“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, this earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, this other Eden” - William Shakespeare
A land of majestic castles, legendary landscapes and more than a few bloody battles, it’s easy to see why Shakespeare was inspired by so many of Britain’s historic sagas throughout his career. If you’re curious about delving into the past too, there really is no better place to visit.
British history stretches back millennia – encompassing fearsome Vikings, medieval mysteries and more than just a few infamous royals. Why not uncover a few intriguing tales on a small-group tour with Blue-Roads?
Encountering British tales with Blue-Roads
Pique your curiosity at the following historical gems scattered across Britain...
Dartmoor National Park
Nestled in the heart of Devon, the dramatic wildernesses of Dartmoor have long inspired some of Britain’s greatest literary heroes. It’s been a designated National Park since 1951 – but its history stretches back much further.
Home to prehistoric standing stones, intriguing Bronze Age remains and atmospheric medieval dwellings, it’s easy to see why the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie set several of their best-selling novels in and around Dartmoor!
Experience it on: Corners of Cornwall
Castle Howard
Britain has no shortage of enchanting castles whose high-ceilinged halls and gilded bed chambers echo with stories from centuries gone by. Castle Howard is one such place.
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, this grand 18th century estate was originally built by the Howards: formerly one of the most powerful families in Britain. The Baroque beauty and its extensive landscaped gardens allow visitors to step back in time to the opulent Renaissance era – with ornate cherubs, dramatic domes and plenty of priceless artwork.
Castle Howard’s vast history and exquisite interiors have also (unsurprisingly) made it a popular filming destination over the years. In fact, period drama afficionados might just recognize it from shows like Brideshead Revisited, Bridgerton and Victoria!
Experience it on: Highlights of Britain
Culloden Battlefield
It’s hard not to feel emotional as you step out onto the vast Culloden Moor. Just under 300 years ago, this unassuming landscape where Highland Cows now peacefully graze was the site of one of Scotland’s most tragic battles.
Uncover the history of the Battle of Culloden – the pinnacle of the Jacobite Rising – at the visitor’s center before wandering down pathways studded with memorial stones engraved with the family names of the clansmen that fought and fell on that fateful day in 1745.
Experience it on: A Scottish Journey
St Michael’s Mount
Driving along Cornwall’s south coast, it would be impossible to not be curious about this majestic landmark! St Michael’s Mount stands tall and proud just off Penzance – with its impressive 17th century castle visible from all around.
The island itself has been inhabited for far longer than four hundred years. In fact, evidence shows that people lived there during Neolithic times before it became the site of an important monastery in the 8th century.
While you can reach St Michael’s Mount on a scenic boat ride, walking along it’s causeway at low tide is a spectacular experience and a key moment on our Cornish adventure.
Experience it on: Corners of Cornwall
Royal Albert Docks
Are you ready to experience the golden age of Victorian trade and engineering? Make your way to Liverpool: once one of Britain’s most bustling ports and a city where all manner of exotic goods – from aromatic spices and coffee to tobacco and cocoa – arrived daily from around the globe.
Thousands of these items were unloaded at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Docks – the city’s premium dockyard that was opened with much pomp and prestige by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in 1846.
Today, its imposing redbrick warehouses host a collection of restaurants, shops and museums, yet echoes of its Victorian heyday remain everywhere you look...
Experience it on: Highlights of Britain
Isle of Iona
An aura of mystery and intrigue will envelop you when you step foot on the Isle of Iona. This bewitching Scottish island sits just off the coast of the Isle of Mull (another scenic gem) and it’s sure to bring out your curious side with tales of mermaids, selkies and monsters!
Meander across the island, keeping your eyes peeled for glistening glens, spectacular sea views and, of course, the historic Iona Abbey. This world-famous attraction is the oldest Catholic church in Britain and has been a place of pilgrimage and spirituality since 563 AD.
Experience it on: A Scottish Journey
Are you ready to learn more about Britain’s rich history?
Uncover our full range of carefully crafted small-group tours of Britain – and save up to $150 per person on selected departures when you book by 18 February.*
*Save $200AUD, $230NZD, £100GBP or $150 USD on selected 2026 departures between 1 March and 30 November 2026, subject to availability. Discount is only applicable to new bookings made between 7 January and 18 February 2026. Existing bookings will not be permitted to cancel and rebook onto the same itinerary and departure date. Discount does not apply to pre- or post-accommodation or transfers. This discount can be combined with two other ‘Loyalty Discounts’, click here <https://www.blueroadstouring.com/deals/loyalty-discounts> for details. Blue-Roads Touring reserves the right to extend, amend or withdraw this offer at any time. For standard booking terms and conditions see here.