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An English Exploration

  • England
  • OVERVIEW
  • ITINERARY
  • HIGHLIGHTS


itinerary Map

An English Exploration

15 Days

This chauffeur-driven tour provides the opportunity to experience the best England has to offer from the breath-taking beauty of the Lake District and the charm of the Cotswolds, to the culture and history of London.

Impeccable accommodation, world-class dining, knowledgeable guides and exclusive experiences including private tours of royal residences combine to create an unforgettable showcase of England.

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ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS



This Dream Escape English Exploration may include the following experiences;

  • Follow in the footsteps of literary greats; visit the cottages where Beatrix Potter penned many of her famous works and another filled with memorabilia linked to William Wordsworth, its former resident.

 

  • Experience the charm of luxury travel once enjoyed by wealthy Victorians with a cruise in a steam-powered yacht, choosing to relax in one of the opulent saloons or feel the breeze on her open-air decks.

 

  • Take a private guided tour of one of Britain’s finest stately homes which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

  • Discover the important story of the Codebreakers during World War II at a historical site that was previously one of Britain’s best kept secrets.

 

  • Explore the Cotswolds with your driver-guide admiring the pretty stone villages dotted in between the rolling hills that define the area.

 

  • Visit Oxford, famous for it’s prestigious university and home to royalty and scholars for over 800 years.

 

  • Explore the private gardens of their Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Camilla, with a special guided tour led by one of the gardeners.

 

  • A private local guide will accompany you as you discover one of the finest ancient historic sites in Northern Europe.
  • Visit a breathtaking prehistoric monument which stands as strong today as it did 3,500 years ago and was the first place in the UK to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.

 

  • Explore the graceful tree-lined avenues, ancient woodlands and 18th century lakes of a previous private royal hunting grounds with a private horse-drawn carriage ride.

 

  • Visit the late Queen Elizabeth II’s  preferred weekend residence; a glorious 13-acre complex of medieval, Restoration and Georgian buildings.

 

  • Embark on a fast and fun two-hour orientation tour of London in two restored Classic Mini Coopers.

 

  • Discover secrets of the Second World War as you descend beneath the streets of London into a hidden labyrinth of government offices.

 

  • View the city from a new perspective from the top of one of London’s highest landmarks.

 

Your accommodation choice will be handpicked especially for you from the Dream Escape Accommodation Collection 

Check out our Accommodation Collection for more details.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

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HIGHLIGHTS

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THINGS TO DO

CONISTON WATER CRUISE

Experience the charm of luxury travel once enjoyed by wealthy Victorians with a cruise on Coniston Water in a steam-powered yacht, choosing to relax in one of the opulent saloons or feel the breeze on her open-air decks. The crew will bring the area to life with tales of Coniston’s many famous connections.

LITERARY LAKE DISTRICT

Follow in the footsteps of literary greats with visits to charming towns and historic homes, all of which boast impressive literary connections. Visit Hill Top cottage to see where Beatrix Potter penned many of her famous works, or visit Dove Cottage which is now a quaint museum packed full of memorabilia linked to William Wordsworth, its former resident.

BLETCHLEY PARK

Until fairly recently Bletchley Park was Britain’s best kept secret. The secrecy surrounding all the activities carried on here during World War II was of vital importance to national security and the Allies’ ultimate victory. It was here that an organisation called the Government Code and Cypher School studied and devised methods to enable the Allied forces to decipher the military codes and ciphers that secured German, Japanese, and other Axis nation’s communications. Bletchley Park heralded the birth of the information age with the industrialisation of the codebreaking processes enabled by machines such as the Turing/Welchman Bombe, and the world’s first electronic computer, Colossus. Today, Bletchley Park is a treasured heritage site designed to preserve the important story of the Codebreakers during World War II, and a truly fascinating visit.

BLENHEIM PALACE

Blenheim Palace was given to the first Duke of Marlborough by a grateful Nation, following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in August 1704.

HIGHGROVE

Visit the private gardens of their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for a very special visit. A keen gardener himself, His Royal Highness has devoted much energy to transforming the gardens around the house since his arrival in 1980.

STONEHENGE

Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress. The breathtaking prehistoric monument stands as strong today as it did 3500 years ago. Over 30 years ago in 1986, Stonehenge was amongst the first seven sites in the UK to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in several stages from around 3000BC, it is speculated that it took over 30 million hours of labour to construct. To this day its purpose remains a mystery; however the alignment of the awe-inspiring stones suggests that the circle is connected with the sun and the passing of the seasons

WINDSOR CASTLE

Windsor Castle is a glorious 13-acre complex of medieval, Restoration and Georgian buildings.

MINI COOPER LONDON EXPERIENCE

Begin the day with a fast and fun two-hour orientation tour of the City of London in two restored Classic Mini Coopers.

LONDON EYE

The London Eye is an extraordinary symbol for an extraordinary city. The world’s largest observation wheel offers a spectacular way to take in over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks in just 30 minutes

PLACES VISITED

THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District is considered by many to be amongst the most picturesque areas in all of England. Renowned English poet William Wordsworth said of the Lake District that there is “nowhere in so narrow a compass with such a variety of the sublime and beautiful”. In 2017 it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, the first of the UK’s national parks to be given this. It is the area’s combination of breath-taking natural landscape alongside its cultural links to art and literature that makes it so unique, and indeed, so worthy of preserving.

THE COTSWOLDS

Glorious all year round, the Cotswolds are the largest of all the 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. It is best known for representing “quintessential England”: rolling hillsides, country lanes and pretty stone villages. Perhaps the key to the Cotswolds’ irresistible and characteristic pull lies in the limestone bedrock from which so many of its towns and villages are built. It is this golden stone attributed from medieval wealth from wool merchants that makes the area equally as beautiful on an overcast afternoon or a sunny morning.

OXFORD

Oxford has been a home to royalty and scholars for over 800 years. It is famous for its university. The grouping of towers and spires, have provided the city the moniker ‘the city of dreaming spires’ and offer a beautiful sight from a distance. On closer view, the 38 colleges of Oxford University are a wonderful example of British architecture of every period, ranging from medieval times to the present.

BATH

Considered one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, Bath is home to some of nation’s grandest and most graceful architecture. Sweeping crescents of gorgeous Georgian architecture co-exist harmoniously with ancient cobbled alleys and grand Roman Bathhouses, ensuring that almost every corner of the city boasts classical beauty that will stop you in your tracks.

WINDSOR

Windsor lies in Royal Berkshire, whose Royal associations date back to the establishment of Windsor Castle by William the Conqueror in the 11th The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it saw King John ride out from its walls to sign Magna Carta at nearby Runnymede in 1215. In 1850 Queen Victoria designated it Royal Berkshire and it was at Windsor Castle in 1839 that the young queen proposed to her beloved Albert.

The town of Windsor is a haven for shopping. Encased within the Victorian railway station are a wealth of high-end outlets. It’s a pleasant stroll from here across the river to Eton High Street. Noted for its art and antique shops, this charming thoroughfare also leads to Eton College, the country’s most famous school.

LONDON

London, with its unique blend of history and culture, is constantly changing, with new landmarks, stylish restaurants and clubs opening up all the time. Recently voted as the gourmet capital of the world, London is the European capital to stay in touch with all that’s new and exciting, while enjoying its wealth of historic buildings and eclectic mix of museums and art galleries. With its unique blend of history and culture, the bustling metropolis of London has long been considered a must-see destination. The city is constantly changing, offering a wealth of historic buildings and monuments, as well as an eclectic mix of museums, art galleries and world famous attractions.

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    Clients of Jessica Thompson, Fairway Travel, Virtuoso

  • "....their time in the U.K. was PERFECT – loved everything you guys did for them, and sang praises for everyone! Thank you!! "

    Connie Hanes, Herff Travel

  • "Everyone, from the Tour Guides to our excellent driver, were amazing. All aspects of the trip were beyond expectations. Even changing our day schedule for outside reasons (like the airline sending my bag to a city 120miles away) they were always happy to help and move the schedule around so we could keep enjoying our trip. Everyone made us feel at home and like family."

    Client of Leah Molinari, Molinari Travel, Gifted Travel Network

  • "Dream Escape was the trip of a lifetime. Excellent choice of hotels, tour guide was awesome, the planned tours were wonderful and very informative."

    Client of Trisha Rathke, VIP Travel Designs, Gifted Travel Network

  • "Dreamscape designed an itinerary that combined an exploration of Scottish history and culture and a visit to some of the filming locations for the hit TV show Outlander. The tour guides provided were personable and knowledgeable and responsive to our interests. Our driver who was with us for the entire trip was professional and pleasant and again, flexible and sensitive to our interests. The hotels were magnificent and the pacing of the trip, spending at least two nights in each hotel was perfect. The itinerary was everything we wanted!"

    Client of Susan Morley, Journeys around the World, Cadence

  • "Sally Strange was wonderful so knowledgable, friendly and fun. 100% would use her services again. We feel like we have a friend for life! We LOVED our tours, where we ate lunch, and spending the days with Sally......Thanks (once again!) for looking after our clients so well. We so appreciate you. "

    Lauren Ainsley, Black Tomato

  • "Rosie...thank you for giving us such a world-class experience in Scotland. Everyone had such a wonderful time and your presence was a large part of that. Your warmth and generosity in taking care of us on our little excursion is so beyond appreciated and I can’t wait to work with you again soon."

    Alex Martinetti

  • "Thank you so very much for the amazing trip to Scotland that you planned for us!! It was truly a once in a lifetime fabulous family trip!! Not only were the accommodations perfect, the activities were above expectations, given the people involved with so much knowledge and compassion for what they do....Many, many heartfelt thanks for making this trip so very special for our family. "

    Clients of Kristen Meckem, Kristen Meckem Travel, An Affiliate of Brownell

  • "I work regularly with Michael Davies, who I can not praise enough! Michael is a gem to work with and always delivers extraordinary client itineraries. "

    Jennifer McCrea, Boutique Travel Advisors

  • "We cannot thank you enough for all you did for us during our stay in Scotland! We loved every minute of it....and we loved you teaching us the history of each town and visit. "

    The Pogue Family - Clients of Amy Spence, Strong Travel

  • "We are so grateful for professionalism, expertise, and purely fun personality to entertain and educate our clients in all things royal! I do believe it was a smashing success. 😊"

    Pat Bowden, Red Letter Travel, an independent affiliate of Brownell

  • "Michael does such an outstanding job with making sure every itinerary he works on with me is well thought out. He is attentive to detail and always allows for the clients interest to be reflected in their tours. He makes sure that the perfect tour operator and chauffeur is paired with each client. I wanted you to know what a pleasure it is working with Michael and knowing my clients will always be well cared for when traveling with Dream Escape! "

    Jennifer McCrea, Boutique Travel Advisors

  • "Without a doubt, what made all of it so special and unforgettable was having the true pleasure of having Sally Strange as our guide. She was truly incredible..so full of life, energy, amazing historical knowledge anywhere we visited was extraordinary. Her sense of humor and fun personality made her extra special. Sally was a winner in every way."

    Clients of Betsy Talbot, Travel by Talbot (Brownell)

  • "Your team excelled on all levels! The execution of the itinerary was flawless!!! Well done. The clients LOVED Sally and this was just the second note from them about how exceptional she was. "

    Cathy Major, Cerulean World Travel

  • "I just wanted to send an e-mail to compliment the excellent service I have received with Susie Little. She has been absolutely wonderful to work with. She is quick to respond, easily answers all of our questions, and has had to be patient with my clients as we have made many changes and updates to the itinerary. I really appreciate all of her hard work and the beautiful itinerary she put together for my clients. They said they were in AWE and everything looked fabulous! Thank you for providing such excellent service and I look forward to working with you in the near future! Thank you so much!"

    Krista Boyles, Unique Romance Travel

  • "I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible work on this project, we really could not have gotten it across the finish line without you and your team 😊"

    Marieta Carrrero, Boost Journeys

  • "I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone at Dream Escape who helped in making the Gialamas' visit to London special. I know Dream Escape has many people behind the scenes that work on making an itinerary such as this flow seamlessly and I just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work! "

    Jennifer McCrea, Boutique Travel Advisors

  • "Activities & Tours - All the events and guides were outstanding.- Guides - Simply the best. All of them. All outstanding! "

    Black Tomato Clients

  • "Thank you for everything you did to make the entire trip, special presentations and events so special. It has added a sparkle in my life!"

    Gretchen Ashworth Stewart, Client

  • "Dream Escape, to no one’s surprise, is the best in the business. I cannot begin to thank you for crafting a perfect vacation for these clients. They had nothing but fabulous things to say about each and every event."

    Nancy Ebel, Virtuoso Travel Advisor

  • "Couldn’t have asked for a better 1st trip to London!......The sites we saw were the best & Sally, you went above & beyond to make it memorable"

    Shannon Marie Long - Reed and Mackay

  • "Delightful to spend time and see the incredible city of London with you all. Dream Escape for a flawless job in seeing the best bespoke sites, Sally you are amazing. Thank you again as this was amazing"

    Josh Whitaker - Owner, Rudi Steele Travel

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    Rob Arrow, Al Tayyar Group

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    William A Heim, Client

  • "I had the most wonderful time with you and learned so much...What you offer is rare and much needed in the truly exclusive travel world. "

    Jean Newman-Glock, Signature Travel Network

  • "You were the heart and soul of the trip….I truly admired your sunny personality, sense of humor, organization and professionalism.  You also demonstrated  that a guide’s work is never done as you were constantly researching….. Did you ever rest??? "

    Sharon Delano, Frosch

  • "We want to thank you and the team from Dream Escape.  All six of us in our group had a wonderful time, and we all agreed we owed that in large measure to the work of Dream Escape. From the onset of working with you, you demonstrated a tremendous knowledge about all the activities we wished to pursue —from playing golf to dining at excellent restaurants to seeing historical sites and the Tattoo and Fringe Festival.  And, then you executed "

    Thomas Cohen, Client

  • "THANK YOU a zillion times over for choosing/assigning Rosie to be with this family.  She MADE the trip for them – there’s no other way to put it! "

    Jill Jergel, Frontiers International Travel

  • "Our holiday in Scotland now tops their lists of best trips…… To their growing list of amazing and memorable first-time experiences, our sons may add fishing for trout and salmon on the River Tay; steering a motor boat on Loch Ness; and taking private guided tours on Culloden Moor Of the eight full days we were in Scotland, Alex and Mattie thought each and every day was the best"

    Michael Guadarrama & Trammi Nguyen, clients of Peter Carideo. CRC Travel

  • "All six of us were deeply moved by the whole experience. Bravo Dream Escape "

    Max Levy, Direct client

  • "Thank you Karen and all of the staff and guides affiliated with Dream Escape…..the Flemings are having an awesome tour of Scotland. You all have made me look like a star! "

    Joni Gerace, The Travel Society, LLC

  • "Thanks for all your help and we can chalk this one up as a big success!   Our anniversary celebration was all we could have hoped for "

    Clients of Courtney Regan, Affiliate of Brownell Travel

  • "Rosie was MORE than outstanding – she went out of her way to help us in every regard...She was so knowledgeable – we all loved her"

    Jill A. Jergel, Frontiers International Travel

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    Cindy Evans, Travel Consultant

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    Carole McFarland, Universal Travel

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    Donald M. Davis, President, Luxury Travel, Inc.

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    Peter Carideo, CRC Travel

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    Ann Lipschitz, Worldview Travel

  • "Your level of service is just outstanding"

    Debra Fini, VWTI

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    Financial Times, How to Spend it

  • "It was, without doubt, one of the most spectacular weekends I have ever had"

    Country Life

  • "David Tobin’s an ace at getting inside private castles and estates and he’s well connected.... "

    Conde Nast Traveller Magazine

  • "The level of service they provide is outstanding. They truly care about every aspect of the trip to ensure you have a fantastic stay. Rosie is a hidden gem of a tour guide. Just fabulous."

    Yvonne Malka, Signature Travel Network, April 2018