13-Nights English Odyssey

Oxford

Oxford is home to a world famous university, and most of the colleges and university buildings are located in the centre of Oxford, within easy walking distance. Don't miss the Bodleian Library, which has its own shop, and nearby the Radcliffe Camera, which is not open to the public, but is well worth a view from the outside. Also nearby, in the Broad, is the Sheldonian Theatre, venue for official University functions as well as concerts. The University also owns the Botanic Garden, founded in 1621 as Physick Garden for the study of plants for medicinal and scientific use - peace and quiet from the city just two minutes down High Street.

Liverpool

Liverpool – just saying the name automatically brings the world’s most famous group to mind – The Beatles. Liverpool however has more to offer visitors though than just Beatles memorabilia. Located on the Irish Sea on the mouth of the Mersey River, Liverpool is one of England’s most important seaports, second only to London. A bustling port for the exchanging of goods, it is also a passenger port for those traveling to Ireland. Several churches in the city are notable; among them is the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1904 which is one of the largest ecclesiastical structures in the world. There are several museums in the city as well, the Walker Art Gallery and the Merseyside County Museum.

Lake District

This is an area rich in heritage with a wonderful range of family attractions and the mildest climate in the North of England, providing a marvellous experience for all ages - including aquariums, parks, museums, gardens and guided walks, animal farms and nature reserves, artisan factories and shops, religious centers, castles, abbeys, and markets.

York

Explore 2000 years of history in the street, buildings and museums that chronicle York's outstanding beauty and vibrant heritage. Witness the beauty of Yorkshire with ease. The city's night clubs, themed pubs and restaurant offer a variety of activities and York has major events for cultural events and conferences. Visit the famous York Minster, award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum, Yorkshire Museum and Castle Museum. York offers a unique shopping experience and a lesson in history. Shop Victorian in Swinegate Walk and be entertained by street performers in Coppergate.

London

London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with excitement far into the night, quiet squares and explorable alleyways. Visit this famous city's parks, museums, galleries, monuments, abbeys and churches, skyscrapers and ruins, Georgian squares. Take in such events as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower, or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or even one of the many theatrical productions. Some of the most exclusive shops are found along Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets. An old favorite and one of the world's premier institutions is Harrods - offering everything from Chanel suits and sliced salmon to caviar and even pets.

Sissinghurst

Situated in the Weald of Kent is Sissinghurst Castle, once a grand Elizabethan Manor House, now sadly only a fraction of its former size, but still surrounded by beautiful countryside. Kent is often referred to as 'the Garden of England, and Sissinghurst is as equally renowed for its splendid gardens. The history of Sissinghurst has always been very closely linked to the soil, and it was originally a medieval manor-farm. Both V.Sackville-West and her husband completely transformed the grounds around 1930 and, when they both died, they were content in the knowledge they had succeeded in creating probably the most famous gardens in England.

Brighton

Brighton is a famous English seaside holiday town, conveniently located only 76 km from London, and is known as “London-by-the-Sea.” This once sleepy fishing village became a popular destination when in 1750 a doctor prescribed the drinking of seawater and sea-bathing to his patients for ailments. It then became a fashionable resort in the 1800s, visited by the prince and king. Today, visitors enjoy surfing and sunbathing on Brighton Beach, walking the arcade on the Palace Pier, the many small shops and restaurants, the diverse community, and rich cultural and music scene.

Bath, UK

When the temperature rises in Bath, join the crowds to picnic or laze around in Royal Victoria Park, just below the Royal Crescent, with a duck pond, botanical gardens and a grotto to explore. Alternatively, Parade Gardens is picturesque spot next to the river and in the heart of the city. You can sit in a deckchair and enjoy views of the Weir and Pulteney Bridge. Then there is the more secluded Sydney Gardens Jane Austen often visited. Take a free walking tour around the centre of Bath or hire some bicycles from Avon Valley Cyclery behind the railway station and cycle along the canal. Visit Prior Park - a Capability Brown landscape garden on a hill above Bath with views of the city and a remarkable Palladian bridge. Choose from boat trips on the river and the canal, while the boating station of Forrester Road hires out punts for a quintessentially English experience.

Windsor

Windsor and the surrounding area is steeped in the history of England and its Royal Heritage. Situated on the river Thames, Windsor is surrounded by many historical sites; Runneymede, Eton and the Great Park.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a university city in Cambridgeshire, England 50 miles north of London. The town has surpassed periods of farmstead settlements dating back 3,500 years from the Roman era, the Medieval period, Early Modern Cambridge, the Industrial Era and currently in the 20th century. Centuries old of history is transparent in the local government, commonly played sports, architecture and agricultural production. Amongst the green open spaces, fields of daffodils, and grazing cattle is the prestigious University of Cambridge founded in 1209 by runaway Oxford scholars. The university birthed philosopher Sir Isaac Newton, writer Lord Byron, molecular biologists Francis Crick and James Watson, and many more Noble Prize winners.

Visitors can stroll through King’s College and walk the halls of many influential people before them, sit through a university lecture open to the public, punt down the River Cam, admire wonderful art and sculpture in the Fitzwilliam Museum, and cycle the Backs Gardens. The annual summer festivities encourage visitors to participate and appreciate the town, its history, and magnificent architectures.