Highlights of Britain
London
Edinburgh
Highlights of Britain
Tour summary
11 days
England & Scotland
15 meals
18 guests (max)
Driver
Trip leader
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy
10 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation10 nights
Do you know where you’re most likely to encounter a cursed gravestone, a fat rascal and Europe's longest place name? On this Great British adventure, of course! Delve into centuries of spellbinding stories and bewitching historical quirks as we roam the rich landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. Slow down and soak it all up with us. We guarantee you’ll have more than a few tales to tell when your journey comes to an end...
Tour highlights
- Explore the scenic back roads of Britain’s most spectacular regions including the Cotswolds, Snowdonia National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District
- Step into a real-life medieval saga whilst wandering the Shambles and Snickelways of York
- Immerse yourself in the 17th-century grandeur and opulence of Castle Howard
- Tap your toes along to the iconic tunes of the Fab Four at The Beatles Story Museum
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - London (England)
Palaces dripping in historical intrigue. Streets thronged with iconic red buses. A bustling pub on every corner. London couldn’t be a more fitting place to embark on our tour of Britain! Begin by greeting your expert Tour Leader and the rest of your small group before we dig into our very first meal together. Uncover each other's back stories over the dinner table and say cheers to the adventure ahead!
Palaces dripping in historical intrigue. Streets thronged with iconic red buses. A bustling pub on every corner. London couldn’t be a more fitting place to embark on our tour of Britain! Begin by greeting your expert Tour Leader and the rest of your small group before we dig into our very first meal together. Uncover each other's back stories over the dinner table and say cheers to the adventure ahead!
Included today
Accommodation
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - London – Oxford – Cotswolds
After an energy-boosting breakfast with your group, we'll wave goodbye to the Big Smoke as we start our journey north. Our next stop’s skyline is equally as impressive as the capital’s – with twisting spires, majestic domes and more than a few grinning gargoyles.
Did you know that Oxford University is the second oldest university in the world? Or that the city served as the official capital for four years during the English Civil War? We’ll uncover plenty more historical nuggets as we walk in the footsteps of the colleges’ illustrious alumni – think Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll – on an orientation tour with our clued-up Tour Leader.
After a little free time to wander and grab some lunch (the city’s historic Covered Market is our top pick!), we’ll continue our journey west. Our path will take us through several of the idyllic old-world villages of the Cotswolds. Marvel at their honey-hued cottages forged from yellow limestone and soak up vistas of the undulating wolds. Then, a free evening awaits in Mickleton, where you'll find a choice of charming local pubs to dine in.
After an energy-boosting breakfast with your group, we'll wave goodbye to the Big Smoke as we start our journey north. Our next stop’s skyline is equally as impressive as the capital’s – with twisting spires, majestic domes and more than a few grinning gargoyles.
Did you know that Oxford University is the second oldest university in the world? Or that the city served as the official capital for four years during the English Civil War? We’ll uncover plenty more historical nuggets as we walk in the footsteps of the colleges’ illustrious alumni – think Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll – on an orientation tour with our clued-up Tour Leader.
After a little free time to wander and grab some lunch (the city’s historic Covered Market is our top pick!), we’ll continue our journey west. Our path will take us through several of the idyllic old-world villages of the Cotswolds. Marvel at their honey-hued cottages forged from yellow limestone and soak up vistas of the undulating wolds. Then, a free evening awaits in Mickleton, where you'll find a choice of charming local pubs to dine in.
Included today
Accommodation
Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Cotswolds – Stratford-Upon-Avon – Cotswolds
All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players! Today, our stage will be the storied streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon: the esteemed birthplace of William Shakespeare. Revel in remarkable tales of his life, loves and losses on a walking tour with your Tour Leader. If there’s time, we’ll pay homage to the playwright with a visit to his grave. Make sure you spare a minute to peruse the epitaph which is supposedly a curse written by Shakespeare himself...
This afternoon, there’s more exploring to be done in the delightful Cotswolds. We'll weave effortlessly along the region’s narrow lanes, stopping off at a few of your Tour Leader’s favourite villages. Broadway, often called the prettiest village in England, will likely be one of them. If the weather’s dry, stretch your legs with a walk to Broadway Tower: a charming hilltop folly where you’ll get your first glimpse of the cragged Welsh Mountains – tomorrow's final destination.
All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players! Today, our stage will be the storied streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon: the esteemed birthplace of William Shakespeare. Revel in remarkable tales of his life, loves and losses on a walking tour with your Tour Leader. If there’s time, we’ll pay homage to the playwright with a visit to his grave. Make sure you spare a minute to peruse the epitaph which is supposedly a curse written by Shakespeare himself...
This afternoon, there’s more exploring to be done in the delightful Cotswolds. We'll weave effortlessly along the region’s narrow lanes, stopping off at a few of your Tour Leader’s favourite villages. Broadway, often called the prettiest village in England, will likely be one of them. If the weather’s dry, stretch your legs with a walk to Broadway Tower: a charming hilltop folly where you’ll get your first glimpse of the cragged Welsh Mountains – tomorrow's final destination.
Included today
Accommodation
Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - Cotswolds – Worcester – Denbighshire (Wales)
Thrilling tales of the crusades fought by saints and kings are on the agenda today as we leave the Cotswolds behind for Worcester. Gaze up in awe at Worcester Cathedral’s intricately painted ceiling and feel the temperature drop as we venture down into its Norman-era Crypt of St Wulfstan: the Bishop of Worcester during the 11th century.
Following our medieval history fix, we’ll begin our scenic journey to Denbighshire – rolling through the serene Shropshire Hills where we'll make two memorable stops en route. Uncover an Olympic connection in the unassuming village of Much Wenlock and stand in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the UNESCO World Heritage Ironbridge Valley.
Wales’s Denbighshire region is known for its tiny, twisting country lanes – but we’ll make short work of them in our minicoach. When we do arrive at tonight’s hotel, you can expect a very warm welcome from the inn’s characterful owner who loves to personally greet every one of his guests.
Thrilling tales of the crusades fought by saints and kings are on the agenda today as we leave the Cotswolds behind for Worcester. Gaze up in awe at Worcester Cathedral’s intricately painted ceiling and feel the temperature drop as we venture down into its Norman-era Crypt of St Wulfstan: the Bishop of Worcester during the 11th century.
Following our medieval history fix, we’ll begin our scenic journey to Denbighshire – rolling through the serene Shropshire Hills where we'll make two memorable stops en route. Uncover an Olympic connection in the unassuming village of Much Wenlock and stand in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the UNESCO World Heritage Ironbridge Valley.
Wales’s Denbighshire region is known for its tiny, twisting country lanes – but we’ll make short work of them in our minicoach. When we do arrive at tonight’s hotel, you can expect a very warm welcome from the inn’s characterful owner who loves to personally greet every one of his guests.
Included today
Accommodation
The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 5 - Denbighshire – Snowdonia National Park – Denbighshire
Warning: not much will prepare you for the jaw-dropping beauty of Snowdonia National Park. This 823-square-mile tapestry of rugged peaks, shimmering lakes (known locally as lynns) and windswept coastline is the setting for today’s adventure – and you can expect plenty of imagination-stirring encounters.
Your Tour Leader will decide the specific route you’ll take but you can expect it to be steeped in local history and outstanding natural beauty. Cast your eyes across soaring summits in the charming mountain town of Betws-Y-Coed. Challenge yourself to a tongue twister in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – a village on the lovely Isle of Anglesey that’s famed for having Europe’s longest place name.
You might also feel your heart race a little while walking across the Pontcysyllte (pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay) Aqueduct – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s suspended 40 metres above the tumbling rapids of the River Dee. Then, we’ll retrace our steps back to the hotel for another sumptuous group meal and an after-dinner surprise...
Warning: not much will prepare you for the jaw-dropping beauty of Snowdonia National Park. This 823-square-mile tapestry of rugged peaks, shimmering lakes (known locally as lynns) and windswept coastline is the setting for today’s adventure – and you can expect plenty of imagination-stirring encounters.
Your Tour Leader will decide the specific route you’ll take but you can expect it to be steeped in local history and outstanding natural beauty. Cast your eyes across soaring summits in the charming mountain town of Betws-Y-Coed. Challenge yourself to a tongue twister in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – a village on the lovely Isle of Anglesey that’s famed for having Europe’s longest place name.
You might also feel your heart race a little while walking across the Pontcysyllte (pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay) Aqueduct – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s suspended 40 metres above the tumbling rapids of the River Dee. Then, we’ll retrace our steps back to the hotel for another sumptuous group meal and an after-dinner surprise...
Included today
Accommodation
The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 - Denbighshire – Liverpool (England) – York
We’ll get a little help from our friends at The Beatles Story Museum today as we swap the picture-perfect Welsh countryside for the hustle and bustle of Liverpool. Get into the Beatlemania spirit while touring the museum’s musical displays, including stepping foot in a recreation of the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Afterwards, there’ll be free time to explore Liverpool’s Grade I-listed Royal Albert Docks. Once one of the UK’s busiest dock complexes during Victorian times, it’s now a hub of culture and cuisine – complete with its very own Tate art gallery.
This afternoon, our route takes us east to York. But before we immerse ourselves in fearsome Viking tales, we’ll sweep through the wild moors and rippling hills of the Pennines. Close your eyes and picture the Brontë sisters sipping tea in the parlour of the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth. And admire a remarkable feat of 18th-century engineering at Bingley Five Rise Locks, where we’ll (hopefully!) glimpse a canal boat manoeuvring between its connecting locks.
We’ll get a little help from our friends at The Beatles Story Museum today as we swap the picture-perfect Welsh countryside for the hustle and bustle of Liverpool. Get into the Beatlemania spirit while touring the museum’s musical displays, including stepping foot in a recreation of the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Afterwards, there’ll be free time to explore Liverpool’s Grade I-listed Royal Albert Docks. Once one of the UK’s busiest dock complexes during Victorian times, it’s now a hub of culture and cuisine – complete with its very own Tate art gallery.
This afternoon, our route takes us east to York. But before we immerse ourselves in fearsome Viking tales, we’ll sweep through the wild moors and rippling hills of the Pennines. Close your eyes and picture the Brontë sisters sipping tea in the parlour of the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth. And admire a remarkable feat of 18th-century engineering at Bingley Five Rise Locks, where we’ll (hopefully!) glimpse a canal boat manoeuvring between its connecting locks.
Included today
Accommodation
The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 - York
Treat yourself to a full English breakfast this morning – you'll need the extra energy for a busy day of exploring extraordinary York. History echoes off every cobblestone of this incredible city. Soak up stirring stories of old during an orientation walk with your Tour Leader, slipping down enchantingly narrow Snickleways, past the crooked 13th-century cottages of the Shambles and emerging in the shadow of the monumental York Minster.
The rest of the day is free for you to dive further into the city’s many allures. Experience Viking tales come to life in the interactive Jorvik Centre museum. Walk in the footsteps of medieval sentries on the impeccably preserved York City Walls. Or sink your teeth into a fat rascal – a traditional scone bursting with juicy currants and zesty citrus – at the quintessentially Yorkshire tearoom, Bettys.
Our final night in York is yours to do with as you wish. The city has a fantastic independent food scene – just ask your Tour Leader for suggestions for tonight’s dinner.
Treat yourself to a full English breakfast this morning – you'll need the extra energy for a busy day of exploring extraordinary York. History echoes off every cobblestone of this incredible city. Soak up stirring stories of old during an orientation walk with your Tour Leader, slipping down enchantingly narrow Snickleways, past the crooked 13th-century cottages of the Shambles and emerging in the shadow of the monumental York Minster.
The rest of the day is free for you to dive further into the city’s many allures. Experience Viking tales come to life in the interactive Jorvik Centre museum. Walk in the footsteps of medieval sentries on the impeccably preserved York City Walls. Or sink your teeth into a fat rascal – a traditional scone bursting with juicy currants and zesty citrus – at the quintessentially Yorkshire tearoom, Bettys.
Our final night in York is yours to do with as you wish. The city has a fantastic independent food scene – just ask your Tour Leader for suggestions for tonight’s dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8 - York – Castle Howard – Lake District
We’ll leave medieval York behind this morning and jump forward a few hundred years at Castle Howard. This glorious 17th-century English estate has some serious curb appeal, with its Baroque-style frontage embellished with exquisitely carved coronets, cyphers and cherubs a true feast for the eyes.
Wander the castle’s grand rooms and gaze up at the whimsically painted ceiling of its 70-foot dome before riding the free road train through the splendid grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for the tinkling Atlas Fountain and the Temple of the Four Winds – a hilltop folly originally built as a reading and writing nook.
Next, our path will take us through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, winding us past tumbling rivers, through lush valleys and into tiny villages that appear trapped in time. Cricket fans will strike lucky with a stop in Thirsk – the birthplace of Thomas Lord, founder of Lord’s Cricket Ground. And if there’s time, we’ll also make a small detour to the Ribble Valley to witness the Grade II Ribblehead Viaduct snaking its way across the heather-dusted moors.
The final chapter of today’s adventure sees us entering the legendary Lake District. Marvel at the verdant scenery as we glide effortlessly down twisting country lanes towards our hotel. Tonight, we’ll settle in for a delicious group dinner with a lovely view of Lake Windermere – England's largest lake.
We’ll leave medieval York behind this morning and jump forward a few hundred years at Castle Howard. This glorious 17th-century English estate has some serious curb appeal, with its Baroque-style frontage embellished with exquisitely carved coronets, cyphers and cherubs a true feast for the eyes.
Wander the castle’s grand rooms and gaze up at the whimsically painted ceiling of its 70-foot dome before riding the free road train through the splendid grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for the tinkling Atlas Fountain and the Temple of the Four Winds – a hilltop folly originally built as a reading and writing nook.
Next, our path will take us through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, winding us past tumbling rivers, through lush valleys and into tiny villages that appear trapped in time. Cricket fans will strike lucky with a stop in Thirsk – the birthplace of Thomas Lord, founder of Lord’s Cricket Ground. And if there’s time, we’ll also make a small detour to the Ribble Valley to witness the Grade II Ribblehead Viaduct snaking its way across the heather-dusted moors.
The final chapter of today’s adventure sees us entering the legendary Lake District. Marvel at the verdant scenery as we glide effortlessly down twisting country lanes towards our hotel. Tonight, we’ll settle in for a delicious group dinner with a lovely view of Lake Windermere – England's largest lake.
Included today
Accommodation
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 9 - Lake District
Rugged mountain fells, tarns that sparkle in the sun and forests that hum with birdsong...it's no surprise that this spectacular region has been a muse for so many literary geniuses over the centuries!
With that in mind, it’s only fitting to start our day at Hill Top – the idyllic former holiday home of Beatrix Potter. Feel your inner child squeal with delight in the flower-filled gardens where miniature scenes from some of her most famous books nestle amongst the greenery. You can even flick through a few books (or buy some as souvenirs) in the house’s second-hand book nook.
More inspiring vistas await us this afternoon as we explore the heart of the Lake District – allowing your Tour Leader to personalise the route with their most beloved stops. Finally, we’ll end the day soaring across Windermere on a tranquil boat cruise. Soak up the serenity of the region as dusk settles over the soaring peaks, casting fantastical shadows on the water. Is this “the loveliest spot that man hath found” as William Wordsworth wrote? We certainly think so.
Rugged mountain fells, tarns that sparkle in the sun and forests that hum with birdsong...it's no surprise that this spectacular region has been a muse for so many literary geniuses over the centuries!
With that in mind, it’s only fitting to start our day at Hill Top – the idyllic former holiday home of Beatrix Potter. Feel your inner child squeal with delight in the flower-filled gardens where miniature scenes from some of her most famous books nestle amongst the greenery. You can even flick through a few books (or buy some as souvenirs) in the house’s second-hand book nook.
More inspiring vistas await us this afternoon as we explore the heart of the Lake District – allowing your Tour Leader to personalise the route with their most beloved stops. Finally, we’ll end the day soaring across Windermere on a tranquil boat cruise. Soak up the serenity of the region as dusk settles over the soaring peaks, casting fantastical shadows on the water. Is this “the loveliest spot that man hath found” as William Wordsworth wrote? We certainly think so.
Included today
Accommodation
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 10 - Lake District – Scottish Borders (Scotland)
We’ll hit the road early this morning – heading north through Northumbria towards bonnie Scotland. Before we cross the border though, it’s time to hunt for treasure in The Bowes Museum. This palatial art gallery sits on the fringes of Barnard Castle and its halls are stuffed with an eclectic collection of priceless art and antiques. And its crowning glory? A life-size silver clockwork swan that you won't believe dates to the 18th century!
As we creep ever closer to Scotland, we’ll stumble across one of the most northerly frontiers of the mighty Roman empire: Hadrian’s Wall. Hop off the minicoach at Birdoswald Roman Fort, which sprawls on the longest remaining stretch of the wall, to unearth stories of the brave soldiers who once lived within its ruins.
Then, one last group dinner awaits at our hotel in the rugged Scottish Borders. On tonight’s menu? A traditional Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties, of course! Before you tuck in, your ears will be treated to the moving notes of the bagpipes – a fitting end to our very British romp.
We’ll hit the road early this morning – heading north through Northumbria towards bonnie Scotland. Before we cross the border though, it’s time to hunt for treasure in The Bowes Museum. This palatial art gallery sits on the fringes of Barnard Castle and its halls are stuffed with an eclectic collection of priceless art and antiques. And its crowning glory? A life-size silver clockwork swan that you won't believe dates to the 18th century!
As we creep ever closer to Scotland, we’ll stumble across one of the most northerly frontiers of the mighty Roman empire: Hadrian’s Wall. Hop off the minicoach at Birdoswald Roman Fort, which sprawls on the longest remaining stretch of the wall, to unearth stories of the brave soldiers who once lived within its ruins.
Then, one last group dinner awaits at our hotel in the rugged Scottish Borders. On tonight’s menu? A traditional Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties, of course! Before you tuck in, your ears will be treated to the moving notes of the bagpipes – a fitting end to our very British romp.
Included today
Accommodation
Woodland House Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 11 - Scottish Borders – Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel – Edinburgh
We’ve got two more highlights in store for you before we round off our tour in the history-rich Scottish capital. First up is Abbotsford House that’s perched upon a stunning section of the River Tweed near Melrose. Countless literary masterpieces were penned within its walls by Sir Walter Scott – it's former owner during the 19th century.
With our creative juices flowing, we’ll move onto the intriguing Rosslyn Chapel. The eagle eyed among you might recognise it from the Da Vinci Code (both the novel and the film). We’ll inspect its intricately carved interiors, whose mysterious patterns and symbols have long baffled historians, before we board our luxury minicoach one last time.
Edinburgh might be our tour’s final stop – but where will your journey take you next? You could continue your Gaelic chapter on our Scottish Journey tour. Or why not unlock more unexpected British experiences on our Enchanting Eastern England escape?
We’ve got two more highlights in store for you before we round off our tour in the history-rich Scottish capital. First up is Abbotsford House that’s perched upon a stunning section of the River Tweed near Melrose. Countless literary masterpieces were penned within its walls by Sir Walter Scott – it's former owner during the 19th century.
With our creative juices flowing, we’ll move onto the intriguing Rosslyn Chapel. The eagle eyed among you might recognise it from the Da Vinci Code (both the novel and the film). We’ll inspect its intricately carved interiors, whose mysterious patterns and symbols have long baffled historians, before we board our luxury minicoach one last time.
Edinburgh might be our tour’s final stop – but where will your journey take you next? You could continue your Gaelic chapter on our Scottish Journey tour. Or why not unlock more unexpected British experiences on our Enchanting Eastern England escape?
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Worth noting:
Considering a September tour? Note that selected departures will visit York Minster instead of Worcester Cathedral. And if you’re travelling on selected dates in March, April and July, you’ll explore Kiplin Hall instead of Castle Howard.
Things we think you'll love

A bagpiper's sweet melody
Settle in your plush chair at as a local bagpiper plays his tune just for us. The melodic notes will fill the room as we tuck into a feast of traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties.

17th-century grandeur
Roam through the grounds of 17th-century Castle Howard like a duke or duchess, twirling through grand halls and vibrant gardens alike.

Labyrinths of medieval passageways
Roar like a Viking through the medieval streets that make up the maze of York's Shambles and Snickelways.
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

Anonymous May 2025
It was even better than we had hoped. Great itinerary, and we had a great tour guide and driver. We our looking at future Back-Roads (Back Roads) tours.
Anonymous April 2025
The Highlights of Britain was a great tour. I would give it a 4.75 The itinerary matched up closely to where we wanted to go and see. The small group tour worked out well. The group was very...
Read full reviewAnonymous December 2024
Excellent tour. Outstanding Tour Director Peter Wilson. Peter was informative and pleasant and friendly.
Anonymous November 2024
Backroads Tour - Highlights of Britain BHBLE4 – 13 to 23-October 2024
Great tour from start to finish.
Our tour commenced with welcome dinner at the Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid in London. Our...
Read full reviewGeraldine Ba November 2024
So many sights and so much history. The tour was amazing and the size of the group was perfect. Our friendly tour guide and bus driver were absolutely brilliant. Loved it so much I've already...
Read full reviewMichael K November 2024
Great Guide, Safe Driver, good selection of excursions and enjoyable company on the bus.
Anonymous November 2024
We enjoyed the tour. It was a great time and like the fact that he had two days some places and free time to explore. The tour guide was fantastic and knowledgeable about the history of England. The...
Read full reviewAnn Lo November 2024
Fantastic guided tour with comfortable and varied accommodation as we experienced truly breathtaking and unique scenery along our ten day tour of the UK. Ben highlighted the relevant, pertinent...
Read full reviewAnonymous November 2024
Learning about the history of England,
By going to cathedral churches and castles. Art Gallery in the cities was great.
Where famous people lived.
The history of Queens and Kings over the centuries
Anonymous October 2024
Well organised bus tour. Loved that it was a small group and that we stayed in small villages . Most of the accommodation choices were fabulous. . Our guide was brilliant, very knowledgeable and...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
This tour was enjoyable as well lead by the Tour guide and driver as a combined team
Team knowledge was great on all areas we visited - good work and efforts by them !
Supplied meals at venues...
Craig Wh October 2024
The tour with Back roads was the best holiday experience my wife and I have had. Peter our tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of information about each destination and also was very...
Read full reviewMichael Ch October 2024
Our tour promised a backroads experience and that is what we got. During the tour we visited a surprising number of diverse, interesting places; this exceeded my expectations. We also experienced...
Read full reviewPamela Da October 2024
The tour was exceptional
Great leader Charlie.
Attention to detail and very capable
People skills brilliant
Made every effort to ensure comfort and his knowledge very comprehensive.
Would give him 5...
Neil Wa October 2024
Good tour regarding the routes and visits. Great guide with factual history, etc.
Anonymous October 2024
I enjoyed my Tour with Back Roads.
Visiting the history Construction Old Buildings and traveling along coastal areas by the sea and rivers.
It was amazing to go to the Castles and Churches in...
Anonymous October 2024
Mostly very pleased with the trip. However, some of the hotels were not very good, amenities lacking and not always very clean.
Otherwise everything went well. Praise for the tour director and the...
Gail F October 2024
Impressive Tour Guide and driver. Loved every Back Road stop and visit. The itinerary was well thought out and fun to follow.
Anonymous October 2024
Tour guide Charlie was fantastic but the sites visited on the tour were not very interesting. If you really want to see the highlights go on a tour that stops at the highlights ! Most of the Inns...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
Was a great tour. We found that some places where too long, others were too short. Have been before so saw different things in towns. Wasn’t pleasant walking round in rain, with not much to do. Should...
Read full reviewKirsten Wh October 2024
The tour ran so smoothly. The places, the beautiful and scenic back roads travelled, the hotels, meals, our tour guide and driver all made for a most wonderful experience. I couldn't rate it highly...
Read full reviewMichael Ch October 2024
Our tour from London to Edinbough provided a real backroads view of many interesting and scenic areas of GB. For me, I often wanted to stay longer at places that we stopped at. However, I know that...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
we were onlly 2 americans on tour of 18. all others were australians. they were very friendly and had a great tie. tour guide Justin was sensitive to clients needs and very knowledgeable and fun to...
Read full reviewPauline October 2024
Stunning scenery around every corner. Five star hotels, small group made for a nice pace. Too much ancient history. I would have liked to hear about their economy, topography of the land, etc..
Anonymous October 2024
We really enjoyed our tour. The itinerary was great, and our tour guide and driver were exceptional. It was fantastic to get to see and do so many things without having to worry ourselves about travel...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
Fantastic tour! Charlie and Mark were superb!!
Anonymous October 2024
One of the best tours, especially the input
By Tony
Anonymous October 2024
Interesting sites visited. Main issue was time spent on the bus but expected due to the distance travelled from London to Edinburgh. Arrival at 5:00-5:30 pm at hotels gave little time to relax before...
Read full reviewDenise Gr October 2024
I very much enjoyed my holiday travelling through the beautiful countryside and seeing some wonderful attractions and cathedrals along the way.My tour director Tony was very informative and the coach...
Read full reviewChris S October 2024
We didn't know what to really expect other than having seen many positive reviews of the tour. The tour says 'back roads ' and indeed it is! And what a way to see rural Great Britain. Virtually no...
Read full reviewJane October 2024
An amazing tour. Our tour guide Tony was outstanding and made the trip so much fun with lots of info and history and traveling off the beaten path. He always answered questions and made us feel...
Read full reviewRoslyn Ho October 2024
Great time by one and all very glad l went and spent time with my sister travelling England and Ireland
Anonymous September 2024
Great tour, very interesting. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. The driver was brilliant
Anonymous September 2024
We had a great time on the Highlights of Britain back-roads tour. Our guide, Ben Sims, was super knowlegeable and learning about the things we saw made the experience even better. We will definitely...
Read full reviewAngela Ha September 2024
Lovely trip great itinerary. Hotels nice. Great tour guide Justin Driver Matt was great on the narrow roads especially for his first tour
Jo September 2024
We had a wonderful time on our Backroads Highlights of Britain tour! Our guide and driver were amazing, informative, friendly and extremely helpful.
Our accommodation and meals were good and the...
Anonymous September 2024
Was everything I expected. Saw many amazing sights. Was full on. Not a tour for the unfit, it was all go,go,go. Hotels were wonderful and they looked after us very well. Only hotel I was a little...
Read full reviewChris Dr September 2024
Excellent guide, driver and accommodation. The vehicle would have been better with more comfortable seats, but that was not significant. Many enjoyable highlights, but the hospitality at the Mulberry...
Read full reviewJulie St September 2024
Back Roads Tour offered and delivered on a thorough enjoyable, professionally run small bus trip holiday.
Both the Tour Leader Terry, and driver Steve were knowledgeable, courteous, very friendly...
Janet Hi September 2024
Wonderful tour guide. Destinations all worthwhile and hotels comfortable. Supplied meals were very good
Anonymous September 2024
Small group travel is ideal. Our guide and leader was interesting, very informative and well organised. We were all looked after very well. The hotels we stayed in were excellent.
We would have...
Branton an September 2024
we had a terrific experience with your Back Roads tour. Our guide Terry was amazing and very helpful and knowledgeable, loved all the history and the day trips.
Colin Pr September 2024
Enjoyed all of it
Carol Th September 2024
As first time travellers to the UK, this tour was a great way to see the “highlights” of the United Kingdom. August was a good time to go because we had the best weather.
Trevor Wi September 2024
Tony our guide was very knowledgeable and was attentive to all our needs.
Adele Wi September 2024
Loved this trip and especially our wonderful guide Tony Wade. He made all the sites come alive with his history narrative. The guests were all so friendly. Accommodation were all great and even the...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Fantastic
Erika September 2024
We enjoyed seeing the beautiful countryside. Darren our tour guide excellent.
Knowledgeable, approachable, well organised but flexible and nothing was too much trouble.
But the star of the show was...
Anonymous August 2024
This was a great experience. (This was our first trip to the northern hemisphere). We had a fantastic tour guide and driver who were very knowledgeable and informative. We had a small group of mostly...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
I would do another Backroads Tour

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 UK’s weather can be unpredictable (even in summer!), so we suggest packing plenty of layers and bringing a trusty raincoat.
This specific tour is a one-way journey. However, you could hop on our Enchanting Eastern England tour which begins in Edinburgh and ends in London. Or why not combine the two to see even more of the UK?
If you don’t want your UK story to end, you could combine it with one of three other tours: Enchanting Eastern England, Corners of Cornwall and A Scottish Journey.
The locations you’ll explore in the charming Cotswolds are entirely up to your Tour Leader and will depend on a few factors – including the weather and the traffic conditions. But rest assured, you’ll get to soak up the storybook-perfect cottages and cobbled lanes of at least a few of its bucolic villages.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
Download tour notesThis tour can be combined with
A Scottish Journey
From $4,509
Enchanting Eastern England
From $3,259
Corners of Cornwall
From $3,199
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Code: BHBLE5