London, York, North Yorkshire & Edinburgh
The iconic, sovereign and stately cities of London, York and Edinburgh are featured in this beautifully crafted itinerary and connected with ease and comfort of first class rail. Be transported through the centuries of royalty, jewels and homes of the monarchs in London, the country estates and formidable landscapes in Yorkshire, and the mystical and magical jewel of Scotland, the capital city of Edinburgh. Savor the bygone eras of pomp and circumstance with visits to see Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Edinburgh Castle. Visit Princess Diana's former home, Kensington Palace. Experience regal life like that featured in Downton Abbey on the country estate at Swinton and behind the scenes at Castle Howard. Celebrate your journey with a private tasting of Scotch whiskey before departing the north.
Day 1
London
Arrive in London. Meet your Cox & Kings representative for your private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel - 2 Nights
Day 2
London
Join your expert guide who will accompany you on a guided visit of London. Begin at Kensington Palace, where you gain access to a privately guided tour of the State Rooms of Kensington Palace. Among its long history of notable residents, Kensington Palace was home to Princess Diana and her family. Instead of the State Rooms, you may choose instead to privately explore Her Fashion Story, a special exhibit through February 2018. Continue with a panoramic journey including Kensington Gardens and see the iconic sites of Buckingham Palace, the House of Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral. Continue on to visit the Tower of London, a magnificent fortress which has stood on the banks of the River Thames for over 1,000 years. Your guide will regale you with incredible tales and you can admire the stunning Crown Jewels on display. Those with a keen interest in military history may enjoy an optional visit to the Churchill War Rooms, the secret World War II bunker which tells the story of Winston Churchill.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel (B)
Day 3
London to North Yorkshire
This morning you are privately accompanied to Kings Cross Station, the famous location of Platform 9 ¾ as referenced in Harry Potter. You are assisted in checking your luggage for your first class train journey into the heart of Northern England. Upon arrival in York, explore the medieval Shambles and the enormous York Minster, the largest and finest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, which is renowned for its outstanding stained glass. Climb the tower for an unparalleled view of the city. Continue into the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire. Tucked away in a scenic river valley, Fountain's Abbey is a World Heritage Site and a picture of medieval grandeur. Once a towering Cistercian monastery, it's now a well-preserved ruin, rich in atmosphere and surrounded by lush green landscapes. Stroll around the beautiful market town of Ripon, referenced in Downton Abbey, and explore the grand cathedral. Continue to Swinton Park, a country castle operating as a luxury hotel on the Swinton Estate.
Swinton Park - 2 Nights (B)
Day 4
North Yorkshire
Enjoy the day to participate in activities at Swinton Park. While Highclere Castle is used as the fictional "Downton Abbey", the fictional setting was actually in North Yorkshire near the town of Ripon, so Swinton Park sits in this rural setting. It is a beautiful countryside setting with a range of upper class activities - fishing, clay pigeon shooting, cooking experiences and hiking, picnics, and more are all on offer. Guests can also enjoy a tour of the estate and grounds. Perhaps consider an optional champagne tea on a private island. Alternatively, those who wish to see more of the region can choose an optional visit to North York Moors National Park, a vast tract of purple moorland, steep, deep-sided valleys and clumps of thick forest. Visit Goathland, which is known as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films. Explore the charming village and enjoy a cup of tea in these stunning surroundings. Your journey continues by train on the stunning steam-hauled North York Moors Railway. Upon arrival in Whitby, explore the old seaside town and climb the steps to the famous Whitby Abbey. Afterwards, return to Swinton.
Swinton Park (B)
Day 5
North Yorkshire - Edinburgh, Scotland
This morning travel to Castle Howard for a private tour with a staff member. This is known to be one of the world's greatest stately homes and can provide a "real" Downton Abbey experience as it is still the private home of the Howard family for over 300 years. Castle Howard is a remarkable piece of the past, full of antiques, magnificent architecture and surrounded by acres of lush green parkland. Discover the stories behind its construction, its lavish decorations and the history of the Howard family themselves. The house featured in both the TV series and film versions of Brideshead Revisited. Afterwards, continue to York for your train to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, you are met and accompanied to your hotel.
The Roxburghe - 2 Nights (B)
Day 6
Edinburgh
Begin a full-day tour of Edinburgh with a visit to the "Jewel in Scotland's Crown" - Edinburgh Castle. Also enjoy the amazing views from this striking castle above the Old Town. Spend some time exploring the city - wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, stroll down the Royal Mile, and browse some of the bespoke retail outlets selling soft cashmere and beautiful silver gifts. See the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the grand, official residence of the Queen when visiting Scotland. This afternoon, travel outside of the city to picturesque Scotch whiskey distillery Glenkinchie just outside Edinburgh for an exclusive tasting.
The Roxburghe (B)
Day 7
Depart Edinburgh
You will be met at the hotel and accompanied to the airport for your onward journey.
(B)
Journey Highlights
Visit England and Scotland with Cox & Kings, a Leading Luxury Tour Operator
Travel in the comfort of first class rail between cities
Enjoy a tour of Kensington Palace, former home of Princess Diana, before it opens to the general public
View the stunning Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
Live like a lord on the country estate of Swinton Park in North Yorkshire
Explore one of the world's greatest homes, likened to a 'real' Downton Abbey, at Castle Howard
Stroll the Royal Mile for Edinburgh Castle to Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence
Celebrate the journey with a private tasting of Scotch whiskey before departure
We would love to help you plan this one of a kind tour! Contact our travel experts today for more information.info@uponastartravel.com
