Grand Tour of Great Britain

Time to discover London's highlights. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and even explore the splendour of the Queens state rooms inside. Enter the Gothic edifice of Westminster Abbey with 1,000 years of history. This is where William the Conqueror and Queen Elizabeth II were crowned, and William and Kate exchanged vows. Experience the controversial and unmissable Tate Modern housing the country's most important modern art collection from Picasso to Lichtenstein in the vast former power station. Walk across the Millennium Bridge to Sir Christopher Wren's 17th-century Renaissance masterpiece St Pauls Cathedral, with the second-largest dome in the world. Take in the skyline and spot London's landmarks from the Shard, London's highest viewing platform where its skydeck transforms into a garden in the summertime.

The Yorkshire Dales offers some of the finest scenery in the UK. Explore its unique lush green valleys criss-crossed with white drystone walls built by sheep farmers from long ago. Its towering limestone cliffs, gorges, and dramatic waterfalls hidden in deep wooded ravines offer plenty of opportunities to escape. Be inspired by the riverside beauty of Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, like artists Turner and Ruskin. Sample 'Old Perculier' ale at Theakston Brewery. Founded in 1827, it is one of Britain's oldest established family brewing companies. Visit the quaint towns of Wensleydale, famed for its cheese, and the 14th-century stronghold Bolton Castle, renowed for imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland since the 15th century is a World Heritage Site that begs to be discovered. A beautiful town built amongst rocky hills and crags, is filled with quirky charm and enticing nooks that tempt you to explore. Start at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of Kings and Queens since the 16th Century. Stroll the Old Town's picturesque jumble of medieval tenements piled high along the Royal Mile. Discover Edinburgh Castle and its many treasures, a royal fortress since the 12th century, which dominates the townscape from its position on Castle Rock. Seek out the characterful old world subterranean drinking dens and street life. A city of high culture, art and literature, each summer the world's biggest arts festival draws people from far and wide.

Perthshire's scenery is truly awe-inspiring. Experience serene glens, endless expanses of lush forest, beautiful moors, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. Escape into this beautiful wilderness where awesome peaks like Schiehallion and Ben Lawers can be scaled, and watch some of Scotland's most iconic species from majestic red deer stags to soaring ospreys. Don the coarse tweed and take to the hills, to immerse yourselves in traditional country pursuits. Casting a fly for local salmon, falconry or clay pigeon shooting opportunities are plenty. Be sure to explore this great whisky producing region with the legendary Glenturret Distillery, Scotland's oldest close by.

Cumbria contains the Lake District National Park, a World Heritage Site considered one of England's most outstanding areas of natural beauty. This most romantic of landscapes is laced with beautiful lakes, unspoilt shorelines and lofty peaks, which are a rich source of inspiration for artists, poets and musicians alike. Take a spectacular cruise on Lake Windermere wrapped by magnificent mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands. Visit poet William Wordsworth's family's home Rydal Mount, or Beatrix Potters idyllic Hill Top farmhouse. Walk a lakeside trek or for the real adventurer, head west to the stark beauty of Wasdale and the timeless views and Roman history of Eskdale.

Snowdonia has a unique place in Welsh history, tradition and culture. Surrounded with magnificent medieval castles, its unique mountainscapes spring tumbling rivers that roll down to a dramatic coastline. Embrace a traditional British seaside experience and walk the Victorian Llandudno Pier which reaches seemingly forever into the sea. Explore the fortresses of Conwy Castle, one of the finest of its kind, and the wonder of Harlech perched high above the Irish Sea. Embrace the eccentricities and architectural whimsy of Portmeirion. If you're not one for hiking to Wales's tallest peak, then enjoy the mountain railway to the top of Mount Snowdon to view the extraordinary panorama across this historic land of myth and legend. As the adventure capital of Wales, Snowdonia offers the adrenalin activities of mountain biking, canoeing, gorge scrambling, canyoning and abseiling to mention just a few.

Pembrokeshire is world renowned for its breath taking seascapes along its 186 miles of coastal path. Ramble through Stackpole estate blessed with soft sandy beaches, wooded valleys and the famous lily ponds. Find the romance of St Govan's Head with its tiny Chapel tucked into the cliffs. Take a boat to Skomer island to experience the Atlantic puffin colony or to the enchanting Caldey, a holy island where Cistercian monks continue the Celtic tradition which began in the 6th Century. Make time to visit tiny St David's, de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales, a magical city with a spectacular Cathedral. Trek an ancient 8 mile track along the top of the rugged Preseli hills dotted with prehistoric sites, and be rewarded with panoramic views across Pembrokeshire and the coastline. For those looking for coastal inspired adventure, there is coasteering, surfing, diving and sea kayaking.

Be taken back in time in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds dotted with ancient honey-hued limestone villages and market towns that date back to the middle ages. Scale a unique Capability Brown folly, Broadway Tower perched on the Cotswold escarpment with unrivalled views. Explore the Cotswold Way and its delightful scenery to stumble across historic thatched inns that offer the best of local hospitality washed down with the finest English ales. Visit some of England's finest gardens like Hidcote or for a real treat, why not take a hot-air balloon and glide serenely over this most perfect of West Country landscapes. Experience Olde England at Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Embrace the great bard with the help of the Royal Shakespeare Company, with the finest actors working in some of the best theatre spaces in the world.

Bath is an historic spa town renowned for its Roman built baths and is designated a World Heritage site. Beautifully established in the valley of the River Avon, the city has been the ultimate thermal spring spa destination for thousands of years. Visit Bath Abbey founded in the 7th century, and take time to explore the town to properly appreciate its renowned Regency and Georgian architecture in creamy limestone that inspired Jane Austin who was a resident here. The prehistoric and iconic standing stones of Stonehenge are a short day trip south from Bath. Nearby 14th century market village of Castle Combe, which has been the location for countless films is also worth a visit.

Visit the city of Oxford, where life revolves around its prestigious university, established in the 12th century. Wander through the quadrangles and dreaming spires of Britain's oldest university, and visit some of the country's most important museums. Try your hand at punting on the willow-lined banks of the Thames. Be sure to take a picnic hamper with English strawberries and Champagne. Pop to Blenheim Palace, arguably the country's finest stately home and take in the magnificent Capability Brown designed landscaped gardens. The palace itself is a World Heritage site containing a spectacular collection of art and artefacts, a butterfly house and the famous Marlborough Hedge Maze.