England and Scotland Summer Tales 2026

As you arrive in London, you are welcomed with a warm greeting by a Cox and Kings representative, who ensures your first steps in the United Kingdom feel easy before you are escorted into your centrally located hotel in the city.

After a smooth check-in, settle into your room, take a moment to refresh, and shake off the jet lag. For those who like to stretch their legs, the surrounding neighbourhoods often reward curious evening strolls with quiet cafés, bakeries, and colourful streets, ideal for easing into a long-awaited trip.

Allow the day to close gently, feeling the comfort of your accommodation as you enjoy a dinner that sets the tone for the rest of the journey. Let the anticipation of the days ahead rest alongside you, with London’s dim lights sparkling outside…

After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore London’s greatest landmarks with the group. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, glide past storied icons like the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the gothic grace of Westminster Abbey, the Piccadilly Circus, and the iconic Tower Bridge arching over the waves. If operational, witness the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, a ceremony carried out with discipline, ceremony, and unmistakable pride.

Later, after a warm lunch, step into the world of Madame Tussauds. Here, step into rooms filled with cinema icons, sporting greats, royalty, and global pop stars, each figure crafted so realistically it blurs the line between art and presence. The afternoon then carries you to Lord’s Cricket Ground, the revered “Home of Cricket”. Walk the pavilion, stroll the Long Room, step inside Players’ Dressing Rooms, and see the Ashes Urn: the sport’s most iconic artefact.

As dusk softens the skyline, board the London Eye. Suspended 135 metres above the city, watch London unfurl beneath you, the Thames winding, rooftops glowing, and the horizon stretching towards royal parks. Return to your hotel for a well-earned rest, after a dinner enjoyed pleasantly with the group.

After fuelling up with a wholesome breakfast, depart your hotel and step into the grand narrative of British royalty. Witness the Windsor Castle, its stone walls that echo coronations, ceremonies, and history spanning nearly a millennium. Should Windsor Castle be unavailable on Tuesday or Wednesday, stir your imagination at Stonehenge instead, ancient monoliths arranged in mysterious formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of humanity’s enduring puzzles.

After a group lunch, continue to Stratford-upon-Avon with the group, a riverside market town where William Shakespeare first opened his eyes to the world. See cobblestone lanes and Tudor façades that carry the pride which shaped the most famous playwright in history. Stroll its streets, admire its beauty, Stroll its streets, admire its beauty, and feel the weight of history in every brick and beam.

From there, settle into a relaxing drive toward Manchester. Evening sets in as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax, savour a hearty dinner with the group, and let the day sink in before retreating into restful sleep.

After a delicious spread of local delicacies for breakfast, begin your journey into the Lake District, England's beloved national park and a sanctuary for poets, dreamers, and nature lovers. See Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, that stretches across glassy waters ringed by mountains and green ridges. From here, board your scenic cruise and drift gently through the stillness, watching quiet villages, green slopes, and open sky come together along the shoreline.

Once the stillness fades behind you, enjoy lunch and drive into the Highlands, where the scenery suddenly feels alive. Inside a Scottish distillery, you’ll see whisky begin as grain and flame before turning to liquid gold. Copper vessels, aging casks, and patient years turn the simplest ingredients into something unmistakably Scottish.

Continue onward with the group to Glasgow, a city known for its creativity and architectural heart. Victorian avenues frame contemporary galleries, and its squares are filled with students and evening conversations. Later, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner, and drift into a quiet night, as tomorrow brings a deeper look at Glasgow.

After savouring a delicious breakfast, set off for Scotland’s capital; Edinburgh. A guided city tour unveils its best: the Scott Monument standing tall, Queen Mary’s Bath House tucked into history, and the academic gravitas of St Andrews University and St Andrew’s Cathedral. Then, follow the ancient Royal Mile toward Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty the Queen.

Later, after fueling up with lunch, step inside the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a fortress perched above the city and its ramparts framing extraordinary views. Here, the Crown Jewels, military history, and open courtyards tell a straightforward story of Scotland’s resilience. As the afternoon sets in, depart the castle and head toward the loch.

Then, cruise gently along Lake Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most cherished landscapes. Its islands and oak forests slip past, mountains watch from a distance, and the waters mirror a sky that seems to quiet the mind. To cap this wonderful day, return to Glasgow for a warm group dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel.

After a nourishing breakfast, check out and travel south towards Manchester. The city welcomes you with its industrial heritage, creative spirit, and football pride. Set out on an orientation tour that introduces its modern architecture, historic canals, and ongoing cultural revival. Explore its cafés, galleries, and lively squares that line the streets, giving you a full picture of the city’s youthful pace.

As the afternoon fades, the journey continues to Birmingham, a city known for its innovation and craftsmanship. Once at the hotel, check in and take a moment to settle in, letting the day’s travel ease away. Later, join the group for a relaxed dinner and enjoy the chance to take in the city’s atmosphere.

To cap the day off, retire to your room and unwind from the day. Reflect on the sights and experiences you’ve already enjoyed throughout the journey and rest well, recharging for the adventures that tomorrow will bring.

After a hearty breakfast, check out and drive with the group toward Oxford, a city defined by its historic universities and beautiful streets. Here, set off on an orientation tour, and explore the medieval courtyards, soaring college spires, time-honored libraries and walk the streets where generations of scholars have studied.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch, and continue your journey back to London, letting the familiarity of the city greet you once again. Check into your hotel and take a moment to settle in, reflecting on the rich experiences of the trip from royal castles and serene lakes to historic streets, and stunning modern life.

Enjoy a warm dinner and take in your final evening in the United Kingdom. After the meal, retire to your room and relax, letting the day’s memories settle in. Sleep peacefully, cherishing one last night before your journey home.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, a final taste of local and continental flavours before the journey back home. After check out, you will be escorted to the airport, carrying with you a collection of memories from London’s iconic skyline and Shakespeare’s birthplace to the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond and the warmth of Scotland’s finest.

Great journeys never end, they aspire to inspire the next. Until next time…
Expertly yours.