| Scottish Dream Tours An English, Welsh and Scottish Castles, Tearooms and Pubs Affair July 11th - 26th, 2013 Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Broadway Tower, Worcester Cathedral, Leominster, Llandrindod Wells, Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle, White Lion Pub, Conwy Castle, Betws-y-coed, Wales River Cruise, Chirk Castle, Chester Rows, Harrogate, Ripley Castle and Gardens, York, Thirsk and Skeldale House, Carlisle Castle, Globe Pub, Robert Burns' House, Traquair House, Abbotsford House, Rosslyn Chapel, Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Bus Tour of Edinburgh, Highland Dinner and Show and more! 16 Days on a small intimate tour of England, Wales and Scotland. No place on earth is tea more a way of life than in Great Britain. We have attempted to include every type of tearoom and teatime opportunity to give a full experience of this wonderful and fascinating ritual. There is much more about Britain than just tea and so we have included that as well but you have to eat somewhere! This tour is limited to 12 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. We will stay in delightful city guest houses and lovely country houses. Includes all accommodation, breakfast daily, all listed meals, all entrance fees and admissions, all taxes and guided minibus travel. $5295US per person. $995US single supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. Deposit here |
Day 1 - July 11th - Arrive London Heathrow but our adventure begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of
William Shakespeare. Steeped in culture and history in the beautiful rural Warwickshire Countryside, Stratford sits
on the banks of the River Avon. First things first so we stop for Afternoon Tea at Benson's in Stratford. After tea we
visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens. The beautiful thatched farmhouse was occupied by descendants of the
Hathaway family until it's purchase by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1892 and still contains many rare family
items of furniture that date back to Anne's time. Welcoming Pub Dinner at the at The Eight Bells, a traditional 14th
century Cotswolds Inn. Overnight Cotswolds. (L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we visit Broadway and Broadway Tower. Built in 1799, it is a perfect example of an 18th century
Gothic folly. At 1024 feet above sea level you can see 13 counties! Next, we spend some time in the beautiful Old
Cotswolds Market Town of Chipping Campden. Chipping Campden was the centre for wool trade during the 14th and
15th centuries and has retained its feel of a place stepped back in time. This afternoon finds us in Bourton-on-the-Water
for Afternoon Tea at the Mad Hatter Tearooms. Bourton-on-the-Water has been described as the 'Little Venice' of
the Cotswolds and we will take some time to investigate this lovely town. This evening Dinner on your own and
Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L)
Day 3 - First stop today will be Worcester Cathedral. Worcester Cathedral is a magnificent sight as it rises majestically
above the River Severn. Worcester has been the seat of a Bishopric since the Seventh Century, and the Cathedral
was served by monks until the Reformation. Our next stop is Leominster a 7th century Herefordshire Market Town.
After exploring the many shops and antique stores we will meet for a Pub Lunch at the Grapes. As we travel into Wales
we visit Abbey-Cwy-Hir, mid Wales most unique and beautiful stately home and historic house. 52 room Victorian
Revival Gothic Mansion and 12 acre gardens overlooking the ruins of the 12th century cistercian abbey. Dinner and
Overnight near Llandrindod Wells. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - This morning we make our way to the University Town of Aberystwyth. The town is nestled between three
hills, two beaches, and hosts some castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of a iron
age fort and also a monument to the Duke of Wellington that offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay. After a
Spectacular Coastal Drive we arrive in Barmouth for Afternoon Tea at The Old Tea Rooms before we head further
north to Harlech and Harlech Castle. As if its spectacular situation, foreboding might, and great power were not
sufficient to ensure the fame of this magnificent castle, Harlech is also inseparably linked in Welsh myth with the tragic
heroine of Branwen, the daughter of Llyr, of the Mabinogion. Dinner and Overnight near Caernarfon.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 - Following breakfast our first visit of the day is Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is architecturally one of the most
impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Most impressive of all is the Eagle Tower crowned by its triple cluster of turrets.
We will stop in Llandudno for Afternoon Tea at Bodysgallen Hall before we visit Conwy Castle. Words cannot do
justice to Conwy Castle it is by any standards one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle
wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Conwy is also home to
Britain's smallest house, measuring 10 feet by 6 feet. The structure was used as a residence from the 16th century until
1900 when the owner was a 6ft 3 inch (1.9 meters) fisherman named Robert Jones. Dinner on your own this
evening. Overnight near Caernarfon. (B,L)
Day 6 - On our way east today we stop at the Glassblobbery near Corwen. The studio offers all sorts of glass animals,
glass flowers, glass dragons and other glass sea creatures all hand made at the studio. There is also work on show by other
artists and craftsmen using other materials. Next we visit Chirk Castle, occupied virtually continuously as a castle and
stately home for almost 700 years. It sits on a hilltop with its best views over the Ceiriog Valley to the south. Then on to
Llangollen, a lovely village nestled along side the River Dee. Tea in Llangollen at the Cottage Tea Rooms before
we depart from picturesque Llangollen Wharf on the canal boat "Thomas Telford" and enjoy two hours of peaceful
cruising along the stunning Dee Valley. A live commentary from the skipper gives the history, local knowledge and up to
date gossip along the way. Dinner and Overnight Chester. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Our morning begins in Chester, first settled by the Romans in AD 79. The main street is lined with timber buildings
called the Chester Rows first built in the 13th & 14th centuries. Our next stop is Stockport and the Staircase House, a
historic house dating back to 1460. Staircase House has been designed to make people feel at home - there are few rope
barriers or signs forbidding people to touch objects so visitors can take a truly unique journey back in time. The
Shallcross Family installed the cage newel staircase in 1618, which gives the house its name. The Jacobean Staircase is
one of only three surviving examples in Britain. We next stop in Huddersfield at the George Hotel for Afternoon Tea
before continuing on to the lovely Yorkshire City of Harrogate. Dinner and Overnight near Harrogate. (B,L,D)
Day 8 -We are then off to Ripley with its cobbled market square and quaint cottages. Here we find the Castle and
Gardens of Ripley. In 2009 the Ingilby Family celebrated 700 years at Ripley Castle. For any family to occupy the
same house for 700 years is truly remarkable. All the letters, deeds and documents have survived, and give a unique record
of the family's history, their births, marriages and deaths, their trials and their tribulations, during the course of the last
seven centuries. We will also visit the Cathedral City of Ripon and its 800 year old Cathedral which is built over a
7th Century Saxon Crypt. Ripon Cathedral is one of the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in Britain. We then
return to Harrogate for Afternoon Tea at Betty's Tea Rooms. Following tea we visit the Royal Pump Room
Museum home to the strongest sulphur wells in Europe, where over 15,000 people used to come every summer. You can
also discover the history of the UK's favourite drink in their latest exhibition, featuring Teapots, Teacups and the
History of Tea. You have the afternoon and evening free to wander in Harrogate. Overnight near Harrogate. (B,L)
Day 9 - Today will be spent in York where you will first take in the sites of the city aboard an Open Top Bus. York began
as a Roman City in AD 71! There is so much to see and do in York that the morning is yours to do as you like. You will
want to visit the 534 foot long York Minster and The Shambles. This afternoon we are off to Thirsk, better known as
the Darrowby of James Herriots All Creatures Stories. Following tea we visit Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, the
actual residence and surgery in James Herriot's Darrowby and now houses The World of James Herriot Museum.
We then make our way to just outside of the Lovely Market Town of Richmond, our home for two nights. Dinner
and Overnight near Richmond. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we journey to Kirkby Stephen to view the Loki Stone, a symbol of an 8th Century Norse
God, which is one of only two such stones in the whole of Europe. Our next stop is the Wensleydale Creamery at
Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The creamery incorporates a museum, viewing gallery,
specialist cheese shop and fully licensed restaurant. We will go on the Cheese Experience Tour while here. If you are a
Wallace and Gromit fan, you will instantly recognize Wensleydale cheese. We will Stop for Lunch at Hamilton's
Tearooms before we visit Bolton Castle, a spectacular mediaeval fortress, situated in the heart of the beautiful
Yorkshire Dales, on the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Built in 1399, the castle is famous for having
been the prison of Mary Queen of Scots for 6 months. Dinner and Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - This morning we drive to Barnard Castle and to the Bowes Museum. The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure,
a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the Historic Market Town of
Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. We will also stop in Carlisle at
Carlisle Castle, a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine centuries. Visitors can
explore fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking stones'. This afternoon
will find us in Dumfries which will be our home for the next two nights. We will have some time to explore before a visit to
the Globe Inn, established in 1610 and a frequent haunt of Robert Burns. The Globe today is a treasure trove of Robert
Burns history and an excellent pub. Dinner and Overnight Dumfries. (B,D)
Day 12 - This morning we visit Burns House Museum, an ordinary sandstone building that Burns spent the last years of
his brilliant life. Now a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world, the house retains much of it's
eighteenth century character and contains many relics of the poet. There is the chair in which he wrote his last poems, many
original letters and manuscripts, and the famous Kilmarnock and Edinburgh Editions of his work. After visiting the
Burns Mausoleum, we drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright. Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community
and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the Provost of Kirkcudbright. We will Lunch at
the Solway Tearoom before visiting the castle. We then return to Dumfries where you will have the Evening Free for
Dinner. Overnight Dumfries. (B,L)
Day 13 - Today we journey to The Borders with our first stop at Moffat and the Moffat Woollen Mills. We next visit
one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford houses many of Scott's collection
including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he immortalized in word. We will Visit the Tearoom before taking a tour
of the house. Our next stop will be Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited house with history stretching
over 900 years. Dating back to 1107, Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the Kings and Queens of Scotland.
Later a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror the Stuarts of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the
Jacobite Cause without counting the cost. Pub Dinner and Overnight Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - On our way to Edinburgh today we visit the 15th century medieval Rosslyn Chapel rich in unusual carvings
and masonic symbolism. The Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew as it was to have been called, was founded in 1446 by Sir
William St Clair. Just outside of Edinburgh we visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and
just 3 miles from Edinburgh. It was begun in the early 15th century by the Preston family and the top of Craigmillar Castle
ranks strongly as one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh we stop at Prestonfield House for
Afternoon Tea. Afternoon and Evening Free to explore. Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 15 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour Bus where
on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie's. Get on and off
at your own pace. Make sure you leave time to visit Edinburgh Castle which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and
the Stone of Destiny. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and the Royal Mile we will gather for a
Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the Ceremony of the
Haggis! Overnight Edinburgh, Scotland. (B,D)
Day 16 - July 26th - Off to the Edinburgh International Airport for your journey home. (B)
William Shakespeare. Steeped in culture and history in the beautiful rural Warwickshire Countryside, Stratford sits
on the banks of the River Avon. First things first so we stop for Afternoon Tea at Benson's in Stratford. After tea we
visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens. The beautiful thatched farmhouse was occupied by descendants of the
Hathaway family until it's purchase by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1892 and still contains many rare family
items of furniture that date back to Anne's time. Welcoming Pub Dinner at the at The Eight Bells, a traditional 14th
century Cotswolds Inn. Overnight Cotswolds. (L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we visit Broadway and Broadway Tower. Built in 1799, it is a perfect example of an 18th century
Gothic folly. At 1024 feet above sea level you can see 13 counties! Next, we spend some time in the beautiful Old
Cotswolds Market Town of Chipping Campden. Chipping Campden was the centre for wool trade during the 14th and
15th centuries and has retained its feel of a place stepped back in time. This afternoon finds us in Bourton-on-the-Water
for Afternoon Tea at the Mad Hatter Tearooms. Bourton-on-the-Water has been described as the 'Little Venice' of
the Cotswolds and we will take some time to investigate this lovely town. This evening Dinner on your own and
Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L)
Day 3 - First stop today will be Worcester Cathedral. Worcester Cathedral is a magnificent sight as it rises majestically
above the River Severn. Worcester has been the seat of a Bishopric since the Seventh Century, and the Cathedral
was served by monks until the Reformation. Our next stop is Leominster a 7th century Herefordshire Market Town.
After exploring the many shops and antique stores we will meet for a Pub Lunch at the Grapes. As we travel into Wales
we visit Abbey-Cwy-Hir, mid Wales most unique and beautiful stately home and historic house. 52 room Victorian
Revival Gothic Mansion and 12 acre gardens overlooking the ruins of the 12th century cistercian abbey. Dinner and
Overnight near Llandrindod Wells. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - This morning we make our way to the University Town of Aberystwyth. The town is nestled between three
hills, two beaches, and hosts some castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of a iron
age fort and also a monument to the Duke of Wellington that offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay. After a
Spectacular Coastal Drive we arrive in Barmouth for Afternoon Tea at The Old Tea Rooms before we head further
north to Harlech and Harlech Castle. As if its spectacular situation, foreboding might, and great power were not
sufficient to ensure the fame of this magnificent castle, Harlech is also inseparably linked in Welsh myth with the tragic
heroine of Branwen, the daughter of Llyr, of the Mabinogion. Dinner and Overnight near Caernarfon.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 - Following breakfast our first visit of the day is Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is architecturally one of the most
impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Most impressive of all is the Eagle Tower crowned by its triple cluster of turrets.
We will stop in Llandudno for Afternoon Tea at Bodysgallen Hall before we visit Conwy Castle. Words cannot do
justice to Conwy Castle it is by any standards one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle
wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Conwy is also home to
Britain's smallest house, measuring 10 feet by 6 feet. The structure was used as a residence from the 16th century until
1900 when the owner was a 6ft 3 inch (1.9 meters) fisherman named Robert Jones. Dinner on your own this
evening. Overnight near Caernarfon. (B,L)
Day 6 - On our way east today we stop at the Glassblobbery near Corwen. The studio offers all sorts of glass animals,
glass flowers, glass dragons and other glass sea creatures all hand made at the studio. There is also work on show by other
artists and craftsmen using other materials. Next we visit Chirk Castle, occupied virtually continuously as a castle and
stately home for almost 700 years. It sits on a hilltop with its best views over the Ceiriog Valley to the south. Then on to
Llangollen, a lovely village nestled along side the River Dee. Tea in Llangollen at the Cottage Tea Rooms before
we depart from picturesque Llangollen Wharf on the canal boat "Thomas Telford" and enjoy two hours of peaceful
cruising along the stunning Dee Valley. A live commentary from the skipper gives the history, local knowledge and up to
date gossip along the way. Dinner and Overnight Chester. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Our morning begins in Chester, first settled by the Romans in AD 79. The main street is lined with timber buildings
called the Chester Rows first built in the 13th & 14th centuries. Our next stop is Stockport and the Staircase House, a
historic house dating back to 1460. Staircase House has been designed to make people feel at home - there are few rope
barriers or signs forbidding people to touch objects so visitors can take a truly unique journey back in time. The
Shallcross Family installed the cage newel staircase in 1618, which gives the house its name. The Jacobean Staircase is
one of only three surviving examples in Britain. We next stop in Huddersfield at the George Hotel for Afternoon Tea
before continuing on to the lovely Yorkshire City of Harrogate. Dinner and Overnight near Harrogate. (B,L,D)
Day 8 -We are then off to Ripley with its cobbled market square and quaint cottages. Here we find the Castle and
Gardens of Ripley. In 2009 the Ingilby Family celebrated 700 years at Ripley Castle. For any family to occupy the
same house for 700 years is truly remarkable. All the letters, deeds and documents have survived, and give a unique record
of the family's history, their births, marriages and deaths, their trials and their tribulations, during the course of the last
seven centuries. We will also visit the Cathedral City of Ripon and its 800 year old Cathedral which is built over a
7th Century Saxon Crypt. Ripon Cathedral is one of the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in Britain. We then
return to Harrogate for Afternoon Tea at Betty's Tea Rooms. Following tea we visit the Royal Pump Room
Museum home to the strongest sulphur wells in Europe, where over 15,000 people used to come every summer. You can
also discover the history of the UK's favourite drink in their latest exhibition, featuring Teapots, Teacups and the
History of Tea. You have the afternoon and evening free to wander in Harrogate. Overnight near Harrogate. (B,L)
Day 9 - Today will be spent in York where you will first take in the sites of the city aboard an Open Top Bus. York began
as a Roman City in AD 71! There is so much to see and do in York that the morning is yours to do as you like. You will
want to visit the 534 foot long York Minster and The Shambles. This afternoon we are off to Thirsk, better known as
the Darrowby of James Herriots All Creatures Stories. Following tea we visit Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, the
actual residence and surgery in James Herriot's Darrowby and now houses The World of James Herriot Museum.
We then make our way to just outside of the Lovely Market Town of Richmond, our home for two nights. Dinner
and Overnight near Richmond. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we journey to Kirkby Stephen to view the Loki Stone, a symbol of an 8th Century Norse
God, which is one of only two such stones in the whole of Europe. Our next stop is the Wensleydale Creamery at
Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The creamery incorporates a museum, viewing gallery,
specialist cheese shop and fully licensed restaurant. We will go on the Cheese Experience Tour while here. If you are a
Wallace and Gromit fan, you will instantly recognize Wensleydale cheese. We will Stop for Lunch at Hamilton's
Tearooms before we visit Bolton Castle, a spectacular mediaeval fortress, situated in the heart of the beautiful
Yorkshire Dales, on the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Built in 1399, the castle is famous for having
been the prison of Mary Queen of Scots for 6 months. Dinner and Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - This morning we drive to Barnard Castle and to the Bowes Museum. The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure,
a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the Historic Market Town of
Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. We will also stop in Carlisle at
Carlisle Castle, a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine centuries. Visitors can
explore fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking stones'. This afternoon
will find us in Dumfries which will be our home for the next two nights. We will have some time to explore before a visit to
the Globe Inn, established in 1610 and a frequent haunt of Robert Burns. The Globe today is a treasure trove of Robert
Burns history and an excellent pub. Dinner and Overnight Dumfries. (B,D)
Day 12 - This morning we visit Burns House Museum, an ordinary sandstone building that Burns spent the last years of
his brilliant life. Now a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world, the house retains much of it's
eighteenth century character and contains many relics of the poet. There is the chair in which he wrote his last poems, many
original letters and manuscripts, and the famous Kilmarnock and Edinburgh Editions of his work. After visiting the
Burns Mausoleum, we drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright. Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community
and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the Provost of Kirkcudbright. We will Lunch at
the Solway Tearoom before visiting the castle. We then return to Dumfries where you will have the Evening Free for
Dinner. Overnight Dumfries. (B,L)
Day 13 - Today we journey to The Borders with our first stop at Moffat and the Moffat Woollen Mills. We next visit
one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford houses many of Scott's collection
including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he immortalized in word. We will Visit the Tearoom before taking a tour
of the house. Our next stop will be Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited house with history stretching
over 900 years. Dating back to 1107, Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the Kings and Queens of Scotland.
Later a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror the Stuarts of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the
Jacobite Cause without counting the cost. Pub Dinner and Overnight Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - On our way to Edinburgh today we visit the 15th century medieval Rosslyn Chapel rich in unusual carvings
and masonic symbolism. The Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew as it was to have been called, was founded in 1446 by Sir
William St Clair. Just outside of Edinburgh we visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and
just 3 miles from Edinburgh. It was begun in the early 15th century by the Preston family and the top of Craigmillar Castle
ranks strongly as one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh we stop at Prestonfield House for
Afternoon Tea. Afternoon and Evening Free to explore. Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 15 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour Bus where
on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie's. Get on and off
at your own pace. Make sure you leave time to visit Edinburgh Castle which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and
the Stone of Destiny. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and the Royal Mile we will gather for a
Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the Ceremony of the
Haggis! Overnight Edinburgh, Scotland. (B,D)
Day 16 - July 26th - Off to the Edinburgh International Airport for your journey home. (B)
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