After breakfast, we depart into the Heart of the Lake District. We make a stop at the Beatrix Potter farmhouse retreat to learn more about the famous author and illustrator, before heading to Windermere for some free time in the town (don’t forget the Beatrix Potter gift shop!) and the chance to enjoy some spectacular views over Lake Windermere. There will be an opportunity to enjoy some lunch here before we head back up to Ullswater (potential stop in Grasmere to pick up some gingerbread) and take a steamer on one of the country’s most scenic lakes. We then return to the hotel via a brief stop at the Castlerigg Stone Circle which is approximately 5000 years old and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.

Dinner at leisure (recommendations provided)

Accommodation: North Lakes Hotel & Spa

We depart after breakfast for Hadrian’s Wall, stopping off at Housesteads Roman Fortress with plenty of scenic photo opportunities along the way of this iconic route - the wall itself is a UNESCO site and was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to signal the border between Roman Britain and Caledonia (unconquered) and was essential in Roman history as it linked key forts and river crossings.. Then we proceed to Durham where we will learn more about this historic university town (the 3rd oldest university in England behind Oxford and Cambridge), and visit the cathedral here. There’ll be plenty of options for lunch before we get back on the road and head north to Alnwick Castle in the heart of Northumberland, known for featuring in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, and is the second largest inhabited castle in England. We then return to the hotel for dinner at leisure.
Accommodation: North Lakes Hotel & Spa

Today we head for York after breakfast (2 hour drive) with a gentle walking tour of this extremely historic city, visiting the “Shambles”, York Minster and the city walls. We will cover not just Roman history but also the Norman and Medieval eras, as well as York’s role in UK industry and the 2nd world war. Once we have finished in York we head to Pickering for one of the trip highlights - the Steam Railway journey. This takes us from Pickering to Whitby, one of the most scenic parts of Britain’s coastline, and home to some excellent fish and chips. We then return to the Penrith area for dinner where we will include a traditional pub dinner for you (2hr 15 minute drive)
Accommodation: North Lakes Hotel & Spa

Breakfast before checking out and heading to Liverpool (2 hour drive) at 0800, a city awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Taking the Beatles route into Liverpool (Penny Lane, Strawberry Field etc.) , we will then stop off at The Beatles Story which is an award winning exhibition showcasing their rise to fame. Widely regarded as the most influential band of all time, we will be at the heart of where it all began for John, Ringo, George and Paul. After lunch we will then proceed with a gentle walking tour of the city to find out more about what makes this place so special, including a visit to the iconic Albert Dock. We will then end the afternoon with a visit to the Cavern Club for an opportunity to enjoy a drink before heading to our next hotel just outside of Manchester. Dinner at leisure.

Accommodation: Cottons Hotel & Spa

For our last full day we head into Manchester, another city famed for its music scene (think of Oasis, Stone Roses, The Smiths, Take That, Joy Division, Simply Red and much more!) Stopping off at the main historic sights on our walking tour such as the cathedral and John Rylands library (considered one of the most spectacular libraries in the world due to its neo-gothic architecture), we will get a great understanding of the significance of the city in Britain’s history. You will then have some free time for lunch (a significant amount of choices available in the centre) and then time at leisure - there are numerous museums we can recommend here as well as shops. We will then return to the hotel for a farewell dinner and reflect on our time in Northern England, covering the scenery and history of the Lake District, to the character and quintessentially English experiences in Yorkshire and Northumberland, to the iconic cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

Accommodation: Cottons Hotel & Spa

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Manchester Airport for your flight to RDU.