England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026

England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026

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England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026

6 Days Starting in London and ending in Edinburgh

Visiting: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Liverpool, York, Lake District National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Carlisle, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBENMA26

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Charming castles, historic streets, lively cities and jaw-dropping natural beauty - this 6-day journey will show you all that England is known for and more. Live out your period drama dreams in Bath and Windsor. You’ll check out the world-famous Oxford, visit the birthplace of Shakespeare, tour the streets of Liverpool and soak in the historical feels in York & Carlisle. From north to south (and everything in between), this is the best of England.

Highlights

  • Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle.

  • Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.

  • Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford and the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world.

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that Shakespeare once called home, from his birthplace to where he was buried.

  • Liverpool: Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.

  • York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots, including highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.

  • Lake District: Experience the unfathomable beauty of endless green hills, serene lakes, and stone homes.

  • Hadrian's Wall: Take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire's impressive Hadrian's Wall.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London To Bristol Via Windsor And Bath

Location: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol

Accommodation Name: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Good morning dear Londonites! Meet your new crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves.Hello Windsor, at the top of our agenda today is obviously, getting a magnificent view of the royal Windsor Castle! Afterwards, you’ve got some free time. So why not strut like a royal around this beautiful town studded with gardens and riverside views. And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination.Ready? We’re going back in time. Because you’ve got some free time to explore this historical town. Visit the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, the Jane Austen museum or maybe do a canal cruise! (Go on, live your period drama dreams.)Welcome to the sea-side wonder of Bristol. Colourful buildings, crazy cliffs, beautiful bridges - you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats…you can drop your bags off at our hotel before we feast on some well-deserved dinner. Afterwards, you’re free to roam the streets for a night out with your newly-made friends.

Day 2: Bristol To Birmingham Via Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon

Location: Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham

Accommodation Name: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Time to wake up! We’ve got some more exploration to do. And you’ve got a delicious breakfast waiting for you. Today, you can choose to check out Bristol’s street art with a local guide before we make our way into Oxford!You’ve been dreaming about this. Haven’t you? We’re finally in THE Oxford - with its world-famous museums, libraries, churches and of course, University. You can even choose to roam around the river on a Punt. There's so much to be discovered here. So, it's a good thing you've got some free time in this quaint little town (that's also the home of Shakespeare!). In the evening, we'll head to our stop for the night - Birmingham.Hungry? We'll drop our bags off at the hotel and stroll around in the streets and grab a bite on the way. Get a good night's sleep because tomorrow, we're heading up North!

Day 3: Birmingham To Liverpool

Location: Birmingham, Liverpool

Accommodation Name: Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Birmingham, you’ve been grand. But we’ve got places to be. Grab some breakfast before we hop onto our coach once more.Welcome to Liverpool. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent as we take a guided walking tour. Afterwards, we’ll check into our cosy hotel, and then you’re free to do whatever you like. Heads up! Some departures will stay overnight in Manchester instead of Liverpool. Don't worry, you'll still have plenty of time to check out the city on a guided tour. Want more info? This will be confirmed in your travel documents closer to departure.

Day 4: Liverpool To York

Location: Liverpool, York

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lap up your last dose of Liverpool before we go back to the time of the Vikings... in the traditional walled city of York. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked.

Day 5: York To Carlisle Via Lake District And Hadrian's Wall

Location: York, Lake District National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Carlisle

Accommodation Name: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise and shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. Whatever you do, don't Google this place before we arrive. It will spoil the surprise of its unfathomable beauty. Endless green hills, 16 serene lakes & streets of stone homes will have you pining for the country life. We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. End the day in quaint and charming Carlisle, England's northern-most town before Scotland! Nothing like the northern air to cosy up and wake as fresh as a daisy the next morning for all our activities.

Day 6: Carlisle To Edinburgh

Location: Carlisle, Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh!Back in the 21st Century, we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh as our trip comes to an end. Don't forget to exchange those deets! We'll meet again for another soulful journey in a different destination.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 1 dinner and 5 breakfasts.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, and Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar).

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walking tours are included in Liverpool.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided by coach throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as canal cruises in Bath, punting in Oxford, and ghost tours in York are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort aboard a coach, making stops at iconic destinations including Windsor, Bath, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, York, and the Lake District, with guided tours and free time to explore.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable and centrally located hotels such as Ibis Bristol Centre, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock, and Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, ensuring a restful night's sleep after each day's adventures.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 5 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

  • Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot a royal if you're lucky.
  • Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
  • Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford. And also the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world!
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that this legendary literature writer once called home. From Shakespeare's birthplace to where we he was buried - you'll find clues about his life scattered everywhere in this town.
  • Liverpool: One for fans of The Beatles. Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.
  • York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transportation is provided by coach throughout the tour, ensuring comfortable and stylish travel between destinations.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in comfortable and centrally located hotels such as Ibis Bristol Centre, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, and Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar).

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 1 dinner and 5 breakfasts.

  • Are guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, guided walking tours are included in Liverpool.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities such as canal cruises in Bath, punting in Oxford, and ghost tours in York are available but not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts in London, England and ends in Edinburgh, Scotland.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights include visiting Windsor Castle, exploring Bath's historic architecture, wandering around Oxford, exploring Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, walking in the footsteps of The Beatles in Liverpool, discovering York's Viking and Roman roots, experiencing the beauty of the Lake District, and taking a drive to Hadrian's Wall.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with Barrhead?

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We look after you every step of the way.


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