14 Days
Explore two of Britain’s most beautiful and historical cities on this two-week journey through England and Scotland. Split your time between exploring the city streets and the peaceful countryside as you uncover the local history and culture.
Begin in York, discovering the city’s long and winding history as well as the beauty of the surrounding area before you travel by train to Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital. Finally, venture to the rugged Highlands and the charming Isle of Skye.
GET IN TOUCHAll of Dream Escape programmes are tailormade and could include any of the following exclusive experiences:
For your accommodation Dream Escape recommends a host of wonderful properties. In York and Edinburgh, stay in two former railway hotels, both grand and luxurious in their own right. Then move onto a stunning Victorian castle nestled at the foot of Britain’s tallest mountain before ending your journey at a beautiful Regency house surrounded by walled gardens, woodland and streams.
If there is one building that epitomises York, it is the majestic Gothic cathedral called York Minster. The site was once the headquarters of the Romans who occupied the city, but the cathedral as it stands today was consecrated in 1472 following a build time of 250 years. It contains what many consider to be Britain’s greatest concentration of stained glass, including the Great East Window.
The Shambles are often regarded as Europe’s best preserved medieval street. It is complete with overhanging timber-framed buildings some dating back to the 14th century.
Castle Howard is a truly magnificent 18th century house, it is situated in stunning parkland dotted with temples, lake statues and fountains. You’ll also be swept away by the scale and the beauty of Castle Howard’s monumental landscape, which offers spectacular views at every turn.
Edinburgh Castle, perched on ancient volcanic rock, has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is brimming with tales, from it near destruction on the order of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings.
Meet the Highland Cattle. With their fluffy hair and long horns, the cows are a true icon of Scotland and make for a great photo opportunity! Perhaps also take the time to meet some of the farm’s smaller residents – chickens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. Lambing takes place at the end of April, and you will be welcome to feed any pet lambs that may be around.
Travel over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnian Viaduct, now best known from the Harry Potter films.
Traquair House dates back to 1107, the house claims to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland and was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. It has hosted 27 Monarchs including Mary, Queen of Scots.
Extending 23 miles, the loch provides spectacular views – the scenery is breath-taking regardless of the time of year.
A fairy-tale castle is best known for its role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Scotland’s historic capital city. Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.
St Andrews is the undisputed home of golf. It has seven magnificent courses, including the world-renowned Old Course, which remains essentially unchanged from the days of Old Tom Morris in the mid-to-late 19th century. To play the hallowed grounds of the Old Course is often viewed as the pinnacle in any golfers’ history.
Scotland’s most famous glen. It is often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in the country and certainly one of the most dramatic; thundering waterfalls tumble down the sides of mountains into sparkling lochs. Scenery and geology aside, the glen has its place firmly in the history books due to its savage history. It was the site of the infamous massacre of Clan Macdonald of Glencoe by government troops in 1692. Reserved privately, a local guide will take you on a guided walk.
Unquestionably the most popular isle of the Inner Hebrides. Voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s top five islands, it is rich in history and romance, famed for its natural beauty, traditional charm, breath-taking scenery and wildlife.
Extending 23 miles, Loch Ness provides spectacular views regardless of the time of year.The loch’s cold, deep waters are said to be home to the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie. It is said that the first sighting of the monster was in the 6th century by St. Columba, and sporadic sightings have been reported ever since.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to some of Yorkshire’s most iconic scenery and attractions. With spectacular limestone valleys, picturesque villages and historic castles, it is a place that stirs the emotions and stimulates the senses of every visitor. The National Park was established in 1954 and covers an area of 680 square miles, straddling the central Pennines.
