Enticing England: A Journey from North to South

Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort, dating back to AD124, takes you back to the Roman Empire. Walk through the remarkably preserved barrack blocks and the hospital, see some of the oldest toilets you're ever likely to see, and admire the stunning panoramic rural views from this ancient fortress. There's also an interactive museum that showcases objects once belonging to Roman soldiers.

Follow the classic walk around Loughrigg Terrace and Rydal Water and see the typical Lakeland scenery that inspired the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Created by fire and carved by ice, the dramatic valleys of the English Lakes have inspired many literary greats with their rugged beauty. Over the course of the day you’ll continue explore this history with visits to Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of the famous poet.

The gardens at Dalemain have always been a place of peace and tranquillity, and have been loved by the Hasell family for generations. Join Jane Hasell-McCosh for a very special tour, taking in the 18th-century terrace walk, herb knot garden, wild gardens and classic English rose walk, which boasts over 100 old-fashioned roses.

Jane will be delighted to discuss the developments and designs of her gardens, focusing on the plants and areas closest to her heart. After visiting the garden, head inside the house and hear stories of those who lived and worked at Dalemain in the Victorian and Edwardian era, with access to unseen areas of the house and illuminating tales of the house throughout history. At the conclusion of your tour, take a seat in the private drawing room and partake in a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by your host, Jane.

The Yorkshire Dales has many moods; it can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil. It includes some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK, from crags and pavements to an underground labyrinth of caves. Each valley or 'dale' has its own distinct character, set against expansive heather moorland tops. Stone-built villages sit amongst traditional farming landscapes of field barns, drystone walls and flower-rich hay meadows, and show how the area has been shaped over thousands of years by the people who have lived and worked here. Spectacular waterfalls and ancient broadleaved woodland contrast with the scattered remains of former mine workings and other rural industries which remind us of the area's rich industrial heritage.

You will drive through some of the villages, learn about the flora and fauna and see historic sites and churches.

On this walking tour of York you will get to explore some of the streets and most popular sites in this walled city which was founded by the ancient Romans. Some of the highlights you might see along the way are the 13th-century Gothic cathedral York Minster, York Castle, The Shambles and the River Ouse.

Recognised as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape, Avebury is a place where you can connect with history and take time to imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago. The stone circles and henge monument are particularly unusual, not just because it is the largest stone circle in the world but also for the fact that it is the only stone circle with a village built within it.

Bath has always been a city of pleasure. From the time of the Romans, the famous hot springs have attracted folk looking to relax and socialise. The Georgians developed the city to become a harmonious architectural ensemble that is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many ways to discover this charming city, whether it's through its Jane Austen connections, indulgent foodie scene, graceful architecture, parks and gardens, or simply relaxing in the world’s best-preserved Roman bathhouses.

At your hotel, enjoy a round of one of the most English of sports, croquet. An expert tutor will guide you through the game and teach you the subtle rules that govern the sport.

Discover some of the iconic sites of the Cotswolds as you delve back into history to where it all began. The ​tour will be full of ​revelations and insights ​as you learn​ the story of how England bec​a​me England​. You'll go deep into the story of England's first king as well as explore the authentic Cotswolds. Visit the 'most important town in England no-one has ever heard of' ​a​nd explore ancient, untouched villages and Saxon churches that date back over 1000 years.

For your exclusive tour of the Abbey Gardens, you’ll be greeted by the owner and escorted around the house and gardens before they open to the public. The gardens are a series of rooms, each very different to the last, reflecting the history of the site and the personality of the current owners. You’ll be free afterwards to wander around the gardens at your own leisure and stroll through the town of Malmesbury.

The presence of Oxford University can be felt throughout the centre of this august city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, the patchwork of college buildings, churches and quaint streets make Oxford a beautiful place to discover the stories surrounding some of the most important characters in British history. Your local guide will tailor a tour around your interests, whether it be college gardens, religion, stained glass or Inspector Morse or Harry Potter.

Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Experience a unique perspective to the Great Park with a horse-drawn carriage ride accompanied by your guide who can share the knowledge of stories and events at the park, which have been passed down through the generations of coachmen who have worked for this family business. Ride down the famous Long Walk, which has wonderful views of Windsor Castle, and was part of the route the newlywed royals Megan and Harry took on their wedding day. The carriages are all classic models that have been maintained, restored or re-created to be the same as those used centuries ago. They are fitted with authentic wheels, traditional fittings and skills which date back to the 14th century.

Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor masterpiece. Henry VIII's vast kitchens are unique and the palace continued to grow up until the 17th century. The result is a wonderful tapestry of English architecture, tomes of fascinating stories and some of the most beautiful gardens in London.

Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

The City of London is at once ancient and modern. Skyscrapers are built along medieval passageways. The juxtaposition of old and new makes the Square Mile one of the most exciting, but also enigmatic, neighbourhoods of London. For nearly 2,000 years, humans have been shaping this marshy land north of the River Thames with buildings, infrastructure, ideas, inventions and passions. Discover some of the secrets of the City on this privately guided walking tour.

One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The King in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.