250th Anniversary of American Independence - Guided

At a Glance

From

£3799

$4939

Per Person, Double Occupancy

A quarter of a millennium on, exploring American Independence from the English countryside

This journey traces the story from London’s imperial heart to the ancestral home of the Washington family, before settling into the timeless calm of the Cotswolds, where honey-stone villages, river walks, and elegant manor house stays provide the setting for a story that changed the world. History, beautifully told, with just a touch of good humour between allies sitting across the pond. Along the way, you’ll discover subtle nods to 1776 etched into bridges and clock towers, gentle reminders that history lingers in the most unexpected places. And if you happen to spend the Fourth of July here? Even better. There’s no more charming way to celebrate independence than with a glass of English sparkling wine in a Cotswold garden, reflecting on how it all turned out rather well in the end.

Tour Highlights

American History in London
George Washington’s ancestral home of Sulgrave Manor
1776 connections in the Cotswolds
Scenic countryside walking between iconic Cotswold villages
Two nights at an elegant Cotswold country hotel
Blenheim Palace – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Your Itinerary

Day 1: London: Britain and the Road to Revolution

Your journey begins in London, where the story of American independence has its British roots. After arriving and settling into your hotel at Paddington, head out to explore the capital’s historic heart. In Westminster, the great institutions of Crown and Parliament set the stage for 18th-century imperial policy. St Paul’s Cathedral stands as a symbol of Britain’s growing global power, while in the City of London, the financial machinery of empire shaped trade, taxation and colonial governance. You’ll also see the exterior of Benjamin Franklin’s London home, where he spent nearly sixteen years navigating the increasingly strained relationship between Britain and her colonies. This evening, dine at leisure in one of London’s atmospheric historic taverns, places where political debate once echoed through candlelit rooms.

Day 2: Washington Ancestry & The Cotswolds

This morning, take the train from London into the English countryside, arriving in Banbury. From here, travel to Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of the Washington family. Built in the 16th century by Lawrence Washington, this peaceful Northamptonshire manor provides a tangible link between rural England and the future first President of the United States. As you explore its rooms and gardens, the transatlantic journey of the Washington family begins to take shape. After a relaxed lunch in the charming Cotswold village of Charlbury - where a clock tower bears the date 1776 - we continue into the honey-coloured heart of the Cotswolds. Your home for the next two nights is Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter, a refined country house hotel surrounded by tranquil gardens and rolling countryside.

Day 3: Cotswold Landscapes & 1776 Connections

Today is devoted to the gentle beauty of the Cotswolds. From Lower Slaughter, follow a peaceful riverside path to Bourton-on-the-Water, its low stone bridges spanning the River Windrush. Among them, you’ll notice a small but striking detail. Payne's Bridge, a small, grade two listed footbridge, has a remarkable inscription: “1776”, a quiet reminder that while revolution stirred across the Atlantic, life here in rural England continued much as it had for generations. Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, once a thriving wool town enriched by Britain’s expanding trade networks. Wander the broad market square, visit the atmospheric St Edward’s Church, and enjoy lunch at leisure before returning to Upper Slaughter. For those who wish, an extended countryside walk offers an even deeper immersion in this timeless landscape. A second relaxed evening awaits at your country house hotel.

Day 4: Blenheim Palace - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Following a morning transfer, we visit Blenheim Palace, one of Britain’s grandest stately homes and a symbol of imperial confidence in the early 18th century. Built as a reward for military victory, its vast scale and opulent interiors reflect the aristocratic world that stood in contrast to the emerging republican ideals across the Atlantic. Come the afternoon, we continue to Oxford and settle into The Old Parsonage Hotel, an intimate and characterful retreat that provides a fitting close to your journey.

Day 5: Farewells & onward travel

Depart at your leisure after a final hearty English Breakfast. Transfers are available to Oxford station where there is a direct train connection to London Paddington, allowing for seamless onward travel.

Due to local scheduling, activity time is subject to change. Accommodations vary depending on departure date.

Dates & Booking

Dates	Prices
05 Jul 26 - 09 Jul 26 Ready to Book - Available	GBP £3799.00	Book Now
05 Jul 26 - 09 Jul 26 Ready to Book - Available	USD $4939.00	Book Now

Good To Know

✔️ Book with a 25% refundable deposit.

🧳 Guaranteed departure? Click ‘Full Details’ to learn more.

🔒 Booking protected by ABTOT.

Need flights? Book with our partner, Exito.

Map

Gallery

1776-american-independence-4_rsz_26022026101540787jpg

1776-american-independence-1_rsz_25022026171111786jpg

1776-american-independence-5_rsz_26022026101548004jpg

1776-american-independence-2_rsz_25022026171119952jpg

1776-american-independence-3_rsz_25022026171123938jpg

1776-american-independence-6_rsz_26022026101553723jpg

Handpicked Accommodation

Hilton London Paddington

London

A historic, Victorian-style hotel connected to Paddington Station and 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express. Home to five London underground lines and are close to Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and Little Venice. St James’s Park is two miles away. Enjoy on-site dining, drinks, and a fitness center.

lords-of-the-manor_rsz_09102025091044800jpg

Lords Of The Manor Hotel

Upper Slaughter

Lords of the Manor Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Upper Slaughter in the Cotswolds. This charming hotel, set within a beautifully restored 17th-century manor house, offers guests a blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort. The hotel features classic Cotswold architecture, with period details that reflect its rich history. Guests can admire original stonework, oak beams, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Old Parsonage Hotel

Oxford

Renowned by locals and visitors alike for its eclectic country house character, stylish contemporary interiors and striking 20th-century portraits, the five-star Old Parsonage offers 35 rooms and suites and delivers a true luxury home-from-home experience. With impeccable hospitality at its core, it enjoys an enviable location in the very heart of Oxford’s city centre.

What our guides say...

See another side of 1776, on this one-off, limited edition London and Cotswold journey.

Will

Detailed Information

What’s Included

All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
All breakfasts and x2 dinners (excluding dinner drinks)
GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees
All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations
All baggage transportation
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
Services of a professional local guide
24/7 emergency telephone support

Accommodation Types

We have handpicked the best 4* hotels for this trip.

Difficulty Level

This tour is rated easy-moderate, meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. You cover varied terrain, enjoying some rolling hills and a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Daily distances range from 4-8 miles. Rewarding views are guaranteed!

Equipment Provided

We can provide walking poles if required.

Pre & Post Tour Travel

Pick-up location: London Paddington. Our walking holidays are designed to be completely relaxing, with the start of our tours sitting within easy reach of London, Bristol or the Midlands. This tour begins from London Paddington, a short journey from London Heathrow airport.
End-of-tour location: Oxford Railway Station

Reviews

Similar Tours

Wales: The Wonderland Trail – Guided

From

£3849

$4999

English Social Season – Tennis, London & Cotswolds

From

£POA

$POA

English Social Season – Gardens, London & Cotswolds

From

£POA

$POA

Luxury Cotswolds Walking Tour – Guided

From

£4999

$6499

Carbon Footprint

What’s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, we’ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. We’ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliers…

What does the number mean?
We’re going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?

Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.

We’ve got a long way to go but we’re on our way to net-zero

We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. We’ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Find out more about our latest tours, destinations, activities and stories.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Book with confidence

Our tours and holidays are accredited by leading UK organisations and protected by our ABTOT membership.

250th Anniversary of American Independence - Guided

At a Glance

From

£3799

$4939

A quarter of a millennium on, exploring American Independence from the English countryside

Tour Highlights

Your Itinerary

Dates & Booking

Good To Know

Map

Gallery

Handpicked Accommodation

Hilton London Paddington

Lords Of The Manor Hotel

Old Parsonage Hotel

What our guides say...

Detailed Information

Reviews

Similar Tours

Wales: The Wonderland Trail – Guided

£3849

$4999

English Social Season – Tennis, London & Cotswolds

£POA

$POA

English Social Season – Gardens, London & Cotswolds

£POA

$POA

Luxury Cotswolds Walking Tour – Guided

£4999

$6499

Carbon Footprint

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Book with confidence

Enquiry Form

Download Itinerary

Ask An Expert

Good To Know

Join the Community