Shakespeare, Snowdonia & Yorkshire - 5 day tour

London - Stratford-upon-Avon - Ironbridge - Shrewsbury. Departing London, we drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, best known as the birthplace of legendary playwright William Shakespeare. During free time here, you can see the bard's Tudor birthplace, and the Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried. Stratford is also home to the riverside Royal Shakespeare Company, made up of several theatres. Perhaps pop into the adjacent Dirty Duck pub for a pint, a popular haunt for actors and theatregoers alike. Famous guests in the Actors Bar here have included Dame Judi Dench, David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren - their photos are all on the walls!

Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, home to the world's first ever iron bridge (clue is in the name!). Learn about this marvel of engineering and admire views of the flowing River Severn from above.

We arrive in Shrewsbury, where the historic town centre is almost entirely encircled by the River Severn, and is dominated by black and white Tudor buildings. Charles Darwin was born in this market town, which is our home for the next two nights (please note that on rare occasions we will stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury).

Please note: Check-in closes at 09:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.

Accommodation: Abbots Mead, Darwin's Townhouse or similar
Overnight: Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury - Conwy Castle - Snowdonia National Park - Shrewsbury. Today we enjoy a day trip to north Wales. Our first stop is Conwy and its medieval castle. Constructed by conquering King Edward I following his successful invasion of Wales in the 13th century, it offers majestic views and well-preserved battlements.

We then drive into the vast Snowdonia National Park. Cross the dramatic Pass of Llanberis and catch a glimpse of Snowdon, the tallest peak in Wales. We take in the picturesque scenery before making our way back to Shrewsbury, your guide will be able to share tales of the rebellious Owain Glyndwr as we make our way back into England.

Accommodation: Abbots Mead, Darwin's Townhouse or similar
Overnight: Shrewsbury  |  Breakfast

Shrewsbury - Peak District National Park - Buxton - Chatsworth House - York. Leaving Shrewsbury, we drive through the scenic countryside and pretty villages of the Peak District, arriving in the spa town of Buxton. The thermal springs here date back to Roman times, and you can fill your water bottle up with crystal clear water directly from the spring.

Our next visit is one of England's most famous stately homes, the Duke of Devonshire's Chatsworth House. Known for its ornate gardens, immense collection of furniture and famous paintings, it's quintessentially English!

We complete our drive through England's former northern industrial heartlands to York, an ancient walled city known for its Roman and Viking history.

Accommodation: Bishop & Bison, Wheatlands, Greenside B&B or similar
Overnight: York  |  Breakfast

Today you have a choice! You can spend the day independently roaming the city of York, home to a chequered history dating back to the Romans, Vikings and Normans. There are plenty of great museums and historic city walls to discover, as well as a great array of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Alternatively, you can set out with our guide for a half-day trip across the Yorkshire Dales to the market town of Knaresborough. You will also take in some of the scenery and villages of the more remote Eastern Dales. The evening is at leisure in York.

Accommodation: Bishop & Bison, Wheatlands, Greenside B&B or similar
Overnight: York  |  Breakfast