British Escape with Return to London

British Escape with Return to London

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8 Days From

$1850

British Escape with Return to London

8 Days Starting and ending in London, England

Visiting: London, Liverpool, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KAFX-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1850

NB: Prices correct on 12-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "British Escape with Return to London" tour, a captivating journey through England and Scotland. Begin in London with iconic sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, then venture to the ancient marvel of Stonehenge and the historic Roman Baths in Bath. Explore Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoy free time in Liverpool. Experience the scenic beauty of the Lake District, visit Wordsworth's Grasmere, and witness the romantic history of Gretna Green. In Edinburgh, discover the city's rich heritage with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Scotland's Crown Jewels. Conclude your adventure with a first-class train ride back to London.

Highlights

  • Morning sightseeing in London including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace

  • Guided visit to Stonehenge

  • Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths in Bath

  • Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

  • Scenic drive through the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Visit Wordsworth’s beloved village of Grasmere and sample the original Grasmere gingerbread

  • City sightseeing in Edinburgh including a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels

Places You'll See

Millennium Gloucester

Park Plaza Waterloo

Double Tree By Hilton Bath

Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel

Edinburgh Castle

Buckingham Palace

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In London,England

Location: London

Accommodation Name: Millennium Gloucester or Park Plaza Waterloo

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to London! Tonight, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: London

Location: London

Accommodation Name: Millennium Gloucester or Park Plaza Waterloo

Meals Included: Breakfast

LONDON On The Town In London LONDON Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SITES England’s national treasure of St. Paul’s Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria’s jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

Day 3: London,Stonehenge,Bath

Location: London

Accommodation Name: Double Tree By Hilton Bath

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH Ancient Stones & Spa Days STONEHENGE Guided visit. BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths. (B,D) 136 mi / 219 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The traditions of one ancient Roman ritual are in full flow in Bath. Amid the remarkable Roman and Georgian architecture and the best-preserved Roman Baths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a good spa day is never hard to find in one of the “Best Spa Towns in Europe.” The city of Bath sits above geothermal springs that bubble up from the limestone below. Bath also turns up the heat with some of Britain's grandest Georgian buildings, a mecca for elite 18th-century society.

Day 4: Bath,Stratford-Upon-Avon,Liverpool

Location: Liverpool

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Meals Included: Breakfast

BATH–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LIVERPOOL The Great Bard & The Fab Four STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace.LIVERPOOL Free time this afternoon. (B) 222 mi / 357 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT If “the play’s the thing” then this is the place where the world’s greatest playwright’s story began. Experience the humble beginnings of the boy called Will Shakespeare and visit the house where he spent his childhood and his early years. See the artefacts such as a 400-year-old pair of gloves and a book of Shakespeare’s complete works, and wander through the beautiful garden.

Day 5: Liverpool,Grasmere,Gretna Green,Scotland,Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Meals Included: Breakfast

LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–EDINBURGH Secret Weddings & Gingerbread LAKE DISTRICT Scenic drive through the UNESCO World Heritage Site. GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth’s beloved village. [LF] Sample the original Grasmere gingerbread.GRETNA GREEN See where the blacksmith would wed runaway couples.EDINBURGH Free time this evening. (B) 239 mi / 384 kmLOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Sweeten the day with classic Grasmere gingerbread and hear the story of Sarah Nelson, the Victorian cook who invented the world famous cross between cake and biscuit in 1854.

Day 6: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

EDINBURGH Crown Jewels & Castle Views EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with an 11,000-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

Day 7: Edinburgh,London,England

Location: London

Accommodation Name: Millennium Gloucester or Park Plaza Waterloo

Meals Included: Breakfast

EDINBURGH–LONDON, ENGLAND Back To The Capital Board the Express train (first-class) to London.LONDON Free time. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS A favorite character in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice noted “London is so diverting; there is so much to entertain!” This is even more true today, from its panoramic views of wide-open spaces and leafy landscapes to its bustling British sense and sensibilities, museums, galleries, and iconic sights. Be enthralled by a dazzling show at one of the West End’s historic theaters, a fabulous bookend to your time in London.

Day 8: London

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Welcome Dinner

    A welcome dinner at your hotel on the first night in London.

  • Guided Sightseeing in London

    Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

  • Guided Visit to Stonehenge

    A guided visit to Stonehenge.

  • Visit to Roman Baths in Bath

    A visit to the excavations of the Roman Baths in Bath.

  • Visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

    A visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

  • Scenic Drive through Lake District

    A scenic drive through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lake District.

  • Visit to Grasmere

    A visit to Wordsworth’s beloved village of Grasmere and a sample of the original Grasmere gingerbread.

  • Visit to Gretna Green

    A visit to Gretna Green to see where the blacksmith would wed runaway couples.

  • City Sightseeing in Edinburgh

    Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

  • Farewell Dinner

    A farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Flights

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

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Personal Expenses

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

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

UNESCO Sites

City of Bath|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The English Lake District|Westminster Palace (Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret?s Church)

Accommodation

London: Millennium Gloucester, London: Park Plaza Waterloo, Bath: Double Tree By Hilton Bath, Liverpool: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Edinburgh: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Mode of Transport

Board the Express train (first-class) to London.

Notes

This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at various hotels: Millennium Gloucester and Park Plaza Waterloo in London, Double Tree By Hilton Bath in Bath, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool in Liverpool, and Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket in Edinburgh.

  • Will there be any guided tours during the trip?

    Yes, there will be several guided tours. In London, a Local Guide will take you to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. In Stonehenge, there will be a guided visit, and in Edinburgh, a Local Guide will show you the New Town, Old Town, and Edinburgh Castle.

  • Are there any special activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon, a scenic drive through the Lake District, a visit to Wordsworth’s beloved village of Grasmere with a sample of the original Grasmere gingerbread, and a visit to Gretna Green to see where the blacksmith would wed runaway couples.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes various meals throughout the trip. On the first day, there is a welcome dinner at the hotel in London. Breakfast is provided daily, and there are additional meals such as lunch and dinner on specific days, including a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh.

  • Is there any free time during the tour?

    Yes, there is free time included in the itinerary. For example, on the second day in London, you will have free time in the afternoon. In Liverpool, there is free time in the afternoon, and in Edinburgh, you will have free time in the evening and afternoon on different days.

  • How will we travel from Edinburgh to London?

    You will board the Express train (first-class) from Edinburgh to London.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day of the tour, your vacation ends with breakfast in London.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

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

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025
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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.

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