Sherlock Holmes' Britain
12 Days/10 nights – from $2,945.00* per person, land only, double occupancy. Independent package.
See the movie, then follow in the footsteps...
Follow in the great detective's footsteps yourself and discover Sherlock Holmes' Britain on this top-class independent tour! You’ll begin in London where Holmes and Watson lived at 221b Baker Street, exploring Holmes and Watson's hometown and walk the streets where many of their most taxing cases were solved. Carry on to Dartmoor (revealing the nightmarish setting for ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’), then to Manchester to witness the Victorian charms of the northwest. Finally, you’ll finish in Edinburgh where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born and studied medicine at Edinburgh University. The game is afoot!
Your Tour Price Includes:
• Airport transfer via London black taxicab from either Heathrow or Gatwick airport to London’s City Centre
• 10 nights in 4 star and 5 star hotels (including a stay in a luxury manor house)**
• 3-days’ transportation on the London Underground and via London buses (Oyster card)
• Excellent seats to a London theatrical production (your choice)
• Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour in London
• 7 days’ car rental in an automatic shift, air-conditioned car (GPS available upon request)
• Full breakfast, daily
• Victorian dining and mystery experience based on ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’
• Edinburgh Pass – allowing admission to over 30 attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland
All independent tours can be made into group tours for already assembled groups.
Day 1 – Departure – Depart on your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 – Welcome to Britain! – You’ll be met at either London’s Heathrow or Gatwick airport (depending upon your flight arrival) by your personal London taxicab driver and driven to a 4-star London hotel overlooking the Thames River, and located next to the famous Tower of London. May we recommend an authentic English pub dinner tonight? A few pints with some fish and chips or bangers and mash might just be the ticket! Overnight in London 4-star hotel.
Day 3 – “The Game is Afoot!” (from The Adventure of the Abbey Grange) – After a full English breakfast, begin the day and your Sherlock Holmes experience with a visit to “221B Baker Street”. Utilize your Oyster card by taking the Tube to Baker Street station. 
As you exit the station, you’ll be greeted by the famous Sherlock Holmes statue, which stands over 9 feet tall. This is a landmark in itself. Head to the Sherlock Holmes Museum where Holmes and Watson “lived” between 1881-1904. Get a glimpse inside the world of our hero including the 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street, which is still as faithfully maintained as it was in Victorian Times. Sherlock or Watson are on hand daily for questions and photos. We suggest staying in the “spooky, mysterious” theme and recommend lunch at Café-in-the-Crypt in Trafalgar Square. The St. Martin-in-the-Fields church and art venue has a café in its 18th century crypt for a dramatic lunch setting (prices are quite reasonable). After lunch, visit Brompton Cemetery. As featured in the movie, this atmospheric and peaceful cemetery was used as a shooting location in the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie. Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Brompton Cemetery is one of the finest Victorian Metropolitan cemeteries in Britain. Among its shady walks, you'll discover over 35,000 monuments - many of historical importance, as well as a rich variety of wildlife. For a pre-theatre dinner, may we recommend The Punch Bowl. Owned by famed director, Guy Ritchie (who also directed the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie!), this charming pub has a cozy countryside feel to it. Built in the 1750s, it is the second oldest pub in Mayfair. The blackened fireplaces and 18th-century portraits on the walls of political figures indicate of the pub's long heritage. Traditional dishes are served as well as healthy alternatives. And thanks to its famous owner, it's a great place for celebrity spotting; even Robert De Niro has enjoyed a pint here. Choose from a myriad of West End theatrical productions, included in your tour rate – we guarantee excellent seating! Overnight in London 4-star hotel.
Day 4 – “Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London…” (from A Study in Scarlet) – Awaken to a full English breakfast and continue on into Holmes’ and Watson’s London. First, you’ll visit St. Bartholomew the Great Church, one of London's oldest churches serving as place of worship since around 1140. The church's Norman interior was used at the backdrop for the crypt scenes in the Sherlock Holmes movie. With no outside noise in the church, you’ll understand why its grand interior served for filming such as Shakespeare in Love, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and The Other Boleyn Girl. Next, it’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Featured in the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie with its world-famous Dome, St. Paul’s is an iconic feature of the London skyline, but there is so much more to Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece than its impressive facade. The interior, with its glittering mosaics, intricate stone carving and breathtaking vantage points, are just a few reasons why a visit here is a must. Filming for the Sherlock Holmes movie was done in the stunning geometric staircase, and the outside of the cathedral was transformed back into Victorian London with horse and carriages. Next, have lunch at the Sherlock Holmes pub in Westminster. The pub has plunged wholeheartedly into the theme and will delight all pub-going Conan Doyle fans. Its walls are adorned with countless Sherlock memorabilia, there's the 221B restaurant upstairs and the TV screens show non-stop Sherlock Holmes movies and TV programs. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Sherlock Holmes’ London. "It is a hobby of mine", said Holmes, "to have an exact knowledge of London". Then in the evening, treat yourself - enjoy dinner at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand. Nothing satisfied Holmes more after the conclusion of a particularly baffling case than to end the evening at the renowned Simpson's-in-the-Strand, with its classic English menu and white-vested formal waiters. Simpson’s has been a part of the London high-society scene since 1828. All it takes is reservations (and a tie for gentlemen) and you’ll be served as if you were Prime Minister Gladstone, who came for the rolling steamers of roast beef. Amid the gleaming crystal and old dark Adam paneling, you can look out of the window and see what Watson described as ''the rushing stream of life on the Strand'' - while you enjoy the most sumptuous of London's fine dining. Overnight in London 4-star hotel.
Day 5 – “It is the unofficial force — the Baker Street irregulars.” (from The Sign of Four) – After a full English breakfast, become one of the Baker Street Irregulars yourself and indulge in all that London has to offer. We recommend a cruise on the Thames, the British Museum, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Greenwich Observatory, or any other place you might fancy. (If you wish to have Fast Track attraction tickets pre-purchased (where applicable), just let us know and we’ll handle everything!) Other recommendations include shopping at Harrods, a stroll through Hyde Park, or a walk across Tower Bridge (the construction of which is featured in the upcoming movie). Collect all your last minute London souvenirs, for tomorrow you’re journey to the moors! Overnight in London 4-star hotel.
Day 6 – “You never tire of the moor. You cannot think the wonderful secrets which it contains. It is so vast, and so barren, and so mysterious.” (from The Hound of the Baskervilles) – Have breakfast and check-out of your London hotel. Collect your rental car, for today, you are off to the moors. (We recommend a stop at Stonehenge on the way.) Take in the beautiful countryside on your scenic drive to Dartmoor in the picturesque county of Devon where The Hound of the Baskervilles was set. Have lunch at The Old Church House Inn, a historic 13th-century inn set in one of the most picturesque districts of Devon where, in an atmosphere of complete tranquility, you'll be transported back hundreds of years. This afternoon, take a tour of Buckfastleigh. There are lots of legends surrounding a black hound on the moor, and one involves local squire, Richard Cabell. Cabell lived at Brook Manor, north of Buckfastleigh. He had an evil reputation and legend has it that when he died in the 1670s, black dogs breathing fire raced across Dartmoor, howling. The Cabell family was the inspiration for “The Hound of the Baskervilles." Next, visit Hayford Hall and Brook Manor. Baskerville Hall is said to be based on both Hayford Hall and Brook Manor, both near Buckfastleigh. They're not open to the public, but you can see them well from the road. Hayford Hall, is perfectly positioned deep in a tree-filled cleft under Dartmoor's rim west of Buckfastleigh, while Brook Manor lies in a deep valley, a couple of miles east of Hayford Hall. Tonight, may we recommend dinner at Bovey Castle’s Edwardian Grill? Designed in the Art Deco style, an era of elegance and fine living, the Edwardian Grill Restaurant has a luxurious atmosphere. Candlelight and hand-painted Chinoiserie wall coverings surround you, and you can choose from a seasonally changing menu accompanied by fine wines. Follow dinner with drinks and fireside storytelling about the spooky moors by professional storytellers, who will tell you tales about the haunted Wistmans Wood and its frightening Wist Hounds. Overnight in a 5-star Manor House.
Day 7 – “Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!” 
(from The Hound of the Baskervilles) – After a full country English breakfast, a visit to Dartmoor National Park is just the thing! World famous for its stunning scenery, the Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 368 square miles - the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England. Nearly half of the park consists of open stretches of moorland. Take a guided walking tour of the park and learn about the spooky moorland places featured in ‘The Hound of Baskervilles’, including Princetown and Bellever Tor. The Mire South of Princetown, Fox Tor Mires was almost certainly the inspiration for the book's Grimpen Mire. For lunch, we recommend the Warren House Inn. The remote and atmospheric Warren House Inn Pub in the middle of the moors is a perfect and cozy setting for a traditional English meal after a walk. Take in the extensive views over Dartmoor and cozy up by the fire which is said to have been burning continuously since 1845! And you must try their home-made steak and ale pie made from local Dartmoor beef and real ale from the pump, topped with home-made short-crust pastry. Scrumptious! Drive on past Duchy Hotel where Doyle wrote the book, which is now a visitors’ center in Princetown. You'll also pass the menacing Princetown Prison (Dartmoor Prison), originally built in 1809 to house French prisoners of war. It's still a functioning prison so don't try going inside. But, do stop off in Princetown and enjoy an afternoon cream tea at Fox Tor Cafe. This evening, you’re in for a real treat – The Baskerville Dining Experience. The evening begins with an atmospheric one-mile horse and carriage ride along the moorland track which leads to Laughter Hole House (Lafter Hall in the book). Isolated and remote, the house is situated in the very heart of the moor just three miles from the imposing Dartmoor Prison and the treacherous Grimpen Mire. The Baskerville Dinning experience lets you get involved in a light-hearted Victorian-themed evening of fine cuisine, drama, entertainment - and even terror - as the Hound of the Baskervilles once again prowls Dartmoor in search of its next victim. Perkins the Butler and Tilly the Maid will serve you a sumptuous five-course Victorian dinner including champagne, canapés, cheese and port. Mr. Holmes has also brought his housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, from 221B Baker Street to Devonshire to cook, (as kitchen staff are difficult to find on the moor)! Overnight in a 5-star Manor House.
Day 8 – Sherlock Holmes in the North West – You’ll head to Manchester today! Enjoy a full English breakfast, check out of your Manor House, and drive to England’s beautiful North West. We recommend stopping in the charming town of Bath on the way to view the famous Roman Baths and take tea at the oldest tea house there – Sally Lunn’s. Continue north until you arrive in the exciting metropolitan center of Manchester. Many of the scenes from the upcoming Sherlock Holmes movie were filmed in Manchester and Liverpool. As your journey (with stops in between) will take a good part of your day, we recommend a lovely dinner for tonight. Have a pint in the Britons Protection, a Victorian pub with ornate tiling. Alternatively, try Mr. Thomas' Chop House, a classic 19th-century pub serving traditional food and excellent ales. You will overnight in a 4-star centrally located hotel in Manchester.
Day 9 – Sherlock Holmes Filming Locales – Start the day with a full English breakfast at your hotel before exploring Manchester. As featured in the movie - Manchester's magnificent Town Hall in Albert Square was built by Alfred Waterhouse from 1867-1877 and is a superb example of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture. It provides a suitably grand location for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes and “stands in” for the Houses of Parliament in London. Take a tour to see the Great Hall with its 12 large murals by Ford Madox Brown (the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painter), the tile mosaic work, the vaulted corridors and the three stone spiral staircases. The interior of the Town Hall is used to tell the story of the city and murals depict important moments from Manchester's past. This afternoon, explore Castlefield. This atmospheric Victorian district was used as a backdrop in the Sherlock Holmes film. Inhabited since Roman times, the area has been designated as Britain's First Urban Heritage Park and houses not only a wealth of Manchester's industrial heritage (railway viaducts, canals and museums) but also a host of attractions including waterside pubs, scenic walks, boat rides and outdoor events at the Castlefield Arena. Take your afternoon tea at The Lowry Hotel or Harvey Nichols for a real treat! If you prefer a visit to Liverpool, visit the celebrated Albert Dock to see the best of the city in a World Heritage, waterfront setting. Situated in the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, it's the best place to sample Liverpool's maritime history. Explore the handsome docks and visit award-winning attractions including Tate Liverpool with its collection of challenging modern art, the Maritime Museum that explores the city's watery history and the mighty Beatles Story. Scenes from Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movie were filmed at disused docks nearby to recreate an authentic 19th-century feel. If you’re back in Manchester for dinner, how about trying the Room Restaurant? Dine at this memorable Venetian Gothic style building that was once Manchester's Reform Club - the gentleman's haven for liberal politicians and their supporters in the 19th century. Prime Minister William Gladstone was a guest when the Reform Club opened in 1871 and famous members included Winston Churchill who served as a Liberal MP for the city's Oldham district. Overnight in 4-star Manchester hotel.
Day 10 – Paying Homage to the Author – Continue north to the Scotland’s capital and the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Edinburgh, Scotland. After a “full English”, you’ll check out of your Manchester hotel and drive north. (We recommend stopping in York, one of England’s medieval cities where ancient wall ruins remain.) Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you’ll want to check into your 4-star hotel centrally located hotel. Tonight, have a few pints and some “pub grub” at the Conan Doyle pub and soak up the ambience of Conan Doyle’s favorite detective, Mr. Holmes. Overnight in 4-star Edinburgh hotel.
Day 11 – Conan Doyle in Edinburgh – After a full Scottish breakfast (don’t forget the blood sausage and scotch over porridge!), Head towards the Surgeons’ Hall Museum. Along with many other interesting and sometimes gruesome facts, you’ll learn about the man after whom Sherlock Holmes is modeled, Joseph Bell. It was in this very place where Conan Doyle sat for his anatomy exams. Letters, artworks, objects and film draw together the many connections between Edinburgh, medicine and the work of Arthur Conan Doyle. The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle permanent exhibition here focuses especially on Conan Doyle's relationship to Joseph Bell who later became President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and whose analytical mind and keen powers of observation led Conan Doyle to write 'It is most certainly to you that I owe Sherlock Holmes'. Included in your visit to Edinburgh is the ‘Edinburgh Pass’ which provides you entrance to over 31 exciting attractions in Edinburgh and unlimited travel on Lothian buses to make getting around easier! Your choices are limitless. (Car rental return today.) Overnight in 4-star Edinburgh hotel.
Day 12 – His Last Bow – All good things must come to an end. After a full Scottish breakfast, you’ll check out of your Edinburgh hotel and fly home with tales of mystery and adventure about your journey “with the Great Detective”.
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* Land only, per person price from $2,945, based on double occupancy. Rates may change due to time of year and/or local events. Single and triple occupants per room will change rate.
** Hotels listed in tour description indicate first choice. Equivalent hotels of same star quality and location supplied if first choice unavailable.
Sherlock Holmes Tour The Sherlock Holmes Experience Independent Travel Sherlock Holmes Trip London Dartmoor Manchester Edinburgh Sherlock Holmes Dr. Watson Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Tour Travel
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