I can't believe my kids, my mom and I are about to embark on an amazing 11 day Castles and Kilts tour through England and Scotland! Thanks to Trafalgar Tours, the four of us are going on a trip of a lifetime, while poor hubby stays home to work.
So, here's what I need from you. I've been so busy working I haven't had time to do much research on what to bring, what cool sites to see off the beaten path, good restaurants, fun stuff for the kids to do, etc.
Also, if you're around, I'd love to meet some YMC readers in the UK! Take a look at my amazing itinerary prepared by Trafalgar Tours which I cut and pasted below. Then, I'd love your feedback and help to make this trip even more awesome!
Here we go....!!!!!
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONDON (3 nights)
Welcome to one of the most exciting capital cities in the world - London. Think red double-decker buses, Big Ben, the Queen and the famous black taxis and you know you are in the right city! Check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore your surroundings.
Day 3
LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Good morning! Today your city sightseeing adventure begins! You will see Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament Big Ben as well as Westminster Abbey. You will also be taken to see the location of the red telephone box where Harry and Mr. Weasley descend into the secret Ministry of Magic from the ‘Order of the Phoenix’. Plus - the magical platform 9 ¾ sign where Harry catches the Hogwarts Express! After watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to event taking place) you will later have free time for lunch in St Katherine’s Dock near Tower Bridge. This afternoon enjoy an included visit to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and hear stories of ravens and princes. Your Tour Director will suggest attending a medieval banquet this evening with King Henry VIII and his court of fighting knights, musicians and singers.
Day 4
FULL DAY AT LEISURE IN LONDON
Today you have the entire day free to explore the city – your Tour Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Perhaps visit the Tate Modern Gallery or the scary London Dungeon or pop into the most famous toy store in the world – Hamleys on Regent Street! There are other options available too – you might want to consider a trip to Windsor Castle for the day. This evening you will have dinner at the hotel and then perhaps take a Thames cruise and London Eye excursion for wonderful views out over this great city.
Day 5
LONDON - OXFORD - LACOCK - BRISTOL
Wave goodbye to London after breakfast as the next leg of your adventure begins with a stop at one of the most famous universities in the world – Oxford. You will enjoy a walking tour of the amazing buildings of the university which is set within the town. As long as the students are not writing exams you will visit the 16th century dining hall used as the inspiration for Hogwarts Hall. Later you will make a stop in one of the most beautiful villages in England – Lacock. And yes – you guessed it – Harry Potter was here too! You will see Harry Potter's house and enjoy time to see the magnificent old buildings. Perhaps partake in some traditional tea and cakes! Finally, you will arrive in the town of Bristol for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 6
BRISTOL - BATH - PECKFORTON CASTLE (2 nights)
Wake up to another day of adventure. Arrive in the town of Bath which is famed for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths. You will be taken on a short orientation tour to see the very smart Georgian houses before time to discover what the Romans were up to in Bath hundreds of years ago! You will enjoy an included visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Room and hear about how clever they were all those hundreds of years ago. Make sure you go inside Bath Abbey too – this church is over five hundred years old. After time for lunch you will be taken to the most fantastic medieval style castle to stay for two nights. Imagine that – your very own castle to stay in! It was here that parts of movies like ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Dr Who’ were filmed. They have on site falconry and a mini putting course so enough activities to keep you busy this afternoon. This evening you may choose to dine at the hotel or perhaps go to a local pub for dinner.
Day 7
EXCURSION TO LIVERPOOL
This morning there's an excursion to Liverpool where you will have a number of activities to choose from. You could visit the World Museum, a fantastic museum full of fascinating objects from all over the world. They have an aquarium, a bug house and a planetarium and the best part is that it is all free! Or you may wish to go to the Merseyside Maritime Museum to see the ship models and a ‘Life at Sea’ display. There is also a poignant gallery telling you the story of the Titanic. For something different, there is a ‘Beatles Tour’ which your Tour Director will tell you all about. After lunch make a short stop at Crosby Beach to see Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ before returning to your castle for free time in the afternoon. Tonight an extra special castle banquet will be held in your honor!
Day 8
PECKFORTON CASTLE - TATTON PARK - LAKE DISTRICT
First up today is a stop at Tatton Park to participate on an ‘upstairs and downstairs’ visit of this elegant mansion house. You may even see some wildlife in the 1,000 acre deer park which is part of the grounds of the estate. The butler and the housekeeper of the mansion will show you how the fancy people used to live in the olden days! After free time for lunch it’s time to head north to the Lake District of England which is some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Perhaps take a steam train and cruise across Lake Windermere before reaching your hotel for an included dinner.
Day 9
LAKE DISTRICT - HADRIANS WALL - EDINBURGH (2 nights)
Before crossing the border from England into Scotland today, a trip to Roman Emperor Hadrian's Wall is a must. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the start of construction of the wall was in AD122 and it is recognised as the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. You will stop at the Roman Army Museum and Roman Vindolanda for an included visit. Hear all about these brave Roman soldiers and see excavations in progress on the site. You will be able to enjoy a living history experience and walk a superb section of Hadrian’s Wall at Walltown Crags. Later travel into Edinburgh which is the capital city of Scotland. A big ‘wow’ when you see the castle up on the rocky crag! Your Tour Director will propose a fun night out.
Day 10
EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Wake up! It’s time for bagpipes and kilts as you head into the city for some sightseeing. You will see all the good stuff – the Castle, Royal Mile and the famous Scott Memorial. Your guide will take you into the Castle and tell you tales of bravery as you also see the Scottish Crown Jewels. Your guide will also tell you the story of a very famous dog called ‘Grayfriars Bobby’ – certainly one of the most loyal canine companions to have ever lived. This afternoon is completely free to explore the city. You may decide to join your Tour Director for an excursion to Leith to see the Royal Yacht Britannia. Tonight a special Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers and Tour Director as you recall all your adventures!
Day 11
DEPART EDINBURGH
This morning after breakfast, your fun-filled tour comes to an end. You will take home many special memories of your time in the lands of ‘Castles and Kilts’!
So that's the trip! If you have any tips, tricks, recommendations and/or secrets please share them with me!! Thanks so much!
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