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Heart of England Tourist Board returns as an independent voice for the industry

Sir William Lawrence , Chairman of the Heart of England Tourist Board, welcomed the announcement that the Regional Tourist Board will, in April, return to its role as the independent voice of the industry. Following the…

Sir William Lawrence , Chairman of the Heart of England Tourist Board, welcomed the announcement that the Regional Tourist Board will, in April, return to its role as the independent voice of the industry. Following the successful completion of a three year contract with the regional development agency at the end of March, the Heart of England Tourist Board will be a commercial membership body representing all businesses in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector. Sir William Lawrence said, I am very pleased about the Board`s return to doing what it does best – looking after and representing the interests of its members. He added that, The Heart of England Tourist Board is an organisation with long standing experience in the tourism sector, and one that truly understands its members, and is able to support them effectively on a range of issues. David Moyser , Chief Executive of Heart of England Tourist Board, said We very much look forward to offering our members a great service, with a range of valued benefits and all supported by innovative and effective ways for promoting their business to customers. He further commented that, We anticipate working closely with the new sub-regional tourism organisations which we have helped establish over the last three years, and will be continuing to deliver high quality research services to support future investment decisions. In addition, we will be delivering Welcome to Excellence training and other bespoke courses, as part of the regional quality agenda. Essentially, we very much see the Board acting as a complementary regional resource going forward. From April 2007 Heart of England Tourist Board will represent over 10,000 businesses in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector across the East & West Midlands.

Theodore Koumelis

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ Amadeus partners with British Airways on a jurney toweards enhacned retailing capabilities
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ Air Canada introduces new sports channels to live TV service
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ SWISS suspends flights to Tel Aviv until 25 April
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10 things to do in the Heart of England

Heart of england , blue badge guide, roger bailey gives us his top 10 places to visit:, 1)    stratford upon avon.

Don’t miss Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, on a tour of the Heart of England . Explore Shakespeare’s life and those of his family. Visit the five houses associated with him and watch a play in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. A Blue Badge guided tour of Stratford can also include a visit to the church of Holy Trinity where Shakespeare is buried.

Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon

2)   Midland Air Museum

Midland Air Museum is based on the story of aviation in Coventry and the Midlands. Frank Whittle who lead the development of the jet engine was born in the Heart of England. Exhibits include more than 45 classic jets. A must see for aviation history fans.

3)  Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle is now considered the greatest ruined castle in England and looked after by English Heritage. It was once the home of Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I who was said to be entertained by the Earl, here for 19 days in 1575.

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4)  Royal Leamington Spa

Leamington Spa is a beautiful and picturesque town which grew in popularity in the 19 th Century after the discovery of natural spa springs. Check out the regency architecture, or take a walk through one of its many parks and gardens.

5)   Warwick Castle

The Heart of England isn’t short of castles! Warwick Castle , has survived 1100 years of wars and conflicts. It was once home to Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick, otherwise known as the Kingmaker at the height of The War of the Roses. Visit the castle and learn its history or see a variety of shows throughout the year.

6)  Coventry Transport Museum

This is the largest museum of its kind in the world, tracing the history of the motorcar and motorbike. The City was the heart of the motor industry for Britain. The collection includes 250 cars and commercial vehicles, 120 motorcycles and 300 cycles.

Rugby goes back to before the Roman times to the Iron Age, mentioned in the doomsday book as a small farming settlement. In more recent times it saw the foundation of Rugby School, where in 1823, William Webb Ellis is supposed to have picked up a football and ran with it, thus inventing Rugby Football.

8)  Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

Bosworth Battlefield was the deciding battle in The War of the Roses and where King Richard III was slain and where Henry Tudor was crowned King Henry VII. During the Bosworth festival in the Summer, families can witness battle enactment, jousting, medieval markets and see the award –winning exhibition.

9)  Leicester City

Leicester was once a Roman city, some of the ruins are still visible today. Visit The King Richard III visitor centre where his body was recently discovered and see the cathedral nearby where he is now buried.

10)  Coventry Cathedral

The ruins of the old Cathedral, destroyed in WWII sits side by side with the new Coventry Cathedral, opened in 1962 and recently won an award as the most iconic building of the 20th century. It is considered a symbol of peace and reconciliation across the World.

See Blue Badge Guided tours offered in the Heart of England .

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Welcome to the New Heart of England Website

NEW WEBSITE GOES LIVE…

Well it’s been a while in the making but it’s finally here…our brand new website. It’s been a challenge to say the least, we offer so many services from a conference to a childs party and everything in between so bringing all that to one website has been a headscratch for all of us but we think we’re there. Let us know what you think. Hopefully you should find what you’re looking for within 2 clicks but let us know if there is something you can’t find. It will help us improve the site and in turn help you find what you need quickly.

Exploring the heart of England - from the Cotswold Hills to Worcestershire

English heartland. Getty

Spending seven days in the "heart of England" - trails through the Cotswold Hills, and encompassing Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

“The Heart of England” is as much a romantic ideal as a geographical region. The countryside of our imagination, though, extends vaguely north of Bath, through the Cotswold Hills, and encompassing Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

Just as everywhere in Britain, it can’t be unpacked in a single visit. Here’s a gently paced road trip, however, that will give you that “Heart of England” experience.

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Day 1 – Northwest into the Heartland

From central London, or leaving from the airports, our destination is Cirencester, “Capital of the Cotswolds.” The most direct route is the M4 west past Reading. From Junction 15 at Swindon, take the A419 about 20 miles northwest to Cirencester.

It’s an easy morning drive. With a colorful history dating back to the Romans, the pretty market town makes a great base from which to explore the southern Cots­wolds—with several lovely 3-star hotels in and around the town center.

The place to begin is the Tourist Information Centre at the Corinium Museum. The parish church of St. John Baptist on Market Place is an­other visit not to be missed. But as you’ll see, this is a town worth exploring.

DANA HUNTLEY

Day 2 – Southern Cotswold Panorama

An easy excursion in the southern Cotswolds today celebrates archetypical Cotswold countryside and some of its most typical sites. Plenty of sights might divert you; check out a Roman villa or ancient long barrow.

Begin on the A433 turning south to the market town of Tetbury. You might continue just a few miles farther south to Westonbirt Arboretum, one of England’s most renowned planned wood­lands. Or dogleg directly toward Stroud on the A46. At Selsey, the village church is a hidden gem (and always open). Its stained glass windows were designed by four leading members of William Morris’s Arts and Crafts movement. Stroud, like each of the half dozen Cotswold market towns, repays a bit of looking around.

A few miles north on the A46, Painswick churchyard is not to be passed by. Famed for its topiary yews, legend has it that only 99 yews will grow in the churchyard. Painswick Rococo Garden also draws rave reviews for its sensual early 18th-century design. It’s an easy return to Cirencester on the A417, with time to shop in town or stroll the Abbey Grounds. This evening, perhaps stop in the friendly Black Horse Inn for a pint in Cirencester’s oldest pub.

Day 3 – Something for Every Passion

Head toward the nearby spa of Cheltenham this morning, and north to Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle, with its gracious gardens and six centuries of fascinating history.

Queen Catherine Parr is buried in the 15th-century chapel, and there are magnificent rose gardens in summer. There are plenty of local places to take lunch in Winchcombe village. This afternoon pay a visit to Chedworth, one of the largest Roman villas in Britain. Its remoteness in the labyrinth of green, rolling hills is one of its attractions.

This is that pastoral countryside of sheep on the hill, babbling brooks, honey-colored stone cottages, and trim gardens. Chedworth Roman Villa’s surviving walls, mosaics, bath-houses, and hypocausts depict life almost 2,000 years ago—illustrating “on location” the Roman life depicted in Cirencester’s Corinium Museum.

The market town of Cirencester makes a great base to explore the Southern Cotswolds. Drop into the Black Horse for a pint with local farmers.

Day 4 – The High Road to one of England’s Great Gardens

We turn north this morning, following the A429. This is the most popular tourist route through the region. Bourton-on-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and a slight detour to drive a mile or two around the villages known as The Slaughters are the iconic Cotswold experience.

There is just the reason they are so popular, but that popularity does mean people—lots of them. For a little more peaceful take, make your way via the A44 to the charming little market town of Chipping Camden. One highlight visit is Hidcote Manor Garden, considered perhaps Britain’s best 20th-century garden and pride of the National Trust.

It’s simply one of the greatest English gardens open to the public. Moreton-on-Marsh makes a great base for overnight and for exploring the northern Cotswolds.

Day 5 – Out and About in the Northern Cotswolds

Today’s easy excursion leads a few miles west on the A44. Famed Broadway is one of the region’s prettiest villages.

Atop the town, Broadway Tower was a refuge of William Morris and his friends—with superb views over the green, undulating countryside. Snowshill Manor is described by the National Trust as an “Aladdin’s cave of delights”—overflowing with the eclectic 22,000-piece antique collections of Charles Wade. There’s also the garden of Kiftsgate Court still to see.

The oriental water-gardens and Indian fantasy of Sezincote (see “Echoes of the Raj” p. 34) are a delight, but only open Thursday and Friday afternoons, May-September. You might plan to return to Moreton-in-Marsh tonight, or continue north (perhaps on the B4632) to Stratford-on-Avon (but have lodging arranged from April to October).

Accustomed to tourists from around the world, Stratford has a range of hotels and accommodation. If the bustle of Stratford seems overwhelming, just up the road a few miles, Warwick is somewhat quieter and no less attractive.

Day 6 – Popular Birthplace of the Bard

Stratford-upon-Avon makes the most of its claim to fame as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The Bard’s birthplace house, Holy Trinity Church and the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre are just a few of Stratford’s A-list visits.

This is a real tourist town, given over to the celebration of all things Shakespeare. The theme will take as much time as you’ll give it.

North about 10 miles, Warwickshire’s county town grew up around Warwick Castle, long regarded as the most complete medieval castle in the country. Like Stratford, Warwick Castle has elements of a theme park and plenty of kitsch, but a visit is no less fun for all that—and really does illustrate castle life through the ages.

Day 7 – Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Warwickshire is a treasure trove of its own. Just up the road is Kenilworth Castle, a magnificent showcase of Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite (see British Heritage , September 2013, p. 44). Leamington Spa lies just next door.

To the northeast, metropolitan Birmingham beckons with altogether different delights. On the other hand, if it’s time to return, the M40 from Junction 15 will have you on London’s ring road in 90 minutes.

* Originally published in 2016.

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• Heart of England

Destination Guide to the Heart of England

Home to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, the city of Oxford, bundles of historic villages and the idyllic Cotswolds countryside, exploring the Heart of England is an essential part of the English vacation experience. The Heart of England is home to the glorious Cotswolds countryside, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

Demonstrating rural England at its most quintessential, the Cotswolds region covers much of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire and is typified by gently sloping patchwork fields, rolling hills, meandering rivers and soft woodlands. The region is dotted with traditional towns and villages with eccentric names such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh. Attractions in themselves, these settlements are attractive collections of honey coloured sandstone houses, thatch cottages and cobbled market squares.

Gloriously picturesque on a larger scale, the cities of Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon are both absolute “must-sees” for this region. Oxford is home to one of the world’s most famous academic institutions at Oxford University, the college buildings offer stunning architecture whilst the city holds a wistful air of academia. An elegant medieval town of timberwork buildings and open greens Stratford was once home to the Bard himself and the surrounding areas hold a wealth of Shakespeare heritage and dedicated sites. Further west along the English border with Wales there are a procession of Tudor market towns and stunning medieval cathedral cities such as Gloucester, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Shrewsbury whilst in the centre of England you’ll find the buzzing metropolis of Birmingham, England’s second most populous city.

The Heart of England’s landscapes are punctuated with stately homes and castles including some of England’s best known sites such as Blenheim Palace (near Oxford), Chatsworth House, in the Peak District, the archetypal medieval fortress at Warwick Castle and the lesser known romantic gardens of Sudely Castle. For those who prefer their history more recent, a visit to the designated world heritage site at Ironbridge in the Shropshire hills is not to be missed.

North of Birmingham, you’ll find the Peak District, England’s first protected National Park and another area of outstanding natural beauty. In contrast with the mellow slopes of the Cotwolds, the Peak District is a hiker’s paradise offering dramatic landscapes, rocky precipices, underground caverns, peat bogs and wild moorlands.

Encompassing some of England’s key historic city’s and sites, alongside lesser known gems and some of the country’s most quintessential countryside, central England really is the Heart of England.

Relevant Tours

A Great Britain driving tour - experience all that is great about Britain on the ultimate tour of England, Scotland and Wales. See it all, from the thriving capital cities of London, Edinburgh and Cardiff to the remote Scottish Highlands, tranquil Lake District and spectacular Snowdonia National Park. Along the way you’ll experience diverse cultures and histories and see world-famous landmarks including Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Cardiff Castle, the Cotswolds, Hadrian’s Wall, Loch Ness and Edinburgh Castle.

A Small Group Tour of England and Scotland – From the southernmost tip of the Cornish Peninsular to the remote wilderness of the Isle of Skye, enjoy an epic small-group journey through the diverse cultures and landscapes of England and Scotland. Discover the quaint fishing towns of Cornwall, the rolling hills and honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds, the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of the English Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, and finally the barren moorlands of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way we’ll visit the heritage cities of Bath, Oxford, York, Chester, Inverness and Edinburgh, and experience regional food, drink and hospitality. South Coast to Skye is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and panoramas of England and Scotland.

A Castle Tour of England - Enjoy the history and grandeur of an ancient land on this tour of England. By day you'll explore castle ruins, opulent manor houses, historic sites, stunning landscapes and England’s cultural jewels such as Oxford, Stratford, Chester, York and Bath whilst by night you'll live like royalty as you experience historic and characterful castle hotels and country manor house accommodation!

A Rail Tour of England – Experience the highlights of England on this concise but attraction packed tour as you traverse the comprehensive English rail network. Enjoy overnight stays in some of England’s best-known heritage cities including Bath, Oxford and York to see iconic sites such as ancient Roman Baths, medieval university colleges and towering cathedrals.  You’ll also experience England’s quintessential countryside as included small-group tours take you in to the heart of the Cotswolds villages and Lake District National Park.

A Britain Castle Tour - Indulge in the history and heritage of England, Scotland and Wales by day and see its character reflected in your unique and distinguished accommodation each night on this deluxe tour of Britain. With your overnight accommodation in quality castle or manor house hotels, your tour will take you through the elegant cities of York, Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh as well as the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Moors, the Scottish Lowlands and the mountains of Snowdonia.

Discover quintessential England as you explore the patchwork countryside of the Cotswolds and some of England’s most captivating historic cities. Delight in the whimsical academia of Oxford, Shakespeare’s Stratford and the grandeur of the Georgian City of Bath not to mention a host of lesser-known gems such as the eccentrically named Cotswold villages of Castle Combe, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway.

A small group tour of England’s West Country – Treasures of The West Country takes you on a leisurely journey through the charming counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, a region of unique Celtic heritage and beguiling natural landscapes. Arriving in Devon by rail, we’ll explore the barren uplands of Dartmoor and the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall before returning to the elegant Georgian city of Bath. Along the way we’ll sample local specialities, unearth Arthurian Legends, discover cliff-top castles, hear smugglers tales and explore rambling fishing villages! The South West of England’s many treasures are just waiting to be discovered.

A small group tour of England and Scotland – Beauty of Britain is an epic journey exploring the history, heritage and natural landscapes of England and Scotland. We’ll pass from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, through the rustic landscapes of Yorkshire and the Lake District to the barren wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. Our journey is punctuated with visits to Britain’s heritage cities, including Oxford, York and Edinburgh, and we’ll enjoy a host of local experiences including a countryside steam train ride, ancient castle visits, traditional afternoon tea and a whisky distillery tour. The true beauty of Britain is waiting to be discovered.

An England Rail Tour – Make use of England’s extensive and far-reaching rail network to explore the corners of this great nation.  From the capital city of London your journey will take you to England’s farthest reaches in on the Cornish Peninsula and the Lake District. Along the way you’ll visit a host of heritage cites including Plymouth, Bath, Oxford, Chester and York. You’ll take in scenic rail rides along the Cornish Coast and over the Yorkshire Dales and enjoy small-group day tours to reach those less accessible spots including Stonehenge, the Cotswolds and the dramatic scenery of the Lake District.

A British Rail Tour – Get two countries for the price of one as you use the British rail network to explore the rails England and Wales. Your itinerary will include scenic rail rides through the scenic Welsh border Marches and over the Yorkshire Dales whilst overnight stops include the historic cities of Chester and York and the cosmopolitan Welsh capital city of Cardiff. In order to best explore the rural landscapes of Wales we’ve included two separate day tours to explore the South Wales countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia in the North Wales.

A small group tour of England – England’s Rustic Charm is a leisurely tour exploring the highlights of central and Northern England. Departing the medieval university city of Oxford, you’ll enjoy a journey through the rolling hills and honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds to the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of the English Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Along the way we’ll experience the dreaming spires of Oxford, the Tudor streets of Chester and spend two nights in the charming city of York. A leisurely journey that will leave you charmed by England’s unique heritage and rustic landscapes.

Rail Tour of Britain – Travel by train on this rail adventure through Britain touching the highlights of England, Scotland and Wales. Visit the elegant historic cities of York, Bath and Chester and enjoy scenic rail journeys through the rolling hills of the English Lake District, the Scottish Lowlands and the Welsh border Marches. Your trip is rounded off with stays in no fewer than three capital cities in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff and includes selected day-tours to reach more rural sites such as the Cotswolds and Stonehenge.

A week-long tour of England - Icons of England takes you on a journey of discovery of England’s most renowned sites, cities and landscapes.  You’ll experience English icons including Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman Baths, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds countryside, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon Avon, York Minster, the colleges of Cambridge and a wealth of attractions across the English Capital London.

A driving tour of England and Scotland - indulge in a unique trip taking in two of Britain’s most unique nations.  Your self-drive vacation will take you through the rural landscapes of England and Scotland before returning your vehicle in Edinburgh and returning to London by rail. The trip will take in the beautiful landscapes of the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, Lake District and Scottish Highlands not to mention a host of elegant cities including York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.

A Britain Rail Tour – Experience the cities and landscapes of two great nations on this rail journey of discovery through England and Scotland.  Travelling from vibrant London in the South to romantic Edinburgh in the North and back again your itinerary will take you through the historic cities of Oxford, Glasgow and York. Along the way you’ll experience scenic rail-rides through the rolling British countryside and enjoy hand-picked day tours to reach the rural sites and villages of the Cotswolds, the Lake District and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

Enjoy an England and Wales driving tour to experience the contrasts of two distinct British cultures on this in-depth tour of two of Britain's intriguing nations.  Enjoy the contrasting vistas of the patchwork fields of the Cotswolds, the rustic Yorkshire Dales, the mountains of Snowdonia and the coastlines of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Not to mention icons of English and Welsh history at Conwy Castle, York Minster, Shakespeare’s Stratford, Cardiff Castle and Stonehenge.

A small group tour of England and Wales – Enjoy an epic journey of discovery through the varied histories and landscapes of England and Wales. We’ll see many of Britain’s most beautiful natural landscapes from the golden coasts of Pembrokeshire and the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales to the rustic hills and vales of Yorkshire and the Lake District in England. Along the way we’ll sample traditional fare and enjoy a host of local visits including archetypal medieval fortresses, stately English manors, ancient cathedrals and historic steam train journeys; the ideal tour to discover the very essence of Britain.

The British Journey tour is a Britain driving tour that takes you on an expedition from the capital of Scotland to the capital of England touching upon Wales and enjoying a wealth of cultural highlights along the way. Explore Scotland’s “Highlands in miniature” and the historic city of Edinburgh before passing south through the inspiring landscapes of the Lake District, Cotswolds and Wye Valley to glorious historic cities including Chester, Cardiff, Stratford upon Avon and Bath. Your trip ends in the thriving metropolis of London.

Classic Britain Driving Tour - a snapshot of the countryside and historic cities of England, Scotland and Wales. Enjoy the rolling hills and thatch villages of the Cotswolds to the towering mountains and fortresses of North Wales. Pass through the lakes and dales of the English Lake District and the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and Yorkshire Dales. Historic cities to explore on route include Regency Bath, Medieval York, and the capital cities of Edinburgh and London.

A small group tour of Britain – Aspects of Britain offers a leisurely tour through England, Scotland and Wales for an engaging insight in to British culture and countryside. Your journey will take you through the rural regions of the South Wales valleys, the Cotswolds, the North Yorkshire Moors and the Scottish Lowlands to the heritage cities of Cardiff, York and Glasgow. Along the way we’ll visit medieval castles, roam Shakespeare country, wonder at stately homes, discover ancient abbey ruins and see shimmering Scottish lochs. The highlights of Britain are waiting to be explored.

An England driving tour - England Explorer is a comprehensive tour of this great nation taking you from the heart of England to its far-reaching corners including the beautiful Lake District and the coastlines of Cornwall. You’ll experience classic English countryside including the Cotswolds and Yorkshire Dales and a host of historic cities including York, Chester and Bath not to mention a couple of nights in the vibrant English capital city, London.

A Cotswolds Rail Tour – Use England’s rail network to explore the historic towns and quintessential countryside of the heart of England. From the Regency streets of Bath and the medieval colleges of Oxford to the Elizabethan streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, this region is brimming with English history and heritage. You’ll also enjoy day-tours to the rolling hills and chocolate-box cottages of the Cotswolds countryside and over the Wiltshire plains to Stonehenge.

A Small Group Tour of England – Discover the rich history and rustic landscapes of England on this diverse journey from the far South West to England’s Northern territories. England’s Coastline and Countryside takes you from the golden bays and craggy cliffs of Cornwall through the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds to the rugged landscapes of Yorkshire and the Lake District. Along the way we’ll visit the elegant cities of Bath, Oxford and York and enjoy a host of local visits and experiences to truly immerse ourselves in England’s unique charm and heritage.

A Great Britain Rail Tour - Make use of Britain's extensive rail network on this comprehensive rail tour through England, Scotland and Wales.  Your journey will take you from the bustling city of London over scenic rail routes to the remote Highlands of Scotland. You’ll experience Britain’s many cultural highlights along the way including the historic cities of Cardiff, Bath, York and Edinburgh. In selected destinations your trip is complemented with small-group day tours to ensure you reach those out-of-the-way highlights such as Stonehenge, the rustic scenery of the Lake District and Loch Ness.

A small group tour of Britain – discover what makes Britain Great on this small group journey through the diverse cultures and landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. This comprehensive itinerary takes you from the peaceful coasts and mountains of Wales, through rustic landscapes of rural England and north in to remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll see iconic landmarks and hidden gems, visit Britain’s quaint villages and heritage cities and enjoy a host of local experiences from steam train rides through the English countryside to whisky tasting in the Highlands.  In the company of your local guides, the Great British Journey is the ultimate way to explore Britain.

More Travel Guides of Britain

Destinations.

• Scottish Highlands
• North Wales
• South East of England
• Stratford-upon-Avon

Attractions

• Tintagel Castle
• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• York Minster

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Dr Roger Carter

TEAM Managing Director, Scotland, UK

Dr Roger Carter is an experienced tourism strategist, destination planner, marketer and operational manager who has played a leadership role in the successful development of the tourism industry within the UK and internationally. He established TEAM Tourism Consulting in 1997. Since then, Roger has directed or overseen approximately 250 projects throughout the UK and in more than 30 other countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, Estonia, Romania, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Namibia, Seychelles, Trinidad, Montserrat (Caribbean) and China.

Since 1999, Roger has worked extensively with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and its partners, co-authoring many publications and speaking regularly at conferences and seminars organized by UNWTO and other organizations – in Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East – on all aspects of destination management and marketing and on the use of digital technologies.

Before establishing TEAM, Roger was a destination organisation CEO for 15 years, for the Heart of England Tourist Board and then for the Edinburgh Tourist Board, which he set up and ran for eight years.

Core skills and qualifications

Roger has worked in every aspect of destination management and marketing. His projects for TEAM have included strategic and operational planning, master planning, marketing strategy and operations, visitor information strategy and operations, institutional development and business planning, digital strategy and development feasibility studies.

Roger has a BSc in Geography from the University of Birmingham and a PhD from the University of Strathclyde.  He is a Fellow of the Tourism Society and a Member of the Tourism Management Institute; and formerly was Vice President of the International Federation for Information Technology and Travel & Tourism and Expert Adviser to a Scottish Parliament Tourism Inquiry.

Specialisms

Roger has worked on all aspects of destination management and marketing and has in-depth experience in destination strategy development; the planning, design and implementation of new tourism structures; and the application of digital technologies for all aspects of destination activities.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Heart of England

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 London (England)
• Day 2 London – Oxford – Stratford-upon-Avon
• Day 3 Stratford-upon-Avon – Cotswolds – Stratford-upon-Avon
• Day 4 Stratford-upon-Avon – Lacock – Bath
• Day 6 Bath – Longleat House and Avebury – London

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by blue-roads touring.

Blue-Roads Touring are the experts when it comes to tailor-made and small group tours. They offer regional tours throughout the UK and Europe, with their own itineraries to show you through these spectacular places. Almost tours have a maximum of 18 people per tour As the name suggests, Blue-Roads Touring really aims to get you off the highways, and lets you immerse yourself in the region or destination, while steering clear of the well trodden tourist trails and tracks. Blue-Roads Touring will make sure that you get to see all the major sights and attractions, while also ensuring that you can experience the lesser known towns, cities and villages. Traveling throughout these places along the back roads, letting you see the stunning scenery and experiencing the cultures as you travel.

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Blue-Roads Touring 4.4
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First
• JS Janice · 19th December 2023 This tour was excellent. Derek was a very entertaining tour guide & our driver had a great sense of humour. I highly recommend travelling with Tour Rad. Trip date: December 2023

• KS Kathy · 24th August 2019 We really enjoyed the tour. The pace was excellent. We loved the sites we saw and locations we visited. We were very lucky with the weather, so that was great too. The two things I would mention for improvement are: At the Roman Baths, there were... Show more Trip date: August 2019
• RC Rau · 17th September 2018 Emily spoke too fast. Not knowledgeable enough. Trip date: September 2018
• MA Margaret · 10th June 2017 The Heart of England I see a previous review and I whole heartedly agree. The best part of our trip. Felt rested and did not get tired like I did when we were sightseeing in London. Helen Pointer was absolutely amazing. She was very enthusiastic,... Show more Trip date: May 2017
• F Felicia · 28th September 2016 My husband and i took the 5 day "Heart of England" tour with Helen Pointer as our guide. I can't say enough good things about Helen. Her love for what she does shines through in everything she does. She was articulate, generous with information,... Show more Trip date: August 2016

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• Sunday 28 Apr, 2024 Friday 3 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double €1,873 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 12 May, 2024 Friday 17 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double €1,984 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 19 May, 2024 Friday 24 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double €1,984 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 26 May, 2024 Friday 31 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double €1,984 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 3 Other Unavailable Departures
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 16 Jun, 2024 Friday 21 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,984 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 7 Jul, 2024 Friday 12 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,984 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 Friday 13 Sep, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,984 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 22 Sep, 2024 Friday 27 Sep, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,947 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 Friday 11 Oct, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,873 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency £ Pound Sterling England

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 26th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 26th June 2024, a minimum payment of €150 is required to confirm your booking with Blue-Roads Touring. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Blue-Roads Touring will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Blue-Roads Touring" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Blue-Roads Touring. Please familiarise yourself with the Blue-Roads Touring payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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For more information about our work and achievements, please download a copy of our annual report and accounts.

With your support the Forest continues to grow. Download a copy of our impact report to see what we achieved together in 2022/23.

The Heart of England Forest is a charity registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales (no. 1097110) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no. 04309564) whose registered office is Colletts Farm Office, Dorsington, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8AU.

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