2025 MEDIEVAL BRITAIN
CASTLES, CANNONS & CROWNS
CULTURAL and historic Landmarks from London to Edinburgh
2025 Medieval Britain: Castles, Cannons & Crowns
Cultural and Historic Landmarks from London to Edinburgh
At a glance
May 14-27, 2025 • England & Scotland • 14 days
Last day to book: Friday March 7
NOW JUST 1 ROOM LEFT!
Overnight destinations
London • Portsmouth • Stratford-Upon-Avon • Lincoln • York • Newcastle • Stirling • Inverness • Edinburgh
Highlights
Hampton Court Palace • Battlefields of Culloden & Bannockburn • Salisbury Cathedral • Stonehenge • Hadrian's Wall • Eilean Donan Castle • Scone Palace • and much more! • scroll down to see complete details
May 14-27, 2025 • England & Scotland • 14 days
Last day to book: Friday March 7
NOW JUST 1 ROOM LEFT!
Overnight destinations
London • Portsmouth • Stratford-Upon-Avon • Lincoln • York • Newcastle • Stirling • Inverness • Edinburgh
Highlights
Hampton Court Palace • Battlefields of Culloden & Bannockburn • Salisbury Cathedral • Stonehenge • Hadrian's Wall • Eilean Donan Castle • Scone Palace • and much more! • scroll down to see complete details
Medieval Britain - a time of castles and cathedrals, knights and archers, clans and kilts, pipes and cannons … and war.
Who would wear the crown? Mary Queen of Scots or Elizabeth? Charles or Cromwell? Lancaster or York? Or Arthur? Did Robin Hood really exist? Was Macbeth a real person or did Shakespeare invent him? And Merlin - was he real or “such stuff as dreams are made of?” Britain is a land of fact, myth and magic. Stonehenge, Guy Fawkes, Magna Carta, Hadrian's Wall, Loch Ness, The Tower of London - each has their place in this storied history.
Join us as we visit the sights of London, then tour the Channel coast, turning north through Stratford, York and Edinburgh and all the way up into the mystical Scottish Highlands. Fourteen glorious days, bringing Britain’s fabled past to life.
Who would wear the crown? Mary Queen of Scots or Elizabeth? Charles or Cromwell? Lancaster or York? Or Arthur? Did Robin Hood really exist? Was Macbeth a real person or did Shakespeare invent him? And Merlin - was he real or “such stuff as dreams are made of?” Britain is a land of fact, myth and magic. Stonehenge, Guy Fawkes, Magna Carta, Hadrian's Wall, Loch Ness, The Tower of London - each has their place in this storied history.
Join us as we visit the sights of London, then tour the Channel coast, turning north through Stratford, York and Edinburgh and all the way up into the mystical Scottish Highlands. Fourteen glorious days, bringing Britain’s fabled past to life.
We will donate to Forest Recovery Canada
to minimize the carbon footprint of your trip.
Castles, cannons and crowns.
A time of mystery, a time of intrigue.
ITINERARY
Tuesday May 13
For many of our Canadian travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight to England. Some travelers may choose to leave for Europe sooner to extend the start of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on pre-tour accommodations.
Guests who have other travels already in progress, or guests from other points of origin including the United Kingdom, the United States and elsewhere, will meet the start of the tour on Day 1 in London.
For many of our Canadian travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight to England. Some travelers may choose to leave for Europe sooner to extend the start of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on pre-tour accommodations.
Guests who have other travels already in progress, or guests from other points of origin including the United Kingdom, the United States and elsewhere, will meet the start of the tour on Day 1 in London.
Day 1
Wednesday May 14
In the mid-afternoon all clients can check into the group hotel. In the meantime, luggage is stored in the hotel baggage lock-up. Today you are free to explore London, an amazing city of history and monuments waiting to be discovered including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Platform 9-3/4 at Kings Cross Station, and so much more!
In the evening we gather in the heart of London for our Welcome Dinner, to share a glass of wine and set the stage for our special journey.
Overnight London - The Tower Hotel. [D]
Wednesday May 14
In the mid-afternoon all clients can check into the group hotel. In the meantime, luggage is stored in the hotel baggage lock-up. Today you are free to explore London, an amazing city of history and monuments waiting to be discovered including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Platform 9-3/4 at Kings Cross Station, and so much more!
In the evening we gather in the heart of London for our Welcome Dinner, to share a glass of wine and set the stage for our special journey.
Overnight London - The Tower Hotel. [D]
Day 2
Thursday May 15
We set out in earnest to begin our journey, starting with a visit to one of the most impressive of all medieval palaces - Hampton Court. This was the seat of power of the Tudor King Henry VIII of the 1500s and it survives as one of the most stunning of all royal residences, featuring amazing gardens, a prison, fabulously expensive art, and much more!
After lunch we travel to the south coast of England, to visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and a tour of Lord Nelson's flag ship - HMS Victory - launched in 1765 and still the pride of the Royal Navy. Your ticket includes access to the various other venues.
Overnight Portsmouth - The Marriott. [B,L]
Thursday May 15
We set out in earnest to begin our journey, starting with a visit to one of the most impressive of all medieval palaces - Hampton Court. This was the seat of power of the Tudor King Henry VIII of the 1500s and it survives as one of the most stunning of all royal residences, featuring amazing gardens, a prison, fabulously expensive art, and much more!
After lunch we travel to the south coast of England, to visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and a tour of Lord Nelson's flag ship - HMS Victory - launched in 1765 and still the pride of the Royal Navy. Your ticket includes access to the various other venues.
Overnight Portsmouth - The Marriott. [B,L]
Lord Nelson's ship, HMS Victory.
Day 3
Friday May 16
In the morning we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, a prehistoric marvel built ~2500 BCE. What is the true purpose of this place, and how was it made?
We travel into nearby Salisbury to enjoy lunch at leisure, with extended time in town to visit the marvelous 800-yr-old Salisbury Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the world famous Magna Carta. We then begin our travel northward, to Warwickshire for our night's rest.
Overnight Warwickshire / Stratford-Upon-Avon - hotel tba. [B,L]
Friday May 16
In the morning we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, a prehistoric marvel built ~2500 BCE. What is the true purpose of this place, and how was it made?
We travel into nearby Salisbury to enjoy lunch at leisure, with extended time in town to visit the marvelous 800-yr-old Salisbury Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the world famous Magna Carta. We then begin our travel northward, to Warwickshire for our night's rest.
Overnight Warwickshire / Stratford-Upon-Avon - hotel tba. [B,L]
Day 4
Saturday May 17
Blenheim Palace ... on of the architectural gems of England, built in the short-lived English Baroque style. It is one of the great country houses of the United Kingdom and we'll explore here in the morning. We then carry onward to the historic university town of Oxford for free time to explore.
Overnight Warwickshire / Stratford-Upon-Avon - hotel tba. [B]
Saturday May 17
Blenheim Palace ... on of the architectural gems of England, built in the short-lived English Baroque style. It is one of the great country houses of the United Kingdom and we'll explore here in the morning. We then carry onward to the historic university town of Oxford for free time to explore.
Overnight Warwickshire / Stratford-Upon-Avon - hotel tba. [B]
Day 5
Sunday May 18
We are headed for Bosworth Field Heritage Centre to see where Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England, fell in battle. It would mark the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.
In the afternoon we make a tour of the stunning Belvoir Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland for almost a thousand years - a masterpiece of architecture and design and one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country.
Overnight Lincoln - Best Western Plus Bentley Hotel & Spa. [B,L]
Sunday May 18
We are headed for Bosworth Field Heritage Centre to see where Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England, fell in battle. It would mark the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.
In the afternoon we make a tour of the stunning Belvoir Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland for almost a thousand years - a masterpiece of architecture and design and one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country.
Overnight Lincoln - Best Western Plus Bentley Hotel & Spa. [B,L]
Day 6
Monday May 19
Day Six begins with a drive into the forested countryside of England. We take a guided tour of a famous English country manor house, Haddon Hall. The house has been described as one of the most complete and important houses of the period. Other more lavish castles and manors dot the nearby county, but the smaller Haddon Hall is truly a unique and beautiful structure.
In the mid-afternoon we drift into the back roads to visit the battlefield at Towton, considered the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil as part of the Wars of the Roses of the 15th century.
Overnight York - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B,L]
Monday May 19
Day Six begins with a drive into the forested countryside of England. We take a guided tour of a famous English country manor house, Haddon Hall. The house has been described as one of the most complete and important houses of the period. Other more lavish castles and manors dot the nearby county, but the smaller Haddon Hall is truly a unique and beautiful structure.
In the mid-afternoon we drift into the back roads to visit the battlefield at Towton, considered the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil as part of the Wars of the Roses of the 15th century.
Overnight York - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B,L]
Day 7
Tuesday May 20
The Norman Invasion of 1066 was preceded by a great battle, which we'll discuss at Stamford Bridge in the morning.
Our journey then finds us walking down into a forested valley, to discover the well-hidden ruins of Fountains Abbey. From its beginnings in 1132 it became an important and wealthy centre of culture in the county. Despite raids from the Scots, and the Black Death of 1348, it persevered, until the Dissolution by King Henry VIII in the mid-1500s when it fell silent. Today it is a magical place to explore.
We pause for a group lunch at a quaint pub in the little village of Middleham. It's then time to learn about King Richard III by walking through his childhood home, Middleham Castle, which sits just behind the main street - on the high ground with a long view of the county.
Overnight Newcastle - hotel tba. [B,L]
Tuesday May 20
The Norman Invasion of 1066 was preceded by a great battle, which we'll discuss at Stamford Bridge in the morning.
Our journey then finds us walking down into a forested valley, to discover the well-hidden ruins of Fountains Abbey. From its beginnings in 1132 it became an important and wealthy centre of culture in the county. Despite raids from the Scots, and the Black Death of 1348, it persevered, until the Dissolution by King Henry VIII in the mid-1500s when it fell silent. Today it is a magical place to explore.
We pause for a group lunch at a quaint pub in the little village of Middleham. It's then time to learn about King Richard III by walking through his childhood home, Middleham Castle, which sits just behind the main street - on the high ground with a long view of the county.
Overnight Newcastle - hotel tba. [B,L]
Fountains Abbey
Day 8
Wednesday May 21
We begin the day at yet another UNESCO Site - the Roman ruins at Hadrian's Wall. Excavation continues even today at various sites along the 120+ km long wall, which stretched from coast to coast across the north of England and marked the very northern frontier of the vast Roman Empire.
Our adventure then continues northbound, where we come to a stop at the border between England and Scotland. Then onward we go, to see Melrose Abbey which dates from 1136. Here rests the heart of King Robert the Bruce, whom we shall meet in the coming days in our travels through the highlands of Scotland.
The day concludes with an overnight in Edinburgh, the magical capital city of Scotland.
Overnight Stirling (Dunblane) - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B,L]
Wednesday May 21
We begin the day at yet another UNESCO Site - the Roman ruins at Hadrian's Wall. Excavation continues even today at various sites along the 120+ km long wall, which stretched from coast to coast across the north of England and marked the very northern frontier of the vast Roman Empire.
Our adventure then continues northbound, where we come to a stop at the border between England and Scotland. Then onward we go, to see Melrose Abbey which dates from 1136. Here rests the heart of King Robert the Bruce, whom we shall meet in the coming days in our travels through the highlands of Scotland.
The day concludes with an overnight in Edinburgh, the magical capital city of Scotland.
Overnight Stirling (Dunblane) - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B,L]
Enjoying a 'wee dram' at the border.
Melrose Abbey
Day 9
Thursday May 22
Stirling Castle is the focus of our day. Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland, dominating a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold. Royal building projects like the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace of James V, marked it out as one of the most important places in all Scotland. Your visit here includes time for lunch-on-the-go at the castle cafeteria, and features a special performance by the Dominion of Canada Pipes & Drums!
We also visit nearby at the Battlefield of Bannockburn of 1314, and also Stirling Bridge - historic sites which both fall within view of the castle. Amazing battles took place here, charting the course of Scotland.
Overnight Stirling (Dunblane) - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B]
Thursday May 22
Stirling Castle is the focus of our day. Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland, dominating a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold. Royal building projects like the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace of James V, marked it out as one of the most important places in all Scotland. Your visit here includes time for lunch-on-the-go at the castle cafeteria, and features a special performance by the Dominion of Canada Pipes & Drums!
We also visit nearby at the Battlefield of Bannockburn of 1314, and also Stirling Bridge - historic sites which both fall within view of the castle. Amazing battles took place here, charting the course of Scotland.
Overnight Stirling (Dunblane) - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B]
Day 10
Friday May 23
In the morning we walk to another small monument, marking a dark chapter in Scottish history - the Massacre of Glencoe.
After lunch we travel a short distance north to Glenfinnan, a small spot well off the beaten track but a very important place in Scottish history. It is here that Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 began. A monument marks where the prince came ashore, to begin an endeavor which would end in complete disaster at Culloden.
Overnight Inverness - hotel tba. [B,L]
Friday May 23
In the morning we walk to another small monument, marking a dark chapter in Scottish history - the Massacre of Glencoe.
After lunch we travel a short distance north to Glenfinnan, a small spot well off the beaten track but a very important place in Scottish history. It is here that Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 began. A monument marks where the prince came ashore, to begin an endeavor which would end in complete disaster at Culloden.
Overnight Inverness - hotel tba. [B,L]
Day 11
Saturday May 24
Day Eleven is steeped in history as we explore the historic battlefield at Culloden Moor, where in 1745 the Jacobite Uprising came to a violent end. Those who follow the television series Outlander will recall this famous battle.
During our journey we stop to see if Loch Ness will reveal any monsters! We then drive out to the west coast to visit the most iconic and most photographed of all Scottish landmarks, the world famous Eilean Donan Castle.
Overnight Inverness - hotel tba. [B,L]
Saturday May 24
Day Eleven is steeped in history as we explore the historic battlefield at Culloden Moor, where in 1745 the Jacobite Uprising came to a violent end. Those who follow the television series Outlander will recall this famous battle.
During our journey we stop to see if Loch Ness will reveal any monsters! We then drive out to the west coast to visit the most iconic and most photographed of all Scottish landmarks, the world famous Eilean Donan Castle.
Overnight Inverness - hotel tba. [B,L]
Day 12
Sunday May 25
We journey south on the homeward leg of our amazing trip, making our first visit of the day at Dalwhinnie Distillery for a little Scotch tasting - a fine way to begin any day!
Later we pause in Perth, the gateway to the highlands, for a tour of the incredible Scone Palace - the place where successive Scottish kings were crowned through the centuries and thus a place of immense historic significance for over 1000 years. It is also one of the finest examples of late Georgian Gothic architecture in all of the United Kingdom. We will dine in the palace! It's then onward to Edinburgh for two nights.
Overnight Edinburgh - hotel tba. [B,L]
Sunday May 25
We journey south on the homeward leg of our amazing trip, making our first visit of the day at Dalwhinnie Distillery for a little Scotch tasting - a fine way to begin any day!
Later we pause in Perth, the gateway to the highlands, for a tour of the incredible Scone Palace - the place where successive Scottish kings were crowned through the centuries and thus a place of immense historic significance for over 1000 years. It is also one of the finest examples of late Georgian Gothic architecture in all of the United Kingdom. We will dine in the palace! It's then onward to Edinburgh for two nights.
Overnight Edinburgh - hotel tba. [B,L]
Scone Palace
Day 13
Monday May 26
Enjoy a full free day in Edinburgh, to explore the amazing history, shopping and local hidden treasures. In the evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner, to enjoy one last meal with our new-found friends.
Overnight Edinburgh - hotel tba. [B,D]
Monday May 26
Enjoy a full free day in Edinburgh, to explore the amazing history, shopping and local hidden treasures. In the evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner, to enjoy one last meal with our new-found friends.
Overnight Edinburgh - hotel tba. [B,D]
Day 14
Tuesday May 27
This morning is departure day for some travelers - buffet or box breakfast is included depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend the end of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations so that you have extra time to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh! [B]
Tuesday May 27
This morning is departure day for some travelers - buffet or box breakfast is included depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend the end of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations so that you have extra time to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh! [B]
Note: This itinerary is subject to minor alteration prior to the booking deadline. Clients should also keep in mind that minor variances are always possible during the actual tour based on the need to adapt to circumstances we encounter during our travels.
PRICING
$8450 CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room) One (1) room left
$1925 CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room) SORRY, SINGLE ROOMS SOLD OUT
PRICING INCLUDES:
PRICING EXCLUDES:
$8450 CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room) One (1) room left
$1925 CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room) SORRY, SINGLE ROOMS SOLD OUT
PRICING INCLUDES:
- Thirteen nights accommodation in twin or double rooms with private facilities
- Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, facilities and free on-board Wi-Fi
- Buffet breakfast (cold and/or hot) at the hotel each morning, plus select meals as outlined in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); lunches and dinners typically include a glass of wine/beer
- All entrances as per your itinerary
- All hotel service charges and local taxes are included
- One coach transfer at either end of the tour: from London Heathrow Airport to the hotel in London on May 14, 2025 in coordination with the arrival of Air Canada AC852; and from the hotel to either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport on May 27, 2025 in coordination with the departure of Air Canada AC807; travelers on different days/flights and not utilizing these transfers will make their own arrangements
- Gratuities to Coach Driver and Local Guides are included ... these costs are extra on most other tours and can add up to $200 CAD or more per person at the end of your trip, be sure to compare
PRICING EXCLUDES:
- Airfare - we can provide a quote for flights from any gateway in Canada, to match your own individual preferences based on dates, routes, class of seating, etc; there will be
- Porterage at select hotels
- Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodations - check with your favourite travel agent or ask us for a quote
- Travel Insurance Protection - check with your favourite travel agent or ask us for a quote from Manulife
- Meals other than stated on the itinerary
- Passport & related fees
- Any optional excursion not specifically stated
- Items of a personal nature
- As with all our trips, this tour will feature walks of some distance, ascending stairs, walking up or down hills or slopes of varying degree, walking on sand or rough pathways, etc, in order to reach some of the amazing locations on the tour; good personal mobility is key to a positive experience; we regret those who use walkers, canes, walking sticks or other assistance devices would not be successful on this trip
- Hotels have been pre-booked but are subject to change
- This tour requires a minimum of 25 passengers to operate
- Non-refundable deposit of $750 per person due upon booking
- Balance of payment due on or before the booking deadline: February 10, 2025
- Liberation Tours will donate on your behalf to Forest Recovery Canada, to minimize the carbon footprint of your trip
- Download and read our Terms & Conditions prior to making your booking
Questions? Contact your favourite travel agent or:
John Cannon, Tour Director
1-833-252-0001 | booking@liberationtours.ca
John Cannon, Tour Director
1-833-252-0001 | booking@liberationtours.ca