coach tours in great britain

[email protected]

The Legends Tour

Come and learn about the legends of Liverpool – The Beatles as well as taking in the magnificent sights and attractions this wonderful city has to offer. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the River Mersey as well as a visit to the Wirral Peninsula with its charming villages and a visit to one of the most hidden gems of the region. The Hard Days Night Hotel just finishes the tour off with its Beatle theme aswell as being situated in Liverpool’s city centre. One not to be missed!

County Clare & The Cliffs Of Moher

Dorset delight.

A lovely coastal 5 day break in the beautiful resort of Bournemouth this fabulous tour includes a 90 minute cruise on a vintage motor yacht whilst enjoying a delicious Dorset Cream Tea and a relaxing steam train journey from Swanage to Norden. A delightful visit to the gem of Dorset.

Bournemouth

Simply the best.

We are a family run business with over 20 years’ experience in Coaching Holidays and hope you will enjoy browsing through our range of holidays that have been specially handpicked and tailored by ourselves. We truly believe you will be left with the most magnificent memories of your chosen holiday. From some of the most spectacular sceneries of Scotland and Ireland to the beautiful views of what Great Britain has to offer is captured within the tours. All our tours are escorted with a tour manager along with your driver to make your experience relaxed and enjoyable. Private Tours can also be arranged for individuals and smaller groups upon request.

Click here to request your copy!

New 2024 Brochure Out Now!

Find the perfect get away

Nearest pickup point.

Pickup Points

Find your day trip break today

Safety Measures

Upcoming Coach Tours

Potters Resort: Hopton On Sea

County Clare & The Cliffs Of Moher

Find your next incredible holiday.

Book now and secure your place

Upcoming Day Trips

Spalding Flower Parade

Rye & Rye Market

Royal Garden & River Cruise

Why Book With Us

With our extensive knowledge within the UK & Ireland and our personal professional service we guarantee you will always have a memoriable holiday.

All tours will be accompanied with a fully experienced driver and guide.

All tours are carefully hand picked to  fulfil a fun packed holiday with lasting memories.

Family run business offering a guaranteed friendly service throughout your booking.

Request A Brochure

By submitting your Email you are opting in to receive emails from Platinum Coach Tours.

Email Address

Providing great holidays for over 50 years

0191 514 5511

Mon-Sat : 9am-5pm

6-7 Park Lane

City of Sunderland

[email protected]

UK Coach Holidays

Coach holidays in the UK continue to go from strength to strength. From London to the Lake District and from Cardiff to the Cairngorms, the UK is packed with fantastic destinations. As a coach holiday specialist for over 50 years, no one is better placed to book your next coach holiday.

We have a range of coach tours and breaks across Great Britain from a wide choice of coach tour operators. We can offer everything for a 2-day break to a nearby city to a week-long break in your favourite seaside resort.

Increasingly popular are coach holidays to city and country destinations as opposed to just the traditional coastal resorts. Take in a choice of UK cities, visit a sporting event or concert or simply visit somewhere to take in the shopping and nightlife. Take the kids to theme parks such as Legoland and Alton Towers. The choices are endless.

Most coach holidays include accommodation with half board or bed and breakfast meal plans, excursions – which may also cover attraction tickets – travel and evening entertainment at some hotels.

Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, traditional seaside resorts, historical places of interest or bustling cities, Britain and Ireland have it all!

Seaside breaks could include the Isle of Wight, Torquay, Newquay and the traditional seaside towns of Blackpool or Scarborough.

North of the border, The Scottish Highlands and the Lochs offer some of Britain’s most unspoilt scenery.

Ireland really is the land of discovery with its rugged coastline and beautiful countryside. What better way to see some of the best scenery in Europe, than onboard a coach tour to the Emerald Isle.

With our vast experience in coaching holidays, we are sure to find the best coach holiday to meet your needs.

View offers

NEW Caledonian “Enjoy Britain, Ireland & Europe 2024” Brochures out now!

From £69.

Caledonian Travel 2024 Spring and Summer Brochures Out Now!

From £49.

Caledonian Enjoy Blackpool Mini Brochure 2023

From £99.

Exciting New Alfa Travel 2024 Brochure Out Now!

From £199, also in this section.

European Coach Holidays

Festive Breaks

Shows, Events & Sports Breaks

Visit our blog, like on facebook, why choose tates travel, before you go, let's conect, join our facebook community.

• Great-Britain

Britain Escorted Tours When planning an escorted tour of Great Britain with Lynott Tours, you have many choices: 1. A smaller Lynott coach tour with at most 18 on board - All the benefits of traveling with a group, without the crowds. Our Mercedes coaches are the ultimate in comfort. 2. A large motorcoach tour. Travel with up to 47 people on board. Lower cost, more choice of departures. 3. When you have your own group of 6 or more, and have a unique itinerary or want a private tour, just for your group, we plan the tour to your specifications - and budget. Escorted  The right choices for all your escorted travel needs. See the hidden treasures of incredible Britain.  What's special about our coach tours  9AM -5PM ET or Please Email Us For Information Our Smaller Escorted Tours  Fully Escorted, Small Group, Scheduled and Customized Tours of Great Britain 10-18 persons . Can be customized for a group of six or more. 7 day Scottish Clan - Scotland Family Vacation  - perfect for families 7 Day Lochs and Landscapes 10 Day Scottish Journey 10 day Enchanting Historic England - Edinburgh to London tour 10 Day Highlights of Britain Small Group Tour - London - Wales - Scotland

Garden Tours

• 2025 Chelsea Flower Show Tours
• Other Chelsea Garden Show Tours

Questions? Call Lynott Tours at 1 (800) 221-2474 USA Canada; 01 516 248 2042 ELSEWHERE Please Email Us For Information

Our Larger EscortedTours

Our Escorted ShortTours 1-3 Day  Day tours from London, overnight tours

Regional & Specialty Small Tours of Great Britain 5 Day R Discover Wales from London

3-4 Day  Whisky Tour to Scotland 4 Day Outlander Tour of Scotland 4 day Heart of England, North Wales, York

Bristol Departures

EXTENDED TOURS Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & the Cotswolds 2-day tour

The Mountains & Coasts of South Wales 3-day tour

Walking Tours England Cotswolds Scotland Wales Brecon Beacons

Day Tours from London England 1 Day Tours from London - small tours 1 Day Harry Potter Tours 2 Day Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford Tour from London

5 Day R Discover Wales from London 5 day Devon & Cornwall from London

Short Tours from Edinburgh

5 - 6 Day Tours from Edinburgh (not in winter) 5 day York, the Dales, Lake District and Hadrian's Wall 5 Day Tour Orkney and Scotland's Northern Coast  Tour 5 Day Tour Highland Explorer & Isle of Skye Tour 6 Day Tour Outer Hebrides Adventure  Tour Lewis and Harris 1-4 Day Tours from Glasgow  (limited to 16 passengers)  1 Day tours from Glasgow 3 Day Isle of Arran Adventure Tour  3 Day The Isle of Skye Tour  4 Day Islay & Whisky Coast Tour Tours from Inverness 1 Day Tours Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Cairngorm National Park and Speyside Whisky Tour Loch Ness and Glen Affric Speyside Whisky 3 Day Orkney Explorer 3 Day North Coast 500 3 Day Lewis and Harris

Day Tours of Wales 5 Day Heart of England, Wales & Yorkshire 5 Day R Discover Wales from London 7 day B Wales Wonders tour

CRUISES AND SHORE EXCURSIONS

Transfers to/from Southampton and London

Transfers to/from Dove r

Transfers to/from London

• 10 Day Small Group Tour
• 7 nights Tour Irish Gold
• Taste of Britain and Ireland

Join our email list

• All Day Trips
• 2024 Day Trips
• UK Day Trips
• European Day Trips
• River Cruises
• Steam Trains
• Historic Attractions
• Flowers & Gardens
• Zoos & Animals
• Shows & Festivals
• Theatre Trips
• Towns & Cities
• Christmas Trips
• Shopping Trips
• Theme Parks
• Food & Drink
• Online Exclusives
• 2025 Day Trips
• 2024 Holidays

UK Holidays

• European Holidays
• Warner Holidays
• River Cruise Holidays
• Platinum Holidays
• East of England
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• Gift Vouchers
• Our Brochures
• Competitions
• Booking Conditions

Looking to experience the beauty of the UK in comfort and style? Look no furthe! Our UK Coach Holidays with expertly planned itineraries ensure that you see the best sights, enjoy good food, and stay in comfortable accommodation. Whether you're seeking a relaxing countryside retreat or an action-packed city break, our coach holidays in the UK have something to suit everyone.

Keyword Search

Availability search, contact us:.

• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies to store essential information. By continuing to browse the website you are agreeing to their use. With your permission we would like use additional cookies. For more information you can view our cookie policy . Select Settings to change your cookie preferences. To allow the use of all cookies select Accept.

• Coach Tours Britain & Ireland
• Coach Tours of Europe
• Coach Tours Worldwide

Coach Tours of England

Best of devon and cornwall.

Sign up for a whirlwind adventure on this popular England trip through Devon and Cornwall. Learn how the monks of Buckfast Abbey have lived for centuries, before indulging in a traditional cream tea o...   read more»

• A Coach Tour of England
• Lasting for 6 Days
• Prices Starting From £225 per day

Real Britain

Medieval castles and the inspiring beauty of the Lake District are highlights on this exciting journey through England, Scotland and Wales. Learn about the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green and Tu...   read more»

• Prices Starting From £238 per day

Great Britain Christmas (GBXMAS)

• Enjoy Christmas Day in Edinburgh
• Explore the Scottish Highlands
• Visit Cambridge and York
• Experience Liverpool; home of The Beatles
• A Coach Tour of England, Scotland, Wales, United Kingdom
• Lasting for 7 Days
• Prices Starting From £124 per day

England and Scotland Heritage

Delve deeper into the history and heritage of Britain, from Windsor Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon to the bonnie birthplace of kilts and clans. Let centuries-old architecture inspire you, fall in love...   read more»

• Lasting for 8 Days
• Prices Starting From £169 per day

Britain and Ireland Panorama

Dive right into history, culture and spectacular scenery on this immersive England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland trip. Step in the shoes of Highland warriors, 12th-century monks and welcoming, warm Iri...   read more»

• A Coach Tour of England, Ireland
• Lasting for 16 Days

The English Problem

When you want to explore England, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are many beautiful parts of England and loads of different things to do. Luckily, there are plenty of tour companies that offer coach tours and guided tours of the most popular destinations. Whether it’s for history, culture, or simply pleasure, England has something to offer everyone. There are so many things to do in England, everything from visiting castles to sampling local delicacies to taking in the natural beauty of the countryside. Some tours show you famous filming locations in England, whilst others focus on gardens or country houses. All coach tours are guided by a friendly tour guide who is full of local knowledge. It’s the perfect way to see England whilst learning more about this historical and stunning country.

Discover England

Take a fabulous coach tour and enjoy what this truly unique land has to offer. Explore the many historic cities, picturesque villages and coastal towns, and take in the lush green countryside and colourful rambling moors. You could start your tour in London, England’s capital, and spend a few days finding your way around this amazing and iconic city. Don’t forget to explore the many outstanding museums, and book a guided tour to get the most out of them. One of added bonuses of some London museums is the free admission, but donations are welcome. In the evening enjoy a West End Show, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the many bars and restaurants. 

The Queen is at Home

Not far away from London is Windsor Castle, residence of The Queen and the largest lived in castle in the world. Similar to Buckingham Palace, you get a chance to see the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle as well as the tombs of past royalty including Charles I, Henry VIII and one of his wives, Jane Seymour. Further north, a few hours drive away is the city of York which is entrenched in history and must be explored when visiting England. Vikings, Romans and King Richard III, York has seen it all, and continues to be one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations. Enjoy high tea at the iconic Betty’s or dare to take a ghost walk and guided tour through the medieval Snickelways of York, an array of narrow passageway and hidden alleyways. 

Roman Bath Anyone?

Visit the historic city of Bath, famous for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs. See the extraordinarily Roman Baths and Pump Room, built by the Romans and still beautifully preserved after 2,000 years. Take a guided tour around this exquisite city and be prepared to be amazed. You can’t visit England without a trip to Salisbury Plain to see Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument was first built around 5,000 years ago and has stood the test of time to provide wonder to generations of people. Discover the history and theories about this famous stone circle in the visitor centre and be enchanted by the mystery of the whole place. 

Time for a Cream Tea

Devon & Cornwall are also a must see when visiting England. Renowned for tasty pasties and cream teas, the beauty of this area is truly outstanding. Take a coach trip to Land’s End, the most westerly point of Britain, and view the stunning St Michael’s Mount. Not far is the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre which has been carved into the granite cliff and is quite a sight to behold. The seaside town of St. Ives is also a beautiful place to explore and maybe pick up a piece of art to remember it by. It can be guaranteed that any place you wish to visit in England will be remembered with great fondness for a very long time. For the more adventurous, Cornwall has some of the best surf beaches in the UK and we can arrange a lesson for you.

Get the Hottest Deals First!

United kingdom.

Regal. Charming. Scenic.

Comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the United Kingdom definitely has dozens of reasons worth leaving home for. Mountains, valleys, hills and dales, forests and gardens, oh and no less than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout, are but a few. You will find a slew of cathedrals, castles, palaces and country houses spanning history. Centuries of inspiring the world, influencing the arts, and forming natural beauty have developed this land into one great nation.

Destination Must-See's

A world in a city is a common way to describe the metropolis of London, the capital of England. A cultural melting pot of over 230 nationalities, London is the financial, political and cultural capital of the UK. It is booming with activity and bursting with sightseeing treasures. You’ll find historic highlights from the haunting Tower of London to the ornate Buckingham Palace and more modern attractions such as the world-famous Harrods department store and the towering London Eye.

The capital city and second most populous in Scotland, Edinburgh has been recognized for its historic and cultural attractions. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK after London. Great shopping, historic architecture and great Scottish whisky are just part of its allure. Its greatest draw is Edinburgh Castle. This sprawling medieval castle and fortress sits atop Castle Rock in the city center, dominating Edinburgh’s skyline.

Giant’s Causeway:

At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. The Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful sight and the experience of a lifetime.

Cornwall, a region located on a peninsula in southwest England, is comprised of many different towns and villages that feature beautiful beaches and picturesque coastlines. Bordered by the Celtic Sea and the English Channel, one of its most popular towns is St. Ives. This seaside port town just north of Penzance on the coast of the Celtic Sea is known as the art center of West Cornwall and has a sub-tropical feel and beautiful beaches.

Destination Must-Do's

England’s Lake District:

Lose yourself in the natural beauty of this mountainous region in northwest England dotted with tranquil lakes. One of the picturesque villages in the region is Grasmere, once home of and inspiration to the romantic poet William Wordsworth. Perhaps you will take a sail on one of the lakes and take in the peaceful backdrop of lush green mountains, serene shorelines and pristine calm waters dotted with tiny islands.

Stonehenge:

Walk in the footsteps of so many before you when visiting prehistoric Stonehenge. This mysterious rock formation dates back to the Stone Age and remains one of the world’s most famous sites. Standing in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, Stonehenge is perhaps the most important prehistoric monument in England. The experience of seeing this timeless monument is not to be missed – it will surely be a highlight of your visit.

This large, deep freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extends approximately 23 miles southwest of the city of Inverness. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster. While Loch Ness is not the largest Scottish loch by surface area, it is the largest by volume, with its deepest point at 755 feet. Along the shore, you will find the ruins of Urquhart Castle. This once mighty site rests on the headwaters of Loch Ness and dates back as far as the 13th century.

Prepare to step back in time in the English countryside. The Cotswolds are roughly 25 miles across and 90 miles long, stretching from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath. The region is known for its small towns and villages with homes made from golden colored Cotswold stone and grass roofs that sit among lush greenery and rolling hills. Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps its most famous town. Lying along the River Avon, it’s famed for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the world’s great playwrights. Be sure to make a trip to see the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Expert Advice

Think “go to the right.” It is their natural flow of traffic even when it comes to walking. It is important to not only look both ways when crossing the street, but also when on an escalator, stand to the right. When walking down the street, stay alert and follow the flow – to the right.

Expect to be offered tea, a lot. The British love their tea and not only during afternoon tea, any time for any reason. But you should know there is a “proper” way to drink it. The rules are – sit up straight, do not blow on it, take small sips with your pinky down, and put the cup on the saucer between sips. Now you are prepared to sip away.

Bring a raincoat and umbrella, as it rains one out of three days in the UK. It does vary from region to region, but generally speaking, they are important items to have on hand at all times.

Featured Tours to United Kingdom

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland and Wales

British Landscapes featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Shades of the English Countryside featuring London, Cornwall & The Cotswolds

Discover Scotland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Christmas in London

Discover Scotland

Brochures that feature our united kingdom tours, find a travel agency.

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

Britain Escorted Tours

• Escorted Tours

In This Section

• Ireland & Scotland
• Britain & Ireland

Coach tours of Britain

Embark on a wonderful coach tour of Britain and enjoy highlights through England, Scotland and Wales such as London, Edinburgh Castle, Windsor Castle, historic York, Liverpool and more.Enjoy daily sightseeing on 8, 10, 12, or 14 night escorted tours complete with full breakfasts, dinners and special dinner / shows.

As Britain vacation specialists, we use most experienced coach tour companies in the UK and each of our guided bus tours includes all-inclusive prices with no hidden extras. Offering an extensive selection of guided coach tours with varied itineraries, as well as the option to add extra days at the beginning or end of your tour, our escorted coach tours of the United Kingdom are ideal for everyone.

So whether you are travelling on your own or with your family or friends, contact us today to see what coach tour might be suitable for you. 

Best of Britain 10 day tour

The quintessential tour if you would like to see a lot of Britain in a short time – from Windsor Castle to historic York, from Beatles’ Liverpool to Edinburgh Castle, from a Welsh Evening in Cardiff to cosmopolitan London.

Best of Britain 9 Day Tour

English knights & wizards.

Embark on an adventure through England & Wales, with a mix of action packed activities and flexible family time, this is a vacation you will love.

Great British Cities

Focus on Edinburgh, York and London at a leisurely pace with 2- and 3-night stays in each.

Heart of Wales & England

Start in London to visit St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

Highlights of Britain 15 day tour

Our most comprehensive tour of Britain, with 2- and 3-night stays in most locations.

Highlights of Britain 16 Day Tour

Rockin' britain.

Start in London with visits to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London and end in Glasgow.

Scenic Britain

Explore the west of England with tastes of Wales and Scotland.

Taste of Wales

Discover Ireland's Celtic neighbor -- Wales! This perfect introduction to Wales includes visits to the country's most famous castles, a train ride through scenic Snowdonia, a whisky distillery tour, and a lively Welsh evening with traditional foods and entertainment.

Get discounts and updates for Discovering Ireland Vacations

Sign up now for the official Discovering Ireland Vacations Update e-newsletter, designed to keep you up-to-date on what's new and exciting at Discovering Ireland and indeed in Ireland travel itself! You will also be among the first to know about our great special offers, vacation in Ireland deals and trip to Ireland cost!

Sign Up for News and Offers

Start planning your vacation... enquire now.

Best UK Tours 2024/5 – Reviews & Itinerary Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 2, 2024

Taking one of the many UK tours on offer can be a great way to explore the United Kingdom if this is one of your first trips in the UK. There are several advantages to taking a guided or self-guided tour for part (or all) of your time visiting the UK. 

Guided tours of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland allow you to minimise the travel hassle as you’ll have a company to do most of the planning for you, and many of the United Kingdom tour package options we’ve included here allow you to see far more of the UK in a shorter period of time than it would be possible to do on your own. 

Guided tours of UK can also offer good value for money, and there are some great UK trip packages on offer. Unfortunately, choosing which UK tour to take is not so easy – as the choice of tours in UK can be really overwhelming. There are just so many, so where to start looking? 

In this guide I’ll walk you through some of my favourite UK tour itineraries and how to choose the best UK tour that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for England tours, cheap UK tours, all-inclusive England vacation packages, or the best coach holidays UK has, you’ll find plenty of options in this blog. I’ve also included some of my recommended cycling and walking holidays UK has for those looking for an active break. 

Let’s get started with the best Great Britain tours 2024/5 options on offer! 

Best Tours of Great Britain – Comparison Chart

When is the best time to go on your uk trip , mode of transport, pace of travel, elegance of great britain – insight vacations – 11 days, castles & kilts – trafalgar tours – 10 days, great britain 7 days, uk by train – great rail journeys uk – 12 days.

• The Lake District & Scotland – Rabbie's – 9 Days

Highlights of Scotland – G Adventures – 7 Days

Country roads of scotland – insight vacations – 9 days.

• Best of Scotland 

8 Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast

Britain and ireland, essential britain & ireland – globus – 10 days, britain & ireland explorer – insight vacations – 13 days, walk hadrian’s wall, g adventures, globus journeys , great rail journeys, insight vacations, intrepid travel, indus travels , trafalgar travel, rabbie’s tours, extending your british tour with extra days in london.

If you want to compare even more of the best coach trips the UK has or other styles of tour, I recommend TourRadar as a great place to compare tours and read more UK tour reviews. 

When planning for your trip to England or the rest of the UK, it’s important to take seasonality into consideration. I go over all the details of the weather and the seasons in the UK here in this article . 

When comparing tour operator UK options and which trip to take, be aware that UK tours tend to run with reduced frequency during the winter months, with many of the best UK tour packages running more frequently in spring and summer (April – August).

While some British coach holidays run year-round, speciality outdoor trips such as cycling holidays UK options may only run during summer months. 

Best United Kingdom Tours – Choosing the Best Tour for you

When searching for the best UK travel packages and tours, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the top things I recommend taking a few minutes to think about before deciding on the best tour of Britain for you: 

Many of the most popular UK guided tour options are small group tours. UK small group tours vary widely in size with what is deemed to be a ‘small’ group – with some having up to 50 in a group while others keep it to 12 or under. 

Coach tours UK options are a convenient way to travel around with the rest of your group and often allow more to be fitted into an itinerary than independently travelling by train.

These range in style and you can find plenty of luxury coach holidays UK options as well as budget bus tours UK.

If you want to take the train but also like the idea of a guided tour, you could consider one of the train holidays UK options listed below. 

This is the one most of us forget to consider! In order to fit as much in as possible, some of the popular coach holidays in England and the rest of the UK move very fast, taking in multiple cities and sights in a day and usually spending only 1 night in a place. 

This can get tiring, so if you prefer to spend at least a couple of nights in each place, check for itineraries that allow you more time or you could consider choosing one of the self-drive holidays UK options available. 

Also, see our tips at the end of this article for extending your stay in the UK by spending extra days in London, Edinburgh, or any of the other common UK tour starting and endpoints. 

England vacation packages and tours have different inclusions depending on the style of trip and company.

Most include transport, guide, accommodation and some meals, but check the small print so you know what you are and aren’t getting included on tours to England.

The entrance fees to many sights are often not included in tour pricing. 

Best Great Britain Tours (England, Scotland, Wales)

Below you’ll find our favourite United Kingdom trip tour packages that take in England, Scotland and in some cases Wales, too. For tours that also include Ireland, see the next section. 

Best for seeing England & Scotland at a more leisurely pace

Starting in Edinburgh and finishing in London, this 11-day journey through some of England and Scotland’s finest sights is a great option for those wanting to travel in comfort or who are looking for the best UK tours for seniors. 

This is one of our favourite England and Scotland tour packages if you prefer a tour that spends 1-2 nights in each place and allows you to relax more in the places that you visit.

Staying at 4* accommodations throughout the trip, this itinerary starts in Edinburgh and takes in Gretna Green, the stunning Lake District , historic York, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds and Bath before finishing up in London.

Travel is by private coach. 

As trips to England and Scotland go, this Insight Vacations UK trip is one for those who want to see the best of the UK’s history, natural beauty and culture in comfort and style. If you have additional time, we highly recommend adding on extra days in London or Edinburgh (or both!). 

Click here for more info and pricing

Best for fitting lots of England in at a great price

Starting in London and finishing in Edinburgh, this 10 day London – Scotland tour by Trafalgar Tours England is a great option for those who want to see as much as possible during their trip and don’t mind travelling at a faster pace. 

One of the popular tours of England and Scotland, this itinerary spends 3 days taking in the sights of London at the start of the tour, so you don’t need to worry about booking additional time at the start of the tour (unless you want to).

From London, head north to Oxford and Bath before crossing the Welsh borders and exploring some fine Welsh castles . You’ll also visit Chester, Lancaster and Hadrian’s wall before finishing in Edinburgh. 

If you want to include a trip to Wales in your UK tour itinerary then this is a great tour to go for, and history lovers will enjoy every stop of this trip that showcases the UK’s history from the Wars of the Roses to Roman Bath – you even get to stay at Ruthin Castle in Wales – a 13th century castle with its original moat!

Best for seeing it all in seven days

If you only have seven days to spend in the UK, this whistle-stop tour will whisk you up and down the length and breadth of Britain to introduce you to the highlights. Included on the itinerary are a list of destinations for day trips outside London – and beyond. 

The cities of Bath, Cambridge and York in England, plus the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, are included. Stratford-upon-Avon is also visited as the home of the UK’s most revered playwright. Experiences to savour include seeing Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis in Scotland, and enjoying a traditional roast dinner in historic, compact York. 

In addition to Georgian Bath and the capital London, this seven day tour takes you to some other fascinating UK locations too. There’s sculptor Antony Gormley’s famous Angel of the North artwork, a Scottish border town, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness.

Once you head down the west coast, the musical and sporting city of Liverpool awaits. You’ll also venture into Wales to see the city of Cardiff and a ​​mediaeval Welsh castle. After touring Bath, the last stop en route back to London is Stonehenge. This ancient site is shrouded in mystery – and a must on the itinerary of every visitor to the UK.

Best for train travel and rail holidays UK

There’s arguably nothing more quintessentially British than train travel – and if life on the rails in Britain is what you’ve been romanticising about, then this is one of the train tours UK for you.

This UK rail itinerary takes in the best of Scotland and England, with the chance to ride on one of the best-known steam train trips UK has to offer on the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig.

You’ll travel on the West Highland Line, North East Main Line that links Edinburgh and York, and the West Coast Mainline south from Glasgow.

Travel is at a more leisurely pace with 2 nights spent in most cities, staying in mostly 4* hotels. You’ll also get to see Bath and Stonehenge before finishing in London. 

If you’re looking for guided tours of England and Scotland by train, this is a great itinerary to go for. You’ll get to experience many of the UK’s best-known railways and take in the country’s top historic and cultural sights along the way. Travel is by train and private coach. 

The Lake District & Scotland – Rabbie’s – 9 Days

Best for taking in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District & Scottish Highlands

Rabbie’s tours of the UK offer great value for money, and if you want to be immersed in some of the UK’s finest landscapes and are interested in guided walking holidays UK options, this is a great way to dip your toes in. 

Starting in Manchester, this itinerary is a ‘rail and trail’ combination of 2 Rabbie’s trips , meaning you’ll change minibus and guide half way through.

First you’ll explore the stunning Lake District in the beautiful north west of England, enjoying Windermere and Ullswater before taking the train up to Edinburgh for your Highlands adventure that visits some of the most scenic spots on Scotland’s west coast: Uban, Mull and Skye before heading back to the mainland to visit the iconic Eilean Donan castle. 

If you’re looking for the best adventure tours UK has, then we recommend Rabbie’s who deliver great tours at a budget-friendly price point for those who love the outdoors.

Best for Scottish Highlands exploring and Solo Trips UK. 

If you’re looking to focus your UK trip on Scotland , then this 7 day Scotland tour from Edinburgh by G Adventures is well worth a look.

G Adventures also offer very reasonable single supplements if you’re looking for the best solo holidays uk options – or you can choose to share a room with another traveller of the same sex. Either way, G Adventures UK is popular with solo travellers. 

Starting in Edinburgh and finishing in Glasgow, this Scotland tour takes in Inverness and the famous Loch Ness, Culloden Moor (famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745), the beautiful Isle of Skye and Fort William, with a chance to snap the famous Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (a must for Harry Potter fans) en route.

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis in 3* hotels and travel is by private minibus. 

If you want the highlights of the highlands of Scotland, this is a good tour to go for, with the option to add on extra days at the start or end of your tour – you could easily spend more time in Edinburgh, or head down to London. 

Off the beaten-path Highlands of Scotland

One of our favourite Great Britain vacation packages for getting a little off the beaten path is this wonderful northern Scotland adventure by Insight Vacations. Perfect for those wanting to see more of the Scottish Highlands or try something different when it comes to the many UK holiday packages. 

Starting in Edinburgh, on this upscale tour you’ll take in Inverness and Loch Ness, the beautiful and remote Orkney Islands at the northern tip of Scotland – a part that few visitors see – before heading south down the west coast of Scotland to take in the Isle of Skye, the stunning Glencoe pass and Loch Lomond before finishing up in Glasgow.

Accommodation is in 4* hotels and travel is by private coach. 

This is certainly one of the best UK coach holidays 2021 has to offer if the Scottish Highlands have been calling to you. You’ll love this one if you want to see the full diversity of landscapes and richness of community and culture that Scotland has. 

Best of Scotland  

Best for uncovering all four corners of Scotland  

If you want to find the best luxury coach tours in the UK that cover much of what lies north of the border, then the Best of Scotland tour from Trafalgar is a popular option for summer. The adventure begins in the capital of Edinburgh on day one. You’ll then be transported around Bonnie Scotland for seven days before ending up in Glasgow. 

This vibrant city lies to the west of Edinburgh. It’s the biggest in Scotland in terms of both population and square mileage. The metropolis is renowned for its magnificent architecture and as a cultural hub for fans of music, museums and more.

After arrival and on the second day of the tour, you’ll delve deeper under the surface of the historic and breathtakingly beautiful Scottish capital. Key sights including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Palace of Holyroodhouse are visited during your guided tour, and you’ll also enjoy free time to spend as you wish. 

Between leaving Edinburgh and arriving in Glasgow – both of which are in southern Scotland – you’ll head north. The first stop is St. Andrews, where Prince William met Kate Middleton, before overnighting at a hotel in the Cairngorms National Park. During day four, you’ll visit the site of the famous Jacobite uprising, see Eilean Donan Castle, look out for the Loch Ness Monster and head over to the Isle of Skye. 

The fifth day of the tour includes Ben Nevis and Glencoe en route to Glasgow. After staying overnight there, you’ll take a city tour before calling at Clydeside whisky distillery and Stirling Castle on day six. Day seven is departure day, unless you decide to stay on in Glasgow for longer. 

Best for touring unspoiled Scotland

If what appeals to you most about the British Isles is the chance to spend time in Bonnie Scotland, this tour to far northern Scotland might be the one for you. It’s what Great Britain vacations are made of for many – beguiling cities, beautiful coastline and of course a dazzlingly rich and varied history. 

Day one transports you from Edinburgh to Inverness, via the famous Forth Bridge, picture-perfect Perthshire, the peaceful village of Dunkeld, the fascinating Highland Folk Museum, the Cairngorms National Park, bloody Culloden Battlefield and the standing stones at Clava Cairns. 

Next up on the second day is the spectacular North Coast 500 trail, via French-style Dunrobin Castle, en route to the island of Orkney. Puffin territory and an astonishingly well-preserved Neolithic settlement await after overnighting on Orkney. 

Both the better-known and lesser seen sights of Scotland make up much of the tour’s second half. These include Smoo Cave in Sutherland, the harbour village of Ullapool, Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye, the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William and Glencoe.

During the last day, you can also choose to take an optional side trip to one of the Western Isles – namely Iona, Kerrera, Mull or Staffa. Alternatively, climb up Battery Hill in Oban or call into the 

 local Whisky Distillery. Finally, before heading back to Edinburgh, visit the Kelpies and Stirling Castle. 

Best England, Ireland, Scotland Tour packages

Some of these itinerary options include the best England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales tours for a comprehensive circuit of the British Isles, while others combine Ireland and Scotland to get a fuller taste of the Celtic lands. 

Best for a whistle-stop tour of the UK and Ireland

If seeing England and Scotland isn’t enough for you, then you might like to add on Ireland. This ten day trip is arguably the best way to see England, Scotland and Ireland in one hit. It lasts for ten days, and packs far more into that time than you could feasibly manage on a self-guided basis. 

First up after departing London is Shakespeare country and Stratford-upon-Avon, then it’s the Yorkshire cities of York and Bradford. The Yorkshire Dales, Lake Windermere, Gretna Green and Glasgow are then on the agenda for day three. 

There’s a day in Edinburgh for the fourth day, before heading to Ayrshire, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford on day five and six. Cardiff, Bath and Windsor are the final stops before the tour winds up back in London. 

This tour offers incredible value for money, and really maximises each and every day when time in the UK is tight. 

Best for trips to England and Ireland that include the main highlights

If you’re looking at tours of England, Scotland and Ireland, then this 10 day trip by Globus may tick all the right boxes. 

Start and end in London on this tour that takes in the English highlights of Stonehenge and Bath before exploring Newport and Cardiff in Wales en route by ferry to Waterford and Dublin in Ireland.

Head north through Ireland towards the up-and-coming city of Belfast and crossing back into Scotland to take in the sights of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

On the final leg you’ll head south through York and Stratford upon Avon to London to soak up the best of English history. Travel is by coach. 

This is one of the best tours of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland if you’re tight on time and don’t want to forgo any of the countries of the British Isles. The travel is at a fairly fast pace though – so you may wish to add on a few days to relax at the end of your trip. 

Best for combining Scottish Highlands & Ireland

One of the comprehensive UK tours from London options in this list, this itinerary works well if you want to start in London and have a few days before your trip starts to explore the UK’s capital – either through an extension booked through Insight or under your own steam. 

Leaving London, this ultimate UK tour takes in the historic English highlights of Stratford and York before heading past Hadrian’s Wall to Edinburgh and circling the Scottish Highlands.

Take in the legendary sights of Loch Ness, Glencoe and a boat trip on Loch Lomond before heading back south into England and Wales, and crossing over into Ireland.

Travel is by private coach and accommodation is at 4* hotels. 

On this grand UK tour, you’ll spend a total of 5 nights in Ireland and 7 in England & Scotland, making this the perfect UK tour packages from London when you just want to see it all! 

Best for English countryside and Roman history

Following the route of Hadrian’s Wall makes for one of the best road trips in the UK. Though the wall is quite justifiably famous, the route along it is far less touristy than other parts of the British Isles. The wall stretches from near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the east to the compact city of Carlisle in the west. 

Hadrian’s Wall can be found within the more peaceful parts of England’s two most northerly counties. As this is a walking tour you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, but this also means you’ll get up really close to the sights of Cumbria and Northumberland. And of course the unspoiled English countryside, with its dry stone walls and sheep-dotted emerald fields. 

To give you some idea of the distances, the first day’s walk is around eight miles, between Carlisle and Irthington. Other walks include the six mile trek between Lanercost Priory and Gilsland, the three-and-a-half Walltown Crags to Haltwhistle route and seven miles from Once Brewed to Brocolitia Fort. It’s also nine miles from Chollerford to East Wallhouses, and about five from East Wallhouses to Wylam. 

Highlights of this tour include the pretty Cumbrian village Crosby-on-Eden; Birdoswald, Housesteads, Brocolitia and Vindolanda Roman Forts, Walltown quarry, Sycamore Gap, the site of the victory of Oswald and the historic old Military Road. 

Best Tour Companies UK Reviews

Not sure which of the best travel agency UK options you should pick? Below you can find a short review of what to expect when travelling with any of the UK tour companies mentioned above. 

G Adventures tours are known for their good value and experience-rich approach. They attract travellers of all ages, both couples and solo travellers, thanks to their twin-share policy where single travellers can travel at no extra cost if they share with another traveller of the same sex.

Travel is in small groups (max 12) and includes a local tour guide “CEO”. Accommodation is in mid-range hotels and guest houses, and typically breakfasts and entry to some sights are included.

Travel in the UK is mostly by private mini-bus unless otherwise stated. 

Popular for coach tours in the UK and around the world, Globus Journeys offer guided coach tours in the UK and Ireland, either with smaller groups (max 24) or larger groups (up to 50) depending on the style of the trip.

Accommodation is typically in tourist class hotels (3* and 4*) with well known brands. Globus is popular among travellers aged in their 50’s, 60’s and up for the convenience of travel by coach and their tours have more meals and excursions included than some.

Expect itineraries that pack places in, so you’ll see a lot, and stays are typically 1 night. 

GRJ are the go-to for UK steam tours and railway journeys around the UK and beyond, so if travelling the UK by train is what you’re hoping to do, look no further.

Itineraries are designed to take in iconic lines and to provide the best steam train holidays UK has (or ‘regular’ trains). Journeys are escorted by a Tour Manager, and the majority of travellers are either solo travellers or couples aged between 45 – 80.

Accommodation is in 3* hotels or higher. The maximum group size on any trip is 50, or you can opt for a tailor made travel experience. 

Insight Vacations are an upscale tour company offering luxury UK coach tours with up to 40 people per group.

Travellers are typically 45 and up, and itineraries are a little more relaxed than many other tour companies, including 2 night stays at many destinations and “relaxed starts” in the morning spread out through the trip allowing time to catch up on rest if you need it.

Accommodation is in 4* hotels and trips are accompanied by a tour manager. 

Famous for great value adventures around the world, in the UK Intrepid offer a range of shorter ‘retreat’ style trips – so if you’re after hiking trips UK or a guided walking and cycling holiday, look no further.

Accommodation is in local guest houses and you’ll be accompanied by your own Intrepid Travel guide for the duration of the trip.

Maximum group size is 12, and rooms are on a twin share basis with the same sex if you’re a solo traveller, or you can pay a supplement to have your own room. 

Offering a mix of small group tours, independent adventures, cruises and self-drive vacations, Indus Travels allows you to set your own pace of travel with flexible itineraries when you choose one of their ‘unbundled tours’ or self-drive trips.

Self-drive trips are just you, your car rental, itinerary and accommodation, whereas group tours have up to 22 travellers, English-speaking local guides, deluxe accommodation and air conditioned coaches included.

Indus is popular with younger and older travellers alike, with many travellers in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. 

Well known and popular Trafalgar Tours England have been offering coach travel around the UK for many years and have many happy customers behind them.

Group tours have a maximum of 50 people, travelling by coach to the most popular destinations. They are popular for England tours for seniors (and younger people), and on any of their England tour packages you’re guaranteed to have a lot packed into your itinerary. That’s one thing to bear in mind – this is definitely not slow travel – but it’s a good way to get an overview of the British Isles.

All tours are accompanied by a guide and accommodation is tourist class 3* or 4* international standard hotels. 

Rabbie’s tours have some great England travel deals (and beyond). They’re a small group tours company providing great value breaks that help you get off the beaten track in the UK and Europe.

Rabbie’s aim to support local communities and promote responsible travel, by keeping tour groups small (10 people). They also work differently to other tour companies in that accommodation is not included in the tour price – once you book your tour you can choose your accommodation from a selection offered by Rabbie’s to suit your budget and preferences.

The name Rabbie’s comes from the nickname for famous Scot, Robert Burns! 

If you have a day, two, or more aside from your tour, we highly recommend taking advantage of those to explore London, or another city if your tour is starting from elsewhere – Edinburgh is another popular starting point for the UK tours mentioned in this guide. 

While some tours include sightseeing in London (or another departure city), not all do – or they include a very shortened version – and trust us that 1 day is definitely not enough to see London in, especially if you’re jetlagged. 

If you can, arrive a few days before your tour begins to enjoy the top London sights and get onto UK time if you’re flying in from far away. You can find our complete London travel guide here to get you started.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

1800 002 007

Britain and Ireland Grandeur

1470 reviews

England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland

Last Minute Deal

Standard Price

Save up to $1,559

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

12 months interest-free finance available at checkout. Learn more

20 Day UK and Ireland Tour of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland

20 days, 5 countries and 35 cities

Accommodation

19 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

There’s more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you’ll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, smell the mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Looking to book in a group of 15 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

20 days itinerary trip from London to London visiting 5 countries and 35 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

Change view

Selected Version

England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

20 Day UK and Ireland Tour of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh

Discover  Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York

Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Falkirk Wheel in Falkirk, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, King John's Castle in Limerick, England's Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and York Minster in York

See Galway Cathedral

Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel

Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLER REVIEWS

Britain and Ireland Grandeur trip reviews

#ttgbeigrandeur.

Real moments from real travellers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Gold Seal Protection

Zip Financing

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

The 3 greatest road trips in Britain: hop in you car or jump on your bike

Feb 9, 2022 • 7 min read

Get a taste of Britain's landscapes and culture on these three great road trips © Joe Dunckley / Shutterstock

Take  a road trip through the three nations of Britain .  England , Scotland , and Wales  each have great driving routes to follow, providing a snapshot of that country’s history, culture and landscape. 

Travel by car or bike, as fast or slow as you like. You can follow a rigid itinerary, but it’s more fun to use each route as inspiration, branching off to reach other nearby locations as the fancy takes you. Here are three of the greatest road trip routes in Britain.

Drive the Great West Way from London to Bristol

From London , a route has aimed westwards for millennia. Early humans traveled across the open chalk-lands and left their mark in the great monuments like Stonehenge . Later, the Romans constructed a military highway between Londinium (London) and Aqua Sulis (now the city of Bath ). Later again, the road from London to the port of Bristol , gateway to the New World, became the world’s first stage coach route. 

Today, you can follow the Great West Way in the footsteps of these early travelers and still enjoy epic landscapes, old inns, and the palpable sense of history. 

The modern road from London to Bristol traditionally starts at Hyde Park Corner , then saunters through the upmarket shopping area of Knightsbridge, past famous stores such as Harrods. For more cerebral attractions there’s the Victoria & Albert Museum , a treasure trove of art and craft. 

The Great West Way continues through London’s western suburbs, passing the outstanding botanical collection in the Unesco-listed Kew Gardens , where you can see giant redwoods, follow a treetop walkway, and tour a steamy glass-paned Victorian hot house. Further west still, travelers with a taste for adrenaline can divert south to Thorpe Park and sample some of Britain’s highest, fastest, and scariest roller-coaster rides. 

Peace is restored beyond the large town of Reading, as the route breaks free of suburbia and enters a more bucolic landscape of gentle rolling hills. Along the way, look out for historic milestones marking the distance from London. If you need refreshment, stop at one of the many old coaching inns set up in the 18th century to cater for stage coach traffic. If shopping’s your thing, browse till you drop in the beautiful old towns of Hungerford and Marlborough. 

Next, the Great West Way plunges into Neolithic history. Just to the north is Avebury Stone Circle , the largest stone circle in the world. Get up close and personal to the ancient standing stones, which date from 2500 to 2200 BCE, before stopping at one of the cafes or pubs in the village of Avebury. To the south is West Kennet Long Barrow , a burial chamber as old as the Pyramids of Egypt. Its low-key setting is part of the attraction: no entry fee, no souvenir sellers, just you and 5000 years of history. 

Onwards, over Cherhill, where the hillside is topped by a giant monument and an even larger white horse cut into the chalk hilltop. In Chippenham, music fans can pay their respects at the Eddie Cochran memorial, and movie fans can divert north to the delightful village of Castle Combe, frequently used as a film set, from the original Dr Doolittle  (1967) to Spielberg’s War Horse  (2011). 

Then comes Bath , famed for its hot springs and Roman bathhouse that gives the city its name. Its grand mansions of the early 19th century show how the city was reinvented as a playground for aristocrats, an era most famously captured by Jane Austen . Tour filming locations for the TV series  Bridgerton , soak in a rooftop pool at the delightful  Thermae Bath Spa , or enjoy one of the city's many fantastic places to eat.

And finally, the route ends in  Bristol , a port where fortune was built on trade with the Americas, importing sugar and enslaved people – in 2020, the city made headlines when Black Lives Matter activists tore down a statue of slave trader Edward Colson. Today, the city is a cultural and artistic hotbed , perhaps most famous as home of street artist Banksy. The waterfront has been transformed, lined with galleries, museums, shops, and cafes – the perfect spot to end your journey.

Follow the Snowdonia 360 in north Wales  

As the name implies, the Snowdonia 360 is a 360-mile (580km) circuit around Snowdonia , the mountainous region in north Wales. Because it’s a circuit, you can of course begin anywhere, but the town of Conwy – with its imposing castle and city walls – can be easily reached from other parts of Britain, so makes an ideal start-point. 

Travel west along the coast to Bangor, and admire the historic bridge across to the island of Anglesey , where you might like to visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch , an otherwise unremarkable village with the longest place-name in Britain. For more superlatives, a diversion inland takes you to Zip World , boasting the longest and fastest zip-wire in Europe. 

Next stop is Llanberis, from where you can hike up Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, or hop on the delightfully eccentric steam-driven Mountain Railway built in the Victorian days and still going strong. For history of a different sort head to  Caernarfon Castle , where the mammoth battlements date from the 13th century and still dominate the town today. 

The Llŷn Peninsula offers great beaches such as Pwllheli, while from Portmadog another steam train ride will carry you up into the surrounding mountains. For a very different view, you can go under the mountain and explore vast slate caverns near Betws-y-Coed with activity specialist Go Below.  

If time allows, a southern loop takes you to Machynlleth, billed as the “ancient capital of Wales”. Today it has a relaxed and artsy ambience thanks partly to the trailblazing  Centre for Alternative Technology , an education center full of interactive displays that demonstrate ways to be sustainable.

On the final stretch back to Conwy, visit Surf Snowdonia , an inland lagoon with guaranteed waves, where perfecting your carve may be the perfect end your tour on the Snowdonia 360.

Admire the scenery on a drive of Scotland's North Coast 500  

The North Coast 500 , an epic loop around the northwest Highlands of Scotland, should take you several days at least – firstly because it’s around 500 miles (800km); secondly because some of the roads are narrow and meandering; and thirdly because it leads through some of Britain’s most impressive scenery. This is a truly elemental landscape where earth and water meet, with narrow sea-lochs cutting deep inland and sheer mountainsides plummeting to the coast. 

The best start-point is the Highland hub of Inverness , from where the route leads westwards to reach remote Applecross via the notoriously steep road of Bealach-na-Bà. Then it’s true north, past the rugged glen of Torridon and the famous gardens of Inverewe , unexpectedly lush with tropical plants thanks to the benevolent Gulf Stream. 

Beyond the small but busy port of Ullapool , where ferries chug across to Stornaway, the route enters a vast and empty wilderness, with settlements few and far between – a legacy of the brutal 18th-century "Clearances" – to finally reach Durness overlooking the Atlantic where the next major landmass is Iceland. 

The roller-coaster run along the north coast leads to tiny settlement of John O’Groats, famous for being the final point of the across-Britain challenge from Land’s End in Cornwall frequently attempted by walkers and cyclists. Stop to admire the view here and you may also see an exhausted record-breaker stagger to the finish line. 

The final stage of the route leads southwards, along the east coast, less mountainous and with less rain than its western counterpart, via the gritty outpost of Wick and the quaint town of Dornoch, famous as the site of two historical events: the last witch to be executed in Scotland (1722); and Madonna’s wedding to Guy Ritchie (2000). 

Get into the groove for the final few miles of the North Coast 500 alongside the Cromarty Firth, to end your journey back in Inverness, perhaps enjoying a glass or two of local Scotch whisky to celebrate.

You might also like: Lonely Planet reveals the 10 best travel experiences in the UK    These epic UK hikes deserve a place on your adventure bucket list    The 5 most phenomenal road trips in Wales

David Else traveled to Wales by invitation of Caernarfon Castle, Zip World, and Go Below in 2019.

This article was first published Aug 18, 2020 and updated Feb 9, 2022.

Explore related stories

Astrotourism

Oct 5, 2021 • 5 min read

Treating drivers to views of sky-skimming mountains, deep green valleys and swaths of pristine coastline, these are the best road trips in Wales.

Sep 10, 2020 • 10 min read

May 30, 2024 • 6 min read

May 29, 2024 • 11 min read

May 24, 2024 • 9 min read

May 15, 2024 • 7 min read

May 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 12, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Deals of the Week   Mediterranean Magic   Up to 50% OFF

Coach / Bus Tours in England, Ireland and Scotland 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of England, Ireland And Scotland. There are 54 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 8 days up to 24 days. The most popular month for these tours is July.

54 Coach / Bus trips around England, Ireland And Scotland with 2,640 reviews

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Coach / Bus +2

Essential Britain & Ireland

"We had a wonderful trip but the last day spoiled our vacation, and the 14 other passengers on the tour who were also on the train agreed this should have been better organised." richardpurves, traveled in August 2019

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus +1

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

"The hotels are good and the whole travel is well organized and interested." Linghua, traveled in August 2023

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

"Empathetic to people's needs. He is very knowledgeable and made the tour a lot of fun." MarieMcKee, traveled in September 2019

• €100 deposit on some dates

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Historical +1

Best of UK & Ireland

"Very informative and gave us lots of places to see or visit on free time to experience." Sandra, traveled in August 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

"We had a great time. This is a must have." thomas, traveled in June 2019

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Coach / Bus Historical +3

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

"Excellent service and planning to maximize our time to see everything" Ian, traveled in June 2023

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

"We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours. We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide." Jennifer, traveled in May 2023

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Sightseeing Historical +2

Leisurely United Kingdom and Ireland ( 15 days )

Britain and Ireland Panorama (16 Days)

"The tour was great, we seen so much of the UK, Ireland. One place I will always remember was going to the Cavern in Liverpool where the Beatles played." neville, traveled in April 2019

The Best of Britain & Ireland

"Tom and John were great and gave us a very informative trip." William, traveled in September 2018

Celtic Highlights

"The itinerary. I do not think we would have ever seen so much of these countries if we had tried to do this on our own." EREnee, traveled in May 2018

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus Historical +2

Romantic Britain & Ireland (Classic, 18 Days)

Leisurely United Kingdom ( 13 days )

Britain and Ireland Explorer (16 Days)

"Such beautiful scenery, historic destinations, good accommodation, good food." Lourdes, traveled in July 2019

England, Ireland And Scotland Coach / Bus Tour Reviews

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.

I really enjoyed the trip

Emma was amazing. Most of the accommodation was excellent especially Apex. Most places were great dealing with my dietary requirements.

Travel Styles

• Coach / Bus
• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)

Discover TourRadar

• Costa Rica Tours
• Egypt Tours
• Australia West Coast Broome tours
• Canada Luxury tours
• France and Italy In-depth Cultural tours
• Mount Annapurna May 2025 tours
• Chile Budget tours