Historic Castles of England and Scotland Tour: Discover and Stay

Birds tweet a good morning as a royal breakfast is served. Today’s drive takes you north towards the Cotswolds, but first, you stop at the world's oldest and largest continually occupied castle: Windsor. Dominating the landscape with its ginormous turreted walls, this was the beloved home of the late Queen Elizabeth II and is an official residence of King Charles III. You will wander through the State Apartments, where corridors are lined with works by Rembrandt and Rubens, and visit St. George’s Chapel, a site of royal weddings and burials.

After lunch in the historic town of Eton, located just across the bridge, you continue your journey west to Thornbury Castle. This is the only Tudor castle in England to be opened as a hotel, and it holds a fascinating history—King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here during their honeymoon tour. Walking through the stone halls and manicured Tudor gardens, you can feel the history of the 16th century, a time of flamboyance and political intrigue.

Thornbury Castle continues the Tudor theme with its arrow loops and ornate carved ceilings. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the vineyard before setting out to explore the West Country. Your driver will take you to the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, history unravels from the steam of the 1st-century Roman Baths to the golden-hued majesty of the 18th-century Georgian Royal Crescent. It is a city of elegance, perfect for a leisurely stroll and a light lunch in the Pump Room.

In the afternoon, you venture to the cathedral city of Wells. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Wells Cathedral is an architectural marvel, with its unique "scissor arches" and medieval clock. The atmosphere here is sleepy and serene, maintaining the charm of a distant era. You return to Thornbury in the early evening, perhaps to try your hand at archery on the lawn or simply enjoy the atmospheric luxury of your bedchamber.

As you head north, you journey through the centuries. Your route takes you via Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town that seems stuck in the 17th century. As the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the streets are lined with half-timbered houses and thatched roofs. You can visit the Bard’s birth home or simply wander the riverside gardens. Your guide will help tailor the stop to your interests, perhaps including a drive through the northern Cotswolds villages before you reach the Midlands.

Your destination is Coombe Abbey, originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century. Its history is dramatic; after the dissolution of the monasteries, it became a royal residence where Princess Elizabeth (later Queen of Bohemia) was educated. It was also implicated in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Today, it is a lavish hotel nestled within 500 acres of parkland. The interiors are rich with velvet and dark wood, evoking a sense of medieval drama combined with modern luxury.

Travel north into the historic county of Yorkshire. Your first stop is the city of York, enclosed by its ancient Roman and medieval walls. The skyline is dominated by York Minster, Northern Europe's second-largest Gothic cathedral. Explore the city on foot, weaving through the "Shambles," a narrow, cobble-stoned street that inspired the descriptions of Diagon Alley, filled with cozy tea rooms and boutique shops.

From York, you drive into the picturesque landscape of North Yorkshire to reach Swinton Park. Unlike the fortified castles of the south, Swinton Park is a castellated country house hotel, the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton. Set within 20,000 acres of grounds, it offers a different kind of luxury—that of the grand country estate. The castle is surrounded by parkland, lakes, and gardens, offering ample space for activities like falconry or simply ambling into nature before a fine dining dinner.

In Southern England, the landscapes are mostly cultivated; in the North, they are wild. Today’s journey takes you through the scenic vistas of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines. Green hills rise and fall, demarcated by dry stone walls and speckles of sheep, while villages pass by with decreased frequency. It is a day to enjoy the drive, watching the scenery transform into the rugged beauty of the borders.

Hidden in a Northumberland valley lies Langley Castle, a 14th-century fortress that looks exactly how a child would draw a castle—square, solid, and imposing. Built in 1350 to ward off border reivers and invaders, it is one of the few medieval fortified castles in England that has remained habitable. The interior has been expertly restored to provide contemporary luxury within seven-foot-thick walls. It is an intimate and atmospheric place to stay, perfectly setting the scene for tomorrow's history lesson.

Winding further north, you reach the great divide of antiquity: Hadrian's Wall. While not as tall as it once was, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, built to hold back the "barbarians" from the north. Your guide will stop at a key site, such as Housesteads or Vindolanda, to narrate the 2,000-year history of the legions stationed here. Crossing the border into Scotland, the landscape tumbles into rolling hills and forests.

You arrive on the outskirts of Edinburgh at Melville Castle. Unlike the fortress of Langley, Melville is a graceful 18th-century gothic-style castle hotel. It feels warm and inviting, surrounded by lavish woodland and designed for entertaining rather than defense. With charming rooms and an iconic library bar, it is the final piece in your jigsaw of castles. Settle in for a relaxing evening, or have your driver take you into the city center for a first glimpse of the Scottish capital.

Edinburgh is a city of two towns: the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town, overseen by the gargantuan expanse of Edinburgh Castle. Your day begins with a visit to this fortress, which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. From here, you walk the Royal Mile, a famous cobbled street that runs downhill through the heart of the city, flanked by narrow "closes" (alleyways) and historic pubs.

At the bottom of the mile lies the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. Explore the State Apartments and the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, which were the setting for much of the turbulence of her reign. This walk from castle to palace completes your journey from Windsor to Scotland, connecting the dots of royal history. A farewell dinner at Melville Castle provides the perfect conclusion to your tour.

Enjoy a final regal breakfast in the castle before the short transfer to Edinburgh International Airport. Say goodbye to your private driver-guide and leave the British Isles behind, taking with you the memories of 900 years of history and the unique experience of sleeping like royalty.