.
I would definitely tour with Back Roads again
Angela Ma May 2025
As we were due to do a cruise around the British Isles, this tour was the perfect add on to see this beautiful part of the country. We couldn’t have been more impressed by the gorgeous scenery and...
Read full reviewCarol K May 2025
Absolutely loved the tour! The small group is the way to go. You get personalized attention from the tour guide and you get to know your group.
Seeing the Cotswolds was the best- very beautiful...
Anonymous April 2025
Excellent value and experience
Jennifer Gr October 2024
This tour is wonderful. The places we went to were spectacular. It's hard to pick favourites, but mine were the Cotswolds and Bath.
I had an amazing time and as a solo traveller I was welcomed and...
Anonymous October 2024
Guide Terry Gibson (and driver Phil) were outstanding and toook the best care of us all. The tour was well planned, the sites we visited were beautiful and well presented. Our high tea was amazing...
Read full reviewJon Fi October 2024
This was truly the best group tour I have ever been on. It was well organized, perfectly placed, very entertaining, and highly informative. The tour guide, Terry Gibson, was professional and helpful...
Read full reviewLyn October 2024
The tour was excellent. The highlight was the Cotswold villages with their stone houses, thatched roofs and running streams. Our tour guide and driver provided a fun atmosphere. Hotels were of a...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
Very well organized. Guide (Darren) and driver (Phil) simply the best. Fun tour. Enjoyed seeing the beautiful Cotswold villages and learning the history of the area.
Douglas Mc October 2024
Guide Darren and driver Phil treated us to a fact and fun filled week around the Cotswolds. Darren’s commentary and banter was well received and added to the enjoyment and knowledge of this beautiful...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
Our tour guide, Darren, and the driver Phil were both great. We never felt pressured to rush, and Darren was very knowledgeable and fun. Our only disappointment was the Wellington Blue Orchid Hotel...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Lovely villages, interesting history
Matthew Go September 2024
Charlie was outstanding.
Michael Ma September 2024
The tour takes you to great places. The Cotswalds and Bath are scenic wonders and if you had any relationship with Shakespeare in school,, Stratford on Avon may be the most fun. Our guides were very...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2024
Our tour guide, Lesley and driver, Dennis looked after us throughout the tour. Our bus was a great size and accessible to parking and areas larger buses wouldn’t be able to go, also easy to see out...
Read full reviewRobyn Ch June 2024
It was a most enjoyable tour. My special thanks to the Tour Leader and to the Tour Driver for all that they did for us. I was happy with the places we visited and were well covered, plus their...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2024
Will recommend this wonderful tour to all my friends.
Russell Smith
Sandra Ke May 2024
We were very much looking forward to this tour and in most aspects it did not disappoint. The beautiful countryside that we saw on the way to Oxford and in the Cotswold's was a feast for the eyes. A...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2024
Exceeds expectations
Anonymous April 2024
Well planned, good guide & driver.
A very happy tour.
I have done 7 tours with BRT now, all of a high standard of organisation & interest with flex ability when needed.
I have 2 more tours before I go...
Sybil Ma April 2024
The tour would be great for those who haven’t been to mid England before.
There was a huge amount of time by yourself to fill in. I would have preferred more to do eg be shown some of the local...
Anonymous April 2024
Easy paced
Very informative
Excellent accommodation
Well structured
Judi Ve October 2023
Cramped coach & the Wellington hotel VERY poor performance - it lets down the trip.
Cherryl Sp October 2023
It was really resonable for the type of small group. Driver & Guide made the trip special for us.
Susan He October 2023
It was wonderful. Only a small group. Our guide Rachel was perfect for the role.
Anonymous September 2023
Well worth the cost. Good value
Lauren Ba September 2023
Trip covered our most desired locations
Anonymous September 2023
Tour was great because of the places we visited.
Jennifer We September 2023
Excellent Tour!! I would recommend this tour and would use this company again.
Anonymous September 2023
Interesting places to see and good timing when travelling between them
Ruth We September 2023
This tour had almost everything we wanted to see. We would even consider taking it again.
Anonymous July 2023
Good value for the money!
Anonymous June 2023
Tour gave a taste of England outside of London, which we know well. Delightful towns, beautiful countryside, and fascinating history.
Anonymous October 2022
Very good guided tour both tour guide, drivers and fellow travellers
Brian Ga August 2022
Beautiful countryside with informative commentary from our guide.
Chester N September 2019
Beautiful countryside, history in our midst.
Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.
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!
Yes, during our time in Stratford-upon-Avon we pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s pretty, thatched cottage.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
Download tour notesThis tour can be combined with
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