England South

About this tour

From iconic London landmarks to the gentle waterways of the Norfolk Broads and the unspoilt North Norfolk coast, this pre-tour blends big-city energy with countryside calm and coastal charm.

It ends with a gala in historic Norwich before transferring to York.

London, the Norfolk Broads and the North Norfolk coast.

Background

Highlights

Your itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1 — London arrival & the city

   Arrive in London and meet at a pre-arranged location. Morning — a London tour taking in Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the City of London highlights, with photo stops at the key landmarks. Afternoon — free time for shopping and lunch, before transferring to your hotel to check in and relax. Evening — an informal dinner in a local historic pub, The Coach & Horses. Once a coaching inn, and the only coaching inn to remain in Brentford and Chiswick, The Coach and Horses is steeped in history — mentioned by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, and proudly serving the Isleworth community since 1897. Overnight: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, London.

2. 2
   Day 2 — Icons & hidden corners

   Morning — Brentford Lock and a canalside walk. Brentford Gauging Lock was once one of the busiest places on the Grand Union Canal and the River Brent; today it is a great place for a walk or a cycle, and just a ten-minute jaunt around the towpath is Thames Lock, the final lock on the Grand Union Canal and the gateway to the River Thames. Boston Manor House is a Jacobean house built for Lady Mary Reade in 1623 and later owned by the Clitherow family from the 1670s until the 1920s. It is now open to the public, and the beautifully restored historic interiors — including breathtaking original ornate plasterwork — are joined by two community exhibition galleries. Syon Park is a breathtaking botanical haven with a stunning Victorian conservatory and historic gardens just outside central London. Explore the 600-year-old parkland and experience centuries of history set in the most stunning surroundings. Evening — dinner in the hotel overlooking Brentford Lock, with optional light entertainment. Overnight: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, London.

3. 3
   Day 3 — Countryside & Broads: London to Norfolk

   Morning — transfer to Norfolk. Depart London for Norwich and Norfolk by private coach. Midday — the Norfolk Broads countryside experience: a private boat cruise on the Broads with commentary, and a light lunch in a local pub or at a waterside inn. Afternoon — arrival in Norwich and check-in at Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf & Spa. Evening — an informal Norwich barbecue, with a relaxed atmosphere in the hotel's beautiful setting and gardens. Overnight: Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf & Spa, Norwich.

4. 4
   Day 4 — The North Norfolk coast & the Norwich gala

   Morning — a North Norfolk coastal visit: an excursion to Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney or a similar coastal village, with a short coastal walk and free time in the harbour and village. Afternoon — Norwich heritage: a guided walking tour of Norwich Cathedral, the lanes and the market area, with free time for independent exploration. Final night — “Capitals, Broads & Coast”. A drinks reception and a two-course evening meal in the Barford Suite at Barnham Broom, with its own terrace looking over the River Yare valley. Dinner features local Norfolk produce, an in-house DJ provides the entertainment for the evening, and there is a small locally themed gift for each guest. Overnight: Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf & Spa, Norwich.

5. 5
   Day 5 — Transfer to York city centre

   Morning — depart Norwich for York, with a private coach transfer from Norwich to York. Mid-afternoon — arrival in York city centre, with a central drop-off by mid-afternoon, aligning with the start of the main programme.

What's included