Back roads. Countryside. Hidden gems. Good company

Rover Tours are sightseeing tours by mini-coach. Travelling on back roads, we get to places
you can’t reach in a big bus. We stop to look at views, explore villages and market towns and
enjoy gentle strolls in the countryside. With our small groups and friendly leaders, this is a
great way to enjoy Britain at its best.

IMPORTANT FACTS

• Each day we provide transport for daily guided trips leaving about 9.30am and returning at around 5.30pm.
• Rover Tours are about enjoying the countryside. We do go to see plenty of attractions but for flexibility don’t include the cost of admissions, unless we think they are unmissable.
• Evenings usually include a short briefing on the next day’s activities with time to socialise afterwards.
• Short, led walks are included on most days, up to around 2 miles or less at a time. Examples of the walks you can expect are listed at the end of each holiday description. Although it is not always possible, we do try to cater for those preferring not to walk with an alternative attraction for you to see, a café to wait at or an attractive place to wait.
• You need to be fit enough to spend lots of time on your feet and walk around places of interest. There could be steps, occasionally a little steep ground, but we allow plenty of time to negotiate it. Please ask if you need more details before making your choice.
• If you would like to know the names of tour leaders, please ask for our Rover leader schedule, or check the website.
• Our shortbreak Rover Tours of 5 nights or less will allow you to enjoy the highlights of your chosen location appropriate to the time of year. Contact us if you would like more details before making your choice.
  

Please select a holiday from the left hand menu.

Other holiday ideas

If you like these holidays you might also want to see our British Heritage holiday.

Alnmouth, Northumberland

A county of wide open spaces, Northumberland has moorland, hills, and wonderful coast of rocky headlands and sandy beaches. We’ll encounter isolated farming communities such as Alwinton, deep in the Cheviot Hills, where ancient settlements go back to the Iron Age and the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, marking the northern limits of the Roman empire. We can experience the peaceful setting of Brinkburn Priory,
contrasting with the turbulent times we learn about at Preston Tower, a fortified tower house typical of this
Border Reiver country. Impressive castles of Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Lindisfarne dot the coastline and we have the opportunity to visit some of these too, along with Lindisfarne Priory where St Aidan brought
Christianity to the north of England. A relaxing visit to Wallington offers the choice of enjoying the well-planted
gardens, woodland walks or the superb wall paintings and curiosities of the magnificent mansion house.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Isle of Arran, Scotland

This ‘Scotland in Miniature’ island has a bit of everything to offer. There’s a surprising range of scenery from high rocky mountains to quiet sandy beaches and rocky shores where basking seals can usually be seen.
Plenty of stops will ensure you get the best glimpses of wildlife, with red deer, birds including the golden eagle, and maybe even an otter. You’ll learn how history has played its part on the island too, with a visit to the ancient stones of Machrie Moor, a Heritage Museum, and villages such as Lochranza with its small harbour and ruined castle. On a grander scale we can explore the imposing castle and grounds of Brodick, the island’s ‘capital’. We’ll widen our scope on one day with a ferry across to the remote Kintyre Peninsula.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Abingworth, South Downs

Much of the peaceful countryside of Sussex and the South Downs is destined to become England’s newest National Park. It’s a lovely landscape to explore with market towns such as Steyning, and the old English Channel port of Bosham, portrayed in the Bayeux Tapestry. We gain good views over the rolling downland
of white chalk and deeply incised valleys from some of its highest points, and can delight in charming chalk and flint stone cottages and pretty gardens of the villages of Bramber and Amberley. We’ll visit the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, with over 45 historic houses and agricultural buildings dating from the 13th century to Victorian times. We’ll also take in Parham Park, with its herd of fallow deer and the fine Elizabethan mansion house containing one of England’s grandest Long Galleries.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Gentle green rolling countryside of fields, hedges and distinctive honey-coloured Cotswold stone walls and buildings typify this charming corner of England. We see plenty of it as we tour the area visiting pretty villages
such as Snowshill and Burford. We’ll also visit Cirencester, Britain’s second city in Roman times. The superb, recently refurbished, Corinium museum reveals plenty of that history along with many other treasures of the Cotswolds. The large and impressive ‘wool churches’ such as Northleach illustrate the
past importance of the Cotswold sheep, also seen in the prosperous wool merchants’ houses and market hall as we explore Chipping Campden. A relaxing visit to one of the Cotswolds’ finest gardens, and the
peacefully atmospheric ruins of the great medieval pilgrimage site of Hailes Abbey help to complete this tour.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Brecon, Brecon Beacons

An exciting drive over wild hills and through remote valleys takes us to a remarkable wildlife centre famous for its Red Kites. We should see their impressive flight displays at feeding time. You’ll think that time has stood
still in the ancient villages of the Wye valley, with their black and white timber and red brick cottages. At Aberdulais Falls we encounter a mixture of natural beauty alongside industrial heritage of metalworking mills powered by hydroelectricity, and the site still boasts the largest electricity generating waterwheel in Britain. We can enjoy the bustling market town of Abergavenny and also the small but famous‘bookshop town’ of Hay-on-Wye. In contrast we can simply unwind in the absolute peace and tranquility of the haunting monastic ruins of the Augustinian Llantony Priory snuggled deep in a lush valley at the foot of the Black Mountains.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Conistonwater, Southern Lake District

We explore the remarkable landscapes much praised by poets and writers and visit some of the villages that would have been familiar to them. We’ll see Wordsworth’s school in Hawkshead and Ruskin’s Coniston home at Brantwood. At Troutbeck, Beatrix Potter owned one of her first farms and we’ll see some classic Lakeland vernacular architecture of stone and slate houses, cottages and barns. We can’t miss out the small lakes such as Tarn Hows and Blea Tarn, remote and peaceful with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes. And the larger ones – we take a cruise on Conistonwater and tour alongside Windermere. Great Langdale makes a dramatic impression, but so too does the quieter Kentmere valley with its church and fortified pele tower. Travelling down to the coast on the famous ‘L’aal Ratty’ steam train we can enjoy a spot of birdwatching at Ravenglass and see the ruins of its Roman fort.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Conwy, Snowdonia

As well as venturing into the rugged mountains of Snowdonia we shall explore further afield to the Lleyn Peninsula, with its sandy beaches and rocky promontories, Denbighshire, and the Isle of Anglesey. The
wild beauty of the mountain landscape surrounds us as we travel along winding roads over passes and down glaciated valleys alongside lakes and rivers. Imposing castles from the time of Edward I almost encircle the area, and we visit a few – such as Beaumaris and Caernarfon. Nineteenth-century Penrhyn
Castle will fascinate with its unusual collections. Anglesey is dotted with ancient sites and also the gracious 18th-century house of Plas Newydd, where we can relax in rolling parkland gardens and along wooded
shore of the Menai Straits. Great wealth came from quarrying and a visit to the Welsh Slate Museum in Llanberis will prove fascinating.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Derwentwater, Northern Lake District

The rugged mountains of the northern Lake District provide a dramatic backdrop to your holiday. Explore Borrowdale which becomes increasingly wild and beautiful as it progresses into the hills, and graceful Buttermere. We’ll travel through some impressive mountain passes including Honister, Newlands and
Whinlatter. We’ll visit the dramatically sited Castlerigg Stone Circle, and the stately house and gardens of Hutton-in-the-Forest. A trip on a lake ‘steamer’ across the waters of Ullswater will put us in the best place to see the steep-sided mountains. We’ll travel to the quiet and unspoilt area known as Back O’Skiddaw and visit Caldbeck, ontine home to the huntsman John Peel and one of Lakeland’s most interesting and attractive
villages.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Dovedale, Derbyshire Dales

Many say Dovedale is the most beautiful valley in the whole Peak District. We’ll explore its limestone gorge and the nearby villages of Alstonefield and Hartington, while slightly further afield our stops will include the market town of Bakewell and the idyllic estate village of Tissington. We’ll travel north to the Dark Peak to
visit Castleton, home of the peculiar Blue John stone, travelling through Edale and the Hope Valley. The far reaching views, for example, across the Goyt Valley, may be the highlight of our holiday but many will consider it to be the magnificent gardens and parkland of Chatsworth House, including the impressive cascade, built in the late 17th century.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight

Smugglers, poets and the Royal family have all enjoyed the countryside of the Isle of Wight and this Rover holiday will show you why. We’ll explore the old smuggling town of Brighstone, a pretty village with a thatched post office. The church at Bonchurch, built by monks from Normandy, and Whippingham Church designed
by Prince Albert offer further insight. We’ll have also take time to admire the distinctive landmark of The Needles from Alum Bay. We can look back in time at the refurbished Brading Roman villa and at Yarmouth we can watch all the bustle of the quayside at this busy little port. We’ll also take in Osborne House and gardens. Once home to Queen Victoria it is always a treat to visit.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Glen Coe, Western Scottish Highlands

Vast mountains and huge expanses of open moorland form an impressive backdrop to your Highland Rover holiday. Magnificent views en route more than make up for the longer drives than some of our English tours, and we have plenty of stops to breathe in the air and admire the scenery. We’ll visit some famous Highland
glens such as Glen Roy, Glen Sheil and Glen Nevis, below Britain’s highest mountain, the magnificent Ben Nevis. We’ll learn about the tragic history of brooding Glen Coe and visit Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument at Glenfinnan. Travelling down the scenic west coast to Oban we’ll glimpse the romantically sited Castle Stalker before taking the ferry to Mull for a visit to Torosay Castle and Gardens. The planned town of Inveraray with its square and jail makes a fascinating stop. Its castle is a remarkable piece of French influenced
architecture in the Highlands.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Haytor, Dartmoor

On this holiday you can enjoy both the lush green countryside of South Devon and the contrasting wilds of Dartmoor with its wide open moorlands dotted by rocky tors. We’ll wind our way down narrow country lanes to
discover pretty villages such as Manaton and Chagford. We take a trip to the coast where we can admire the sweeping sands of Slapton, and from the naval town of Dartmouth we can enjoy a boat trip up the River Dart to the Elizabethan market town of Totnes. Continuing the naval theme we visit fascinating Buckland Abbey, former home of Sir Francis Drake. Crossing the moor we discover ancient stone bridges, hidden settlements, and beautiful ancient oak woodlands rich in wildlife, and we are sure to see some Dartmoor ponies along the way. And of course no tour would be complete without including a look around Widecombein- the-Moor, world-famous thanks to Tom Pearce, his Grey Mare and the annual Widecombe Fair.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Malhamdale, Southern Yorkshire Dales

Spectacular scenery is right on our doorstep in Malhamdale, and a stroll to admire the aweinspiring gorge of Gordale Scar and views of the dramatic cliffs of Malham Cove cannot fail to impress. Amble around typical Dales villages such as Grassington and Kettlewell and enjoy the bustle of the market town of Settle, starting
point of the famous Settle–Carlisle railway. A drive across the hills and dales brings us to scenic Wensleydale and the spectacular staircase waterfalls of Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure. Middleham Castle was the childhood home of Richard III, and we’ll have time to explore this massive stronghold. We’ll visit the romantic abbey ruins of Jervaulx and the splendid World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey where we can also stroll through the 18th-century water gardens of Studley Royal. Getting really off the beaten track we venture
over remote moorland with a spectacular scenic drive into the Forest of Bowland.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Sedbergh, Northern Yorkshire Dales

Choosing a highlight from your Rover holiday at Sedbergh is tricky; you’ll enjoy time in the Howgills, the Yorkshire Dales and the aptly named Eden Valley. There will be plenty of stops at historic market towns and villages including Appleby-in-Westmorland, famous for its annual horse fair, Reeth in Swaledale and
Hawes in Wensleydale, where we can visit the Dales Countryside Museum. Dent, with its quaint cobbled streets, sits in a dale of its own and every day you will be travelling through beautiful dales scenery, including a journey over the Buttertubs Pass, and into Langstrothdale, where we find the upper reaches of the River Wharfe. An unusual contrast will be the Bowes Museum, with its intriguing mechanical swan.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Selworthy, Exmoor

The largely unspoilt countryside of Exmoor, bounded in the north by high cliffs plunging into the sea, is perfect Rover territory. We’ll explore the Valley of Rocks, with its feral goats and weird rock formations, and visit Cleeve Abbey, which has some of the finest, most complete cloisters in England. Dunster has a castle and distinctive Yarn Market and the coastal village of Lynmouth is linked to neighbouring Lynton by a cliff railway. Another preserved railway gives us the opportunity of travelling by steam train alongside the Quantock Hills. At Knightshayes Court we can be inspired by the work of the eccentric and flamboyant Victorian architect William Burges - this is one of England’s finest surviving examples of his work.

[Back to the top and holiday index]