8 Day Classic Britain Tour (self drive)
A chance to visit some of the classic areas of Great Britain, including the Lake District, historic York and Chester, stylish Glasgow and of course the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. This classic self-drive tour is available from April to October; simply choose the date you want to start, and we'll book your accommodation for you!
Includes: York - Chester - North Wales - Lake District - South of Scotland - Glasgow - Edinburgh
Itinerary summary
Day Itinerary Overnight Location
Day 1 Arrival York Area
Day 2 York York Area
Day 3 Chester Chester Area
Day 4 North Wales Llangollen/Llandudno Area
Day 5 Lake District Lake District
Day 6 South of Scotland Glasgow Area
Day 7 Glasgow & Edinburgh Edinburgh Area
Day 8 Departure
Day 1 Arrival
Arrive in England and collect your hire car. Travel to York area for overnight.
Day 2 York
York is one of the most fascinating cities in England to visit. A city layered with history, beauty and variety, superbly preserved, York has witnessed more than 2000 years of vibrant history. Winner of European Tourism City of the Year 2007 and a British Heritage City, York is a walled, riverside city where the fascinating history and modern tourist attractions combine to make a cosmopolitan and sophisticated city. Visit the York Castle Museum which recreates the atmosphere of everyday life in Britain during the past 300 years. Then follow the maze of quaint streets, including the narrow ‘Shambles’, before exploring the treasures of the inspiring York Minster. Return to your hotel in the area for overnight.
Day 3 Chester
Chester was originally settled by the Romans as Fortress Deva and their surviving grid pattern of streets are so compact that you can get around all the city's landmarks on foot. Walk along the Roman walls, studded with historic towers and gates, and then visit the amphitheatre – scene of a major archaeological project. Travel forward in time via the impressive Norman and Gothic cathedral to the medieval rows and on to elegant Georgian terraces. And have your camera ready for the elaborate Victorian Eastgate Clock, the most photographed clock in Britain after Big Ben. Soak up the flamboyant English spectacle of a town crier proclamation which is held at the Cross from Tuesday to Saturday, May to September at noon. Overnight at a hotel in the Chester area.
Day 4 North Wales
Your journey into Wales takes the scenic route over the dramatic Horseshoe Pass to the picturesque town of Llangollen. The town nestles within the beautiful Dee Valley in the North East of Wales. Llangollen is known as the Festival Capital of Wales with the International Musical Eisteddfod taking place in the town since 1947. Each summer the city hosts numerous other festivals including the Balloon Festival, food festivals and fringe festival, the list keeps growing making Llangollen a must visit town at any time of year. Some of the best visitor attractions in Wales also reside in Llangollen with the renowned Llangollen Steam Railway leading the way and the horse-drawn boats on the Llangollen Canal one of the oldest attractions in the country. You can also visit the Plas Newyyd, the timbered black and white home of the eccentric Ladies of Llangollen. Overnight in the area.
Day 5 Lake District
Travel north to the Lake District enjoying the lake and mountain scenery. Visit the Museum Of Lakeland Life in Kendal. It shows how Cumbrians worked, lived and entertained themselves in the changing social climate of the past 200 years. It is one of the oldest museums in the country with outstanding collections of natural history, archaeology and local history. Travelling deeper into the Lake District, take a boat trip on Lake Windermere. Departing from Lakeside pier, you have the choice between a 90 minute round trip or you can disembark at Bowness and visit the town, the Beatrix Potter attraction is only a few minutes walk away, and return on a later boat. Continue to your accommodation in the Lake District.
Day 6 South of Scotland
Visit the National Trust’s imposing medieval Sizergh Castle, located just outside Kendal, with its beautiful limestone rock gardens which you can walk around. Nearby is Levens Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan mansion built in the 13th Century. The Grade I listed garden dating from 1694 has survived well and the topiary is some of the oldest in the world and justifiably famous. Leaving the Lakes behind, cross the Scottish Border at Gretna, a favourite destination for eloping English lovers. Continue to Culzean Castle, one of Robert Adam's most notable creations with its Oval Staircase and saloon. Afterwards, venture into Rabbie Burns Country to visit the village of Alloway, where Scotland's most famous poet was born. See his birthplace and monument, as well as his 'Brig o'Doon' before continuing to Glasgow. Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 7 Glasgow & Edinburgh
Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. Glasgow boasts world famous art collections, the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London, and the most vibrant and exciting nightlife in Scotland. A must see is the splendor of Scotland's best known architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose style adorns many unique attractions throughout Scotland's largest and greatest city.
Travelling East to Edinburgh, enjoy an afternoon in the Scottish Capital. Wander up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the Edinburgh skyline. The Castle is site of the oldest building in Edinburgh – St Margaret’s Chapel and the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Continue down the Royal Mile – take time to explore the many closes which run off this street and which hold so many secrets. Later visit Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Queen whilst she is in Scotland. The Palace has a wonderful ballroom and staterooms to visit. Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 8 Departure
Sadly, it’s time to leave the UK, check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport/ferry terminal to join your flight home.
Inclusions
- 7 night’s accommodation as detailed above sharing a double or twin room for 7 nights inclusive of breakfast.
- Service & VAT
Exclusions
- Car Hire
- Entrances detailed in itinerary
- Evening meals
- Lunches
- Personal Expenses
The Little Details
- Min Age: NA
- Tour Vehicle Type: Self-Driven
- Months of Operation: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Duration of Tour: 8 days
- Departure Point: York, England
- Duration of Tour: 8 days
Rates & Dates
The price is per person for the whole tour, and is based on two people sharing a room. The single person supplement applies to single rooms. There is a choice of type of accommodation.
Tour Prices Per Person for 2015 - 1st April to 31st October 2015
| Months | B&B | 3 Star Hotel |
| April to June, September and October | £390.00 | £550.00 |
| July | £390.00 | £570.00 |
| August | £410.00 | £585.00 |
| Single Person Supplement | £140.00 | £250.00 |
Child Policy
Based on one child sharing a room with 2 adults:
- 0-4 years : Free
- 5-12 years: 50% of adult price
- 13 years and above: Adult price
Booking Notes
The tour is available from April to October. Simply enter your preferred start date during the booking process.
Click on the 'Book Now' button for our secure online booking form. Please be aware it can take several days for JAC Travel to book the accommodation for you; we'll then take payment and email you the list of your accommodation.
Cancellation Charges:
Please note that when a customer cancels any confirmed JAC Travel Tour, a standard charge of 10% of the booking price will be made to cover administration costs. For cancellations more than 5 working days prior to the start date, full refund less 10% admin fee. For cancellations within 5 working days of the start date - no refund will be made.