From Beatles to Bagpipes: My Journey Through England, Wales & Scotland with Royal Irish Tours

Published: May 19, 2026

If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through centuries-old castles, singing along with a Welsh choir, or sipping whisky in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle — I’m here to tell you it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. I recently had the chance to experience England, Wales, and Scotland firsthand with Royal Irish Tours, and I came home bursting with tips, recommendations, and a serious craving for fish and chips.

Here’s everything you need to know if a British Isles adventure is calling your name.

Touching Down in Manchester & a Welsh Canal Cruise

After an overnight flight from Toronto to Manchester with Air Transat, we wasted no time diving straight into the trip. Our first stop? Llangollen Wharf in Wales, where we boarded a canal cruise complete with a proper afternoon tea. Picture yourself gliding along a peaceful Welsh canal, teacup in hand — it was the perfect, gentle way to shake off the jet lag and settle into holiday mode.

Chester: A Charming English Base

We spent two nights at the Queen’s Hotel in Chester, located just outside the city centre. The on-site restaurant served up some genuinely great food, and the bar was a lovely spot to unwind after a day of exploring. A quick note for anyone with mobility concerns: the hotel’s layout is a bit spread out and uneven, so it may not be the most comfortable fit. That said, the rooms were spacious and we felt right at home.

Liverpool: The Beatles, a Cathedral & Strawberry Fields

A short 45-minute drive from Chester brought us to Liverpool, and our first stop was The Beatles Story. My biggest tip? Get there right when it opens. The crowds build fast, and you’ll want to take your time soaking it all in — it’s fascinating even if you’re not a die-hard fan. We could have easily spent more than an hour there.

From there, we took a walking tour through Liverpool’s storied streets, popped into the absolutely stunning Liverpool Cathedral, and ended our day at Strawberry Fields — the very place where John Lennon spent much of his childhood. The grounds were beautiful, and we capped the visit with a wonderful meal on-site.

Back in Chester that evening, we were treated to something truly special: watching a Welsh men’s choir rehearse. The harmonies, the energy, the pride — it was one of those unexpected moments that makes group travel so rewarding.

York: History, Steam Trains & the Best Fish and Chips

We then made our way to York for a two-night stay at The Grand Hotel, and let me just say — this one is a showstopper. A true five-star property in a brilliant location, with impeccable service, outstanding food, and even an on-site cooking school you can book. The rooms were large and beautifully appointed. If you’re looking for a luxurious base in northern England, this is it.

York itself is an absolute gem. We explored the city on a walking tour, took in the medieval charm, and hopped aboard a boat cruise on the river. Full transparency: it had been raining so much that the boat couldn’t actually move — but we made the best of it with a hearty fish and chips lunch on board, and honestly, it was brilliant.

One of the real highlights of the trip was our steam train ride to the coastal town of Whitby. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, and Whitby itself is a picture-perfect seaside town with fantastic little restaurants. On the drive back, we stopped at the Ryedale Folk Museum — a wonderful re-creation of an old English village — and then at the Lion Inn, a pub and inn tucked away in the middle of the Yorkshire moors. It was so charming and authentic that I genuinely wished we could have stayed the night.

Edinburgh: Castles, Whisky & Scottish History

Next, we headed north to Scotland, stopping along the way at the Lochcarron Woolen Mill for a tour (and a bit of shopping, naturally) and Traquair House — the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. It doubles as a museum, brewery, and inn, and Lady Catherine herself still lives there with her family and gave us the tour. That kind of personal, living-history experience is something you simply can’t replicate.

Our Edinburgh home for two nights was The George Hotel, perfectly situated within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, train station, and Edinburgh Castle. The rooms ran a touch small, but the location more than made up for it.

The crown jewel of our Edinburgh visit was a pre-opening tour of Edinburgh Castle. We had the place practically to ourselves — and the moment the gates opened to the public, hundreds of tourists flooded in. If you take one piece of advice from this blog, it’s this: book an early access tour. It makes all the difference.

That evening, we headed to The Scotch Whisky Experience, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who enjoys a good dram. We learned about the history of Scotch whisky, sampled several tastings, and then sat down to a spectacular dinner. It was one of the most memorable evenings of the entire trip.

Glasgow & the Journey Home

Our final stop was Glasgow, with a detour to The Haggis Experience where we learned how to make Scotland’s most famous dish — and yes, we tasted it too. Glasgow on a Saturday night was buzzing with en

ergy, and our hotel, The Grand Central, sat right above the train station. It’s a massive property in a very lively part of the city — great if you love being in the thick of things, though I’d recommend a quieter option for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

The Glasgow airport was refreshingly small and easy to navigate, and our Air Transat flight home departed right on time. The service on the return was noticeably better than on the way over, with a nice lunch and snack served. Landing back in Toronto was smooth and hassle-free — we were at baggage claim within five minutes of stepping off the plane.

My Top Tips for Travelling to England, Wales & Scotland

Beat the crowds. Whether it’s The Beatles Story in Liverpool or Edinburgh Castle, arriving early is your best friend. Tourist hotspots fill up fast, especially during the shoulder season.
Embrace the unexpected. Some of the best moments — a Welsh choir rehearsal, a cozy pub in the Yorkshire moors, a personal tour from Scottish nobility — aren’t the ones you plan for.
Pack layers. The British weather is famously unpredictable, especially heading into autumn and early winter. You’ll want to be prepared for rain, wind, and the occasional burst of sunshine.
Consider a guided tour. Royal Irish Tours took care of every detail, which meant we could focus entirely on enjoying the experience. For a multi-destination trip across three countries, having that expertise and logistics handled for you is invaluable.
York’s Grand Hotel is worth the splurge. If you’re going to treat yourself at one stop along the way, make it this one.

Ready to Plan Your Own British Isles Adventure?

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a whisky enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to wander through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world — England, Wales, and Scotland have something for everyone. I’d love to help you plan a trip that’s tailored to exactly what you’re looking for.

Get in touch with me, Beth Baskey, at Ellison Travel & Tours — let’s start planning your next great adventure.