8-Nights Great Britain for Families - Family Vacations from $3,046

Day 1: Arrive in London

Transfer: London Heathrow Aptto London - Hammersmith

Hotel: Novotel London West Hotel (4 Star Rating)

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.

Explore the sights and sounds of the city with London's Original Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. See St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, plus much more. Enjoy a free Thames River Cruise, which is included with your 24hr ticket.

Day 2: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Madame Tussauds

Visit the real-life locations that provided a backdrop for some of the most iconic locations in the wizarding world of the Harry Potter books and films. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard on this enchanting half-day, Harry Potter-themed walking tour of London. Visit filming locations locations and discover the inspiration behind the sites, as our expert guide brings the magic to life.

Uncover many of the real-life locations that inspired some of the most iconic locations in the Harry Potter film series. With an itinerary that will see you visiting up to 18 of the real-life film locations, this promises to be a spellbinding experience for intrepid Potter fans.

You’ll pass Westminster Tube Station, as seen in The Order of the Phoenix, used by Harry and Mr Weasley on their way to the Ministry of Magic. On the corner of Great Scotland Yard, you’ll discover the exteriors used for the Ministry of Magic during filming for the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as well as the location of the red telephone box used to enter the ministry.

You’ll also have the chance to stand on the very spot where the Death Eaters and Fenrir Greyback destroyed the famous Millennium Bridge, and also visit Trafalgar Square, where the Death Eaters again wreaked further havoc on London in the opening scenes of The Half-Blood Prince.
Our next stop sees us visit the real-life locations that inspired Diagon Alley, including Godwin’s Court, a narrow alley featuring rows of 17th-century terraced houses, and Cecil’s Court, which inspired the famous shops of Diagon Alley.

In Borough Market, London’s oldest food market, you’ll see one of the two locations used as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron and also where, in The Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry disembarked from his frantic journey on the Knight Bus.

Our tour concludes at Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, where you can try and make your own way to Hogwarts and visit the Harry Potter Shop next door.

Day 3: Full Day Warner Brother Studio Tour

Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, the perfect way to experience the filmmaking magic of the Harry Potter film series. It is one of our highest-rated tours and is available daily from Central London with comfortable return transportation.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, discover authentic sets props and costumes from the Harry Potter film series, and get a glimpse behind-the-scenes. Explore the spectacular Great Hall doors into the dining room, where the Sorting Hat famously sorted Hogwarts students into their houses. Come face-to-face with Aragog, the Acromantula, in The Forbidden Forest, stop for a photo with the Hogwarts Express by Platform 9 3/4TM, and so much more!

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is located just outside London. Travel onboard our tour coaches, which provide free Wi-Fi, comfortable seats and USB chargers.

Day 4: London to Lake District

Transfer: London - Hammersmith to London Train Station

Transfer: Oxenholme Train Station to Windermere

Hotel: Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa (4 Star Rating)

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

Day 5: Half Day Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside Tour

This captivating half day tour focuses on the landscapes that inspired and captivated the famous children's author Beatrix Potter. On this tour you'll delve into the culture and history that shaped the region, learning about the significance of farming in the Lake District and the significant role Beatrix played in the preservation of the landscape for future generations.

Begin your tour with a lake cruise on Windermere, England's largest lake. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds the lake and learn about Windermeres history, with the stories and legends you'll hear onboard.

The tour visits Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey, once owned by Beatrix Potter. This beautifully preserved farmhouse is a true gem, reflecting the charm of traditional Lakeland buildings. Potter purchased Hill Top Farm in 1905, it became a source of inspiration for her and her writing, featuring in several of her stories. It functioned as a working farm throughout her lifetime and continues to do so today. Upon her passing in 1943, Potter bequeathed Hill Top Farm to the National Trust with the stipulation that it be preserved exactly as she left it, a legacy that endures to this day.

Please note: Hill Top House is closed on Fridays during term time and throughout November-February, when the house is closed, you will visit The World of Beatrix Potter. The house closes in order for conservation work to take place.

On to Tarn Hows is a picturesque man-made tarn that offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Lake District. Created in the 19th century, it makes a worthwile photo stop on your tour. Notably, Beatrix Potter purchased Tarn Hows, along with the nearby Monk Coniston estate, to conserve the area. Upon her passing, she bequeathed half of the tarn to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

You' l then visit the beautiful medieval village of Hawkshead, steeped in history, with charming cottages and narrow alleys it truly is a 'chocolate box' village. The Grammar school was established in 1585 and was where the poet William Wordsworth attended school. Walk through the small streets and visit the local shops, here you' l find local produce such as Hawkshead Relish and Grasmere Gingerbread.

Day 6: Half Day Walking Food Tour of Edinburgh

Transfer: Windermere to Oxenholme Train Station

Transfer: Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station to Edinburgh - City Centre

Hotel: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh (3 Star Rating)

Be a guest and relax in their stylish city-center Edinburgh hotel. You’ll find the hotel on Jeffrey Street in the city’s Old Town, close to Waverley Train Station. They are a short stroll away from the capital’s landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park and many other local hotspots.

Embark on a culinary adventure through Edinburgh's historic streets, savouring the city's diverse food and drink scene. This guided walking tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh, where you'll discover hidden gems and iconic establishments. As you stroll through the city's charming neighbourhoods, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Edinburgh's food heritage and culinary traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Sampling unique Scottish food: From Smoked Fish Chowder (Cullen Skink) to Scotch Eggs or Haggis.
2 local soft drinks
Savouring Edinburgh's vibrant modern food scene: Creative dishes by talented chefs using the
freshest and finest local ingredients.
Visiting characterful restaurants and pubs: From banking halls to wine cellars, each venue has its
charm and story.
Discovering the unexpected: Places and stories only locals know

Day 7: Full Day Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

Ready to become a monster hunter? As we journey deep into the Scottish Highlands, you’ll hear legendary stories of the Jacobites as you’re bewildered by the beauty of Glencoe. This tour is packed with as much Scotland as we could fit in, but most of all, it gives you the chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster.

Day 8: Half Day Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle

Book this tour if you’d like…

- A unique journey round the sites, stories and secrets of the Old Town you might otherwise miss
- A tour led and loved by Mercat historians
- A wonderful introduction to Edinburgh, it’s past and people
- A guided visit to Edinburgh Castle

Our beautiful city is waiting for you…
This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!

Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Take a journey through time with them, and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past and gone – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who never left the city’s walls their entire lives.

Hang on your tour Storyteller’s every word, as they walk you through the crime and culture to the politics and everyday events, and show you the evidence that has survived to this day, throughout the Royal Mile.

Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours.
The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its great ancient rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.

Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller, and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.

Day 9: Depart from Edinburgh

Transfer: Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport