Small-group tours from London - 2019 Tour Information +44 (0) 2037110147
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Small-group tours from London
2019 Tour Information
info@go-tours.co.uk
+44 (0) 2037110147
CORNWALL & THE COTSWOLDS TOUR
(FIVE-DAYS)
Join us on a five-day
tour of Cornwall and the
Cotswolds where we’ll
see some of Britain’s
most beautiful coastline
and visit some of its
most charming villages.
Our small-group tour to
Cornwall will take you on
a journey of spectacular
scenery, winding
country lanes, unique This tour includes:
• Four nights accommodation
history and authentic • Guided by local Tour Leader
local flavours... • Full minibus transportation
• Breakfast each morning
This tour starts & finishes at the Mercure Kensington Hotel.
The tour is fully-guided by our knowledgable local Tour
Leaders & includes full minibus transportation and four-
nights accommodation (choose B&B or Hotel)
Small-groups mean you will get a more personalised tour
with more time off the minibus to explore
Options to leave the tour in Bath or at Heathrow Airport
Visit famous destinations like Stonehenge and Bath plus
seek ‘hidden gems’ in two of England’s most beautiful are-
as; Cornwall and the Cotswolds
Find the best places to sample authentic local foods; like
Fish & Chips, Devonshire Cream Teas and Cornish Pasties
See the places that feature in the books of Rosamunde
Pilcher and visit the filming locations of popular TV series
Poldark and Doc Martin
DAY ONE - Stonehenge, Salisbury and the Jurassic Coast
Our tour of Cornwall & the Cotswolds begins by departing London and heading west towards the iconic pre-historic monu-
ment of Stonehenge; the first stop of our tour. The world’s most famous stone circle is thought to be 4,500 years old, yet we
still don’t understand its true meaning. After attempting to unravel the mysteries of the stones we will make the short journey
to the medieval city of Salisbury. The city’s cathedral is visible for miles around and possesses the tallest spire in the UK. It’s
also home to one of only four surviving copies of the world’s oldest constitution: the Magna Carta. Here we’ll have time to visit
the cathedral, wander the city’s charming streets and have some lunch. This afternoon we will head to the south coast and the
county of Dorset, where we will visit Durdle Door. This limestone arch is one of the most recognisable features of the Jurassic
coast; a part of England’s coastline that is world-renowned and has a geological history dating back 185 million years. Then it
will be time for us to continue west, to the Roman city of Exeter, which is where we will spend the first night of our tour.
DAY TWO - Dartmoor, Polperro and Charlestown
This morning we leave Exeter, but it won’t be long before we are crossing into the higher grounds of Dartmoor National Park;
known for its Sherlock Holmes connection and home to the legendary Dartmoor Beast. As we travel we’ll take in the beau-
tiful scenery, negotiate narrow country lanes and perhaps spot a native Dartmoor pony or two. Our route will take us past
Princetown, where we will see the notorious Dartmoor prison, and via a number of Dartmoor’s Tors; rocky hills that dominate
this landscape. Next we’ll descend into the town of Tavistock, famously the birthplace of naval leader and explorer Sir Francis
Drake. This will be a chance to grab some lunch or perhaps try a traditional Devonshire Cream Tea. This afternoon it’s time
to cross the border and enter Cornwall; a county with a unique culture based on its Celtic heritage. Here they have their own
language, their own flag, and of course their Cornish pasties! Our adventure in Cornwall begins by heading for the south
coast, and our first stop will be the quaint fishing village of Polperro. Follow the narrow streets into the harbour to see an
active fishing community where smuggling once thrived. A short trip along the coast will bring us to our next stop, Charles-
town, known popularly as a filming location in the TV series Poldark. The village centres on its port and has remained largely
unchanged since the late 18th century. Now its time to travel to Falmouth; our base in Cornwall and where we will spend the
next two nights.
DAY THREE - St Michaels Mount, Minack Theatre and Lands End
Today our journey will take us to some of the most beautiful and isolated parts of Cornwall’s coastline. We will begin by trav-
elling to see the famous island of St Michael’s Mount. This iconic place has been home to a monastery since at least the 8th
centry, and takes its name from the Archangel Michael, who according to local legend protects the local fishermen. Next we’ll
have to beware of ‘pirates’ as we negotiate the town of Penzance and make our way to the Minack Theatre, our next stop. An
inspiring story of dedication and English eccentricity, the Minack Theatre is in a spectacular location that would rival any the-
atre in the world. From here, there’s only one place in mainland Britain that’s further west and that’s our next stop; Lands End.
Here we can gaze out over the Atlantic and on a clear day we’ll be able to see the Isles of Scilly. Next we’ll continue to follow
the coastline and take the scenic route as we head back to Falmouth where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this
historic harbour town. You may wish to visit the historic Pendennis castle, which was constructed by King Henry VIII, discover
Falmouth’s renowned National Marimitime Museum or perhaps spend time in a traditional local pub. Tonight is our second
night in Falmouth.
DAY FOUR - St Ives, Port Isaac and Tintagel
This morning it’s time to leave Falmouth, but our Cornish adventure isn’t over yet. We begin by travelling to Cornwall’s north
coast, and we’ll arrive at St Ives, one of Britain’s most popular seaside towns. The town was once a big player in Cornwall’s fish-
ing industry, but is now known more as a destination for artists. Stroll along the cobbled lanes, pop your head into an art shop
or take a walk along the front of one of the beaches. Next we’ll meander around the Camel Estuary to reach the pretty fishing
village of Port Isaac. For some the village may be more familiar by its fictional name ‘Portwenn’; as this is the main filming lo-
cation in the hit TV series Doc Martin. Starring Martin Clunes, the series follows the life of Doc Martin, a London surgeon who
becomes the local GP in a quiet Cornish village. His unique personality and blunt nature leads to a clash of cultures with locals
that has humorous results! Here we’ll have time to explore the village and have some lunch. This afternoon we’ll continue
further along the coast to Tintagel; once home to an ancient castle which legend says was the birthplace of King Arthur. The
island on which the castle would have stood is shrouded in history, and the views of the surrounding coastline are spectacular.
After this we will head back to Exeter where we’ll spend the final night of the tour.
DAY FIVE - Bath and the Cotswolds
The final day of you tour to Cornwall & the Cotswolds begins by departing Exeter and visiting possibly the most beautiful city
in Britain; Bath. Founded by the Romans as a spa town, the legend of the city suggests that the water here possesses healing
powers. Whilst here be sure to visit the Roman Baths, as well as take in some of the beautiful regency architecture like the
Royal Crescent and the Circus. After ample time to explore Bath and have some lunch we will make the short journey into The
Cotswolds; a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. This area is home to Britain’s most famous countryside, which
is famed for it’s beautiful scenery and historic association with sheep farming. We’ll travel through the rolling hills, passing a
number of charming villages along the way. We’ll stop in at Castle Combe, arguably the most picture-perfect village in the
Cotswolds. Here you can wander around the quiet streets and admire the villages’ idyllic river setting. At this point it is time to
make our way back towards London, where our tour of Cornwall & the Cotswolds concludes.
This tour ends at the Mercure Kensington Hotel at approximately 6.30pm. If traffic conditions allow it may be possible to do an
additional stop on Bath Road, Heathrow, for those staying in the Heathrow Airport area.
Departs weekly on Mondays
Prices from £550 pp
YORK & THE LAKE DISTRICT TOUR
(FIVE-DAYS)
Join us on our five-day This tour includes:
• Four nights accommodation
York and the • Guided by local Tour Leader
Lake District tour where • Full minibus transportation
you’ll travel through the • Breakfast each morning
heart of Britain, and take
in some of England’s
highlights along the way,
including Stratford-up-
on-Avon and Cambridge.
This small-group tour
to the Lake District will
take you on a journey
of spectacular scenery,
literary legends and
historic cities...
This tour starts & finishes at the Mercure Kensington Hotel.
The tour is fully-guided by our knowledgable local Tour
Leaders & includes full minibus transportation and four-
nights accommodation (choose B&B or Hotel)
Small-groups mean you will get a more personalised tour
with more time off the minibus to explore
Option to leave the tour in York or at Heathrow Airport
Enjoy the stunning and varied landscapes of the Lake
District, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales
See the homes of some of England’s most iconic literary
figures William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth and
Beatrix Potter
Take in some of England’s best loved and most historic
cities including York, Lincoln and Cambridge
Visit Chatsworth House; one of England’s grandest stately
homes, famous for its connection toPride & Prejudice
See the Magna Carta in Lincoln Castle, view the imposing
York Minster and visit King’s College Chapel in Cambridge
DAY ONE - Cambridge and Lincoln
Our York & the Lake District tour begins by departing London and travelling north to the city of Cambridge, home to one of
the world’s best universities that possesses an alumni which includes Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.
Whilst here you can visit King College Chapel, Cambridge’s most iconic building or one of the many historic college buildings.
You can also partake in a local tradition; punting. ‘Punts’ are shallow boats that negogiate the canals and provide the best way
to really absorb the beauty of this city. After lunch we’ll continue north to the historic city of Lincoln. The main landmark of Lin-
coln is its imposing medieval Cathedral which sits at top of a hill and is visible for many miles around. It is one of the greatest
Cathedrals in England, and was actually the tallest building in the world for several hundred years. Lincoln’s Roman quarter
is fascinating, and the Norman castle here is home to one of the only surviving copies of the world’s oldest constitution; the
Magna Carta. After Lincoln we will continue north and head towards York, where we will spend the first night of our tour.
DAY TWO - The Yorkshire Dales and the Lakes
This morning we leave York but it won’t be long before we enter the Yorkshire Dales, a National Park known for its beautiful
green valleys, called ‘Dales’. First we’ll stop in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, where you can visit the Pump room, sample
great architecture or stroll through beautiful gardens. Next we journey into the ‘Dales’ and as we travel we’ll take in beautiful
scenery along the narrow country roads. Our route will take us to Aysgrath Falls; a beautiful triple flight of waterfalls that fea-
tured in the film Robin Hood; a Prince of Thieves, and then Hawes; a thriving market that is home to Yorkshires’ most famous
cheese; Wensleydale. Next it’s time to start our Lake District adventure, and our first stop will be Grasmere, home of the
Lakes most famous son; William Wordsworth. In Grasmere you can visit his former home Dove Cottage, or explore this typical
Lakeland village which is famous for gingerbread. Next it’s time to head to Lake Windermere; our base in the Lake District and
where we will spend the next two nights.
DAY THREE - The Highlights of the Lake District
Today our travels take us around the highlights of the Lake District; England’s largest National Park which is famous for its
beautiful scenery, fantastic wildlife and literary connections. We’ll start by passing Hill Top, a quaint cottage and the former
home of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter loved animals and was inspired by the unspoilt land-
scape of the Lake District where she lived for much of her life. Next we’ll enjoy a leisurely drive along the Honister Pass, one of
England’s most scenic roads. For lunch we’ll stop in Keswick, a pleasant market town where you can relax by the lake, or wan-
der through the town centre. Close by is our next stop, the dramatic Castlerigg Stone Circle; one of England’s most atmos-
pheric neolithic sites and thought to be at least 4,000 years old. This afternoon we will loop around Ullswater Lake, regarded
by many as the most beautiful of all Lakes which inspiried Wordsworth’s iconic poem Daffolfils. We’ll visit Aira Force, a spec-
tacular waterfall set amongst beautiful woodland where you may even spot a native red squirrel if you keep your eyes peeled.
Now it’s time to head back to Lake Windermere, where you may want to take a short cruise around England’s largest lake.
DAY FOUR - Explore York
This morning it’s time to depart the Lake District and continue our Yorkshire adventure by heading back to York. This city is
truly one of the greatest in Britian and has a complex and fascinating history. Occupied by the Romans, Vikings and Saxons,
the history of York is extremely varied, and its said that York is the most haunted city in England. There’s so much to do here
including: visit the majestic York Minster, explore the renowned National Railway Museum, take a walk atop the ancient city
wall, wander through the historic central streets known as ‘The Shambles’, try a traditional Yorkshire pudding or join one of the
many fantastic ghost tours. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore York and take in as much of the history as possible.
DAY FIVE - Chatsworth House & Stratford-upon-Avon
The final day of our York and the Lake District tour begins by departing York and statring the journey south. We’ll travel
through some beautiful scenery in the Peak District on our way to our first stop, the magnificent Chatsworth House. Built in the
mid-16th century, Chatsworth House is possibly the grandest of all stately homes in England and remains the seat of the Duke
and Duchess of Devonshire. Set in a picturesque 1,000 acre park, Chatsworth was originally home to Sir William Cavendish
and Bess of Hardwick, but is now equally famous for acting as a filming location for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Whilst
here you’ll have time to wander through the incredible house, explore the grounds, see the beautiful gardens and have some
lunch. This afternoon, our journey continues as we make our way to Stratford-upon-Avon; the final stop of our tour. Stratford
the home of the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare; this is where Shakespeare was born and where he lived
before becoming famous for works such as Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth. You’ll have ample time to visit his birthplace and for-
mer home, see the school where he studied, Trinity Church where he was laid to rest, and wander the towns charming streets.
After this it will be time to make our way back to London where our York & the Lake District tour concludes.
This tour ends at the Mercure Kensington Hotel at approximately 6.30pm. If traffic conditions allow it may be possible to do an
additional stop on Bath Road, Heathrow, for those staying in the Heathrow Airport area.
Variable weekly departures
Prices from £520 pp
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF WALES TOUR
(FIVE-DAYS)
This tour includes:
Join us on a five-day • Four nights accommodation
• Guided by local Tour Leader
tour of Wales where we’ll
• Full minibus transportation
explore the history and • Breakfast each morning
beauty of the ‘land of
song’. During this
small-group tour to
Wales you’ll absorb
stunning scenery in
National Parks, see
historic castles,
visit the cities of
Cardiff & St Davids
plus much more...
This tour starts & finishes at the Mercure Kensington Hotel
The tour is fully-guided by our knowledgable local Tour
Leaders & includes full minibus transportation and four-
nights accommodation (choose B&B or Hotel)
Small-groups mean you will get a more personalised tour
with more time off of the minibus to explore
Option to leave the tour in Cardiff or at Heathrow Airport
Visit the Welsh captial city Cardiff, and also the country’s
smallest city St Davids; the home of the Wales’ patron saint
Absorb breathtaking scenery in Wales’ three national
parks: Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and
Pembrokeshire Coast
Marvel at the history of some magnificent Welsh castles
including Harlech Castle, Pembroke Castle and
Carreg Cennon
Discover Wales’ industrial past, with visits to a traditional
Welsh woollen mill and the Big Pit National Coal Museum
DAY ONE - The Cotswolds, Raglan Castle & the Big Pit Coal Museum
Our Highlights of Wales tour begins by departing London and travelling west towards the Cotswolds; a designated area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty famed for its rolling hills and sheep farming scenes. As we meander through the countryside we’ll
stop in at Burford, a quaint market town that typifies the Cotswolds with its charming buildings and history of wool trading.
Next, it’s time head into the Welsh borderlands, known as the ‘marches’, before crossing over into Wales. Our first stop in the
‘land of song’ is the imposing Raglan Castle, which dates back to the fourteenth century. Built as a statment of power by Sir
William ap Thomas, construction began in 1430, making it one of the last castles to be built in Wales. Ascend the iconic Great
Tower for some panoramic views in a castle that was a childhood home of King Henry VII. Next we’ll make the short journey
to our afternoon stop; the Big Pit National Coal Museum, one of the leading mining museums in Britain and a celebration of
Coal Mining in South Wales. There’s much to do and see here, including exhibitions where you can learn about the history of
Wales’ industrial past, and the possibility to take an underground tour. As leave Big Pit we’ll absorb some beautiful scenery as
we cross the Brecon Beacons and travel towards the town of Brecon, where we’ll spend the first night of the tour..
DAY TWO - Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr, Elan Valley & Devil’s Bridge
We begin our second day by absorbing the beautiful scenery of Brecon Beacons National Park as we travel to our first stop,
Carreg Cennen. This is a castle with a spectacular location atop a limestone cliff, and perhaps you’ll find the secret under-
ground passage whilst exploring the grounds. Next we travel to our main stop of the day; Dinefwr, a magnificent estate with
both a Welsh Castle and Country House; perhaps the Downton Abbey of Wales. Here you can wander through the extensive
parklands, see wild deer and have a traditional Welsh lunch of Cawl & Bara Brith. This afternoon we’ll head north through the
heart of Wales towards the Elan Valley, an area of stunning landscapes and Victorian engineering. This terrain is defined by
magnificent dams and beautiful wilderness which shows off Wales at its best. Traversing through the Cambrian hills, we’ll arrive
at our next stop, Devil’s Bridge, where, if legend is to be believed, on his first visit to Wales the devil was outwitted by an old
Welsh lady. Now it’s time to descend into the picturesque seaside town of Aberystwyth; the ‘capital’ of Welsh-speaking Wales,
where we will spend the next two nights.
DAY THREE - Snowdonia, Harlech Castle & Aberystwyth
This morning we continue our journey towards North Wales, promptly crossing into Snowdonia National Park, where we’ll
travel through more beautiful scenery. In the foothills of Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak, we’ll stop at the picturesque
village of Beddgelert, with its riverside craft and tea shops, not to mention the ‘grave’ of the legendary hound ‘Gelert’ after
which the village is named. Next we’ll make the short journey to the coast, where we’ll visit Harlech Castle, one of Edward I’s
ring of magnificent 13th Century medieval fortresses around North Wales. Whilst exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site
you can have lunch, and from the castle ramparts there are breathtaking mountain and seascape views. From here we’ll travel
back down the coast to Aberystwyth in time for you to check out the seafront esplanade and castle, or perhaps take a journey
on the Victorian Cliff Railway up Constitution Hill for some panoramic views of the town.
DAY FOUR - Pembrokshire Coast, St Davids City & Pemroke Castle
Today we explore the south-westernmost corner of Wales and we’ll begin by departing Aberyswyth and travelling down the
coast towards the tiny harbour town of New Quay. With it multi-coloured cottages and sandy beaches, the town has con-
nections with probably Wales’ most famous 20th century poet, Dylan Thomas, and from the quay you can often spot pods
of dolphins. Next we continue south, passing the Presili Hills, into Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where we’ll stop at
Abercastle. Here you can visit visit a working Welsh woollen mill; view the chattering looms close up, wonder at the rotating
waterwheel, browse high quality mill products in the shop or sample the local fare. Our next stop is Britain’s smallest city; St
Davids. Despite its size the city is home to a magnificent cathedral sited next to the Bishop’s Palace, founded by Wales’ patron
saint, St David. Inside the cathedral are the tombs of many influential medieval knights, as well as a shrine to St David himself.
Our last stop today is Pembroke; a town dominated by one of the largest and most important castles in Anglo-Welsh history.
Take a wander around the picturesque Castle Pond, but as you do beware of the infamous ‘Mr Nasty’ swan who lives here.
Now we’ll travel to the charming seaside town of Tenby, where we’ll spend the last night of the tour.
DAY FIVE - Cardiff & Avebury
The final day of our tour of Wales begins by departing Tenby and heading straight towards the capital of Wales; Cardiff where
there’ll be a chance to see different parts of this cosmopolitan city. The now modern Cardiff Bay area was formerly the city
docklands and once the largest coal-trading port in the world. Now regenerated, it is home to the Sennedd, the Welsh parlia-
ment, the Millenium Centre, and the BBC’s home of Doctor Who. In the centre of ‘old’ Cardiff you’ll see the National Museum,
Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium; sporting home of Wales’ national game, Rugby. After time to explore and have
lunch, we’ll head away from Cardiff and towards the border, before crossing the immense bridge over the Severn estuary
that defines the English-Welsh border. AS we travel eastwards our final stop is at the charming village of Avebury, home to
the largest stone circle in the world. These stones are a designated UNSECO World Heritage Site, and much of the village is
actually set within the stone circle itself, meaning you can get close to the stones and even touch them. Now it’s time to return
to London, where our tour of Wales concludes.
This tour ends at the Mercure Kensington Hotel at approximately 6.30pm. If traffic conditions allow it may be possible to do an
additional stop on Bath Road, Heathrow, for those staying in the Heathrow Airport area.
Variable weekly departures
Prices from £540 pp
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE YOU BOOK PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR
How can I see available dates & book? How much spending money should I bring?
The best way to book a tour is through our website As a general rule, allowing an average £50 per
using our booking system. Just head to the tour page person per day would be more than enough for meals,
you’re interested in and click ‘Book Now!’ to attractions and a few unexpected extras!
see all the available dates.
Is there a luggage allowance?
How many people are there on each tour? Each person may bring one suitcase and one
Our tours travel in small-groups with a maximum of 16 carry-on item, such as a backpack. We ask that your
passengers each. suitcase does not exceed 20kg in weight.
Is there a single supplement charge? Do I need travel insurance?
No. The ‘per person’ price is the same for We require all our guests to have travel insurance.
everyone. There is no single supplement cost.
Do we need specific clothing?
Can I choose my accommodation? We suggest you bring comfortable footwear and cloth-
Yes. When you book your tour you have a choice of ing suitable for all varieties of British weather!
staying in either B&B’s or Hotels. In both B&B’s and
Hotels you will stay in an en-suite room and Is the tour itinerary flexible?
breakfast is included. The tour itineraries are designed to make the most of
each day, however, due to the nature of small group
What are the differences between travel, no two tours are ever
accommodations? quite the same!
The main difference is that the Hotels have more on-site
facilities that the B&B’s don’t, such as lifts and restau- What if I have dietary requirements?
rants. The B&B’s are smaller, so only have stairs but do If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies,
offer a local experience. we can then pass on to your accommodation.
TOUR MEETING POINT
DURING THE TOUR
Our tours start and end at the Mecure Kensington
Is there a level of fitness required?
Hotel, which is a five minute walk from Earl’s Court
To make the most of our tours you should be comfort-
able walking for long periods. However, our tours are Station. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to
there for you to enjoy at your own preferred pace. your departure. On the last day of your tour, you
will return to London by approximately 6:30pm.
What is a typical tour day like? There may be an additional drop off at Heathrow if
A normal day is from 9am-5pm, and you will be picked- traffic conditions allow.
up & dropped-off directly at your
accommodation. Whilst travelling in the minibus your ghjgjgjhgjggg
Tour Leader will provide interesting commentary will How to find us:
always try and stick to the scenic country roads.
What is a Tour Leader?
Your Tour Leader is your driver and your tour guide.
They will drive you safely from place to place & will
provide interesting historical
commentary as you travel. During the tour if you have
any problems or questions, your Tour Leader will be
there to help.
Are admission fees and meals included?
Breakfast is included, but not other meals.
Entrance to attractions are extra as we want to allow you
the opportunity to choose how you spend your time in
the places that we visit.
You can also read
