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An 11-Day Backroads Tour Spring 2026
✨ Trip at a Glance
- Dates: 6pm Sunday 28 April – 6pm Friday 8 May 2026
- Length: 11 days / 10 nights
- Countries: England, Wales & Scotland
- Group Size: Max 18 guests
- Price: $7,000 AUD per person (twin-share) Approx £3440 US$4600
Single supplement available - Meals: 15 included (breakfasts & selected dinners)
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels
- Transport: Luxury mini-coach with driver
- Hosted by: Doug & Tracy Collins
- Tour Operator: Backroads Touring
Overview of this Highlights of Britain Trip
🌸 Spring in Britain is a season like no other – longer days, blossoms in bloom, and fewer crowds at some of the country’s most iconic sights.
That’s why Doug and I are so excited to be hosting this Backroads Highlights of Britain Tour from 28 April to 8 May 2026. Together with a small group of just 18 travellers, we’ll explore England, Wales, and Scotland in style – staying in boutique hotels, enjoying 15 delicious meals, and travelling by luxury mini-coach.
This is travel made easy: every detail is taken care of so you can simply relax, soak up the scenery, and enjoy the stories and experiences that make Britain unforgettable.
Tour Highlights
✨ Explore the scenic back roads of the Cotswolds, Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales & Lake District
✨ Wander the medieval streets of York’s Shambles and Snickelways
✨ Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Castle Howard
✨ Visit The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool
✨ Experience a traditional Scottish feast accompanied by a live bagpiper performance
✨ Enjoy 15 included meals and boutique hotel stays across Britain
✨ Hosted by Doug & me – we’ll be with you every step of the way
What’s Included
✔️ 10 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels (twin, double, or single occupancy)
✔️ 15 meals (breakfasts & selected dinners)
✔️ Expert Trip Leader & experienced driver
✔️ All on-tour transportation by luxury mini-coach
✔️ Included activities & guided experiences listed in the itinerary
✔️ Hosted support and connection from Doug & Tracy throughout
Who this Highlights of Britain Tour is for
This trip is perfect if you:
- Want to see the best of England, Wales, and Scotland in just 11 days
- Prefer a small-group experience (max 18 guests) instead of a large coach tour
- Like the idea of boutique hotels over cookie-cutter chains
- Want all the logistics handled – so you can simply enjoy the adventure
- Are travelling solo, with a friend, or as a couple and want a warm, friendly group atmosphere
- Love the balance of iconic highlights + hidden gems
The Itinerary
Day 1 – London
Palaces dripping in historical intrigue. Streets thronged with iconic red buses. A bustling pub on every corner. London couldn’t be a more fitting place to embark on our tour of Britain!
Begin by greeting your expert Tour Leader and the rest of your small group before enjoying your first meal together. Uncover each other’s back stories over the dinner table and say cheers to the adventure ahead.
- Included today
- Accommodation: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar)
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – London – Oxford – Cotswolds
After an energy-boosting breakfast with your group, we’ll wave goodbye to the Big Smoke as we start our journey north.
Our next stop’s skyline is equally as impressive as the capital’s – with twisting spires, majestic domes and more than a few grinning gargoyles. On our orientation tour of Oxford, we’ll walk in the footsteps of the colleges’ illustrious alumni such as Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll.
After free time to wander and grab some lunch (the historic Covered Market is our top pick), we’ll continue west through idyllic villages of the Cotswolds before settling in Mickleton for a free evening.
- Included today
- Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Cotswolds – Stratford-upon-Avon – Cotswolds
Today we explore Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Discover remarkable tales of his life and visit his grave if time permits.
In the afternoon, we’ll wind through the Cotswolds, stopping at some of the prettiest villages including Broadway. If the weather’s fair, we may walk up to Broadway Tower for sweeping views.
- Included today
- Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Cotswolds – Worcester – Denbighshire (Wales)
We begin in Worcester to marvel at the magnificent cathedral and its Norman-era crypt.
Continuing north, we’ll pass through the Shropshire Hills with memorable stops in Much Wenlock (with its Olympic connection) and Ironbridge Valley – birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Arriving in Denbighshire, expect a warm welcome at tonight’s cosy inn.
- Included today
- Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 – Denbighshire – Snowdonia National Park – Denbighshire
Prepare for jaw-dropping scenery as we explore Snowdonia National Park. Highlights may include Betws-y-Coed, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on Anglesey, and the UNESCO-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct suspended 40 metres above the River Dee.
We return to Denbighshire for another hearty group dinner and a surprise after-dinner treat.
- Included today
- Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 – Denbighshire – Liverpool – York
Our first stop today is Liverpool, home of The Beatles Story Museum and the historic Royal Albert Docks.
In the afternoon, we journey east through the Pennines, stopping at Haworth (home of the Brontës) and Bingley Five Rise Locks before arriving in York.
- Included today
- Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – York
Today is devoted to exploring York. On an orientation walk we’ll discover the Snickleways, the Shambles, and York Minster.
The rest of the day is free to explore: visit the Jorvik Centre, walk the city walls, or enjoy tea and a fat rascal at Bettys Tearooms.
- Included today
- Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – York – Castle Howard – Lake District
This morning we visit Castle Howard, one of England’s grandest stately homes. Afterwards we travel through the Yorkshire Dales, stopping in Thirsk and, time permitting, at Ribblehead Viaduct.
We then continue into the Lake District, where we’ll enjoy a group dinner overlooking Lake Windermere.
- Included today
- Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 – The Lake District
We begin at Hill Top, the beloved home of Beatrix Potter. Later, we’ll explore the heart of the Lake District on a route curated by our Tour Leader, ending with a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Windermere.
- Included today
- Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Lake District to the Scottish Borders
Heading north, we first stop at The Bowes Museum with its eclectic art collection and famous silver swan. Then we visit Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall before continuing into the Scottish Borders.
Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish feast accompanied by the stirring sound of bagpipes.
- Included today
- Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11 – Scottish Borders to Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel – Edinburgh
Our final day begins at Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, followed by a visit to the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel.
We then make our way into Edinburgh, the history-rich Scottish capital, where the tour concludes.
Why Travel with Us?
Travel Britain with Tracy & Doug as your hosts – sharing stories, laughter, and insider tips along the way.
This tour is operated by Backroads, so you can count on seamless travel, expert tour leaders, and every detail handled with care. What makes this departure extra special is that it’s hosted by us, Tracy and Doug Collins.
We’re the husband-and-wife team behind UK Travel Planning, the podcast and community that’s helped thousands of travellers prepare for their dream UK adventure. With Doug’s background in the UK rail industry and our shared love of uncovering Britain’s stories, we’ll be alongside you throughout the journey – sharing tips, stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Travelling with us means you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a Backroads tour, plus:
- The chance to connect with fellow UK Travel Planning readers, listeners, and community members
- A warm, friendly hosting presence throughout the trip
- Extra insider insights, personal recommendations, and conversations from people who truly love Britain
We’re so excited to host this journey and to experience Britain’s highlights together with you.
We’ve chosen this tour because it offers the perfect balance of comfort, iconic sights, and authentic experiences – all without the stress of organising it yourself.
Spring in Britain is magical. We’d love for you to join us. 🌸
Ready to Join Us in Britain?
🚨 Only 4 places remain on this April departure – once they’re gone, they’re gone.
- To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of AUD$1,000 per person is required at the time of booking (refundable in the instance that the tour does not proceed
due to insufficient numbers) - Final Payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure
- Tour costs are in Australian Dollars
- In case of cancellation by the traveller, up to the final payment date, the penalty is loss of
deposit. After the final payment date, penalty – nil refund, so we recommend procuring
relevant travel insurance for your trip
📧 Email Tracy at info@uktravelplanning.com
FAQs
What is the weather like?
The UK’s weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, so we recommend packing plenty of layers and bringing a rain jacket.
Will there be free time?
Yes. Each destination has built-in free time, allowing you to explore, shop, or relax.
Can I join solo?
Absolutely! Many of our travellers are solo and love the chance to connect with others in a small group.
Can I bring my partner?
Yes – this trip is perfect for couples as well as solo travellers and friends.
