Depart US to Edinburgh

Today you’ll depart the USA to Edinburgh. Travel safe!

Edinburgh

Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy your first day in Scotland as you choose. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets and soaking in the local atmosphere. Keep an eye out for notable landmarks and enjoy a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine at a nearby café or pub.

Edinburgh - Stirling

Today we will journey from Edinburgh to explore the sights on our way to Stirling, known as the 'Athens of the North'. Our day will include a stop to admire the impressive Kelpies sculptures and a visit to the Bannockburn Experience to learn about the pivotal battle and its impact on Scottish history. In the afternoon, we will visit the National Wallace Monument, overlooking the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. The highlight of the day will be exploring the history-rich Stirling Castle before returning to Edinburgh for the night. 

Edinburgh – Wetherall, England 

Today, we will leave Edinburgh and travel south through the picturesque countryside of the Scottish Borders, Northumberland National Park, and alongside Hadrian's Wall. Our first stop will be one of the forts that remain on Hadrian's Wall, the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. As we marvel at the administrative skills of the Romans and contemplate the living conditions of Roman soldiers, we will also discuss the complex interactions between Christians and Romans during that time.

Continuing on, we will reach the highest market town in England, which played a significant role in the early days of the LDS mission to Britain. It was here that a few families heeded promptings and set important events in motion long before the arrival of the first seven missionaries in 1837, marking the beginnings of the Toronto miracle associated with Parley P. Pratt. This town was also among the first places visited by our missionaries after Preston.

As we conclude our day in the Lake District area, known for its stunning lakes and mountains, we will discover its role in preserving the Doctrine and Covenants and nurturing great figures such as the Quakers, Romneys, William Wordsworth, and John Ruskin. After checking into our hotel, we will gather for a delightful dinner together, reflecting on the day's adventures and the rich history we've uncovered.

Wetherall, England - Preston, England

Our first stop today takes us to Grasmere, where the renowned Victorian poet William Wordsworth began his married life, experienced the birth of three children, and crafted some of his most exquisite poetry. Wordsworth, the final of the Romantic poets, and his contemporaries brought captivating insights to a nation on the verge of transformation. He also had two direct ties to the LDS church. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the famous Grasmere gingerbread! Our journey then leads us to the John Taylor sites, where he was born, christened, worked, and lived before his family emigrated to Canada. This valley has been home to more than one Champion of Liberty. For those interested, there is an option to visit the Preston temple for an evening session (pending individual appointment availability). Dinner will be provided at the hotel where we will be for the next two nights.

Preston Area

Sunday school out in the field! As we explore the historic streets of the City of Preston, known as the birthplace of British Mormonism. Follow the path of the first LDS missionaries to Britain and uncover fascinating stories such as Joseph Smith's dentist, the cursed stone, the 1842 riot, the influential Reverend Wilson, Heber C. Kimball's prophetic words, LDS shorthand, and the Deseret Alphabet. Discover significant sites including their lodgings, the River Ribble where the first British baptisms took place, the Vauxhall Chapel Site where they initially preached, and the cockpit site where the first British Conference was held in 1837. Enjoy the beauty of the Ribble Valley, which has retained the same charm as seen by Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding in 1837. Pass through picturesque villages like Ribchester, Chatburn, and Downham, where we can reflect on the impactful missionary work that took place. These villages and countryside landscapes inspired the works of J.R. Tolkien and influenced Arthur Conan Doyle's creation of Sherlock Holmes, providing a unique LDS perspective to these literary connections.

Preston, England to Stoke-on-Trent via Liverpool

This morning, we will start our day by attending Sacrament meeting before setting off for Liverpool, known as the Gateway to the New World. Liverpool played a central role in the migration of hundreds of missionaries and thousands of emigrants as they made their way to Zion during the 19th century. We will explore this renowned city, which, in addition to its LDS history, holds a significant connection to America, encompassing aspects such as slavery, cotton trade, and the intriguing claim that the American Civil War had its initial and concluding actions here. Our tour will include a visit to the beautifully restored Albert Docks, where we will gain insights into the experiences of emigrants, view the Sea Trek monument, and encounter numerous prominent LDS figures. A visit to the iconic Cavern, paying homage to the Beatles, will be a highlight of our day in Liverpool. Finally, we will conclude our day in the Staffordshire area, specifically in Stoke-on-Trent, where we can unwind and appreciate the town's offerings in the evening.

Potteries – Stratford on Avon

Today, we will delve into the realm of pottery, stepping back in time to Middleport, where the landscape was dominated by bottle ovens and smoky skies. Our visit includes a tour of a working factory where we can witness the remarkable skill set of these artisans. We will also make a brief stop at the Harbourne Ward in Birmingham to see the historical marker commemorating the daughters of Utah Pioneers. In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in the world of the great bard by visiting William Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. Here, we discover the missionary visit that inspired the hymn "Oh Say What Is Truth." Our journey continues to Broadway, a charming village where we stroll along the high street, admiring the meticulously maintained gardens and picturesque Cotswold homes. Finally, we conclude our day in Cheltenham, where we check into our hotel for a three-night stay and have the evening to unwind and enjoy some free time.  

Cotswolds / Oxford / Blenheim

We start this exciting day at the grand Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, before venturing into the historic streets of Oxford. Here, we unravel centuries of rich history as we stroll through the esteemed colleges and beautiful meadows. Our tour delves into the origins of Oxford, from the legendary Frideswide to the iconic landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library. Along the way, we learn about influential figures like John Wycliffe and the Oxford Martyrs, and explore the city's cultural references and significant events, from the penicillin breakthrough to the publication of the King James Bible. 

Our day continues with visits to the charming village of Bampton, known for its role in the television series Downton Abbey, and the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. Here, we can leisurely soak in the rural beauty and admire the unique limestone buildings. Dinner is to be enjoyed on your own.

United Brethren Country

Today's explorations lead us to sites rich with history related to Wilford Woodruff and the United Brethren. We begin by visiting Benbow’s Farm and Castle From, where we uncover the inspiring stories of faith and sacrifice exemplified by John and Jane Benbow. Their journey is marked by one miraculous event after another. Our next stop is the medieval market town of Ledbury, where we encounter William Carter, Utah’s pioneering ploughman, and a welcoming Baptist church.

Following the footsteps of Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, and Brigham Young, we ascend the Herefordshire Beacon for a significant meeting. We will have a glimpse into the impact of these early converts as they eventually join the saints in Nauvoo. We are introduced to influential figures like Thomas Kington, the leader of the United Brethren, William Pitt, a musical convert, and James Palmer, a remarkable missionary. Their stories showcase the unwavering faith of these early believers as they navigate the challenges and miracles unfolding in their small villages.

We will have a special visit to the restored Gadfield Elm Chapel, Britain’s first LDS-owned meeting place, serving as an enduring symbol of the United Brethren's journey.

Merthyr Tydfili - Castle Combe - Lacock - Avebury

After checking out this morning, we make our way to a contrasting locale, Merthyr Tydfil in Wales, where we discover the birthplace of David O. McKay's mother and the resting place of remarkable missionary Abel Evans. Our next destination is the picturesque village of Castle Combe, known for its 107 listed buildings and historic charm dating back to the 1600s. Although the castle that once stood here is no longer present, the village's quaint streets have served as a backdrop for various movies, adding to its allure. Continuing on, we arrive at Lack, another enchanting village that may seem familiar due to its appearance in films like Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series. The National Trust now owns the entire village, preserving its timeless atmosphere. 

Our next stop is Avebury, an ancient site older than Stonehenge but offering a more intimate experience. The henge at Avebury is the largest in the world, with massive stones weighing up to 40 tons each. As we walk among these impressive structures and explore their connections to other monuments in the area, we gain a deeper understanding of why Avebury is designated as a World Heritage Site. Our day concludes in Bracknell, where we settle into our hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

Hampton Court - Runnymede

Today includes a visit to the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, a truly remarkable place with its grand brick buildings, impressive hammer beam roof, vast Tudor kitchens, and beautiful gardens setting the stage for the beginning of the Mayflower story. From 1527, when Henry VIII sought his first divorce, to 1604, when James I sanctioned a new Bible translation, England underwent a turbulent time in terms of religious changes. Hampton Court Palace bore witness to many of these significant events during those 77 years. However, despite these shifts, many individuals across the nation still felt a spiritual void within their hearts and homes.

Our next stop takes us to the middle of a field along the River Thames, where King John is compelled to sign a document that, although failing to achieve its intended goals, ultimately changed the course of history. This is where the Magna Carta comes into play, an essential piece of history that continues to hold significance today. After our explorations, we will return to our hotel to unwind for the evening and come together for another enjoyable dinner.

London

After savoring a delicious full English breakfast in the countryside, we make our way to the bustling capital city of London. Today's sightseeing will encompass iconic landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the opportunity to witness the renowned Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horseguards Parade. Additionally, we will visit the historically significant Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral, immersing ourselves in the rich history and architectural beauty of these renowned sites.

Return Flights to the USA

After breakfast, we will transfer to the Heathrow Airport for your trip back home. We hope your experience exploring the history and culture of Scotland and England has been delightful and that you have created lasting memories. Have a safe journey home!