Walk England's Grand Tour from North to South

Arrive into York railway station late-morning, where our friendly Active England guide will be on hand to meet and transfer you to the outstanding Black Sheep Brewery in Masham for lunch. In the afternoon, we head into the picture-postcard landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. Passing dry-stone walls and sheep-filled fields, we walk to the picturesque market town of Hawes, one of the highest towns in England and our home for the next two nights.

Today we head deep into the Dales, stopping first at to Malham Cove. An enormous white limestone cliff, shaped by glaciers over millions of years into the amphitheatre that we see today, you’ll quickly see why it’s celebrated as one of England’s most iconic natural landmarks. From here, we continue to Gordale Scar, a magical limestone ravine containing two stunning waterfalls, before ending our day with a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery. Famous for producing delicious artisan cheese in the very heart of the Dales, this is sure to be a favourite stop for any foodies among the group.

We transfer this morning to the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park. Staying in the bustling market town of Keswick, our route today takes us up the famous Catbells. Known for its steep climb and spectacular views of Borrowdale and Derwentwater, this particular peak is easily one of the most popular in all of the Lakes. After reaching the summit, the descent will bring us to the far end of Derwentwater, where we’ll take to the water and catch a relaxing ferry back to Keswick.

For our hike today, we will venture from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn. Grasmere, in its prime position in the fells, is famed for its quaint shops and eponymous gingerbread – be sure to try some! Grasmere is also well known as the home of the famous English poet William Wordsworth. Today’s itinerary includes enough time to visit Dove Cottage, a place Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy described as, “plain living, but high thinking.” We end today’s walk by returning to Keswick, where we’ll enjoy a pint of local ale and dinner in one of this lively little town’s many excellent restaurants.

We transfer this morning to Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands and the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Taking plenty of time to explore, with a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace and the church in which he’s buried, we then walk into the Cotswolds. Winding our way through quiet country lanes and over rolling hills, we learn what makes the Cotswold area so special and why it deserves its AONB (Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty) or National Landscape status. Our accommodation for the next two evenings is in the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.

Today we begin with coffee at Daylesford Organic, the most exclusive farm shop in the Cotswolds, before travelling through idyllic countryside to Blenheim Palace. Winston Churchill’s birthplace and a World Heritage Site, we eat lunch overlooking the Capability Brown parklands, and take some time during the afternoon to explore the historic palace and the gorgeous 2,000-acre estate. With the day drawing to a close, we return once more to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Leaving the Cotswolds behind, we transfer to the wonderful city Roman city of Bath. Walking into the city via a 2,000-year-old Roman road, our Active England guide will lead you on a tour of all this historic location has to offer. From the Roman Baths, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman remains, to the Royal Crescent overlooking the city, you’ll quickly find that there’s no shortage of incredible landmarks in which to immerse yourself.

We spend today in Bath, allowing all the time you need to visit the city’s various restaurants, theatres, galleries and shops. If you need help finding your way, or simply making the most of your time here, our Active England guides will be on hand to provide all the local knowledge you might need. Or if you’d prefer, feel free to simply to indulge in some R&R at our accommodation, the luxurious Francis Hotel.

We transfer to Cornwall, where we’ll spend the remainder of our grand tour enjoying golden beaches, rugged cliffs and pretty coastal villages. Beginning on the famous Camel Trail, our walk today takes us toward the gorgeous harbour town of Padstow. One of the most enticing destinations in all of Cornwall, and a famous culinary haven, we’ll take plenty of time to explore, before ending the day with a supper of fresh-caught fish and chips on the harbour wall.

Setting out from Padstow, today we head inland, walking upon the wild headlands that inspired Poldark, before winding our way back via Cornwall’s famous northern coastline. Walking the idyllic beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay, we’ll pass the partially buried St Enodoc Church, visit the small seaside village of Rock and catch the foot ferry across the glistening waters of the Camel Estuary back to Padstow. With our grand tour coming to an end, we’ll celebrate one last evening together with dinner at Rick Stein’s famous seafood restaurant.

After a relaxed breakfast, our guides will transport you to Bodmin Parkway railway station, where we say our farewells and provide any help you might need with your onward travel.