Best of Both Worlds

This tour showcases England and Scotland in equal measures. We include a cruise in the Lake District, Devil's Porridge Museum and Lowther Castle. Combined with fascinating tours of 'Secret Solway', no stone will be left unturned on this voyage of discovery.

Lake District • Devil's Porridge Museum • Lowther Castle and Gardens • Solway Firth

Day 1 Travel to the Gretna Hall Hotel.

Day 2 A full day guided tour of 'Secret Solway' in Cumbria. With dramatic views across the water to Scotland, take in the fortified medieval sites and the local history of attractive Solway coastal towns and villages. Time at leisure in the seaside location of Silloth is followed by a scenic drive along the coast to the once important shipbuilding town of Maryport. Savour the distant views of the Cumbrian Lake District Fells and Scottish hills on the return journey to the hotel.

Day 3 To Devil's Porridge Museum. Commemorating HM Factory Gretna, the largest munitions factory in the world during the First World War, the museum also brings to life the Solway Military Coast during the Second World War and beyond. Meet your guide for an afternoon tour taking in the Scottish side of the Solway estuary. There will be a visit to Annan harbour, once a busy ship building site and an historic stepping off point for Scottish people emigrating to the USA and Canada in the 1800s. Also included are landscape and sites which influenced the famous Scottish poet, Rabbie Burns.

Day 4 A glorious drive this morning to Lowther Castle and Gardens. 'A jewel in the English Lake District's crown', the castle was built in 1806 as the seat of the Lowther family. The castle ruins, as they are now, were once home to an array of treasures from around the globe. With visiting dignitaries including kings, queens, writers and poets, the exhibition in the old stable block tells the story of the family and its 850 year history in vivid detail. This afternoon is a short journey to Glenridding for a relaxing cruise on Lake Ullswater.

Day 5 Homeward journey.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Gretna Hall Hotel

Built in 1710 as a Manor House and later converted into a coaching inn, recent refurbishments have enhanced the hotel's character and charm with well-presented gardens and stylish décor. The hotel offers a warm welcome to groups and the original Blacksmiths Shop is within the grounds.

• 4 star • 90 bedrooms

• Lift to most rooms

• Coach parking

Your tour includes:

• 4 nights half board in Gretna with:
Tea/coffee and shortbread on arrival
Porter service
Full Scottish breakfast
3 course dinner with choice and tea/coffee

• 1.5 days guided tour of 'Secret Solway'

• Admission to Devil's Porridge Museum

• Admission to Lowther Castle and Gardens with introductory talk

• Cruise on Lake Ullswater

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.