Grand Tour of Great Britain

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

Spend the day at National Trust Sissinghurst Castle Gardens; a romantic picturesque garden with a 14th century moated castle and a Victorian country mansion - all set within a beautiful wooded estate. Take a look inside South Cottage which has long been the residence of writers.

Drive into the historic town of Tenterden or Cranbrook.

As you are driven privately to Hampshire, stop in Royal Tunbridge Wells to browse the independent stalls in the Pantiles 17th century arcades.

Petworth House

Stop at the quaint market-town of Petworth on the edge of South Downs National Park. Browse the many independent antique shops and be tempted by the array of cakes for afternoon tea in local cafes.

Travel back to the 17th Century in the opulent corridors of Petworth House, following its journey through Tudor monarchs and Romantic painters. Admire the truly impressive collection of paintings by Turner, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Van Dyck.

Introducing Hampshire

Hampshire is the perfect blend of city, coast and country, blessed with the natural beauty of two National Parks and thriving culture, with history and heritage at its heart. Hampshire is home to 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways across beautiful countryside, a coastline offering views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and through villages, towns and cities. Open down lands, tranquil valleys, charming villages, lowland heaths, ancient woodlands and the coastline can all be explored by foot.

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

Enjoy a morning at leisure in the vast grounds of the impressive Heckfield Place: cycle, hike, row, fish, harvest from the market garden, learn willow weaving or take a morning private photography class.

Afterwards, visit Highclere Castle, best known as the real life Downton Abbey. Although home to the fictional Crawley family, it has a fascinating history of its own that rivals the stories of the TV series. The current Earl’s family has been living on the estate since 1679. The Carnarvon family has been involved in the founding of Canada, the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt, salacious affairs, and sordid court cases.

Enjoy dinner at a quaint local pub with beams and wooden panels and, in colder months, a roaring open fire.

Woodlands, Fast cars, cocktails and Michelin Starred dining in Hampshire / Berkshire

Take a stroll through woodlands in the morning. If a faster pace takes your fancy, visit the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, home to over 280 vehicles, from F1 cars and land speed record breakers to incredible examples of pioneering motoring

In the afternoon, join a foraged cocktail making class or enjoy one of the activities at Heckfield Place.

Splash out in the evening on dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Bray.

Take a scenic drive to the Cotswolds. From quaint villages and the classic Cotswold stone architecture, village hopping here is a must.

Stop in Tetbury for lunch: a market town full of lovely boutique shops and antique shops. Tetbury is also famous for where King Charles III lived when prince at Highgrove. He has a shop in the town named after his estate.

Introducing The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offers the opportunity to explore quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone set in rolling hills. Take in splendid, lively market towns; walk for miles through woodlands and wildflower meadows, and visit some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses.

Southern Cotswolds Villages

A private specialist local guide will take you on a tour of the Southern Cotswolds villages.

- Start at beautiful Lacock, home to Lacock Abbey and the location for many movies and dramas including Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter and some scenes from Downton Abbey. Visit a bespoke silversmith in the village who makes the most intricate silverware.
- Drive on to Castle Combe, one of England’s prettiest villages steeped in history and unspoilt for centuries.
- Stop at a quintessentially English country pub for lunch, then drive to the famous Badminton Estate and discover the history of the area.
- Finish in Cirencester, a grand town once inhabited by the Romans 2000 years ago who called the town Corinium.

Royalty and highlights of the Northern Cotswolds

Visit the royal estate of Highgrove House Gardens, King Charles III's home when in waiting as Prince.

Potter around the prettiest villages of the Northern Cotswolds:
Bibury, described by the textile designer William Morris as England’s prettiest village.
Then drive through unspoilt countryside to Lower Slaughter.
Stop for lunch at an Organic Farmshop
On to the picturesque, sand-coloured villages of Snowshill and Broadway.

Take a scenic drive to England’s Southwest Counties of Devon and Cornwall.

Stop at the fantastically picturesque, medieval cathedral town of Wells in Somerset. Cross the drawbridge over the moat into the Bishops Palace and admire the repeating chimney columns of the cottages along the cobbled lane of Priests Row.

Stop at a Cider Farm for lunch, a sample of the apple nectar and a walk through the orchards.

Introducing the South West - Devon & Cornwall

There are eight destinations that make up the South West of England, each with their own unique character to explore.

Devon is probably best known for its coastal resorts, the dramatic cliffs that line the coast in the east of the county is a great place for rockpooling, sailing and fishing, while North Devon’s coast is a haven for surfers and those that love watersports and scenic views. In the south, there is the English Rivera and Torbay, as well as the stunning beaches that can be found in Salcombe. The county is famed for its award winning beaches, many of which are awarded Blue Flag status and regularly top polls as some of the best in Britain. The region is covered by an abundant of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with biospheres, geoparks and nature reserves all over for bird spotting and scouting out the region’s wildlife, including otters and beavers. Because of the diversity of the landscape Devon’s food culture has menus packed full of locally sourced, fresh, seasonal food and drink. From fresh fish pulled out of the harbour in Brixham or Ilfracombe that morning, to gin distilled in Plymouth to lavish cream teas served with homemade jam and local cream, Devon is an ultimate foodie destination.

Cornwall is recognised as one of the Celtic Nations and forms the westernmost part of the South West Peninsula. The region is noted for its geology and coastal scenery with wild moorland landscapes and a long and varied coastline. From catching a performance at the open-air clifftop Minack Theatre to surfing the waves at Newquay’s Fistral Beach, delving into the Arthurian legend at Tintagel or wandering the South West Coast Path to discover picturesque coves, golden beaches and quaint harbours the county is packed with charm and intrigue. Explore the world’s largest greenhouse at the Eden Project, venture to the tidal island of Saint Michael’s Mount at low tide or go back in time at Henry VIII’s coastal fort, Pendennis Castle.

Lighthouse hike & secluded beaches in South Devon

South Devon is full of enchanting towns and villages, from small coastal hamlets and the stunning coastline to bustling market towns drenched in history and delightful countryside communities.

Hike along the dramatic headland to Start Point Lighthouse, one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast. Descend to Great Mattiscombe Sand, one of the loveliest yet least known beaches in Devon.

After lunch at a traditional English country inn, explore the pretty countryside along the River Dart and its estuary. At Totnes, climb the mount to up to the well-preserved circular keep of the 11th Century Norman motte and bailey castle, with views over the river and the picturesque town below.

Dartmoor: Woodland, Moorland, folklore and cider tasting

Your private specialist local guide will take you to the most beautiful parts of Dartmoor National Park: expect fantastic views across vast tracts of rolling moorland, high granite tors and ancient woodland. The area is rich in local legends, your guide will regale you with tales of wicked Vixana and the fate of Childe the Hunter. Heading off the Moor, visit Brentor Church, the tiny chapel built on top of a volcanic outcrop.

Stop for a tasting of artisanally-brewed cider and browse local produce in one of England's best farm shops, then head for dinner at a local farm.

Cornwall Suggestions

Hike the rugged North Coast of Cornwall around the spectacular setting of Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian legend. Cross the high footbridge joining two imposing cliff faces, explore Merlin's Cave and the rockpools on the beach, and soak in the coastal views on a hike along the clifftops.

Stop in Padstow Town for fish and chips at a top chef's famous seafood restaurant. Walk it off at Harlyn Bay Beach, with golden sands, small dunes, slanted slate slopes, and streams to explore.

Market Town of Tavistock, Tintern Abbey and Symmonds Yat

Head towards Herefordshire on the Welsh Border to explore the Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley.

En route, visit the historic market town of Tavistock and make a stop at the very good local cheese shop and browse the Pannier Market, which dates to the 12th Century.

Cross into Wales to visit the majestic, towering ruins of Tintern Abbey, founded by Cistine Monks in the 12th Century and ransacked during Henry VIII's Reformation.

Continue to Symonds Yat village and walk to the top of the eponymous Rock for spectacular views over three counties and the sweeping oxbow of the Rive Wye below.

Introducing Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons

Spanning 520 square miles of beautiful welsh countryside, the Brecon Beacons National Park is home to traditional welsh market towns, stunning landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, caves, castles and wildlife. The park is to the west of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and its majestic peaks can be seen from all around, especially the iconic Sugar Loaf dominating the skyline. The easterly Black Mountains within the Brecon Beacons are spread across parts of Powys and Monmouthshire extending across the England–Wales border into Herefordshire.

Explore the ancient Roman Fortress of Isca, established in 74AD and referred to in ancient texts as the Court of King Arthur and his Camelot. This is the land where King Arthur ruled, the Romans bathed, the Normans settled, pilgrims worshipped and Turner sketched. Today it offers dramatic landscapes and nature trails, as well as great food.

Home to Wales’s rich mining heritage you can experience the sights, sounds, smells of an authentic coal mine or visit the Penderyn Distillery, the only commercial whisky distillery in Wales where, of course, tasting the whisky will be a high point.

Brecon Beacons Exploration - Ironworks, Literature and Falconry

Take a scenic drive into Wales to beautiful Blaenarvon with a visit to the Ironworks.
Potter around Hay-on-Wye - a literary town in the Wye Valley famous for its bookshops, quaint architecture and bohemian vibe.
Spend the afternoon learning the art of falconry at Wings of Wales before a rewarding dinner at a local gastropub.

Canal boat trip on the Brecon Canal

Spend a morning on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal navigating the locks with a specialist local boatman and understanding this rural way of life. Stop for lunch at one of the pubs along the canal.

Amble through Brecon and pop into The Royal Welsh Museum – famous for its Zulu War collection.

Transfer to Pembrokeshire via Lavender Farm

Cross to the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. En route, visit the Lavender Farm to see how lavender is farmed and the oil distilled.

Introducing Pembrokeshire

Lapped by sea on three sides, Pembrokeshire has the perks of an island, as well as the cultural riches befitting a dramatically scenic corner of Southwest Wales. An area of outstanding natural beauty. Here, where the road ends, numerous diverse strands come together: sea and mountain, art and history and Celtic and Anglo-Saxon influences.

Not surprisingly, with a deep connection to the ocean, Pembrokeshire is a haven for water sports, spectacular coastal walks and the freshest seafood. The counties landscape is protected by the unique Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where along its shores you’ll find the Pembrokeshire Coast Path - rated by National Geographic Magazine as the second best coastline in the World. The 186 miles of meandering trail visits coves and harbours, over 50 beaches, through vibrant towns and villages, brimming with life, culture and creativity, and the smallest city in Britain: St Davids.

Skomer Island and Scenic Overflight of the National Park

Take a boat out to Skomer Island to see the island and bird life from the boat including some of the largest colonies of puffin.

Then take an aerial view: board a light aircraft for a scenic overflight for a different perspective on the wild and rugged coastline.

Explore Pembrokeshire National Park coastline

Spend the day exploring the Pembrokeshire National Park coastline with a specialist local guide:

- St Justinians: With spectacular views looking over the lifeboat stations out to Ramsey Island & Ramsey Sound, St Justinians harbour really does have the WOW factor.
- Strumble Head Lighthouse: Perched on a tiny island just off the coast and reached by a small suspension bridge, views of the coast are dramatic, and the sea is rich with marine life: keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins and porpoise.
- The Parish of Nevern: St. Brynach’s Church dates from the 13th century and inside the church you can view the most amazing example of Ogham writing.
- Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort: Walk in the footsteps of the Demetae Tribe with a private guide to feel you are really stepping back in time.
- Cross the Preseli Hills, the home of the magical Bluestones that were mysteriously transported 140 miles to build Stonehenge.
- End at Carew Castle, with a history spanning 2,000 years and telling of knights of the realm, kingmakers, Elizabethan intrigue and Civil War devastation.
- Catch an evening rehearsal of a Welsh Male Choir reverberating through the vast cathedral interior.

Transfer to North Wales

On the drive to North Wales, stop at the quirky Italianate coastal village of Portmeiron for a walk among the fancifully nostalgic Baroque-style houses.

Introducing Snowdonia and North Wales

North Wales (Welsh: Gogledd Cymru), is a geographic region of Wales, encompassing its northernmost areas. It borders Mid Wales to the south, England to the east, and the Irish Sea to the north and west.

Snowdonia National Park is one of it's most famous regions, world renowned for its rugged landscape, Welsh culture and of course Wales’ highest mountain - Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Offering castles, narrow-gauge railways, golf, cycling, walking, award-winning beaches, Wales Coast Path, World Heritage Site, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast.

The North interior is home to historic towns like Ruthin and Corwen, hilly retreats like Llangollen, rural get aways like Denbigh and the dangerously-close-to-England sort of places like Mold. Stunning scenery abounds throughout North East Wales and The Borderlands, from Offa’s Dyke Path, which climbs 1,800 feet through the dramatic Clwydian Range, to the Ceiriog Valley.

Anglesey by helicopter; Snowdon by train

Board your private helicopter for a ride over the island of Anglesea to take in the stunning landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages.
In the afternoon, take a diesel Locomotive to Clogwyn Station (which is ¾ of the journey up Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales) for spectacular views. Choose to take the train back, or don your hiking boots and walk.

North Wales - Steam Train adventure and scenic route

Take the Mountain Spirit Gold train from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog and back. This is one of the world's greatest train journeys. Take in the views of mountains, lakes and hills from your vintage first class carriage.

Drive the scenic route through Snowdonia National Park and stop off where the scenery most calls you, be it at Beddgelert Village, Nant Gwynant, Pen y Pass, Capel Curig, Nant Ffrancon Pass or the Menai Straits.

To the Yorkshire Dales via Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

On the drive to Yorkshire, stop at the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and take a walk along the canal, with views stretching for miles.

Introducing The Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire Dales is a land of contrasting features—it can be serene and tranquil and at the same time wild and upbeat. Home to remarkable sceneries and rich cultural heritage, the region is known for the assemblage of the finest limestone found only on this side of England. The serene villages are defined by the blooming fields of hay meadows and rich farming soil.

Each of the dales, or valleys, has its all distinct beauties. The Northern Dales are characterized by jagged mountain ranges and breathtaking sceneries, while the West portion mostly composed of quaint villages and laid-back communities. Among the dales, the Southern is considered the less remote one, yet its gifts of nature are still very much untouched. Along the valley bottom is the majestic river Swale where birds of prey, oystercatchers, and curlew are a common sight. In every village, there is a good pub worth stopping by which serves sumptuous local cuisine.

Balancing the natural sceneries is Yorkshire Dale’s historic landmarks which remind of the region’s stormy and intriguing past. The settlement sites, fortresses, and castles such as Skipton Castle and Bolton Castle are like traveling back in time, an opportunity to get to know more of the tradition, culture, and heritage of Yorkshire Dales and linking its past to the kind of character, features and living it has today.

Yorkshire Dales Village Hopping

Set out on a scenic drive through the Yorkshire Dales with a botanical walk at Clapham and Ingleton Village. Head head deep within the National Park to Wensleydale, home of the famous cheese.
Visit the Wensleydale Creamery for a cheese experience with tastings.

Yorkshire Sightseeing

Set out with a local specialist guide on a private tour of the Yorkshire Dales and admire the beautiful views and stunning scenery. Visit the picturesque villages of Malham Cove, Kettlewell and Grassington, which have been as locations for films such as 'All Creatures Great and Small'.

Board one of the UK’s most scenic railway journeys from Settle (near Leeds) to Carlisle in Scotland through the stunning Yorkshire Dales of Northern England. Watch how the scenery changes en route as you approach Cumbria's lush green Eden Valley, with views of the Pennines and Lakeland Fells.

Introducing The Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park was Scotland's first National Park, designated in 2002. With a size of 720 square miles the Park covers many contrasting landscapes reaching from Lowland to Highland. Walk from the wide-open lush landscapes of the southern section to the sprawling glens and rocky peaks in the north. The fault line that divides the Highlands from the Lowlands runs right across the park, making this an endlessly varied part of the world - a rugged hill there, a wooded nook here.
'Trossachs' is a unique word, for a unique place. It refers to the romantic area of sparkling lochs, crumpled hills, sleepy forests and welcoming villages east of Loch Lomond and west of Stirling, often called 'The Highlands in miniature'.

The national park contains a diverse geography that includes 21 munros two forest parks, 22 lochs, and over 50 designated special nature conservation sites that are home to a variety of wildlife. At its heart is Loch Lomond itself, the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area.

From the Loch's water the views of the mighty bulk of Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro, as well as the jagged shoulders of the Arrochar Alps can be enjoyed. Sir Walter Scott visited the area's wild little glens and was so enthralled hat he wrote his epic poem The Lady of the Lake (1810) about a girl who lived here. This work was a phenomenon - it became the first international bestseller.

Loch Lomond boat trip & Trossachs National Park 4x4 Land Rover

Get behind the wheel of an extremely capable Land Rover Discovery for a 4x4 off road drive around Loch Lomond. Your guide shares the capabilities of the vehicle and techniques for handling the steep inclines, declines, slopes and rock crawls.
Take a scenic route above Loch Lomond on increasingly challenging terrain, stopping to take in the breath-taking views of the loch and surrounding mountains.

Enjoy fresh oysters at a local fine dining Oyster Bar.

Take a private boat trip on Loch Lomond: Combine the thrill of travelling at speed over open water and cruising slowly through the lochs many islands.

Depart northwards towards Glencoe.

Stop by the charming waterfront village of Oban, known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland.

At Glencoe House, enjoy in-suite dining, served course by course to your private dining room table, with views towards Loch Level or The Pap of Glencoe.

Introducing Glen Coe

Located within the awe-inspiring Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe is known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past – it is a place of history, wildlife, adventure and myth. The mountains were formed through violent volcanic eruptions, and then sculpted by massive glaciers. Fingal, the legendary Celtic hero, is said to have made his home among these towering mountains, while his poet son, Ossian, found inspiration in the landscape.

On 13 February 1692, 38 men, women and children of the MacDonald clan were murdered by a regiment of soldiers (acting on behalf of the government) whom they had welcomed into their homes. The tragedy of the Glencoe Massacre still has the power to evoke powerful emotions.

The National Trust has cared for Glencoe since 1935. They work to maintain footpaths, look after the fragile biodiversity and keep the landscape precious and wild.

Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, and the Hogwarts train featured in the Harry Potter films, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero". Arriving in Mallaig, the train stops for 90 minutes to enjoy a walk and take in the atmosphere.

Depart this morning towards the Loch Torridon region of the Western Coast and Highlands. This scenery becomes more and more epic the deeper you venture through this part of Scotland.

40 minutes into the drive, break the journey with a gondola ride up Aonach Mòr Mountain for panoramic views over the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and surrounding areas as well as opportunities for hiking.

Introducing the North Coast 500

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles (516 to be exact…) of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems; the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.
The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. Taking in some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness.
The route was created by the North Highland Initiative, a non-profit organisation established by Prince Charles to promote economic growth in the area and has brought valuable income into the remote Highland communities.

Explore the North Coast 500 and highlands with your private driver and guide.

Covering both the iconic North Coast 500 coastal route as well as some of the vast and contrasting scenery of the interior, a journey through the North Highlands will provide an insight into the landscape, people and culture of the area. View deserted beaches, mighty mountains, picturesque lochs and iconic wildlife as well as medieval castles, prehistoric burial chambers, local crafts and distilleries. The coastal drive reveals deserted, expansive sandy beaches, picturesque fishing harbours and medieval castles.

Visit The Smokehouse in Shieldaig, a local whisky Distillery, and stop in Ullapool for a private demonstration of the bagpipes.

The Road Trip brings new adventures today. The roads on this stretch are narrow and average speed will be circa 25mph on single track roads. Whilst your guide concentrates on the driving, you get to enjoy the changing Highland scenery. Every twist and turn in the road brings a new view; will it be the mountains? Perhaps craggy sea inlets? Maybe a golden sandy beach? It will be all of these and much, much more. Some of today’s visits include:
- Summer Isles Studios - A small boutique showcasing and selling local arts and crafts.
- Achnahaird Bay - Considered one of the best beaches in the Highlands, ringed by mountains.
- Highland Stoneware - Nineteen local artists and potters work at the Lochinver pottery, all encouraged to innovate and develop designs, and to make each piece uniquely different.
- Lochinver - A small fishing village and home to the famous Lochinver Pie Shop - perfect for lunch takeaway to enjoy by the beach.
- The Drumbeg Peninsula - The narrow single track road weaves its way around this spectacular peninsula. Not to be driven by the faint-hearted!
- Wailing Widow Falls - Spectacular waterfall, viewed via the Sky Explorer.

North Coast Highlands Sightseeing

Venture up to the north coast and also into the seldom explored interior of the North Highlands. There is so much to see, explore and enjoy:

- Kyle of Durness - At low tide, the final throes of the River Dionard thread a winding route through an enormous expanse of immaculate sand and beyond it, Cape Wrath.
- Ard Neakie Viewpoint - Stunning views of Loch Eriboll and the surrounding mountains.
- Altnaharra - Enjoy the view along Loch Loyal to Altnaharra - one of mainland Britain's most isolated communities & acknowledged as one of the coldest places in Britain!
- Lotte Glob Sculpture Croft - Danish ceramic artist Lotte Glob gathers rocks & sediments whilst on long mountain hikes. She combines them with clay before sculpting & firing them.
- Balnakiel Beach - A glorious sandy beach and a ruined 16th century church combine to create an evocative location.
- Balnakiel Craft Village - Housed in a former WW2 military base, this community of artisans produce crafts in all sorts of materials. Take your time to look around.

A day of contrasts! Leave the Geopark and head south to Beauly and Inverness and in doing so, transition from wilderness to city. Visit two very different family businesses that both earn a living from the wool of sheep, though only one (generally) has home baking and a boiling kettle to welcome its visitors! Stop to view Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness before driving into and around the city of Inverness.

Drive through the Cairngorms to Braemar with stops for walks through this entrancing landscape.

Introducing The Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park, established in September 2003, is home to one-quarter of Scotland's native forest; one-third of the UK land above 600 meters; more breeding waders than the whole of Wales and a quarter of the rare and endangered species in the UK. The Cairngorms is part of an international family of National Parks and is the largest in the UK, at 4,528 sq km (1,748 sq miles). It is twice the size of the Lake District National Park and bigger than the whole of Luxembourg.

The Park is home to four of the five highest mountains in the UK, The Cairngorm plateau is the highest and has the most extensive range of arctic mountain landscape in the British Isles and there are 9 National Nature Reserves across the Park which help to protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes.

Some of the most important woodlands in Britain grow in the Cairngorms National Park. Native tree species comprise 79 per cent of the National Park’s woodlands, representing a quarter of the entire Scottish native woodland. More than one-third of the conifer plantations are on Ancient Woodland Sites, these plantations comprise nearly half the woodland in the Park.

The Park covers less than two per cent of the UK’s landmass, however it is home to a remarkable 25 per cent of its threatened animal, insect, fungi and plant species, some of which can only be found in the Cairngorms. The rare and endangered species who make their home in the Park include capercaillie, pine marten, osprey, Scottish wildcat, golden eagle, red squirrel, snow bunting, lapwing, crested tit, dotterel and black grouse.

Exploring the Cairngorms village of Braemar

Today is completely at your leisure to enjoy the Fife Arms property as well as the charming village of Braemar. You are recommended to stroll around the village which is full of high quality local shops and small galleries and some foodie gems.

Your Edinburgh guide, will meet you at your hotel in the evening to chat through the plan for the next couple of days.

Your private guide will drive you to Edinburgh today. En route, stop to explore the sights:

- Dunkeld: A pretty conservation village with independent shops, delis, a historic bridge, battle history, and a historic cathedral.
- The Kelpies: Visit these huge, steel, mythical equine sculptures , built as a tribute to the horse power on which Scottish industry relied.
- Falkirk: a good stopping point in central Scotland where canals and cycle routes meet. The Falkirk Wheel rotating boat lift, a must-see for anyone with an interest in engineering.
- Linlithgow: Stop here for a tales royal history and of Mary Queen of Scots.

Spend two nights in Scotland’s hilly compact capital city with a local insider guide to bring the city to life. Dine at a Scottish restaurant on the Royal Mile.

Introducing Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has a rare charm with narrow and cobbled passageways, called closes in Scots. The town is known for its dark corners where terrifying events have taken place, its majestic buildings and gardens, countless fascinating museums,
The city is fondly known as “Auld Reekie”, which means “Old Smokey” in Scots. This is because of all the smoke and chimneys the city had in the past creating smog over the city. The weather in Edinburgh is normally rainy and windy, but far from being an inconvenience, the bitter weather gives the city an extra charm, creating a mysterious and sombre atmosphere.

Famous for its castle, clans and some seriously cracking festivals, Edinburgh is a little city with a big cultural heart. Soak up Scotland’s epic history at Edinburgh Castle, savour smoky whiskies and fine seasonal scran (food) in Rose Street or Leith. Climb 350 million years into the past and discover the awe-inspiring views from Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano, or check out the Iron Age forts at Holyrood Park.

Edinburgh Explored

Spend the day with your private guide to show you around Edinburgh - the famous, the infamous and the lesser-known - and illuminate the capital with their stories.

Observe the contrast between Edinburgh’s mediaeval Old Town, famous for its Royal Mile, and elegant Georgian New Town. Climb to the top of Arthur's Seat, a hill providing 360 degree views over the city and surrounds.

Explore the Grassmarket area, a place of execution in history, and now housing the Art College where Sean Connery posed as a life model before his James Bond days. Hear of Edinburgh’s fascinating medical history: the stories of the ground-breaking anatomy schools and later more infamous characters such as Burke and Hare.

Pass through some of the quirky neighbourhood areas, each with their own character, and head down to the waterfront area of Edinburgh, the historic Port of Leith.

Explore the many fascinating wynds and closes of the Old Town and hear the history of mediaeval Edinburgh. At Greyfriars Kirkyard, your guide will relate the stories of the great and good of Edinburgh buried there, not forgetting one very famous Skye terrier Greyfriars Bobby or the graveyard’s Harry Potter links.

Your exploration of the British Isles has come to an end. Your flight home from Edinburgh airport awaits.