Castle Combe, Cotswolds, England

Highlights of Britain

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Overview

Suggested Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Self-Drive Holidays

13 Nights

Fully customisable itinerary
Prices from: £1960 per person
Best time to go: April - October
Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Medieval Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Explore the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, discover elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, and visit the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

London's Royal Heritage

Discover the heart of Britain’s royal history in London. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, marvel at the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, and explore Westminster Abbey – the coronation church of British monarchs for nearly 1,000 years.

Lake District’s Literary Landscapes

Follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth, Coleridge and Beatrix Potter in England’s most beautiful national park. Cruise on Lake Windermere, hike through stunning mountain scenery, or simply relax in charming lakeside villages.

Spectacular Scottish Highlands

Explore Loch Ness in search of its legendary monster and visit nearby Culloden Battlefield, where a 1746 battle changed Highland life forever. Complete your Highland experience with a visit to a traditional whisky distillery.

Snowdonia's Welsh Wonders

Wales’ most dramatic national park offers mountains, lakes and a rich cultural heritage. Ride the mountain railway or hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, venture into ancient slate mines, and explore its magnificent Norman castles.

Charming Cotswolds

Step into a picture-perfect landscape of rolling hills and honey-coloured stone villages. From bustling market towns to tranquil hidden gems, the Cotswolds embody the essence of rural England.

Britain’s Greatest Hits: A 2 Week Self-Drive Adventure

Explore centuries of history, dramatic landscapes, and two of the world’s most iconic cities on this exciting two-week itinerary through the UK.

Begin in the cosmopolitan capital of London before journeying through the quintessentially English Cotswolds with its honey-coloured villages.

Cross into Wales to experience the rugged mountain scenery of Snowdonia National Park, then head north to the Lake District, whose sublime landscapes have inspired generations of poets and artists.

Cross the border into Scotland and travel via the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond into the heart of the Highlands. Finish your journey in Edinburgh, Scotland’s magnificent capital city.

Your journey begins in London, where centuries of history sit side by side with cutting‑edge culture. From royal palaces and world‑class museums to vibrant markets and West End shows, the capital offers endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment.

Once you’ve collected your hire car, head to the Cotswolds, where time seems to stand still in villages of honey‑coloured stone. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts rolling hills, ancient woodlands and historic market towns just waiting to be discovered.

Next, venture into Wales and the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Here you’ll encounter Wales’s highest summit, Mount Snowdon, alongside pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and ancient villages nestled among the peaks.

Your journey then takes you to the Lake District, England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater, wander through spectacular mountain scenery, or visit the former homes of literary icons such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Cross the border into Scotland and travel to Loch Lomond, the gateway to the Highlands. Surrounded by mist‑shrouded hills and ancient forests, the loch provides a quintessential introduction to Scotland’s famed landscapes.

Venture deeper into the Highlands to Inverness, the ideal base for exploring iconic sights such as the mysterious Loch Ness, the haunting Culloden Battlefield, and the castles that tell the story of Scotland’s turbulent history.

Finally, conclude your journey in Edinburgh, where medieval alleyways and Georgian grandeur combine to create one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Discover Edinburgh Castle, amble along the historic Royal Mile and enjoy world‑class museums, galleries and dining. As the sun sets on your adventure, raise a dram of fine Scotch whisky in celebration of the unforgettable memories you’ve made.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in London

Touch down in England’s bustling capital. Spend your first evening enjoying a West End show, exploring Covent Garden’s street performers, or savouring dinner beside the Thames.
Overnight – London

Day 2: London Sightseeing

Today, you’ll enjoy an included hop-on-hop-off tour to get acquainted with this vibrant city and all it has to offer. Enjoy free entry to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and more. The opportunities for sightseeing here are endless.
Overnight – London

Day 3: London to the Cotswolds

After breakfast, collect your hire car and make your way to the picture-postcard Cotswolds. This is quintessential England at its best, with rolling patchwork fields, chocolate-box villages and quaint market towns to discover.
Overnight – North Cotswolds

Day 4: Cotswolds Sightseeing

This idyllic region is yours to explore today. Visit charming villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway, or the grand spa town of Cheltenham. Stratford-upon-Avon is close by, most famous as the birthplace of the great playwright William Shakespeare.
Overnight – North Cotswolds

Day 5: The Cotswolds to Snowdonia

Travel through the Shropshire Hills into Wales and make your way to the natural wonderland of Snowdonia (Eryri). Here you’ll find the highest mountains and largest lakes in Wales – a perfect place to connect with nature.
Overnight – Snowdonia National Park

Day 6: Snowdonia Sightseeing

This immense area is filled with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors – from mountains and rivers to woodlands, picturesque villages and historic castles. The historic Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs to the summit of Wales’s highest mountain, offering sublime views across the sea to Ireland.
Overnight – Snowdonia National Park

Day 7: Snowdonia to the Lake District

Travel back into England today as you make your way through beautiful countryside to the Lake District National Park – home to some of Britain’s most stunning scenery.
Overnight – Lake District

Day 8: Lake District Sightseeing

Explore all that the Lake District has to offer. Climb England’s highest mountain, take a cruise on Lake Windermere, walk among spectacular fell scenery, or learn about the literary figures who were inspired by this remarkable place.
Overnight – Lake District

Day 9: Lake District to Loch Lomond

Make your way north into Scotland, with your destination being Loch Lomond – Scotland’s most romantic loch. Surrounded by enchanting forests and rugged mountains, the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond have inspired one of Scotland’s most iconic love songs.
Overnight – Loch Lomond

Day 10: Loch Lomond to Inverness

Today you’ll travel into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Journey through Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glen, and pass Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Your route continues through the Great Glen and past brooding Loch Ness to the vibrant ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 11: Inverness Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day to explore Inverness and its glorious surroundings. You could visit Cawdor with its 14th-century castle, Culloden Battlefield – site of the last battle on British soil – or travel into Speyside and tour the Malt Whisky Trail, where the world’s most celebrated distilleries await.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 12: Inverness to Edinburgh

Travel south through beautiful Highland Perthshire into the Lowlands. En route, explore the Cairngorms National Park, Blair Castle or Scone Palace – the ancient coronation place of Scotland’s kings and queens. Your destination is magnificent Edinburgh – truly one of the most charming cities in Europe.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 13: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Visit majestic Edinburgh Castle, sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience, or hike up Arthur’s Seat for an incredible panoramic view. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Yacht Britannia, or enjoy a walking history tour along the Royal Mile as Edinburgh’s rich past is brought to life.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 14: Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast, your Highlights of Britain self-drive tour will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 13 nights including traditional British breakfast
Comprehensive information pack
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
Map of the UK with our recommended driving route
10 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
London Pass which includes a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and free entry to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and over 80 other attractions
Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

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