Sober Curious | England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025
Sober Curious | England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, UK
Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK
Birmingham city canal, UK
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
Oxford University, Oxford, UK
River Irwell banks in Manchester City Centre, UK
The Beatles statue, Liverpool, UK
Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK
Mile Castle 39 (Castle Nick), Hadrian's Wall, UK
$1505
Sober Curious | England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025
6 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, York, Lake District National Park, Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBENS20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a unique journey through England with the "Sober Curious | England in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025" tour. This limited edition adventure invites you to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of England without the hangover. Starting in London and concluding in Edinburgh, you'll visit iconic locations such as Windsor, Bath, Oxford, and the Lake District. Enjoy a variety of activities, from a magic show in Bristol to a Great British Baking Class in Birmingham, and a Beatles-themed tour in Liverpool. Experience the charm of York's ancient streets and the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District. This tour offers a refreshing take on travel, focusing on meaningful experiences and connections with like-minded travelers. Join us for a week of discovery, culture, and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Bristol Via Windsor And Bath
Location: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol
Accommodation Name: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good morning dear Londonites! Meet your new sober curious crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves. Hello Windsor, at the top of our agenda today is obviously, getting a magnificent view of the royal Windsor Castle! Afterwards, you’ve got some free time. So why not strut like a royal around this beautiful town studded with gardens and riverside views. And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination. Ready? We’re going back in time. Because you’ve got some free time to explore this historical town. Visit the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, the Jane Austen museum or maybe do a canal cruise! (Go on, live your period drama dreams.) Welcome to the wonderful city of Bristol. Colourful buildings, charming streets, beautiful bridges - you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats…dinner’s on us today! So, drop your bags off at our hotel and join us. What next? We’ve got one last trick up our sleeve. It’s time for a magic show!
Day 2: Bristol To Birmingham Via Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham
Accommodation Name: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to wake up! We’ve got some more exploration to do. And you’ve got a delicious breakfast waiting for you. Today, you can choose to check out Bristol’s street art with a local guide before we make our way into Oxford! You’ve been dreaming about this. Haven’t you? We’re finally in THE Oxford - with its world-famous museums, libraries, churches and of course, University. You can even choose to roam around the river on a Punt. There's so much to be discovered here. So, it's a good thing you've got some free time in this quaint little town (that's also the home of Shakespeare!). In the evening, we'll head to our stop for the night - Birmingham. Hungry? We’ll grab a quick bite in town. Then, it’s time to make our very own treat at a great British baking class! (You know, the iconic white tent and all.)
Day 3: Birmingham To Manchester Via Liverpool
Location: Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester
Accommodation Name: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Birmingham, you’ve been grand. But we’ve got places to be. Grab some breakfast before we hop onto our coach once more. Welcome to Liverpool. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent as we take a guided walking tour of the cities best hotspots. Tonight’s dinner is a 5-course local farm-to-fork meal, followed by a stroll around the farm to see where the food you just ate was grown. Hope you brought a big appetite!
Day 4: Manchester To York
Location: Manchester, York
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ve got the morning to spend exploring the red-bricked streets of this city. Need a caffeine boost? The local coffee shops here have just what you need. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked.
Day 5: York To Carlisle Via Lake District
Location: York, Lake District National Park, Carlisle
Accommodation Name: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise & shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. (Sorry). Obstacles aren’t really our thing. But when they’re all natural? Like rocky chutes, clear pools of water and even the occasional mini waterfall - all in the oh-so-stunning Lake District? Who can say no? And today, you have the option to explore it all. We’ll end the day in quaint and charming Carlisle, England's northern-most town (right on the border of England & Scotland)! Nothing like the northern air to cosy up and wake as fresh as a daisy the next morning for all our activities.
Day 6: Carlisle To Edinburgh Via Hadrian's Wall
Location: Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. Back in the 21st Century, we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh as our trip comes to an end. Don't forget to exchange those deets! We'll meet again for another soulful journey in a different destination.
What's Included
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Windsor Experience
Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle.
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Bath Experience
Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
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Bristol Magic Show
Enjoy a mind-bending magic show by a professional magician in Bristol.
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Oxford Exploration
Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford, including the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world.
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Stratford-upon-Avon Tour
Explore the town that Shakespeare once called home, including his birthplace and burial site.
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Birmingham Baking Class
Participate in a Great British Baking Class with a head chef, inspired by the popular show.
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Liverpool Beatles Tour
Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see all the iconic landmarks in Liverpool.
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Manchester Farm-to-Fork Dinner
Enjoy a wholesome 5-course dinner at Groobarbs Field Kitchen with locally sourced ingredients, followed by a farm tour.
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York Minster Exploration
Explore York's historic city, including highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.
What's Not Included
Electronic Travel AuthorizationAn Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for entering or transiting through the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland from January 8, 2025.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard our coach as you journey through England, visiting iconic locations such as Windsor, Bath, Oxford, and more, with guided tours and free time to explore each destination.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, and Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, or similar accommodations, offering convenient locations and modern amenities throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 5 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- London: What does sober curious mean? Sober curious travel means you’re interested in trialling a trip that doesn’t involve alcohol. (AKA travel without the hangover). Instead of spending evenings drinking in the pub, you’ll take part in whole range of other activities with your crew.
- London: Do I have to be completely sober to join this trip? Nope, this trip is for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol & want to travel with like-minded people. You don’t have to live a completely sober lifestyle to join in.
- London: How will we fill our time? This trip offers most of the same Included Activities and Free Time Add-ons as our classic trips to Great Britain and Ireland - but you’ll swap those that revolve around alcohol for some extra special experiences (exclusive to our Sober Curious trips!) - all without stepping foot in a bar.
Included Experience
- Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot a royal if you're lucky.
- Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
- Bristol: Think magic shows are only for kids? This show will change your opinion. Nothing will prepare you for the mind-bending tricks you'll witness by this pro magician.
- Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford. And also the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world!
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that this legendary literature writer once called home. From Shakespeare's birthplace to where we he was buried - you'll find clues about his life scattered everywhere in this town.
- Birmingham: Chef hats on! Get ready to rustle up the yummiest baked goodies at this Great British Baking Class. The head chef will show us how to whip up a storm, all inspired by the popular show. Yum. Yum. Yum.
- Liverpool: One for fans of The Beatles. Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.
- Manchester: Time for a wholesome 5-course dinner at Groobarbs Field Kitchen! Every ingredient in your food is locally sourced (and seasonal too!) - straight from the farm to your table. After dinner, you'll be able to explore the farm where your food just came from. It doesn't get any fresher than this!
- York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.
Check out our Q&As
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What does 'sober curious' mean in the context of this tour?
Sober curious travel means you're interested in trying a trip that doesn't involve alcohol. Instead of spending evenings drinking in the pub, you'll participate in a range of other activities with your group.
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Do I need to be completely sober to join this tour?
No, you don't have to live a completely sober lifestyle to join this trip. It's for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol and want to travel with like-minded individuals.
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What kind of activities can I expect on this sober curious tour?
This trip offers most of the same included activities and free time add-ons as classic trips to Great Britain and Ireland, but you'll swap those that revolve around alcohol for some extra special experiences exclusive to the Sober Curious trips, all without stepping foot in a bar.
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What is a modular trip?
A modular trip means fellow travelers will join and leave at various locations. There will be some goodbyes, but also plenty of hellos with new like-minded travelers.
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What is required for traveling to the UK and Northern Ireland starting January 8, 2025?
From January 8, 2025, UK law requires that if you're entering or transiting through the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Monday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.