Britain’s Historic North: A 7-Day Autumn & Winter Tour - IzzyTrip

Britain’s Historic North: A 7-Day Autumn & Winter Tour

  • London
  • Air-conditioned coach
  • 3*** Hotels
  • October - April
  • Historic, Scenic, Cultural
  • Continental breakfast
  • English
  • 1-45

Overview

This 7-day tour is a great way to see some of the UK’s most well-known cities, towns, and countryside during the quieter autumn and winter months. Starting in London, you’ll travel by coach through historic university towns, medieval landmarks, and scenic national parks — all with the convenience of pre-arranged transport, hotels, and a guide.

You’ll visit Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, with stops at famous places like Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and the Lake District. There’s also time for shopping at Bicester Village, exploring Shakespeare’s hometown, and relaxing with optional activities like punting or a river cruise. 

The tour includes a mix of guided activities and free time, making it a flexible option for travellers who want structure without being tied to a rigid itinerary.

Highlights

  • London landmarks lit up in autumn/winter
  • Edinburgh Castle in misty weather
  • Snowy views in Lake District
  • Stonehenge under winter skies
  • Bicester Village shopping scenes
  • York’s medieval walls and York Minster

Itinerary

Explore the UK’s iconic cities and countryside during the cozier seasons — from literary landmarks to lake views and medieval towns.

Day 1 :
London

  • Guided coach tour: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, St James’s Park
  • Optional: Lunch in Chinatown, St Paul’s Cathedral entry, Thames River Cruise or West End musical
  • Visit the British Museum
  • Drive-by views: Tower of London, Tower Bridge
  • Overnight in London or nearby

Breakfast
Day 2 :
London → Cambridge → York (350 km)

  • Orientation in Cambridge: King’s College, Queen’s College, bridges and green spaces
  • Optional: Punting experience on the River Cam, Traditional afternoon tea in a historic teahouse
  • Souvenir shopping: Cambridge University-themed gifts and apparel 
  • Continue to York
  • Visit York Minster
  • Walk the medieval city walls
  • Free time to explore boutique shops and medieval lanes
  • Overnight in York or nearby

Breakfast
Day 3 :
York → Edinburgh → Glasgow (400 km)

  • Afternoon arrival in Edinburgh
  • Visit Holyrood Palace and City Hall
  • Optional: Edinburgh Castle (pre-booking required; book for 1–2 PM), Coffee at The Elephant House Café, Seafood hotpot dinner
  • Explore Edinburgh’s historic centre
  • Evening transfer to Glasgow
  • Overnight in Glasgow or nearby

Breakfast
Day 4 :
Glasgow → Gretna Green → Lake District → Manchester (360 km)

  • Morning drive to Gretna Green: Scotland’s famous wedding village
  • Continue to the Lake District National Park
  • Optional: Lake Windermere Cruise & Train ride, or visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
  • Scenic drive through lakes, hills and villages
  • Arrive in Manchester
  • Optional: Manchester United Old Trafford visit
  • Free time for shopping or dinner in Chinatown
  • Overnight in Manchester or nearby

Breakfast
Day 5 :
Manchester → Stratford-upon-Avon → Bicester Village → Swindon (340 km)

  • Optional: Explore Stratford-upon-Avon, including Shakespeare’s Birthplace
  • Stroll through cobblestone streets and see historic pubs and theatres
  • Continue to Bicester Village: leisure time for designer outlet shopping (130+ boutiques)
  • Overnight in Swindon or nearby

Breakfast
Day 6 :
Swindon → Bibury → Bath → Swindon (120 km)

  • Morning visit to Bibury: England’s “most beautiful village”
  • Photo stops and free time for a short walk
  • Drive to Bath: Royal Crescent, Jane Austen Centre, and city walk
  • Optional: Visit the Roman Baths, Afternoon tea on the Avon River
  • Return to Swindon
  • Overnight in Swindon or nearby

Breakfast
Day 7 :
Swindon → Stonehenge → Windsor → London (205 km)

  • Depart for Stonehenge: optional entry to the world-famous prehistoric site
  • Continue to Windsor: visit Windsor Castle (optional) and St George’s Chapel
  • Scenic drive back to London
  • The tour ends in London in the evening

Breakfast

Cost

Adult

7-day, 6-night tour per person with shared room: $1370

Single room supplement: additional $108/person per night

Compulsory tipping: £10/day [~$18]

Optional activities: Same prices as adults unless otherwise specified (some attractions may offer child discounts)

Compulsory tipping: £10/day [~$18, same as adults]

Tour price: FREE

Conditions: No coach seat (must sit on lap), shares a room with two adults, no extra bed or meals included

Cost

The Cost Includes

  • Coach transport
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels
  • Continental breakfast daily
  • English-speaking tour leader and licensed driver
  • Orientation walks in key cities
  • City taxes and tolls
  • Luggage allowance (1 suitcase up to 30kg per person + 1 carry-on)

The Cost Excludes

  • Flights to/from London
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Mandatory tipping: £10/day, payable for adult and child (paid in cash, total £70)

Booking Information & Process

How to Book

  • Choose your departure date (weekly departures)
  • Fill out the booking form
  • Pay to confirm your seat
  • You’ll receive your tour voucher

Note: Please ensure you review your visa conditions and arrange your flights well in advance.

Payment Options: PayPal, Credit or Debit card, Bank Transfer

Cancellation Policy

  • Free changes or refund up to 16 days before departure

Read our full cancellation & refund policy.

Check out available dates

Britain’s Historic North: A 7-Day Autumn & Winter Tour
  • Guaranteed Available Packages
    Sunday
    27th September 2026
    Saturday
    3rd October 2026
    USD1,166
  • Guaranteed Available Packages
    Sunday
    4th October 2026
    Saturday
    10th October 2026
    USD1,166
  • Guaranteed Available Packages
    Sunday
    11th October 2026
    Saturday
    17th October 2026
    USD1,166
  • Guaranteed Available Packages
    Sunday
    18th October 2026
    Saturday
    24th October 2026
    USD1,166
  • Guaranteed Available Packages
    Sunday
    25th October 2026
    Saturday
    31st October 2026
    USD1,166

Frequently Asked Questions

How much walking is involved?

This is a coach-based tour, but most city visits include 1–2 hours of walking. Expect cobblestone streets in York, Edinburgh, and Bath. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Do I need to pre-book attraction tickets?

Yes, for popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle. Links and recommended time slots will be provided in your pre-departure info.

What kind of accommodation is included?

You’ll stay in clean, comfortable 3–4 star hotels just outside major city centers. Rooms include private bathrooms and daily housekeeping. Breakfast is included each day.

Is there time for shopping or personal sightseeing?

Yes! Free time is included in places like York, Edinburgh, Bicester Village, and Bath. You can also skip optional group activities to explore solo.

What currency should I bring?

The UK uses the British Pound (£), which you will need for personal expenses. Optional activity fees and daily tips must be paid in cash (euros, €) to the tour guide.

How much luggage can I bring?

Each person may bring one suitcase (max 30kg) and one carry-on. Due to coach space limitations, we ask that you do not exceed these limits.

Are meals included?

Daily continental breakfast is included. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense — perfect for discovering local cuisine in each destination.

Do I have to join the optional activities?

Not at all. Optional excursions are completely up to you. If you’d rather explore independently, your guide will give you clear meeting points and times.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 2+ are welcome, but please note some longer travel days (up to 6 hours with rest stops). Infants under 2 travel free without a coach seat.

From USD1,166
/ Adult
    • Best Value
    • No Booking Fees
    • Professional Local Guide

Need help with booking? Send Us A Message

Featured Tours

London’s Oxford Street glowing with Christmas lights and red double-decker buses — festive atmosphere on IzzyTrip’s London city tours.

,

,

, ,
Alhambra Palace reflecting pool and Moorish arches in Granada Spain

,

Latest blog posts

Stay in Touch

Sign up for our newsletter to get helpful travel tips, new tour launches, and special offers — straight to your inbox