Planning a Brilliant British Expedition
Take a whirlwind tour of great cities and famous landmarks while immersing yourself in a world of cozy pubs, quaint markets and friendly people
Writer: Beth Chapman

Itinerary

Day 1: London

After a warm and hearty English breakfast at a local pub, head out for a day of sightseeing: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace are just a few of the famous landmarks in London. Enjoy an excursion to either Windsor Castle or the Tower of London. Finish the first day with a dinner and a cruise on the River Thames.

Day 2: Warwick - York

Start with a spectacular visit to Warwick Castle and marvel at the great hall and staterooms. Later, journey through Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest on the way to York, England's most complete medieval city.

Day 3: Edinburgh

Begin your morning journey with sightseeing through the 200-year-old "New Town" and familiarize yourself with the hometown of famous scientists, inventors and novelists. In the "Old Town," drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. End the exploration of Edinburgh with a tour of Royal Yacht Britannia.

Day 4: Chester - Dublin

On your walking tour of Chester, see the Roman remains and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Cross the border into North Wales and travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. At Holyhead, board the high-speed ferry for the fast Irish Sea crossing to Dun Laoghaire. The National Museum of Ireland displays a remarkable collection of Irish gold jewelry predating 700 B.C. End your field trip through Dublin with a visit to Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College, famous for its 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and magnificent Old Library.

Day 5: Bristol - Bath - Plymouth - London

First thing this morning, visit the Georgian Bath and explore the amazing excavations of the Roman waterworks. Visit Widecombe in the Moor and then head across Dartmoor to Plymouth. Cross the River Tamar on the way to the shark-fishing village and former smuggler’s port of Looe. Spend a leisurely afternoon visiting the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620, and hear about Sir Francis Drake. Finish your British expedition contemplating the intriguing prehistoric riddle of Stonehenge, and then stroll through Salisbury’s vast cathedral.

Where to Stay

Voted the best hotel in London, the luxurious Milestone Hotel (milestonehotel.com) is a boutique hotel with 24-hour butler service. Bring the family to The Goring hotel (goringhotel.co.uk), London's only five-star hotel under family ownership for nearly a century.  While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have landmarks on their doorsteps, The Balmoral (thebalmoralhotel.com) can say that their doorstep is a landmark. After a long day of sightseeing, relax in the Thetra Spa, Dublin's most refined treat, located in the heart of The Merrion (merrionhotel.com). The Royal Crescent luxury hotel (royalcrescent.co.uk) in Bath occupies the two central buildings in the entire crescent and gives visitors an opportunity to experience the style of gracious living.

Where to Eat

Tradition and excellence go hand-in-hand at The Fat Duck (fatduck.co.uk) in Bray, England, where you are in for a real culinary treat from this Michelin three-star restaurant. Tucked away, off the main drag sits Alexis Restaurant, in Dublin. This bistro plays host to rustic French and Italian dishes, and the menu doesn't differentiate between starters and mains since small portions of many dishes can be ordered. The Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall, England, has established a national reputation for imaginative cooking of the freshest of fish and shellfish. Get a taste of Scotland's best Angus beef, lamb and game at The Witchery (thewitchery.com), located in an historic sixteenth-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Howards Restaurant (howardsrestaurant.co.uk) is one of the oldest restaurants in Bristol, England, and invites diners to enjoy its cozy and rustic interior, hearty traditional menu and welcoming staff.