Tailor-made Holiday · United Kingdom
Luxury British Isles Tour: England, Scotland & Ireland
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Embark on an unparalleled journey through the majestic British Isles, through England, Scotland, and Ireland. Prepare to immerse yourself in the pinnacle of luxury as you traverse the captivating cities of London, Bath, Edinburgh, and Dublin, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and charm.
This carefully curated itinerary promises an exquisite blend of British elegance, profound history, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the discerning traveler.
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Throughout your sojourn, you'll have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Highclere Castle, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the mystical Stonehenge. Plus, indulge in stays at some of the world’s most exclusive and sumptuous luxury hotels, where unparalleled comfort and sophistication await. You'll also enjoy some exclusive experiences such as private landmark tours, and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.
From the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the dramatic cliffs of the Irish coastline, every moment of your luxurious journey will be surrounded by breathtaking natural splendor.
Prepare to be captivated by the harmonious fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty on the Out Of Office Quintessential British Isles itinerary.
While we provide the outline, rest assured that every aspect of this comprehensive trip can be tailored to your precise travel desires, ensuring a truly bespoke and unforgettable vacation experience.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: London
Having woken up to sunrise views at The Shard’s Shangri-La hotel, what better way to start your first day in London than with a morning tour of Windsor Castle, its grounds, and the various museums dedicated to showcasing its fascinating history? With a knowledgeable private guide, you can explore Windsor Castle at your own pace and get an insider’s look at the world’s oldest working castle.
After a dose of traditional British regality, head to the landmark institutions of Tate Modern and Tate Britain for some further cultural enrichment. These galleries have hosted the artwork of history’s most influential creative brains, and offer silent sanctuary from the bustle of the capital. Consider an early dinner at Mount St. Restaurant for the perfect introduction to modern British cuisine, complete with bold interiors, mouthwatering dishes, and the odd famous face.
Day 2: London
London has been a hub of creativity and cultural innovation for centuries, and your second day in the city is dedicated to exploring the past, present, and future of British culture. Spend the neighborhood-hopping through the colorful streets of Camden, Brixton, and Shoreditch, where independent shops and open-air markets offer a taste of a thriving London outside of the city’s non-stop center. Whilst in Brixton, be sure to visit Chishuru, a contemporary West African restaurant that has found fame in recent years for hosting some of London’s most popular supper club events.
After lunch, why not pay a visit to the architectural and historical wonder that is Shakespeare’s Globe? Immaculately restored following multiple devastating fires, today, the Globe is ground-zero for both traditional and experimental takes on the Bard’s timeless oeuvre.
Day 3: London to Bath
Bid farewell to London with a celebratory breakfast at The Wolseley, arguably the city’s most sumptuous and classically elegant pre-lunch spot. The Wolseley epitomizes a sense of British formality that can be hard to find in the 21st century, and that’s very much the theme of your third day in the British Isles. After your five-star breakfast and a quick shopping spree in the capital’s flagship luxury boutiques, it’s time to venture out of London and into the English countryside.
The British Isles are littered with truly majestic castles and palaces, but none have become quite so recognizable as Hampshire’s stunning Highclere Castle. The filming location of the beloved Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a must-visit for fans of the period television drama, and you’ll be able to live out your most lavish fantasies during your visit. After stopping off at Highclere, your journey will continue towards Bath, where the gorgeous Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa awaits.
Day 4: Bath
Few properties offer an overnight stay as regal and traditionally luxurious as Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa. This 18th-century manor house embodies a bygone era of elegant interiors and manicured lawns and is conveniently located just eight miles from the center of glorious Bath.
As the name suggests, the most famous feature of this Georgian wonderland is the complex of Roman Baths that today offer a rarely enjoyed insight into the realities of ancient Roman leisure. Exploring these magnificent monuments of early human infrastructure is sure to excite any history buffs and perfectly compliments an afternoon tour of Bath’s literary and architectural history. Having welcomed giants of the written word including Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens, and served as the setting for countless cinematic productions, Bath is jam-packed with locations of intrigue, and a private guided tour of these spots is an experience you won’t want to miss. Cap off your day in Bath with a tasting menu at Henry’s, a Michelin-starred local favorite where seasonal produce and organic agriculture are at the forefront of everything.
Day 5: Stonehenge & Edinburgh
Having taken in the charms of both London and Bath, it’s almost time to leave the bucolic landscapes of England behind, but not before a trip to the country’s most famous man-made landmark. Stonehenge, just a scenic fifty-minute drive from Lucknam Park, is an unmissable stop on any tour of the British Isles and your morning will be spent discovering the storied history and ambiguous origins of these uncanny megalithic monuments.
After marveling at the improbability of Stonehenge, return to Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa for one of Cotswold’s most impressive afternoon teas, before flying the one-hour journey from Bristol to the magical cobblestoned streets of Edinburgh. After touching down in Scotland, you’ll check into The Balmoral, Edinburgh’s most famous and beloved hotel. The Balmoral is easy to find thanks to its 190ft clock tower and guests will discover a veritable dreamland of classical regal charm.
Day 6: Edinburgh
Despite its famously sub-optimal weather, Edinburgh is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why; with a diverse architectural character, eerie natural beauty, and shopping streets straight out of Harry Potter, the city has something for everyone.
To get a comprehensive perspective on this one-of-a-kind destination, we recommend beginning your first day in Scotland with a walking tour of Edinburgh’s most significant landmarks, including the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat. For the best aerial views, don’t forget to ascend Calton Hill. The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage sits at the top of the hill, and with floor-to-ceiling windows and an ever-changing menu of locally sourced delicacies, it’s the perfect place to indulge in top-notch cuisine whilst enjoying unparalleled Edinburgh vistas. After lunch head to Johnnie Walker Princes Street for the ultimate whisky experience, complete with experimental cocktails, a stunning rooftop bar, and specialist whisky tastings. Line your stomachs and relax; this is anything but your standard bar.
Day 7: Edinburgh
It’s not just stunning beauty that makes Edinburgh such an immensely popular tourist destination; the city is also a thriving hub of contemporary and historical culture. To begin your seventh day in the British Isles, we recommend pairing the famously tropical greenhouse at Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Botanic Garden with a mind-expanding journey through the Fruitmarket Gallery.
Touring these unmissable institutions offers the chance to appreciate centuries of Scottish cultural contribution and is the perfect prelude to an afternoon spent in the cavernous halls of Edinburgh Castle. The castle is one of the oldest fortified spots in Europe, with Castle Rock, having been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age, and boasts centuries worth of fascinating history. Indulge in a private guided tour of Edinburgh Castle to get the most out of this truly awe-inspiring destination – we also recommend finishing the day with a Michelin-stared tasting menu at Edinburgh’s unbelievably exclusive The Kitchin.
Day 8: Dublin
It’s time to leave the cultured streets of Edinburgh, but fear not; the Emerald Isle awaits. Your first stop in enchanting Ireland is Dublin, where you’ll be greeted by a palpably convivial atmosphere and a realm of fascinating history. To begin the Irish leg of your British Isles adventure in suitable style, head straight from the airport to The Park Café. This Dublin institution is a firm favourite amongst well-to-do eccentrics and evokes the classical elegance of Paris and London’s finest bistros.
After indulging in The Park Café’s gastronomic offerings, take some time to wander through Dublin’s Creative Quarter and the George Street Arcade. The Creative Quarter is by far the city’s quirkiest neighbourhood, and it’s here that you’ll find hidden treasures ranging from dynastic family jewellers to tucked-away watering holes – you could spend an entire afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the Creative Quarter, and we recommend doing just that. Throughout your time in Dublin, you’ll be staying in the sophisticated and impossibly central Westbury Hotel. The Westbury is one of the city’s finest boutique properties and boasts an art gallery, a legendary afternoon tea and some of Ireland’s most exclusive guest rooms.
Our Experts
The UK is home to not one, but four magical countries. Many tourists choose to combine a couple into one trip, perhaps Wales and Scotland.
London is one of my favourite destinations and can so easily be combined with the equally chic city of Paris into one twin-city trip.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
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