• Travel Planning Guide

The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the UK

London on the River Thames

Are you craving an unforgettable 7-day trip to the UK that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure? Look no further than our carefully curated selection of 7-day guided tours that are perfect for a week-long getaway. We've analyzed these tours based on key criteria such as price, comfort, service, guest ratings, and activities in order to find the top 7-day tours in the UK for your next trip. Whether you're yearning for thrilling excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, or simply a chance to unwind, these week long tours offer the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself into the local culture and activites. Great for museums & attractions, food, nightlife, and music, it's easy to see why the UK is such a fun destination. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

From the big cities to the rolling countryside dotted with small towns to the grand landscapes of the national parks, Great Britain offers plenty of beauty. Old architecture and beautiful parks in London and Edinburgh are just the beginning, as the small towns also have plenty of charm. The highlands of Scotland and the mountains of central Britain offer a rugged and unique landscape. And don't miss the Giant's Causeway or the many waterfalls in Northern Ireland, too.

  • Scottish Escape 7 Days, $1239.00
  • Scottish Escape 7 Days, $1429.00
  • Best of Scotland (Winter, 7 Days) 7 Days, $1795.00

Which 7-day tour options are available in the UK?

the UK

Here are the important factors:

  • 13 trip options analyzed
  • $331 average price per day (USD)
  • 4.75 of 5 average rating
  • 24 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of tours lasting 7 days? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 24 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. When it comes to physical activity , tour options are organized as easy and moderate, with a majority being easy tours. For transportation , you'll find tours classified as coach / bus and train & rail, with most of them being coach / bus. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 13 tours lasting 7 days, you can rest assured that the UK has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best 7-Day Tours in the UK

Scottish escape.

  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 7 days.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this incredible journey that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. With a duration of 7 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 46 people, and is good for travelers aged 8 to 80 years old. This itinerary covers 8 captivating destinations, with stops in Inverness, Pitlochry, St Andrews, and Stirling, among others. Glasgow marks the starting point, while Edinburgh stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This fantastic option, organized by Globus , presents an unbeatable value at just $177 per day.

  • Coach / Bus
  • In-depth Cultural

Spanning over 7 days, this journey has a maximum size of 46 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 5 to 80 years old, it is organized by Globus , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 8 destinations, featuring Pitlochry, St Andrews, Stirling, and Fort William. Beginning in beautiful Glasgow, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Edinburgh. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Available at an unbeatable price of only $190 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Best of Scotland (Winter, 7 Days)

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional voyage that has garnered a 4.4 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 7 days, this jouney will have 26 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers aged 5 or older. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Trafalgar , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $256 per day.

Bonnie Scotland

This memorable voyage is offered by Globus which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $310 per day. Traverse through 9 enchanting destinations, with Pitlochry, Dundee, St Andrews, and Fort William among the must-see stops along the route. Glasgow marks the starting point, while Edinburgh stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 46 people, welcoming travelers aged 5 to 80 years old.

London & Country

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4.7 out of 5 stars by previous guests. You'll love the emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, too. With a duration of 7 days, this voyage offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 30 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers aged 5 to 80 years old. This trip visits 4 destinations, including Stratford-upon-Avon and Stonehenge along the way. You'll start and end this amazing trip in London. Brought to you by Globus , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $341 per day.

Kent: The Garden of England

With this option you can experience an unparalleled trip for 7 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 18 participants at most. Experience a trip that takes you to 11 remarkable destinations, including Kent, Maidstone, Faversham, and Whitstable. London will be both the start and end of your journey. Blue-Roads Touring , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers aged 18 to 80 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $360 per day.

Highlights of Scotland

This fantastic trip has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Explore 4 incredible locations on this trip, including Inverness and Fort William. Edinburgh marks the starting point, while Glasgow stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. Lasting 7 days, the maximum group size is 16 people, and it's good for travelers aged 12 to 90 years old. Organized by G Adventures , this is a great deal because it's only $371 per day.

West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary voyage is the perfect choice. Discover a journey that spans 8 destinations, with notable stops in Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, Kilmartin, and Oban. Glasgow will be the beginning and end of your trip. Spanning across 7 days, the voyage accommodates 13 individuals, and is suitable for travelers aged 18 to 85 years old. Offered by McKinlay Kidd , this remarkable voyage is priced at just $442 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Bath, Devon & Cornwall Small Group Rail Tour

This exceptional trip offering by McKinlay Kidd has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 7-day trip you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip takes you on an adventure to 5 destinations, including Stonehenge, Dartmoor National Park, and Plymouth. Bath will mark the start of your journey, while St Ives will serve as its final destination. With a group size of 15 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 18 to 85 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $436 per day.

Walk the Lake District

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating. With 4 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Keswick and Buttermere, and more. Borrowdale marks the starting point, while Grasmere stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. Spanning across 7 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 16 participants, and it's great for travelers aged 16 to 85 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Explore! , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $307 per day - an unbeatable value.

  • Hiking & Trekking

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the UK , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in the UK , The Best Historical Tours in the UK , The Best 10-Day Tours in the UK , The Best 3-Day Tours in the UK , The Best 2-Week Tours in the UK , The Best Bicycle Tours in the UK , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in the UK , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the UK , The Best Coach Bus Tours in the UK , The Best Adventure Tours to the UK , The Best Eco Tours in the UK , The Best Train & Rail Tours in the UK , The Best Sightseeing Tours in the UK , The Best Cultural Tours in the UK , The Best Music Tours in the UK , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the UK , The Best Self Drive Tours in the UK , The Best Walking Tours in the UK , The Best Tours Under $1000 in the UK , The Best Luxury Tours to the UK , The Best Budget Tours to the UK , The Best Tours for Seniors to the UK , or The Best Contiki Tours to the UK for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 3-Day Tours from London , The Best 3-Day Tours from Inverness , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Glasgow , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Inverness , The Best 10-Day Tours from London , The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 2-Week Tours from London , The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Glasgow for more package tour options.

How much do 7-day tours to the UK cost?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for tours lasting 7 days when planning a visit to the UK. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of tours lasting 7 days in the UK based on data from 13 options is an affordable $331 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in the UK .

And for more information on United Kingdom, see United Kingdom Travel Costs and United Kingdom Hotel Costs .

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  • Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Europe Up Close

England Itinerary: 7 Days in England

By: Author Guest Contributor

7 Days in England Itinerary by a Local - England Trip - 1 Week England Itinerary - Are you planning a quick trip to England? Here is our 7 Day England Itinerary, written by a local, that will give you a taste of England. 7 Day England Itinerary - Recommended by a Local - England Things To Do - England Travel Tips - 1 Week England - England Countryside - England aesthetic countryside #England #Englanditinerary #London #SouthernEngland #Englandtrip England Road Trip - UK Road Trip

1 Week in England Itinerary

I’m glad you’ve decided to come to England! There are so many great reasons to visit England , and I’ve tried to fit them all into a week’s itinerary. Starting in London and adding Bath, Bristol, the Cotswolds, and the Peak District – this England itinerary will take you through some of the best spots in the country.

Long exposure photo showing red phone booth in London and light rails of a red double-decker bus passing by on the right

This England itinerary includes:

London Bath Bristol Cotswolds Peak District

I’d recommend doing the first half by public transport and then hiring a car to see the Cotswolds and the Peak District. There’s more on that decision below, but it’ll allow you to see all the more.

Famous Tower Bridge in the morning, London, England

Day 1 in London

Starting your England itinerary You’ll fly into London, so let’s go there first. After checking into your hotel and freshening up it’s time to get out and see the city. You haven’t got long, so I’d recommend staying central. Take a look at some great Hotels in Central London .

If it’s your first time in London you’ll want to hit up all the big sights on your days out in London. Be prepared for lots of walking!

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit a lot of attractions and museums, the London Pass might be a great way to save money. It gives you access to 80 attractions and you can use the Hop on Hop off bus to get around. Buy the London Pass here >>

Buckingham Palace

Head straight to Buckingham Palace and look round the Queen’s digs to see where the British Royal Family have lived since the start of time. There’s usually a special exhibition on here, featuring fashion or jewelry collections from the past. Check out the Buckingham Palace website for details.

If this is your first time in London, make sure you don’t miss the Changing of the Guards.

British infantry regiments performing Trooping the Colour ceremony marking the Queen's Birthday outside of Buckingham Palace in Central London.

Westminster

From here walk through the gardens to Westminster. Here you can see the iconic Big Ben clock, Westminster Abbey where Prince William and Kate got married and the Houses of Parliament. Up to you whether you fancy going in any of them, or they’re good enough to just admire from the pavement.

Once you’re done, walk across the bridge and you’ll get to South Bank. Make sure to take the time to admire the views from the bridge though – London looks its best on a summer’s day down here.

On the South Bank you could visit the London Aquarium, the London Eye, get a bite to eat at the South Bank Food Market (depending on the day and time of year) or just enjoy sitting around and admiring the book market and street performers. Look over the Thames and you’ll see the MI5 building – famously featured regularly on James Bond.

Borough Market

Walk another 25 minutes from here, or catch a red London bus, and you can visit the famous Borough Market. This is where you can try some of the best local food in London. Don’t eat too much though as you’ll want to save for dinner and a show in Soho tonight.

Fruit Stalls at Borough Market in London

London’s West End is famous the world over. Here you can see shows like The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Matilda and Phantom of the Opera. Search around online for a deal which includes food, as there are some great places to eat in Soho. If you have trouble, then just head to ChinaTown. In recent years it’s more of an ‘Asia Town’, with offerings from Vietnam, Japan and Taiwan too.

If you’ve still got the energy for a night out, then the bars and clubs of Soho will welcome you with open arms! One of my faves is the karaoke at Lucky Voice. Check it out!

Day 2 in London

If you like shopping then Oxford Street and Piccadilly are good fun, but if you’re not really bothered then this is an opportunity to see some more of London. There’s so much to do in the city, but I think these are the key sights. If you need more ideas for a day out in London , check out my post.

London, England - Panoramic aerial skyline view of London including Tower Bridge with red double-decker bus, Tower of London, skyscrapers of Bank District and other famous skyscrapers at golden hour

I’d recommend you go to Hyde Park though. It’s so nice up here and you can wander around the Serpentine Gallery and the coffee shop there. If you want to see Hyde Park in a different way, then hire some rollerskates and you’ll cover more ground.

In or around Hyde Park you can see Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Geographical Society and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Notting Hill

If you’re in London on the weekend, jump on the tube (the London Underground) to Notting Hill. Here you’ll find all kinds of antique shops and trinkets, and some great places for brunch. It’s also one of the best places in London for street photography if that’s what you’re into.

colorful typical row houses in Notting Hill, London, UK

Camden Market

You can easily get the tube from here up to Camden. Camden Market is world-famous – here you can get pierced, pick up some neon studded clothes from cyberpunk, and get a tasty bite to eat to enjoy by the canal. It’s also close to Regent’s Park, where you can just wander and enjoy the green space.

Or, you can pay to get into London Zoo and enjoy the thousands of animals who call it home. From Regent’s Park you can wander up to Primrose Hill, which offers some of the best views of North London. It’s also a pretty area to pick up a bite to eat.

Famous Camden Market in London - UK

I’d recommend a night out in Camden to finish off your two days in London. This is where you’ll find the rockers, the musicians and the creatives. Head to Purple Turtle and The World’s End for the best nights out!

Day 3 in Bath

Right, you can either hire a car, or just get the train – up to you. Today we’re going to go to Bath Spa for a day trip. It’s an hour and a half on the train, to the other side of the country, or about two hours driving. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Old roman baths at bath, England, built on the site of the godess aquae suilis

The ancient Roman Baths here date back to around 65 AD. The city is built on hot springs, and you can visit the sites where Romans would relax and replenish in the hot waters.

You can’t swim in the old ones anymore, but there are plenty of new spas set up around the city where you can enjoy the natural healing properties. The best-known spa in Bath is Thermae Spa – it’s also the most luxurious. They have an open swimming pool on the top floor and plenty of rooms for spa treatments and experiences inside. You’ll need to book in advance to visit here.

Apart from all the spas, Bath is a great city to wander around and there are plenty of things to do in Bath . All the British High Street favorites are here, as well as boutique shops and cute and unique places to eat. The city is beautiful and there are some great walks around where you can look down into the valley. One of the top photo spots is at the Pulteney Bridge, looking down the River Avon.

Avon river in the foreground and buildings of Bath, England in the background

Enjoy a more relaxed evening here, with the rooftop restaurant at Hall and Woodhouse. They serve great cocktails, a wonderful menu and it’s right in the heart of the city. Also, read my post on one day in Bath . And if you decide to spend the night in Bath, take a look at these recommended hotels in Bath .

Day 4 in Bristol

Enjoy a good breakfast in Bath – maybe at Sally Lunn’s so you can try the traditional Sally Lunn bun – and then it’s time for Bristol! Bristol is just 12 minutes on the train from Bath, or 40 minutes in the car, but it’s a whole other vibe.

Top Sights in Bristol

Bristol is known as the cool, creative part of England. In recent years house prices have gone through the roof as so many people want to live there. It’s the place to live in England right now.

You’ll need to fit in all the top sites in the city during your 24 hours here, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton, the city center, Stokes Croft, the Science Museum and Bristol Museum too. I’d strongly recommend you walk the route, that way you’ll get to see a whole bunch of amazing Bristol attractions along the way.

Clifton Suspension Bridge over Gorge, Bristol, UK

Other things to see in Bristol include Cabot Tower – built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to land, which later became Canada. Nowadays you can climb up it and enjoy the views out to the city.

Also, Bristol Zoo Gardens. This is the fifth oldest zoo IN THE WORLD, having opened in 1836. Since then the zoo has saved over 175 species from extinction. Visit and you can see red pandas, tree kangaroos, and gorillas too.

Stokes Croft Bristol

End up in Stokes Croft on your day in Bristol, as this is where you’ll have the best night out. This is where the independent traders are, and in the summer there’ll always be a beer garden party you can join. You could either stay in Bristol that night or just head back to your hotel in Bath on the train. It’s really not far and saves the worry of your luggage!

Night photo - Long exposure shot of Finzels Reach Bridge in Bristol

Day 5 in the Cotswolds

You can do the first five days using public transport very easily, in fact, I’d recommend it. But from this point I’d recommend you hire a car from either Bristol or Bath to really make the most of the Cotswolds and the Peak District. It’s a bit of a mission to use public transport to get from Bristol to the Cotswolds, whereas if you travel by car you can be there in 20 minutes.

The Cotswolds are an established Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) in England, and made up of small, quaint and very photogenic villages nestled in rolling hills and meadows. It’s much simpler to see by car.

I’d recommend driving to Cirencester to start your Cotswolds road trip. Cirencester is seen as the capital of the Cotswolds and it’s the busiest area. Head to Jack’s Cafe for a great breakfast to set you up for the day. Also, wander around Cirecenster a bit – lookout for the famous Fleece Restaurant, and the cute photo spots around the village.

Old stone houses on Arlington Row, Bibury, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England.

Best Cotswold Villages

There are lots of great places to visit in the Cotswolds on a day out. Top of the list of best best places to visit in the Cotswold to add to your Cotswolds road trip though, and in order from Cirencester are:

  • Bibury: the most photogenic spot in the Cotswolds. Arrived early to beat the crowds wanting to take the same photo of the same run of houses.
  • Burford: totally underrated village, but also, cute houses galore! Stow on the Wold – famous for the pretty church, and church door. Looks like something from Lord of the Rings.
  • Chipping Campden: here you’ll find some pretty boutique food and clothes shops, nice traditional English pubs and an old market place.
  • Winchcombe: if you like castles, this is the Cotswolds village for you. Sudeley Castle dates back over 1000 years and is the number one place to see in Winchcombe.
  • Cheltenham: then you can spend the night in the famous village of Cheltenham. This town is famed for its literary festival, and its horse racing, but aside from that is a spa town filled with regency buildings. You can enjoy a lovely evening here before you retire to sleep. I’m sure you’ll be tired by now. Oh, and you have the longest drive in the morning, so don’t drink too much Champers!

Cotswold sheep near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire with Church in background at sunrise.

Day 6 in the Peak District

It’s a 2.5 hour drive to the Peak District, to Bakewell to be precise. The Peak District is one of England’s 10 National Parks, and the nearest one to where I grew up.

The Peak District is great – you can do all kinds of outdoor activities here. From cycling to hiking, to hang gliding and cable cars. Most of the activities are centered in Edale, the foodie delights in Bakewell, and the kids activities in Matlock – but I’d recommend driving round to see the stunning vistas the Peak District has to offer. If you want to know more about how to spend your day in the Peak District, then click through to my blog post.

Double Railway Bridge in Peak District, United Kingdom, taken in 2018

As well as all the outdoor activities, there are also gardens to see, the stunning Chatsworth House to look round, and the underground caves to walk through. The Peak District is a really beautiful part of England, and a great chance to suck up some fresh English air before your plane journey back home.

Day 7 Return to London

Relax and head back to the airport I’d recommend a lie-in on your final day, and enjoy a good breakfast. And then maybe a short hike from Matlock to Matlock Bath to leave you feeling revitalized? It’s a three-hour drive back to London from Bakewell, straight down the M1.

Whipsnade Zoo

If you have a late flight then there are still a few gems in England to end your trip with. How about Whipsnade Zoo in the Chiltern Hills Area of Natural Beauty? It’s the UK’s biggest zoo and home to all kinds of exotic animals – including giraffes and penguins.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Or, you could go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studio in Watford. This is where some of the set from the Harry Potter series has ended up, and you can immerse yourself into Harry’s world.

It really is an incredible experience, even if you’re not really that into Harry Potter. They take you through how they made some of the animals, and you get to have a butterbeer. Buy your Wizarding World of Harry Potter tickets here >>

Dragon spying fire at Diagon Alley

The third option is to visit Windsor and Queen Elizabeth’s famous Windsor Castle . It’s here that she spends most of her time, and it’s also where Prince Harry and Meghan got married back in 2018.

Visit for a few hours and you can see the banqueting rooms enjoy watching the changing of the guard and just walk the grounds of one of the most important buildings in the UK.

St. George Chapel at Windsor Castle in England, UK

Windsor is a really nice town in itself, and has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained. Windsor is only a 20-minute drive to Heathrow, making for the perfect stop off before your flight.

I hope you’ve enjoyed your week’s itinerary for England. There’s so much to do here, but I think with careful planning using this itinerary, you can see a lot of the country and make some wonderful memories.

This 7 Days in England Itinerary was written by Victoria Philpott, from DayOutinEngland.com . The essential resource for guides and itineraries to England’s best days out. Searchable by interests, counties, cities, and areas – they’re definitely not just for the kids! Also follow her on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

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UK Travel Planning

UK trip planner

  • How to plan your UK Trip – A step by step guide

If you have a feeling of overwhelm when you think about planning your UK trip this article will help you – I recommend following each step below in order.

From deciding when to go, what to see, how to get around and even what to pack I will walk you through each step and make your planning process smoother and less daunting.

Step 1 – Decide when to visit the UK

Uk travel toolkit, step 2 – decide on your budget, step 3 – start your research, step 4 – check your passport and any visa requirements, planning your itinerary, popular destinations in england, popular destinations in scotland, popular destinations in wales, looking for a good map to help plan your itinerary, itinerary suggestions, intrepid travel, flying to the uk, other inbound transport options (bus/ferry/eurostar), travel insurance, step 7 – book accommodation, how to get around london, driving in the uk, train travel in the uk, by coach or bus, take an internal flight, english heritage overseas visitor pass (not available to uk residents), city passes, activities and experiences, book airport transfers, plan how you will access the internet, money matters*, check medical supplies.

  • Start packing!

Suggested timeline for planning your Uk trip

London travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), 10 step guide to plan your uk vacation.

10 STEPS TO PLAN YOUR UK TRIP 2

Visiting the UK is wonderful at any time of year but it is important to be aware of the possible impact of the seasons on your travel plans.

If you have set dates when you have to take your vacation it is still essential to be aware of the possible weather conditions for the time you will be in the UK.

The weather varies greatly depending on where you visit in the UK. It will be considerably colder in Scotland in winter than in London for example. Generally the further north you travel the cooler it becomes at any time of year!

The days are also shorter in winter leaving less time for sightseeing especially if you are exploring countryside areas such as the Cotswolds or the Highlands of Scotland .

Summer – June to August

This is peak tourist season and it is busy all over the UK. School holidays in July and August lead to an influx of visitors to popular seaside destinations as well as cities such as London and Edinburgh .

The hours of daylight are longer during the summer with light evenings enabling visitors to do and see more.

There are also many popular festivals and shows held during the summer months.

In Scotland midges can be a problem in the warmer months so insect repellant is recommended if you plan your trip at this time.

Whilst the weather can be warm to hot in the UK during the summer it is sensible to check the forecast, wear layers and carry an umbrella!

If you are planning to visit during this peak time it is important to book accommodation, transport, tours and tickets as soon as possible.

Autumn/Fall – September to November

Once the schools return in early September tourist destinations start to become less busy. This is a great time of year to visit Scotland and the Scottish islands particularly in the early Autumn months.

At the end of October the clocks are put back one hour and daylight hours start to dwindle.

Winter – December to February

The coldest months in the UK can herald ice and snow and freezing temperatures in Scotland and on higher ground in England and Wales.

The days are short due to reduced daylight.

This is also a time to visit Christmas markets and enjoy the build-up to the festive season. London is spectacular at this time of year and very busy in the lead up to Christmas.

Read more about visiting the UK in winter

Spring – March to May

March can still be a chilly time of year in the UK but at the end of the month the clocks spring forward one hour and the hours of daylight begin to increase.

Daffodils, crocuses and tulips make a colourful appearance and the countryside recovers from the dark days of winter. Spring is a wonderful time to visit the UK .

School holidays over Easter can lead to an increase of visitors to popular destinations such as London, the Cotswolds and Cornwall.

The weather can be variable throughout the spring and an umbrella will probably be necessary but some warm sunny days are generally expected.

Read: When is the best time of year to visit the UK?

AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!

The UK TRAVEL TOOLKIT is the perfect resource to organize and track your itinerary.

It includes pre-travel checklists, pages for essential destination information such as hotel reservations and bookings, a packing list, budget tracking sheets, important contact numbers and addresses, tour information, flight information, car hire, train travel planner, daily travel memories as well as at a glance pages for weekly and daily itineraries.

Available to download and print off or to use as an editable planner on your laptop or iPad this is the ideal tool to reduce stress and stay organised both before and during your trip.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND PURCHASE YOUR COPY

UK Travel Planner Book Cover 6

Deciding what your budget will be is an important step. It can be expensive to travel in the UK particularly if you plan to spend extended time in big cities such as London.

However, there are ways to budget for your trip. Even in London there are many free attractions available to help you plan a more budget-conscious trip. I recommend also weighing up the benefits of discount cards and passes to see if you can save money that way.

There are a variety of accommodation options available in the UK to suit all budgets ranging from hostels and B&Bs to boutique stays and luxury 5* hotels. You can find detailed accommodation guides for London , England , Scotland and Wales to help you find the best accommodation for your needs and budget.

Using public transport such as trains, coaches and buses can be cheaper than hiring a car too.

We recommend planning on an average individual daily budget (excluding airfares and accommodation) of £60 (budget) £125 (mid-range) and £200+ (luxury)

This budget should cover activities, transport and food.

Read – How much does it cost to visit the UK? UK budget planning guide

UK trip planner surrounded by travel related items

Once you have decided when you will visit, for how long and your budget the next step is to research what you want to see and do in the UK.

Considering which airport you will fly into from your country of origin may also influence your plans as well as your proposed length of stay.

This stage can be overwhelming as there is so much information available. Using our website to identify which areas, cities and places match your interests is a great way to start.

Also pop over to our Facebook group UK and London Travel Planning and join thousands of others planning their trip. It is the perfect place to ask questions and discuss plans with other travellers visiting the UK.

You can find inspiration in this selection of the best UK travel guidebooks available (including city, region and country guidebooks)

UK itinerary planning challenge.

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can stay in the UK visa-free for the purposes of tourism for up to 6 months (at the time of publishing this article)

This situation could change at any time so please check with your local foreign office for the latest advice about travel to the UK.

United States – click here

Canada – click here

Australia – click here

New Zealand – click here

Due to changing regulations on the 1st January 2021, (because of Brexit) citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland should check the official UK government website to check the situation prior to travel.

Some visitors to the UK require 6 months validity remaining on their passport so check in case you need to get a new passport.

We recommend iVisa for all your visa requirements. Save time with their easy traveller friendly application process. Their visa specialists are available 24/7 to help wherever you are in the world. Click here to find out more about how iVisa can help you.

Step 5 – Where to go (Itinerary planning)

Travel itinerary for a UK trip planner with phone and a pen

This can be the hardest part of planning any trip. With so many wonderful destinations in the UK to choose from it can be overwhelming when you have to decide which to see and which to leave out.

It is easy to include too many places and end up exhausted at the end of your trip so do think carefully about travel times and distance and just how exhausting a packed schedule can be.

Questions regularly asked in my UK and London Travel Planning Facebook group include:

  • How much can I fit into my limited vacation time?
  • What are the must-sees in London?
  • What are the must-sees in the rest of the UK?
  • How can I put together an itinerary to include all the things I want to see?
  • How long do I need in London, the Cotswolds, Bath, Scotland etc?
  • How can I do all of this without feeling exhausted at the end of my holiday?

There are many articles on this website to help you to prioritise and plan your itinerary and even suggested itineraries you can follow or adapt.

In STEP 1 you will have decided when and for how long you will be in the UK so that gives you a baseline upon which to build your itinerary.

In STEP 8 we will look at transportation around the UK in more depth but it is worth considering at this stage whether you prefer to hire a car , take public transportation, join organised tours to areas of interest or perhaps using all three.

In London, I highly recommend that you use public transport or a taxi to get around the city and do not hire a car. It is expensive, there is limited parking in central London and you will spend most of your time in a traffic jam! You can read my guide to using London transport here .

Many places are easily reached by train (see our top 10 UK train trips or our 14-day best of Britain rail itinerary ) including the major cities. However, the train has its limitations particularly if you plan to access rural areas such as the Cotswolds, Cornwall, the Jurassic Coast and the Highlands of Scotland this is best done on a road trip or by taking a tour.

This doesn’t mean excluding them from your itinerary but consider carefully the locations of your chosen destinations and the best ways to get to (and around) them.

You will find information in all my city and area-specific travel guides about the transport options to each destination as well as must-sees, itinerary suggestions and recommended time to spend there.

So what are the popular places visitors want to see when in the UK?

5 STEP itinerary planning challenge 1

  • London – everyone want to visit the capital city! I recommend at least 3 days in London to enable you to see the main sights landmarks and attractions. Read my essential tips and planning guide to start planning your London itinerary without the overwhelm!
  • The Cotswolds – although you can visit the Cotswolds on a day trip from Bath or London I recommend at least 2/3 days to fully explore this beautiful region.
  • Bath – one of England’s most beautiful cities and popular for its stunning architecture, Roman baths and many teahouses. It is possible to see the main highlights of Bath in one day or use the city as a base to explore the Cotswolds and Stonehenge.
  • York – this historic city is the perfect stop for those traveling between London and Edinburgh.
  • In south west England the counties of Dorset , Devon and Cornwall attract visitors looking for (amongst other attractions) beautiful beaches, coastal walks, stunning countryside and quaint villages
  • Brighton – visit this English coastal city on a day trip from London and enjoy exploring its famous Pavilion, independent shops and pier.
  • The University cities of Oxford and Cambridge – Enjoy a walk around these beautiful and historic cities within easy reach of London.
  • The Lake District – perfect for nature lovers, walkers and those seeking to experience the best of the British countryside
  • A bit of a hidden gem but absolutely worth visiting are the counties and cities located in the North East of England. The county of Northumberland has a stunning coastline, areas of outstanding natural beauty, castles, Roman sites and great walks. A little further south is the historic city of Durham – home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral and castle.
  • An English castle – most visitors to the UK want to visit at least 1 castle (or even spend the night in one)

Read more – England Travel Guide

Map showing main destinations in Scotland

  • Edinburgh – popular with visitors for its history, architecture, culture and castle Edinburgh is the perfect Scottish destination for first time visitors to the country.
  • Scottish Islands – offering stunning scenery, wildlife, culture and history choosing which of the islands to include in your itinerary is the first step.
  • Scottish Highlands – beautiful scenery, landscapes, wildlife and experiences await in the Highlands. This is an entire holiday of its own so think carefully if this is an area you wish to visit – either plan a driving holiday or base yourself in one or two cities and take day trips.
  • Explore a Scottish castle – with so many beautiful castles in Scotland most visitors include at least one or two in their itinerary.

Read more – Scotland Travel Guide

Popular destinations in Wales

  • Cardiff – the Welsh capital
  • National Parks such as Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire are popular with nature lovers, walkers, climbers and adventurers.
  • Castles including Caernarfon and Conwy are popular with visitors to Wales.

Read more – Wales Travel Guide

UK scratch off map

Read more – Best travels books and maps for planning your UK trip

As I mentioned previously I highly recommend thinking carefully about your priorities and interests. It is very easy to over plan and try to fit in too much.

Spending a few days in London can be exhausting in itself. If you plan to take a road or rail trip around the UK I recommend 3 days per destination (but consider travelling time and distances)

It is possible to base yourself in London and take tours or day trips to nearby cities and areas of interest, plan a road trip around the UK or even a train travel itinerary that incorporates your areas of interest but what you can fit in will depend greatly on the length of your trip.

If you have 7 days I would recommend 3/4 days in London followed by 4 days to explore areas in the south of England such as the Cotswolds, Bath, Stonehenge and Oxford.

If you have 10 to 14 days (or longer) for a road trip or train trip it is possible to include many of the popular destinations throughout England, Scotland and Wales in your itinerary.

These are just a couple of examples of possible itineraries!

  • Highlights of Scotland – Edinburgh -> Kelpies -> Glasgow -> Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park & Glencoe -> Glenfinnan -> Isle of Skye -> Inverness -> Loch Ness -> Pitlochry -> Edinburgh
  • Grand tour of England, Scotland Ireland and Wales – London -> Cambridge -> York -> Durham -> Alnwick -> Edinburgh ->Inverness -> Loch Ness -> Glasgow -> Belfast -> Dublin -> Caernarfon -> Liverpool -> Stratford -> Oxford -> London
  • England, Scotland and Wales – London -> York -> Edinburgh -> Glasgow -> Liverpool -> Cardiff -> Bath -> Stonehenge -> Cotswolds -> Oxford -> London
  • 14 day best of Britain by train – London -> Bath -> Cardiff -> Liverpool or Lake District -> Edinburgh -> York -> London

The ideal place to discuss your proposed itinerary is in our free UK and London Travel Planning Facebook Group – pop over, have a chat and find out other travellers experiences exploring the UK.

Consider booking an organised group tour

Coach heading towards hills in Scotland

If you prefer to avoid the stress of planning your own trip there is always the option to book a packaged group tour of the UK.

There are a number of tour companies that offer tours around the UK including Trafalgar, Intrepid and Tourradar.

Good to know – Many tours also incorporate Ireland in their itineraries so if you were considering a visit to the Emerald Isle you will find many combined tour options.

Read more – Best UK tours 2023 – Comparison and itinerary guide

A great place to start Tourradar is a marketplace for tours. Use the filter option to sort tours by date, travel styles, maximum group size, ages, and interests and check out reviews so you can pick the ideal tour for your needs.

This 11 day Best of Britain tour covers 25 destinations across England, Scotland and Wales and includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

Click here for more UK tours from Tourradar

Intrepid are a popular choice for those seeking a small group tour with a focus on discovering a region’s people and culture. Many of their UK tours have an active focus – cycling or walking.

They have several tour styles available ranging from Basix to Comfort.

Tours with Intrepid include this 5 day tour of the Orkneys in Scotland , a 7 day walk along Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England and a 4 day cycle tour of the Lake District.

Click here for the full range of UK tours from Intrepid

Trafalgar is a well known and respected brand that has been in business since 1947. Their coach tours appeal to the 50+ age bracket with an interest in culture and history.

  • 7 Day Best of Scotland tour includes Edinburgh Castle, Pitlochry, the Isle of Skye, Glasgow Cathedral, Culloden Battlefield and Stirling Castle.
  • Amazing Britain – From Shakespeare’s theatrical roots and mystical Stonehenge to the fresh air and rugged outdoors of the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll learn all about the locals’ favourite drink at a traditional whisky distillery.

Click here for more tours of Britain and Ireland from Trafalgar

Rabbies offer small group tours of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland with no more than 16 people to a tour. They offer guaranteed departures so you know once you book you will go!

Their tours vary in length from day trips to up to 17 days and they have a wide selection of family-friendly tours to choose from.

Here is a selection of some of the great tours on offer

  • The Lake District, Edinburgh, Mull & the Isle of Skye ( 9 day Rail and Trail Journey ) – Enjoy 3 wonderful UK destinations on this 9 day tour.
  • Heart of England, Wales & Yorkshire ( 5 day tour ) – Travel through the Peak District, Shakespeare country, Welsh mountains, and beautiful British cities.
  • Scottish Island Hopping Extravaganza ( 17 day tour ) – Discover the majesty of Mull, Skye, Iona, Orkney & the Outer Hebrides on this tour from Edinburgh.

> You will find more small-group tour options from Rabbies here

Step 6 – Book flights and organise travel insurance

A computer with a booking sign and an airplane

Next step is planning how you will get to the UK. If you are in North America, Asia, Africa or Australia/New Zealand the answer is generally by air. (Unless the UK is the start or end point for a cruise or you are travelling overland by train or bus)

There are 15 major airports in the UK including Heathrow airport, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Luton, Edinburgh and Manchester.

To find the best flight deals to the UK I sites such as Skyscanner or CheapOair provide comparisons of all available options (prices and routes)

Skyscanner is useful if you are searching for various route options and the cheapest dates to travel. Set up an email alert if prices change.

CheapOair is good for deals on first and business class travel.

If you are entering the UK from mainland Europe there are a number of other transport options available including taking a ferry, bus or the Eurostar.

The Eurostar departs from Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels with some stops at other regional cities along the way with the final destination at St Pancras International Station in London.

The Eurostar is a quick, easy and comfortable way to travel between London and major European cities such as Paris and Brussels where onward high-speed connections will transport you all across the continent.

You can even pop over to Paris from London on a day trip if you plan carefully!

Read – Best booking sites for UK travel

At this point (with a tour or flight booked) we highly recommend taking out travel insurance.

I learnt this the hard way after booking pricy plane tickets and waiting to pay for travel insurance. A few weeks before we were due to fly my husband was admitted to hospital and though recovered in time for our trip it tripled our insurance costs which also then excluded his medical condition. Now I pay for the insurance as soon as my flights are paid for!

Due to the impact of the pandemic, it is vital to check the terms and conditions of any cover you are considering. Ensure that general health cover and repatriation is included and check what cover is provided for any Covid-19 related issues (health/cancellation/delays etc)*

For US-based travellers Travel Insurance Master and for Australian-based travellers Cover-More are companies which both offer travel insurance.

*Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. You should always seek your own professional advice that takes into account your personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. We always encourage our readers to compare options when it comes to financial products. Read our full disclosure.

A London phone box, a red suitcase and a hotel room key

There is a huge range of accommodation options available in the UK to suit all travel budgets and styles including Airbnbs, hotels, B&Bs, cottages and even castles!

We recommend using booking.com for your hotel and apartment accommodation. It is the site we use for our own trips all over the world. The site is easy to use and we find the option to book with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of a stay absolute essential. It may cost slightly more but for peace of mind it is invaluable.

Vrbo and Plum Guide are other sites to check for accommodation across the UK. Offering many unusual, quirky and unique choices such as cosy Cotswold cottages, log cabins in the Lake District and castles in Scotland as well as more budget-friendly London accommodation options.

You will find your perfect accommodation in my guides

  • London Accommodation Guide
  • England Accommodation Guide
  • Scotland Accommodation Guide
  • Wales Accommodation Guide

Step 8 – Book transport

A map of England with a toy car and car keys on it

There are a number of options for getting around the UK including by train, car, bus, internal flights and ferry. In Step 5 you will have identified how you will get around London and the UK so now is the time to book!

If you are arriving at a London airport you will need to know a little about London transport options and the Oyster Card so you are prepared.

I would recommend that you avoid driving in London if you can. London is a busy, congested capital city that is best travelled by foot, cab and public transport.

Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster Card which can be used to access public transport in the capital. You can also purchase the  Visitor Oyster Card  as part of your  London Pass .

Read more in my full guide to  getting around London using public transport.

How to get around the UK

Hiring a car  and taking some road trips around the UK is an option. If you do plan to hire a car don’t forget that you will need your full licence and ID such as a passport (if your licence was not issued in English you will need an international driving permit)

If you are travelling to the UK and plan to hire a car I would recommend comparing prices before booking – you can compare prices from all major car hire companies from Discover Cars.

If you decide to drive there are some  important points to remember:

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Most cars are manual (automatics are more expensive to hire)
  • Everyone in the vehicle is required by law to wear a seat belt.
  • “Gas” stations are called petrol stations and the fuel for your car will either be petrol or diesel. It is important to know which fuel type your hire car requires. We have had friends fill up with the wrong fuel and it was a costly mistake. Petrol is expensive in the UK compared to many other countries around the world so factor this into your budget.
  • Roundabouts are common in the UK – give way to traffic on the roundabout which will be approaching from the right.
  • It is illegal to use a cell phone when driving in the UK.
  • Pay attention to speed limits. Speed cameras are common in the UK and you will be fined if found to be above the limit.
  • Children under 12 (or 135 m tall) must use a child car seat.

🚗 Nervous about driving in the UK? Tripiamo is the number one guide teaching Americans how to drive and get around across the United Kingdom.  Read more about Tripiamo

My own personal choice is to travel by train in the UK when possible. It is fairly easy to travel by train between major cities but can become trickier to travel around rural areas such as the Cotswolds, Scottish Highlands, Jurassic Coast etc without a car.

If you enjoy train travel there are many  beautiful scenic rail journeys  to take in the UK. There are also some sleeper train services such as the Caledonian Sleeper which are an adventure in themselves.

For more information our comprehensive guide to travelling the UK by train which was written by my husband (who worked in the UK rail industry for 25 years) is essential – you can find out more about the guide here .

  • London to Birmingham  – 1 1/2 hours
  • London to Manchester – 2 hours
  • London to Edinburgh – 4 1/2 hours
  • London to Cardiff – 2 hours

I recommend  The Trainline  for tickets for trains, buses or flights in the UK.

Graphic of updated UK Train Guide

If you are travelling on a budget the cheapest way to travel the UK will be by coach though your journey time will be longer.

The largest company is National Express whose network serves over 1200 destinations. You can check prices and timetables for National Express via the TrainLine which also provides a handy comparison between coach and train times and prices.

If you are really pushed for time flying may be an option. It is important to calculate how long you need to be at the airport before your flight (at least 2 hours with checked baggage and 1 hour without) plus the time to get to and from airports at either end.

Check on Skyscanner for routes and prices.

If you plan to visit the Scottish Islands , the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, and Ireland you will need to take a ferry (though flights may also be an option)

There are many ferry companies in Scotland but the main two are CalMac (for the Inner and Outer Hebrides) and Northlink Ferries (Orkneys and Shetland) If you are planning a road trip around Scottish Islands it is important to book in advance due to limited capacity.

Tickets can be purchased for ferry routes across the UK from Direct Ferries

Ferries to Ireland from the UK are as follows

  • Wales – Fishguard to Rosslare and Holyhead to Dublin
  • England – Liverpool to Belfast and Liverpool to Dublin
  • Scotland – Caimryan to Belfast

> Read more in our complete guide to transportation in the UK

Step 9 – Book attractions, tours and activities

A boat on the Thames and the London Eye

Once you have firmed up your itinerary I recommend booking tickets for any attractions, tours, activities and experiences. This is particularly important during peak seasons for popular attractions such as the Tower of London, London Eye, Churchill’s War Rooms in London, the Roman Baths in Bath, Stonehenge, and the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland for example.

I recommend purchasing skip the line tickets during the summer months so as to avoid standing in long queues.

There are a number of city and attractions passes available for the UK which may be cost-effective if you are planning to visit many of the most popular sights and attractions.

I recommend listing the cost of each attraction you want to visit in London and comparing the amount to the cost of one of these London Passes.

There are a number of passes available in London including the classic London Pass with access to more than 80 of London’s top attractions, tours, and museums as well as a hop-on hop-off bus ticket and the Go London Explorer Pass which allows you to create your own tour of London with a pass to 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 top attractions.

The More London for Less 5 Attractions Pass covers Madame Tussauds London, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The London Dungeon, DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure! London, and The London Eye all on 1 great value ticket.

The Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass includes the entrance fee to the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, a free audio guide at both attractions and access to The National Maritime Museum & The Queen’s House.

The Three Palace Royal Pass includes entry to the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace.

With so many passes to choose from it can be confusing – read my comparison guide to London Passes to help you choose the best one for your needs and interests.

The English Heritage Pass entitles unlimited access to more than 100 of the most important places in English history including castles, abbeys, Roman ruins and prehistoric monuments.

Heritage sites included in this pass are Dover Castle , Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall .

The pass is valid for 9 or 16 consecutive days.

  • York City Pass – This pass is valid for one or two full days of sightseeing and gives your entry to 25 attractions in York.

Click here for more tours and attractions in York with Get Your Guide

I highly recommend taking some day tours when you are exploring the UK. It is the best way to learn about the places you are visiting as tour guides are always keen to share their knowledge of the history and culture.

Walking tours are also a great way to get your bearings, especially in larger cities such as London. There are lots of fantastic group tours (or private tours if you prefer) available for many popular destinations across the UK.

I recommend the following group tour companies:

Take Walks – Take Walks offer a selection of small group tours in London including VIP access to the British Museum , a VIP tour of the Tower of London and tours of the Houses of Parliament . Their London in a Day Tour is very popular and includes the Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guards plus a Thames cruise. Find out more about Take Walks London tours here.

LivTours – Another great tour company offering private and semi-private tours of London.

⭐️ Click here for our preferred partners for private driver guided tours

Get Your Guide is a platform that gathers the best activities across the globe in one place which means that they have tons of amazing day trips to choose from all over London and the UK. With free cancellation on most of their tours up to 24 hours before departure they are my go-to for larger group tours and tickets. Click here find more day tour options in the UK!

There are some fantastic experiences waiting for you in the UK from attending a football match to baking scones in the Cotswolds there is something for all the family to enjoy including

  • Private London photoshoot with Scalens Studios ( Quote code UKTP10 at checkout for 10 extra images for free)
  • A tour of Anfield the home of Liverpool Football Club

For more memorable activities to add to your itinerary take a look at Get Your Guide (our gift guide for Anglophiles also has some great suggestions for once in a lifetime activities.)

Step 10 – Prepare for departure

UK trip planning and everything you need in an illustration of a suitcase with London landmarks poking out

It is important to know how you will get from the airport to your accommodation and book transfers ahead of time.

There is nothing worse than arriving jet-lagged and feeling disorientated in an unfamiliar environment.

If you are flying into one of London’s major airports (Heathrow or Gatwick) there are a number of options open to you including taking the train, bus or (the more expensive) taxi.

Approximate times to travel from each airport by train into central London are:

  • Heathrow – 45 minutes
  • Gatwick – 45 minutes
  • City Airport – 30 minutes
  • Luton – 40 minutes
  • Stansted – 50 minutes

If however, you prefer to avoid negotiating the London Underground with your luggage pre-booking a private or shared transfer will perhaps be the less stressful option.

Read more – How to get into London from Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport

You will find many places that offer free WiFi in the UK including shopping centres, coffee shops and trains. When booking your accommodation check if free WiFi is included.

If you have an unlocked smartphone consider purchasing a SIM card prior to departure or on arrival at the airport. Another great option is to purchase a portable WiFi device such as the Solis from Skyroam . Quote Tracys Travels at the checkout for a 15% discount. Unfortunately, the Solis is only available to purchase in the USA at the present time.

An alternate option is to purchase a portable device through TravelWifi.

We recommend these apps for London and the UK – just remember to download them before you travel.

Read more – How to access the Internet while travelling in the UK

The UK currency is the Pound Stirling – £

Read – How Should I Bring Money to the UK? A Complete Guide to Cash & Cards

You will find ATM’s all around the UK if you need to withdraw cash though be mindful of currency charges and fees.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places (shops, restaurants, transport etc)

There are 1p 2p 5p 10p 50p £1 £2 and £5 coins as well as notes in the following denominations – £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100.

Contactless transactions are available up to a £30 value (after a number of taps you will be required to enter your pin number so ensure you know what it is!) Ensure you have told your bank of your travel plans prior to departure to prevent them from blocking your card for suspicious usage!

I do recommend carrying some cash. I usually keep £50 worth of notes and change in my wallet.

I have a Wise account (formally Transferwise ) and Wise Mastercard which I use as well as my normal credit cards when I am in the UK. The Wise Mastercard works like a debit card and can be loaded up with your home currency and converted into £££’s when required.

It avoids the charges you would incur using credit cards or your normal bank debit card and is an easy way to handle spending money when travelling.

The exchange rate is excellent and you can hold a number of currencies on your card. At the end of the trip you can transfer any unused currency back into your bank account.

Click here for more information about the Wise card *

If you need to take prescription medications with you on holiday make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.

If necessary keep a copy of the script with you too in case of an emergency.

I recommend keeping essential medicines in your hand luggage. Although it is rare these days there are still cases of luggage going missing and arriving a few days late (or not at all)

Click to buy – UK Travel Toolkit the perfect resource to organise and track your itinerary

We start packing a few days before our flight just to make sure we have everything and give us time to purchase any last-minute necessities.

Also, consider carefully the type and amount of luggage you plan to bring. If you are travelling by public transport it will be a little a lot more difficult with lots of large suitcases.

Check out my recommended packing list for the UK (for all seasons) which will provide an idea of what to bring as well as recommendations for suitcases and travel bags.

Essentials for your UK packing list include the following items

Guide Book

Read more – Complete packing list for London and the UK (all seasons) & also check out my UK Travel Packing Essentials

This is my suggested timeline for planning and booking your UK travel itinerary.

6 – 12 months in advance

  • Plan your itinerary
  • Book International flights
  • Take out travel insurance
  • Book accommodation (for popular destinations if you are visiting during peak times)

3 – 6 months in advance

  • Book accommodation
  • Book transport (car hire/ train tickets are available 3 months prior)
  • Consider booking attractions and tours (especially if travel is during peak season)

1 month in advance

  • Book attractions and tours and any restaurants you particularly want to visit
  • Book airport transfer
  • Buy an Oyster card for London (posted to your home address)
  • Buy a Sim card or wifi device for internet access
  • Purchase any essential items such as travel adaptors now
  • Complete travel planner with all booking information, numbers and essential information.

1 day in advance

  • Email or provide hard copies of your itinerary to family members/friends

Start planning your UK trip – step by step

My step by step guide may have given you lots to think about but if you follow each of the 10 steps you will find the process easier and less overwhelming.

My guide to the best booking sites for UK travel also contains useful links and information which compliments and adds to this post.

Why not pop over and join our Facebook community and discover more inspiration, tips and advice to make the most of your UK holiday.

London Travel Guide and itinerary planner.

3 perfect England itineraries for every type of traveler

AnneMarie McCarthy

May 12, 2022 • 10 min read

A tourist relaxing in front of Tower Bridge, London

London is the ideal starting point for exploring England by rail or road © Franckreporter / Getty Images

Want to see as much of England as possible on your trip but don’t know where to start? Here are three of our best 7-10 day itineraries to give you some inspiration.

Each of these classic trips will give you a different insight into this green and pleasant land. But the one thing they have in common is you’ll leave with a deep appreciation of everything that makes England special: a contrast of wild and idyllic landscapes, fascinating history and captivating urban destinations.

Essential England – a 10-day itinerary

A week and a half is long enough to tick off many of England’s classic highlights. This tour takes in a dozen of the nation's top sights, from London to the Lakes.

essential england map-higher res.jpg

Day 1: Tour the streets of the capital

What better way to kickstart your perfect England itinerary than starting with a full day in the nation's vibrant capital, London ? If you only have one day to explore, simply set out on foot to admire such world-famous sights as Buckingham Palace , Tower Bridge , Trafalgar Square and more.

How to get from London to Winchester: Drive or take the train from London to Winchester; direct trains take an hour and run from Waterloo Station.

Day 2: Captivating cathedral cities

Moving southwest, you can explore one or both of the grand cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury . Winchester is slightly closer to London and is a history-lover’s dream with long connections to King Arthur, Sir Walter Raleigh and Alfred the Great. Another 45 minutes by road will take you to Salisbury Cathedral and one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

Go from Winchester to Bath: A hire car will open up some interesting side-trips en route to Bath. Don’t leave the area before making a detour to see the iconic megaliths of Stonehenge .

Visitors walk past the Grand Pump Room in Bath, Somerset

Day 3: A literary day in Bath

A short hop northwest leads to the beautiful city of Bath , for Roman history and fabulous Georgian architecture. For literature fans, the city has many connections to Jane Austen and, more recently, it formed the stage for Netflix’s smash hit TV series Bridgerton . 

Go from Bath to Oxford: The quickest route to Oxford is by train, connecting at Didcot Parkway. However, if you have a car and can afford a bit more time on the road, traveling by road has its benefits. You’ll be able to cruise across the classic English countryside of the Cotswolds with plenty of scenic pit stops on the way.

Day 5: Study the beauty of Oxford

An hour and a half trip by road or train will deliver you to that ancient seat of learning, Oxford . After you take in the sights and sounds of the famous university, find an idyllic English pub to cozy up in with a classic English novel.

For an optional extra day, just an hour’s drive away from Oxford is Stratford-upon-Avon . The official home of everything Shakespeare, Stratford is a pilgrimage destination for fans of the Bard and there are plenty of must-sees for anyone with an interest.

Go from Oxford to the Lake District: Circling back to London, you can pick up a direct train from Euston station that will get you to Oxenholme in the Lake District in under three hours. Alternatively, driving from Oxford to the Lakes will take you four hours.

Walker on Whiteside above Gasgale Crags in the English Lake District

Day 6 & 7: Find an outdoor paradise in the Lake District

Deservedly the most popular national park in the UK, the Lake District is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of walking routes, swimming spots and cycling trails; stay the night and you can enjoy some of the country’s best stargazing.

Go from the Lake District to York: Navigate around the fringes of Yorkshire Dales National Park to York. Driving is the quickest route – otherwise expect a three-hour train journey with multiple changes available.

Day 8: Discover the delights of York

History buffs will love York for its Viking remains and stunning gothic Minster (cathedral). A medieval marvel, the highlight of the city is the Shambles , surely one of the most photographed laneways in England.

Go from York to Cambridge: The last long travel portion of this itinerary – the drive to Cambridge – will take three hours, though the train (connecting at Stevenage) will have you there slightly faster.

Punting on the River Cam by St John's College at Cambridge University

Day 9: Punt around Cambridge

Break up your trip back to the capital with a visit to learned Cambridge , England's other great university city. If the weather is good and you’re feeling energetic, rent a punt to explore The Backs of the colleges, or sit back and take a guided punt tour.

Go from Cambridge to London: From here it’s a short one-hour train journey or an hour and a half drive back to the capital.

Day 10:  Back to London

Enjoy a final day back in London, immersing yourself in galleries, museums, parks, street markets, West End shows or East End cafes – or whatever takes your fancy. Best of all, many of the top cultural experiences are free .

A hiker walking alongside Hadrians Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England

The wild side of England – a 10-day itinerary

This trip is a tour through the best of England's natural landscapes, the inspiration for generations of poets, writers and composers. Put on your hiking boots as we meander through some of the country's finest national parks and open countryside.

There are several different entry points and bases to choose from for each of the parks so driving distance and public transport connections can vary. Generally, the driving distance between each point on this itinerary is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

Wild Side England Itinerary map

Day 1: Ramble along Hadrian’s Wall

Start at the spectacular Roman remains of Hadrian's Wall , one of England’s finest reminders of the classical era, where you can explore the ruins of Roman forts and stride, centurion-style, beside ancient ramparts.

Day 2: Unleash your inner poet in Lake District National Park

Continue into Cumbria to view the high peaks and deep lakes of the Lake District National Park. Once the spiritual home of Wordsworth and the Romantic poets, Lakeland is now a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, with hikes for all abilities, plus cozy inns and country hotels to retreat to afterward.

Day 3: Find literary inspiration at Yorkshire Dales National Park

Traveling east from the Lakes carries you across the Pennines – the chain of hills known as 'the backbone of England' – to reach the green fells (hilltops) and dales (valleys) of the Yorkshire Dales National Park . Nearby are the dramatic moors around Emily Brontë's former home at Haworth – inspiration for Wuthering Heights .

Winnats Pass in the Peak District, UK

Day 4: Take a spa break in Peak District National Park

Travel south through the hills and dales of the Peak District National Park . Buxton makes a great base for an overnight stop – you can enjoy the town’s Thermal Spa and duck into the magnificent Poole’s Cavern . Stop off to explore the lovely parklands around Chatsworth House near Bakewell if time allows.

Day 5: Feel a natural symphony in the Cotswolds

Travel through central England, via Elgar's beloved Malvern Hills, to reach the classic English countryside of the Cotswolds . Named for its famous rolling hills, this lovely landscape is worth meandering through slowly, by car or bicycle, on foot or on horseback.

Day 6: Unravel the mysteries of Salisbury Plain

Continue southwards to enjoy the epic emptiness of Salisbury Plain, home to Stonehenge and other intriguing archaeological relics. Nearby is Avebury , England’s other great stone circle, with cozy pubs for a mid-walk pint. 

A large ammonite fossil in a beach boulder at Lyme Regis on Dorset's Jurassic Coast

Day 7: Find fossils on the Jurassic Coast

A few miles more and you're on Dorset 's spectacular fossil-ridden Jurassic Coast. There are dozens of circular walking routes to explore, and Lyme Regis makes for the perfect seaside pit stop.

Day 8: Track down wild ponies in Exmoor National Park

Head further west to take in the lush farmland of Devon and the heathery hills and sandy coves of Exmoor National Park . This otherworldly landscape is often graced by the appearance of wild ponies and deer so keep a camera to hand.

Day 9: Get uplifted on the moors of Dartmoor National Park

Onward to the eerie granite tors of Dartmoor National Park , which offer some of the country's most bleakly beautiful views. The famous mist adds to the haunting magic, although not without some navigation challenges. It’s easy to see how Dartmoor inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles .

Day 10: Finish is cozy coves in Cornwall

Finally, enjoy the famous vistas of pretty ports, gorse-clad cliffs and sparkling bays in Cornwall . Finish this bucolic excursion at Land's End, where the English mainland finally runs out of steam and plunges headlong into the restless ocean.

Latrines at Housesteads Fort Roman ruins

Introducing Roman England – a 7-day itinerary

What did the Romans do for us? Find out on this south-to-north train trip back into England’s past, covering 572 miles (920 km) of landscapes and history.

Roman England itinerary map

Day 1: Hello Londinium

Londinium, the largest city in ancient Britannia, was a Roman creation. For an overview, start with the Museum of London ’s excellent Roman galleries, then see the remains of the 2nd-century amphitheater at Guildhall Art Gallery , the Temple of Mithras in the Bloomberg Building, and parts of the original Roman city walls just outside the exit of Tower Hill Underground station.

Go from London to Fishbourne: Take the train from Victoria Station to Fishbourne (1hr 50min).

Day 2: The villas of Fishbourne Palace

Romanized Britons built lavish country villas with all the latest mod-cons of the age, and one prime example is Fishbourne Palace near Chichester. Inside, the mosaics, especially the famous Dolphin Mosaic, are exquisite. Outside, the recreated villa gardens are the oldest in the UK.

Go from Fishbourne to Bath: Take the train from Fishbourne to Bath (3hrs).

The Roman Baths gave the town of Bath its name

Day 3: Take a bath in Bath

The Romans didn’t discover the waters at Bath, but they did build a huge bathing complex over them in the city they named Aquae Sulis. The 19th-century building over the site today contains the original Roman pools and a museum. For more modern dunking, the Thermae Bath Spa is just around the corner.

Go from Bath to Chester: Take the train from Bath to Chester (4hrs).

Day 4: Stand in the amphitheater of Chester

The amphitheater at Deva Victrix (ancient Chester ) was the largest in Britannia, built for the entertainment and training of the Roman soldiers stationed here. Excavated sections include two entrances used by performers. Nearby, in the middle of a former Roman quarry, the Minerva Shrine has a sculpture of the goddess of war and craftsmanship.

Go from Chester to York: Take the train from Chester to York (3hrs).

Day 5: Enjoy Eboracum (aka York)

When two Roman emperors die in your city and one is proclaimed there (Constantine the Great – his statue sits outside York Minster ), you’ve earned your place in Roman history. Eboracum, the Roman city of York, was founded by soldiers in 71 CE. Roman-era remnants include the remains of a basilica beneath York Minster and a bathhouse in the Roman Bath pub.

Go from York to Hadrian's Wall: Take the train to Hexham (1hr 45min).

An evening view of York with York Minster in the background

Day 6: Patrol along Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a full stop in stone, marking the northernmost limits of the expansion of the Roman Empire. Built up from 122 CE onwards, this fortified wall stretches (almost) coast to coast across northern England. Highlights include Housesteads Fort and the Vindolanda Museum with handwritten letters from Romans stationed on the wall. Connect the sites along the wall using the AD122 bus , which starts from the abbey town of Hexham.

Go from Hadrian's Wall to London: Trains run from Hexham back to London, with a change in Newcastle (from 4.5 hrs).

Day 7: Back to Londinium

Spend a final day in the capital, admiring some of the finest Roman treasures unearthed in England at the stunning British Museum . Seek out the Mildenhall Treasure – a remarkable haul of Roman silver discovered by a farmer in Suffolk in 1942.

Destination expert AnneMarie McCarthy reviewed and updated this text for accuracy and relevance. Some content has been adapted from Lonely Planet's print edition.

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Itinerary for England

The Ultimate Itinerary for 7 Days In England

Europe , Travel , UK | June 19, 2023

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Historic villages, rolling green meadows and charismatic cities ; the best attractions in England are diverse. If you’re planning a trip to see more of the country, you might be wondering exactly how to put together a full itinerary for a week in England. 

In this article, guest blogger Claire will show you the highlights – the best places to visit if you have seven days in England!

Let’s hand over to Claire…

Best things to do on a weekend in Bristol itinerary

I’m an England local, and I’ve spent my life travelling up and down the country. So I know all of the best places to visit in England, and exactly what to do while you’re here!

One of my top tips is – don’t spend too long in London. It’s a great city, but there’s so much more to see in England!

If you only have one week in the country, you can see a lot of London in a jam-packed day, and then move on to some other British destinations. 

Here’s all you need to know about visiting England! 

7 days in England itinerary

What’s in this England travel guide?

When to visit England

Day one: london, day two: bath and bristol, day three: dartmoor and cornwall.

  • Day Four: Cornwall
  • Day Five: Cotswolds

Day Six: Manchester and Liverpool

Day seven: lake district, what to pack for your england trip, tips for visiting england.

The beauty of this England itinerary is that it works whatever the season!

England is at its best during the summer, but the weather is never really reliable here; even in the warmest months of July and August, you’ll still find rainy days and mild weather. 

View of Tarn Hows in the Lake District

That being said, in the summer we have long days and generally warmer weather – it can be as low as 15°C or as high as 35°C (it even got up to 40°C in London last summer!).

So usually it’s not too hot to explore, although we do have the odd day when you’ll just want to laze in the sun and do nothing.

Tip: if it’s forecasted to be this hot while you’re here, schedule some time to bask on the best beaches in Cornwall – although expect there to be crowds!

Another perk of visiting in the summer months is that you have much longer days, with the sun not setting until 9pm in June. 

In Spring, you’ll find lots of beautiful flowers and witness the days getting gradually longer, and in Autumn, there are incredible colours as the leaves turn orange, yellow and red. 

There are quite a few places to visit in England in winter; while the weather is colder and the days are shorter, England’s attractions are adapted to cooler, wetter weather anyway! 

Christmas is a particularly jolly time of year to visit the country and in January and February, rates for hotels are cheaper. 

How to get around England

This England itinerary is technically completely manageable by public transport, but I would recommend hiring a car via TravelSupermarket if possible. 

Having your own vehicle will make it easy to hop from location to location, and you can do stop-offs at smaller destinations that catch your eye (Cornwall is renowned for having so many amazing attractions that are just a little too far outside of public transport routes!). 

Liverpool tourist bus

Plus, taking the trains around England can actually add up to be very expensive.

Generally, driving in England is safe (although remember we drive on the left here!); just be mindful about driving around 5:00pm each day, as rush hour traffic can be substantial. 

If you’re on a super tight budget, it’s worth looking into travelling via MegaBus . The journey times are typically long, but it’s probably the cheapest way to get around England if you don’t drive.

Being the capital of England, London is typically the place you’ll land if you fly into England to kick off your tour of the country.

London at night

I only recommend spending one day in London on this itinerary; it’s a fantastic city, and you could spend weeks exploring every corner – but if you only have one week in England, you need to remember that there’s so much more to see!

On your day in London, I’d recommend ticking off the following attractions: 

1. Westminster Abbey

2. Guard Change at Buckingham Palace

3. Lunch in Camden, Spitalfields or Leadenhall Market

4. Tower Bridge

5. The Tower of London

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

7. Dinner at Mildred’s (vegetarian food), Caphe House (an incredible Vietnamese restaurant) or The Sun Camberwell (a traditional British pub)

Alternatively, book a one-day DIY tour of London using the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus .

For the next day, head to Bath and Bristol ! Two vibrant cities in the South West, Bath and Bristol have culture, street art and delicious food on offer. 

Start your day in the city of Bath, where you can take in the Roman Baths ( this 90-minute walking tour will allow you to see the highlights and includes your entry ticket to the Baths), Bath Abbey and Georgian architecture like the Crescent and Circus. 

The Roman Baths

Then, either drive or hop on a quick (ten-minute) train to Bristol, where you can climb on board the SS Great Britain , cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge to take in views of Avon Gorge and check out the street art of places like Stokes Croft and Southville. 

View over Bristol

For dinner in Bristol, head to Chilli Daddies for authentic Szechuan hotpot, Cargo Cantina for delicious Mexican cuisine or FISH restaurant for – you guessed it – seafood! 

Once you’ve enjoyed some of the South West’s best cities, it’s time to engage in its nature! Devon and Cornwall are known for having some of the wildest, most dramatic landscapes in England. 

Your first stop should be Dartmoor. This is England’s largest national park, and it’s famous for its jagged tors with epic views from the top, ancient sites like Grimspound, temperate rainforest and beautiful waterfalls, such as Becky Falls. 

Dartmoor, Devon

It’s the perfect place for a hike and to break up a long drive down to Cornwall. My favourite places on Dartmoor are Wistman’s Wood and Lydford Gorge. 

Then, head down to Cornwall! This is the southwestern part of England; a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cornwall has a distinct culture and heritage, and even its own language, thanks to the fact that it was very isolated for centuries. 

There are so many incredible things to do in Cornwall , but I’d recommend sticking to the eastern part of the region for this trip (it can take a while to drive all the way down to the west!). 

Depending on your tastes, you might want to walk through a rainforest at the Eden Project , learn about ancient history at Tintagel Castle (allegedly where King Arthur was born!), go surfing in Bude or admire the quaint fishing village of Polperro.

I wouldn’t recommend driving any further than Newquay; in fact, the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay in! Alternatively, check out this list of the best areas to stay in Cornwall .

Day Four: Cornwall 

Spend the next day on your itinerary focused on exploring Cornwall!

Polperro, Cornwall

If you’ve stayed in Newquay, you could spend some time exploring the town’s best beaches.

Enjoy the gorgeous Towan Beach, famous for its rocky outcrop that sits next to the cliffs, or take a walk on the South West Coast Path to see the bright blue waters of Watergate Bay, a hotspot for surfing.

Alternatively, if you want a surfing beach closer to town, Fistral Beach has extensive sands and huge waves! 

It’s a four-hour drive from Newquay to the Cotswolds, so you could visit some more spots in East Cornwall on the drive.

If you haven’t already seen them, head to Bodmin Jail, check out the moor for its hiking or head to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, fascinating gardens that were quite literally “lost” after World War One and then rediscovered in 1990. 

Drive up to Bibury, where I recommend staying at The Swan Hotel .  

Day Five: Cotswolds 

Begin your day in the Cotswolds in Bibury. Explore the 14th-century Arlington Row, the impressive Arlington Mill and take in picturesque vistas of the River Coln. 

Thatched roof houses in Kemerton, Cotswolds

Then, visit Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque village known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” because of its series of small bridges over the River Windrush. 

Next on your Cotswold road trip is Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming market town with a historic square and St. Edward’s Church, which is renowned for its fairytale-like look. 

Then, head to Upper and Lower Slaughter, where you can see more adorable houses and visit the Old Mill Museum.

The Slaughters Inn is the perfect place for dinner, with hearty meals made from local ingredients. 

You’ve spent a while in nature on this England itinerary, so now it’s time to see some of England’s best cities!

It’s well worth spending a day seeing the urban highlights of Manchester and Liverpool, two of the most exciting cities in the north of England .

Start your day in Manchester by visiting the trendy urban quarter. This part of the city is lined with independent shops, street art murals and boutique cafes. 

Reasons to visit Manchester, UK

Depending on your interests, you could visit one of the Manchester stadiums (either Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium , where Manchester City play!), head to the North Imperial War Museum or see the People’s History Museum.

For lunch in Manchester, there’s nowhere better than the Curry Mile, particularly Mughli which dates back to 1940. 

Then, head to Liverpool – famous for being home of the Beatles! The Beatles Story and Beatles Museum both tell the tale of the iconic pop band.

Best cities in north of England to visit: Liverpool's Beatles statue

Finish your day with a cruise on the River Mersey , where you can take in the skyline of Liverpool. 

There are plenty of excellent places to eat in Liverpool – to catch a view of the city, Panoramic 34 is a rooftop restaurant serving delicious dishes and plenty of drinks! 

One day isn’t enough to explore all of the best places to go in Lake District , but as long as you head here early, you can certainly pack in as much as possible!

Read next: Tips for visiting the Lake District

Once you arrive in the national park, visit Lake Windermere , which is the largest natural lake in England. You can do the four-mile West Shore Walk to take in its most beautiful scenery.

Lake Windermere in the Lake District

It’s also worth hiking up Orrest Head, which is 240 metres high and takes around an hour and 20 minutes to walk up and down. 

Afterwards, drive to Ambleside, a picturesque town located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. Stroll through the streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, and enjoy a cup of tea with a view of the hills.

Next, head to Rydal Water, a serene lake that’s home to Rydal Cave, a manmade cavern that’s perfect for exploring. 

In the afternoon, visit Wordsworth Grasmere, the former home of the famous English poet William Wordsworth, now home to a museum, gardens and a tea room.

Grasmere Gingerbread shop

The Albert gastropub is worth visiting for dinner, and depending on when you need to leave the country, you could stay in the Lake District for a night. I recommend Linthwaite House Hotel in Bowness-on-Windemere. 

Along with the items that you’ll pack for any temperate-weather trip, here’s a list of specific things to remember for your trip: 

Adapter : England uses a different type of plug to the U.S, the E.U, Australia and most other countries – so pack a multi-country adapter!

Comfortable walking shoes: Hikes feature throughout this itinerary, so be sure to pack comfortable (and waterproof!) walking shoes.

Rain gear: You might have heard that England has a tendency to be a little rainy – so pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella!

Layers: It’s best to wear layers that you can add or remove, as our weather can be very unpredictable! 

Read next: What to pack for a UK road trip

As a local, here are my top tips for visiting England! 

Keep an eye on the weather

The weather can be vastly different; it can drop ten (or more) degrees in just 24 hours! So it’s best to keep an eye on the weather forecast before your trip there.

Depending on the season, you might want to pack shorts, t-shirts and rain jackets and longer trousers!

Also, make sure you’re never too far away from an umbrella – rain can come at any time! 

Check the opening times

Some attractions, especially in rural areas, have limited opening times, particularly in the winter months. So be sure to know exactly when the places that you want to visit open and close! 

Avoid driving during rush hour

As England is quite a densely populated country, traffic can be a problem! I’d recommend avoiding driving during rush hour; personally, I make my longer trips quite late at night to avoid getting caught in motorway traffic. 

Shop at the supermarkets (and eat meal deals)

If you want to save some money while you’re in England, go supermarket shopping! You can purchase items to make a sandwich here, or if you are staying somewhere with cooking facilities it’s easy to whip up a hot meal. Or, for lunch, you can purchase a meal deal, which includes sandwiches, a snack and a drink for around £3.50. Us Brits live on them! 

Are you ready to spend a week in England?

With gorgeous countryside, historical cities that pulsate with culture and one historic village after another, there’s so much to enjoy on this England itinerary. I hope that it’s encouraged you to get out of London and see some more of this beautiful, charismatic land on your next trip here!

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One Week in England

One Week in England: The Perfect Itinerary

While it would be a daunting task to see everything England has to offer in the span of only a week, it's possible to hit many of the countries highlights during a week-long itinerary. This seven-day visit to England includes the best of London, Manchester, and Liverpool, as well as stops in the historic town of York and the seaside destination of Brighton.

Using London and Manchester as the main bases for the trip, with one overnight in York and taking advantage of England's amazing train network, it's possible to get an in-depth look at numerous iconic destinations in just a single week. Opt to go by rail rather than renting a car to save time on travel and embrace the walkability of English cities to get the most out of your visit. Whether you're traveling as a couple, solo, or as a family, this itinerary can help guide your planning.

Day 1: London

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

Welcome to Blighty, as they say in England. After arriving, likely at Heathrow Airport , head to central London. There are plenty of public transportation options from London's airports, including commuter trains, the Tube, and taxi services. Your best bet for a hotel location is somewhere in the heart of the city, like Covent Garden or Marylebone. At the hotel, drop off your bags and get ready for some sightseeing.

The best way to see many of London's famous sites is on foot. Start in Parliament Square, where you'll find Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. There are great views from the center of Westminster Bridge, which connects the area to Southbank (home of the London Eye). From Parliament Square, walk east along St. James Park to find Buckingham Palace. The palace is open to the public during specific times of the year, so check online ahead of your trip.

Head to nearby Soho for some lunch (the area has dozens of restaurants to pick from) before making your way to the British Museum . The museum is free to enter, except for special exhibitions, and it's great for visitors of all ages and interests. Don't miss the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies. Other museums in the area include the National Portrait Gallery and the London Transport Museum.

Use your first evening in London to have dinner at one of the city's beloved pubs or take in a West End musical. At the end of the night, check out one of the many high-end cocktail bars , from the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel to Kwãnt.

Day 2: London and Windsor

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Windsor makes for a great half-day trip out of London , so grab a train from Paddington station to Windsor, via Slough, in the morning. Windsor Castle welcomes visitors for tours most days of the year, but you need to book a timed ticket in advance, either online or by phone. Allow two hours to stroll through the castle and around its grounds, including St. George's Chapel. The surrounding area, known as Windsor Great Park, also makes for a nice place to walk if you're not as much of a royal enthusiast. Down the road from Windsor, you'll find Eaton, home of the Eaton Mess.

Head back to London and venture west from Paddington station to find the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill. Known for its colorful row houses and great shopping, the area is a good place to stop for lunch or an early afternoon ice cream at Gelateria 3BIS on Portobello Road. From Notting Hill , it's a quick walk or bus ride south to Kensington Palace, which allows visitors into some of its rooms, as well as its special exhibitions, with a paid ticket. If you'd rather not see two palaces in one day, explore Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, which often hosts events and concerts during the summer. The Kensington Palace Pavilion , located in the gardens, also offers a high-end afternoon tea (which you should book in advance).

For dinner, venture east to Shoreditch, a thriving neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. Some local favorites include Dishoom, Gloria, BRAT, and Home Slice. After dinner, grab a drink at the scenic bar at Duck & Waffle , which is located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate.

Day 3: Day Trip to Brighton

Get a taste of the English seaside with a day trip to Brighton, located less than an hour south of London by train. Trains regularly leave from London's Victoria and London Bridge stations and tickets are typically inexpensive. The train brings you right into the center of town, with the beach less than a mile walk south. There is plenty of space to lie out on the sand or play in the water, but if it's not particularly sunny or warm, there are many other things to do in and around Brighton . Look for the Brighton Palace Pier, which boasts games and rides, or take a ride on the BA i360, which is billed as the world's tallest moving observation tower.

Those who like shopping will find a lot to uncover in the North Laines, where you can dig through racks of vintage clothes and accessories. For lunch, go traditional at Captains Fish and Chips , found right on the seaside, and don't skip the mushy peas.

Because London is so close, you can decide when you've seen enough of Brighton and head back into the city. If you haven't had a chance to attend a West End play yet, this could be your night. While some productions, like "Hamilton," require tickets booked far in advance, many theaters offer day-of rush tickets. TKTS, which has a booth in Leicester Square, is another good option for discounted or last-minute seats. London also boasts a huge array of live music and concerts, from small blues clubs to major pop concerts, if live music is more your thing.

Day 4: York

Hop on an early morning train from London's King Cross station to York, about two hours north by rail. Tickets can be booked in advance or at the station via LNER , and it's significantly faster and easier to travel by train than by car when venturing out of London. York's train station is within walking distance of the town center, and there are several nice hotels around the city ( Principal York , across from the station, is an excellent choice). Once you've dropped off your bags, take a stroll around York's Roman walls, which circle the city, and seek out its secret passageways and narrow alleys. The Shambles, a street surrounded by overhanging timber-framed buildings, is like something out of "Harry Potter."

After grabbing lunch at one of York's many restaurants, venture to the top of the York Minister , an 800-year-old cathedral that took 250 years to build. It's hard to miss, and visitors can tour the historical site, as well as climb 275 steps to the top of the 230 -foot-high tower. It's a great way to get a view of the entire surrounding area (and to burn off the calories from lunch). Other fun things to do include a boat tour down the Ouse river or a history lesson at The Jorvik Viking Centre, and train enthusiasts will love the National Railway Museum.

In the evening, book a table at The Judge's Lodging , a gastropub with indoor and outdoor tables, or try contemporary British eatery Skosh . After dinner, you can either opt for a few pints at one of the many historic pubs around town or venture underground to Sotano , a hidden cocktail bar that also serves up tapas. Luckily, your hotel is probably within walking distance, making it easy to crash after a night out.

Day 5: Manchester

Manchester is only an hour and 20 minutes by train from York, with numerous trains running between the two cities daily. Once you arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station, get your bearings and drop your bags off at the hotel. Look for places to stay in the Northern Quarter, a hip area with plenty of dining and shopping options. It's especially easy to access via public transportation, and the area is within walking distance of some of the main attractions. Speaking of which, start your day in Manchester off with a museum or two . Some of the most popular include the National Football Museum and the Imperial War Museum North.

After grabbing lunch at  Mackie Mayor , a food hall filled with vendors and communal tables in Manchester's Northern Quarter, explore the nearby shops, ranging from high-end department stores to small vintage boutiques. The designer goods can be found on King Street, Spinningfields, and New Cathedral Street, while the Northern Quarter is best for vintage clothes and record shops. 

For dinner, venture into Stockport Old Town to find  Where The Light Gets In , an intimate restaurant located in an old coffee warehouse (be sure to reserve a table ahead of time). The area has lots of cool bars, restaurants, and pubs, and it's worth exploring some places outside the center of town. It's an easy car ride back to your hotel at the end of the night.

Day 6: Day Trip to Liverpool

Liverpool may be best known as the birthplace of the Beatles, but the port city has lots to see and do even if you aren't a big music fan. It's less than an hour from Manchester by train, so you can decide how much time you want to have to explore Liverpool and how late you want to stick around in the evening. Start the day by embarking on a Beatles tour or exploring the Beatles Museum. Afterward, don't miss the  Tate Liverpool , little sister to London’s Tate Modern, and the  International Slavery Museum , where you'll learn more about Liverpool's past as one of the world's major slave ports.

In the evening, seek out more Beatles action at the  Cavern Club , where the band first got their start. Resident tribute band The Cavern Club Beatles—who have been given the seal of approval from locals—are on hand to entertain most Saturdays and Sundays, making it a great pick for a post-dinner hang. Once you've had your fill of Liverpool, board a train back to Manchester and tuck in for the night.

Day 7: Return to London

Trains from Manchester Piccadilly run back to London several times per hour, arriving in Euston station. It's an easy two-hour journey, so you don't have to rush out of your hotel in Manchester in the morning. In fact, if you have time, grab breakfast at Ezra and Gil , a coffee shop with an all-day brunch menu, before heading back to London. Back in London, drop your bags off at your hotel or opt to store them for the afternoon at Euston's Excess Baggage Co, which is open until 11 p.m.

Spend the afternoon exploring South Bank, including the Tate Modern, Borough Market, the London Eye, and the National Theatre, which often has exhibitions available even if you don't see a play. At the Tate, be sure to head to the 360-degree viewing platform, which offers incredible views of the Thames, St. Pauls Cathedral, and even Wembley Stadium. It's a great place to cap off your week in England.

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Home » Itinerary » 1 Week UK

One-Week Tour of the United Kingdom

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Our one-week tour itinerary of the United Kingdom strikes just the right balance between spending enough time to enjoy essential sites such as The Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle and ensuring you can comfortably travel between our wonderful cities and attractions without beginning to tire of being on the road with your private driver.

Our 7 Day private tour from London includes:

  • London City Highlights
  • Bath Day Tour
  • Cotswolds & Stratford Trip
  • Edinburgh City Highlights
  • Loch Lomond Day Trip
  • Stirling Tour
  • Private Guides
  • Luxury Transfers
  • Expert Insight

Days 1 & 2: London

Image of Big Ben and houses of parliament from across the Thames river.

We begin our one-week UK itinerary in London, our capital and a city that combines Royal flair with Victorian heritage. London is of course home to many of the iconic sites that have come to symbolize England and Great Britain, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Palace.

Indeed, deciding which London sites you wish to include on your 7-day itinerary is one of the hardest tasks of preparing your vacation plan. Our tour planners will consult with you to understand your exact tastes and requirements before we provide your final itinerary, however, some of the most famous locations that our guests have loved while touring London are:

Private Tour of Buckingham Palace

Outside the gates of Buckingham palace on a tour.

The focal point of national celebrations and State occasions in the UK, Buckingham Palace is the most important of the Queen’s Royal residences. If you reserve your skip-the-line tickets with us during the 10 weeks of the year that the Palace is open for guided tours then you can step inside to explore:

  • The Throne Room
  • White Drawing Room
  • Grand Staircase
  • Treasures of the Palace
  • Changing of the guard ceremony

Tower of London

 A ‘must-see’ on any UK tour, the Tower of London resembles a medieval castle rather than a tower, and with a history stretching back to the 11th century, your guided tour provides a chronicle of England through the centuries, as marked by The Towers functions as a  Royal Palace, defensive Castle, Royal Mint, army barracks, and prison respectively.

A private guide of the Tower of London will enable you to visit:

  • The Crown Jewels
  • The Tower Ravens
  • Prison and execution rooms
  • Tower Exhibitions

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London

The most distinctive and visually impressive bridge in London, the Neo-Gothic architecture allied with the impressive sight of the two sections of the bridge raising and lowering to allow ships to cruise under the bridge along the Thames River make this an essential photo opportunity!

Guided tours of the Bridge are provided by the Queen’s Yeomen warders and allow you to visit the north and south towers, observation deck, and engine room

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

3 UNESCO World Heritage sites within 2-minute walking distance of each other, this should be an essential destination on any tour of London. 

These sites are a living history of the power structure, Royal Family, and governance in Britain, along with magnificent architecture and the imperious Big Ben Clocktower – which was nearly blown up in a foiled plot – but you will learn more about that on your private tour!

St Paul's Cathedral

dome of St Paul's Cathedral, London

Designed in English Baroque style by acclaimed architect Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Alongside a guided tour of the art, architecture, and hidden histories of St Pauls you can climb the 528 steps to the top of the dome for a wonderful panoramic view of the city.

Tate Modern Gallery Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art. Spend time with your guide contemplating numerous works by Masters such as Pablo Picasso, Damian Hirst, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol to name but a few.

Our tour planning specialists will consult with you to choose your accommodation for the two nights we will spend in London. This can range from 5-star hotels in the center of London to boutique apartments in the chic Kensington & Chelsea area or anything else in between.

Day 3: Bath - Cotswolds - Stratford-Upon-Avon

Your driver guide will collect you from your London accommodation in the morning as you set off for Central SouthWest England. On today’s guided tour you will explore the city of Bath – wholly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its Ancient Roman heritage and gorgeous Georgian architecture.

You will take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside and stone-built cottages and cotton mills of the Cotswolds. Today’s tour will culminate in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare.

skyline of city of Bath and Roman style architecture.

In the center of Bath, your guide will take you to the magnificent Roman Baths – constructed between 60 – 70AD on the site of the only hot springs in the UK and perhaps the best preserved Roman Temple in Northern Europe.

Your private tour guide will take you to explore the four main sections of the baths: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman bathhouse and finds from Roman Bath.

Exploring the rest of the city will allow you to enjoy Bath Abbey – where Christians have worshiped for over a thousand years, and fans of Jane Austen will be interested to stop at the gallery dedicated to the author who lived here and set two of her novels partly in the city.

The Cotswolds

village houses in Cotswolds.

The next step of your journey will be a relaxed drive through the dreamy villages of the Cotswolds officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. The thatched roof cottages, stately homes, and stone villages have a charm and soothing effect on guests who love this insight into idyllic rural life in England.

On your scenic drive, you may wish to stop and enjoy a lunch and explore points of interest such as Bibury which was labeled “The most beautiful village in England” by the poet William Morris and features a row of weaver’s cottages that date back to 1380. The riverside town of Bourton-on-the-water known affectionately as “The Venice of the Cotswolds” or Stow on the Wald is an ideal location to explore the boutique stores and typically quaint souvenir shops.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-avon, Shakespare, Cottage

Discover the many surviving buildings and sights that would have been so familiar to Shakespeare throughout his life on your private tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon:

  • The house The Bard was born.
  • Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was christened and buried.
  • Stratford Grammar School attended by Shakespeare.
  • 16th century Tudor buildings including Anne Hathaway’s cottage and others of significance to the great playwright.

Your accommodation for the evening will be in Stratford-Upon-Avon. You have your choice between a luxurious hotel and spa, or you can choose a character property with handsome Georgian features.

Day 4: York

In the morning your driver-guide will collect you from your accommodation as you make the two-and-a-half-hour journey to the town of York which was founded back in 71 AD by the ancient Romans. The Duke of York would later be responsible for the State in America becoming known as New York after an English naval outfit sponsored by the Duke captured what was then called New Amsterdam in 1664.

York is famously home to some of the best preserved historical buildings in all of Europe, so your driver guide will have a busy day of activities planned for you as you seek to visit as many as possible, including:

York Minster

York Minster in North England

The Gothic architecture on display alongside the Cathedral’s rich history which dates back to the 7th Century makes this an essential stop on your tour of York. For stunning panoramic views of the city, you can climb to the top of the tower, while the Undercroft museum section details York through the centuries beginning with its origin as a Roman fortress!

The City Walls

York is surrounded by ancient medieval defensive walls constructed by the Romans. Take the opportunity to walk on top of ancient Roman relics as you enjoy a guided walking tour of the city!

The Shambles

historic buildings in a street in York Old Town.

One of the narrowest streets in York, The Shambles is so popular with our guests because the storefronts have remained mostly unchanged for centuries. Certain to be a spot that will stand out amongst your vacation photos.

Mansion House

One of York’s great historic treasures, step back in time through 650 years of history at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, the most well-preserved guildhall in Europe.

Clifford’s Tower

The last intact part of York Castle, making your way up to the top is definitely worth it as the structure affords incredible scenic views looking out across the gorgeous city.

We will reserve your accommodation in York for your stay, but it is completely up to you if you would prefer a character property with Victorian or Georgian flavors, or an ultra-modern 5-star hotel and spa resort.

Day 5: Newcastle - Edinburgh

2 bridges over the river tyne in newcastle

On day number five of our one-week UK itinerary, you will cross the border into Scotland as you make your way to Edinburgh, the capital of the North. Before arriving there though, your driver guide will take you past The Angel of the North, a huge 65×175 foot sculpture that marks your entry into Gateshead and Newcastle where you will enjoy a lunchtime stroll and walking tour of the city.

Newcastle is a town famous for its industrial past, immediately recognizable “Geordie” dialect, and is symbolic of a new wave of vibrancy and energy that has risen out of post-industrial town in England. Not to mention the famous Brown Ale that took its name from the town that you may wish to experience while we stop for lunch in a local bar or restaurant.

On your walking tour of the city, your guide will introduce you to highlights such as strolling along the banks of the River Tyne, being transported back to the 13th Century at Blackfriars Medieval Friary, and visiting the Norman fortress that is Newcastle castle.

Arrival in Edinburgh

city walking tour in edinburgh, scotland

The scenic journey from Newcastle into the heart of Scotland’s capital will take approximately two hours, so your late afternoon/evening tour of Edinburgh will be at a leisurely pace with a whisky tasting experience and then you will be taken below ground to the infamous Edinburgh Dungeon!

Scotch Whisky Experience

In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Scotch Whisky Experience opened in 1987 when the Scottish Whisky industry combined to fund this showcase celebrating the history and development of Scotch whisky.

Your tour features an interactive trip through the production of Scotch, a session exploring the regional variations in scent and flavor between the different Scotch regions, and of course a tasting experience within the walls of the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

Edinburgh Dungeon

The gruesome twosome Burke and Hare, infamous cannibal Sawney Bean, and The Witch of the Potterrow Port Agnes Finnie to name but a few, Edinburgh is a city with a dark and often bloody past and the Edinburgh Dungeon with its interactive live-action exhibitions is the most fun way to reveal this aspect of the city’s character.

Your accommodation for the evening will be in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the most picturesque area of the city, with centuries-old buildings lining the stone cobbled alleys.

Day 6: Iconic Edinburgh

Today you will find out why Edinburgh was voted the best city in the world in a 2022 TimeOut survey as we explore the iconic landmarks, gorgeous Medieval and Georgian architecture, and the most stunning vistas the city has to offer.

Arthur’s Seat

tour guide leading a group of people up arthurs seat in edinburgh

Begin your Edinburgh city full-day tour with a trip to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, the peak of a group of hills formed by an extinct Volcano that provides the finest views across the city.

Edinburgh Castle

external view of edinburgh castle with fountain in focus in foreground

The most famous landmark in Edinburgh, discover the fascinating historical tales and stories of scandal and intrigue surrounding the many famous figures intrinsic to the history of the castle such as Mary Queen of Scots, the Child King James the 6th, Oliver Cromwell, and many more.

Exhibits on display here include the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain – the Honors of Scotland, and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy where rulers were crowned.

Holyrood Palace

The Queen’s Scottish Palace and official residence in Scotland, crowning the iconic Royal Mile thoroughfare which runs from the Castle to the Palace.

Exploring the best of Edinburgh’s Medieval Old Town & Georgian-inspired New Town

Including famous monuments to Greyfriars Bobby the Scottish Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave and the 200-foot high Walter Scott monument – decorated with 64 characters representing figures from his novels.

Day 7: Day trip to Loch Lomond - Stirling - Transfer to Airport

Our one-week UK itinerary comes to a close in one of the most breathtaking spots of natural beauty in all of Britain as we visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and discover the monument to the Braveheart William Wallace before returning to Edinburgh for your flight home.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

boat sailing on Loch Lomond cruise

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in the entirety of the UK by surface area, so we would highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience a boat cruise on the serene waters surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains of the Trossachs area of natural beauty.

The Trossachs Nature Walk

A relaxing way to see the park, a gentle trekking route is a sublime way to explore the various habitats in the area, forest, meadow wetlands, and the bonnie banks of the Loch. If you are wildlife spotting then look out for the wild otters, red deer, porpoises, squirrels, and a wide variety of bird species.

Visit Wallace monument

tour guide at the top of Wallace Monument in Stirling

On your return journey to Edinburgh, we will stop at the Wallace Monument – a stunning historic structure that spikes up through the Stirling skyline like (quite fittingly) a sword. 

At the Wallace Monument, you will learn of the heroics and fascinating (albeit slightly gory) tales of the Guardian of Scotland: Sir William Wallace. You will see the two-handed sword believed to have actually belonged to Wallace and climb the 246 to the very top[ of the monument for incredible views over the Stirling skyline and Castle.

At the foot of the monument, you will rejoin your private driver for the day to make your way to the airport to conclude your 7-day UK tour.

Let us know your questions!

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Fill out the form with the destinations & wish-list for your perfect trip. Our specialists will be happy to provide additional ideas & inspiration for your vacation

You will then receive a tailor-made tour itinerary which can be revised an unlimited number of times to ensure total satisfaction and the perfect vacation in England

Your guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point. You can count on us for 24/7 in-country support and everything else necessary for a wonderful & seamless tour

Request your Custom 7 day UK Itinerary

The above itinerary is just one route that we could suggest for your one-week UK vacation. If you have previously visited England and already seen the sights of London, or if you would like to find out how to include other cities or even Ireland or Wales into your plan, then contact our tour planning specialists and we will handcraft a complimentary tailored itinerary for you to be delivered to your email inbox.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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2 Weeks in the UK – My Perfect UK Trip Itinerary

Last updated: February 2, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 219 Comments

If you are looking for a two week UK itinerary which includes Ireland, you have come to the right place. This UK road trip itinerary has you starting in London, and using a rental car as the transportation method. It covers some of our highlights in the UK, including cities, castles, and stunning natural scenery.

I have spent a great deal of time living in and exploring the UK. I’ve drawn on my experiences travelling here to put together my perfect two week UK trip to help you plan your own trip.

This UK itinerary (which also includes Ireland) covers England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It’s a self-drive road-trip, although could also be modified to support travel by public transport if you prefer.

If you haven’t driven in the UK before, do check out my guide to driving in the UK for helpful tips. We also have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK if you need budget planning help.

UK Two Week Itinerary - Alnwick Castle UK

Without further ado, allow me to present my two-week UK itinerary.

A 2 week UK Trip itinerary

This itinerary is very busy and fits a lot in, including time in Ireland. It is doable, but just be aware that it will be fast paced with quite a lot of driving. Naturally, you are welcome to take the itinerary and adjust it to meet your own interests and pace.

For example, many folks prefer to focus on the UK with their two weeks, and skip the island of Ireland, returning instead via the Lake District and Wales. However, if you want to see as much as possible, this itinerary is how to do it.

Days 1 & 2: London

The UK’s capital is one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s been hanging around for over 2000 years on the banks of the Thames, and there is just an incredible wealth of things to see, from historical sights, to amazing museums, to crazy street markets.

It’s a wonderfully walk-able capital, and you can easily take in the major central sights in a day or so, leaving you the second day to explore museums, art galleries, or go a little further afield and take in some of the other sights, from crumbling cemeteries to massive parks. And if all else fails, you will never be short on an incredible pub to while away some time before heading on.

For inspiration for your visit, take a look at our 2 day London itinerary , which covers the major highlights of the city, and also links to lots of other information about visiting, including tips on finding Harry Potter locations in London through to Winston Churchill locations in London – something for everyone!

My advice for London is to invest in an Oyster card to save money on your transport (don’t hire a car until you leave the capital – and check here for great rates on car hire ), and if you think you’re going to use it, look into buying a London Pass to save money on London’s top attractions.

Available in 1, 3 and 6 day versions, as well as a version with an included Oyster card, the savings can really be quite impressive if you plan on visiting a few locations. You can read a full break down on when the London Pass is worth buying here , and buy one yourself here .

Finally, London is probably going to be the most expensive city in the UK for your accommodation. We recommend booking well in advance to get a good deal.

Some of our recommended accommodation options in London are:

The Walrus Bar and Hostel , The Z hotel in Shoreditch , Point A Hotel , Lime Tree Hotel and the  Resident Victoria Hotel . You can see more London hotel listings here on booking.com . We also love the curated apartments available on Plum Guide .

uk tour itinerary 7 days

Days 3 & 4: Oxford & the Cotswolds

One of the stipulations of the original question was the wish to avoid feeling too much like a tourist. Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible in Oxford , as nearly everyone there is either a tourist or a student. I lived in and around Oxford for a number of years, and generally felt like a tourist most of that time too.

Part of the reason for that is that this tiny city is absolutely jam packed with incredible buildings, largely in the form of the Oxford Colleges. These are seriously wealthy establishments, who clearly had no problem flaunting that wealth in an architectural fashion back in the day.

Oxford Radcliffe Camera.png

This means that yes, it is full of people wandering around, mouths agape, at quite how pretty the whole thing is. Yes, it’s jam packed with tourists. But for good reason!

So strap that camera on and snap away. Then go for a punt on the river, and enjoy some Pimms or a cream tea. Seek out the Harry Potter filming locations . Take a walking tour of the Universities . There’s no shortage of way to fill your time!

Read more tips for spending a day in Oxford, here .

From Oxford you are also well located to take in the incredibly picturesque Cotswolds area – all quaint villages and rolling countryside. The England that everyone imagines England to be like, with country pubs, village greens and cricket ovals. Lovely stuff. Check out hotel prices for  Oxford here .

Days 5 & 6: Peak District and Manchester

From Oxford I’m going to suggest heading “up north”, towards the Peak District national park. Think rolling hills, quaint villages, and beautiful walks.

There are also some fabulous stately homes to visit , not to mention that on the way from Oxford you can stop off at Warwick Castle – one of the UK’s best-preserved castles.

If you’re interested in the industrial revolution in the UK I can highly recommend a visit to the city of Manchester.

Of course, if the industrial revolution isn’t your thing there are plenty of other reasons to visit Manchester, including excellent retail therapy, an awesome food scene, and a variety of architectural highlights. Not to mention the music scene!

You can see my guide to things to do in Manchester for lots more ideas, and you can see hotel prices for Manchester here .

One other thing you might consider as you pass through the Peak District and Manchester is a visit to Alton Towers . This is arguably the UK’s best known theme park, and would make for a great thrilling day out for those of you who like that sort of thing.

Day 7: York

Not that far from Manchester (England is so quaintly explorable!), the city of York is another of my favourite UK cities.

From the incredible Gothic York Minster (a climb to the top is highly recommended) to the winding, tumbled down alleyways of the shambles, to the Viking history – this is a city that just cries out for exploration.

York St Marys Abbey ruin church monastery

It’s also an awesome place if you’re into ghost stories. There are a whole number of ghost walks that take in the spooky past of York, so if you want an evening of entertainment and intrigue, likely accompanied with a number of fine drinking establishments, an evening ghost walk is a great bit of fun.

I’m not a great believer in this sort of thing usually, but I took a tour and thoroughly enjoyed it!

If you do plan on seeing a few things in York, you might save money with a York City Pass , which includes most of the attractions in the city as well as access to the York Sightseeing bus or York City Cruises. You can buy that in advance here .

For more York ideas, see our guide to spending two days in York , which has a comprehensive itinerary as well as tips on where to stay and how to get around.

For accommodation, you can check out and book the best York hotels here .

Days 8 & 9: Edinburgh via Northumberland

From York we’re going to wave farewell to England, and head up to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. On the way though, you’ll be passing through some of England’s least travelled, yet stunningly beautiful, landscapes.

I am of course talking about Northumbria. From miles of deserted beach, to crumbling castles, to the Roman equivalent of the great wall of China, Northumbria really has a lot to offer someone looking for a slightly off the beaten track England experience. The rolling landscapes are breath-taking and you’ll find yourself alone much of the time. Worth taking a bit of time to explore, in my opinion.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

Then of course, it’s up to Edinburgh , where you’ll not be short of amazing things to look at. From Edinburgh castle, to Arthurs Seat, from fine whiskys, to Princes Street, there really is enough here for a number of days of entertainment. And if you visit during the Fringe festival… well… plan on being entertained for a good many weeks!

See more ideas on spending some time in Edinburgh in this detailed two day Edinburgh itinerary that I put together, as well as our guide to things to do in Edinburgh , our tips on visiting Edinburgh in winter , and our guide to finding Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

Then  check and book your Edinburgh hotels here.

Days 10 – 12: Ireland

Because the UK is an easily explorable place with decent roads and relatively short distances to drive, it is totally possible to include another country – Ireland! – in a trip like this if you’re up for it.

Do be aware that if you are renting a car, some car rental companies have restrictions on taking cars on ferries, or into other countries – so make sure you check before you go as there may be an additional fee to pay.

Of course, you could also fly to Ireland (Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin for example), and use different rentals for different parts of your adventure!

If all that sounds like too much hard work, you could extend your time in Scotland, or alternatively, you could take in the west coast of the UK, including Glasgow , the Lake District, and Liverpool, as well as popping into Wales for the stunning Snowdonia national park, and rejoin this itinerary in South Wales or Bristol . The choice is yours!

If it is Ireland you want though, it’s a short ferry ride from Scotland (Cairnryan to be precise, which is 2-3 hour drive from Edinburgh) across to Belfast in Northern Ireland, from where you can spend a few days exploring the Emerald Isle.

We have previously travelled from Cairnryan with Stena Line , which has been a fast, comfortable and efficient service. You can book your ferry tickets here .

This part of the world has a lot to offer, and three days is quite a short amount of time. We can recommend spending some time in Belfast and driving north along the causeway coastal route to see such highlights as the Giant’s Causeway, ruined castles and spectacular coastline. Then, head south into Ireland, and see fabulous Dublin.

Guinness sign Dublin brewery

I’ve explored Dublin and her surroundings, taken a trip down to the Dingle Peninsula , kissed the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, gazed at the Cliffs of Moher ,  and visited the Dark Hedges of Game of Thrones fame – to name but a few of our wonderful experience on the Irish Isle.

In Dublin there’s the Guinness Factory, of course, as a popular highlight, but also oodles of Gaelic history and culture to get excited about.

There are also of course the Irish people, well known for their love of a good time! Personally, I’d head on down the coast from Belfast, through Dublin and down to the port of Rosslare, where after three exciting days in Ireland another ferry service will whisk you across to the last of the four countries to make up the UK: Wales!

Day 13: South Wales and Cardiff

In Wales you will arrive either at Fishguard or Pembroke – both excellent places to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast national park . Here you will find beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and fabulous opportunities for walking.

You’re also not too far a drive from Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Four capitals in a fortnight – not bad going! Here you’ll find castles, sporting venues and more Welsh based culture than you can shake a stick at. Plus, arrive at the right time of year and you’ll find the Great British Cheese festival in full swing. What’s not to be excited about? For more about travelling in Wales and highlights along this route, see our detailed Wales road trip itinerary .

Find and book your Cardiff hotels here .

Day 14: Bristol & Bath

From Cardiff you’ll cross the enormous Severn estuary over the impress Severn road bridge and be back in the UK, or Bristol to be precise. Here you’ll find all sorts of interesting items of historical interest, largely running on a nautical theme, as well as some of the best street art in Britain .

For over a thousand years Bristol has been an important English port. From early explorers and traders, to the dark years of the African slave vessels, to filling Australia with immigrants, it is hard to understate the role that Bristol has played in Britain’s sea faring history. There is, after all, a reason for the expression “ship-shape and Bristol fashion” having a place in the English language.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

I can highly recommend taking a trip round the SS Great Britain when you’re in Bristol. Built in 1843, and designed by the engineering genius who was Isambard Kingdom Brunel – the man who almost single-handedly revolutionised both engineering and public transport in the UK.

The SS Great Britain is notable as being the first steamer to cross the Atlantic – setting a record pace for the time of 14 days. An amazing bit of history. Note that tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

For more ideas in Bristol, check out our guide to things to do in Bristol , which should give you plenty of ideas to fill your time. Find the best prices on Bristol hotels and book here .

From Bristol it’s on to the Roman spa city of Bath, a world heritage site. Like Oxford , this is a difficult place to be anything other than a tourist, but it is so worth it all the same!

Day 15: Back to London, via Stonehenge!

Our last day of our just over two week UK itinerary takes us back to London. No trip to the UK though would really be complete without taking in perhaps our most famous monument – the circle of rocks known as Stonehenge.

There is just something about the place that makes you wonder. A circle of rocks, built by a people who had nothing but their hands and some bits of wood to help them out, in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside, hundreds of miles from an actual quarry, is just mind blowing.

Add in the pagan ritualism, the relationship between the rocks and the sun, and the sheer mystery of the place, and you have somewhere that is capable of really capturing the imagination. Worth your time to visit (see more thoughts from a trip to Stonehenge here ).

Plus, while you’re there you can pop into Salisbury and enjoy the cathedral, which boasts the highest cathedral spire of any church in the UK.

And then… back to London, where this tour finishes!

uk tour itinerary 7 days

2 Weeks in the UK: Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of the route , for your reference.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

2 Week UK Itinerary Summary

  • Days 1 & 2 : London
  • Days 3 & 4 : Oxford & the Cotswolds
  • Days 5 & 6 : Peak District and Manchester
  • Day 7 : York
  • Days 8 & 9 : Edinburgh via Northumberland
  • Days 10 – 12 : Ireland
  • Day 13 : South Wales and Cardiff
  • Day 14 : Bristol & Bath
  • Day 15 : Back to London, via Stonehenge!

Can you do this 2 Week UK itinerary by public transport?

A popular question from readers is whether or not this itinerary can be done by public transport. I appreciate that of course not everyone wants to drive in the UK, and the answer, for the most part, is yes.

Certainly, between the major cities on the itinerary there are good rail and/or bus links, with the train usually being a little faster. The main challenge is the rural sections of the route – for example, exploring the Cotswolds, Northumbria or the Peak District. This is possible using local buses of course, but it can definitely slow you down a fair bit, and so you would need to adjust the itinerary a little to fit the schedule.

Another option is to add in some days in London or Edinburgh, and doing some specific day trips from these cities to take in the out of town attractions.

For example, there is this  day trip from London that takes in highlights such as Bath and Stonehenge. Then, for Northumbria and the Scottish Borders, including beautiful Alnwick Castle, consider this tour from Edinburgh .

If you are interested in doing this itinerary by public transport, check out my guide to taking a 10 day UK trip by public transport, which as well as a route, has lots of ideas for how to book different forms of transport in the most effective and cost-efficient way.

What About Touring the UK With A Tour Company?

Another popular question is whether or not this sort of trip can be done with a tour company, and if we have any companies we would recommend for this.

So you have a few options for doing this which I have outlined below.

The first option is to take a group tour of the UK. There are a number of companies offering small group tours – we’d recommend finding a service which operates tours of 15 people or less. We usually use and recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners , who operate trips around the UK and Ireland, and have a number of tour options to choose from.

We haven’t found a tour that exactly matches our UK wide itinerary, but we still have a solution for those of you wanting the do a similar trip as part of a guided tour.

First, we recommend you spend two or three days in London, following our suggested London itinerary .

Next, we recommend you take something similar to this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh.

In Edinburgh, you can spend a couple of days following our Edinburgh itinerary , after which you can easily fly to either Belfast or Dublin direct from Edinburgh.

Here you can either explore these lovely cities, or take a tour to explore more of the country, we’d recommend either this three day tour of Northern Ireland  or this three day tour of the southern and western coast .

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to skip Ireland, you could take something like this five day tour of the Scottish Highlands and Skye .

Finally, you can either return to London, or have your flights home depart from Dublin or Edinburgh, depending on your tour choice.

The other option is a bespoke tour company and/or a private tour guide, who will be able to put a tour together for you, including guiding, transport and accommodation.

Of all the options, this will generally be the most expensive way to travel, but it will also give you total flexibility in terms of your trip and schedule, plus you’ll have a guide with you every step of the way, taking all the hassle out of your trip.

For this sort of tour, we recommend the services of Robina Brown, who is a blue-badge guide offering tours across the UK. See her website here .

When to Visit the UK

You can visit the UK at any time of year, although for the best weather and longer daylight hours, we’d definitely suggest visiting in the warmer months – from May to September. May is probably our favourite time of year, the weather is usually quite reasonable but the tourist crowds are not too intense.

Christmas, and the period leading up to Christmas, can also be a wonderful time to visit, when the streets and shops are all brightly lit and decorated for the festive season. For a good example of this, check out our guide to visiting Edinburgh at Christmas .

Where to Stay in the UK:

For accommodation , there are a great many options to choose from, ranging from cosy B&B’s through to upmarket hotels, and everything in between. Finding the best deal on your accommodation is an important part of trip planning – helping you to get the most from your budget, as well as find the property that is right for you.

  • We’ve tried a lot of booking sites, and nearly always find ourselves using Booking.com. They have an extensive selection of properties, many with no-fee cancellation policies, and often run discounts and special offers. Click on each city title to see their listings:  London , Oxford ,  Manchester , York , Edinburgh , Dublin , Cardiff and Bristol .
  • If you prefer an apartment or more of a hosted stay, then we recommend Plum Guide . We’ve tried all the others, and in our experience Plum Guide consistently has the highest quality options for the locations they are available.
  • If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB , as well as a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK , which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

How to Get Around the UK

For this kind of trip I also obviously recommend that you look into renting a car. We have used and can recommend Enterprise Car Rental , they usually have great rates, especially for one way rentals. We also recommend comparing car prices using a service like Rentalcars.com , which compares prices across a range of providers to help you find the best deal.

A hire car will give you a lot more flexibility than public transport, and prices are generally fairly reasonable. However, if you would prefer to do a trip like this by public transport instead of driving yourself, check out our UK itinerary by public transport for ideas.

Another option for travelling in the UK is to hire a motorhome. Whilst this might not be practical for a city focused trip, you might prefer it if you are planning on visiting more rural locations.

For campervan rental we suggest checking out Motorhome Republic . They offer a campervans from a range of companies at different price points, so you can find the right one for you. You can see their UK listings here .

Further reading for your UK Trip

We’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

  • If you want a shorter trip, taking in some more off the beaten path destinations, check out this one week itinerary of the UK that I put together. If you’d prefer not to drive yourself, we also have a 10 day UK itinerary by public transport .
  • To prepare for your trip to the UK, we’ve put together a detailed UK packing list which covers both London and the wider UK at any time of year
  • This is a self-drive trip, so you should definitely check out our guide to driving in the UK for helpful tips.
  • We also have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK  which will help you cost out a trip like this.
  • A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
  • When you’re near Glasgow, you should check out the beautiful Devil’s Pulpit in Finnich Glen
  • A two day Edinburgh itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh: Getting off the beaten path
  • A Two Day Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary
  • A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
  • For London, we have some detailed itineraries to help you plan your visit. These include a 1 Day London Itinerary , a Two Day London itinerary and a Six Day London itinerary
  • The top Harry Potter sites in London
  • The Best Photography Locations in London
  • Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
  • Eight Things to Do in Kensington
  • The Highlights of Oxford
  • Our guide to things to do in Cambridge
  • Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
  • 20 Things To Do in Dublin , a 2 day Dublin itinerary and a 3 day Dublin itinerary
  • A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
  • Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
  • If you’re interested in getting better photos when you travel, take a look at my online photography course , where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting better photos – whatever camera you have!
  • If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then Amazon do a good line in UK Travel Guides , and there is naturally a Lonely Planet and a Rough Guide to the UK available.

If you’re planning on visiting a number of historical properties, there are a couple of options you have for saving money as a visitor to the UK. Two main organisations exist to preserve these properties, the National Trust, and English Heritage.

Both of these organisations offer specific passes for visitors to the UK, which represent great value for money for visitors.

For the National Trust you can pick up a National Trust touring pass . This is valid for 7 or 14 days, and gives you access to every National Trust property in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For English Heritage , you can get an English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass . This is valid for 9 or 16 days, and gives you access to every English Heritage property in the UK.

Alternatively, you can also buy a full membership to these organisations, which will last a full year. You can buy an English Heritage Membership here and a National Trust membership here .

So those were my thoughts for taking in a slightly longer than two week trip in the UK. I’ve obviously missed out a great number of places, as no two week trip can possibly hope to see everything, but I’d like to think I covered a great many highlights of this truly fascinating country.

As always, if you’ve got any thoughts on this post, do hit up the comments below!

A detailed two week itinerary for a trip around the UK, taking in cultural highlights, national parks, four countries and four capital cities!

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There are 219 comments on this post

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25th February 2024 at 6:30 pm

Hello, we are planning a trip this summer. On my list is scotch tasting in Islay. How many days should we add? Do you have any recommendations?

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2024 at 9:28 pm

Sure thing. Islay is beautiful and very much worth a visit. I’d suggest spending a couple of day at least if you can spare it as it takes a bit of time to get to and from the island and there is plenty to see and do there. I have a guide to things to do on Islay which might help. In terms of whisky distilleries, if you have a favourite whisky that I’d obviously recommend going to that distillery. My favourite whisky is Laphroaig, so I enjoyed visiting that distillery particularly. However my guide to Islay lists all the currently active ones so you can make a choice as to which one you prefer.

Have a great trip!

Marcelo Gurgel says

18th January 2024 at 11:52 pm

Hello ! Your post is very good ! I would like to do a similar tour, but on a motorcycle. Including Isle of Man where the TT Isle of Man race will take place. Please for I leave the bike on the London side and take the Ferry by foot and the best option? Cheaper in this case? How much do ferries generally cost? Where do I search for tickets and itineraries? Thanks a lot for the help !

19th January 2024 at 12:02 am

Hi Marcelo,

Thank you! So the only company which operates ferries to the Isle of Man is the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and the best way to book a ferry is directly on their website here . They operate services from Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin.

If you plan on visiting during the TT race then you should book as soon as you can as this is a very popular event.

The price will vary depennding on when you go but it is definitely less expensive to go as a foot passenger. Looking at a route, it’s around £40 – £50 one way for a foot passenger, and £120 – £140 for a passenger with a bike. However, remember that you will need to pay to park your bike somewhere secure, and you will also need to have transport on the Isle of Man. Also, at more popular times, such as during the TT races, prices can be higher.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions! Safe travels!

PAUL BASILE says

10th December 2023 at 10:20 pm

stumbled across your blog and was pleasantly surprised! my wife and I will arrive in London on 6/19/24 in advance of Wimbledon where we’ll be staying from 7/5 though 7/10. we want to sorta do your route in reverse, heading out of London straight away renting a car, and heading out. we have around 2 weeks and want to start heading to Ireleand, then Scotland, then visiting cousins in Durham in northern GB, returning car in London before wimbeldon.

would love to get some advice on that reverse route, forgoing the London stuff until later, but wanting your insights on anything else! thanks in advance!

13th December 2023 at 12:19 am

It’s great to hear from you. So you can do the route either way without any issue. The main thing if you do decide to include Ireland is to be sure to check if the car rental company you choose allows you to take the car on a ferry to Ireland. Some will and some won’t, you’ll just want to confirm before booking. Otherwise I think you have the structure of a good itinerary. You can follow my route and just adjust it to suit your interests and available time. I’d definitely recommend booking in advance for places to stay and the ferries as you are coming at a popular time for travel so things will start to book up. Otherwise, just have a great time and let me know if you have any questions!

13th December 2023 at 2:38 am

Lawrence….thanks so much…great info on the ferry and booking places….do you have a fav booking site for places to stay?

13th December 2023 at 3:37 am

It’s my pleasure! We primarily use Booking.com when we travel because we like the filters. We usually filter by rating (8+) and then depending on the trip things like having free parking (handy for a road trip). Then things like WiFi, laundry, free breakfast, free cancellation, depending on what we are doing. Also like that you can apply the filters to the map view (again, handy for road trips). You can also book apartments. We also use various other sites depending on where we are going, some places have more AirBnB options. In the UK we also book holiday cottages but for a trip like yours which will likely have more shorter stops I’d say hotels or B&Bs are likely to be an easier option as apartments often have the extra overhead of needing to arrange check in and check out times.

Let me know if I can help any further 🙂

Linda Haddock says

2nd December 2023 at 7:38 am

Hello, thank you for this helpful blog! Do you have any recommendations on when, where and what to include for sites for a JRR Tolkien fan?

2nd December 2023 at 8:46 pm

It’s my pleasure. So Oxford would be my main recommendation as it was here that Tolkien studied and worked. Fun side story, a dear friend of mine was Tolkien’s Doctor and knew him well, although he has now passed. Anyway, Tolkien studied at Exeter Collge in Oxford and was also a fellow at Pembroke College and Merton College, so many of the sights in Oxford like the Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean museum would be of interest. The Bodeleian Library in Oxford (the Radcliffe Camera is part of this) does have the originals of many of his works but these are not usually on display unfortunately.

I hope this helps a bit! Have a lovely time in the UK and do let me know if you need any more input 🙂

Ingrid Ermanovics says

24th May 2022 at 3:45 pm

Hi, Love your blog. I hear that the traffic in July can be daunting and cause very long delays. As such, would you still recommend a private car hire (car rental)? Or have other suggestions to avoid the issue? Thanks!!

24th May 2022 at 4:33 pm

Thanks very much! So in my experience, the main factors that contribute to traffic in the UK are road works, which can happen at any time, and travelling at specific times. For example, when there is a public holiday on a Monday or Friday, this tends to lead to a lot of holiday traffic. So avoiding those dates makes a lot of sense. July is not particularly worse in my experience, it can be a bit heavier, but it’s not normally awful unless you are unlucky and encounter an accident, or there are road works. I would advise against trips on Friday or Sunday afternoons, as this is when the traffic can be quite bad at any time of year as people go away for or come back from the weekends.

I’d also advise using an app like Google maps with real time traffic, and trying to plan your travel times so they don’t align with the busier times of day. In general though, i would still recommend using a car rental even in July 🙂

I hope this helps!

Debbie Hebert says

16th May 2022 at 12:16 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, this trip looks super fun and we are looking to visit July-Aug of this year starting in Dublin (as the airfare is best to there from our home in New Orleans). Just a few questions. Would you suggest going North or South from Dublin? How many miles is the entire itinerary? Is there is a stretch where we could ditch the rental car and take the train and then pick up another car? And/or if we drop off the car before and after London and train in which cities would be best to do that? Thank you so much!

16th May 2022 at 3:11 pm

Thanks Debbie!

So I’d probably recommend dropping the rental car in Belfast or Dublin and then flying across to Cardiff or Edinburgh, depending which way you go. Many car rental firms don’t allow for rentals to be taken on the ferry, plus you have to pay more to transport a car, so this would likely save you money.

Direction wise in Ireland, it really depends what you want to see. In the Republic of Ireland you have lovely landscapes and places like the Dingle peninsula and Ring of Kerry. If you head north to Belfast (also a lovely city), then you can visit places like the Giant’s Causeway and the Coastal Causeway route.

Putting a mileage total on the entire itinerary is tricky as there are likely to be many detours but I’d say a ballpark of 1500 – 2000 miles seems about right. In terms of areas where you can drop the car and take public transport, a lot of this will depend on what you want to see. If you are happy with primarily cities, then you can easily get around between cities with a train instead of a car. So for example, Edinburgh to York, York to Manchester, Manchester to Bath and Bath to Oxford would all work. Then if there were specific day trips you wanted to do there’s the option to either rent a car for that day, or take a day tour. But if you are thinking of spending more time in the countryside and smaller towns, then a car would be a lot less useful. I’d definitely recommend against taking a car into London, and dropping it off somewhere like Oxford or Reading before taking the train into London.

Farooq Ghouri says

6th May 2022 at 2:56 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica We are visiting UK this summer for two weeks. Your two weeks itinerary is great resource for us. I wonder how we can squeeze Wales in it . Any suggestions will be much appreciated We will be using rental car Sincerely Farooq Ghouri from Chicago USA

6th May 2022 at 9:44 am

Thanks very much! So the southern part of Wales is included in this trip on the return from Ireland. However, if you wanted to add Wales your main option would be to do it as you drive north, or to consider skipping Ireland and to drive back down through Wales to Bath. The second option might be easier as it cuts down having to think about a ferry / flight across to Ireland, but it’s up to you. This itinerary is already very busy, so adding more to it as it exists would be a bit of a challenge in my opinion.

Let me know if I can offer any further advice, and have a great time in the UK!

6th May 2022 at 5:06 pm

Thank you much Laurence I will keep your suggestion in mind when finalizing the itinerary

Heather says

28th April 2022 at 2:35 am

I noticed your recommended the The Resident Victoria and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions. I will be travelling with 3 people, one of which is a full time wheelchair user. Do you think the room size is adequate for a 5 day visit? Did you happen to notice if the showers were roll in or a wet room with chair? I realize most hotels only have accessible showers and whatnot in certain rooms so will understand if you don’t know. I found your travel blog a month ago and love it. Thanks from Canada

28th April 2022 at 12:01 pm

Hi Heather,

Sure thing. So, the first thing to be aware of is that rooms in central London tend to be quite small, especially if you are used to the size of hotel rooms in North America. Another thing to be aware of is that baths are quite common, and having a shower over the bath rather than a separate stall is also fairly common. So if looking for an accessible room it’s really important to specify that, and it’s always worth checking with the hotel what that actually means.

I would say that none of the rooms in the Resident Victoria would really be suitable for three adults to share for a longer stay, if that was what you were thinking. The superior rooms do have the option for three single beds, but these are not accessible rooms. In general, the rooms are fairly compact and I think a wheelchair user in particular would struggle in their standard rooms.

If you were thinking of separate rooms, some of their King Rooms are accessible so that would be an option. I called the hotel this morning and they confirmed that it is their King rooms which are accessible and the showers in these rooms are fully roll in. The toilets and sinks are also accessible. They can also provide a chair in the shower if you want. However these are definitely rooms for two people.

I hope this answers your question! The property is very well located for sure. Let me know if I can offer any further advice. I also have a full guide to where to stay in London which has a lot more options 🙂

13th April 2022 at 11:47 pm

Hi Laurence,

Was very interesting to read this trip. But it’s more suitable for adults without kids to travell to Ireland within two weeks. Can you please look for following trip plan: We are 2 adults + 2 kids (12 and 10) for 14 days. My daughter likes Harry Potter, so preference on these kind of attractions. So i wanted to divided for following parts: 1. London 5 days –>>> museums, parks and so on. 2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London 1 day 3. Oxford or Cambridge .. yet not decided… for one day + Windsor Castle 4. Rent a car(or by train) and drive to the north >> York 1 day Manchester + Alton Towers – 1 day 5. Drive to south Birmingham (Cadbury world + other attractions) – 1 day Costwolds area – 1 day Bath + Stonehenge – 1 day Total 12 + 2 days (driving + bufffer for other changes during the trip)

Do you think is it good? What to add or remove? Or continue to Edinburgh and cancel some places in current trip? Thanks in advance Sam

14th April 2022 at 11:23 am

Great to hear from you. I agree, trying to include Ireland on the trip would be challenging with family. I think your itinerary sounds good, spending more time focusing on a smaller number of areas is a good choice. For your options, I think I might suggest Oxford over Cambridge if your daughter likes Harry Potter as there are quite a few filming locations in Oxford (see the Oxford section of our Harry Potter guide here ). I would also probably allocate a whole day to Oxford and maybe do Windsor Castle on one of your days in London. Oxford is very easy to reach by train from London so makes an easy day trip, but the day might feel rushed if you include Windsor as well.

I think otherwise your itinerary sounds good. A car will make things easier for sure, especially for things like exploring the Cotswolds and getting to Alton Towers. These are doable by public transport but it will take up valuable time. I also think focusing on England is a good idea. Depending on how much of a Harry Potter fan your daughter is you might consider stopping at Gloucester as well to see Gloucester Cathedral, which was used for various Hogwarts scenes .It’s a spectacular cathedral and lovely city in its own right as well, easy to see in 2-3 hours between Birmingham and Bath before dipping into the Cotswolds.

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any questions!

Vincent Choo says

12th April 2022 at 11:04 am

Laurence, My family and I ( 4 of us intend to tour Great Britain for 2 weeks before joining our friends in Belfast to continue another 10 days covering the island of Ireland. We intend to travel with a combination of car, train , ferry and air and hope to have your recommendation on which sectors should I use the above modes of transport. The intineary is roughly the same as your 2 weeks ( loop from London and ends there ) Thank You

12th April 2022 at 2:43 pm

Hi Vincent!

This is a great question, and the answer will come down to both budget and your interests.

If you are primarily interested in cities and larger towns, then travelling by rail might be easier for the majority of your trip. You can get between most cities and towns quite easily by train, and if you book well in advance you can also get cheap fares. You can also use a Friends & Family railcard to save even more. Travelling by train has the advantage that you don’t have to worry about car rental costs, fuel costs and finding car parking, the latter of which can be a challenge in many cities. I’d definitely advise against a car in London at the very least.

If you prefer a mix of city sightseeing and countryside, then a car is going to be more useful as most countryside sights and places like the Lake District are going to be a lot easier to get to and around with your own vehicle. I’d just suggest leaving the car out of the London part of the trip, and remembering to think about parking and fuel prices as part of your budget. I think a car might end up being slightly more expensive than public transport, but honestly the car rental market is so turbulent these days it’s hard to know without doing the math.

My recommendation would be to fly to Ireland – low cost flights with budget airlines will likely be the best option, and most car rental companies actually don’t allow for their vehicles to go on a ferry. Then you could pick up a hire car in Ireland on arrival.

It sounds like you have a great trip planned – let me know if I can offer any more input!

Sanchay says

7th April 2022 at 8:05 pm

Hello, Im planning a 2 week trip which shall include England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland during the month of October 2022. Is it feasible to cover all the places in 2 weeks considering that we are a group of 6 adults and 2 children ( 11 and 12 yrs) or shall we skip any of the destinations. We shall use Public transport in London and prefer Self drive cars / Trains / Ferries elsewhere. I also want to know if you could share some ranch stays where in we can stay and enjoy the country side instead of hotels. Awaiting your kind suggestion

Thanks and Regards 🙂

8th April 2022 at 11:04 am

Hi Sanchay,

Thanks for your comment. So I would probably recommend that you focus on maybe a couple of countries so you can enjoy yourself a bit more. I would probably recommend perhaps the mainland UK, as the extra effort required to get across to Ireland will eat into your time with two weeks. So perhaps a trip which includes London and Edinburgh, and then areas like the Lake District and / or Wales. One thing to be aware of is that the weather in October can be a bit variable, so spending more time in the cities might be more appealing rather than the country side where the weather might not be suitable for a lot of outdoor activities. Of course, you might be lucky and get good weather, but this is not guaranteed.

For ranch stays, probably the closest in the UK would be countryside B&Bs. Some farms do have accommodation option, and there are some lovely self catering options in the country as well.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any further questions!

Derek Bowen says

2nd June 2021 at 5:16 pm

A really good trip, but I would skip Manchester and head right up through Rawtenstall, up through Burnley and Nelson. This would be a really good look at the cotton industry as well a real feel of northern England, as well as the best fish and chips. Then carry on up through Skipton, trying to time market day, and over to York, which is a must.

3rd June 2021 at 12:53 pm

Thank you Derek! For sure, there are so many ways to change this route depending on interests, and your suggestion is a good one 😀

Patrick Russell says

22nd March 2021 at 5:18 pm

This is absolutely amazing itinerary. What would a rough cost be for a trip like this? Minus airfare, and passports.

Thank you, Patrick

22nd March 2021 at 5:23 pm

Thanks Patrick! So it will vary quite a bit depending on your travel style. The main costs on a trip like this are transport, accommodation, food and attraction entry. Accommodation will obviously depend on how comfortable you like to travel, and food will also vary a lot depending on if you prefer fine dining or simpler fare.

To help cost a trip like this I put a guide to the costs of travelling in the UK in a post, which should give you some guidance 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

Hope this helps!

Matthew says

8th December 2020 at 2:51 pm

Interesting itinerary. As a British person, rather than a traveller, my comment would be it doesn’t have much of the coast in, though I understand the time constraints. But a trip to the UK with no seaside towns! At least add Brighton, easy to reach from London. Dorset isn’t too far either, and has a fantastic coast. Also, Chester is beautiful and well worth inclusion.

8th December 2020 at 2:52 pm

Hey Matthew,

Great feedback. When I wrote this guide initially it was in response to a specific request, but of course there is so much of the UK that it doesn’t cover for various reasons (including time restraints!). I always encourage folks to use it as a rough guide, but to modify it for their own interests 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

Tammy Howard says

25th February 2020 at 11:07 pm

Dear Laurence,

Thank you so much for this itinerary. It is fabulous!! We would like to sleep in a castle while on our trip. Are there any that you know of that allow this along this route?

26th February 2020 at 11:20 am

Dear Tammy,

My pleasure! So yes, there are quite a few options along the route, depending on your budget. Some options to consider:

Thornbury Castle – just north of Bristol

Glenapp Castle – just south of the Scotland – Ireland ferry crossing. We’ve stayed here and it’s wonderful

Kilkea Castle Hotel – south of Dublin. We’ve also stayed here.

Cringletie Castle Hotel – about a 40 minute drive south of Edinburgh. Another of our favourites.

Of course, this is just a small selection – there are many more across the UK to choose from, at a range of budgets. One tip when staying in a castle hotel – some of them have built more rooms outside the castle itself. So make sure when booking that you get a room that inside the castle (I think otherwise it sort of defeats the point!).

Have a great trip, let me know if you have any more questions!

Abdiaziz says

29th February 2020 at 8:27 am

How much will I pay if I want to travel next month

29th February 2020 at 10:14 am

Hi Abdiaziz,

March is not too busy a month for travel in the UK, so prices should be reasonable. To figure out your costs for this trip, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK 🙂

Dhaval says

3rd February 2020 at 9:17 am

Hi Laurence, Thanks a lot for this amazing itinerary. We are a group of 4 adults + 4 kids (1Y,3Y,5Y,7Y) and are planning a 15 days trip to the UK. This will be our first time. Can you please assist us with the below queries:-

1. Considering we have small kids, what is the best mode of transport to travel from London to Edinburgh to Dublin? Should we keep one separate day for travelling in our itinerary? We will also have Kids Strollers everywhere we travel. 2. We want to do Day tours from London to Oxford, Cotswold, Stonehenge, Bath etc keeping our base in London. But few of my friends suggested that the Local operators don’t include kids below 5Years and we will be forced to take a rent a car. Any suggestions? 3. Also if we follow your above itinerary, can you guide us the exact cities in which we need to book our apartments/hotels to avoid hassle-free travelling.

Thanks a lot in Advance. Cheers 🙂

3rd February 2020 at 2:45 pm

My pleasure 🙂 I will do my best to help of course. To answer your questions:

1 – From London to Edinburgh I would recommend the train. This takes around 4.5 hours and will be a lot quicker than driving / taking a bus, plus you will have more space for your stroller / bags etc. You could fly too, but as it will take time to check everything in, go through security etc, I think the train will be easier. Just be sure to book your train well in advance to get a good price, and be aware that if you book a ticket in advance, you must take the booked train, the ticket will not work on a different train, even on the same day.

For Edinburgh to Dublin, your only option is realistically to fly.

2 – This is correct, for safety reasons most group tours do not accept children under a certain age, which is often 5. However, you can instead book a private tour. For a group of eight of you this should not work out much more expensive than a normal tour, plus you will be able to customise the itinerary. So I would advise reaching out to private tour operators who should be able to assist.

3 – All the cities are in the itinerary, you would need to stay in whichever ones you want to visit that don’t fall within the day tours you wish to take from London.

I hope this helps – have a great trip and let me know if I can help any further,

Serafina Macdonald says

11th January 2020 at 9:09 pm

Hi there, we are planning a trip to England, Scotland, and Ireland at the beginning of July. We are thinking about 16-18 days. I looked at your itinerary and love your suggestions! My husband does want to spend a half-day in Liverpool and I think we can tweak your itinerary to fit it in and try to do Isle of Skye as well. Since we do have the few extra days at the end of the trip, do you think it would be worthwhile to travel over to the other coast of Ireland to explore that side? (Galway, Aran Islands). Would love some suggestions.

11th January 2020 at 9:18 pm

Hi Serafina!

So Liverpool would definitely be an easy addition to the itinerary. The Isle of Skye is a bit more of a trek, as it’s a five hour drive each way from Edinburgh, so I’d suggest allocating at least 3 days for that, one day each for the drive and one day to actually explore. So do keep that in mind.

For Ireland, absolutely. The west coast is stunning, and if you can find time to head over there I would definitely suggest doing so. There’s a lot to see over there, so the hardest part will be choosing, but certainly the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry are some good candidates for your shortlist 🙂

Have a great time, and let me know if you have any more questions!

12th January 2020 at 2:15 pm

Thanks so much! Looking forward to this trip!

3rd December 2019 at 9:40 am

Dear Laurence, This is the first time I visit UK so could you help give a good advice to have plan visit UK during time 24th Dec- 08th Jan

Thanks Duong

3rd December 2019 at 6:11 pm

Thanks for your message. The majority of the information you need should be available on the site, both in this post and in the posts I link to. I am happy to try and help answer any specific questions you might have – is there anything in particular you are worried about?

The main things I would suggest, depending on where you are travelling from, are to plan what you want to see, to plan your accommodation and transport, and to pack properly for winter. Obviously you are visiting over Christmas and New Year, which is a busy time of year, so if you have not booked your accommodation yet you will definitely want to look into that, especially over New Year as that can be a busy time for both travel and accommodation.

Let me know if I can offer any more specific help for your trip,

Hang Tran says

26th November 2019 at 3:59 pm

Hi Laurence, Thank you for your advice and emails. I was able to put together our 2-week itinerary in England. I changed our lodging to London instead of Heathrow and booked different places when we travel around with our Britrail passes. I can’t say thank you enough. It’s very helpful for us. We will stay in London (3 days), Edinburgh (3 days:Edinburgh and York), Bristol for 5 days, Bath for 2 days and travel to other nearby cities (Stonehenge, Oxford, Cardiff) by train to make one-day trip. Is it right time to visit Cardiff in winter? If not, do you have any other places to spend a day? We’re thinking about Liverpool but it takes about 3-hours ride. If so, what should we can see in such a short time in Liverpool? We never ride a train before so we don’t mind riding the train everyday and enjoy the view together.

26th November 2019 at 5:20 pm

I am so pleased to have been able to help you and to hopefully make your trip a memorable one. It sounds like you have a wonderful itinerary planned now.

I would say that Cardiff is fine to visit in winter. Like many cities in the UK, lots of the attractions are indoors, so you can visit at any time of year and have a good time. Obviously you’ll want to dress warmly, but this will be the same all around the UK. Cardiff will definitely be one of the easier places to visit given its proximity. Another option would be Birmingham. I think I would probably not do Liverpool from Bristol – the 3 hour trip each way would be 6 hours on a train, so I don’t think you’d really have enough time to enjoy the city.

Let me know if I can be of any further help! We actually live in Bath too, so maybe we’ll see you 😉

28th November 2019 at 5:30 am

Hi Laurence, Thank you for the suggestion. We will look into Birmingham instead of Liverpool. We might be able to meet you for breakfast or lunch in Bath on Dec 22 or 23. I was able to find a place to stay that we can walk up or down the street to get to Bath Spa. Everything is in walking distance. Thanks to you again.

Sincerely, Hang

28th November 2019 at 7:22 pm

My pleasure – have a lovely trip. Do pop a comment here or send me an e-mail if you have some free time!

Laurel says

9th October 2019 at 7:23 am

Hi, love your itinerary of the UK. It includes much of what we want to see. Howev r, we are a senior couple of nomads from Australia and we are trying to organise a four week trip of the UK and Ireland including the islands off Scotland but we are steam train buffs and have the 10 best day trips on steam trains to try to include. Do you help with itinerary planning to include as many of these as we can but in some sort of order? If not can you head us in the right direction? We don’t need London as we have a couple of days there prior to a cruise of Norway. Is it feasible to do this trip in September and will he days still be long and fairly warm? Thanks in anticipation for your advice.

9th October 2019 at 6:16 pm

Thanks very much! So we don’t offer custom itinerary planning as it’s quite a time intensive process. We’re happy to answer specific questions and help where we can of course. Steam trains aren’t really an area of expertise though!

I can definitely answer your questions about September – I’d say September is a great month to travel. If you are lucky it might still be reasonably warm (recent years have been lovely in September), but you skip the crowds of the summer months and the schools will have gone back as well. September and May are our favourite months to travel. Of course, this is the UK, so rain and cooler weather is certainly possible (although you can get this in July and August as well!), so it’s always best to be prepared with layers of clothing, but you should be fine generally. The days will still be long, light until around 8pm depending on which part of the month you visit 🙂

Have a great trip, and let me know if I can answer any more specifics!

Kevin Ortyl says

19th September 2019 at 6:51 pm

Love the website and your two-week itinerary. Very easy to follow.. So glad we found your site. Need advice please… (Coming from Boston, USA) Thinking of a two-week vacation late August 2020 (family of 4… 2 college age kids) flying into London and out of Dublin. So similar trip you outlined but not returning to Heathrow once in Ireland. Planning on rental car and driving everywhere. Can the one way car rental work in this scenario (London, Scotland, ferry to the Emerald Isle, drop rental at Dublin)? Second Q… if we were to eliminate the Wales back to London segment how would you fill in that itinerary staying in Ireland?

19th September 2019 at 7:20 pm

Thanks very much. So dropping off the car in a different country might be a challenge. Most car rental companies will let you drop the car off in a different part of the same country, but as the Republic of Ireland is separate from the UK, that would likely be a challenge. So your best option is probably to rent the car in the UK, then drop it off at Edinburgh airport and fly to Dublin, then pick up a new rental there.

For your time in Ireland, you have a lot of options! If you are looking for a road trip the Causeway Coastal Route in northern Ireland is a favourite of ours, and the Wild Atlantic Way is also a great drive. Of course there is so much to see in Ireland and Northern Ireland depending on what you are interested in, with both Dublin and Belfast being worth a visit. It would just depend if you wanted to do more city or more country 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help – we have quite a few posts on Ireland as well on the site with some ideas!

19th September 2019 at 9:58 pm

Thank you for the reply, and the good information regarding rental cars.

To follow up, once in Ireland probably interested in seeing some of the quaint cities/towns, visit the pubs, little urban culture, castles, etc and those types of places in lieu of say hiking and biking. Hoping of course between destinations to see beautiful countryside and such!

20th September 2019 at 9:02 am

My pleasure 🙂 So I would suggest that driving the Causeway Coastal Route ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/causeway-coastal-route-northern-ireland/ ) Might be a good option 🙂

4th September 2019 at 2:13 am

Hi Laurence, I really like the two week trip itenerary. We’ll will be driving and are experienced with that. We’d like to see some worthy gardens along the suggested route. Any ideas?

4th September 2019 at 7:02 pm

Certainly. The gardens at Alnwick Castle are wonderful, as are the gardens at many of the stately homes in the UK (you can see our list of good stately homes in England here ). Not all of them have gardens of course, but that’s a good starting point. Many cities also have botanic gardens, including Edinburgh and Kew Gardens in London, which are well worth the visit.

I hope this helps a little 🙂

Rachel Sales says

16th August 2019 at 5:15 am

Hi! This post gave me lots of ideas. However, can you help me out in modifying this itinerary which will make Edinburgh as the last stop? My flight booking is DXB-LHR, EDI-DXB. I thought it will be nice it it’s an onward journey and not have to go back to my starting point. Thank you in advance!

16th August 2019 at 12:12 pm

Glad to be able to help! So as this itinerary is a loop, it’s a bit challenging to modify it that easily. My suggestion would perhaps be to drop Ireland from your trip, and instead to spend more time in Scotland. So you could follow the itinerary up to Edinburgh, and then add in time exploring more of Scotland before returning to Edinburgh. Let me know your thoughts,

Robin Major says

13th August 2019 at 12:53 am

Hello Lawrence,

I just found and love this site!! I’m trying to plan a 25th wedding anniversary trip for next September (2020) to surprise my hubby.

He’s never been to Europe. I was fortunate enough to get two and half lovely days in London a couple years back courtesy of my employer.

I’m not sure if what I want to do is totally doable though… No driving.. we would do transit and rail… I’m thinking a week in Britian and a week in Scotland. Maybe fly into London, spend two full days exploring the sites.. then I’m sort of lost. We are interested in Castles, love the supernatural aspect of York so that will be a must, definitely want to see Stonehenge.. and as odd as it sounds, my parents did Sherwood Forest and Nottingham on their 25th Wedding Anniversary many years ago so wondering if that would be a recommendation? Just not sure of the logistics for a week in Britian.. where to stay etc.

For Scotland, again, Castles and we are both big Outlander fans so we’ve have to see Loch Ness, Inverness and any and all sites made famous by Outlander. I am thinking a week up there and we fly home from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Do you have any suggestions/recommendations on an itinerary for us? I would greatly appreciate any knowledge you wish to share with me.

Thank you so much! Robin

13th August 2019 at 10:19 am

Thanks very much! It certainly would be possible 🙂 I’ve actually written a 10 day UK itinerary by public transport. Whilst the route isn’t exactly what you want, the post does have some useful information to help you plan your trip, especially around booking the trains etc. If you’ve not seen that post yet, it’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/

Regarding your specific itinerary, I would suggest you start in London as you suggest. You could then take a day tour from London out to Stonehenge. This is doable by public transport, but is way easier as a day tour, plus they usually have some extra stops like Bath. You can read our guide to doing that here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/Stonehenge-bath-cotswolds-day-trip-from-london/

So Nottingham is nice (I went to university there), but with limited time I wouldn’t say it was a must do. My suggestion would be to take the train from London to Oxford, and then up to York. A day in each location would work. You are now up to five days in England. Castles are a bit tricky by public transport as many of them are out of cities. I would perhaps suggest extending your time in London and taking the extra day to visit either Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace. From York you could head up to Durham which is a beautiful cathedral city.

From Durham the train to Edinburgh is not too far. I’d suggest basing yourself in Edinburgh for at least three days. Two days to explore the city, and then one day to take an Outlander tour. We have specifically done 1 day tour with Rabbies , and thought it was great. We have more suggested day tours from Edinburgh here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/day-trips-from-edinburgh-scotland/

From Edinburgh our recommendation would then be to take the train up to Inverness, from where you can explore more castles, Loch Ness and the Highlands. Again, plenty to do in this area, and there are lots of great day trips to plan. You can see our guide to some of the best here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/day-trips-from-inverness-scotland/

I think that should give you plenty to work with – let me know if you have any more questions!

8th August 2019 at 9:35 pm

I just found this page and so glad I did especially your “Best Stately Homes in England” We will be visiting England and Scotland for 2weeks October 16-29, 2019 and I am excited about your itinerary. We have been to Northern Ireland (once)and Republic of Ireland (4 times) so we can leave those out, so are there any other places you might suggest? My husband has driven every time we have visited Ireland so he can handle a manual transmission. We land at Gatwick Airport and I thought we could head to Edinburgh via a easterly route and return to London via a westerly route. We do not have to travel only motorways but don’t wait too many small country lanes (did plenty of those in Ireland). Any suggestions you could make would be greatly appreciated. Love Manor Houses, Castles, rolling landscape, waterfalls, quaint English market towns or villages, etc. THANKS

9th August 2019 at 8:54 am

Sounds like you have a great trip planned, and I will certainly do my best to help. It sounds like your route is pretty good already, coming down the west side of the UK gives you the chance to pop into the Lake District, explore towns like Chester, and even larger cities like Birmingham. In terms of stately homes, well, I would obviously recommend the majority of those in my post on stately homes. I’d also add Edinburgh Castle of course if you like castles, as well as the more ruined Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Alnwick Castle on the way up through Northumberland is stunning, as are many of the other castles in Northumberland, like Bamburgh and dunstanburgh. For rolling hills and greenery, the Lake District is lovely, but I can also recommend the Hadrian’s Wall area of Northumberland, particularly the area near Housesteads.

For quaint English towns, of course the Cotswolds would be by number one pick. The counties of Kent and Dorset are also good options.

I think that should get you started, let me know if you need some more ideas!

Christine Greentaner says

5th August 2019 at 12:26 pm

Hello!! I stumbled on your site asking google if I could do the this kind of trip and wow, here you are! Unsure of the driving though since we zero experience. However, this two week itinerary gives us something to start thinking about. Thank you so much!! Christine

7th August 2019 at 2:52 pm

Hi Christine!

Driving in the UK is definitely a bit different, especially if you are coming from a country where they drive on the right hand side. Also, if you’re coming from the USA, be aware that most cars in the UK have manual transmissions, so when you rent a car if you are not used to driving a manual you should specify an auto. I have a guide to driving in the Uk which you might also find useful 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great trip!

Danie marais says

11th July 2019 at 8:54 pm

What will it cost for 2 adults

12th July 2019 at 4:17 am

Hi Danie – this really depends on your travel style – you can see a guide to how much travel in the UK costs here for some estimates: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

Margaret says

9th July 2019 at 6:29 am

HI , Just wanted to ask. I am getting a little a little worried,as our trip is getting closer and closer. Your site has helped so much. Does this sound ok to do. Day 1 arrive late afternoon explore Paddinton. Day 2 & 3 follow your 2 day guide of london sites. Day 4 train to oxford, free 2 hour tour. free time to explore oxford Day 5 train back to oxford ,pick up car. Drive to Cotswold explore.. Drive on up to peak district stay over night . 1 night Day 6 explore peak district , drive to Manchester and york .explore. Now I am unsure to travel to the Lake district Or follow onto Alnwick. as some people say not to miss out on the lake district. We dont have enought time to cut back over to Alnwick unsure . We arrive in paddington on the 20th want to leave Edinburgh 31st. So take into account at least 2 night in Edinburgh and head onto Belfast. We will then explore Belfast and Dublin for 2 weeks as we have friends there. follow onto wales Bath but we do want to stay in Southampton for two days once again friends. Can you get to Heathrow airport from Southampton We have 5.5 weeks for this trip but I do want to spend time with friends in Belfast and Dublin. I am so over whelmed .

10th July 2019 at 5:43 am

Hi Margaret!

First, I’m delighted we’ve been able to help 🙂

Your comment covers a few points so I will try to help where I can. For your itinerary, the first six days look good, the only feedback I would offer is that trying to do the Peak District, Manchester and York in one day is likely going to be too much. Even Manchester and York in one day is quite a bit. York would need at least four hours to fully enjoy it, so I might suggest skipping Manchester unless you are particularly invested in it.

For your Lake District dilemma, I can’t really answer this for you. Everyone has a different idea as to what is “unmissable”, so it really depends on your priorities and interests. The Lake District is certainly very pretty, but so is much of the UK 😉

From Southampton you can definitely get to Heathrow airport. It takes around 2 hours by train. It’s not a direct train though, so you do have to change, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. If you would prefer a direct route, I believe National Express operates a coach service between the two locations.

I think for the rest of your trip you might want to reach out to your friends and ask for their advice in terms of what to see and do. I would try to relax and enjoy yourself instead of trying to see everything and becoming overwhelmed if you can. Travel is definitely a bit of work, but ultimately it is supposed to be fun. I always find that the less planned adventures are the more fun ones. So certainly come up with a framework, but don’t spend too much time worrying about it to the tiniest detail, as it will likely detract from the enjoyment.

22nd July 2019 at 4:35 am

Thank you Laurence, Your advice is so helpful. I have added days, so we can get the most out of our trip 2 days in the Peak District, Manchester and 1 day for York. Now I am on the end part of our trip and once again would like some advice. : After spending 18 days exploring Ireland. We will be catching the ferry to Wales. 20th Fishguard pick up car, early afternoon explore the country driving towards Cardiff, Bristol Question : Unsure as to time length of time needed

I was thinking, see Cardiff, then drive towards Bristol arrive around tea time. sleep overnight and have full day to explore Bristol. 21st after exploring Bristol drive towards Bath. arrive around tea time, find somewhere to sleep for 2 nights (21st and 22nd) 22nd full day to explore Bath. 23 th drive toward Stonehenge, Amesbury, drive onto southamption return Car

24th southamption .explore Southamption see family member. we need to be at Hearthrow airport on the 26th at 9:20 flight take off , My next question is , Should I return to paddington for the 25th so I can get the express train to airport , Is my flight to early to return from southamption. Once again . please guide me. Margaret

22nd July 2019 at 6:03 pm

Hi Margaret,

My pleasure! I will try to help again. Your timings for Bristol / Bath etc seem reasonable. They are very close together, my only advice is to avoid travelling at rush hour (4pm – 6pm), as it will make your journey much longer due to the traffic.

For your second question, in theory you could get from Southampton to Heathrow in time, but it’s around a 2 – 2.5 hour journey. You’d want to check train times for the day you are going, but the earliest trains are around 5am based on my research, so you would get to Heathrow around 7.30am. So yes, it’s possible, but it depends how happy you are with an early start and also the risk of any train delays. Up to you, but personally I avoid early mornings at all costs, so would personally probably just find a hotel near Heathrow 😉

Diana Cottrell says

1st July 2019 at 1:57 am

Loved seeing your site. Very helpful since I’m trying to plan a driving vacation for my husband and myself and really didn’t know were to start. I have some questions but will start with only one. We were in London last year but I could go again. Loved it. Hubby sick and had a different feeling. Would it be hard for someone from the US to land at Heathrow and rent a car…then drive to Windsor right after landing? Is it far enough out of London to get comfortable with driving on a different side of the road?

1st July 2019 at 10:18 pm

So, funny story, after passing my UK driving test the first thing I did was rent a car and drive out of Heathrow! I’m not sure I’d exactly recommend it, you’d be driving onto one of the busiest motorways in the UK (our equivalent of a freeway) which might be quite stressful. It’s possible of course, and I’m sure many people do it, but I would advise caution. Also, make sure you specify you want an automatic as most cars in the UK are manual 🙂

3rd July 2019 at 12:01 am

Thanks for the information. Think we’ll skip Heathrow. How would landing in Edinburgh, then heading up through Scotland and back down England (maybe to Bath). Then going up through York and returning back to Edinburgh to return car.

3rd July 2019 at 2:57 pm

That would likely work quite well. My only advice, if you plan on spending time in Edinburgh, is not to pick up the hire car until you leave, as you won’t need it in the city and you’ll just be paying for car rental and parking for no good reason – the city is very walkable.

6th July 2019 at 11:11 pm

Thanks so much. Will start planning.

Amanda says

23rd June 2019 at 5:59 pm

This is such a great detailed itinerary! We are planning to get a rental car in Cambridge and then driving to Scotland from there, so some of these places we will definitely have to visit! I do have one question, about renting a car. Is there a boarder crossing fee or any other type of fee the rental company could charge to go from England to Scotland? We are planning to do a one-way trip so I know there is a fee for that, but in terms of crossing between the two countries is there a fee? When I read about the boarding crossing fee it was unclear to me if that is only if we leave the UK?

Thank so much!

23rd June 2019 at 6:02 pm

Thanks very much! There’s no fee or anything like that for crossing into Scotland, it’s not really a border like that. It’s all part of the UK, so it’s one country.

Opal joiner says

18th June 2019 at 1:37 pm

Hi Do I need to purchase a London pass and a heritage pass? Or just one pass?

18th June 2019 at 7:05 pm

It depends what you want to see and where you are travelling, but for London the London Pass will cover the majority of the attractions 🙂 I definitely recommend checking what they cover before purchasing though 🙂

Chris Ryan says

17th June 2019 at 8:44 am

From an English persons point of view this is an excellent itinerary. It would be good to include the Lake District and Snowdonia but to cover all this in two weeks would be a nightmare and far too much time on the road. The average Brit would allow at least a month for the whole trip. If only two weeks available I would suggest you save Ireland for another time, it’s sacrilage not to explore more of that country, and maybe see more of the west of Scotland instead.

17th June 2019 at 11:06 am

Thanks very much 🙂 I agree, I was actually born in Snowdonia and that part of the world is wonderful. Have spent many happy weekends camping in the Lakes as well. The itinerary was in response to a specific request – we normally encourage folks to slow down where possible and spend more time seeing and less time travelling, but unfortunately many people don’t have much leave to play with and want to try and see as much as possible 🙂

Lillie says

15th June 2019 at 2:56 pm

Hi! So glad to have stumbled upon your site, as I am planning this trip to the UK in October, and I didn’t even know where to begin. I like the idea of doing all the traveling by road ourselves since we’ll be traveling with our baby who will be 9 month old at the time. I was thinking 10 days, including Ireland, but would you consider that possible? We are really interested in doing the whiskey distillery tours in Scotland and anything and everything related to Harry Potter. We’re also interested in visiting landmarks like the cliffs and stonehenge. We’re usually good at squeezing in a lot in our vacations, but this will be the first time we travel with our son, so I don’t want to set ourselves up for failure either. Any advice on what to cut out or if we need to lengthen the trip?

15th June 2019 at 8:38 pm

So, first off, I have to say that we’re not really experts on travelling with children as we don’t have any of our own. So any advice I offer you is based on what friends and other readers have shared with us about the logistics of travelling with a young person. Of course, everyone’s experience will also be different.

Generally, most folks say that you definitely need to slow down when travelling with young children, as you have to factor in things like feeding, changes and so on. This will definitely vary though depending on age and individual personalities 😉

That said, you are trying to do a great deal in 10 days. Scotland and England are around a 6 – 7 hour drive apart, and if you want to get up into the Highlands you’re looking at another few hours. To then add Ireland would make it more of a challenge for sure. It’s not impossible of course, but it would definitely be rushed. It might be that you would be best off focusing on Ireland and Scotland on this trip, perhaps five days in each, rather than trying to see everything and just having a stressful time. Alternatively, add 3 or 4 days and include some time in England 🙂

I hope this helps a bit!

Ashok Agarwal says

15th June 2019 at 6:01 am

Wow. I looked up the WWW for a 2 week itinerary for the UK and am glad I clicked on your site, from the numerous options that sprang up. The information contained here is so so exhaustive. Not only did I get a fantastic plan but ab amazing read, too. We are planning our first visit to the UK in October and are going to follow your tips to the T. You guys are fantastic. Thanks.

15th June 2019 at 11:04 am

Thanks very much Ashok! Much appreciated 🙂

9th June 2019 at 9:56 am

Dear Laurence!

Thank you SOOOOO much for your inspirational itinerary and all other articles you provide here. They’re great help!

We are going to spend 15 days in UK in August and this is cause we’ve planned to take our son to Warner Bros HP Studio as we are all massive HP fans :). We’ll start and finish in London, though initially we want to hire a car at the airport and start a trip and spend couple of days in London in the end.

Could you kindly give us some advice / decide whether it is possible, to plan a trip considering these simple priorities: 1) we’d love to see Scotland with its green hills, waterfalls etc. 2) we would really like to visit Snowdonia 3) I guess Stonehenge is sth 8-year-old traveler to England must see 4) I personally have dreamt all my life too see PUFFINS (I mean – free puffins) 5) we can skip Irelnad, no problem 😉

I must admit – reading about UK – I am getting a bit lost in huge amount if options and sites one must visit, so I’d be grateful for some advice.

10th June 2019 at 10:57 am

My pleasure 🙂

So my first tip, if you haven’t already booked the Harry Potter Studio Tour is to do it as soon as possible as it books out well in advance 🙂 I also have a guide to visiting which you might have already seen, but just in case you haven’t, it’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/taking-a-harry-potter-studio-tour-everything-you-need-to-know/

Then, on to the question of your itinerary. Assuming two days in London, that gives you around 12 – 13 days to play with. I would suggest you spend them as follows. Given that you are Harry Potter fans I’m also including some HP filming locations you might enjoy 😉

Day 1 – head to Oxford, overnight here. Lots of awesome history, plus lots of Harry Potter filming locations to explore. Day 2 – head to Bath via Stonehenge Day 3 – head up to Snowdonia. Will be a bit of a drive, but worth it. I’d advise a couple of days in Snowdonia to do some hiking and exploring the towns, castles etc. The roads are slower here so it will take longer go get around

Day 5 – Head across to York Day 6 – Drive up to Alnwick Castle, another HP filming location. Then continue on to Edinburgh. Day 7 & 8, Edinburgh. Lots to see, lovely castle. Where Rowling wrote many of the HP books. Note the Edinburgh festival will be on so the city will be very busy. If you decide to stay in Edinburgh, you need to book now. Also, if you want to see puffins, the Isle of May just near Edinburgh is one of the best places to get up close to them. You need to book a trip, which you can do here: https://seabird-centre.seafari-edinburgh.co.uk/forth-ferry-and-isle-of-may

Day 9 – head across to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Overnight here or in Oban Day 10 – head up to Fort William / Glencoe. You can ride the HP train from here, or go see the viaduct at least Day 11 – head down to Glasgow, overnight Day 12 – drive down to Liverpool, overnight Day 13 – return to London.

I would say that would be a good way to do it! We have lots more info on Harry Potter sites if you are interested: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/london-harry-potter-locations/ https://independenttravelcats.com/guide-top-harry-potter-sites-in-edinburgh-scotland-jk-rowling/ https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/harry-potter-filming-locations-uk/ https://independenttravelcats.com/harry-potter-filming-locations-in-scotland/

10th June 2019 at 8:52 pm

Thank you a lot for your advice! The plan sounds great and we are definitely going to follow it step by step :)))

with best regards!

7th June 2019 at 9:00 am

Hi, what a great article! However, do you have any tips for hire car? Are there any fees/ extra charge or need to notice the supplier that the road trip route is involve Wales, Ireland and Scotland?

7th June 2019 at 8:37 pm

Thanks very much!

For driving in Wales and Scotland it won’t matter because they are part of the united Kingdom, so it’s still the same country.

The republic of Ireland however is a separate country, plus you have to take a ferry to get there. So that would be something you would need to check with the rental agency.

S. Steinback says

26th May 2019 at 9:16 am

Hi, my daughter and I are leaving mid August to the UK for 2 weeks. We are planning to start our trip in London. Then wanted to see Brighton, Cornwall, Wales and Scotland. We also want to see Bath and Oxford too. Is this doable using the train? We are unsure of how we should book our traveling using train, car or bus. Can you provide and manageable itinerary and recommendations on how we should travel from each place on a 2 week trip?

26th May 2019 at 11:04 am

Hi Sabrina,

So you should be able to see most of what you want to see by train. As an example, I’d suggest:

2 days in London 1 day in Brighton (train to Brighton takes about an hour, so can be done as a day trip from London or overnight) 1 day in Oxford (1 hour train from London to Oxford, overnight in Oxford) 1 day in Bath (1 hr 40 minute train from Oxford to Bath, overnight in Bath) 2 days in Cornwall (around 3 hours by train from Bath to Cornwall. You might want to take a tour in Cornwall as there is less public transport to get around) 3 days in Wales (train from Cornwall to Cardiff is around 3 – 4hours, but then you will have to plan how to get around Wales. Again a tour might be easiest) 3 days in Scotland (you can either fly from Cardiff to Glasgow / Edinburgh, or take the train, but the train will take around 8 hours)

I’d also suggest looking into Rabbie’s Trail Burners . They do a number of tours from London which might suit what you want to do and save you the hassle of planning. These cover the majority of the destinations you want to visit.

I hope this helps a bit with your planning!

Ed Hyland says

17th April 2019 at 12:01 am

Thankyou for your guide it was really helpful I am living in Argentina and j am planning on bringing Argentinian tourists to Wales and central England on a tour of castles and important historical sites .I plan on bringing groups of around 10 people and using a rented mini bus to move around. Do you have any helpful tips as this will be our first tour ,we are planning on visiting early September All the best .Ed,x

17th April 2019 at 10:56 am

My pleasure. So I don’t have any experience of running this kind of trip, so it’s tricky to give very specific advice. I am sure you have considered things like insurance and liability and so on, as well as any other legal requirements involved with running a tour.

THe only tips I have would be around admission to sights – there are usually group discounts available for attractions that you might be able to take advantage of, although you might need to call in advance to arrange these. I’d also advise to definitely book your accommodation in advance as you have a larger group.

Otherwise, I hope you have a great trip!

12th April 2019 at 12:04 am

I was planning this itinerary since I saw and had 15 days in the region. After more research I am now wondering what it takes to get a rental car from London to Ireland and back? Do you use the same car the entire trip, or would you switch cars at the water crossings in order to not have to pay to ferry the car across? Also I’ve heard rental agencies in England don’t really allow their rentals (or at least coverage) in Ireland? And yet another concern is time, I keep hearing that driving over there is quite a bit slower going than say the US, or by train, would this itinerary still give enough time to enjoy the locations or would it be quick stops and rushed in order to get to the next place? Sorry a lot of questions, just trying to decide if I need to break the trip up to just one or two countries. Thanks. And love you blogs and all the information and amazing photography.

12th April 2019 at 11:46 am

So it is certainly possible to take a hire car on the ferry, it just depends on the hire car company, and some of them charge a fee for doing so. Here’s an example of the Enterprise UK policy: https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/help/faqs/driving-across-borders.html

Obviously you also then have to pay the ferry fee for the hire car as well. So an easier option to be honest is just to fly, for example to take a flight from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin. You would drop off the hire car in Edinburgh and pick up a new one in Belfast.

I appreciate this might be a bit of hassle, so certainly adjusting the itinerary so you skip Ireland is another option. In this case, I’d suggest either spending more time in Scotland, or coming down the west coast of the UK, visiting the Lakes and Wales.

The roads in the UK are definitely a bit busier and can also be slower than roads in the USA. This itinerary is definitely doable, but I’m always a fan of slowing down and seeing more, so that is a good option too 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

David Cameron says

11th April 2019 at 1:56 pm

“You’ve packed up every possible solution in this one blog. I’m over the moon! I really am! How much would this trip cost, approximately? And if I’m going on this trip, Ireland will definitely be included coz from the moment I saw P.S I love you and Leap Year movie, I’ve been dreaming of visiting those places. Thank you. Thank you so much, Laurence !”

11th April 2019 at 2:04 pm

Thanks very much! So it’s hard to give an exact price as it will depend on your travel style. The best option is to cross reference this post with our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK, which will let you come up with a budget based on your travel style 🙂

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

Usha Gupta says

10th April 2019 at 6:02 pm

Hi, we are travelling to London for a holiday from India. My 2 sons (29 & 27) and I are planning on spending 2 weeks in London and Wales. 13th-18th in London 19th-21st in Wales 22nd-26th in London Please advice how best to spend our holidays? We do not want to visit any of the normal places as we have seen n visited them all. What are the best places in wales to see and visit? We have not been to wales. Is it safe to take a road rrip from London to wales? Are 3 days in wales enough to get around? Pl advice

10th April 2019 at 6:52 pm

Well, there’s a huge amount to do and see in London beyond all the normal tourist things that you have likely already done. I can advise visiting Greenwich for example if you have not been out there already, and perhaps some of the palaces out of the city, like Kensington or Hampton Course. Sometimes we like to pick up the London Pass and visit some of the many attractions we’ve not been to before!

Wales is lovely but it is quite big so you will want to consider visiting a region. My favourite part of Wales is the northern part, including the Snowdonia national park and towns like Caernarfon, but there are many nice regions and places to visit. If you want to see more you will likely want a few more days in Wales.

It is certainly safe to take a road trip from London to Wales, of course, I can’t guarantee your safety, but it is no less safe than travel anywhere else in the UK 🙂

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

Usha gupta says

14th April 2019 at 3:24 am

Ty for you advise. We decided to spend all our time in London and do day trips, theatre etc.

14th April 2019 at 11:46 am

My pleasure. Enjoy!

Darlene Williams says

24th March 2019 at 6:10 pm

Lovely ideas here! My Granddaughter and I did a trip last summer to the Cotswolds, London and Paris. I’m thinking of a trip with my Granddaughter (18) in 2020 and would like to base myself in the Lakes District or Wales and take in Ireland and Scotland in a 2 week trip. Since I’ve been there I’ve decided I could probably drive it myself or possibly rent cars when needed and travel via train/bus/tours between Ireland & Scotland. I’m guessing the Highlands is probably out of reach for a 2 week trip? I would welcome your knowledge and suggestions. Thank you, Darlene

25th March 2019 at 3:44 pm

Thanks very much Darlene!

I would definitely recommend hiring a car for the Lakes – it’s a more remote part of the UK, and there are fewer public transport options, both for getting there, and for getting around. I would say that it would make for a good base, but just to be aware that the roads are not very fast in either the Lake District or Wales, so it can take a bit of time to get from place to place.

The Highlands would be achievable, but it would involve a great deal of driving, and if you wanted to head up there i would suggest that as a standalone trip, perhaps flying to Inverness (or overnight train from London), and then renting a car from there 🙂

Do let me know if I can provide any more specific information to help you plan!

Deep Shah says

22nd March 2019 at 5:43 am

Hello Laurence and Jessica,

It has been a pleasure reading about all your experiences in and around UK. I am planning to visit UK between April 22 and May 1. I am planning to start my trip from Edinburg cover a bit of scotland and than move on and end my trip in London.

Here is my itinerary Inverness (23 April) –> Isle of Skye (24 April) –> Fort William (25 April) –> Edinburgh (26 April) –> Jedburgh (27 April) –> York (28 April) –> Cambridge (29 April) –> Cotsworld (30 April) –> London (1 May)

Do you think this is doable? Or any particular section is too aggressive? Your help will really help me plan this better.

22nd March 2019 at 10:00 am

This is in theory do-able, but you will be spending a lot of time driving. From Inverness to the Isle of Skye is a 2.5 hour drive for example, and then there’s a lot to see and do on the island which will also require driving. If you are ok with lots of time driving then yes, this is doable, I just wanted to be sure you knew 🙂

24th March 2019 at 12:35 pm

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I am aware that we will have a lot of driving. But thats ok with me. Thanks again for your time. I have made the reservations to follow this itinerary. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for sharing all the information on your website.

24th March 2019 at 12:38 pm

My pleasure – have a great time and do let us know how it goes! You can drop in here or in our facebook group 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

Omker Mahalanobish says

21st March 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thanks for your detailed itinerary. Looks exciting. By the way, could you please let me know, what should be the expected cost for the said trip? Further : I dont want to drive. Me and my wife would be travelling, and we would rather prefer a chauffer driven cab.

Thanks, Omker

21st March 2019 at 5:27 pm

I have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

However, if you want to travel with a private guide, this will generally cost in the region of £500 – £800 per day for the car / driver guide, and then you would need to add accommodation expenses and so on on top of that. We recommend Robina Brown for this sort of trip: http://driverguidetours.com/

Heather Reid says

20th March 2019 at 5:20 am

This site is the most perfect one for my needs. I am a solo traveler female aged 74 and I wish my 75th Birthday be spent on the next trip. If there be another solo person I would be happy to meet up before departure….male or female.

20th March 2019 at 12:49 pm

Thanks Heather – have a great trip, and we hope you find someone to travel with!

Phillip Armanas says

5th March 2019 at 12:20 am

Stumbled over your website while looking for ideas for a two week trip to the UK, glad I did. You’ve got a fantastic itinerary which includes a number of destinations my wife and I had in mind already. We are a retired couple, living in Australia six months of the year, and Atlanta, Georgia the other six months. This gives us great flexibility in travel terms, both in SE Asia and from the USA to many places including UK/Europe. A question I have is whether you have done any family history work on any of your travels? My ancestry is Scottish in the mid-1800s when my great-great-grandfather arrived into Port Adelaide, Australia. As yet we have been unable to track him accurately back into Scotland, but his surname is from a very ancient clan that can be traced back to the 13th century in Fife county. Have you any tips on places I might visit to pursue my elusive ghosts? Phill & Patti

5th March 2019 at 1:35 pm

Hi Phill & Patti!

We’re delighted you have found our content useful : ) So this isn’t something we have personally done, however I have some resources that might be helpful:

http://www.scottishgenealogyresearch.com/ https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/research-your-ancestry/steps/ https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/family-history https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/local-family-history-centres

It helps if you know the person’s name you are researching and where they lived before leaving Scotland. If you know this, you can look for a local research center or records office or clan center. The Visit Scotland link above is a good place to start. The Scottish Genealogy Research is a professional service that will do research for you for a fee.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

Ronald Rieder says

15th February 2019 at 1:22 am

My wife and I would like to take your “ideal itinerary” beginning Sept. 30, 2019. Is there anyone or any group that we could join?

17th February 2019 at 3:56 pm

So this itinerary is a self guided tour for those wanting to drive themselves. However, we appreciate not everyone wants to do that, and we’ve put some suggested tours that will allow you to do a similar trip but in a group tour format. My suggestion for that would be to focus on England and Scotland, and to take this small group tour followed by this five day tour of the Scottish Highlands and Skye .

I hope this helps – let me know if I can offer any more advice!

Cass Baron says

11th February 2019 at 2:19 am

Laurence and Jessica, We are from Utah, United States and have never traveled abroad (except a short trip to Canada and a Western Caribbean cruise). It has been our dream to come to England and retrace our family history roots. We were looking for trip ideas that covered the areas for both a historical trip as well as a family roots trip. We found your site and loved everything that you have written about. We like the 2 week itinerary but don’t want to do the Ireland and Wales portion. We would like to include Nottingham and Hastings areas, do you have any suggestions to add these in for the same amount of time. We are planning on this May. Thanks!

11th February 2019 at 7:40 am

Certainly. I’d recommend Hastings first, then heading from there along to Stonehenge and Bath, then the Cotswolds and Oxford. From there, start heading north, with Nottingham your next stop, before continuing with the itinerary. You could even drop the car off in Edinburgh and fly out from there if you didn’t want to drive back down to London 🙂

I hope this helps – let me know if you have any more questions!

Lashaun says

5th February 2019 at 11:42 pm

Hello. If we skip the Ireland portion where should we extend our time or add another destination for the 2 week adventure? Also we’d like to see a football game, suggestions for city (Manchester, Liverpool?), tickets etc? thank you!

6th February 2019 at 10:36 am

I’d say you could extend by visiting the Lake District and northern Wales, or by heading further north into Scotland, where there’s lots to see. You definitely won’t have trouble finding places to see!

For football, if you don’t have a particular affiliate with a team, then Manchester will likely be a good option as they have the largest stadium. Tickets can be bought online in advance for any of the teams from their official websites, just be aware that they can sell out so you’ll want to book well in advance to be sure of getting a spot.

I hope this helps! have a great trip 🙂

Steve Geller says

2nd February 2019 at 3:10 am

Hi there, Curious if this itinerary, or part of it, could be done in a motorhome (midsize RV) for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. I’ve never been to most of these places, outside of some brief time in London and Dublin. For itineraries like these where there is a lot of moving around, I like the idea of a motorhome vs going from hotel to hotel (or apt to apt). Thanks!

3rd February 2019 at 11:45 am

So yes, it would be possible to do this is a motorhome. However, I’d probably advise modifying the itinerary fairly substantially, especially the city parts. Most UK cities don’t have centrally located motorhome camping locations, and the streets tend to be fairly narrow, which can make driving and parking a motorhome very challenging. I would instead suggest, if you wanted to do a motorhome holiday in the UK, to look at a driving route like the NC500 (see our camping itinerary for the NC500 here ), or adjusting this route so it visits more of the countryside parts, like the Cotswolds, Peak District, Lake District and Northumberland.

Let me know if we can answer any more questions!

Iskandar Zulkifly Bin Ali says

29th January 2019 at 10:05 pm

Hello there ! finding this website was such a blessing for me! i am a student who wishes to travel around UK for 2 weeks before i go outside UK ( around Europe for a month ). my only problem is, i am studying in london therefore i’m gonna skip london from this amazing itinerary, and am also skipping Scotland cuz i went there last Dec already. which will give me extra days to fill in to make it 2 weeks. would you please help me to suggest places to fill in between the itinerary ? ps; i really really want to see Jurassic coast and cambridge and watergate bay. where should i put these places in terms of best route wise?

thank you in advance for your time !! you got a follower on your ig !

30th January 2019 at 7:33 pm

Hi Iskandar!

Thanks for your lovely comment and following on IG! We’ve actually just recently visited Cambridge and written a detailed guide to the city, which will be live on the blog in the next few weeks 🙂

To answer your question, first I have to assume you are driving. If not, this might have to change a bit to accommodate public transport. But I would say I would go from London to Cambridge, then up to the Peak District, Manchester and York. You could then go across to the Lake District if you wanted, then across to Holyhead and to Ireland (if you wanted to visit Ireland). Then south wales, Oxford and the Jurassic coast.

I hope that works for you 🙂 Have a great trip!

HANNAH JOHNSON says

29th January 2019 at 3:07 pm

This has been an amazing help! If possible, I did want to ask about more recommendations as far as castles/history goes. This is a very close itinerary for what I think we want to do, but I was wondering if you had any more info on what I could add/take away from this list in order to do more of that. Also, we will be departing from the atlanta, GA airport, and returning back to (or starting from) england isnt entirely necessarily. I definitely agree and would take your advice of ending in dublin and returning from there or wales, but im basically trying to avoid flying/ferrying more than need be. What would be your recommendation for doing everything in the UK in one vehicle and then only crossing into ireland once? if that makes sense

30th January 2019 at 7:38 pm

So there are a lot of great castles in the UK, and it’s hard to travel anywhere without finding history! Some of my favourite castles are in Scotland and the Northumberland area, and you’ve also got Hadrian’s wall up there. But York has all the Viking history too, and then cities like Oxford or Cambridge have more from the middles ages, Bath has the Roman empire.. So there’s really no shortage of history to find.

If it was me though, I’d spend a bit more time exploring some of the castles in Northumberland like Alnwick, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, as well as some in Scotland.

If you want to do everything in the UK that would be possible, just continue from Oxford to Bath and Cardiff, and then head north from there to York. You might want to bypass Manchester in order to get more of the history you are interested in as it’s more of a town that had it’s heyday with the industrial revolution, which might be a bit too recent history for your interests. You could instead add Warwick, which has a popular castle and a lovely town centre.

Have a great trip and let me know if I can be of any more help!

Hannah says

30th January 2019 at 8:25 pm

For sure! Thank you so much.

Maribel says

17th January 2019 at 4:13 am

Hi, I am planning a 2-week trip to Great Britain flying from Mexico City to London. Your post is very helpful. My trip HAS to include the Isle of Man but I do want to go to Edinburgh and Ireland. What do you think would be the best route? Thanks for your amazing post!

17th January 2019 at 6:37 pm

Hi Maribel!

Great question, and the first time anyone has asked me about the Isle of Man, which I have to admit, I haven’t been to!

There are direct ferry connections to the Isle of Man from Belfast, Dublin, Lancaster and Liverpool.

So assuming you want to do a fairly similar route, mug suggestion would be to follow the general outline of this trip, but take the ferry from Dublin to the Isle of Man, and then on to Liverpool, instead of from the southern end of Ireland to Fishguard. I think that’s the most logical option.

There are other option too – you could go London -> Oxford -> Liverpool -> Isle of Man -> Dublin -> Belfast -> Cairyan -> Edinburgh -> London.

So up to you really! Have a great trip, and let us know if you have any more questions!

Maribel Felix says

17th January 2019 at 6:40 pm

Muchas Gracias! I appreciate you advice very much. I will send you an update of my trip on my way back to Mexico.

17th January 2019 at 9:50 pm

Please do Maribel – we love to hear back from people on how their trips go, and incorporate feedback into our content to help everyone!

16th December 2018 at 12:15 am

Hello! I am planning a 28 day trip in in May 2019. What would you recommend to fill in the extra days? Thank you so much! And thank you for sharing such a lovely itinerary!

16th December 2018 at 11:49 am

Hi Sara! It’s hard to give a precise answer without knowing your interests, but if it was me I would extend my trip up into the northern half of Scotland, perhaps spending 7-10 days driving the North Coast 500, visiting the Isle of Skye and seeing the highlands. You could also head out to the some of the other islands, like Lewis. May is a great time to head up into that part of Scotland.

Other options include Wales or Cornwall, or extending your time in Ireland. There’s so much to see and do, even 28 days will be filled easily!

Nathaniel says

14th December 2018 at 7:57 pm

Could I use this itinerary for a school project. You will be credited and cited, obviously. Thank you if yes and thanks anyway if no. This was fun to read, regardless of your reply Thank you again, Nathaniel

14th December 2018 at 11:43 pm

Hi Nathaniel,

Thanks for asking! Could you e-mail me about this so I get more of an idea of the use? It’s [email protected] 🙂

9th December 2018 at 8:26 am

We are planning a 3 week trip to UK (2 weeks) and Amsterdam (1 week).. We will fly to Amsterdam from London. We were looking at your 2 week itinerary and wanted to ask what would you suggest instead of Ireland, We only want to visit London, Wales and Scotland start at London and return to London. Family with kids who like a bit of adventure, culture so interested in castles, nature etc. Also would like to visit Whisky distilleries preferably Glenfiddich and Aberlour. Also we will be hiring a car in London and return there. Would really appreciate your suggestions.

9th December 2018 at 10:37 am

So my suggestion would be to do a loop from London, similar to that I’ve described here, but instead of going across to Ireland, to head down the west coast of the UK, and then visit the Lake District and Wales on your way down.

In terms of distilleries, certainly, Aberlour and Glenfiddich are achievable from Edinburgh, but you are looking at a three hour drive each way. So you might prefer to visit a closer distillery like Deanston, which is also right next to Doune Castle, which I’m sure your kids will also enjoy 🙂

Hope this helps a bit!

Navtej says

22nd October 2018 at 11:18 am

Hi, a very helpful article. As I plan my next year travel to Europe after a gap of 15 years…it’s a god send. I propose to spend a few days in Amsterdam-Bruges and then fly to London. Here I catch up with another couple and there 12 year old daughter and plan to drive to Scotland and Ireland. We have a total of 10 / 11 days for this.

Am thinking will cut Wales from my itinerary and which other place would u recommend I skip ?

Many thanks

Navtej from New Delhi, India

PS another slighlty unrelates question : If I fly into London should I take a flight into Amsterdam and the train back from Bruges or is this complicated and expensive?

22nd October 2018 at 8:22 pm

It’s hard to give specific recommendations as to what to skip as I’m not sure as to your personal interests. If you are more interested in culture / museums etc, then you will want to include more of the cities, and less of the countryside. Conversely, if you are less interested in the outdoors, perhaps leaving out some of the countryside attractions would be a good idea 🙂

Generally my advice would be just to stick to flights as it’s likely going to be easier and probably less expensive. The train though can be a good option if you book far enough in advance, it will just take a little bit longer.

Hope this helps – have a great trip!

Leslie says

21st July 2018 at 11:12 pm

Four women from Texas will be traveling to the UK in September and wanted to drive (one of us is brave enough to drive on the wrong side of the road). We spend 8 days in London last September with side trips to Bath and a tour to Oxford and Cotswolds and Warwick Castle. We have relatives in Glasgow, so plan to see that area of Scotland. Your information is a Godsend and thank you so much for all your planning. We will let you know how it goes!

22nd July 2018 at 9:36 pm

Thanks Leslie – please do! We always love to hear feedback as to how our posts help people (or if they need changing, we love to hear about that too!)

Have an awesome trip!

Ruth Deane says

11th July 2018 at 6:24 am

A good travel guide to the UK. I know it is difficult to provided a balanced approach due to limited wordage but the emphasis should be on the UK. N. Ireland and its capital Belfast have been sadly neglected in this article and the focus was Dublin which is not part of the UK. Surely something coulf have been added about Belfast and N. Ireland in general. It is a beautiful place. The author did make a reference to the Dark Hedges but associates them with Dublin. Last time I checked they are quite definitely in N. IRELAND. Hope this criticism is constructive. N. Ireland continues to get a bad press but it is a beautiful place and the majority of the people are that bad either.

11th July 2018 at 9:44 am

Constructive feedback is always welcome! We’re actually visiting Northern Ireland next week for a week to fully explore Belfast and the Coastal Causeway, and will be updating our content (and creating new content!) to have more information on this part of the UK 🙂 Stay tuned!

Craig Grimston says

26th June 2018 at 2:47 am

Thank you!!

September is a perfect month to come to Texas – the weather is perfect then! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have to the best of my ability (I’m not a native Texan – originally from Australia), but there is a lot of great things to do here. Austin and San Antonio are great too.

Thank you for offering to answer any questions! We are going in a group, so I’m sure a lot of questions will come up! I’ll try not to bombard you with them, but I may just hit you with a few! We are planning for somewhere in June to August next year (I plan ahead big time!) and couldn’t be more excited to see your beautiful country!

But please, definitely hit me up with any questions you have about Dallas or Texas. If I can’t answer them, I can track someone down who can!

Thanks!! Craig

22nd June 2018 at 8:02 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this itinerary. I really wanted to plan a road trip in the UK and after googling about it all I got was a bunch of blogs pointing out all of the negative things and basically saying “don’t bother”!

As I was about to give up and go the typical tourist route, I came across your website. It was exactly what I was looking for! It is inspirational, and put the joy and adventure back into my travel plans.

I’m pretty much going to stick to your itinerary with the exception of Ireland (I wanted to check out the Lake District and Liverpool), so Ireland may have to be a separate road trip!

I have a million questions, but I’m going to spare you of that! LOL. I really just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

Kindest Regards, Craig – Dallas Texas

25th June 2018 at 9:28 pm

Thank you so much, it always means a lot to hear that people are finding our content useful. I think you are making a sensible choice – there is a lot to see on the mainland of the UK, and it’s also less hassle to worry about rental cars and ferries if you leave Ireland for another trip 🙂

We’re happy to answer any questions you have. We’re actually planning a trip to Texas for late September, and will be swinging by Dallas, so may have some questions for you in return!

Vanessa says

14th May 2018 at 9:38 pm

I’ve googled “hire car” and it says “rental car.” But on your site here it seems that a rental care and a hire car are different things. What exactly is the difference? Thank you! And also thank you for this post – it’s amazing and I think I will definitely base my trip -whenever that may be… – around it. Bookmarking this page!!

15th May 2018 at 5:57 pm

Thanks Vanessa! I think in the UK we use the term hire car, wheras in the USA it’s more likely to be called a rental car. But yes, they are the same thing in my mind, you can use the terms interchangeably as far as I know 🙂 Have a great trip, and don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions at all 😀

Saurabh says

7th May 2018 at 7:55 am

Hi Lawrence, This is a great post! I think I can use some help. We are planning a 2 week trip to UK in August with a 1 year old toddler. What from above or otherwise will be a good itinerary for us. How realistic is it for me to cover what you have listed here? Appreciate any help. Thanks!

7th May 2018 at 10:03 pm

Thanks Saurabh! First, I should say that not having kids ourselves this isn’t an area of expertise for us 🙂 However, based on experiences of friends who travel with family, my suggestion would be to probably cut the itinerary in half, and focus on some of the major cities. As it is, it’s quite a busy itinerary, and I think you will have a better time doing a bit less and having the time to really explore some of the cities on the itinerary. So for example, maybe just do England and Scotland, and skip Ireland and Wales. This will reduce your travel, and let you spend a bit longer in each city. I’d also advise finding accommodation close to the city centres and attractions, so at least one of you can go out sight-seeing if one of you needs to stay behind for naps etc. I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

3rd May 2018 at 12:38 am

My husband and I are following this itinerary this summer, flying round trip into Gatwick from Canada. I was looking at the cost of the ferry from Scotland to Ireland and than Ireland to Wales and was shocked at the cost. Do you know of any Ferry discounts?

3rd May 2018 at 7:12 pm

Hi Sarah – you can try the various ferry search companies like directferries or a1ferries I think they are called. Unfortunately that time of year is school holidays, and there aren’t many companies operating the routes, so the prices go up. You might consider instead flying from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin instead, and hiring a car in Ireland rather than taking the ferry, if that is a cheaper option!

Badariah says

21st March 2018 at 8:24 am

Awesome I am planning for a 2 week get away to UK. Your article helpsss a lot. Planning to go in mid sept till end of sept

21st March 2018 at 11:25 am

Thanks very much – have a wonderful trip!

11th March 2018 at 9:06 am

hi lawrence me n my wife middle aged planning to do england and scotland in 15 days in july which would be ideal places to cover by public transport. i am open to hire a car for 2 to 3 days if required. please suggest us best possible train route for this trip we are flying in n out of london thanks waiting for ur reply

11th March 2018 at 10:02 am

My advice would be to follow my 10 day UK itinerary, which is designed for public transport: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/

You could spend a little extra time in each location, or you could add a couple of stops. My advice would be to add 1 day in Bath near Bristol, stop in Manchester between Liverpool and York, and think about stopping in Newcastle on the way to Edinburgh. If you wanted to see the Cotswolds, you could do that with a hire car from Bath, or on a tour from London.

I hope this helps! That post also has lots of information on using public transport in the UK. Have a great trip!

Christine says

19th February 2018 at 4:57 am

Hello and Thank You!! I was just wondering, I’m not the best with timelines haha, but exactly how many hotel stays are there in total in each location? I’m just trying to determine if you actually spent the night in each location for both nights or if you spent the day touring then drove to the next location and got a room, especially for the 1 day places… if that makes sense? My husband and are are arriving March 10th and fly back out the 24th so just trying to sort out the timelines… Also it was suggested to me to go to Cornwall or Leeds, what are your thoughts? Thanks!

19th February 2018 at 6:11 pm

Hi! And my pleasure 😀

So you’d be looking at:

2 nights in London 1 night in Oxford 1 night in the Cotswolds 1 night in the Peak District 1 night in Manchester (could do Leeds here instead) 1 night in York 2 nights in Edinburgh (could do one night in Northumberland on the way up) 3 nights in Ireland / Northern Ireland 1 night in Cardiff 1 night in Bristol or Bath

You could of course spend more or less time in each destination, and leave say London after two full days but only one night, and overnight in Oxford. So really it’s up to you 🙂

Leeds you could easily fit into this itinerary. Cornwall would be a bit harder as it’s a bit further away. If you wanted to do Cornwall, you might need to leave Ireland out for example to give yourself enough time. Hope this helps!

15th February 2018 at 10:57 pm

Awesome Itinerary, I would add Canterbury to this list 🙂

17th February 2018 at 8:35 pm

I’ve only briefly visited Canterbury, must return!

22nd January 2018 at 4:52 pm

This came a blessing in disguise after searching for a week almost and making all shit loads of itineraries. I am thinking of blindly following this as it looks great to me. Need your help on a few points here if it doe snot bother you much, it would serve a great deal of planning for me in addition to what it already has, 1. Was this too hectic considering the number of places you covered? 2. Was driving time included in the time spent at each place you mentioned? 3. Is driving safe in and around England? 4. Is driving a cheaper option than using rail/bus transport? 5. How much did this two week trip cost you? 6. How much does the drive part of the trip cost?

22nd January 2018 at 5:44 pm

HI Saurabh!

Pleased to hear you found the itinerary 🙂 I’m happy to answer your questions of course.

1. This is definitely a busy itinerary, although as you can see from the other comments, many people have enjoyed it. So it really depends on your own personal style of travel and your preferences, as well as who you are travelling with. If you want a less hectic schedule, I’d suggest perhaps leaving the Irish part of the trip out, and maybe focusing on England and Scotland, and perhaps extending your time in cities like London and Edinburgh.

2. Yes, driving time is included. Driving time is not too great in the UK as distances are not large and the motorways are good, however, be aware that traffic can be bad around rush hour in the morning and evenings.

3. Yes, driving is very safe. Of course, accidents happen like anywhere in the world, but for the most part you shouldn’t have any trouble.

4. It depends on a few factors – mostly how many of you there are. For one person, it might be more cost-effective to take public transport. Also, if you book public transport well in advance, especially trains, this can be much cheaper than buying tickets on the day. Car hire also depends on the size of the car, but you can get pretty good value car hire. Fuel is quite expensive, but most modern hire cars are very fuel efficient. I am shortly going to publish a post with a similar itinerary that focuses on travelling in the UK by public transport, so stay tuned for that 🙂

5. Cost is really up to you, as it depends so much on what you want to see! I’d say you can hire a car for around £180 – £250 a week, fuel costs will be in the region of £50-£70 a week, and accommodation is likely to be in the range of £80 – £150 a night for two people sharing. You can of course get cheaper and more expensive accommodation options, it really depends on your style of travel.

6. The main costs for the car are the car hire, fuel, and any insurance you buy. I’d say between £200 and £300 a week, plus any parking fees. I’d definitely advise always booking a hotel that includes free parking.

I hope this helps with your planning – have a wonderful trip, and don’t miss my one week itinerary post for more ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/UK-Itinerary-One-Week-Road-Trip/

Steve and Cheryl Bales says

26th February 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thank you for the wealth of information! We are planning to take a trip to visit our daughter who is in the Air Force in the UK this May. I’ve read your itinerary and the questions and answers that followed. There were a couple of questions that popped up for me and I was hoping you could answer them. You mentioned taking a car over on the ferry to Ireland. We will be driving our daughter’s car, but I was wondering if we needed special insurance on the car to have it ferried. My husband are both disabled to a degree; neither of us are capable of walking long distances or sitting for any duration. Is there a need for concern over these issues? And, what is the cost of a London Pass and how many people does it cover, there will be four in our group? Any information would be much appreciated, thank you in advance. Steve and Cheryl

26th February 2018 at 9:19 pm

Hi Steve and Cheryl,

Thanks for reaching out, and I’m happy to hear you have found the content useful. You don’t normally need special insurance on a car to have it ferried, but you will likely need to check with your daughter’s insurer to make sure it is covered in Ireland. As far as I am aware it should be covered in Northern Ireland with the full coverage, and most UK insurers do provide at least some level cover for the EU, which Ireland is a part of, but worth checking.

For the itinerary I’ve put together, it’s really up to you how much you do. All the major cities have good public transport if you choose not to drive, as well as sight-seeing buses and things like that.

The London Pass prices vary – you have to buy one price per person, so that would be four passes total. Again, the value is up to you and how much you can get out of them. My only concern would be to get real value out of them you do need to try and pack quite a lot in – if you aren’t sure if that’s going to be possible you might end up being better off not getting them and just paying the ticket prices. Also, I’m not sure of your ages, but many attractions have senior concessions, which might also save you money rather than getting a pass. Worth checking the individual websites for the different attractions you want to visit to see what those might be.

You can see the London Pass prices here; https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011lbTW/pubref:FTU2WeekQuestion/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.londonpass.com%2Flondon-pass-prices.php

Derian Quek says

4th September 2017 at 1:10 pm

This trip seems a bit rushed when driving over to Ireland..I am also planning a 2 weeks this December to January. Any tips on this? Am planning London/Manchester/Lake district/Edinburgh/Cotswolds/bath/Stonehenge/Paris

Laurence says

4th September 2017 at 4:05 pm

Hey Darian,

This trip is definitely quite fast – unfortunately folks don’t have too much time sometimes, and are keen to see as much as possible, which is what I try to achieve on this itinerary.

Regarding your itinerary – at that time of year do be aware that the weather obviously won’t be great and it will be getting dark around 4pm – just something to bear in mind. Certainly your plan is possible but will also be quite packed. Perhaps focusing on a few less locations and seeing more. From your list I’d suggest London, with a day trip to bath, the Cotswolds and Stonehenge, then Edinburgh and Paris. You could add in Manchester as well of course. It would also depend on if you have visited any of the locations before and how you plan to travel. I’d suggest train from London to Edinburgh, and a cheap flight from Edinburgh to Paris.

4th September 2017 at 4:15 pm

Hi Laurence. It would actually be my first time to the UK. I’m visiting Manchester because I would wanna catch a game at old Trafford and that’s probably the only reason why. Flight from Edinburgh to Paris sounds like a good option though I would most likely be self driving from London up north. I’m thinking 3 days in London, 1 day in manchester, 2 days in lake district, 3 days in Edinburgh, 1 day to cotswolds and then 3 days in Paris via eurostar before heading back to London for my return flight

Mital Khona says

9th August 2017 at 2:43 pm

Hi Lawrence, Thanks a bunch for this wonderful itinerary… 1. We are travelling this September with 2 Kids ( 2 years old and 8 years old) and2 parents ( senior citizens).. Is this still doable.. I was thinking of picking up train for journey from London to Edinburgh 2. We would like to spend 3 days on the alternative route to Ireland suggested by you above. Can you help on the route/ time we should allot to Snowdonia, etc(west coast of the UK, including Glasgow, the Lake District, and Liverpool, as well as popping into Wales for the stunning Snowdonia national park)

7th January 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hi Mital! It really depends on your kids and grandparents and their stamina. I think this trip might be a bit much for some, and you might find it easier to go a bit slower and take things in a bit more. So perhaps a trip focusing on Edinburgh / London, with a hire car for the return journey down the west coast of the UK. I’d say three – four days in London, two to three days in Edinburgh, and then the rest of the time on the drive down the west coast would work!

Sussex Bloggers says

30th May 2017 at 12:56 pm

Can’t believe you’ve completely skipped Cornwall and the rest of the south coast. Such beautiful scenery all along the southern coastline and some wonderful towns and villages. Here’s a little teaser!

ipsita bhattacharya says

3rd May 2017 at 12:19 am

Hi guys, We are planning a trip to the UK in August/September 2017 and this 2-week itinerary is proving to be of great help! But if we plan to take public transport instead of driving, how much of this is doable? We are also looking at two weeks and while I understand taking trains/buses will eat into our travelling time, we are not sure we want to drive. Please advise. And thanks for this wonderful travel plan!

8th August 2017 at 8:56 am

Our pleasure. Much of this is doable, certainly between the major cities by train at least. We’d advice flying from the UK, likely Edinburgh to Dublin, and then back from Dublin to Cardiff or London. It’s definitely achievable in part though 🙂

Jessica says

2nd April 2017 at 1:15 am

I am so glad that I found your itinerary as we will be visiting the UK for a little over two weeks this coming summer. I do have question for a part of the trip when you have to ferry from Scotland to Ireland, is it easy to find ferries that will take your car across? Also do you recommend a car for the entire trip or to break it up with trains? Such as from London to Edinburgh? Thank you and I hope to hear back from you soon.

7th January 2018 at 1:24 pm

Hi Jessica! Sorry for the slow response. Most of the ferries take cars, but the question is as to whether or not your rental car company will let you take the car on the ferry. So you would need to check with them. If not, you might find it easier to say fly from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin to continue to journey, and perhaps pick up a hire car in Ireland instead.

Nishant says

19th March 2017 at 10:59 am

My family of 4 is planning in Aug’17 for 2 week and i like your write up here. we would be staying with our friend’s family (4 member) in LONDON and then accompany them to this tour plan. we wish to know approx budget in INR apart from AIR Ticket required for this kind of tour. Consider AIR BnB stay, Home cooking where ever possible, car drive and budgeted expense suitable for family.

แอโรคอม บริษัทจำกัด says

13th March 2017 at 8:24 am

Your 2 weeks itinerary seems very good. I am concerned with parking space in tourist attractions especially in big cities. Is it not so difficult to find parking area in all these recommended places (except London)? How much is a typical parking fee?

Thanks in advance! Pairoj S.

13th March 2017 at 2:24 pm

Thanks very much! Parking fees really vary depending on where you want to park. On road meter parking is usually the most expensive, around £3 an hour. I’d suggest finding a larger car park, like a multistorey operated by a company like NCP. These are more reasonable, and you would pay on a sliding scale where it is better value for staying for longer. I wouldn’t worry though, there is usually plenty of parking available, and sometimes if you don’t mind walking a little bit, if you don’t park centrally you can park for free. Have a great trip!

Mittal Shah says

10th March 2017 at 11:44 am

Hi Lawrence and Norah. I have been trying to plan a road trip in UK around July end for approximately 12days and have found a lot of helpful information.There are certain things i would like to know from you: For road trip should i consider hiring a caravan or a car( 4 of us travelling)? Is it better to book a hotel or bnb? Please help. Awaiting your reply

12th March 2017 at 9:47 pm

Thanks for your comment. A car would definitely be the best option, for four of you it would likely be the most cost effective option. I’d also suggest bed and breakfasts are a nice option, although there are lots of great hotels as well, it really depends on your budget,

Enjoy your trip!

rajul parikh says

19th February 2017 at 11:46 am

Hi Lawrence and Norah just been browsing through your site and taking in the information about the 2 week holiday in the UK. We find your information relevant and useful. We live in India and are considering a trip sometime mid June 2017. This would be our first trip to the UK. Lots of questions: would the weather be ok around that time? To cover your suggested itinerary (including ireland) how much driving would one end up doing everyday? Would your stops which are marked alphabetically on the map suggest overnight stay? Since we would like to spend at least 5 days in London we would need to extend our trip to about 21 days. Look forward to hearing from you.

19th February 2017 at 11:49 am

Happy that you found it useful! Yes, the main stopping points suggest an overnight stay. The weather is likely to be good in June, however, the weather in the UK can be very unpredictable. Coming from India, you’ll probably find it fairly cool 😉 I’d say between 15 and 25C would be the norm, and you should plan for rain whenever you visit the UK.

In terms of driving, the UK is quite small so not too much, probably not more than 2 – 3 hours a day.

Myn Wong says

14th February 2017 at 1:18 am

Hi. May I know the estimated cost of this trip?

George Monaghan says

30th January 2017 at 8:51 pm

Finding this site most interesting !

30th January 2017 at 8:52 pm

Thanks George, appreciated!

Dave_Toni says

18th January 2017 at 2:17 am

Hi guys, I’m staying in London for a short time (4 days) and I’m now thinking I should have booked a longer stay, but I’m on route to another destination. What would you recommend for a four day tour to get the best out of “must see” locations in in short amount of time? Really enjoying the site, keep up the great information. Thanks Dave.

18th January 2017 at 6:52 pm

Four days is a good time to see lots of London 🙂 My advice, if you’ve not been before, would be to focus on the highlights, plus allocate some time just to wander a bit. I have a two day Itinerary here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2016/06/two-day-london-itinerary-essential-sight-seeing.html That should help a bit, and then an itinerary that focuses on the region of Kensington: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2015/07/top-8-things-to-do-in-kensington.html I also have a guide for getting around London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2016/08/guide-public-transport-london.html Some tips for the best photo spots in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2015/12/best-photography-locations-london.html And finally, we always recommend the London Pass to save money if you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions. Here’s a great breakdown to find out if that’s worth it for you or not: independenttravelcats.com/2016/05/21/tips-using-buying-london-pass-worth/ Enjoy!

13th January 2017 at 10:19 am

So so perfect! Planning a 2 week UK holiday in June. This was God-sent!

13th January 2017 at 10:21 am

Wonderful, pleased you found it useful

Ashton says

5th November 2016 at 5:24 am

This is perfect! Exactly what I was looking for to start planning my honeymoon!! Thank you for taking the time to put this together

13th November 2016 at 7:58 pm

My pleasure – let us know how it goes and if there’s anything missing we can add to the post!

shiva bhavini says

16th July 2016 at 2:34 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica, My husband and I are planning to have a 10 days UK trip , reaching London on September 16 and have return flight from london on september 26 , can you please suggest should we take some travel agent to take us around in UK ? Thanks much in advance

Ellana McNulty says

3rd July 2016 at 1:39 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, My husband and I are planning on following your itinerary when we go over in August. When we first looked at your blog, there was a map at the end that you could zoom in on, but cannot find it now? Is the link still available.

3rd July 2016 at 11:24 am

Hi Ellana! Sorry about that, the map was causing issues for mobile users so I removed it. See comment below with a better answer!

Paul McNulty says

7th July 2016 at 12:09 am

Thanks for this Laurence!

Is it possible to have the whole route on the map like you had it before?

4th November 2016 at 11:13 pm

Hi Paul, I’ve been battling with google maps over this and gave up as it wouldn’t let me have enough waypoints. So I’ve switched to Bing Maps with the embedded image, and there’s a link to the route here: https://binged.it/2fDQGD2

Sorry for the delay!

5th November 2016 at 12:02 am

Thanks Laurence… we toured the UK in the last half of August using your itinerary. We modified it a bit to suit our personal tastes, but the basis of our trip was thanks to you. And it was even better than we expected!! Cheers.

5th November 2016 at 9:49 am

Brilliant! Delighted you had a good trip 😀

Alicia says

7th June 2017 at 3:22 am

The above link does not have a driving route in it. Is it no longer working (or I am doing it wrong)?

Unfortunately Google wouldn’t let me put together a driving route with this many stops, so this was the best I could do!

Seyne Tee says

27th June 2016 at 4:03 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, I plan to visit UK for 2 weeks and rent a car to travel around places outside UK. Your perfect itinerary is exactly what I’m looking for, thanks! I have a problem here, I can only travel with my husband and son in the middle of November, will the weather be friendly enough to carry out activities as per your recommendation?

27th June 2016 at 9:23 am

Well, the weather in the UK can be quite varied, with sun even in November! However it will more likely be cold and grey, temperatures in the range of 3 – 10 degrees C. It will also be dark fairly early. However, that shouldn’t put you off, a lot of this itinerary is focused on the cities, and indoors activities, so you should be fine, although you might want to edit the itinerary a bit to focus more on indoor activities than outdoor ones 🙂

Stephen Mason says

9th May 2016 at 3:58 am

This trip is incredible! Can you give a price of what the final trip costed?

28th June 2016 at 11:55 am

Hi Stephen – it really depends on many factors, including your budget for accommodation / food. You can find places for £50 / night in most of the locations I’ve mentioned, food per person you could get away with £15 a day, then there’s fuel and car hire, not to mention attraction entry. I’d probably look to budgeting around £700 – £1500 per person, as a guideline, but a lot of variables to take into account 🙂

SharronJ says

8th March 2016 at 6:33 pm

This is just what I was looking for. I am planning on visiting your wonderful country for a month next year and just started doing research. Your article is just what I was looking for Thanks so much!

8th March 2016 at 6:35 pm

My pleasure! Have a wonderful trip 🙂

Edward says

17th January 2016 at 11:32 pm

Thank you for this. I will be going in UK late Spetember to October (one month) and this is a nice itnerary and I can do it in a slower pace. Would you say September and October is a good time to do this? How is the weather usually in those months?

2nd February 2016 at 2:47 am

It’s the Autum time so you might fair pretty well, considering. It starts to cool down in September and the trees start changing. There will be rain, especially in the West of England and Wales but there always is.

The best time to visit England is May – August, but if you don’t mind getting caught in the rain now and then, you shouldn’t have a problem

Joanne says

12th October 2015 at 2:18 pm

Is it possible to do this itinerary relying only on public transportation since I don’t drive? Thank you in advance.

12th October 2015 at 2:21 pm

Good parts of it are certainly possible, as the major cities are linked by public transport, and the trains in particular are an excellent and fast way to get around. One tip – book well in advance on specific trains to get the best prices in the UK, the fares you pay on the day are much higher. I’d also suggest flying from Edinburgh to Dublin if you wanted to include the Irish part of the trip.

You might have a bit more difficulty visiting places like the Cotswolds or other “country” parts on your own, however there are plenty of tour operators who can give you a day trip out from London to say the Cotswolds and Stonehenge.

On the whole though, yes, the majority of this itinerary would be more than do-able by public transport!

Nina Tchernova says

7th October 2015 at 2:43 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for sharing this! We are planning to go in April, and this is exactly what we were hoping to do. And here it all is, so wonderfully explored and illustrated! One question though – what would you recommend about car rentals -one, or three? when we cross on a ferry to Ireland, do we bring the car, or is it better to rent another one there, and then another when we get back?

10th October 2015 at 1:14 pm

My pleasure 🙂 The answer to your question isn’t as simple as it sounds. One way rentals, as you’d need if you were to change cars, are generally more expensive than returning the car to the same place. On the other hand, a ferry ticket without a car is cheaper! So you might want to just check the math and see, depending on your budget. Personally, I’d not bother with the hassle of changing cars and just stick with the same one, you just need to check that it’s ok to drive the car in Ireland as well 🙂

10th October 2015 at 1:28 pm

Thank you very much, we will have to make a few enquiries.

Darryl Chan says

24th August 2015 at 6:03 pm

Hey! Love your itinerary! Is there anyway I can contact you to get more personalised advices from you? Looking forward to your reply!

27th August 2015 at 5:28 pm

Sure, you can just drop me an e-mail via the contact page on the site, or just fire away in the comments and I’ll see what I can do,

17th August 2015 at 4:58 am

Where’s the castle in your first picture?

25th September 2015 at 8:51 pm

The castle in the first picture (with the daffodils) is Alnwick castle in Northumberland. Home to Harry Potter or at least the was some filming taken place there and also some of Downtown Abbey. Alnwick is also home to Barter Books where the original ‘keep calm and carry on’ poster was discovered. Northumberland has one of the largest number of castles in the uk. Some of the most impressive I think are Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Castle (on holy island – which needs a visit itself) and Chillingham Castle (known for being pretty spooky). Contact Wooler Tourist Infomation Office on +44 1668 282123 to learn about accommodation as Wooler is a fantastic base for the best of Northumberland.

25th September 2015 at 9:02 pm

Can I also say there is an awesome place for Brits and tourists alike; Beamish, the living museum. It is an outdoor village fashioned perfectly on olden days northern England complete with coal mine, dentis, working sweet shop and more

Monica says

11th August 2015 at 8:16 pm

I loved you itinerary and pictures. I’m definitely using your steps to trace some of my own. Thanks for sharing. I’m excited to read through more of your posts.

15th August 2015 at 8:32 pm

Thanks Monica, have a great trip!

3rd August 2015 at 9:50 pm

Great review of a nice trip through GB. My wife and I are trying to plan one for May, and we were thinking of spending more time in Scottland. Do you have any suggestions for moving from Endinburgh and into the northern part of Scotland and skipping Ireland. I thinking about Aberdeen and stopping by Ben Nevis, but it’s our first time traveling abroad and I’d love more information. Thanks!

3rd August 2015 at 11:49 pm

Hi Andy! To be honest I’ve not spent a lot of time in Scotland recently, but I can very much recommend taking the time to visit Glencoe. It’s a couple of hours from Edinburgh, and is an absolutely stunning valley in the highlands. I’ve also heard nothing but good things about the isle of Skye! Sorry I can’t be of much more help right now 🙁

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England Road Trip: 50 Unmissable ideas (for every UK itinerary)

England road trip idea- Isle of wight road trip

Planning an England road trip? Here are some of the best itinerary ideas for all schedules, including London to Cornwall, the Cotswolds and Kent in southern England, National Parks like the Lake District or Peak District, Northern England and all the way up to the Scottish border.

Whatever your cup of tea, there’s a UK road trip idea here for you. We’ve also provided a helpful map so you can visualise your route.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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UK Road Trips- How to Plan

Planning a UK road trip to England or elsewhere can be tough. 

There are SO MANY places, ideas, options and reviews- how on earth are you supposed to choose the best way or most scenic drives?

Then, you have to factor in how long you have for your UK road trip (remembering that much of rural UK has smaller, slower roads, so it takes a lot longer to get there than you might expect. 

So, if you’re planning a road trip around England (and the UK) and feeling overwhelmed, here are some of our favourite road trips and itinerary ideas to help you. We’ll discuss the best bits of each area, why and when you should visit, how far it is from London and where you should allow extra time to explore.

England Road Trip Ideas- Where to Start

England road trip idea- Isle of wight road trip

The first thing to decide is where you want to visit on your road trip. Also, remember that England is only one section of the UK- there are several other countries to explore (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom).

So, if you want to do a full UK road trip, you’ll need more time than if you were just doing an England road trip.

Our biggest tip is not to overface yourself. Whether you only have a long weekend for a quick trip from London or a week to get out on the open road and tour, make sure you leave time to actually get out of your vehicle and explore the places you’re visiting- you’ll find plenty of historic sites, sandy beaches and incredible routes to enjoy. 

Roughly speaking, you can split England in half- the South of England and the North  (the line roughly goes through Birmingham) or even further into quarters if you only have time for a one-week road trip. 

Again, how far you can travel will depend on how much time you have, as well as how you are travelling (rental car, motorhome or public transport), but to do each half ‘properly’ we would recommend at least 2-3 weeks- especially if it’s your first time in England.

Having said that, you can see some of the best sights in less time than that- here’s our one week in England road trip itinerary .

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

uk tour itinerary 7 days

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Where to stay during your England road trip

If you’re planning a motorhome or campervan trip , you’ll be able to travel and stop along the way, often without booking in advance, using schemes like Brit Stops or wild camping in your motorhome .

If you’re in a car or motorbike, there are PLENTY of hotels and BnBs to use en route. If you’re travelling in summer we recommend booking at least the first stop in advance- if you use Booking.com for all your accommodation you’ll find you can get a great deal and save a lot of money.

England Road Trip Map

I know how hard it can be to visualise places if you don’t know the country well, so here’s a map of England with several of the road trip destinations shown on it.

Out of interest, if you did this route, it’s about 1056 miles (1700km) long. You could technically do it in a week, but you’d barely have time to get out of the car!

England road trip itinerary ideas and map

Common England Road Trip Questions

How long does it take to drive the whole of england .

Many people wonder “ How long does it take to drive the whole of England ?” That’s a tough question, as there are so many places to go and depends a lot on your starting point.

Most people allow 2-3 weeks to drive through as much of England as they can, but that will involve a LOT of driving. Of course, you can take a look at the road trip itinerary ideas below and see which scenic route or quaint villages most appeal to you- and then plan your trip around that.

One common UK road trip idea is to drive from Land’s End in Cornwall all the way up to John o’Groats in Scotland, which is about 838miles (1350km). Obviously, this is a road trip which involves England AND Scotland, and that brings me to another important point.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

  • Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
  • Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Can we go to England by road?

This is a common question for anyone who doesn’t live in the UK- and the short answer is yes, you can drive to England from mainland Europe.

Whether you’re enjoying a European road trip (here are some ideas for you ), or want to combine a trip to England with another country, you can drive to England from Europe via either the Eurotunnel or taking one of several car ferries (they also take motorhomes/ campervans on most of the ferry routes.)

If you’re planning a road trip from France to England, which route you take will depend on which part of France and England you want to visit- find out more in our Eurotunnel vs Ferry post.

And if you’re going the other way and will be driving in Europe, make sure you are aware of the new rules for driving in Europe after BREXIT .

If you’re like more help planning your trip, this post about how to plan an epic UK road trip will help.

Is England the UK or Great Britain?

Neither. And part of both 🙂

It’s common for people to confuse an England road trip with a UK road trip. England is just one country within the UK, along with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to extend your trip and see more of those countries, you might enjoy our post on the best UK road trips and scenic drive ideas.

The UK is short for ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’.

Great Britain is the LANDMASS of the largest island in the British Isles (the one which makes up England, Wales and Scotland). Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not included in this.

And, to make things even more odd, the British Isles includes ALL the islands, including the whole of Ireland, which isn’t part of the UK at all.

Thoroughly confused? Ok, let’s just stick to England road trip ideas! 🙂

South England Road Trip Ideas

If you’re visiting London and want to explore part of the country for a few days, southern England is a good place to start. Of course, there are a HUGE number of places to explore in ‘South England’ (which is roughly classed as anywhere below Birmingham), so I’m just going to pick a few highlights to inspire you.

Cornwall- South West England

England road trip ideas and itinerary- South England cornwall road trip

Cornwall is one of my favourite places to road trip in England. I spent 2 years living there whilst I was in the Navy, and have been back many times since. There are plenty of things to do in Cornwall , but there are some important tips you need to know before you arrive!

Why is Cornwall one of the best England road trips?

If you want cute villages, incredible beaches and more history than you can shake a stick at, Cornwall is perfect. Also, they have some of the best ice cream IN THE WORLD (no kidding) and it’s perfectly acceptable to eat a scone with jam and clotted cream EVERY day and no one will judge you.

IMPORTANT NOTE : There is intense rivalry between Devon and Cornwall over whether jam or cream should go first on a scone. In Cornwall, they do jam and THEN cream, which is apparently the way the Queen preferred her scones .

(Don’t worry, they’re used to tourists and won’t stone you if you get it wrong. But be warned if you want to live there…!) 

In Devon, they do it the other way. I’ve tried both, and I’m a jam first girl (because you can then put more cream on!)

When should you visit Cornwall?

Cornwall is best anytime between Easter and mid-October.

TOP TIP : Avoid July and August if you possibly can. The schools are on holiday and it feels like EVERYONE in England has travelled to the same small Cornish village as you.

Beaches are overcrowded, parking becomes a struggle and there’s a very real chance of shops running out of ice cream. Don’t do that to yourself. You deserve that ice cream.

Also, many businesses and attractions close after mid-October for the winter, so you might find you can’t do everything you want to outside the season.

Having said that, we find Cornwall one of the best places to enjoy Autumn in Europe – the weather is still warm, but everywhere is quieter and easier to get to.

How long should you spend roadtripping Cornwall?

How long is a piece of string!! But, as you can see on our Cornish road trip itinerary , we recommend 7-10 days minimum to see all the best places.

Where are the best places to visit in Cornwall on a road trip?

Did I mention that I used to live here? I have SO many recommendations for places to visit we could be here all week!!! Some of my absolute favourites (and this is like choosing my favourite child… or chocolate bar) include:

  • Tintagel Castle (the home of Arthur and the round table)
  • Minack Theatre (built onto the side of a cliff)
  • St Michael’s Mount
  • Boscastle (where one of the best witchcraft museums in the world is!)
  • Newquay beach (and bars!)

READ MORE: Discover our complete Cornwall road trip itinerary (45 places you HAVE to see!)

England road trip ideas and itinerary- Devon road trip south coast england travel

Recommended by Ben at Driftwood Journals

Famed for its endless rolling hills, craggy coastlines and clotted cream delights, Devon is unsurprisingly one of the most popular destinations in the UK – and a dream for rural road-trippers! With wild moors galore, cutesy towns and villages, and bountiful beaches, you don’t have to drive far in Devon to stumble upon scenes of unparalleled beauty.

Highlights and best places to visit in Devon

  • Dartmouth- one of the best towns in the county (and home of the Royal Naval Officer training. I spent a year here…running up those bl***y hills!) Hire a boat and explore the river.
  • Paignton- the beach with the red sand and is also known as the English Riviera.
  • Dartmoor National Park
  • Exmoor National Park
  • Exmouth with its beautiful painted houses
  • Salcombe Harbour – a holiday hotspot for all generations.
  • Dulverton- head to the Copper Kettle tearoom; you won’t regret it!

Devon road trip ideas

Pack up your motorhome/ camper (or car with tent) and find a site with views across the Devonshire cow-grazed hillsides of the Lyn Valley, or out over Dartmoor. You can wild camp in Devon, but not on the moors. Find out more about motorhome wild camping in the UK.

For a coastal trip, explore sea towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth (where you can take a boat up to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s summer home) and round to Exmouth, before heading north to Woolacombe, Dawlish and the fishing boat bobbing harbour of Ilfracombe. Enjoy the bustle and culture in the capital of Exeter or discover the notorious prison of Dartmoor.

Alternatively, head to North Devon and enjoy the wilder seas and views of the north coast. This is a great area for surfing and watersports.

If you have more time (and fuel) to burn, take to the A386 between Appledore and Plymouth, traversing through forested valleys to picture-perfect towns like Great Torrington and Tavistock, where you can tour the tearooms and plan the rest of your trip in the park while dangling your toes in the River Tavy.

But the true beauty of road tripping in Devon is that you don’t really need to plan too extensively. You’ll never be far from a cream tea pitstop, and the verdant country roads will offer up some of the most perfect picnic spots you’ll ever see. All you need is is a full tank, and a little patience when stuck behind tractor after tractor!

When is the best time to visit Devon on a road trip?

As with Cornwall, the best time to visit Devon is Spring to Autumn, but avoid the high summer months if you can, especially if you’re on a UK motorhome holiday .

Can you visit Devon on a day trip from London?

You can, but it’s quite a long drive. I’d say you’d need at least 2 or 3 days to really be able to explore anything.

Dorset- One of England’s Best Road Trips

England road trip itinerary ideas- best places to visit

Recommended by Paul | Anywhere We Roam

The Jurassic Coast stretches 95 miles across Dorset in southern England. With an iconic coastline of towering white cliffs, it’s an excellent destination for a classic road trip. Stunning scenery, historical sites and local breweries make the Jurassic Coast one of the best places to experience the beautiful English countryside.

Dorset road trip- best places to visit?

The main highlight of a road trip to Dorset in the area has to be Old Harry Rocks – a collection of white stone monoliths that have been carved out along the coast. It’s one of the most impressive stretches of scenery in the UK with dazzling chalk stacks assembled like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed. If you get time, be sure to enjoy one of the many fabulous Dorset walks- you won’t regret it.

A thirty-minute drive away, Corfe Castle stands as a reminder of England’s 11th-Century past. It was one of the earliest Norman castles built and today it glows in its dilapidated glory overlooking the Dorset hills. It’s a stunning, photogenic inclusion on a UK road trip.

For another natural phenomenon, Durdle Door is possibly one of the most recognisable symbols of the Jurassic Coast. Over time, crashing waves have eroded limestone stacks in the sea leaving a glorious natural arch.

It’s a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for a long summer stroll. It’s also next to the famous Lulworth Cove, which is a wonderful place to enjoy an ice cream!

Editors note: (I (Kat) actually jumped off the top of Durdle Door on my hen party!)

After soaking up the stunning scenery, head west to Lyme Regis, a quaint town with a vibrant independent retail scene. The historic Cobb Harbour set against moody cliffs is well-preserved and houses some of the best coffee in the area.

When is the best time to visit Dorset on an England road trip?

The best time to visit the Jurassic Coast on a road trip is from May to early July when the surrounding countryside will be verdant green and covered in wildflowers, but there’s not too much traffic!

Hampshire road trip

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Hampshire is another county in England we know well, having lived here for 14+ years. There’s plenty to enjoy on a road trip to Hampshire, from beautiful cities to picturesque country houses.

Highlights of a Hampshire road trip

Some of our favourite places to visit in Hampshire include:

  • Winchester- be sure to visit the Cathedral where Jane Austen is buried and you can see one of the oldest Bibles in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in December, don’t miss the famous Winchester Christmas Market , held in the Cathedral grounds each December.
  • Highclere Castle (or Downton Abbey, as you might know it!)
  • Lymington – for the oldest open sea water baths in the UK – and the New Forest (check out the Wildlife park there and make sure to take some memorable photos).
  • Hinton Ampner- 18th century famous manor house known for its gardens.
  • Portsmouth (you MUST go to the Mary Rose museum and HMS Victory)
  • Isle of Wight (see below)

Isle of Wight road trip

Recommended by Darek | DarekandGosia

The  Isle of Wight , famous for its beautiful views, is an island on the south coast of England, just below Southampton. Technically, it’s part of Hampshire, but feels like a different world.

With a motorhome or car, you can reach the island by ferry from either Southampton or Portsmouth – book in advance during summer. There are also a couple of foot passenger ferries and a hovercraft from Southsea.

Why is it one of England’s best road trips?

The Isle of Wight is like going back in time. It’s worth a road trip here for even a weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of normal life, ride bikes and take a walk on the cliffs.

Also, there are some wonderful places to stay. If you’re on a road trip, check out these amazing Isle of Wight campsites – some with stunning sea views!

What is there to do?

You can start exploring the island in Shanklin – one of the coastal villages famous for its beautiful beaches. On the promenade along the sea you will find many restaurants and hotels – most of the Island is typically tourist-oriented.

From Shanklin drive to the western part of the island. The most characteristic point is The Needles – three chalk rocks emerging from the sea with a small lighthouse built at the end of one of the columns. You can get to Needles by car and then follow the path on foot to the cliff slope. It’s a fabulous place for a picnic.

Next to Needles is Old Battery, a military fortification dating from the nineteenth century. There you can find World War II memorabilia or visit one of the various exhibitions are also taking place.

While driving around the island make sure you get to Carisbrooke Castle near Newport. Its construction began in the 12th century. It is worth taking a moment to walk around the castle, relax in the Edwardian-style garden.

One of my favourite places on the Island is Osborne House- Queen Victoria’s summer home. You can walk around the gardens and the house and even enjoy an ice cream on her private beach. Osborne House is run by English Heritage.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight is a must-see for anyone who wants to admire the British climate and above all fantastic views. It is worth going here all year round – it’s actually one of the best places to visit in Europe in October , when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the views & roads!

Norfolk Broads

England road trip ideas and itinerary- norfolk

Recommended by Mandi | Big Family, Little Adventures

Sometimes you want nothing more than to escape the hustle and the bustle of everyday life, the noise, the bright lights, the never-ending pace of life. If you want to get away, the Norfolk Broads is pure escapism; big skies, plenty of peace and quiet and an abundance of wildlife.

Best places to visit in Norfolk on a road trip

  • The Old Roman Fort at Burgh Castle with an elevated position and commanding views over the marshes – perfect for a walk in both winter morning frost or a hot and hazy mid-summer evening
  • If you prefer a bit of activity, Wroxham is a bustling Broads village- home to Roy’s of Wroxham, possibly the largest village shop you have ever seen
  • Plenty of riverside pubs and restaurants in Wroxham and all around the Broads- the perfect places to stop for a bite to eat
  • St Benet’s Abbey – an 11th century monastery defying time, standing in a stunning green valley.
  • If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy a visit to Wroxham Barns to feed the lambs or spot the grey seals on the Norfolk beaches

Norfolk Road Trip- when is the best time to visit?

You can explore Norfolk all year. In summer, if you would like to explore the best Norfolk beaches or Broads up close, why not hire a dayboat; these can be hired at various boatyards throughout the Broads. Waveney River Centre is another stunning place to stop and admire the view, either by boat or car.

The challenge is (as always in England!) the weather. In dry conditions, most paths are excellent, but it can get a bit more challenging in wet weather.

However, over the years, an increasing number of boardwalks have been developed, increasing safe access to the Broads whatever the weather. Also, seeing the windmills and rivers on a crisp winter morning is unforgettable.

Time does not stop in Norfolk, but it really does feel like it slows down.  To be able to watch the sunset across the broads any time of year is a magical experience and the perfect place to enjoy a chilled road trip.

Sussex, Kent and Surrey

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Ahhh, the picturesque south-east corner of England, which includes the Garden of England (that’s the other name for Kent). This area is lush, green and has some many historic buildings and castles you’ll find it impossible to avoid them.

It’s also home to plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches, white cliffs (such as Dover and Beachy Head) and some truly wonderful parks to walk in.

Even better, it’s all easily reached from London by car and train, so it’s easy to get away from the city for a few days if you’d like a countryside break or a trip to the beach.

Best Places to visit in Sussex include:

Sussex is actually split into East and West Sussex, but to make things easy on your road trip I’ve made one list for you. They’re not that far apart from each other!

  • Brighton : A vibrant seaside city famous for its pebble beach, iconic pier, and the Royal Pavilion with its distinctive architecture. Explore the Lanes for unique shops and enjoy the city’s lively arts and music scene. See below for more ideas
  • Arundel : Home to Arundel Castle, a medieval and Victorian castle that overlooks the River Arun. The town itself is picturesque with cobbled streets and antique shops.
  • Chichester : A historic cathedral city with Roman origins, Chichester offers a mix of history, culture, and shopping. The Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery are notable attractions.
  • Lewes : Known for its medieval architecture, Lewes Castle, and historic streets. The Lewes Bonfire Night is a famous annual event.
  • Eastbourne : A traditional seaside town with a Victorian pier, beautiful seafront, and the iconic Beachy Head cliffs nearby.
  • Rye : A charming medieval town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and views of the surrounding marshland.
  • Battle : Famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, this town is home to Battle Abbey and the Battlefield. Explore the historic sites and learn about this pivotal event in English history.
  • Petworth House and Park : A stately mansion with an impressive art collection set in a vast deer park. The gardens are also worth exploring.
  • Seven Sisters Country Park : A stunning coastal area with dramatic chalk cliffs and rolling hills, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
  • Bodiam Castle : A 14th-century moated castle surrounded by water and picturesque landscapes.
  • Sheffield Park and Garden : A National Trust property known for its stunning gardens, lakes, and vibrant displays of plants.
  • Birling Gap and Beachy Head : More stunning chalk cliffs and coastal views, with the added beauty of the natural arch at Birling Gap.
  • Glyndebourne Opera House : Known for its world-class opera productions, the opera house is set in beautiful countryside and offers a unique cultural experience.

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Best places to visit in Kent include:

  • Canterbury – home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral
  • Dover : Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this coastal town is home to Dover Castle, which boasts a complex history and offers panoramic views of the English Channel.
  • Rochester : A charming town with a medieval castle and cathedral. It’s also the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and you can visit the Dickens World theme park.
  • Whitstable : This coastal town is famous for its oysters and seafood. Enjoy the quaint streets, beach huts, and seafood restaurants along the coast.
  • Margate : A seaside town with a revived artistic scene, featuring the Turner Contemporary art gallery and the scenic Margate Sands.
  • Leeds Castle : Often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is set on an island in a lake and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Hever Castle : The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, with historic architecture, gardens, and a maze.
  • Chatham Historic Dockyard : A maritime museum where you can explore historic warships, submarines, and learn about Britain’s naval history.
  • Biddenden Vineyards : If you’re a wine enthusiast, Kent has several vineyards. Biddenden is one of the oldest and most well-known.
  • Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction : An interactive museum where you can step back in time to experience Chaucer’s famous tales.
  • St. Augustine’s Abbey : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this abbey in Canterbury dates back to the 6th century and is a significant historical site.
  • Chartwell House : The former home of Winston Churchill, now a museum showcasing his life and legacy.

These are just a few highlights of what Kent has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, you’re likely to find something appealing in this diverse and beautiful county.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

Best Places to Visit in Surrey

  • Box Hill : A National Trust site known for its stunning views and walking trails. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
  • Polesden Lacey : A grand Edwardian estate with beautiful gardens, Polesden Lacey is a National Trust property that offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in the early 20th century.
  • Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village : Located in Compton, this unique attraction is dedicated to the works of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts. The village includes a gallery, chapel, and artist studios.
  • Hampton Court Palace : While part of the palace is in Greater London, the stunning Hampton Court Palace is right on the border of Surrey. It’s famous for its Tudor history, grand architecture, and beautiful gardens.
  • RHS Garden Wisley : A flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley offers a wide variety of plants, landscapes, and garden designs to explore.
  • Brooklands Museum : A museum dedicated to motorsport and aviation history, located on the site of the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
  • Loseley Park : A grand Elizabethan manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, open to the public during certain times of the year.
  • Denbies Wine Estate : England’s largest vineyard, Denbies offers tours, wine tasting, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Newlands Corner : Another viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
  • Epsom Downs : Known for Epsom Downs Racecourse and the famous Epsom Derby, this area offers open spaces and walking trails.
  • Virginia Water : Part of Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water features a lake, ornamental cascades, and woodland walks.

Surrey’s mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it a delightful destination for a variety of interests. Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying scenic landscapes, Surrey has something to offer.

Brighton – East Sussex

uk tour itinerary 7 days

I’ve given Brighton it’s own section because it’s one of my favourite cities in England and you should try to add it to your England road trip itinerary, especially if you’re heading toward East Sussex.

Brighton is a city renowned for its diverse communities and innovation, the quirky shopping areas, its music and art scene, and its large LGBT population. Read more about Brighton in Autum .

Why is Brighton one of the best England road trips?

Brighton is less than an hour away from London (76 km) and on a direct train line. It offers plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy (more than just fish and chips at a pier!)

Brighton has been famous as a cultural centre for over a century. It’s home to the world’s oldest operating aquarium (which opened in 1872- now called ‘’Brighton Sea Life’’), and you can even ride the world’s oldest operating electric railway, the Volks Railway, built in 1883.

Other Brighton Highlights include:

  • See the Palace Pier
  • Catch the latest release in the Duke of York Picturehouse, Britain’s oldest cinema.
  • Have a stroll down the North Lane- home to over 400 independent shops
  • Discover the Victorian innovations still in operation in the city.

How long should you spend in Brighton?

You will want to spend at least two days in Brighton to truly take in the city, but you can easily make a week of your itinerary if you want to explore more places in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.  

What is the best month to visit Brighton?

The sunniest (and therefore warmest!) time of the year in Brighton is from May to September. July and August are peak tourist season, with hotel prices skyrocketing, so be aware of that and plan your stay accordingly.

Cambridgeshire & Cambridge

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Cambridgeshire is a county in the East of England with plenty to do. The jewel of the county is Cambridge, with a historical, 800-year-old centre you should definitely not skip.

Why should you include Cambridge on your England road trip?

Only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from London via M11, Cambridge offers so much: a rich history of English heritage, a buzzing local community, and a picturesque setting. You’ll even find a gift Henry VIII gave to Anne Boleyn!

Cambridge Highlights

  • See the King’s College Chapel 
  • Enjoy breakfast at Fitzbillies
  • Go punting in the River Cam
  • Have a picnic by the river.
  • Enjoy walking the historic streets

Cambridge Trip Itinerary idea

Leaving London, head up to Cambridge via the M11.

Start the day with drinks and a meal in one of the many deli and brunch places in Market Square before setting off to explore the city. I highly recommend the famous Fitzbillies- the food is delicious.

From there, you can choose from a variety of activities: visiting King’s Chapel, punting in the River Cam (pass under the Bridge of Sighs), hiking on the Cam Towpath (lots of hidden gems if you know how to look for trails!), or taking in the city views from St. Mary’s Tower.

If you’re staying overnight, end the day by attending the Evensong at the King’s College Chapel (select days only)

When is the best (and worst) time to visit Cambridge ?

Cambridge is beautiful all year round. However, the worst time to visit would be spring – the university students sit their finals between April and June, which means many of the college sites are closed to visitors. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Cambridge?

The King’s College Chapel in the University of Cambridge is the third-oldest university in operation and the most iconic and instantly-recognisable building in the county.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to drink at the Eagle, a historic pub in the heart of Cambridge’s city centre famously linked to Watson and Crick’s discovery of DNA.

If you are feeling adventurous and are ready to brave the British winter, visit Cambridge in December. It’s off-peak season and features one of the best UK Christmas markets you should visit. Read all about the Cambridge Christmas market here.

How long should you spend in Cambridge?

One day in Cambridge is usually enough time to visit the majority of the main sights, especially if you are visiting during the summer. You’ll need tickets for most of the chapels and university buildings, so go first to buy those.

Wiltshire & Cotswolds Road Trip – 3 day trip from London

England road trip ideas and itinerary

Recommended by Ann | The road is life

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. If you look at a map of England, find Bristol (west coast, just below the indent of southern Wales) and the Cotswolds is the area north-east of Bristol.

There is so much beauty and fascinating history to discover around the Cotswolds region and luckily you don’t have to travel far from London to get there! You can reach Bath or Bristol easily in a day from London, but we recommend at least 3 days to really explore the area by car/ motorhome, plus explore Stonehenge and Salisbury on the way back to London. If you’re travelling with children, don’t worry- there’s plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds with kids.

Highlights & Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds and Surrounding Area

  • Explore the charming stone villages of the Cotswolds
  • visit the historic city of Bath
  • marvel at the mysterious ancient stones of Stonehenge
  • Indulge in some shopping at Daylesford farm
  • stop at the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.

When is the best time for a Cotswolds road trip?

Although the Cotswolds can be visited all year, this road trip is best completed in the spring or summer months to ensure warmer and sunnier sightseeing weather.

The days are also longer- allowing you to see more each day. However, unlike Cornwall and Devon, most places to NOT shut during winter, so feel free to explore whenever suits you!

Wiltshire & Cotswolds road trip itinerary from London

  • Departing London, drive out to the Cotswolds. This is where you should spend 3-4 days exploring as many lovely little towns and villages as you wish to.
  • A few of the prettiest Cotswolds villages include Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and so many more! The beauty of the Cotswolds region is that the villages are all located in close proximity with minimal driving time in between them.
  • Once you have seen your share of lovely English villages , carry on to Bath which is only a 30-minute drive from the village of Castle Combe- well worth a visit.
  • Spend a full day and night in Bath visiting the Roman baths.
  • From there continue to Stonehenge. A visit to this incredible ancient site can easily take half a day. We camped overnight at Stonehenge and saw the most INCREDIBLE sunrise we’ve EVER seen. (Seriously, watch the video. It’s breathtaking)
  • From Stonehenge, it’s only a short 20-minute drive to the medieval town of Salisbury which brings you to the final stop of this road trip.
  • The highlight of Salisbury is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest spire in all of Britain! Spend one night in Salisbury before making the final 2-hour road trip back to London.
  • Another option is to return to London via the historic city of Oxford. Don’t miss a meal in Sticks and Sushi- one of the best restaurants in Oxford and with incredible views over the city.

North England Road Trips- Why You Should Visit

It’s easy when planning an England road trip to get sucked into famous places like Cornwall, Devon or the Cotswolds- and those are all AMAZING places to visit.

However, I strongly encourage you to visit the north of England as well if you have time. You’ll find villages just as pretty, delicious food (chips, pie and gravy is the best thing in the world) and incredible history.

Again, we were lucky to live up here for 4 years- here are some of our absolute favourite places to road trip, although there are of course many more we have yet to discover! I hope they give you some ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Don’t forget to Grab your ULTIMATE road trip planner here – it has everything you need to help you pack for your road trip.

Peak District National Park

England road trip ideas and itinerary

The Peak District is a huge and stunning area in Derbyshire, just to the east of Manchester. It’s a perfect place for a road trip because there are so many things to see!

A car or motorhome makes it easy to travel between the sites and there are plenty of campsites or hotels to use as you explore.

There are a multitude of hikes, walks and tors to climb and the area is famous for its caves, which people still lived in as recently as 1910!

The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and is also considered the real ale capital of the world! If you’re exploring the Peak District with kids , there are steam trains, tramways, cycle paths and even a cable car taking you up to see some stunning views! There’s also Alton Towers theme park – one of the best in the UK.

Best places to explore in the Peak District

Some of the highlights include:

  • Chatsworth House
  • Ladybower reservoir
  • Alton Towers theme park
  • Heights of Abraham cable car

Lake District road trip

Lake District Road trip itinerary- England road trip ideas

Recommended by Fiona/ Passport & Piano

The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO heritage site that makes for the perfect road trip.  Walking around the lakes and fells to see the magnificent scenery is one of the many pleasures of the area.

Quintessential villages are plentiful as are traditional English pubs with real ale and hearty food. Don’t just rush by on your way from England to Scotland; take a few days and enjoy all that the lakes have to offer.

Best places to visit on a Lake District Road Trip

Most people arrive from the south via Windermere, but to explore the areas hidden gems its worth spending at least three days here. The Lake District has some of the worlds best scenic drives and a trip along the Honister Pass and Kirkstone Pass are a must.

In the South Lakes, I’d highly recommend a  visit to Grasmere . Here you can visit several homes of the famous poet William Wordsworth and enjoy Sarah Nelson’s delightful gingerbread.

If you love Beatrix Potter, you can follow in her footsteps at Beatrix Potter World in Bowness- on- Windermere.  Her home near Hawkshead is open to visitors, and Wray Castle is a beautiful spot where she enjoyed her family holidays.

In the North Lakes, the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth have plenty to explore. The Castlerigg stone circle, with its stunning views across the fells, is worth stopping at, and the “Surprise View” across Derwent Water is spectacular.

If you’re not exploring in a motorhome or campervan, accommodation throughout the area is plentiful. There are boat rides and water-based activities to enjoy on most of the lakes and a plethora of outdoor pursuit centres for the more adventurous.

When is the best time for a Lake District road trip?

In the summer months, the National Park can be rather busy particularly on the main A66 road which runs through the centre. Hence if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the spring or autumn.

While you’re not guaranteed sunshine at any time of the year, the weather is probably at its best between April and September.

England Road Trip- Yorkshire & The Dales

England road trip ideas and itinerary- england to Scotland road trip yorkshire

Recommended by Sinead | Map Made Memories

England’s largest county, Yorkshire, is a perfect destination for a road trip. There are so many diverse attractions to see within a relatively short drive of each other.

Highlights and some best places in Yorkshire to visit

  • Hardraw Force–England’s highest single-drop waterfall
  • White Scar–The longest show cave in England
  • Visit the ‘Best Street in Britain’
  • Visit the cobbled Shambles, named ‘the Best Street in Britain’.
  • Marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct, the 24 arches that span the Yorkshire Dales, a true masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
  • Castles and ruins all over the place
  • Stand on Hogsmeade station (or at least the station which played it in Harry Potter!)

Yorkshire Road Trip Itinerary

Start your road trip in the rolling hills and river valleys of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Visit the 11th century Skipton Castle or descend underground to marvel at the formations in White Scar Caves, the longest show cave in England.

Clamber over Brimham Rocks or hike the stunning landscape around Malham Cove. Browse the independent shops in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

Places to visit on the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales are packed with attractive waterfalls. Choose between the plunging falls around Ingleton, popular Aysgarth Falls or, my favourite waterfall, Hardraw Force which is England’s highest single drop waterfall. Before leaving the Dales, visit the impressive monastic ruins and landscaped gardens of Fountains Abbey.

Continue your road trip by exploring the historic city of York . This compact city is easily navigated on foot and is an ideal location for history buffs. You can visit Viking, Roman, Georgian and Victorian sites all in one day!

See the iconic York Minster, walk the city’s medieval city walls and stroll along the cobbled Shambles, which has been voted the ‘ Best Street in Britain’ and was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series!

Road trip over the Yorkshire Moors

End your Yorkshire road trip with a drive across the wild Yorkshire Moors. Take a scenic trip on a steam train across the Moors to visit charming Goathland train station which doubled as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter movies. Alternatively, your legs with a hike at the Hole of Horcum, a huge ancient natural amphitheatre.

How long should you spend exploring Yorkshire on a road trip?

You could ‘cover’ Yorkshire in a couple of days but to truly appreciate all it has to offer I would recommend at least one full week.

When is the best time to road trip to Yorkshire?

Yorkshire can be explored all year around- and expect rain at any time! But Spring is incredible on the moors- with the wildflowers blooming and the days getting longer, it’s a perfect time to visit. Autumn also offers spectacular views with the leaves turning colour, providing an incredible backdrop.

England Road Trip Idea – North East Coast

England road trip ideas and itinerary- england to Scotland road trip saltburn

Northern England’s east coast is full of charming towns and villages, and is the perfect destination for a road trip.

Best places to visit on a North East coast England road trip

  • Saltburn-by-the-Sea (to search for fossils)
  • Lemon top ice-cream – Its legacy goes back over 100 years!)
  • Staithes- picturesque fishing village
  • Whitby Abbey – the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula
  • Robin Hood’s Bay (where smuggling was commonplace
  • Scarborough Castle

North East England road trip itinerary

Start in Saltburn-by-the-sea. Be sure to search for fossils throughout your visit. I actually found one in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, but you can get lucky in any of the places on this list! Saltburn-by-the-Sea is home to the historic Saltburn Cliff Tramway and affords beautiful views from the bluffs above town.

You can walk along The Cleveland Way, a historic trail that runs through each of the 5 locations mentioned. I’d also recommend trying Lemon Top Ice Cream, or vanilla ice cream with a dollop of lemon sorbet on top.

Staithes is a quaint fishing village laden with narrow pathways and quirky cottages.

The Whitby Abbey towers above the town, giving it an eerie feeling – it’s even credited as the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula!

Robin Hood’s Bay has a long history with smugglers, and its red rooftops and crowded buildings conceal hidden routes. In Scarborough, you can enjoy rides at the Luna Park amusement park or visit the historic Scarborough Castle!

When is the best time to road trip England’s north-east coast?

Although you can visit this area all year round, I’d suggest visiting in the summer or fall. It rains much of the year in this region of England, but there’s a higher likelihood of sunshine from July through October.

How long to spend on this England Road trip?

You can complete this road trip in less than 2 hours, but I’d suggest spending at least a few days exploring the region. Each Yorkshire coastal town has its own charm and activities to offer, so you certainly don’t want to rush!

How far is it from the North east coast to London?

Scarborough to London takes about 5 hours by car. Avoid travelling Friday afternoons or Monday morning- those are the peak road traffic times.

Don’t miss Durham

uk tour itinerary 7 days

We spent a lovely couple of days exploring the city of Durham. There are so many wonderful places to explore, but one of the highlights for us was Durham Cathedral. This incredible building was built in the 11th Century and is the largest surviving stone vaulted ceiling of its size.

However, if I’m honest, I was more excited by the fact that several scenes in Harry Potter were filmed here, including in the cloisters and many of the covered walkways.

It was also in Durham Cathedral that Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter ‘Fluffy’- the forbidden corridor was also part of the cathedral.

Other fantastic things to see in or near Durham include:

  • Durham Castle
  • High Force Waterfall (one of the best waterfalls in Europe )
  • Finchale Priory

Northumberland Coast

England road trip itinerary- North england places to visit- lindisfarne priory

Recommended by Tracy | Travels in Time

The Northumberland Coastal route stretches for over 35 miles from Alnmouth in the south to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north.

The drive takes you through an area of outstanding natural beauty with many beautiful villages and places of interest to visit along the way.

How long to spend on a Northumberland coast road trip

This itinerary covers a day trip but you could spend a few days exploring the area or even walk the Northumberland Coastal Path along the same route if you are feeling up to it!

Northumberland road trip itinerary

The first village to visit is Craster – famous for its kippers and overlooked by Dunstanburgh Castle. If you’re looking for impressive castles in England , Northumberland is the place to go- there are more castles here than any other county in England!

After exploring Craster and the castle, head to Seahouses. A popular seaside town for families with lots of arcades and fish and chip shops this is the place to stop for a bite to eat.

If the weather is good why not hop on a boat over to the Farme Islands? With large colonies of seals and puffins the islands are popular with nature lovers.

Bamburgh Castle dominates the horizon and is worth exploring. It was once the home to the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria and also has a ghost or two!

After Bamburgh head to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Make sure you check the tides before you go- the island is tidal and is only accessible during certain times.

Once on the island take a stroll up to the castle. Don’t miss exploring the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. This is the place famous as the home of Christianity in England until Viking raids eventually led to the abandonment of the priory.

When is the best time for a Northumberland road trip?

The best time to visit Northumberland and places in North East England is in the summer – the days are long and the sun will hopefully be shining! Be aware that on occasions during the summer a sea fret (mist) can hang over the coast and cool temperatures and decrease visibility. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you travel.

Wow- anyone else want to jump in their motorhome/ camper/ car/ bike and head off to start exploring? What a fantastic list of England road trip destinations!

As you can see, it really doesn’t matter where you go or how long you have to explore England- you’ll have plenty of places to enjoy. And who knows- next time we set off for Norfolk, we might even make it there without swinging by Cornwall first!! 🙂

Planning an England road trip? You might find these posts useful:

  • How to plan an epic UK road trip
  • How to create a road trip itinerary with Google Maps
  • 100 best road trip driving songs
  • How to plan a motorhome trip to UK or Europe

See all our UK travel ideas and tips

Planning England travel and road trips? Looking for itinerary ideas and the best places to visit? Here are 12 BREATHTAKING places to see in England, including Cornwall, Devon, south coast, Salisbury and the Lake District. These England travel tips are all you need to plan your perfect UK road trip itinerary.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Cornwall is such a beautiful part of the UK to visit in a motorhome, although it can be a little tight around those country roads.

So true- some of those roads are tiny, but worth it for the incredible views and places to visit.

Have you been on the welsh coast much

Our very first motorhome trip EVER was to the Welsh coast. We’ve put together some of our favourite Welsh road trips here if you want some ideas: https://wandering-bird.com/wales-road-trip/

Although all road trips are lovely, I particularly enjoy traveling in a campervan through Devon in the UK. I appreciate you sharing this list of road trip suggestions.

Fantastic article for anyone travelling England on a road trip

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Travel Home > UK Tours > Itineraries

UK Multi-Day Tour Itineraries

Take a look at some of the example tour itineraries below for inspiration before  getting in touch with our experts to start planning your own trip to the UK!

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament with boats on the river in London, England, UK

Multi-Country Tour Itinerary Ideas

Tower bridge in the morning tour.

25 Day Grand Private Tour of The UK

uk tour itinerary 7 days

18 Day Private Tour of Scotland & Ireland

Turnberry

14 Day Golf Tour of Scotland & Ireland

Talisker Whisky Scotland

10 Day Private Whiskey Tour of Scotland & Ireland

uk tour itinerary 7 days

10 Day Tour of Scotland & Ireland

10 Day Golf Scotland & Ireland

10 Day Golf Tour of Scotland & Ireland

Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland better known as Hogwarts Express on Harry Potter tour.

Harry Potter Tour of Britain

Private english tour itinerary ideas.

driver guide waiting to begin tour of Buckingham Palace.

7 Day Driver-Guided Tour of England

uk tour itinerary 7 days

Private Driver-Guided Tour to Stonehenge & Bath from London

Blenheim Palace, England

5 Day Driver-Guided Private Tour of England

Tour guide showing group around Windsor castle on a private tour.

Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Private Driver Tour

uk tour itinerary 7 days

Stratford-Upon-Avon & The Cotswolds Private Car Tour

Windsor Castle and one of the queens guards at the entrance.

11 Day Driver-Guided Tour of England

uk tour itinerary 7 days

White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle & Canterbury Private Tour From London

Example scotland tour itineraries.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

10 Day Private Scottish Tour

uk tour itinerary 7 days

7 Day Private Driver-Guided Tour of Scotland

4 day harry potter tour of scotland.

voted scotlands most beautiful, visit glamis castle on your tour.

7 Day Castle Tour of Scotland

st-andrews

6 Day Scottish Golf Tour

uk tour itinerary 7 days

5 Day Tour of Scotland

Multi-day irish tour itineraries.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

7 Day Driver-Guided Private Tour of Ireland

Bunratty Folk Park & Castle, Ireland

7 Day Irish Castle Tour

Visit the real life dark hedges from game of thrones in county antrim, ireland.

6 Day Private Game of Thrones Tour

Donegal coastline with a castle in the distance.

5 Day Driver-Guided Tour of Ireland

Royal County Down Golf Club

7 Day Irish Golf Tour

Misty View of the Cliffs of Moher

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Step 1: Complete Our Quick Tour Form

Beginning our custom tour process is as simple as making an online inquiry to let our travel planning team know how long you will be here, and what type of destinations or locations you are interested in visiting with your private guide. Fill in the form below to start planning your perfect tour!

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7 day London itinerary for first time visitors

uk tour itinerary 7 days

Steeped in history and culture, crammed with iconic landmarks, and bustling with activity, there’s something for everyone in this world-famous capital. Founded by the Romans in the first century, London is now the most visited city in the world.

The skyline is a blend of the modern and the ancient, with hidden gems in every corner; stumbling across a stunning piece of architecture or a hidden cafe is just the norm, making it an exciting place for any visitor. This 7-day London itinerary will help you see as much as possible combining popular and unique things to do in London. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Tips for your 7-day London itinerary

Depending on how you plan to travel to and from the airport and around London during your trip, it may be worth buying an Oyster or travel card. It is therefore advisable to decide what type of ticket will be best before you arrive, as it may be possible to also use this ticket to get from the airport. Some tickets also need to be purchased in advance, such as Visitor Oyster cards.

Oyster and travel cards

If you plan to travel around London using public transport it’s best to get an Oyster card, as tickets are usually cheaper when you pay with these. If you want to pay for tickets as you go and you live outside the UK, you can get a Visitor Oyster card, which you preload with credit. The card itself costs £5 and needs to be bought before you arrive. The Visitor Oyster card also gives you access to discounts and special offers around London.

If you know you will be using public transport a lot then you might want to buy a travel card. Have a look at Transport for London’s (TFL) handy guide if you’re unsure whether a Visitor Oyster card or a travel card would be best for you.

London Pass

It is also possible to combine a travel card with the London Pass. The London Pass gives you entry to many of London’s top tourist destinations, which can be excellent value if you intend on visiting a lot of attractions. The pass can be bought with or without a travel card.

A 6-day London Pass, excluding travel card, costs around £154. If, for example, you chose to do every activity in this guide, you would save around £90 using the London Pass. Tickets can be collected in Charing Cross, London, or downloaded to your mobile phone for free. You can also have them delivered to your home for a fee.

Click here to buy your London Pass.

Click here to read my London Pass review.

How to spend 7 days in London a first timers itinerary

While this itinerary can be followed as it is, you might want to swap some days around as certain events only happen on specified days, or you might want to take advantage of some good weather by doing outdoor activities, and saving the museums for those inevitable rainy days.

7 days in London: Day One

After arriving and settling into your hotel, there is no better way of getting that London feeling than heading towards the West End.

The British Museum

The British museum is widely considered to be one of the best museums in the UK, with around six million visitors every year. Displaying over two million years of human history through a large collection of arts and antiquities, there’s bound to be something to peak your interest. The Egyptian mummies and Rosetta Stone are must-sees, along with the Greek and Assyria exhibitions.

British Museum - Things to do in London in 7 days

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm

Admission: free

The West End

After taking in the culture at the British museum you can soak up the atmosphere of the West End, including world-famous shopping destination Oxford Street, Covent Gardens with its historic markets and quirky street performers, Leicester square famous for its cinemas, as well as lively Soho and China Town.

Check here some amazing things to do in Covent Garden. 

uk tour itinerary 7 days

While you’re in the area, it’s a great opportunity to catch a West End show. There are over 40 theatres in “theatreland”, mostly from the Victorian and Georgian period and architecturally very impressive. As there are so many theatres, there is always a great range of shows to choose from, including several classic, long-running show.

These include Phantom of the Opera, which has been running at Her Majesty’s Theatre since 1986, the world’s longest running musical, Les Misérables, which has been playing at Queen’s Theatre since 1985, or even The Mousetrap, which has been staged at St. Martin’s theatre since 1974 and is the longest continuous run of any show in the world.

If you just want to see a quintessential West End theatre then visit the London Palladium, arguably one of the most famous, or the London Coliseum, one of the largest theatres in London.

7 days in London: Day Two

Buckingham palace and trafalgar square.

Buckingham Palace - 7 days in London

Buckingham Palace is the Queen of England’s official residence and a working palace. When the queen is not in residence (during the summer and some selected days in winter and spring) it is possible to go inside and visit the impressive State Rooms, which are lavishly furnished and used for entertainment on a grand scale.

The visit also includes a walk through the gardens. However, even when the queen is home, the palace is still a great place to visit, not least for the famous Changing of the Guard. The ceremony never fails to bring in a crowd and is totally free to watch, although it’s recommended to get there around 45 minutes before the start to guarantee a good viewpoint.

St. Paul's Cathedral - London in 7 days itinerary

You can also always visit the Royal Mews, which is a working stables housing all the horses, carriages and vehicles used for royal occasions. The Queen’s Gallery is also open year round and displays an impressive array of artwork from the Royal Collection.

Opening hours:

The State Rooms 9:30 am to 7:00 pm (closes at 6:00 pm in September)

The Royal Mews 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (closes 5.00 pm March to November)

The Queen’s Gallery 10.00 am to 5.30 pm (opens 9.30am in the summer)

Changing of the Guard times: every day during the summer (weather permitting). Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for the rest of the year. Starts at 10:45 am with the actual of change of guard occurring at 11.00 am

The State Rooms £24,

The Royal Mews £11, included in London Pass

The Queen’s Gallery £12, included in London Pass

All three £42.30

Trafalgar square - 7 days in london itinerary

After visiting the palace, you can walk down The Mall, the famous tree-lined street that leads up to the palace gates. Walking through the historic Admiralty Arch takes you straight towards another important London landmark, Trafalgar Square.

Here you will find the 52-metre high Nelson’s Column, guarded by four lions. Along with the other statues in Trafalgar Square, be sure to check out the “Fourth Plinth” which has traditionally stood empty, but is now used for specially commissioned temporary artworks.

Churchill’s War Rooms

From Trafalgar Square, take a stroll through St James’ Park, or a very short tube ride, to Churchill’s War Rooms. Here you will find the underground complex from which prime minister Winston Churchill ran the government during the Second World War. There is also a museum about Churchill, giving you everything you need to know about this important figure in British history.

Admission: £21, included in London Pass

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm

Westminster Palace and Abbey

Just a short walk from the Churchill War Rooms is Parliament Square, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Westminster Palace (also known as the Houses of Parliament) including the instantly-recognisable Elizabeth Tower which house Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

The Big Ben, the House of Parliament - 7 days in London itinerary

Parliament has been meeting at the site of Westminster Palace since the 13th century, however the current building has been in place since around 1840. Only from seeing it in real life is it possible to really gain a sense for the scale and ornate detail of this truly impressive building.

If you want to go inside you need to book a guided tour, which lasts about 90 minutes. During the tour you will learn about how the parliament works, visit the Commons and Lords Chambers and see the nearly 1,000 year-old Westminster Hall. It is also possible to have afternoon tea in one of the riverside rooms, although you do need to book in advance.

Next to the Houses of Parliament is Westminster Abbey. Founded in AD 960, the current gothic building was constructed in 1245. The abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs. Guided tours are available, and recommended if you want to learn all about the abbey’s rich history.

The tour lasts around 90 minutes, during which you will see Poets Corner, the Lady Chapel, the nave, the royal tombs and the gardens which are said to have been cultivated for over 900 years.

The guided tour also includes a visit to Edward the Confessor’s tomb, one of the last Anglo Saxon kings of England, which is not accessibletovisitors who wish to look around on their own.

Westminster Abbey - seven days in Lonodn

Houses of Parliament

Admission: £28 (cheaper if booked in advance)

Afternoon tea: £29

Westminster Abbey

Admission: £22, included in London Pass, tour costs an additional £5

Opening hours: depends on the day. Visit website for details.

Click here to book your Westminster Abbey fast track tickets. 

Cruise in River Thames

uk tour itinerary 7 days

With the River Thames winding its way through the centre of the capital, there is no better way of seeing the city than by getting on a boat that traverses the waterway. With views of Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, you’ll be in for a real treat!

Seeing London’s sights by night while enjoying hours of entertainment is an amazing way to spend an evening while in London. The music events by City Cruises allow you to dance the night away, listening to sounds of the 80s, 90s, 00s and today. Hosted by top DJs, the events each have a fun theme, with everything from a Hip Hop Karaoke and Silent Disco to a stylish Champagne Sunday Brunch, so you can choose your style, get your friends together and enjoy an event to remember!

Alternatively, you can stick to a more traditional dinner cruise along the Thames or simply opt for a sight-seeing tour during the day.

7 days in London: Day Three

On day three you can get out of the city centre and head to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, where two of London’s best attractions can be found. There is a lot to see at both of these places, so if you want to have a thorough look around, and have the time, you can dedicate a whole day to each.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

It’s easy to reach Hampton Court train station from Waterloo. Building of the palace began in 1515, but it has been extended multiple times over the centuries. Even if you’re not usually a fan of royal history, stories of the events at Hampton Court Palace will never bore.

Steeped in scandalous Tudor history, and offering an immersive experience, Hampton Court won’t disappoint. Some of the highlights are the 300-year old hedge puzzle maze and Henry VIII’s kitchen, where you can learn about the extraordinary Tudor feasts.

There are many different guided tours available, and with all the tales of ghosts, beheadings, adultery and royal births and deaths, you won’t want to miss out. There are also daily and seasonal presentations that you can listen to for free.

Admission: £20.90, included in London Pass

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Click here to book your Hampton Court Palace tickets.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew have one of the largest and most diverse collections of plants in the world, some of which are rare or threatened. One of the most recognisable features of Kew Gardens is The Palm House. Built in 1844, it was the biggest glasshouse built at that time and was used to house plants that Victorian explorers brought back with them.

Following the success with the Palm House, the Temperate House was built in 1860 and is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world. The Temperate House is home to an internationally important collection of temperate zone plants.

In the Princess of Wales Conservatory you can find plants from 10 different climate zones, including the titan arum which is often known as “the corpse flower” due to its stench of rotting flesh used to attract insects.

As well as strolling through the greenhouses, you can also experience what it is like to walk through a forest canopy, with the treetop walkway. Set 18 metres above the woodland floor, this 200-metre long walkway transports you through the canopy with its birds, insects, lichens and fungi.

Admission: £17, included in London Pass

Opening hours: opens at 10.00 am, closing times vary dependent on season. Check website for details.

Click here to book your Kew Garden Tickets.

If you only have 3 days in London you might want to check this itinerary for 3 days in London. 

7 days in London: Day Four

There are many great places not far from London than can easily be explored within a day, so why not get out of the city and try one of these day trips?

Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transfer

If you’re a Harry Potter fan then a visit to the Warner Brothers Studios is an absolute must during your time in London!

Located on the outskirts of Watford, the studios feature a selection of permanent exhibitions as well as extra special exhibits that change on a regular basis so there’s always something new and exciting to see.

Witness the fantastical props from the films, step into the Gryffindor Common Room and walk through Diagon Alley while tasting a sip of sweet butterbeer along the way.

You can even buy some chocolate frogs or a copy of your character’s favourite wand from the epic gift shop at the end.

To ensure you have a hassle-free trip, book on to a Studio tour which includes entrance fees and return transfers from central London.

Click here for more information and to book the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour. 

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, each standing around four metres high and two metres wide, with no one really sure how, or why it was built. Nonetheless it’s a very impressive sight, incredibly intriguing, and one of the UK’s most famous landmarks. The site and its surrounding is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The stone circle itself is a masterpiece of engineering for its time and it is incredible to think how much work would have been involved to build it, and therefore how important it must have been.

Walking around the stone circle (albeit from a short distance) is the highlight of a visit to Stonehenge and will leave you wanting to know more about its construction and possible purpose, however there is also much more to see and do.

uk tour itinerary 7 days

The visitor centre offers a lot of context and insight into the stones and their history. Outside the visitors centre some Neolithic houses have been constructed, enabling you to see how the people of Salisbury would have lived 4,500 years ago, when Stonehenge was built. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions and demonstrate activities that would have been daily parts of life at that time.

At te Stonehenge exhibition you can see many of the artefacts that have been found during archaeological digs in the area, ranging from jewellery, pottery and tools to human remains. You can also find out about the diet and lifestyle of the people who built Stonehenge, as well as the science behind how these have been discovered.

There is a visitor shuttle between the visitor centre and the stone circle, however you can also walk if you want to get a feel for the landscape and enjoy Salisbury Plain.

Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, which is around one and a half hours away from central London by train. Take the train from London Waterloo to Salisbury and then jump onboard the dedicated tour bus to Stonehenge . You can also take a day-trip bus from London, which takes around two and a half hours.

Tickets are required to see Stonehenge, for which you will be given a set arrival time, it is therefore advised to book in advance.

Admission: £17.50 when booking in advance

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 7.00 pm

Book a day trip from London to Stonehedge with a visit to Bath here.

Situated in picturesque south-west England, the ancient city of Bath has it all, famed for its history, culture, literature, art and UNESCO World Heritage status. The city was founded in first century by the Romans, who used the natural hot springs as a spa and built the baths around them.

The baths have remained at the heart of the city’s development ever since, and are considered to be some of the best preserved Roman remains in the world. However, it’s not just its Roman past that makes Bath historically important. The 18th century was when the town really developed, with elegant Georgian architecture characterising the city andmaking it one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

A visit to the Roman Baths is obviously a must. With so much to see, it is recommended you spare at least two hours for your visit. From the Great Bath itself, to the changing rooms, saunas, plunge pools and the Sacred Spring. Admission to the baths includes an audioguide, a public guided tour and the opportunity to try the natural spa water from the spa water fountain.

The Great Bath at Roman Baths

Bath is the only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot springs and while its not possible to bathe in the old Roman Baths, you can head over to Thermae Bath Spa for a more modern alternative, including a roof-top pool with panoramic views of the city.

To experience Bath in its full glory, you should climb the Bath Abbey Tower , which offers breathtaking views of the city. On the way up the tower you visit the ringing chamber and bell chamber, and can even go behind the clock face. Once up the top you will get unrivalled views of Bath. You will need to buy ticket to go up the tower, with the whole tour lasting around 45 minutes.

Bath Abbey

Another excellent way to enjoy Bath is the Skyline Walk . The six-mile long footpath takes you through woodlands and valleys and up to some stunning viewpoints over the city. You will also find several sites of archaeological interest along the way, such as the Iron Age fort and Roman settlements. If you’re more interested in learning about the history and architecture of Bath, there are many guided walks you can take through the city, dependent on your interests.

Bath is easy to reach from London, with a direct train from London Paddington to Bath Spa, which takes around one hour and 40 minutes.

Click here to book a a day trip from London to Stonehedge and Bath.

You might be interested in: Things to do in Bath

7 days in London: Day Five

Kensington palace.

Kensington palace and gardens

Kensington Palace has historically been a fashionable home for young royals, with Queen Victoria spending most of her childhood at Kensington. This tradition has continued in modern times, as Prince Charles and Princess Diana brought up their young family, William and Harry, at the palace, and it is now home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate) and their children.

The Queen’s State Apartments and the King’s State Apartments are mostly unchanged since their construction in 1690, and the opulent decor is worth the visit. At the palace you will also find a collection of royal ceremonial dress and an exhibition of Princess Diana’s most famous outfits. Kensington Palace is also a fantastic place to enjoy an afternoon tea, surrounded by the stunning formal gardens and giving you that real royal feeling.

Admission: £19.50, included in London Pass

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (closes at 4.00 pm November to January)

Click here to book your tickets to Kensington Palace.

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

The Italian Gardens at Hyde Park

Kensington Gardens was once the grounds of the palace, but is now a Royal Park. The park itself is lovely to walk through and has several points of interest for you to stumble across on your way round. The Albert Memorial (one of many memorials Queen Victoria dedicated to her husband who died in 1861), is one of London’s most ornate memorials. If you want to get up close you can take a tour for £8 (they run daily and there is no need to book).

The Serpentine Galleries were built in 1934 as a tea room, but has been a gallery since 1970 and is free to go inside, with new exhibitions every season. The Italian Garden is a 150-year old water garden featuring four fountains and a number of classical sculptures.

There is also a Princess Diana memorial playground, featuring a large pirate ship. As the “Peoples’ Princess” there are several memorials to Princess Diana in the area, including the Diana Memorial Fountain in neighbouring Hyde Park. For real fans of Diana, there is a seven-mile memorial walk, following 90 plaques set in the ground that take you within sight of famous building where Diana spent her time.

National History, V&A and Science museums

Kensington is awash with world-renowned museums, so once you’ve got your royal palace fix for the day, you can walk through the parks and head over to one, or all, of these tourist favourites.

National History Museum

Natural History museum

Famous for its dinosaur exhibition, including several dinosaur skeletons, the National History Museum tells you everything you need to know about the planet’s and humans’ evolution and all about the diverse life on Earth.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.50 pm

V&A Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum London

The Victoria and Albert Museum, most often known simply as the V&A, is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. It holds everything you can think of from ceramics, textiles, and glass to the world’s largest collection of post-classical sculptures, spanning all times and geographies.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.45 pm

Science Museum

The Science Museum is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions and includes items such as the oldest surviving steam locomotive and the first jet engine. With many interactive exhibits, you’ll know everything there is to know about medical history, space, technology and much more, in no time.

7 days in London: Day Six

St. paul’s cathedral.

St. Paul’s Cathedral sits at the highest part of the City of London and was designed in the 17th century in the English baroque style by one of the most highly acclaimed architects in English history, Sr Christopher Wren. The cathedral was part of major rebuilding work that happened after The Great Fire of London in 1666, with the site of the original church dating back to AD 604.

Once inside, make sure you try out the Whispering Gallery which, due to its architecture, means you can whisper on one side of the large dome and be heard on the other. The other two galleries, the Stone and Golden galleries, offer fantastic views over London. There is also an exhibition on Sir Christopher Wren and the challenges he faced with his unique design.

St. Paul's Cathedral - London in 7 days

Admission: £18 includes a guided tour, included in London Pass

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Click here to book your fast track tickets to St. Pauls Cathedral.

The Tower of London

Founded towards the end of 1066, the Tower of London is primarily known for its history as a prison, although that was never intended to be its main purpose. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage sight and makes a slightly strange sight, this series of ancient buildings nestled in a thoroughly modern area of London.

The Tower has played a very prominent role in English history, acting as a fortress and protecting the City of London. The Yeoman wardens, commonly knowns as “Beefeaters” are one of the most famous symbols of London and Great Britain. You can hear their stories on a one-hour guided tour. Be sure to be mindful of the ravens on your way around, as it is said that if the ravens all leave the Tower then it will fall and Britain with it.

Tower of London - 7 days in London

You can also see the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House. These are still used today in royal ceremonies and are kept under armed guard. In The White Tower you will find the Royal Armouries and in the Bloody Tower, you will see the famous prison.

The Lower Wakefield Tower offers an exhibition on the methods used for torture in the tower, along with some replica instruments. An execution site memorial can be seen at Tower Green, within the grounds, although it was usually only high-profile people who were executed at the Tower of London. You can see where executions were more commonly held at nearby Tower Hill, where an original part of the 3rd century city wall also still stands.

Admission: £26.80, included in London Pass

Click here to book your tickets to the Tower of London.

Tower Bridge

London Bridge - top things to do in London

Tower Bridge is yet another classic London landmark, built between 1886 and 1894. It’s fun to just walk over this bridge and take in the views, however you can also have a look at the Tower Bridge exhibition, making your way across a glass walkway 44 metres above the Thames, as well as access to the bridge’s old engine rooms, complete with original steam engines, used to raise the bridge.

Admission: £9.80, included in London Pass

Click here to book your tickets to the Tower Bridge. 

This 95-story sky scraper stands 309.7 metres high, and at the top there are two viewing platforms; one indoors on the 69th floor, and a second partially outdoors on the 72nd floor. If you just want to enjoy the view you can buy a ticket to go up to the viewing platform, however The Shard is also the perfect place to luxuriate with an afternoon tea and spectacular view, and you have a choice. Aqua, on the 31st floor serves innovative, contemporary British cuisine, including a traditional afternoon tea.

Or if you prefer a little more altitude and a little less tradition, you can opt for Shangri-La’s restaurant Ting on the 35th floor, serving British cuisine with an Asian twist and an afternoon tea with theatrical elegance. Both restaurants have also been known to do quirky, themed afternoon teas for special occasions.

my experience at the Shard London

Admission for The View from the Shard: £30, included in London Pass

Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm Sunday to Wednesday

Click here to book your tickets to The Shard. 

Check my Shard experience here.

The Southbank, Tate Modern and the London Eye

The London Eye dominates the skyline

Walk off your sandwiches and scones with a stroll down the South Bank, which is the best way to soak up some famous London sights. Along the walk you’ll come across the buzzing Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre (a reconstruction near to the site of the original which was demolished in 1644), and the Tate Modern (one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art in the world, housed in an old power station).

Finally you’ll reach the London Eye, so if you haven’t had enough of city aerial views, then jump in one of the pods and marvel at the glory of Westminster from above.

Click here to book your tickets to the London Eye. 

Check my London Eye experience here.

Experience the London Eye

Tate Modern

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (closes at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday)

The London Eye

Admission: £27

Opening hours: dependent on the season, check online for details

7 days in London: Day Seven

The final day can be a day of catching up on anything you might have missed in this vast city, however a trip to Greenwich allows you to cram in more history, culture and great views before you leave. You can even take a Thames Clipper boat trip to Greenwich, giving you a scenic tour of London down the world-famous river.

It takes around 35 minutes from the London Eye Pier and you can pay using your Oyster card. You can buy a Greenwich day explorer ticket which covers all the below attractions, except the planetarium, for £24.25.

Greenwich Royal Observatory and the Planetarium

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich has played a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation. It is here you can stand in the centre of the world, where east meets west, at the Greenwich Meridian.

You can also visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium, which offers range of shows for children and adults, such as experiencing the night sky with expert commentary from an astronomer, or shows which delve into the depths of space.

Royal Observatory

Admission: £15, included in London Pass

Planetarium

Admission: ticket price depends on the show. Information can be found online .

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Cutty Sark - 7 days in London things to do

One of the one remaining ships of her kind in the world, the Cutty Sark is a clipper ship constructed in 1869 and built for speed to challenge the other ships on the tea trade. As well as going on board and learning about the history of the ship and life at sea, you can enjoy an afternoon tea in a very unique setting underneath the ship.

The Cutty Sark afternoon tea offers a very traditional spread of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and clotted cream. It is, however, necessary to pre-book at least 72 hours in advance.

Admission: £13.50, included in London Pass. Afternoon tea £27 per person, includes admission to the ship.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily

Old Royal Naval College

Old Royal Naval College - 7 days in London

While in Greenwich make sure to stop by the Old Royal Naval College, another of architect Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpieces. This impressive waterside building and its surroundings are a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolising English artistic and scientific endeavours in the 17th and 18th centuries.

It’s free to wander around the historic grounds, but you can also take a tour to explore the magnificent painted ceiling. The Neoclassical chapel, featuring notable craftsmanship in the chapel design and decor, is also worth a look.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, historic grounds 8.00 am to 11.00 pm

Greenwich Market

Dating back to 1737, Greenwich market is known for its distinctive arts and crafts. Here, in the quaint cobbled streets, you will find all manner of items that cannot be bought in high street shops, making it the perfect place to buy some souvenirs. There is also a wide range of food stalls to choose from if you want to grab some lunch.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm, daily

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is as beautiful on the outside as it is interesting on the inside, documenting Britain’s strong naval history. The museum is home to a large collection of maritime-related artwork, including many portraits You can also learn about the history of the British navy, including an exhibition on Lord Nelson, often considered one of Britain’s most heroic figures, and his legacy which still has influences today. You can also find out all about the tumultuous history of the East India Company, which shaped trade between Britain and Asia for 250 years.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park - London in 7 days itinerary

When you’re tired from exploring all Greenwich has to offer, take some time to relax in Greenwich Park, which has some truly stunning views across London. The park has a long history, with remains from the Anglo Saxons and Romans having been found.

There are also several beautiful gardens within the park, such as the Queen’s Orchard, a walled garden with several varieties of fruit trees dating back to the 1500s, the Flower Garden, first laid out in the 1890s, and the longest herbaceous border in London, which dates back to 1925. The Pavilion Cafe at the top of the hill near the Royal Observatory is the perfect place to relax with a cup of tea.

Where to stay in London

There are many accommodation options to choose from, from traditional B&B to quirky London hotels and posh apartments. Find here a selection of places I have stayed over the years.

Park Plaza County Hall London

The Park Plaza County Hall is located in a prime position on London’s South Bank, with wonderful views of the London Eye and the River Thames. Guests not only have great on-site facilities such as a fitness centre and restaurant but they are within walking distance of a number of top attractions and transport links. Rooms are spacious and comfortable throughout and staff are especially friendly!

Click here for the latest prices and to book this hotel.

The Ampersand Hotel

uk tour itinerary 7 days

This superb hotel in the Kensington and Chelsea borough of London is chic and cosmopolitan and is ideal for those visiting the museums around South Kensington. Both the rooms and the facilities of the hotel are sophisticated and stylish, with quirky décor and a fantastic restaurant adding to the experience.

Click here for more information and to book your stay. 

Novatel London Canary Wharf

Novotel London Canary Wharf review

The Novatel at Canary Wharf offers everything you expect of a smart chain hotel: contemporary design, comfortable rooms and a 24h front desk for added convenience. This property also boasts a stunning rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city which makes it well worth a visit!

Andaz London Liverpool Street

This five-star property is stunning both inside and out with sleek interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. Andaz is well situated in the hipster area of Shoreditch with loads of cool bars, restaurants and shops nearby. Plus, Liverpool Street Station is right next door so you have easy access to both underground tubes and National Rail links.

The Z Hotel

The Z is a simple but mordern hotel that offers everything you need for a busy stay in London. The rooms are quite compact but perfectly comfortable and an optional hearty breakfast with unlimited coffee is a great way to start the day! Old Street station is close by so you can hop on and off the tube to reach the city’s top spots.

The Chilworth London Paddington

The Chilworth Hotel near London Paddington is perfectly located for exploring the capital with Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and Oxford Street all within 20 minutes. The décor is modern throughout and some rooms feature both a double bed and sofa bed which is great for families or groups of friends looking to save while travelling.

Getting to Central London from the airport

Heathrow airport.

Heathrow is the most centrally located of all the airports and is also the largest. Pay close attention to which terminal your flights arrive and leave from, as travel between the terminals takes time and requires the use of a shuttle.

Heathrow Express train

The Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to get into central London. The train goes directly from terminals 2 & 3 and 5. If travelling to or from terminal 4 you will need to take the free transfer train. These run every 15 minutes and the journey takes about 4 minutes.

The Heathrow Express trains are every 15 minutes, running from the airport to London Paddington. The journey to Paddington takes around 15 minutes. If you are planning to use the Heathrow Express both to and from the airport it is cheapest to get a return ticket, costing £39 when bought before boarding the train.

Tickets can be purchased at the train station, at ticket machines, online or via the app. It is possible to buy tickets onboard the train but these are more expensive. Note that it is not possible to use an Oyster or travel card on the Heathrow Express.

National Rail trains

It is also possible to take the regular National Rail train service to Paddington. While this journey takes longer than the Heathrow Express (around 30-50minutes), tickets are cheaper and you can use an Oyster or travel card. Trains leave every 30 minutes and stop at stations across west London.

Underground train

The Piccadilly line runs directly from central London and is the most cost efficient way to get into the city centre. There are stations at terminals 2 & 3, 4 and 5 and you can use your Oyster or travel card for the journey. The journey takes around 50 minutes.

Gatwick airport

Gatwick Express and National Rail trains

The best way to get into central London from Gatwick airport is by train, with services running four times an hour. You can either take the Gatwick Express or use the National Rail service. The Gatwick Express goes to Victoria and takes around 30 minutes at a cost of £19 one way. However the National Rail service is cheaper and only marginally slower (taking around 35 minutes to Victoria and Clapham Junction). You can also take the National Rail train to London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras, in around 30/45 minutes. Travel cards are not valid on trains to Gatwick airport. You can use Pay As You Go Oyster credit, although it may be cheaper to buy a regular rail ticket instead.

Travelling by coach can be a cheaper alternative to the train, particularly if booked well in advance. National Express run a service from Gatwick to Victoria coach station, which takes between one and a half to two hours depending on the time of day and costs from £10. While easyBus runs a service to West London from as little as £2 one way. The journey takes around an hour.

Luton airport

The easiest way to travel into the city centre from Luton airport is by coach. National Express coaches run 24/7, with up to four departures every hour during the day. There are two different routes: A1 runs to Victoria coach station, while A2 goes to Paddington. Both routes have several stops along the way and tickets cost from £5. The coach journey to central London takes around 50 minutes.

It is also possible to take the train from Luton, however there is a 10 minute shuttle bus service to get to the train station. The train journey itself takes around 40 minutes. Trains run every 10 minutes during peak times, with services to various central stations including St Pancras. It is not possible to use Oyster or travel cards on these services.

Stansted airport

Stansted Express and National Rail trains

The Stansted Express is the fastest way to get into central London from Stansted. The service runs to Liverpool Street and takes about 47 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes. Prices vary and can be found online . It is also possible to use the National Rail services, however you cannot use an Oyster or travel card for these journeys.

National Express coach services run 24 hours a day and stop at 15 different locations in central London. The journey can costfrom as little as £6 one way and takes around 50 minutes.

Taxis from all London airports

A taxi from any of the airports into central London is not particularly recommended unless you really don’t want to use public transport. Taxis are usually expensive (it can cost around £100) and can take longer than public transport due to the heavy traffic in central London. If you have a lot of luggage, it is usually possible to get a luggage transfer from the airport directly to your hotel.

If you do decide to take a taxi from the airport then either take a black cab (metered prices) from the taxi rank outside the airport or book a minicab (fixed prices), either by booking in advance online or by phone, or via the kiosk once you arrive at the airport. More information about getting a taxi safely in London is found below.

Getting around London

Navigate your way around on public transport using TFL’s journey planner. Oyster and travel cards are valid on the underground and buses throughout the city.

The easiest way to get around London is by the underground, known as “the tube”. Thanks to the award-winning map design, navigating the tube is easy, and really opens up your options for visiting every part of the city. Keep a map close to hand or download one of the many tube map apps to make it even simpler.

Another great way to get around and to see the sights is by bus. London buses are iconic and it’s easy to just hop on and off using an Oyster or travel card.

There are two types of taxi in London. The traditional black cab and pre-booked minicabs. Black cabs can be hailed from the street, picked up from taxi ranks or booked in advance. The prices are metered and there is a minimum fare of just below £3. Minicabs, however, are booked in advance and offer a fixed fare for your journey. Remember that only black cabs may be hailed from the street. If you decide to take a minicab (i.e. not a black cab) you must call and book it in advance from a licensed minicab service. Taking a minicab from the street is illegal and unsafe. More information about the safest way to get a taxi can be found on the Visit London webpage .

Where to eat and drink in London

Duck and Waffle

The highest 24-hour restaurant in London offers the most stunning views night and day. Located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, the quirky British cuisine with European influences is designed for sharing and will certainly give you and your dinner companions plenty to talk about. If you’re finding it impossible to choose from the menu, the waiters will happily advice you, just make sure you save room for the signature dish of duck and waffle. This unique dining experience is in demand, so book well in advance and be aware of the more formal dress code.

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Gordon’s Wine Bar in Charing Cross is thought to be the oldest wine bar in London, having been established in 1890. The original decor has been maintained, creating an atmosphere as if time has stood still. Although it can become cramped, that’s just part of its charm, with its cost candle-lit tables in the cellar and historical newspaper cutting and memorabilia on the walls. Along with its award-winning wine list, Gordon’s serves food in real-sized portions, including home-made pies.

Christopher’s Grill and Martini Bar

Located in Covent Garden and perfect for drinks, lunch or dinner. If you want drinks or a lunch head into the American Deco martini bar, billed as a theatrical and atmospheric drinking parlour. Here you can get burgers, wraps, clubs and salads as well as American tapas for sharing. Seating can be booked but walk in places are always available. Alternatively you can make your way to the grill, an American restaurant set in an elegant dining room that blends the contemporary with the classic. At the weekends you can get a superfood brunch, or if you fancy something less healthy opt for the build-your-own pancake menu, with a wide range of toppings available.

La Trompette

Slightly outside of central London, in Chiswick, you will find modern British restaurant La Trompette. The restaurant is known for having some of the best food in London without the associated high prices or formality. The lunch menu is particularly good, but choosing the tasting menu means you’re sure not to miss out on a thing.

Located in fashionable Soho, HIX offers indulgence and comfort in the heart of the West End. HIX specialises in fish and shellfish, although there is also a vegetarian menu. In fact there is a menu for every occasion: a la carte, lunch, brunch or a theatre menu, popular in many of the restaurants in the West End and catering for those going to see shows in the evening. Below the restaurant you will find Mark’s Bar, known as one of the best bars in London, offering classic luxury with its chesterfields and cocktails.

Cinnamon Club

Not trip to London would be complete without going to an Indian restaurant. Indian food has long been an important part of British cuisine, with Anglo-Indian cuisine taking on a life of its own. Cinnamon Club is set in a historic building, which was previously the Westminster library, giving it an air of sophistication before you’ve even set foot in the door. This fine-dining restaurant has redefined modern Indian cuisine in London, using exclusive ingredients in its contemporary menu. Don’t forget to dip into the gin trolly, which includes a specially curated selection of gins sourced from iconic brands and small-batch producers across the UK.

Jackson & Rye

Offering New York food with a hint of Parisian influence, this brasserie, bar and grill is open seven days a week and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anything in between. With several locations, including one in Bank and one in Soho, it’s hard to find an excuse not to go to this relaxed, yet stylish eatery.

Inn the Park

Easy to miss, nestled in amongst the trees in St James’ Park, but worth seeking out, is Inn the Park. Perfect for a breakfast or lunch, you can get some delicious British classics and it’s always hard to choose just one thing from the menu. The calm atmosphere and beautiful surrounding nature makes it the perfect place to relax away from the frenzy of central London.

Social Eating House

Social Eating House positions itself as a place where people can enjoy key elements of the current London dining scene, but in a social and informal setting (while still being endlessly fashionable). The Michelin-star awarded food is designed to be simple and uses locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Hidden above the restaurant is the award-winning cocktail bar The Blind Pig. The bar, as the name suggests, has a speakeasy vibe and mirrored ceiling, while the cocktail list is inspired by children’s literature.

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2 thoughts on “7 day London itinerary for first time visitors”

This is so helpful. I will be travelling to London on my own too, and seeing your blog is a really big help. This made me more excited.

Nice Itinerary. Great to read and useful content.

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Brighter Things

Small Group Tour of Scotland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary 2024

This tour of Scotland is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024.

October 21, Monday Day 1:

Welcome to Edinburgh and the start of your Small Group Tour of Scotland! I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. Your room will be ready when you get there if you wanna take a nap or freshen up. The rest of the day is all yours.

Meet in the hotel lobby to walk over to The Devil’s Advocate for our Welcome Dinner! Dinner and a drink are on me!

October 22, Tuesday Day 2:

After breakfast (which is included all week), we’ll be heading to the Royal Mile.

Starting at the top, we’ll spend our morning at Edinburgh Castle . Everyone will get an audio guide and I will set you all free to tour at your own speed. We’ll meet back up for Afternoon Tea (included) in the castle restaurant.

Heading down the hill to the bottom of the Royal Mile, next up is Holyrood House Palace. Everyone will have an audio guide again to take in the Palace at their own speed.

The rest of the day is free for your own plans. Personalized suggestions can be made for what to do with your time.

October 23, Wednesday Day 3:

An optional early morning hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat for sunrise is available for anyone interested. We’ll meet up in the lobby later to head out for sightseeing and an Instagram-worthy photo tour of Edinburgh.

Lunch is at your own expense but I can make several suggestions. The evening will be at your leisure.

Add on Excursion: Consider adding on an exceptional evening at The Scotch Whisky Experience. We’ll be heading over to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a whisky pairing dinner after taking their tour of how whisky is made. This will be a very fun night!

October 24, Thursday Day 4:

We’ll be heading out early for a full day on a private tour with Rabbie’s (my favorite tour company…ever).

From their website:

“You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle.

This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore.

If you keep a lookout, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed.

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.

Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans.

You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland.

You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.

Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 25, Friday Day 5:

Another fabulous day out on a private tour with Rabbie’s…this time we will focus on Outlander filming locations. Rest assured though, if you aren’t an Outlander fan…you’re still going to LOVE this tour. I’ve never seen an episode of the show but I’ve been on this tour three times and its incredible!!

“You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. First, we travel to the place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie’s lovely home Lallybroch.

We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive fortress that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall.

The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, otherwise known as Wentworth Prison.

Unfortunately, the palace is undergoing some refurbishment and you can’t explore the interior. But you’re still able to admire the structure and enjoy the surrounding settings.

Heading north, we journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building represents home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes.

Travel back in time once more as your driver guide takes you to Culross. This virtually unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir.

From there, we head back to Edinburgh, where we arrive in the late afternoon.”

Lunch will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

After our day trip, we’ll go to the Old Chain Pier Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner, where we can exchange stories and pictures from our epic stay in Edinburgh! Dinner and a drink are included with my gratitude to you for letting me show you one of my favorite cities in the world.

October 26, Saturday Day 6:

This morning, we’ll be packing up and heading out of Edinburgh. We’ll be making our way to Waverley Station to start our journey north. We’ll then settle in on the train for a four hour long journey watching the gorgeous countryside go by as we head into the Highlands.

Upon arrival, we’ll drop our luggage off at the hotel and I’ll take you on a walking tour of Inverness before giving you the rest of the evening with plenty of recommendations for dinner and things to do.

October 27, Sunday Day 7:

Today, we’ll be going over the sea to Skye (sorry I couldn’t help myself with another epic tour with Rabbies.)

“After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line toward Loch Ness. You’ll continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle.

The moment you’ve been waiting for, because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

You’ll explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish

Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for a chance to view the dramatic ruin of Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban. Traveling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

This will be a long but PHENOMENAL day. Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 28, Monday Day 8:

Sadly, we will all go our separate ways today (unless you’re coming with me to Ireland ! ) but I can point you in the right direction if you’re going to the airport or back to the train station to go back to Edinburgh and beyond.

Slàinte Mhath (cheers) and safe travels as you head home! Until we meet again!

Included in your small group tour of Scotland

  • Airport transfers
  • Seven nights in a Premier Inn
  • 7 hot breakfasts at the hotel
  • 1 entree, a side, and one alcoholic beverage or dessert
  • Sharing platters for the table at both restaurants
  • 1 afternoon tea
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Holyroodhouse Palace
  • Any entry tickets needed on day trips
  • Loch Ness and Glencoe
  • Outlander Filming Locations
  • Isle of Skye
  • Walking photo tour of Edinburgh
  • Walking tour of Inverness
  • Hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for Sunrise
  • Cab back to the hotel after Farewell dinner
  • One guide who is a text away if you need her (that’s me!)
  • Brighter Things Amenity Kit mailed to you before the trip to make your flight more comfortable
  • For example: flying internationally if this is your first time.
  • A swag bag waiting for you in your hotel room full of fun stuff.

NOT Included in your small group tour of Scotland:

  • Public transportation or cabs used during free time Meals not included:
  • Any meal not listed above
  • Meals and snacks during day trips
  • Meals and snacks purchased at M&S for the train ride
  • Entry tickets to places suggested for free time
  • Train ticket back to Edinburgh if you choose round trip flights instead of multi-city.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

This tour of Scotland is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies. *Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024. October 21, Monday Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh and the start of your Small Group Tour of Scotland! I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel....

Deals of the Week   Women’s Day   Up to 50% OFF

Christmas Markets of the Rhine - Breisach

  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided
  • Ocean Cruise
  • Sightseeing

Places You’ll See

Amsterdam

  • Introduction
  • Day 1 Amsterdam
  • Day 2 Amsterdam
  • Day 3 Cologne
  • Day 4 Koblenz
  • Day 5 Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg
  • Day 6 Kehl – Strasbourg
  • Day 7 Breisach
  • Day 8 Basel – Zurich Airport

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Emerald cruises ship.

Emerald Sky

Reviews About This Operator

  • Tour Operator Emerald Cruises 4.4
  • Louis · 11th August 2023 The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so... Show more
  • Mark · 25th April 2023 It was not excellent but good…entertainment lacked they had a girl singing that was one of the bartenders and some... Show more
  • nancy · 17th October 2022 Food, service, programs above and beyond. Wonderful team!

Dates & Availability

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Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

  • Upcoming departures
  • November 2024
  • December 2024
  • Flight deal Saturday 30 Nov, 2024 Saturday 7 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Emerald Sun €8,928 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
  • Flight deal Saturday 7 Dec, 2024 Saturday 14 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Emerald Destiny €8,283 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
  • Flight deal Tuesday 10 Dec, 2024 Tuesday 17 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Emerald Sky €6,532 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
  • Saturday 14 Dec, 2024 Saturday 21 Dec, 2024 English Emerald Sun €6,532 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

  • Currencies € Euro France, Germany and Netherlands Fr. Swiss Franc Switzerland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, J.

  • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
  • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany and Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
  • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • For any tour departing before 7th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 7th June 2024, a minimum payment of €500 is required to confirm your booking with Emerald Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
  • The following cards are accepted for "Emerald Cruises" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
  • Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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