‘Classic car tours for those who appreciate the difference’
2026 TOURS
www.backwatertours.co.uk
How we work OUR TOURS
• Our tours are fun, relaxed, and non-competitive • All tours are fully hosted (unless stated otherwise), with an experienced tour host on hand at your hotel throughout your stay. • We handpick our hotels for parking, location, and, where possible, character. • A 10% deposit is required to secure your booking. The balance is due 10 weeks before departure. We can hold a place for up to two weeks without a deposit (subject to availability). All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
• UK tours include Tulip route books with clear turn-by-turn instructions. For overseas tours, we provide pre-loaded Sat Nav routes or links to load them to your own devices. If you’re new to Tulips, don’t worry—our hosts will guide you through them during the pre-tour briefing. • No dress code—smart casual is fine for evenings. We’ll notify you if any special attire is needed • In short: if you enjoy great driving routes, good company, and hosted support throughout, book online or give us a call.
Welcome to 2026! BACKWATER TOURS
We are delighted to bring you our latest collection of driving tours for 2026, so you can start planning your next thrilling motoring adventure with us! Our aim is to provide a range of inspirational tours including the Backwater ‘classics’ such as Castles & Coastlines at Pentillie Castle, the impressive venue for our very own private house party in Cornwall. Also, returning to our calendar is the popular Dales Spectacular, based at the Coniston Hotel near Skipton. Our routes take in some of the best of Yorkshire with outstanding scenery, historic castles & abbeys, stunning routes and photogenic vistas. There are plenty of new exciting tours to choose from in the UK and beyond. Take a look at the Lakes & Passes for a superb tour of the Lake District from Ullswater or Peninsulas and Passes based in Killarney, where we delve into the fascinating motoring history in that region. Over the Channel, how about the Belgian Classic tour with Visit Wallonia to round off the year. The eagle-eyed readers will also have spotted our new, revamped Backwater logo. As we head into 2026, we felt a fresh look was only befitting as we continuously improve our motoring tours offering. The new look harks back to the rolling hills found on the original logo, perhaps you are noticing the car outline too? Whichever way you interpret it, we hope you like it. It is also important to mention, that although our logo may have changed, the ethos here at Backwater has not. First and foremost, our goal is to bring likeminded motoring enthusiasts together to share their passion for classic cars. Our tours are carefully curated to ensure you enjoy maximum reward from all the elements we put together; superb hotels, amazing roads anad fascinating points-of-interest visits all taken at a relaxed pace.
We hope you find a tour to inspire you! Remember the team are here if you have any questions or wish to go ahead and make a booking.
Tom Brimblecombe Business Development Manager
Highland Heritage SCOTLAND
OPEN TOUR
A Grand Tour of Perthshire & the Cairngorms From £1,499* Per Person
Aston Martin driving Scottish backroads
Embark on an extraordinary car journey through the heart of Scotland, where majestic landscapes, royal history and timeless motoring converge. Highland Heritage is a refined driving tour based at the elegant Dunkeld House Hotel, your riverside retreat nestled among ancient woodland on the banks of the River Tay. From this luxurious base, discover the drama of the Cairngorm Mountains, the charm of Highland villages and the rich legacy of Scotland’s noble past - all at the wheel of your treasured classic car. Each evening, return to the comfort of Dunkeld House Hotel, where fine dining, riverside walks, and the scent of pine on the air make for a perfect end to your day’s adventure.
Tour Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1: Arrival in Dunkeld & welcome dinner As you arrive into the pretty town of Dunkeld you will cross the river Tay and arrive into the extensive grounds of the four star Dunkeld House Hotel, via their long driveway. Day 2: Loch Tay & Falls of Dochart’ Run After breakfast the route for the day starts by tracing the River Tay with a stop at the famous Dewars Distillery for a coffee stop and visit of the facility. The route then meanders via the enchanting Falls of Dochart in Killin, where whitewater tumbles through a historic village steeped in legend. The pretty route culminates at where the river Tay meets Loch Tay. Day 3: Cairngorms Run & Balmoral visit Today’s run takes us on the sweeping moorland roads, forested glens, and exhilarating mountain passes. It is an epic drive punctuated by a royal stop at Balmoral for refreshments and visit. The route loops round via Aviemore back to the finish point in Dunkeld, where the cosy lounge awaits. Day 4: Guided tour of Scone Palace & Gala dinner Today we have an easy run to Scone Palace where we have arranged special parking for our cars in front of the house. There is time for refreshments before we are given a guided tour of the house and grounds. Day 5: Departure from the hotel for your journey home
9th - 13th May 2026
What’s Included • Four nights accommodation at Dunkeld House in a Classic room. Room upgrades available upon request. • Breakfast at the hotel each morning • Dinner each evening at the hotel, with water, tea and coffee • Coffee stops on two days • Visit of Balmoral and Scone Palace • Distillery tour and tasting • Detailed roadbook and rally board • Hosted by a tour manager
MG’s at Scone Palace
*All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
Chantilly & Chateaux FRANCE
OPEN TOUR
Chantilly Arts et Elegance Concours From £1,999* Per Person
Mercedes at Chantilly Concours
Enjoy the opulence of the Chateau de Chantilly and one of the world’s finest concours events. Our tour takes you along the Cote d’Opale via lunch in Le Touquet to our four star hotel situated on the edge of Chantilly. We have planned a road run through the Compiegne Forest for a lunch by the ruins of a historic abbey and visit of Chateau de Pierrefonds. Enjoy a full day at the concours event with parking in the grounds of the Chateau de Chantilly for your classic car. Round off the weekend with a visit to Monet’s Gardens. Enjoy this tour from the comfort of our four star hotel on the edge of Chantilly. *From price is based on a classic room. Please enquire about room upgrades available.
Tour Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1: Arrival in Chantilly & welcome dinner Le Shuttle Folkestone to Calais. Meet on sea front in Le Touquet for lunch on the beach. After the drive to Chantilly there is time to unwind and relax at the hotel, there is a welcome drink and briefing before dinner at hotel. Day 2: Compiegne Forest run & Chateau de Pierrefonds Today we have planned a road run through Compiegne Forest with coffee stop in Pierrefonds followed by a visit to Chateau de Pierrefonds. Dinner at the hotel. Day 3: Chantilly Arts et Elegance & picnic lunch Today we take the short drive to Chantilly Arts et Elegance. You have access to the grounds and all the exhibits of event, as well as the chateau. We have arranged parking in the grounds of the chateau, where we will have a gourmet picnic lunch. Dinner this evening is at hotel. Day 4: Giverny road run & Monet’s Gardens. Departure home. Road run to Giverny to visit Monets Gardens. Make way to selected return ferry port/Le Shuttle.
4th - 7th September 2026
What’s Included • Return crossing with Le Shuttle (different return crossing available at a supplement) • Three nights’ accommodation at Le Grand Pavillon with breakfast • Dinner on three evenings with wine, water and coffee included • Chantilly concours event entry and picnic lunch • Chateau de Pierrefonds entry • Entry to Monet’s Gardens • Detailed route directions and roadbook • Hosted by a tour manager
Chantilly Art et Elegance
*All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
Off the Beaten Track ITALY
OPEN TOUR
A Tour of Italy’s outstanding National Parks and historical medieval towns From £2,999* Per Person
Jaguar driving lakeside in Italy
This tour explores the beautiful Le Marche countryside with a trip over to mystical Gubbio at the north end of Umbria. Together with the Sibillini National Park and Mountains on the borders between Le Marche and Umbria. In Abruzzo we’ll take in the stunning areas of the Gran Sasso National Park (highest area of the Apennines in Italy where bears and eagles still roam), the Majella National Park and the many scenic lakes and medieval towns of this lesser known jewel. The tour is based between two historic hotels set in stunning settings, offering both coastal and inland locations.
Tour Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1: Arrival in Pesaro & welcome dinner We have arranged a welcome evening with drinks, canapes and briefing to outline the amazing programme of events that we have lined up for you. Day 2: Le Marche & Gubbio Our stunning drive takes us through Le Marche rolling countryside up to the magical and mystical town of Gubbio in Umbria. Day 3: Jesi & Macerata Today we drive through the fascinating medieval towns of Le Marche such as Jesi and Macerata with the chance of some coastal views! Day 4: Sibillini National Park, via Visso, Castelluccio and Norci A stunning full day drive through the Sibillini National Park, via Visso, Castelluccio and Norcia onto the Lazio/Abruzzo border. Day 5: Gran Sasso National Park Today we have a spectacular drive around the Gran Sasso National Park, the highest point of Italy’s Appenine range. Day 6: ‘Lakes District’ of Lazio & Tagliacozzo A beautiful drive through the ‘Lakes District’ of Lazio and down to the authentic medieval Abruzzo town of Tagliacozzo. Day 7: Maiella National Park, Celano & Sulmona We enjoy a magnificent loop around the spectacular Maiella National Park taking in the medieval towns of Celano and Sulmona. Final evening in Italy. Departure following morning.
18th - 25th September 2026
What’s Included • Three nights accommodation at Hotel Villa Cattani Stuart, near Pesaro • Four nights accommodation at Park Hotel Villa Potenziani • Bed and breakfast basis • Dinner on seven evenings • Wine, water & coffee included with dinners • Coffee stops • Detailed route directions and roadbook • Hosted by a tour manager
Le Marche
*All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
The Belgian Classic BELGIUM
OPEN TOUR
Discover Wallonia & the Ardennes From £1,799* Per Person
MG B Driving in Wallonia
© WBT Chippy
Round off your motoring season with a four-night Belgian break in the scenic Wallonia region, known for its gastronomy, chocolatiers, WWII sites, beer and frites. Enjoy a return Le Shuttle crossing and a stay at the Quartier Latin Hotel, with dinners and wine included each evening. Highlights include a visit to the Mahymobiles Car Museum, a boat tour in Dinant, a behind-the-scenes experience at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit,and a visit to Hitler’s Bunker in Bruly- de-Pesche. You’ll also explore the Citadelle in Dinant with coffee and enjoy a mix of stunning drives, history and Belgian culture, making for the perfect end to your motoring season.
Tour Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1: Mahymobiles Car Museum & arrival in Wallonia Arrive mid-morning in Calais and take the direct route via Lille to a fascinating car collection near to Mons, where we have organised a light lunch. Day 2: Dinant boat tour on river Meuse Today we take the funicular down into Dinant, where you have time to explore and have lunch. We regroup for a 45 minute boat trip on the Meuse towards Anseremme. You have time to visit the Leffe museum, also located in Dinant or return to the hotel to relax before dinner. Day 3: Spa-Francorchamps tour Today we head North East to Spa-Francorchamps where we are privileged to be given a special behind the scenes tour of the race circuit, where you’ll gain access to race control, the
11th - 15th October 2026
What’s Included • Return Le Shuttle crossing • Four nights at Quartier Latin Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis • Dinner on four evenings with wine and water included • Entry to Mahymobiles Car Museum with light lunch • Parking and entry to Citadelle. Boat tour and coffee in Dinant • Coffee and behind the scenes experience at Circuit Spa-Francorchamps • Coffee and entry at Hitlers Bunker in Bruly-de-Pesche • Detailed route directions and roadbook • Hosted by a tour manager
podium and parade laps of the track in your car. Day 4: Bruly-de-Pesche & Chimay road circuit
The drive today takes you down to the border with France, for a fascinating visit to a bunker secretly used by Hitler. It is then a short drive to Chimay, the largest producer of Trappist beer in Belgium, this is a great spot for lunch and visit their shop. The route back to the hotel will take you on a lap of the Chimay road circuit. Day 5: Departure from the hotel for your journey home
Dinant
*All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
IRELAND Peninsulas & Passes
Lakes & Passes LAKE DISTRICT
CLUB TOUR
CLUB TOUR
From £1,849* Per Person
From £1,849 * Per Person
Irish backroads
Glenridding & Ullswater
High Roads & Hidden Waters Discover the timeless beauty of England’s Lake District behind the wheel of your classic car on this unforgettable driving tour centred around the serene waters of Ullswater. Lakes & Passes invites you to step back in time and explore the unspoiled northern reaches of the Lake District National Park in vintage style, where every winding lane reveals breathtaking vistas and hidden gems. Your stay near Ullswater - often called the “jewel of the north” - offers the perfect blend of lakeside serenity and central access to the region’s most exhilarating drives. We have arranged some superb visits along the way. From Dovenby Hall, a historic slate mine to the Ruskin Museum on Coniston Water and more…
Exploring South West Ireland from Killarney Dreamlike landscapes and dramatic coastlines, this is Ireland at its picturesque best. The region has been made famous by the epic rallying that has taken place, stages such as Molls Gap, the Healey and Connor passes. The coastline of the South West is a meandering mix of inlets, coves and peninsulas. Inland, the landscape is scarcely less rugged: throughout the region, farmland is interspersed with rocky outcrops and bogs which break up the luscious green vistas. Nestled in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland, this vibrant town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, Irish heritage, and warm hospitality.
31st May - 4th June 2026 Departure Dates
18th - 22nd April 2026 Departure Dates
What’s Included
What’s Included
• Four nights accommodation at the Inn on the Lake • Breakfast at the hotel each morning • Dinner at the hotel each evening with water, coffee and tea • Welcome drinks reception • Lunch on day two • Coffee stop and visit at Dovenby Hall • Coffee stop on day three • Detailed roadbook & rally plate • Hosted by a tour manager
• Return crossing with Stena Line • Four nights hotel accommodation at the Randles Hotel • Breakfast each day • Dinner each evening at the hotel, with water, tea and coffee • Two coffee stops • Jaunting cars, boat and Muckross House excursion • Detailed roadbook and rally plate • Hosted by a tour manager
Tour Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ullswater & welcome dinner Day 2: M Sport & Wasdale Head Run Day 3: North Lakes Run Day 4: Day at leisure/Ruskin Museum Day 5: Departure from the hotel for your journey home
Day 1: Arrival in Killarney & welcome dinner Day 2: Jaunting Cars & Muckross House & Gardens Day 3: Killarney Rally run Day 4: Dingle Peninsula Day 5: Departure from the hotel for your journey home
Ullswater Lake
Honister Pass
Jaunting Cars, Killarney
Muckross House & Gardens
* From prices are the XK & E-Type Club member prices. Non-member prices are £50 per person extra and are available to book for Jaguar owners. All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
Castles & Coastlines CORNWALL
YORKSHIRE A Dales Spectacular
CLUB TOUR
CLUB TOUR
From £1,599* Per Person
From £1,449* Per Person
Pentillie Castle
Jaguar XK’s outside Swinton Park
A Classic Car Tour of Cornwall and Devon’s Wild Edge Step into a world of timeless elegance and untamed beauty on our classic car driving tour based at the enchanting Pentillie Castle, a privately owned country estate nestled on the banks of the River Tamar, right on the Cornwall and Devon border. This tour blends the romance of historic accommodation with the thrill of driving some of the South West’s most captivating routes. Each day invites you to explore dramatic moorland, rugged coastlines, and hidden villages, all from the comfort of your cherished classic car. Pentillie is exclusively ours for the duration of the stay, to give us a real house party feel. The property is beautifully appointed and you have 55 acres of woodland and gardens.
A Great Tour of Yorkshire An exceptional touring experience through the sweeping landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, based at the refined Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa. This is a journey designed for driving purists, history lovers, and those who savour the pleasures of the open road. As you cruise along winding roads, route highlights include an iconic feat of Victorian engineering, the Ribblehead viaduct. The dramatic backdrop of the Three Peaks frames one of the most photogenic moments of the tour. Here, you’ll experience the unique character of the Yorkshire Dales, where every mile reveals a new vista, a characterful pub, or a hidden gem in God’s Own Country.
21st - 25th June 2026 Departure Dates
12th - 16th July 2026 Departure Dates
What’s Included • Four nights accommodation at the Coniston Hotel • Breakfast daily • Dinner at the hotel each evening with water, coffee and tea • Two coffee stops • One lunch • Detailed roadbook and rally plate • Hosted by a tour manager Tour Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in the Yorkshire Dales for welcome drinks & dinner Day 2: Ribblehead & Buttertubs passes with cosy coffee stop in the Dales Day 3: Forest of Bowland, one of our favourite drives with a royal coffee stop! Day 4: The Swinton run, a visit to this incredible estate for lunch Day 5: Departure from the hotel for your journey home
What’s Included • Four nights at Pentillie Castle • Breakfast each day • Dinner at the hotel each evening with water, coffee and tea • A coffee stop at Bovey castle • A coffee stop at the Borough Arms • Detailed roadbook & rally plate • Hosted by a tour manager Tour Itinerary Day 1: Arrival at Pentillie Castle for welcome drinks & dinner Day 2: Dartmoor run for coffee at Bovey Castle Day 3: Day at leisure to explore the many local sites, such as the Eden project Day 4: Bucket & Spade run - Bodmin Moor and north Cornwall coastline Day 5: Departure from the hotel for your journey home
Group Dinner
Jaguar XK & E-types at Bovey Castle
Tintagel Bridge
Forest of Bowland
* From prices are the XK & E-Type Club member prices. Non-member prices are £50 per person extra and are available to book for Jaguar owners. All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
Circuit des Remparts, Angoulême FRANCE
CLUB TOUR
Drive to South West France for this amazing motoring festival From £2,299* Per Person
Circuit des Remparts
Join fellow members on a superb drive to South West France to the amazing ‘Circuit des Remparts’ event in Angoulême. This motoring festival takes place over the third weekend in September; to include a non-competitive rally around the stunning Charente countryside, famous for its Cognac vineyards and distilleries. The weekend culminates with the racing that takes place on the closed streets of Angoulême, on the 1.5 km circuit which has remained unchanged since the 1930’s, when it was run as a Grand Prix. Drivers such as Trintignant and Fangio have both raced in Angoulême.
Tour Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1: Departure & ferry crossing The tour departs from Portsmouth as you board the 20.15 hrs overnight ferry to St Malo. You have cabins reserved on board this night sailing. Day 2: Fontevraud Arrive in St Malo and then take a superb run on fabulous d-roads via interesting towns and pretty countryside down to the overnight hotel in Fontevraud, near the River Loire. Day 3: Angoulême On arrival in Angoulême there is time to relax in the hotel’s pool after the days drive. For those that wish they can join the walking tour of the town to get the lie of the land ahead of the
16th - 22nd September 2026
What’s Included • Return crossing with Brittany Ferries • A large two berth cabin each way • Breakfast stop in Combourg • Overnight stay at the Croix Blanche, Fontevraud on B+B basis • Drinks reception at Croix Blanche • Dinner at the Croix Blanche with wine, water, coffee, tea included • Coffee stop in Pleumartin • Three nights at the St Gelais, Angouleme on a B+B basis • Walking tour of Angouleme • Entry to the Saturday rally with lunch included • Grandstand & Paddock access on race day • Dinner on Sunday evening with wine, water, coffee and tea
weekend’s proceedings. Day 4: Angoulême - Rally
Today the official rally starts this morning for a picturesque run through the Charentais countryside. The routes take you via the Cognac vineyards, distilleries and pretty villages surrounding Angoulême. Day 5: Angoulême - Race Day Today is race day. The cars competing take to the track through the morning for practice to get the best possible grid position for the afternoon races. Day 6: Departure After breakfast at the hotel you can make your way back to the Port of Caen for the overnight sailing departing at 2300 hrs. Your onboard cabin accommodation is reserved for you.
• Detailed roadbook and rally plate • Escorted by an experienced tour manager
*All prices are based on two people in a car sharing a twin/double room. A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
Our History BACKWATER TOURS
Backwater Tours was born out of true passion and a particular skill in devising meticulously planned driving tours. In 2010, Paul and Linda Trill started the company when their passion project was recognised by Philip & Julie Porter at the Jaguar E-type and XK Club. What ensued was a long running relationship of operating the clubs’ official tours, which is ongoing to this day. Something we are very proud of. In 2022, Backwater Tours gained further recognition when respected tour operator, The Albatross Group acquired it, integrating the company under the Albatross Motoring umbrella alongside Scenic Car Tours. Since then, Backwater Tours has benefited from the vast expertise found within the motoring team and systems used to enhance the customer experience and ensure your tour is a truly unforgettable one. Since its inception, Backwater has operated over 60 tours, travelling with hundreds of customers around the world.
Take a look below for a snapshot of some of our past tours.
New Zealand OCEANIA In 2017, Backwater took two back-to-back tours to explore the South Island. The tour duration was 23 days long spanning from the most northerly point to the southerly tip of the South Island. Highlights included the natural hot spa pools at Hanmer Springs, whale watching in Kaikoura, wine tasting in Marlborough, a visit to the impressive Fox Glacier, a stunning Milford Sound cruise and more. Time to revive this tour? Or would you go elsewhere? Route 66, Japan, New England in the Fall, South Africa?
Northumberland UK & EUROPE
Suffolk UK & EUROPE Another tour that always received phenomenal feedback is Suffolk. Based from the luxury of Hintlesham Hall, this is the perfect place to explore Constable Country, Southwold, Aldeburgh, Lavenham and beyond. Our last Suffolk tour was in 2022, perhaps we take in Norfolk as well next time around.
A tour that always gets great feedback from customers who have experienced it is Northumberland. We have run this as a two-centre tour to take in Kielder Forest, Hexham, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cragside Estate. The roads are stunning, as is the scenery. This tour is set to be back in 2027.
Car Clubs & Groups
We have a long and successful history of working with car clubs, our fifteen year history with the Jaguar XK & E-type Clubs is testament to that.
If you are a group organiser or car club looking for a tour operator to organise your tours please contact us. We will be delighted to meet you and talk through your requirements and showcase what we offer. Please send us an email hello@backwatertours.co.uk or give us a call +44 (0)1732 879158 we look forward to hearing from you.
01732 879181 I www.backwatertours.co.uk
2026
Club Lakes & Passes Tour Lake District 18 – 22 April Open Highland Heritage Tour Scotland 9 – 13 May Club Peninsulas & Passes Ireland 31 May – 4 June Club Castles & Coastlines Cornwall 21 – 25 June Club Yorkshire Dales Yorkshire 12 – 16 July
Open Chantilly & Chateaux France
04 - 07 september
Open 18 – 25 September Club Circuit des Remparts France 16 - 22 September Open Classic Belgium Belgium 11 – 15 October Off the Beaten Track Italy
www.backwatertours.co.uk
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