England/Scotland
Quintessential Britain
Program No. 12187RJ
Find out why Britain has fascinated generations of travelers as you explore Roman ruins in London, castles in North Wales, Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and iconic Christ Church.
Participant Reviews
Based on 33 Reviews
SHOWING
This was a wonderful trip! The leaders were so good. Caroline was very well organized and patient and nurturing. Kevin has extraordinary knowledge and a great sense of humor. Quintessential is an appropriate word for this trip. From beautiful churches to Stonehenge, from fish and chips to high tea, we saw so much, and our boat ride on Loch Lomond when the passengers all broke into singing ‘On The Bonny Bonny Banks” capped it off. I think all of us “scholars” hope to see each other again on future trips.
— Review left November 5, 2025
Quintessential Britain was an amazing journey that expanded my knowledge and helped me appreciate the history, culture and geography of this wonderful place.
— Review left September 30, 2025
Quintessential Britain was a wonderful journey spending quality amount of time in several locations and I would highly recommend it as one of the top 3 of my 7 Road Scholar journeys.
— Review left September 29, 2025
I was expecting a great trip, but it wasn’t great, it was fabulous! Our Group Leader, Joanna, made for smooth sailing every day, and our knowledgeable guides Chris and Kevin added meaning to everything we saw. Wonderful trip!
— Review left August 12, 2025
Loved this trip. Got to revisit places I've been before and see new country. Tour guide Jo was the best! I'd go on any trip she was leading. She allowed freedom of movement for individual preference for sight-seeing yet was reassuringly close at hand via "What's App" when needed. Lecturers Chris and Kevin were founts of information and funny to boot! My fellow scholars were delightful which I always find to be true of RS trips. Accommodations and food (be warned, very generous portions) very good.
— Review left August 5, 2025
This program is definitely five stars.
Bruce, Kevin and Chris, I want to thank you three from the bottom of my heart for planning and executing such a memorable British experience. I’ve been to Britain before, but not like this. The London hotel was so well located that I felt comfortable exploring on my own during free time. Our group day to the Tower of London, River Cruise, and London Eye was not rushed. Bruce was able to get a private pod on the Eye, which served to bond the group from the very beginning. This program focused more on Roman history than on Kings and Queens. The coach was a rolling classroom, and Kevin explained the Roman influence in a chronological way as we moved from the British Museum to Stonehenge to Bath. Chris picked up the lesson at Hadrian’s Wall and into Scotland. We followed the published itinerary, so you can read it for yourself, but all the little extras made this program very special. Words can’t express the feeling of being there in person with a group of like-minded people. If you are interested in seeing Britain with new eyes, this program is for you.
— Review left June 2, 2025
Quintessential Britain will satisfy the curiosity of anyone who wants to explore the past of a land and people who went before us and still have a close connection with our present-day lives.
— Review left May 24, 2025
This is an active trip. There is a lot of time on the coach but also a lot of walking and many stairs and uneven surfaces so it is definitely not sedentary just because it uses coaches. We walked 3-5 miles on some days. Breakfasts at 7 am and dinners at 7 pm so they were long and busy days. It is also heavy on history lectures. Kevin Flude was the guide on the first half of the trip and he lectures all day on the coach plus in the museums and churches. The food was good and we were fed often and well. Plus many restroom stops so no worries if that is an issue for you. Chris was the leader on the second half of the tour and she made it fun with music on the coach and a lighter atmosphere. You do have the option of going off on your own sometimes if you like. We used hotel laundry service at Cheltenham and Edinburgh and were very pleased with them, giving us a break from washing in our room over the 3 weeks. The day in Bath was a city tour and Roman Baths but no visit to Jane Austen sites. Many crowded tourist sites so be prepared.
— Review left May 18, 2025
We thought that Kevin, Chris and John did a fantastic job. Stuart and Dave were great bus drivers. The young driver in London was not very good - the air conditioner on the bus was not working well one evening on the way back to the hotel. And the very next day it completely went out on the way back from Oxford. A good driver would have foreseen the problem and the trip back from Oxford would not have been the trip back from hell.
The Radisson Blu in Kensington had ridiculously small rooms. Only one of us could have our suitcase open and get showered and dressed at a time. The other person had to sit on their bed out of the way. And the street noise was extreme. I think you could find a better hotel; it was not a good start to the trip.
The Albert pub was not a good choice for a pub meal. It was full of teenagers on school break and they were being teenagers - very noisy. Trying to feed that many people was a problem for the staff - the fish and potatoes were mediocre.
The hotels in Chester, Cheltenham, York, and Edinburgh were very good. The rooms were comfortable and the food was good.
Two teas in one day in Wales was a bit much. We love teas but maybe they could be spread out a bit.
Eating dinner at 6:30 and 7 and later was a problem for some of us. Older Americans tend to eat earlier and often take medication that requires food and proper timing.
Would we do this trip again? Absolutely! The tours and the talks made it all worthwhile.
— Review left May 15, 2025
The program presents England and Great Britain past and present, coexisting. It is an intellectually stimulating journey. I see England's diversity while weaving cohesively weaving its unity.
— Review left April 28, 2025
This trip will open your eyes, all things U.K. R. Tawton. from Canada.
— Review left September 22, 2024
If you are interested in British history, this program is for you! Total immersion in lots of the highlights you've read about all your life.
— Review left September 4, 2024
A very informative and fun trip through Great Britain. We visited sites that showcased the history and culture of Great Britain. We also experienced quintessionally British food such as fish and chips, high tea, etc. It was lots of fun and I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left July 8, 2024
I loved this trip! For years I have read books that take place in England, and it was so fun to finally be in those places! The guides were interesting and helpful and the food was delicious. Britain is so beautiful. The roads do not have billboards and signs, so you have views of the lovely green landscape. The less well known towns, like Broadway and Chester, and York, have great history, great architecture, and beautiful green spaces. Just be ready to stand for long periods of time!
— Review left July 2, 2024
If you enjoy Springtime, going on the Quintessential Britain in April was fabulous. We drove through cities and countrysides where blossoms, blooms and cute baby lambs were abundant. Bring a rain coat and a desire to experience the refreshing views.
— Review left May 2, 2024
Quintessential Britain met and exceeded my expectations!!! It was tiring but you saw everything!!! I just wish we could have seen a William Shakespeare play. But there is just so much time.
— Review left April 27, 2024
Excellent program that combines in-depth education with a variety of on-site experiences; qualified, supportive leadership that makes participants comfortable. And no language barrier!
— Review left April 27, 2024
Knowledgeable Study Leaders, wonderful Group Leader, well-organized agenda/transportation/meals - we learned a great deal and were very well taken care of on the QB program.
— Review left November 9, 2023
The Quintessential Britain program gives a fantastic overview of Britain. If you have strong a interest in a particular area, you may wish to choose a program that focuses there. This program covers a lot, so it is more of an overview than an in-depth exploration. The trip was well-organized. The food and lodgings are first rate. It requires stamina, so if you are not able to do a lot of walking, you may prefer another program. Road Scholar is a great program and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn as they travel.
— Review left September 7, 2023
What a fantastic trip!! Our study leader, Kevin Flude, was extremely knowledgeable about all things Britain. His talks and walks through villages, castles, etc were interesting and often humorous and it was obvious he had a real love of teaching and poured his heart into us. Our guide, Caroline Mossie was caring for the welfare of the group and did much behind the scenes work to make it go smoothly and to help us develop a good group spirit (which she achieved). We enjoyed our fellow travelers immensely. We appreciate the amount of time and effort that went into planning this terrific trip. The trip has been constantly improved over the years as new adventures have been added. Highlights included visit to a garden in the Cotswolds, hearing an evensong in a huge Chester Cathedral, a walk on the moors near Emily Bronte's house and visit to the Bronte parsonage, poetry reading by Kevin, a visit to the church where Shakespeare is buried, and playing a game of skittles at a local pub. This trip is 5 stars out of 5, and one of the best we have ever taken. It was our first Road Scholar trip, and we are looking forward to taking more. Richard and Barbara
— Review left June 3, 2023
I really feel that we saw a great deal of the UK and went to places I would not have thought to go on my own. This was an excellent educational experience, and humbling since, as Americans, we think we know and understand the culture of the British Isles. But I learned a great deal from our instructors who were both very knowledgable and professional. I look forward to returning soon.
— Review left October 31, 2022
Enjoyable trip. Variety of sites so everyone should find something to interest them.
— Review left October 17, 2022
The Quintessential Great Britain tour was a great educational experience. Pacing was good, made easier by staying more than one day in a location. The Group Leader cared about our experience throughout the trip. The instructors were knowledgeable and responsive to our questions. There is always more to see that we had time for, but we learned a lot and are motivated to return some time.
— Review left September 22, 2022
This is an outstanding program. It feels complete and truly "quintessential." I highly recommend it.
— Review left July 12, 2022
I just returned from Quinessential Britain after waiting an extra year due to Covid--and it was definitely worth the wait. We saw and learned about such a variety of places, and the staff was beyond measure.
— Review left July 9, 2022
Outstanding experience. Wonderful mix of activities that presented the diversity of Great Britain. Our group leader (Dave Praill), along with our two study leaders (Kevin and Chris) did an excellent job of providing an educational and enjoyable adventure. I particularly loved the time in York (the Wall, the Minster, and celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee) and in Scotland (Loch Lomond, the Forth Bridge, the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel). So many sights, so much history! This was a delightful introduction to this fascinating country. Highly recommend this trip as the best introduction to England, Scotland and Wales.
— Review left June 16, 2022
My wife and I truly enjoyed this program. We learned so much about the history of the United Kingdom and experienced many highlights. The small group (we only had 12 due to Covid concerns) allowed us to bond in a very good way. Out team leader and subject matter experts were all excellent. Of course there were a few bumps in the road, but overall a wonderful and memorable experience.
— Review left June 12, 2022
Overall an enjoyable and informative program. Kevin Flude, Carole Flynn and Chris Green were more than competent. Carole was in control of logistics with good humor, patience and exceptional competence. Kevin is exceptionally knowledgeable with a nice touch of self-deprecating humor and storytelling skill. Chris was very good in her mastery of London. On the negative side, there should NEVER be two consecutive days of 5+ hours on a bus, regardless of what you believe Covid testing mandates. The transfer to Edinburgh followed by a day trip to Loch Lomond were a disaster. Think about the health of travelers who are in their 70's & 80's with their feet down on a transport for c. 12-14 hours over a 30 hour period.
The first day following the transfer to Edinburgh should always be an orientation in that city, irrespective of the testing schedule. Plan a trip to the Castle or the National Museum on the morning of the testing day. The Loch Lomond day was probably a waste anyway. Consider a day trip to Glasgow, since it's only c. 45 miles away and more vital to the (industrial) economic life of the last 150 years in Scotland and it faces Ireland and the western hemisphere. A trip to a links course (St. Andrews perhaps) or a distillery or a wool mill? Any or all would have been preferable.
Bob Fottler
Sarasota, FL
— Review left June 5, 2022
I loved the trip as did my step-daughter who substituted for my husband at the last minute. Thank you for making that transition smooth.
Harvey Pascoe is impeccable in every way. He was fantastic at solving so many large and small logistical issues. This included arranging for airport pickup of my step-daughter when her airline delivered her a day late, finding us an economical laundry (hotel prices were outrageous), and making sure I had electrical hoop up for my CPAP. And to say nothing of his matching shirts and pocket handkerchief. He was clearly the best dressed among us!! And his sweet and generous heart. He is a winner.
Nickolas Keyworth and Nigel Howells were exquisitely knowledgeable and presented information in an entertaining way. I know that it is rare to have two such directors at one time on a trip, but it resulted in a fantastic breadth of knowledge and contacts used to inform our understanding of the countries we visited. Nickolas could pronounce the unpronounceable Welsh, knew the architecture and geology of the areas, informed us of the canal system and showed us how the locks worked, was a student of history that can tell the tale in an interesting and memorable way. I am sure we will all remember the War of the Roses! Nigel introduced us to Oxford, and explained this institution which is foreign to Americans in how it works. And since he works there, was able to show us what no other guide would have been able to show us. He explained many, many things along the way, as we were transiting from place to place. He also introduced us to some very special musical events and backstage opportunities.
I travel not just to see famous "stuff" but to have unique local experiences and to get to know the people of the country. The downside of tours is that you are traveling in an American bubble. Nigel, Nickolas and Harvey were all forthcoming in sharing their views and understanding of the English culture. And I loved playing skittels.
— Review left October 23, 2019
The Quintessential Britain was an excellent tour. It was particularly outstanding due to the high quality group leader Roslyn Bradley and the scholarly study leaders Kevin Flude and Chris Green. Because the three of them enjoyed being with each other added to our fun.
Ros was gracious to all in the group with a light humor and a caring attitude for each person. She made sure we all got together in evenings which made it easy for us to get to know our fellow travelers. By the end of the tour we all felt we were friends with each other and with our tour leaders.
Kevin and Chris both have a remarkable amount of knowledge about each site we visited, the full history of England and and of each locale. During the bus rides lectures or talks they each were brilliant. It was similar to being in a graduate school course. They provided us pure intellectual enjoyment.
We have a few comments for what we believe would improve the tour. We would have liked to have another day in both London and Edinburgh. We do not know how to suggest an extra day in London, but we feel an additional day in Edinburgh is necessary in that we only had one day there. We would recommend eliminating the full day visit to Scone Palace.
Also, we were disappointed we had so little time in the Ashmolean Museum. It seemed we were rushed out of the museum only to stand around for a long time.
Once again, we have the highest praise for Ros, Kevin and Chris. Absolutely A+.
Jack Perry and Nancy Croce
— Review left October 14, 2019
This program presents beautiful historic examples of the UK from its beginnings to the present day.
— Review left October 13, 2019
If you want to see the high points of the geography of the United Kingdom and learn its history with humor and insight, I would recommend this tour for you. I am even more interested now than when I started this tour and I was already excited about it.
— Review left May 25, 2019
It's been 5 months since I returned from Quintessential Britain.
Even so, memories of wonderful experiences, amazing sites, informative lectures, and conversations with new friends continue to pop into my mind and leave me wanting more.
This trip is a wonderful opportunity to see and experience so many different parts of the UK - ancient places, modern cities and pastoral countrysides, breathtaking scenery, and on and on.
19 days is a long time, but worth the effort.
I'm ready to do it again - just have to pick one the 20 possibilities on my ever-growing Wish List.
I love Road Scholar trips and am becoming a more comfortable solo traveler each time.
— Review left March 15, 2019