Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to Britain

Holidays & Sabbaticals to Britain – In a Nutshell

The land of rolling green hills, charming cobblestone streets, and centuries of rich history, Britain’s timeless beauty and vibrant culture enchants visitors.

The essence of England lives in its countless charming villages and gentle countryside. Its country villages are dotted with quaint pubs nestled in the beautiful landscape, ranging from the picturesque Cotswolds to the wild beauty of Yorkshire. Its profound history and tradition are palpable in the grandeur of its towns’ countless monuments, world-class museums, and prestigious universities.

Scotland captures the essence of every traveller’s dream. Within its untamed landscape, Scotland is full of history, nature, adventure, and myth. From its majestic highlands and tranquil lochs to its rugged coastline, Scotland’s allure is undeniable. Amidst its dramatic natural beauty lies a plethora of cultural heritage, with ancient castles, whisky distilleries, and vibrant festivals showcasing its unique identity.

Wales is an unspoilt gem, brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures. Wales’ stunning coastline, imposing mountains, and lively cities leave a lasting impression. From the Roman fortress of Isca to Conwy Castle, the land is steeped in myth and legend. Wander its coastal paths, cross its aqueducts and climb its mountains.

Experiences you shouldn’t miss in Britain

England:

• Roam the open land of Hampshire, its lowland heaths and woodlands. Fans of Downtown Abbey can’t miss a visit to Highclere Castle.
• Experience the timeless traditions of England’s prestigious universities at Oxford and Cambridge. Grab a pole and punt along canals, and tour the colleges.
• Transport yourself into the world of Jane Austen in the historic city of Bath. Admire the Georgian architecture and Roman baths.
• Be charmed in the Cotswolds as you potter around its idyllic villages and market towns.
• Explore Kent, the Garden of England, and home to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and Winnie the Poo!

Wales:

• Explore the land of King Arthur – hike the craggy peaks of the Brecon Beacons.
• Visit the impressive Conwy Castle with its imposing walls, towers, and chambers.
• Ride the Mountain Spirit Gold train from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, one of the great railway journeys of the world.
• Explore Snowdonia National Park, home to Wales’ highest mountain Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), medieval castles, and plenty of cycling routes.
• Take a canal boat along the picturesque Pontysylte aqueduct.

Scotland:

• Discover the charm of Edinburgh and its colourful, cobbled streets with a local guide. From the Royal Mile in the Old Town to Arthur’s Seat; there is plenty to see in “Ault Reekie”.
• Ride the Hogwarts Express – the Jacobite Steam Train – across the Scottish Highlands, past its highest mountains and largest lochs. Make sure you travel 1st Class!
• Uncover the breath-taking beauty of Glencoe, a valley steeped in folklore with towering mountains, steep-sided valleys and cascading waterfalls.
• Explore the vast glens and rocky peaks around the banks of Loch Lomond either on foot or by boat.
• Trek through the Cairngorms, the UK’s largest National Park and home to a quarter of Scotland’s native forests.
• Take one of the world’s most beautiful road trips along the North Coast 500. Soak up the coastal scenery, deserted white beaches, rugged mountains and remote fishing villages.

Off the Beaten Path in Britain

England:

• Wander through charming hamlets of Fingest and Turville in the undiscovered Chilterns. Climb to the windmill, famous as the inventor’s home in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’.
• Hike secluded parts of England’s most spectacular landscapes in the blustery Yorkshire Dales, the undulating Lake District and the coastlines of Devon and Cornwall.
• Potter around the finest historic stone town in England: Stamford in Lincolnshire.
• Tread in the footsteps of pirates and smugglers in the colourful cascade of cottages perched on the cliffside at Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire.
• Climb – or scramble – up the steep sides of Winnats Pass in the Peak District for incredible views, and look out for the many fossils curled into the limestone rocks on the way.

Wales:

• Enjoy a boat trip to Skomer Island to witness the colonies of puffins.
• Explore remote parts of the Pembrokeshire coastline. A wealth of deserted but beautiful coves and beaches awaits.
• Away from the Gower peninsula, explore the less discovered parts of the south coast.
• Take a private helicopter ride over the island of Anglesea in North Wales, and area of outstanding natural beauty.
• Trek the dramatic verdant summits and undulating hill forts of the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley. This area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dotted with purple heather and traversed by the River Dee Valley National Park.

Scotland:

• Compete for the title of Best Porridge Maker, hosted by a local chef, and try your hand at making real Scottish shortbread.
• ‘Munros’, Scottish peaks above 3,000 feet, have a certain caché. ‘Bagging a Munro’ (climbing to its summit) should be on any adventure-seeker’s list.
• Visit the ruins of Dunottar fortress, high on a craggy peak, and the mystical, island castle Eilean Donan, guarding the meeting of three sea lochs.
• Get close to nature on the Orkney Islands. At low tide, cross over to the Brough of Birsay, peeking into the rockpools along the way, to see the puffins in the summer.
• Explore the rolling Galloway glens and hills on foot or bicycle in Galloway Forest Park for breathtaking loch and mountain views. Look out for the red deer.
• Experience the dramatic and desolate setting of Torridon village, set on a loch at the base of a sheer mountain face. Hike across the magnificent ridge walk of the Liathach massif.

Wildlife

Herds of deer are commonly spotted in England’s rolling countryside and the Scottish Highlands. A morning chorus of native garden birds will greet you when you wake in rural areas, and majestic red kites thrive in several places. Rabbits and squirrels will be constant, skittish observers on your hikes through fields and woodlands.

How to Get to Britain

With a number of major airports, Britain is extremely accessible by air. The flight time from New York to London or Edinburgh is approx. 7 hours. The flight time from the majority of European cities is only a couple of hours.

When & Weather – Britain

Britain is best from spring to autumn (May to September), when the temperatures are warmer and the days longer.

Who will Britain Appeal To?

Britain’s rich history and serene countryside is well suited to:

• Lovers of the great outdoors
• History buffs
• Active travellers
• Keen photographers
• Culture lovers
• Families

Accommodation

The variety of accommodation is vast. From charming English cottages to grand manors, and even quirky tree houses. Experience British elegance with nights spent in the opulence and grandeur of Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse on a National Trust estate or the charming Whatley Manor in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Start Planning

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience Britain.

No matter how long you have to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.