Embarking on a journey through Britain’s storied past doesn’t mean you have to forgo the comforts of modern travel. For North American travelers, the UK offers a unique blend of historical immersion and luxury that promises not just education but also stories to share back home with friends and family.
At Cornwall DMC, the region’s only specialist destination management company, we can offer a full range of group travel ground services including accommodation, transport, itineraries and local guides. We cater to small agencies with bespoke groups, couples and families, large tour operators from across the world with programmes in England requiring room allocations and high end luxury FIT clients.
Here’s how you can explore British history with all the comforts you expect:
London: Where History Meets Luxury
Activity: Start your journey with a private tour of the Tower of London. Your expert guide, dressed in historical garb, will recount tales of intrigue, from the Crown Jewels to the infamous Tower ravens.
Accommodation: After a day of historical exploration, retreat to the comfort of The Savoy, one of London’s most iconic hotels. Here, you can sip a cocktail in the American Bar, known for its historical significance and modern luxury.
Landscape: Capture the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace for a quintessential British experience, or take a serene walk through Hyde Park, where history and nature converge.
Bath: Roman Elegance and Georgian Grace
Activity: Dive into the history of Roman Britain at the Roman Baths, where you can walk among the ancient ruins and see the only hot spring in Britain. A special evening visit, perhaps with a private after-hours tour, can make for an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel, where the Georgian architecture transports you back in time while offering all the modern amenities, including a spa with treatments inspired by Roman bathing rituals.
Landscape: The city of Bath itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers landscapes of sweeping Georgian crescents, making your photo album a blend of history and beauty.
Stonehenge: Mystical Past, Luxurious Present
Activity: Visit Stonehenge with a twist; opt for a VIP tour that allows you to walk inside the stone circle at dawn or dusk. This exclusive access provides not only a unique story to share but also a profound connection to prehistoric Britain.
Accommodation: Just a short drive away, The Manor House at Castle Combe offers a stay in a manor that feels like stepping into a medieval tapestry, complete with luxury spa services.
Landscape: The surrounding Wiltshire countryside, with its ancient barrows and chalk downlands, provides a backdrop that’s as photogenic as it is historically rich.
Edinburgh: Royalty and Refinement
Activity: Explore Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano, where you can learn about Scottish history from tartan to crown jewels, all while enjoying panoramic views.
Accommodation: Indulge in the opulence of The Balmoral, known for its royal connections and the comfort of its suites, where J.K. Rowling completed “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”.
Landscape: Walk the Royal Mile, capturing the gothic architecture, or venture to Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views that combine natural beauty with the city’s historical skyline.
Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Legacy in Luxury
Activity: Step into the world of Shakespeare with a private tour of his birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Accommodation: The Arden Hotel, with its Shakespearean-themed rooms, offers a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, right in the heart of Stratford.
Landscape: The idyllic Avon River, with its quaint punting scenes, provides a picturesque setting that’s perfect for photo ops and leisurely walks to reflect on England’s literary heritage.
The Cotswolds: Timeless Villages, Timeless Comfort
Activity: A guided tour through villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” or Stow-on-the-Wold with its historic market square, offers a slice of quintessential England.
Accommodation: Experience the charm of The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe, where the honey-colored stone buildings and luxury amenities create a fairy-tale setting.
Landscape: The rolling hills and patchwork fields of the Cotswolds are not just a backdrop but a character in your travel story, offering endless photo opportunities and walks through history.
Each of these destinations combines the educational value of British history with the comforts and quality service North American travelers cherish. Whether it’s the exclusivity of access, the luxury of accommodations, or the beauty of the landscapes, these experiences are designed to be shared, turning your trip into a collection of stories and memories that resonate long after you return home.
What we offer:
All our group tours are bespoke and we look forward to designing a customised itinerary to suit your requirements. We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have or to discuss the possibility of creating a range of bespoke tours for you or your clients