Great British Adventure Winter Trail

As you arrive in London, a Cox & Kings representative greets you with a smile and a warm welcome before escorting you to the hotel. Settle into and take a moment to unwind and shake off the jet lag. The excitement of your journey begins here, in a city where every street holds a handful of stories!

In the evening , step out to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps wander through its boulevards, stroll by the Thames, or pause at a cosy café for tea and a touch of local life. As dusk falls, London’s skyline glows; bridges lit, domes shining; a perfect first impression of its grand personality.

As night approaches, the city tempts you with flavours from every corner of the world. Whether it’s fish and chips at a classic pub or a Michelin-starred masterpiece, the choice is yours. Return to your hotel for a peaceful night, ready to welcome the adventures ahead.

A hearty English breakfast fuels your morning as you set out to explore London’s most celebrated landmarks with the group. Witness the gothic arches of Westminster Abbey and the grand sweep of Big Ben before strolling by the River Thames, each sight telling a story that shaped an empire!

After a morning steeped in history, the afternoon is yours to explore; perhaps visit Windsor Castle on an optional excursion, stroll through Hyde Park and Covent Garden or simply feel London's winter air carrying the aroma of roasted chestnuts and the hum of street performers. 

As twilight hits, explore London’s spirited nightlife; walk through Piccadilly, Leicester Square, explore Chinatown’s dim sum delights or the theatres of Soho before returning to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

After a hearty breakfast, set out northward toward the legendary university town of Cambridge, where centuries of learning live within ivy-covered walls. Stroll through its historic courtyards and along the River Cam, where punters glide beneath graceful stone bridges; a perfect snapshot of timeless England!

Continue your journey to York, and walk along its ancient walls, through narrow cobbled lanes filled with pretty boutiques and numerous old-world inns. Marvel at the towering York Minster rising above it all, a masterpiece that has watched centuries go by.

By evening, arrive in Durham, where a grand cathedral crowns the riverside skyline. The town’s storybook atmosphere welcomes you to slow down and savour every moment. Enjoy dinner at leisure, perhaps try a cosy riverside spot before settling in for another peaceful night at the hotel.

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before continuing toward Scotland with the group. Along the way, stop at Alnwick, a picturesque town famous for its fairytale castle and cinematic past. Its medieval towers rise above gardens that glow even in winter’s soft light!

Next, cross the border into Scotland and journey to Edinburgh, a city of poets, kings, and legends. A guided tour reveals the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, the beauty of the Royal Mile, and panoramic views that stretch toward Arthur’s Seat.

Spend your evening wandering its illuminated streets and enjoy a hearty Scottish dinner before retiring to your hotel for a restful stay.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before setting out toward the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The journey winds through dramatic landscapes and misty glens, pausing in the beautiful village of Pitlochry, a postcard-perfect stop surrounded by forested hills and stone cottages.

Continue north to the haunting ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched on the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness. A tranquil cruise across its dark waters invites reflection, and maybe even a teasing glimpse of the fabled Nessie beneath the surface!

Later, travel onward through Fort William and along the serene banks of Loch Lomond, where mountains lean gently into glassy waters. As dusk settles, reach Glasgow, a town full of life. Spend your evening sampling its lively dining scene or unwinding in a cosy local pub before retreating to your hotel for the night!

After a sumptuous breakfast, journey south through the gentle countryside toward Cairnryan, where a scenic ferry ride awaits. As you cross the Irish Sea, watch the shifting hues of grey and blue, with seabirds trailing your wake and distant shores slowly coming into view.

Arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s storied capital, and set out for a brief orientation tour. Glimpse its striking murals, grand Victorian architecture, and the proud spirit that weaves together its modern spirit and layered past.

Continue south toward Dublin, crossing into the Republic of Ireland. Check in at your hotel and as evening descends, feel free to head out to explore the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar, alive with music, laughter, and the comforting aroma of hearty Irish stew before settling in for the night.

Begin your morning with a classic Irish breakfast before setting out on a guided city tour of Dublin. Cross the River Liffey, stroll through the historic courtyards of Trinity College, and admire the pastel-coloured Georgian doors that lend the city its timeless soul.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace; maybe visit the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of Ireland’s brewing legacy or wander along Dawson Street for cosy bookshops. Dublin’s feel is unhurried yet alive, filled with stories told through its cobblestones.

As the evening glow warms the city, enjoy dinner wherever the mood takes you; from traditional Irish fare to modern flavours. Return to your hotel later, the sound of pub laughter and fiddle tunes lulling you softly into a restful night’s sleep.

After breakfast, board your ferry across the Irish Sea, following a timeless route once travelled by merchants and monarchs alike. The gentle sway of the waves and the open horizon set the perfect tone for another day of discovery.

Arrive on the Welsh coast and step into explore Caernarfon, a medieval gem crowned by its mighty fortress rising proudly from the harbour. Stroll its cobbled streets and take in the feel of this historic town, where every stone holds a story from centuries past.

Continue your picturesque drive through Wales’ rolling green countryside, perhaps stopping for lunch or a local pastry. By afternoon, cross into England and arrive in Liverpool; the spirited city of The Beatles, rich heritage, and warm humour. Start with a brief orientation tour and spend your evening by the lively waterfront before retiring for a restful night.

After a delightful breakfast featuring local delicacies, journey through England’s rolling countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Wander through its half-timbered streets and soak in the romance of a city that hosted history’s greatest playwright!

Continue onward to Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, where centuries of learning live within its cobbled quads and golden-hued colleges. Take a leisurely stroll through its storied lanes or pause for tea at a cosy café as twilight begins to paint the skyline.

By evening, return to London, grab dinner and gather with your fellow travellers for one last get together. Share laughter, memories, and stories from a journey that has woven together history, culture, and maybe some enduring friendships along the way.

Enjoy one final breakfast in London before bidding farewell to Britain and Ireland. A private chauffeur escorts you to the airport, marking the close of a grand winter trail filled with laughter, discovery, and timeless stories.

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

Expertly yours.