Of course, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different – as different as pasties, haggis, colcannon and Welsh cakes. As for landscapes, contrast the Scottish Highlands and islands with the Welsh valleys and dramatic coastline. Natural wonders? How about the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland (that’s Game of Thrones country). And England’s variety astonishes visitors, from the romantic Lake District and Cornwall to castles, stately homes and elegant gardens. Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Harry Potter; visit the free, world-class museums and galleries in cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford and Bath, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
TIP: Herefordshire’s Golden Valley looks ‘forever England’. Stroll round picture-postcard villages, such as Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone. At the 800-year-old Pandy Inn in Dorstone, relax over pints of proper cider produced by Gwatkin’s, just down the valley in Abbey Dore.
Uncover the history of the Marches on a rewarding walk from Bishop’s Castle to the market town of Ludlow via Clun and Stokesay.
Butler Country:South East Ireland from CICERONI Travel;
Marvellous week spent exploring this magical part of Ireland.
Visit based in the historic Mount Juliet House, former seat of the Earls of Carrick.
Unique opportunity to learn more about Ireland’s history.
Wonderful selection of private houses, many not open to the public.
McKinlay Kidd's "Journey Through the Western Isles " is ideal for those who want a relaxing self-drive tour of these truly captivating Scottish islands, taking you from Barra in the south through the Uists, to Harris, Lewis and finishing on Skye. Available as ferry-based holiday, or as fly-drive from Glasgow, with one way car hire on the islands.
A self-guided hike from the Cathedral city of Exeter, down to maritime Dartmouth, taking in the Teign Gorge, Chagford, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, infamous Dartmoor itself, the River Dart, Dartington Hall and Totnes.
The Orkneys have been inhabited for over 8,000 years and contain some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Daily walks in inspiring coastal scenery complement the historical content of this tour. During our week’s stay on the Mainland, we visit 4 other islands, some by road, using causeways, others by short ferry crossings.
Travel up through the Outer Hebrides, before heading eastwards to the Isle of Skye. On the mainland, combine iconic rail journeys such as the Jacobite steam train with some of Scotland's cultural jewels. Visits include Eilean Donan Castle and the Rosslyn Chapel.
Unique opportunity to visit this lovely part of Ireland in an unforgettable manner. Stay first in Belfast and then in a marvellous private castle on Lough Erne. Remarkable levels of private access. Wonderful scenery throughout. Unhurried pace suited to those who enjoy tranquillity
A leisurely fortnight touring the Highlands and (some) islands, largely by train.
An adventure to the wildest islands of the Outer Hebrides with superb hiking on rugged paths to the highest peaks of Lewis and Harris.
A self-guided hike through Dorset, the most English of counties, from Salisbury to the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis.
