Great Britain Christmas
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Summary
Celebrating Christmas in England, Scotland and Wales is a magical thing! On this Great Britain Christmas group tour, enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes, must-see historical destinations and festive cheer. Visit York, Bath and Cardiff. See Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and Liverpool - home of The Beatles! Explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands, England’s Lake District and the famous Loch Ness. Tuck into traditional pub fare and drink a dram with the locals. Spend Christmas Day in Edinburgh and embrace the Scottish Yuletide festivities! Make your festive season one to remember with a fun-filled Christmas tour.
Highlights
- Enjoy Christmas Day in Edinburgh
- Explore the Scottish Highlands
- Visit Cambridge and York
- Experience Liverpool; home of The Beatles
Itinerary View Full Itinerary Download PDF
Start Point
Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel | 06:30 AMHotel lobby at Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich | 07:00 AM
End Point
Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station | 06:00 PM
Welcome to your Christmas tour of Great Britain! Today, depart London and get ready to fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air. Arrive in Cambridge, and embark on a punting trip along the river. The age-old tradition offers great views of the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings as you float along the water. Travel towards York this afternoon. This city is a hotspot for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Head out on a walking tour for fascinating insights into York’s history and stories. Tonight, enjoy a traditional pub dinner in an authentic British pub!
Meals: Dinner
Get ready for a jam-packed day full of beautiful and historic sights! Depart York and travel to the Angel of the North for a photo stop at this iconic sculpture in northern England. Then, travel to Hadrian’s Wall; a defensive fortification constructed by Emperor Hadrian centuries ago! Next, visit the historic village of Gretna Green. This romantic village is world-famous for weddings and once saw young lovers crossing the border to wed without their parents’ permission. Later, travel to the vibrant city of Glasgow and enjoy some free time to shop at the city’s charming Christmas markets! This evening, arrive at tonight’s accommodation in Arrochar which is a village located on Loch Long. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Start today with a stop at Glencoe. Admire the spectacular views and learn about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe. Then, head onwards to Spean Bridge and keep an eye out for Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the British Isles) as you travel through the Highlands. At lunch time, arrive at the base of the famous Loch Ness. Join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Afterwards, the scenic drive continues through the Scottish Highlands and along the edge of the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Then, it's onwards to Edinburgh, passing over the Queensferry Crossing. Tonight, celebrate Christmas Eve with an optional 3-course festive dinner!
Meals: Breakfast
Merry Christmas! Look forward to a full festive day of soaking up Edinburgh’s highlights. Start the day by admiring the picturesque Dean Village. Then, choose to climb up Calton Hill for panoramic city views! After, head to Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile for a walking tour. Tick off top sights including Greyfriars Bobby and Princes Street Garden and snap some photos of the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. Head back to the hotel and soak up the Scottish festive spirit with an included Christmas lunch! Later, head back to Edinburgh where the rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish. Why not wander around the Edinburgh Christmas market?
Meals: BreakfastLunch
Depart Scotland and travel back across the border to England. Stop in Carlisle, an important historic city known for its centuries-old castle. Next, head to Bowness-on-Windermere, a lovely town in the picturesque Lake District. Here, join the Winter at Windermere optional excursion to enjoy a scenic cruise and traditional fish and chips lunch! Later, arrive in Liverpool and enjoy a driving tour of the city. The evening is free to explore the city that is the home of The Beatles and two world-famous premier league football clubs! The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club - this is the perfect place for a fan to spend the evening!
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a “Magical Mystery” driving tour of Liverpool this morning, and see the city’s top sights associated with The Beatles! Next up, venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to numerous Shakespearean attractions and fascinating historical locations. Enjoy free time to wander the streets once home to the famous playwright or join the optional excursion to see his birthplace and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. Next, travel to the south of Wales where you'll have the chance to see a medieval castle. After snapping great photos of the centuries-old building, head onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff and enjoy an orientation driving tour of the city.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
As the last day of this British tour arrives, there is no sign of slowing down! The first stop today is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town for insight into the town’s history and the famous Roman Baths. Next up is an optional excursion that could have you unravelling one of the worlds’ greatest mysteries! Visit Stonehenge to see the ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. Arrive back in London to end your tour this evening after a fantastic week of exploring Great Britain!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 1: Start of tour in London - Cambridge - York
Welcome to your Christmas tour of Great Britain! Today, depart London and get ready to fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air. Arrive in Cambridge, and embark on a punting trip along the river. The age-old tradition offers great views of the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings as you float along the water. Travel towards York this afternoon. This city is a hotspot for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Head out on a walking tour for fascinating insights into York’s history and stories. Tonight, enjoy a traditional pub dinner in an authentic British pub!
Experiences
Cambridge punting trip: Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition of punting down the river on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat). Cruise down the River Cam and take in the sights and surroundings along the way.
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.
Dinner in York: Tuck into a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in York. Toast to the first night of this tour of Great Britain and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner this evening.
Meals
Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 2: York - Gretna Green - Glasgow - Highlands
Get ready for a jam-packed day full of beautiful and historic sights! Depart York and travel to the Angel of the North for a photo stop at this iconic sculpture in northern England. Then, travel to Hadrian’s Wall; a defensive fortification constructed by Emperor Hadrian centuries ago! Next, visit the historic village of Gretna Green. This romantic village is world-famous for weddings and once saw young lovers crossing the border to wed without their parents’ permission. Later, travel to the vibrant city of Glasgow and enjoy some free time to shop at the city’s charming Christmas markets! This evening, arrive at tonight’s accommodation in Arrochar which is a village located on Loch Long. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Experiences
Photo stop at the Angel of the North: Enjoy a stopover at this famous contemporary sculpture in the north of England. Be sure to snap some photos!
Photo stop at Hadrian's Wall: Visit the Roman fortification on the border between England and Scotland, constructed under the orders of Emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia.
Visit Gretna Green: Found on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland, Gretna Green is a beautiful historic village that is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations! This town is where lovers used to get married without their parent’s permission, many years ago, giving it a lasting legacy as a great spot to tie the knot.
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets: Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit with a spot of shopping at the enchanting Christmas markets.
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands: Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 3: Glencoe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh (Christmas Eve)
Start today with a stop at Glencoe. Admire the spectacular views and learn about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe. Then, head onwards to Spean Bridge and keep an eye out for Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the British Isles) as you travel through the Highlands. At lunch time, arrive at the base of the famous Loch Ness. Join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Afterwards, the scenic drive continues through the Scottish Highlands and along the edge of the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Then, it's onwards to Edinburgh, passing over the Queensferry Crossing. Tonight, celebrate Christmas Eve with an optional 3-course festive dinner!
Experiences
See Glencooe: Make a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands (a glen is a deep valley in Scotland) which is infamous for the tragic events of the massacre that happened here in 1692.
Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot her in the loch’s water.
Drive along Cairngorms National Park and over the Queensferry Crossing: Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Scottish landscape.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!
Soak up Scotland’s festive atmosphere with an unforgettable, 3-course Christmas Eve dinner in Edinburgh!
DAY 4: Edinburgh (Christmas Day)
Merry Christmas! Look forward to a full festive day of soaking up Edinburgh’s highlights. Start the day by admiring the picturesque Dean Village. Then, choose to climb up Calton Hill for panoramic city views! After, head to Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile for a walking tour. Tick off top sights including Greyfriars Bobby and Princes Street Garden and snap some photos of the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. Head back to the hotel and soak up the Scottish festive spirit with an included Christmas lunch! Later, head back to Edinburgh where the rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish. Why not wander around the Edinburgh Christmas market?
Experiences
Explore Edinburgh: Join your tour leader on an exploration of Edinburgh, Scotland’s enchanting capital city, on Christmas Day. Visit the picturesque Dean Village and choose to climb Calton Hill for stunning city views. Embark on a guided walking tour of top sights such as the iconic Royal Mile, Greyfriars Bobby, Princes Street Garden and Edinburgh Castle.
Festive lunch: Celebrate Christmas and enjoy great Scottish hospitality with a delicious festive lunch.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 5: Edinburgh - Lake District - Liverpool
Depart Scotland and travel back across the border to England. Stop in Carlisle, an important historic city known for its centuries-old castle. Next, head to Bowness-on-Windermere, a lovely town in the picturesque Lake District. Here, join the Winter at Windermere optional excursion to enjoy a scenic cruise and traditional fish and chips lunch! Later, arrive in Liverpool and enjoy a driving tour of the city. The evening is free to explore the city that is the home of The Beatles and two world-famous premier league football clubs! The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club - this is the perfect place for a fan to spend the evening!
Experiences
Visit Carlisle: Enjoy a comfort stop and some free time in Carlisle, a cathedral city in Cumbria which holds great historical significance. Why not pay a visit to its castle, which was first built in 1092, or soak up some art, science and history at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery?
Experience the English Lake District: This is truly your chance to experience lunch with a view - enjoy the scenery of this beautiful part of England, and find a spot to enjoy lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere while surrounded by a scenic landscape. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired many renowned poets and writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Driving tour of Liverpool: Enjoy seeing some of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour of the city. Highlights include Anfield football stadium, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Albert Docks.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Discover the stunning scenery around Windermere Lake at wintertime with a lakeside lunch and cruise.
DAY 6: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Cardiff
Enjoy a “Magical Mystery” driving tour of Liverpool this morning, and see the city’s top sights associated with The Beatles! Next up, venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to numerous Shakespearean attractions and fascinating historical locations. Enjoy free time to wander the streets once home to the famous playwright or join the optional excursion to see his birthplace and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. Next, travel to the south of Wales where you'll have the chance to see a medieval castle. After snapping great photos of the centuries-old building, head onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff and enjoy an orientation driving tour of the city.
Experiences
Liverpool Beatles driving tour: Hop aboard the coach to see and learn about a variety of locations connected to The Beatles on an early morning Beatles Magical Mystery Tour!
Visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon: Make a stop in this quaint town, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander the city during your free time, and view many of the Shakespearean attractions, including the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.
Castle photo stop: On the road to Cardiff, enjoy the chance for a short stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some photos.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you all the best highlights before you head back to the hotel.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Visit the house where Shakespeare grew up and delight in a traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare theatre!
DAY 7: Cardiff - Bath - Stonehenge - London
As the last day of this British tour arrives, there is no sign of slowing down! The first stop today is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town for insight into the town’s history and the famous Roman Baths. Next up is an optional excursion that could have you unravelling one of the worlds’ greatest mysteries! Visit Stonehenge to see the ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. Arrive back in London to end your tour this evening after a fantastic week of exploring Great Britain!
Experiences
Bath Orientation tour: Learn all about Bath’s fascinating history and its top attractions, including the famous Roman Baths, with your tour leader.
Meals
Breakfast
On Tour Excursions
Explore the remains of the great temple and bathing complex of the Roman Baths, once the finest religious spas in northern Europe!
Uncover the many mysteries of Stonehenge and get up close with this 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is definitely bucket list-worthy!
What's Included
Accommodation
- 6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
21 Experiences!
- Go punting down the River Cam in Cambridge
- Stroll through the historic streets of York
- Enjoy a group dinner in York
- Visit the Angel of the North statue
- Take a photo at Hadrian’s Wall
- Visit world famous wedding destination Gretna Green
- Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets
- Spend a night in the Scottish Highlands
- See Glencoe; one of Scotland’s most beautiful valleys
- Search for the mythical monster at Loch Ness
- Admire the views of Cairngorms National Park and the Queensferry Crossing
- Spend Christmas Day exploring Edinburgh
- Enjoy an included Christmas lunch
- Visit Carlisle, an important historic city
- Experience the beauty of the English Lake District
- Embark on a Liverpool driving tour with your tour leader
- See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles
- Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon; home of Shakespeare
- Enjoy a photo stop at a medieval Welsh Castle
- Experience Cardiff on a driving tour
- Discover Bath on an orientation walking tour
Accommodation
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in London, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
ibis York Centre
ibis York Centre
Novotel Edinburgh Park
Novotel Edinburgh Park
Hotel Arrochar
Hotel Arrochar
ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock
ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
Mercure Cardiff North HotelPhotos of the tour
Optional Excursions
Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!
Loch Ness Cruise
Visit the home of the mysterious Loch Ness monster and enjoy a 1-hour cruise on the loch. Take in the sights and enjoy the serene surroundings. Have your cameras ready as you may even spot old Nessie.
Soak up Scotland’s festive atmosphere with an unforgettable, 3-course Christmas Eve dinner in Edinburgh!
Christmas Eve in Edinburgh
Soak up Scotland’s festive atmosphere with an unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner in Edinburgh! Indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner featuring local delicacies and festive favourites. Vegetarian options are available. What better way to spend the night before Christmas than with live music, newfound travel friends and Scottish festive fare?
Discover the stunning scenery around Windermere Lake at wintertime with a lakeside lunch and cruise.
Winter at Windermere
Bask in the beauty of Windermere Lake at wintertime! Enjoy an authentic British fish 'n' chips lunch at the quaint lakeside town of Bowness before setting off on a cruise to Lakeside Pier - the southernmost point of Lake Windermere. Sit back, relax and admire the spectacular woodland scenery while learning about the history of the area and its top attractions with an onboard commentary.
Visit the house where Shakespeare grew up and delight in a traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare theatre!
Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Afternoon Tea Experience
Experience Stratford Upon Avon through a Shakespearean lens! Visit the house where William Shakespeare was born, grew up and played. He ate meals in the hall and he slept and dreamt in these rooms. Shakespeare also spent the first five years of married life in this house with his new wife, Anne Hathaway. Other famous writers have also visited here, including Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy. After, enjoy a delicious, traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Delight in classic British treats such as scones with clotted cream, cucumber sandwiches and more!
Explore the remains of the great temple and bathing complex of the Roman Baths, once the finest religious spas in northern Europe!
Roman Baths
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, and undoubtedly one of the highlights is the Roman Baths. Around Britain's only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in northern Europe. This great temple and bathing complex still flows with natural hot water. The extensive remains and a Roman museum of international significance lie beneath the Pump Room and Abbey Church Yard in the centre of Bath.
Uncover the many mysteries of Stonehenge and get up close with this 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is definitely bucket list-worthy!
Stonehenge
Tick off a bucket-list-worthy experience with a visit to Stonehenge, one of the most famous structures in the world! The prehistoric monument is shrouded in myth and legend. While nobody knows the exact purpose behind the 5,000-year-old mysterious circle of upright stones in southern England, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site has been attracting visitors from around the world for centuries! Visit to see the enchanting site and learn the history, traditions and customs surrounding Stonehenge.
Dates & Rates
2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
| Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
| 22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024 |  | Book now with low deposit | |
| 22 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 | | Book now with low deposit |
Number of travellers
Payment option
Flexible booking:
Additional Information
For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .
Reviews
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Why this tour?
Great Britain is one of the best places to celebrate the festive seasons! From historical sites decked out in decorations and the charming Christmas markets to the carolers filled with joy and delicious festive food fare! Celebrate Christmas in Britain on the Expat Explore Great Britain Christmas tour. Over one week, travel across England, Scotland and Wales to experience the top attractions and local charms of a number of fantastic destinations.
There are several exciting highlights on this Britain Christmas winter holiday, including:
- Make memories on Christmas Day in Edinburgh, as you enjoy a free day in Scotland’s capital city. Embark on a tour of the city and then spend the day as you wish; tour Christmas markets, stroll through the Old Town and New Town and enjoy tasty food! This is a great way to spend Christmas Day in Great Britain!
- Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands which are filled with quaint towns, historic monuments and breathtaking scenery. A must-see on a Great Britain Christmas holiday.
- Make your Christmas holiday in Great Britain unforgettable with an optional visit to the the mysterious Stonehenge!
- Visit the historic cities of Cambridge, York, Bath, and Cardiff and get to know the history and traditions from your tour leader. You’ll also enjoy stops in the quaint towns of Jedburgh and Gretna Green along the Scottish borders.
- Admire the beautiful scenery on drives through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the English Lake District and the hauntingly beautiful Glen Coe. A Christmas tour in Great Britain would be incomplete without the scenery!
- Explore the hometowns of literature and cultural icons Shakespeare and The Beatles during visits to Stratford-upon-Avon and Liverpool.
- Tuck into classic British cuisine including a traditional Sunday Roast and a pub carvery lunch to complete your Great Britain Christmas vacation!
Is this the right tour for me?
What will the accommodation be like on tour?
Tour accommodation is twin-share rooms in hotels vetted by our expert team. You will be paired up with a traveller of the same gender and if you would prefer your own room, you are able to pay a single supplement.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
There will be easy walks included on orientation tours of cities and towns. Nothing rigorous or intense.
What are the best places to visit in Britain?
With so many amazing destinations in England, Scotland and Wales, this one is difficult to narrow down! Stonehenge and Loch Ness are popular bucket-list destinations. Historic cities such as Cardiff and York are beautiful to visit. The whole trip is a treat for travellers!
What is the weather like on a UK Christmas tour?
It usually gets very cold in Great Britain during winter so be sure to pack accordingly! Wrap up warm in coats, scarves, beanies and gloves so you can explore destinations and stay cozy.
How busy is it at this time of year?
Great Britain is a popular winter destination so there are usually big crowds. However, the people help create a fantastic Christmas atmosphere! The tour itinerary has a great balance of quiter spots as well as top attractions.
Do I need cash for the Christmas markets?
It is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for small towns and Christmas markets. ATMs are available in all major cities and most towns.
Overall, this trip is a memorable way to enjoy Christmas and the festive season. Accommodation, transport, most meals and many activities are included in the price making it a fun and affordable way to enjoy a Great Britain Christmas vacation. Travel is the best gift so share this Christmas tour with your loved ones!
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