The Monday Piece - City Escape UK Breaks

This week's Monday Piece is on city escape UK breaks! Leave big city worries behind with a one-day tour departing from London, Manchester, or Edinburgh to some of Britain’s most breathtaking landscapes. After a summer spent in the bustling urban jungle, nothing beats the wind in your hair and views to the horizon in every direction. Set off on a refreshing break with small group tour operator, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com).

From Manchester…

The Peak District sits centrally in England and covers more the 550 square miles, boasting some of England’s most spectacular views. Guests travelling with Rabbie’s tour will visit Castleton – a quaint old town that sits at the head of Hope Valley in the very heart of the Peak District. The town is overlooked by Mam Tor, known as The Shivering Mountain by locals, and offers stunning panoramic views of the valley. From here, travel on to Monsal Head, a viaduct that stretches over the winding River Wye and arguably one of the most famous viewpoints in Derbyshire. Next up is Bakewell, a visit carefully timed to coincide with lunchtime allows visitors to fully appreciate the home of the Bakewell Tart! In the afternoon, travel to Poole’s Cavern and explore its enormous limestone cave system. Emerge back into the Peak District’s delightful landscapes for a leisurely drive back to Manchester. This one-day tour departs from Manchester, with prices starting from £42 per person.

From London…

Escape the Big Smoke and head west to the green and pleasant Cotswolds. The beauty of the region begins before you’ve even stepped off the bus as it travels through the winding roads of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In Oxford, admire the ancient University’s architecture and many colleges while seeking out famous filming locations. The tour travels on to Burford – a charming market town known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. Its boutique shops and delightful tea rooms are spread along a lively street. Explore this quaint town before setting off for Bibury – a beautiful village that Henry T Ford is said to have wanted dismantled and shipped back to the USA. Admire the fairytale-like cottages when wandering Arlington Row. Sit back and relax on your comfortable journey back to London, secure in the knowledge that you’ve soaked up every ounce of the Cotswold’s beauty and charm. This one-day tour departs from London and prices start from £65 per person.

From Edinburgh…

Delve deep into the West Highlands and soak up the atmosphere and serenity that can only be enjoyed in Scotland. Begin by stepping back in time at Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold sitting on the River Teith. As you leave the castle behind, the view from your window will change from rolling farmland to wild mountains and forests. Visit the shore of Loch Lubnaig before travelling over the dramatic mountain terrain of the 'Braes of Balquhidder'. Be sure to have your camera ready at Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated on the edge of Loch Awe. Continue travelling along the bank of Loch Awe until the picturesque town of Inveraray greets you. Make the most of your time here with a visit to the town’s castle, old jail, or perhaps take a moment to look out onto the peaceful loch. After leaving Inveraray, a drive up the steep ‘Arrochar Alps’ awaits, as you travel on towards the quaint village of Luss. This one-day tour departs from Edinburgh, with prices starting from £49 per person - absolute bargain :).

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