Van Tour Around Britain Focuses on the Oddities

The weird, odd and strange will be major elements of Outback UK’s backpacker tours of Britain this summer.

The Ostrich Inn, which is close to London’s Heathrow Airport, “had a landlord in the late 18th century who dropped his sleeping guests through a trap door in their beds, into boiling ale below,” says Outback’s publicity material. “Sixty went to their deaths in this unique manner.” And the city of Liverpool was “named after a type of seaweed.” And it goes on.

Along with imparting some of the more offbeat facts about Britain, Outback UK incorporates a variety of outdoor activities as well as visits to many traditionally famous sites during its 14-day, 2,500-mile minibus ramble around Britain. The tour includes visiting Winchester Cathedral, Avebury Stone Circle, the Liverpool Museum, Hadrian’s Wall and Edinburgh Castle, hiking in the Lake District and a ghost tour of York.

Tour groups are limited to 15 people. For $57 per day, the tour includes 13 nights’ budget accommodations (from thatched cottages to hostels), transportation, the services of a driver/guide, activities, walking maps and daily breakfast, plus a lunch or dinner each day. If you don’t want the full package you can buy transportation only for $29 per day, or travel and accommodations for $45 per day. It’s also possible to join three- to 10-day segments of the tour.

Outback UK will depart from the Earls Court Youth Hostel at 38 Bolton Gardens in London on May 15, June 5 and 26, July 17 and 31, Aug. 14, Sept. 4 and 18 and Oct. 9. For detailed information or reservations, contact Outback UK, The Cottage, Church Green, Badby, Northants, NN11 3AS, England; telephone 011-44-1327-704-115, fax 011-44-1327 703-883.