Amazing Britain:
England, Scotland, and Wales!
It is a seven hour plane ride from Chicago to London and once again I am amazed at how efficient the whole process is at O'Hare. Really! I know that entering my information online in advance of arrival at the airport expedites the process, as well as not having to check bags. I have plenty of time to visit Starbucks as I open my itinerary and become lost in my upcoming "Amazing Britain" adventure.
My flight arrives into Heathrow at 7:50am and an easy transfer whisks me to my hotel in Kensington. I am determined to keep jet lag at bay so I drop by bags (early check-in request granted!) and off I head to visit the queen at Windsor Castle. I could opt to sign up for a day trip but it includes sights I will be seeing on my actual tour so instead I decide to navigate my way to Paddington Station. I am greeted with organized chaos and at this single moment am grateful that I am in an English speaking country. Five minutes before departure the board indicates that the train for Windsor is leaving on track 11 and I sprint to make my departure. The quickest way to Windsor from London is via Paddington with one quick change en route.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and is the official residence of her majesty the queen. Represented here is 900 years of British history. As a working royal palace, the Castle is used frequently by the queen for state ceremonies and official entertaining. It covers 26 acres and I visited the state and private apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House ( featuring electric lighting and hot/cold running water) and St. George's chapel. Special exhibitions are ongoing. You can even sign on for an exclusive evening tour on selected dates. The much anticipated Changing of the Guard takes place at 11 am. The town of Windsor has plenty of royal shopping, the Royal Windsor Racecourse, Eton College and beautiful gardens. The whole trip including travel time takes about five hours from London and it is well worth it.
The next day I am greeted by our tour director who will be with us for ten days. If you have never been on an escorted tour than I think you will find this entry to be particularly enlightening. Our 2011 coach is extremely roomy and the windows are large. The countryside is exceptionally beautiful and I can't think of a better way to travel while touring three scenic countries. The map below will give you reference for our tour. The numbers on the map indicate where we stop for the night. Our tour of Britain begins and ends in London.
This morning we drive through the rolling Cotswold Hills to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This charming village is touristy but nonetheless a must-see. As it is only 94 miles from London it can be a convenient day trip. You could also use Stratford as your base when exploring the Cotswold's region.
Shakespeare's home in Stratford-upon-Avon
Our journey continues 145 miles to York, England a walled medieval city. It is a great place to explore with lovely shops, narrow streets and timbered homes with gabled roofs. I take a walk along the city wall and feel a bit like an intruder , as from a birds eye view I witness the comings and goings of the city. It is said that York is the most haunted city in England and tours are given after dark.
It is on day four that we cross the Scottish border and make our way to Edinburgh, Scotland's elegant capital.
Holyrood Palace Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't call an Englishman a Scott. He will never forgive you!
Edinburgh enjoys one of the most dramatic settings of any European city. With a local expert guide the most fascinating highlights are included on our sightseeing tour this morning. We began our tour in Old Town, which is dominated by dramatic Edinburgh Castle. Perched on an extinct volcano, the Castle is a powerful national symbol. In the Middle Ages Edinburgh Castle became Scotland's chief royal castle. Our guide hands us tickets for entrance to the Castle. No lines or hassles. The city is compact enough so that we can explore Edinbugh's cobbled streets , trendy bars and unique shops on foot. The Royal Mile begins at Edinburgh Castle and ends appropriately enough, at the queen's Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. The tour of Holyroodhouse is fascinating. I highly recommend that you take the time to walk the length of the Royal Mile. Edinburgh has always been a target for English armies and has been involved in century-long struggles for power. Conflicts frequently revolved around issues relating to religion, as the church and the monarchy were considered threats.
Every summer tourists come from all over the world to take part in the Edinburgh Festival, the world's biggest performing arts festival. On New Year's Eve Edinburgh hosts one of the largest street parties in the world.
Edinburgh Castle
Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano around which the oldest parts of the town are clustered. It looms over the city and provides panoramic views overlooking Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the New Town. Arthur's Seat has an abundance of hiking trails and I spend several hours hiking and taking in the spectacular natural beauty.
Then unknown author J.K. Rowling reputedly started writing her first Harry Potter novel over coffee at The Elephant Cafe in Edinburgh.
On an optional excursion I visit Roslin, located six miles south of Edinburgh. The town of Roslin is home to Rossyln Chapel , an architecturally unique church packed with ornate Gothic stone carvings. It was built between 1446 and 1484. Many believe that holy relics are stored in sealed vaults, with the contents ranging from the Holy Grail to the mummified head of Christ. The chapel was featured in the climax of Dan Brown's best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code. The sequel starring Tom Hanks was partially filmed at Rosslyn Chapel and has increased the chapel's popularity.
After a full English breakfast we drive to the famous golf courses at St. Andrews. Revered in the world of golf and actually referred to as 'The Home of Golf', St. Andrews is one of the most historic towns in Scotland. There are seven golf courses (six 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course) and this makes up the largest public golf complex in Europe. Golf has been played on the Old Course since the 1400's. We stop for a cappuccino and pastry at the Castle Course Clubhouse as if offers spectacular views looking out over the rugged cliff line of Castle Course. In the distance is the threatening North Sea. The town lies 35 miles north of Edinburgh.
For travelers with the time to explore, the Highlands cover most of the northern half of Scotland and provide the most beautiful and rugged scenery in the United Kingdom. You can drive for miles and witness rolling moors, green valleys,ancient castles, legendary mountain ranges and massive seaside cliffs. This is one of Europe's wildest and least spoiled areas. Gaelic music, culture and language thrive in this region which boasts small villages and often few tourists. We stay at The Laggan Country Inn with stunning highland scenery. The inn has a wonderful game room and it is a prefect way to get to know everyone on the tour. Our meal is home cooked and Scottish bagpipes add to the ambiance of the evening.
Scottish Highlands
The stunning scenery in this area is known to millions as fictitious Glenbogle, with much of the filming done in Laggan. Have you seen the BBC TV series "Monarch of The Glen"?
Scotland's rugged landscape is ideal for outdoor activities and the hiking trails are never ending. The waterways offer some of the best places in Europe for sailing, boating and kayaking. The Highlands are a place to set out and walk or cycle offering dramatic waterfalls and remarkable woodlands.
Tip: Do attend one of the many Highland Games, where kilted Scots compete at traditional events. The games most attended are held at Braemar every September and are attended by members of the Royal Family.
Tip: Loch Lomond is thirty minutes from Glasgow. The ancient city of Stirling is also a day trip from Glasgow and is a must-see for those who love history.
On day seven we embark upon miles of narrow roads which wind through Loch Lomond one of the most popular areas of Scotland, recently voted one of the seven wonders of the United Kingdom. Here you will find the largest and most famous fresh water loch in Scotland 24 miles long, 5 miles wide and home to around 38 islands. We are captivated by glorious seasonal colors, purple hued heathers and magnificent sunsets. Do you wish to vacation in this area? Your choices are many and include regional golf vacations, twin city adventures featuring Glasgow, Stirling, and Edinburgh, or romantic stays amid some of Scotland's most stunning scenery.It is reported that the Loch Ness Monster lives within this region!
Ludlow, a carefully chosen stop by our tour director, was also one of the most unforgettable. Ludlow Castle the finest of medieval ruined castles, is set in the glorious Stropshire countryside. The Castle grounds brings visitors back to the ancient living quarters of kings and queens, all the while providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval society. This historical monument protected the ancient town of Ludlow for over 900 years and is home to Ludlow's major festivals. The trails around the outside castle walls take me to secluded places. It is fun to gaze up at the small castle windows and allow my mind to envision life in this setting seven hundred years ago. Did I mention that Ludlow Castle is set in the heart of the ancient market town of Ludlow, made up of bakeries, delicatessens, antique markets and specialty markets?
Our day ends in Glasgow, nicknamed "Scotland with Style" as it is the U.K.'s second-best shopping experience.
Tip: The weather in Scotland is highly variable. The best time to visit is April through September.
Grasmere, England
Another treat! On day eight we visit Grasmere which is a charming village right in the heart of the English Lake District in Cumbria, England. Lying just to the south of the village is Grasmere Lake, around which there are gentle hiking trails. Desiring more of a challenge? It is in Grasmere that you are surrounded by beckoning rugged mountain peaks superb for the experienced hikers. Much of the intrigue surrounding Grasmere is that the highly acclaimed English romantic poet William Wordsworth lived here for many years. As such, Grasmere has quite an impressive literary heritage. St. Oswald's the town's medieval church constructed in the 13th century, is where William Wordsworth and his family are buried.
William Wordsworth called Grasmere "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found".
Our itinerary indicates an overnight in Manchester, England and the distance is a mere 78 miles from Grasmere. Throughout the past week I have spent time on Manchester United's website researching museum and stadium tours. Unfortunately a drive- by of the stadium is all that our tour offers. A group of us can not let this opportunity go by so we hail a cab and take a 20 minute ride to Old Trafford simply to walk around the stadium. A virtual tour will have to do, although I make a mental note to return one day for a match.
Tip: While in Manchester arrange a stadium tour of Old Trafford and learn about the greatest adversity faced by any football club.
Tintern Abbey in the country of Wales is the end destination for our ninth day of the tour. Picturesque is a word that immediately comes to mind. I can see why this deeply wooded area on the steep side of the walls in the Wye Valley has inspired authors, painters and poets for centuries. This is a walker's paradise as there are thirty seven miles of footpaths.
You can easily reach Bath, the Cotswold's, and Cardiff (capital of Wales), all easily within an hour.
As you can image, the village of Tintern is small with a few cottages, shops and a church. The village is very close to the Abbey which was founded by 12th century Cistercian monks. Tintern Abbey is serenely situated in the Wye Valley among the wooded rolling green hills.
Our last day is in Bath and Stonehenge, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bath, England is 95 miles west of London. The town has been famous since Roman times for its mineral baths and hot springs. Currently it houses the only natural thermal spa in Britain. The architecture is Georgian, the scenery is beautiful and the abbey is charming. Spend some time shopping for antiques or explore the many gardens and museums.
Stonehenge is 80 miles southwest of London and may have been a religious site as long ago as 5000 BC. It remains one of the wonders of the prehistoric age. The 50 ton boulders were thought to be brought from a mountain range in western Wales. I can understand why aliens and supernatural powers are intrinsic to Stonehenge folklore.
Stonehenge is 80 miles southwest of London and may have been a religious site as long ago as 5000 BC. It remains one of the wonders of the prehistoric age. The 50 ton boulders were thought to be brought from a mountain range in western Wales. I can understand why aliens and supernatural powers are intrinsic to Stonehenge folklore.
Stonehenge
Tip: Do acquire an Explorer Ticket if you plan to explore Scotland's historic attractions.
My final night is in London and I am attempting to process a dizzying array of experiences. As I search for a Manchester United jersey I wander through the streets of Kensington and am delighted to stumble upon embassy row, immediately to the west of Kensington Gardens. I am already planning my next trip to London and I haven't even left the city!!
In conclusion: The more I travel on an escorted tour, the more I believe that if you are on a tour that is perfectly suited for you (very important) there is no better way to see intriguing sights. Our extremely knowledgeable guide was with us the entire time, and the many details and transportation were taken care of. Does it suit your travel style to move at a fast pace and to change hotels frequently? There were optional excursions and I find these offerings to be very important as they enhance the experience. Let's not forget the value of an escorted tour which is tremendous.
So much of this adventure was memorable, but what experience do I mention frequently? My interesting travel companions! What I learned from them was priceless. The countries represented on this tour alone were Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and of course the United States.
So much of this adventure was memorable, but what experience do I mention frequently? My interesting travel companions! What I learned from them was priceless. The countries represented on this tour alone were Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and of course the United States.
Are you in need of travel ideas? Let's talk travel! I can be reached at kathymoran@kmorantravel.com or 630.267.3054.
