Great Britain for Families: London, Windermere & Edinburgh 06 May, 2025

Multi Country Vacations / England

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

This 9-day England vacation takes you on a family-friendly adventure across the United Kingdom, from London to Newcastle to Edinburgh. It features first-class accommodations, shared and private tours, and is a perfect family trip for Harry Potter fans.

Your family vacation through England begins in London, one of the most visited cities on the planet and the capital of the United Kingdom. With history reaching back to Roman times, you’ll find plenty of great historical sites and culture in London. Take advantage of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour and its convenient kids club to zip between popular sites in the city, such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. 

The next day, take a walking tour through the city to explore the filming locations of the Harry Potter series, heading from the real-life Diagon Alley to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. That afternoon, head to Madame Tussauds to see wax figures of some of your kids’ favourite movie characters. Keep the magic alive the next day as you tour Warner Brothers Studios and see the sets of the Harry Potter films. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to see props and learn how the magical films came to life.

From London, head north to the picturesque Lake District and Bowness-on-Windermere, where you’ll head to Hill Top Farm and explore the stories of Beatrix Potter. See the gardens and farmlands where Peter Rabbit was invented before heading through the medieval village of Hawkshead and the Yewdale Valley.

Cross the border into Scotland and reach the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a lovely city awash with medieval and Georgian architecture. That first night, head on a walking tour to discover some of the ghostly secrets of the city and descend into the underground vaults of Blair Street. The next day, take a day trip into the highlands, visiting the valley of Glencoe and Loch Ness, where your kids can search for Nessie during a cruise. Return to Edinburgh for a walking tour that’ll showcase the streets of Old Edinburgh as well as Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll discover its remarkable history in the company of an expert guide.

At the end of your stay, head to the airport to continue your onward journey.

Highlights

Departures

Daily

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 3 nights in first-class accommodations in London
  • 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Windermere
  • 3 nights in first-class accommodations in Edinburgh
  • 1-day Original London hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour pass
  • Shared Harry Potter walking tour (max 25 guests)
  • Admission to Madame Tussauds wax museum
  • Shared Warner Brothers Harry Potter London Studio tour (max 30 guests) 
  • Private train station transfers in London and Windermere
  • Small group tour of "Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside" (max 12 guests)
  • Private train station transfers in Windermere and Edinburgh
  • Shared "Ghosts and Ghouls" walking tour of Edinburgh (max 30 guests)
  • Shared Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands tour (max 30 guests)
  • Shared "Secrets of the Royal Mile" walking tour in Edinburgh (max 30 guests)
  • Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1)

 

Trip Excludes

Travel insurance

  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

London Heathrow Airport to London - Hammersmith

 

Tootbus London - 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Discover Tour

Check out all the wonderful things London has to offer in a day when you hop on board the Tootbus London Discovery tour! Make your way around, experience the heart of the city and see London's top landmarks from the open-top deck of the bus including: Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, St. James Palace and many more. Take advantage of the incredible views of the capital from above to pinpoint all the places you want to see up close. Follow your hit list, hop-off the bus at the nearest stop and explore more in depth. Choose to see the Crown Jewels at Tower of London, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or climb the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. Food lovers may find a piece of paradise at Borough Market, one of the best food markets in London. As the day falls, opt for a ride on the London Eye or enjoy for a fun night out in Soho. If you are traveling with children, try our child friendly channel, it will keep them entertained! Upon first validation, your ticket is valid 24 hours. You can hop-on hop-off, for an unlimited number of times within the validity period. Download the Tootbus app to easily find your way around, follow the buses in real-time and follow self-guided walking tours to help you explore further. The validity of the pass starts at the point of redemption and you can use it for an unlimited number of times until the pass is no longer valid.

 

Novotel London West Hotel

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Discover the contemporary elegance of Novotel London West. Whether you choose this hotel for business or leisure, you are sure to be tempted by the international cuisine. Just minutes from three of London's main tube lines, it is the perfect location for successful meetings. Experience West London at Novotel.

Novotel London West Hotel

Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour

The Harry Potter books and film series have enthralled and captivated the world - now you can follow in the footsteps of the world's most famous wizard and take a magical journey throughout London with this Harry Potter themed walking tour. Your expert guide will take you on a spellbinding tour of the city and London Underground to show you the exact locations where Harry filmed key scenes of this epic tale, whisking you through. Starting at Westminster, you'll make your way to the Ministry of Magic; find the entrance to the 'Leaky Cauldron' before taking a walk down the real 'Diagon Alley', then stand in the very spot where the Death Eaters destroyed the famous Millennium Bridge. You'll not only see the locations where the films were shot, you'll discover the magic behind locations such as Cecil and Goodwin Courts, and how these enchanting locations provided the inspiration for this wizarding adventure to unfold. Your tour will conclude at Platform 9 3/4- where you can make your own way to Hogwarts! Please note that admission(s) to the London Underground is/are not included. An Oyster Card or Travel Card is required to participate on this tour. Oyster Cards can be pre-booked or purchased in destination.

 

Madame Tussauds - Standard Ticket

Millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago, and it remains as popular as ever. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good old-fashioned curiosity. Today's visitors are sent on a unique, emotionally-charged journey through the realms of the powerful and famous. The museum-style ropes and poles have gone so guests can truly get up-close and personal with A-list celebrities, sporting legends, political heavyweights and historical icons, reliving the times, events and moments that made the world talk about them.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London provides a thrilling new opportunity to explore the magic of the world-renowned Harry Potter film series - the most successful of all time. This unique walking tour takes you behind-the-scenes and showcases a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also reveals some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and breathtaking animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over the world. Refreshments are available from the Studio Cafe freshly prepared hot soups and snacks, salads, sandwiches and afternoon treats are available (own account). There's also a Studio Shop stocked with a wide range of gifts and souvenirs to remind you of the day you spent immersed in The Making of Harry Potter. A wonderful day out for the entire family, and fully accessible to all!

London - Hammersmith to London Train Station

 

Oxenholme Train Station to Windermere

 

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Enjoying breath-taking views over a beautiful green scenery, this landmark hotel boasts a privileged position on the shores of Windermere Lake, one of the biggest in England. Owing to its peaceful and stunning location, this establishment is the ideal choice of accommodation for both business, leisure and wedding celebrations. Those staying at this hotel will be able to explore the majestic surrounding area. Guest rooms combine a traditional style with state-of-the-art amenities, everything to make visitors feel completely at ease. The refined accommodation units include some with a spacious balcony and accessible ones for those who might need them. Corporate travellers may appreciate the on-site function rooms, as well as the health and wellness centre in which they can truly rest and relax away from the stresses of everyday life. Guests can also keep fit at the modern gym on-site. Please note that the hotel doesn't accept any cash payments

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

This tour is the ideal way to explore the favorite places associated with Beatrix Potter. The first part of the journey takes you to Hill Top Farm where she wrote many of her famous children's stories in this 17th-century cottage. You will have the opportunity to go into the house (additional charge required please check with National Trust - not open on Fridays), explore the garden and visit the shop. Continue onto the medieval village of Hawkshead with a little time to explore its many delightful features. There is plenty of photo opportunities as William Wordsworth's old Grammar School is located here. Onwards then, to the renowned beauty spot of Tarn Hows before descending to Coniston for the lake cruise to Brantwood. The final part of the tour takes you through the spectacular Yewdale Valley. Highlights of the Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside Tour are Beatrix Potter's Hilltop Farm Hawkshead, Tarn Hows, Cruise on Coniston and Tour through Yewdale Valley.

Windermere to Oxenholme Train Station

 

Edinburgh Waverley Railway Stn to Edinburgh - City Centre

 

Edinburgh Walking Tour - Ghosts and Ghouls

Entertainment 17th Century style! An evening of spine-tingling storytelling awaits you. How best to experience our grim and ghostly past? Just as our ghoulish ancestors did with gusto! The infamous "Edinburgh mob" loved the "entertainment" of blood, guts and gore. And there was plenty provided! Especially at the Mercat Cross. Hear grisly tales of witchcraft, torture and restless spirits as you venture down medieval closes and descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. As night darkens, savour a welcome drink by candle-light, as you weave tales in your atmospheric, underground cellar. Visit where the ghosts of Edinburgh's past still haunt her present.

 

Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh's historic and beautiful old town. This 4-star hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Waverley Railway station and the bustle of the city's main thoroughfare, Princes Street. Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel is the ideal base for exploring this fascinating and unique city and comes complete with all the service and amenities you need to relax and make the most of your time in this historic city.

Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle. This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore. If you keep a look out, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed. Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views. After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative. Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans. You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years. You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland. You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise (subject to weather conditions), wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat. Your journey south is packed full of classic Highland scenery. You travel through the curvy Cairngorms National Park, along Loch Laggan, and past Blair Castle. Amongst the tall trees of Perthshire, you have a final refreshment break before journeying alongside the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge and back into Edinburgh.

The beautiful city is waiting for you... The best way to explore Edinburgh is to follow your feet. Where the buses can't take you, and the guide books don't show you is where the real stories can be found - the closes, wynds, courtyards and homes of Old Edinburgh. This walking tour will paint a vivid picture of the colourful past and people - see the secrets and tell the tales - the culture, crime and politics of Scotland's capital. This is an experience shared by Mercat historians. Your experience of the medieval city is then completed with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been and inspired by it. Visit the Castle and let your Mercat guide reveal its remarkable history.

Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport

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