3 day scotland tour from london

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3 Day Scotland Tour from London

Our 3 day Scotland tour from London takes you to the best of the region including Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness. Highlights of the trip include seeing the dramatic countryside in the Northern region of Scotland, exploring the city of Edinburgh, visiting Edinburgh Castle, admiring Loch Ness, and more. It includes 2 nights accommodation with breakfast and return train ticket. The tour is available every day, starting and ending in Central London.

To view a full itinerary for this tour, please click here

tour highlights & itinerary

• 06:15: Make your own way to King’s Cross Station, meet our tour representative before boarding your train. (You will travel to Edinburgh unescorted)
• 07:00: Depart King’s Cross on a high-speed train with reserved standard class seating.  Choose to upgrade to First Class, which includes breakfast, refreshments and seats with extra legroom
•  Enjoy a  Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh with a live guide passing iconic sights such as Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyrood House, Carlton Hill, and the Royal Mile
• Visit Edinburgh Castle with entry tickets included in the tour
• Check-in to your hotel in the early afternoon
• Free time in the afternoon to explore the city. You can hop on and off the bus as many times as you wish
• Overnight in Edinburgh
• Breakfast in hotel
• Join our Loch Ness & Highlands Tour into the rugged landscapes of the north
• Depart Edinburgh and head into the dramatic Scottish highland countryside, passing mountains and valleys and seeing the local wildlife
• Stop to see the dramatic views at Rannoch Moor
• Enjoy a boat cruise along Loch Ness and look out for the monster!
• A free local picnic lunch is included by the loch
• See the site of Glencoe, where a legendary battle once took place
• Return and overnight in Edinburgh
• Begin the day with a free morning to explore the city
• Popular choices include visiting the National Museum of Scotland (entry is free) entering the Palace of Holyrood House, which is King Charles III official residence in Scotland (entry not included)
• 2:30 pm: Depart Edinburgh by train, arriving in London at 6.50pm

Please note that timings are subject to change

To view the full itinerary for this tour click here

• The tour includes Standard Class rail tickets to and from London
• 2 nights accommodation in a centrally located 3 star hotel including  breakfast
• Hop-On-Hop-Off bus
• Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle
• Day tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands including a picnic lunch
• Optional upgrade to First Class rail tickets including breakfast & dinner
• At the end of your 3-day Scotland tour you will return to London.
• It’s also possible to extend your stay in Edinburgh, and you can contact us for further information

accommodation:

• Accommodation is included in a 3* hotel, in a twin or double room. Single travelers pay a single occupancy rate. Breakfast is included

Further Details:

• Once booked, this tour is non-refundable or ammendable
• The tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5
• The tour is self-guided on day 1 & 3. On day 2you will have a fully guided tour
• The hop on hop off  bus is valid for day 1. You can hop on and off as much as you like during this time period. A city map is included

Tour Booking

Loch ness & highlands trip.

Our Loch Ness & Highlands trip is a great addition to your 3 Day Scotland tour from London. You’ll leave Edinburgh and head into an area of rugged and wild Scottish countryside known as The Highlands. Take in the spectacular scenery and wildlife as we head towards Loch Ness. We’ll stop at iconic locations including Glencoe . This dramatic site has been used as a filming location in Harry Potter and James Bond films. Loch Ness is one of the most famous places to visit in Scotland and home to the legends of Nessie the Loch Ness monster. Enjoy a boat cruise along the cruise where you can take in this spectacular landscape, followed by a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is where you will find the Scottish parliament. Our 3 Day Scotland Tour gives you the flexibility to explore as much of Edinburgh as you want. The formal side of the package includes a panoramic sightseeing tour of the capital where you will get an overview of the city. You will also have free time to explore the city on day 3, and the whole of day 2 if you decide not to join the Loch Ness & Highlands trip.

Edinburgh is a very beautiful city with impressive architecture and a vibrant nightlife. Highlights include the Royal Mile which is the main street in the Old Town and nearby Grassmarket, the historic marketplace. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most visited attractions which dominates the skyline. It is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland) and the Coronation Stone.

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3 Day Scotland Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 3 day Scotland tour with TourRadar. Choose from 37 trips with 2,587 customer reviews, that range from one day up to 3 days.

37 Scotland 3 day tour packages with 2,587 reviews

• Coach / Bus

3 Day Isle of Skye

This tour was absolutely brilliant! Branka, the guide, was the best. She made everything we wanted come true, even the silliest request to ''find the end of the rainbow'', but Branka somehow managed it. Her stories about the history, legends and sights of Scotland were captivating. On the last day, due to high winds, we couldn't leave the Isle of Skye in the morning. Branka went out of her way to make the trip unforgettable and stopped to show us more of the Isle of Skye and somehow managed to find some Highland Coo (which we all really wanted to see). The hostel we stayed in was booked for this trip and was so comfortable, clean and warm. I would 100% do this trip again to spend more time with Branka, she really is magical!

• In-depth Cultural

Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour

Very comprehensive tour and fascinating history with stories to match!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Loch Ness & Isle of Skye (B&B)

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Excellent- lovely place with a fascinating history, accommodation was good and welcoming, tour guide very helpful

• Christmas & New Year

Scotland Whisky Trail - 3 days

3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Great tour, Liam was great and the other people who were on the bus were lovely and we all got along great.

3 Day Loch Ness & Skye

Had an absolute blast and would totally recommend! The guide, Tim, was brilliant. He was super knowledgeable, funny and very friendly. He did a great job of tailoring the tour to what the group was interested in, and we all had a blast. He also took us to many lesser known spots which I would have certainly missed if I did it on my own. The group was a little smaller (6 people) than I would've expected or hoped, but it was still nice. Accommodation was superb. The first night at the hostel on the shores of Loch Ness was really lovely and the staff were great. The second was a house all to ourselves, which was very fun. I'd totally recommend this tour!

Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow

We had a wonderful time. The schedule and pace of the trip was perfect and David Ross is a absolute legend! He is so knowledgeable and kind. The trip was enjoyable for beginning to end. Thank you!

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands

Perfect organization, our guide was excellent and entertaining; would do the tour again immediately, you get a n good overview

Orkney & The Far North 3 Day Tour

I had booked a small group tour on purpose so I was extremely disappointed when an old bus with people already on it showed up. I was on a scouting trip for the university I work for to find good vendors to use when I take 10 students around Scotland to learn history and culture summer 2020. I will avoid Tourradar, because you didn't keep you word on what was advertised and I will avoid Highland Experience. Large busses have a hard time parking and it takes so long for everyone to get on and off. This particular bus was very old with a broken drivers window, horribly loud grinding motor, no wifi, music system archaic. The driver, Daniel, was fantastic. He managed the giant old bus beast very well, and he always was there to make sure I was ok. I felt very safe and grateful for his sense of duty. I was traveling alone, so knowing that my driver wouldn't leave without me and checked on my often was a great comfort. I hope this message gets to his managers.

Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye

Our tour guide, Louise, was absolutely fabulous! She was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. She was definitely 5-star! The tour was very nice. We saw a lot, enjoyed good food and accommodations. Wonderful 3 day tour.

I enjoyed the tour however a long time was spent sitting on a bus. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great on the first day but no-one can predict that.The itinerary was very full .The tour guide Teigan was great fun and very knowledgeable. I did sometimes get a little confused whether the information she gave was legend or true. All in all a fun tour.

2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)

Insane!!! Seeing so much in two days is really special. Jamie, our guide, entertained us with wonderful stories.

Balmoral & Historic Castles Private Tour from Aberdeen (Distillery Option)

Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh

We had an amazing trip with Graham and John. Even the rain could not hide the beauty of the Highlands and isle of Sky. Graham, our guide, was an excellent historian, and told us stories the whole way. He also read beautiful Scottish poetry and sang us songs. John was our confident driver and managed our tour bus smoothly and with ease on single lane roads, on cliffs and in bad weather.

What people love about 3 Day Scotland Tours

Branka was an amazing tour guide! Her love for the Isle of Skye and the Highlands really came through. Her energy and humor made for a wonderful tour. We got to spend a lot of time off the bus hiking and exploring (much more so than the people on other tour companies' buses). The scenery and hikes were gorgeous, and the folklore Branka shared added to the atmosphere. Definitely recommend this tour!

Excellent, knowledgeable driver who looked after us really well. We enjoyed his commentary and music and appreciated the effort he put into making the trip so lovely. The very full itinerary took us wonderful places and historic sites and stopped at just the right moment at a visitor centre or equivalent for a leg stretch, a walk or an easy lunch. All round we thought the experience was wonderful.

Excellent tour and fantastic guide James. Had quite a bit of fun and the relaxed atmosphere provided a chance for the tour group to get to know one another. Will definately book a Rabbie's tour again!!

Regions in Scotland

• Northern Scotland (9)
• Isle Of Skye (8)
• Scottish Highlands (6)

Other Regions in Scotland

• Northern Scotland 7 day Tours (18)
• Northern Scotland 10 day Tours (14)
• Scottish Highlands 7 day Tours (13)
• Scottish Highlands 10 day Tours (9)
• Northern Scotland 3 day Tours (9)
• Isle Of Skye 3 day Tours (8)
• Isle Of Skye 7 day Tours (7)
• Scottish Highlands 3 day Tours (6)
• Argyll 7 day Tours (5)
• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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3-day short break by rail to Edinburgh + Scotland

2 nights in edinburgh hotel, edinburgh sightseeing and guided day trip to scottish highlands.

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Three days in Scotland will give you plenty of time to see Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, home to Loch Ness and Glencoe. On your first day arriving in Edinburgh you will experience Edinburgh from the  hop-on-hop-off bus , covering all the major Edinburgh landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, plus your chance to  visit Edinburgh Castle  (entrance included).

This tour runs 6 days a week (choose your starting day from Monday to Saturday). Your middle day in Scotland is your day to journey into the  Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness  with a full guided tour.

On the last day you again have a  full day in Edinburgh to explore in your own free time , before departing on an evening train.

Accommodation is by carefully selected,  centrally located 3-star hotel , with breakfast included, or Bed and Breakfast. Standard facilities including private shower, toilet, television and tea/coffee making facilities are available.

Tour highlights   Tour details   Day 1 itinerary   Day 2 itinerary   Day 3 itinerary   Hotel accommodation   Prices & reservations  

3-DAY SCOTLAND BREAK WITH 3* HOTEL

3-Day Scotland excursion from London by high speed train

• Travel by high speed train • 2 nights 3* hotel in Edinburgh city centre with breakfast • Day Tour to Loch Ness & the Highlands • Hop-off, hop-on sightseeing bus tour Edinburgh • Entry to Edinburgh Castle

Midweek 3-day tour by rail to Scotland highlights

Round-trip train tickets to Edinburgh with reserved seats

Stay two nights in a centrally located 3-star Edinburgh hotel, with breakfast

Hop-on hop-off Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh

Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle

A free Edinburgh city map and information booklet

Day Tour to Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands

• Cheaper rates for off-season tickets

3-day Scotland from London details

Tour runs 6 days a week: every Monday - Saturday.

6.30am  - check in at London Kings Cross Railway Station, 7am  - departure

11.22am - arrival in Edinburgh.

5.30pm - train leaves from Waverley Station

10.15pm - arrival back at London Kings Cross Railway Station.

Day 1: Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Castle

It's a very early morning start to the tour from London Kings Cross Station. This enables a late morning arrival in Edinburgh with full days sightseeing ahead.

The train journey to Edinburgh takes approximately 4 1/2 hours. On arrival, you will make your own way to your central Edinburgh hotel and start exploring this exciting city.

You have included a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour to make the most of your time in Edinburgh. There are frequent departures every twenty to thirty minutes so you will not have to wait for too long.

You can choose to visit Edinburgh Castle on this day; a 1,100-year-old fortress built on Castle Rock, a long-extinct volcano. Explore the long, bloody history of the castle, from its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.

Alternatively, you can save the tickets for your final day.

Day 2: Day trip to the Highlands of Scotland and Loch Ness

An amazing trip to Loch Ness and the chance to go Monster hunting! Heading north from Edinburgh you will pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle, skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and onto dramatic Glencoe.

Your tour takes you past Fort William and Britain’s highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness. You will have between 90-120 minutes at Fort Augustus.

You have the option to take a boat trip on Loch Ness, explore or simply relax in a pretty Highland village. Lunch is a locally produced picnic lunch.

Return journey passes through ‘Monarch of the Glen’ country, south to Perthshire and the historic town of Dunkeld. Finally on your entry into Edinburgh you will get a spectacular view of the Forth Bridges, before arriving back in the Capital around 8pm.

Day 3: Edinburgh free time

This is your day to have to yourself a full free day in Edinburgh to visit one of the many amazing attractions on offer. You could take a walk down the Royal Mile, or a trip to the Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Or you might choose one of the many museums and galleries in Edinburgh to visit.

If you wish you could take a walk through Holyrood Park, then climb over Salisbury Crags and onto Arthur's Seat, with breathtaking views over the city of Edinburgh.

If you did not visit Edinburgh Castle on your first day, this would be your last chance to visit before departure for your train back to London very late afternoon.

Your hotel accommodation - 3-star hotel or bed and breakfast

Accommodation is by carefully selected, centrally located 3-star hotel, with breakfast included, or Bed and Breakfast.

Standard facilities including private shower, toilet, television and tea/coffee making facilities are available.

Prices & tour reservations

Prices displayed on the banner link are the current prices for this tour. Sometimes on special occasions there may be slight changes to the tour, dates or price so do check on the booking page linked below. Extra dates are often put on around long holiday weekends, notably Easter and New Year.

Prices vary depending on departure date reflecting the seasonal accommodation rates in Edinburgh.

You will be emailed a confirmation with a booking reference after reservation. The booking reference and the name of the person ordering is all that you need to quote when joining the tour, there are no paper tickets.

On the tour detail page from the link below, there is a date drop-down at the top right of the page, which depicts which dates still have availability. By selecting your required date you start the reservation process. Once we list a date for operation it is guaranteed to run, there are no minimum numbers.

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

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Tours of Scotland from London

Escape the city of london for scotland.

Scotland tours from London can offer something for everybody, because when you swap skyscrapers for mountains, you feel on-top-of-the-world. When you replace pavements with forest trails, you feel you’re going somewhere. And when you trade crowds for eagles, whales, and deer, you feel a little wilder. With our Scotland tour departure points conveniently located near train stations, the journey from London couldn't be simpler.

Planning Your Scottish Tour from London

Travelling between Scotland and London requires planning time. Luckily we have done the work for you to make your venture as seamless as possible. With the help of the national railway stations across the country, you can stop to explore the Lake District or the Scottish Borders with ease. Break up your journey visiting landmarks and beautiful scenery across the UK with Rabbie’s.

Travel Responsibly from London

Scotland’s vibrant culture, history and breathtaking locations are something we want to try and help preserve for generations to come. We’re able to support this through our responsible travel initiative . By volunteering, donating and travelling by small mini-coaches , we can help to reduce our impact on the environment we love. Experience the work we do in person when you book a Scotland tour from London.

• £499.00 Adult from
• £489.00 Child (3-15 years) from

3 Day London to Edinburgh by Train and Scottish Highlands Coach Tour

Travel from London’s  Kings Cross Train Station on a high speed train to Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. A fully guided coach tour takes you to the 900 year old Holyrood Palace to learn of the misfortune of Mary Queen of Scots.

See famous sites including Greyfriars Bobby, National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle where the Crown jewels of Scotland that are safely stored.

Take our optional ghost and ghouls evening tour to the haunted Blair Street Underground vaults or opt for our whisky tasting tour of Glenkinchie whisky distillery.

Visit the beautiful Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness where the most sightings of the Loch Ness Monster have been made and you can also enjoy a full free day in Edinburgh to explore many more attractions.

This tour departs London on Friday mornings.

Accommodation

2 Breakfasts

Luxury air conditioned coach with WiFi*

Tour Highlights

• Return London-Edinburgh high speed train with reserved seating
• Expert, friendly guides
• City Centre 2* Guest House accommodation included
• Upgrades available to 3* Guest House and Hotels
• Fantastic optional extras including Loch Ness, Whisky Tasting and Ghost Tours
• Fully escorted 3 day tour

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - edinburgh, holyrood palace and edinburgh castle.

Join your tour manager at London Kings Cross Train Station for a beautiful, scenic journey from London to Edinburgh by high speed train. With onboard WiFi (charges apply) and a fully stocked shop, you can enjoy breakfast in England and lunch in Scotland.

On arrival in Edinburgh the day begins with a two hour fully guided coach tour.  Discover the adventure and misfortune of Scotland’s tragic queen, Mary Queen of Scots, as we start our tour at Holyrood Palace.  This 900 year old Palace was built on the orders of King David after an encounter with a mythical white Stag, and remains today as the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland.

After a brief stop at the Palace it’s on to one of Edinburgh’s highest points in Holyrood Park before continuing our tour of the ‘Old Town’. The tour will include some of the cities most famous landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Grassmarket, Greyfriars Bobby and the Elephant House coffee house where J.K.Rowling first penned Harry Potter.

We depart the Old Town and continue towards the Georgian New Town, home to some of the world’s most famous writers, scholars and inventors.  The Scots have long been at the forefront of innovation and discovery from Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin to John Logie Baird’s invention of television; James Simpson and chloroform to Alexander Bell and the telephone.  Where would we be today without Scottish scientists and inventors?  In the fictional world many characters would not exist were it not for authors born and raised in Edinburgh’s New town including Harry Potter, Long John Silver, Jekyll & Hyde, Peter Pan and Sherlock Holmes.

After a guided drive through the elegant 18th century squares and terraces of the New Town we transfer you to your nearby accommodation, a chance to have a late lunch and visit some of the attractions or sites your guide will have talked about on the tour.  Your tour manager will remain available to provide local information, help and advice.

Optional Ghosts and Ghouls evening tour – 20.00pm

A spine tingling evening with ghoulish tales of torture and witchcraft as you learn of Edinburgh’s ghostly past!  The guided tour takes place in medieval closes and the haunted Blair Street Underground vaults. Included in the tour is a shot of Dewar’s super Scotch Whisky to keep you warm on this chilling tour!!

Rest of the evening free to enjoy Edinburgh’s atmospheric old inns to sample some local ales and whisky, joined by the tour guide.  A great opportunity for you to get to know some other fellow group members on the tour.

Day 2 - Loch Ness and Inverness

Enjoy a full free day in Edinburgh to visit one of the many amazing attractions on offer.  Time to explore the Royal Mile, visit the Castle, enter Holyrood Palace or one of the many free museums and galleries in the city.

Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Upgrade – £59.  Prepare to see some amazing scenery on this fully guided day trip, with entry included to the stunning Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. Leave city life behind as you head into a land of mountains, lakes (lochs), beauty, mystery and legend!

Depart Edinburgh and travel along the Forth Valley towards Stirling, passing the famous battle site of Bannockburn (1314) and into William Wallace (Braveheart) country.  See Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument, where the mighty hero defeated the English forces of King Edward I at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

Entering the Trossachs National Park we make our official entrance into the Highlands and the land of the outlaw Rob Roy.  After crossing The Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s most sparsely populated areas, we come across the ‘weeping’ Glen Coe.  Brace yourselves for the treacherous tale of Highland rivalries, as the MacDonald clan were betrayed and brutally slaughtered by their bitter enemies, the Campbells.

After a stop for lunch with Scottish specialities Haggis or even Highland Whisky, we enter the Great Glen and follow the Caledonian Canal in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.  The Great Glen is one of the most picturesque parts of the British Isles, filled with perfectly reflecting waters of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and the most famous of all, Loch Ness.  We drive along the entire 23 miles (37km) of Loch Ness as your guide tells you tales of sightings and encounters of this elusive beast.

We stop at the widest point of Loch Ness for an hour to explore Urquhart Castle with entry included.  A castle of history and mystery, and the place where the highest numbers of sightings of the Loch Ness Monster have been made.  From here you will have the option of taking a boat cruise on the Loch (entry extra, payable on the day), you will never get a better chance to Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster!

After the Castle we continue to our northernmost point at Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, before turning south past the site of the Battle of Culloden and journey through the Cairngorms and our return to Edinburgh.

Please note: because of the long distances this particular excursion entails (well over 500km a day), which may not make the best suited day tour for infants younger than 3 years of age.

Day 3 - Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle

Join your tour manager for a morning walk up Calton Hill for views of the City of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.  From here you can see the 171 metre tower in honour of the great Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and his victories over Napoleon Bonaparte.  Next to the tower is the National Monument of Scotland which commemorates Scottish soldiers and sailors who died during the Napoleonic wars.  From here it is clear to see why many refer to Edinburgh as ‘the Athens of the North.’

From Calton Hill the tour manager will accompany you to Edinburgh Castle (entry extra), an impenetrable fortress which has stood overlooking the city for over 1000 years.  Learn about the Scottish Monarchy, Scottish heroes such as William Wallace or Robert the Bruce and see the Crown jewels of Scotland.

Whisky Tasting upgrade – £22 – ( only adults over 18s).  A transfer and tour of Glenkinchie whisky distillery, the closest to Edinburgh.  After experiencing the detailed and highly skilled process of making a bottle of ‘Scotch’ you will have the chance to sample some of the whiskies made here.  If you select this day trip you will be dropped back in Edinburgh after the tour in time for the coach departure transfer to the train station.

Our departure transfer coach will collect you from the accommodation at 13:30pm for the transfer to Edinburgh Waverley station, train departing at 14:51pm for the return journey to London Kings Cross. Arrival time in London Kings Cross is shortly after 20:30pm.

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Important Information

• Loch Ness & Highlands Daytrip/ Whisky Tour / Ghost and Ghouls Evening Tour are available as an extra upgrade.

Departure details

On day 1 the train departs London Kings Cross Train Station 07:00am arriving Edinburgh Waverley 11:19pm.

On day 3 depart Edinburgh Waverley 15:00pm-16:00pm, arriving London Kings Cross between 19:45pm-20:45pm.

We also offer return transfers to join this tour from/to the following locations:

• Cambridge Parkside (outside Police Station) 4.15am
• Ramsgate Train Station 04.00am
• Canterbury East/West Train Station 04.25am

Meet your tour manager at London Kings Cross Train Station on day 1 before departing to Scotland.

The typical group size on our 3 day weekend breaks to Edinburgh is 30-45 people.

You will travel by air-conditioned train in what will be an excellent, shared experience with one of our professional tour managers.

This tour normally ends by 20.30pm in London. If you are travelling on wards to Cambridge, Ramsgate or Canterbury, the final arrival time will vary, as the transfer service that we provide links in with our other tours.  The transfer service will be by private transport or rail.

Option to make your own travel arrangements to Edinburgh – Save £30 per person.

If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to Edinburgh but still join this tour, we offer a £30 per adult or child reduction. If you would like to take up this option, please enter notravel in the promotion code box, after you have entered your name(s).

No passport or visa required – You do not need a passport or visa to travel to Scotland from England.

City Centre Accommodation Options

Caravel Guest House

The basic price includes 3-5 bedded en-suite accommodation but you can select an upgrade to single, twin or double. If you do not select a upgrade you will automatically be placed in a room with customers of the same gender in Caravel Guest House. These rooms are exceptionally good value for money with short walking distance to the city centre, especially for single travellers who do not want to pay for single room upgrades, and a great way to meet your fellow travellers.

3 Star Upgrade

This is a traditional family run guest house, which offers fantastic service and a great location.

All rooms have private bathrooms are decorated to a high standard.

This guest house has a lounge and free wifi.

During peak season (Bank holidays, July and August), other accommodation of equivalent standard may also used, including university halls and quality hostels.

4 or 5 star accommodation options available on request, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide you with a price.

FAQ’s

What meals are included.

Breakfast is included on all overnight tours.  Lunches are not included, unless otherwise stated.  Evening meals are included when stated on the tour itinerary.  On tours of seven days or more, generally fifty percent of dinners are included.  Please check the itinerary page for exact details.

Where does the trip depart from?

Each UK trip will have a dedicated pick up point in central London.  Shorter duration trips will normally depart from Victoria Coach Station, with longer duration trips leaving from the London Reception Centre, near to Waterloo train station.  Departure points will be confirmed before booking a tour.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Pick up from hotels is not possible.  You will need to make your own way to the departure point.  However some tours do have a designated hotel departure, which you can stay in prior to the trip.  Please ask at time of booking for departure points and we can direct you to local hotels.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included where specified on the itinerary.

Can I pay in dollars?

All tours are quoted and charged in pounds sterling, but you can pay using your local card and currency.  We will debit the card in pounds sterling and your bank will use their exchange rate at that time to deduct the amount in your local currency.

What time does the trip leave and return?

Departure times will vary depending on the itinerary.  European tours departing from London will usually leave between 05.00am and 07.00am.  Multi day UK tours will leave between 06.00am and 07:30am.  Day trips will depart between 07.00am and 09.00am.  European and worldwide tours that start in an overseas city will have a welcome reception on day one of the tour which is usually around 18.00pm.

Return times vary depending on the itinerary.  All the full day coach tours should be finished by no later than 19.00pm, traffic permitting.  The train tours return between 20.00pm and 22.00pm.  Longer duration trips will return between 16.00pm and 19.00pm.  All times will be confirmed at time of booking.

Is this a definite/guaranteed departure?

A definite departure is guaranteed to operate for that given departure date.  A trip that is not yet designated a definite departure is not yet guaranteed to operate based on current booking numbers.  If a trip and departure date you are interested in is not yet definite, do not let this discourage you from booking.  The more paid passengers received, the odds of the trip operating increase.  In the slim case that the operator withdraw a trip you are booked on due to a lack of numbers, you are entitled to a full refund of any funds already paid towards the tour, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure.

Who travels on these tours, who else is booked?

Whilst we can not confirm exactly who else is booked on a tour, we can guarantee you will be travelling with fellow liked minded travelers who share a passion for travel, fun, adventure and discovery.  All tours will be run by English speaking guides and age ranges will vary.  The beauty of taking a guided holiday is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

Are transfers included from the airport?

In general, if you are joining or departing your guided holiday on the first or last day, return transfers between the airport and hotel are included (excludes itineraries starting and/or ending in London).  You’ll find specific information on the itinerary’s page.

What optional excursions can I do and can I book them now?

Optional experiences are available on some tours.  These are activities that are not automatically included, but offered during your trip to enhance your travel experience.  These are all bookable whilst on the tour via your tour guide/travel director.  These are payable by cash or card.

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Our Most Popular Essentials

Out of london attractions, london attractions, sports tickets, music concerts, christmas tours, new years eve.

There are so many and we cater for everyone so it may be a case of a leisurely Out of London trip to Stonehenge or you may want the buzz and excitement of a theatre tour of London – all the glitz and glamour is there. Out of London, we offer all sorts of adventures: Roman Baths , Shakespeare country, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton – you name it. Same with London – we don’t just do the round London tours – we can take you to Kew Gardens or we can take you on an expedition on the roof of the O2 Dome to the platform at the top offering spectacular views.

So we offer Out of London, Around London, Theatre and Hotels and then there are the spectacular Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day tours – what a way to celebrate the fun season.

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Edinburgh and Scottish Highlands from London: 3 Days, By Train, Accommodation

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

3 Days / 2 Nights

• Meeting Point Make your way to the information booth inside Kings Cross Station. You can spot our representative by their red clipboard. So there’s no last-minute rush please arrive at the start point 15 mins early. 

Same as the start point

• Explore the city of Edinburgh and the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands
• Enjoy comfortable train journey to the Scottish capital from London
• Discover Edinburgh on your own wit a hop-on, hop-off ticket and admission to Edinburgh Castle
• Stay two nights in a centrally located 3-star hotel, bed and breakfast
• Enjoy a day tour to Loch Ness and the Highlands
• You will be given a map and information pack to help you find your way around
• Both printed and smartphone voucher accepted

See the best of Scotland on this tour. Enjoy a city tour of Edinburgh and see some of the main attractions such as the Old Town quarter and the Scott Monument. Visit the beautiful Edinburgh Castle and don’t miss the dazzling Scottish Crown Jewels.

Discover the vast wilderness full of valleys and glen rich in history when you drive through the spectacularly beautiful Scottish Highlands. 

About the Supplier: Evan Evans is the longest established sightseeing company with over 86 years' of service. Established in 1933, the company is known for its impeccable service and hospitality. They deliver memorable guided tours in and around London and have a fleet of ultra-modern, Mercedes-Benz coaches, complete with free Wi-Fi, USB chargers and full air conditioning on-board.

Your tour starts at Kings Cross Rail Station at 6:30am. A representative will meet you outside the main ticket office and you will be given an information pack with all you will need for your tour including a round trip train ticket (with reserved seats), an entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle, a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, details of your overnight accommodation and itinerary.

You will arrive at Edinburgh at approximately 11:30am and close to the railway station. You can leave your bags in hotel, board an open top bus for a city tour. The hop-on hop-off ticket gives you the freedom to leave and re-join the bus as often as you like. Frequent departures throughout the day mean you can plan your day the way you choose.

The hop-on, hop-off bus tour includes, the Old Town, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, the Scott Monument, the Palace of Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament Building.

Your tour includes an entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle to see the Royal apartments. The dazzling Scottish Crown Jewels are also on display in this Castle, which lies on top of an extinct volcano and affords spectacular views across the City and beyond.

Your evening will be spent at leisure. You will be accommodated in a 3* hotel in the centre of Edinburgh which will be close to the cities bars, restaurants and evening entertainment.

The next morning, after breakfast, you can spend a day at leisure in Edinburgh.

At the end of the tour you will return to London. You will reach Kings Cross Railway Station, where the tour ends, at around 10:30pm.

• Highlands Tour
• Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
• Edinburgh hop-on, hop-off tour
• Edinburgh city map and information guide
• Round trip train tickets with reserved seats
• 2 nights accommodation in a 3* hotel in Edinburgh on a bed and breakfast basis
• Food & drinks (except breakfast)
• Hotel transfers in London 

Please note

Voucher information: No need to print! If you are travelling with a smartphone or a tablet you can present the voucher on your device for this activity.

You can use the hop on hop off ticket either on the first or third day.

This tour is not guided on the first and third day. 

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Discreet Scotland

Luxury private tours of scotland, tour of the highlands, 3 day tour.

Our 3 day Highlands tour is designed to capture the very essence of Highland life. We visit castles, wild mountain landscapes, Lochs and Glens, where the turbulent history comes alive. You will hear the story of these tough, fearless warriors who lived in this part of the country for thousands of years, who called this rugged landscape, home.

Find the full tour itinerary below or download the itinerary  (slight changes are necessary during the winter period) .

Tour Itinerary

• Our first stop is the mighty Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument. This commanding position at the foot of the Highland boundary has been fought over for thousands of years as a strategic point to control the entire country.
• We continue north/west into the mountain wilderness to visit Etive Mor, an extinct super volcano known locally as “the Shepard of Glencoe”. Here we turn off the beaten path into Glen Etive for spectacular scenery and hopefully spot Red Deer in their native habitat.
• Next stop is Scotland’s most desired spot, Glencoe. Towering mountains on all sides and a bloody history make this an unforgettable experience to all who visit.
• Our final port of call is the town of Fort William at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. (Fort William will be our overnight stop).
• We start the day with a visit to Thomas Telford’s engineering masterpiece; Neptune’s staircase. Constructed 200 years ago it’s part of the Caledonian Canal System. This series of 8 locks lifts boats some 70 ft from the sea level to Loch Lochy above.
• We then head west to Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel for one of Scotland’s finest views. Here we will see the Glenfinnan Viaduct which features in Harry Potter movies and the Jacobite memorial.
• Next we turn back to Fort William for a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery. You will learn about Scotland’s famous “water of life” and sample a dram or two.
• We continue north to the Commando Memorial, one of Scotland’s most iconic war memorials, dedicated to the British Commandos who trained in the region. With magnificent views over the Nevis range which includes Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
• Our final stop will be the mighty Loch Ness. Here we visit the historic remains of Urquhart Castle and you have the option to take a cruise on the Loch and hopefully catch a glimpse of the illusive Nessie herself. (Inverness will be our overnight stop).
• We start the day with a visit to Culloden battle field where the British government troops fought the Jacobite army in 1746. The Scots suffered a heavy defeat and this was to be the last ever battle on UK soil.
• The visitor centre has a state of the art 360 degree theatre which allows you to immerse yourself in the battle and hear real accounts from those who fought.
• From Culloden we move a few miles along the road to the see the 4,000 year old Clava Cairn Burial Chambers. This exceptionally well preserved Bronze Age cemetery is one of Scotland’s most sacred prehistoric sites.
• Our final stop is the beautiful Blair Castle. Home to the Duke of Atholl for more than 700 years, this pristine white castle has a large armoury which includes weapons used during the battle of Culloden.
• We continue south returning to Edinburgh where we sadly say farewell.

Ready to Book?

Tour highlights.

• Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument
• Ben Nevis and Whisky Distillery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Caledonian Canal
• Culloden battle field

Total Cost for Vehicle & Guide

• Multi day tours are charged at a daily rate listed below. Prices include your vehicle and guide only. Attraction admission fees, meals, ferry crossings and your own accommodation are not included. Prices are inclusive of VAT.
• 2 adults £590 + £150 guide accommodation per night
• 3 adults £610 + £150 guide accommodation per night
• 4 adults £630 + £150 guide accommodation per night
• 5-7 adults £650 + £150 guide accommodation per night

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3-Day Edinburgh Tour from London with Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Day Trip

• 2 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Edinburgh city centre
• Guided tour of the city
• Professional guide
• Round-trip transport from London by high-speed train
• Lunch and Dinner. Your accommodation is in the city center within walking distance of many shops, bars and restaurants.
• Barking and Dagenham, Barking and Dagenham, Greater London, England
• Location Name: Information Desk inside Kings Cross Station. Location Address: Euston Road, London, Greater London N1 9AL Return Location: Returns to original departure point at approximately 8pm
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you are traveling with an infant (0-2 years) the infant is free of charge but we must be notified in advance.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

• jeanineb296 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Immersive Harry Potter Experience! The Harry Potter Studio at Warner Brothers was immersive and awesome! It felt like you were on set during a movie production. There’s so much more to see than one can imagine. Plan 4 hours for your visit. The restaurant at the beginning/end has a variety of foods and drinks. The cafe in the middle offers mostly egg sandwiches and drinks. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• Go09582761716 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magical Experience This tour is a must do! Normally the Warner Bro’s tour is sold out but if you do this tour you are sure to get in! We had plenty of time to walk around the studios and even the gift shop. We did not feel rushed. When we got to Oxford it was full of history and beautiful buildings. This tour is a must for any Harry Potter or even History fan. Read more Written April 25, 2024
• Rainman823 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect blend of history, beauty and mystery. Dr Edward was the perfect guide for this trip. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the subject, he was also fun to listen to. It was a fun day. Steve was an awesome driver too! Read more Written April 23, 2024
• fonnyksm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoy the tour Oxford was a nice city to visit with impressive castle-style buildings. The Harry Potter Studio is also very good to see for Harry Potter fans. The tour guide really knows a lot about English history and Harry Potter. Read more Written April 21, 2024
• yankee-peddler 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles My Harry Potter Tour Review 1st half of tour outstanding. 2nd half not a VIP experience. Loved all they had to offer. I feel if you get there early or late this tour would be the same experience minus the bus ride from London and the champagne 🍾. Still I recommend for all the tourists out there. ✌️ peace. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• devannheebs22 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Day Trip I loved everything about the Harry Potter studio, it was so well done! We debated on doing the Oxford tour as well and are very glad we did. Such a cute city with lots of beauty. Debbie was our guide and she made it very entertaining and I felt that I learned a lot. She even went out of our way to help us learn even more after the tour was over. Thanks Debbie! Read more Written April 18, 2024
• Brian E 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles What a beautiful town and great tour! Our tour guide Mike was excellent! He made the bus ride to Oxford so interesting - he has tons of knowledge on the area and the Harry Potter books! When we got there Mike gave us a walking tour with fun facts on the colleges. The Harry Potter WB studios part was fun too and our time was well managed by Mike. The bus was great too - comfortable and clean. We definitely will be using International Friends again - thanks Mike! Read more Written April 17, 2024
• VenkannaB_13 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience at Stonehenge and Glastonbury Chalice Well Very knowledgeable guide Fred , an academic archaeologist and provided so much information and insights and we appreciate his passion. We were picked up from our hotel and all went very well I would recommend this compact tour to all Read more Written April 16, 2024
• Trail34487311778 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour The tour we took to Cobbes Farm, Bampton and Highclere Castle was amazing, our tour guide, Catherine, made it such a fun and interesting day. Her knowledge and snippets of information about Downton Abbey/Highclere as well as other related subjects really set the scene for each of the locations. The tour was very well organised, picked up on time and we were given lots of time and information to explore the farm, village and the castle. The whole day was a delight and we had a most enjoyable time! Read more Written April 12, 2024
• P356QTstephenm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing day trip from London to stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor castle Had an amazing time on this adventure. Everything was perfect including the timing and the tour. Edward was our guide and he was the best! Knowledgeable and also an amazing teacher. No surprise because he teaches archeology at the University as well. We learned so much about each site and had plenty of time and direction around each of the stops. Tony our driver got us to each site quickly and with humor along the way. Overall I would definitely do this again and specifically ask for this team! Read more Written March 30, 2024
• R940KHchristinem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Harry potter evening tour I was very fortunate enough to be selected to have won this on a competition and have to say the trip was amazing. The coach was on time and both staff were very friendly and helpful. The tour guide even gave a bit of history on the building of the studios on the coach journey there. The tour itself was great and felt more personal having done a normal day one in the past. It also Included a glass of champagne which was a lovely little touch. Would highly recommend doing an evening tour. You don't feel rushed to take pictures and you can just take everything in more. We had a great evening. Read more Written March 28, 2024
• christigray1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do Enjoyed our day with Toby and Moses in a small group tour. Highly recommend to see Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor Palace. Loved all of them more than I expected. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• 124brettc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Day This was such an amazing tour. David, our guide, and Paul, our driver, were both amazing. We lucked out and were actually the only people on this tour. Private tour for the win!!! David was very knowledgeable about the history of each site. We had plenty of time at each location. Since it was just us we were dropped off at our hotel without even asking. Would definitely book a different tour with this company. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• ClaireSantucci 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles What an incredible day trip! We absolutely loved this tour. The Warner Bros Studio Tour was an incredible experience, and we truly felt like we were walking through the movie. We mainly selected this tour so we could go to the Harry Potter studios, but Oxford also unexpectedly ended up being one of the highlights of our trip to London. Our guide was excellent, and we loved that it wasn't all focused on Harry Potter, but also on the history of the university, as well as other authors like CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Highly recommend! Read more Written March 17, 2024
• K4211IPdanib 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Oxford and Harry Potter holiday! Oxford was so Interesting with lots of great Information and tips. Tony was a fantastic tour guide. The Warner brothers Harry Potter experience was even better than I had expected. A wonderful time! Thank you!! Read more Written March 17, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

3-Day Edinburgh Tour from London with Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Day Trip provided by International Friends

Destinations

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• Duration 01 - 04 Days
• Duration 05 - 08 Days
• Duration 09 - 11 Days
• Duration 12 Days Plus
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Jewels of Scotland & England

3 days tour.

Please scroll to see more information

Tour Overview

03 days - jewels of scotland & england (code: scjl), early bird offer.

Book 06 weeks in advance and get £10 OFF per adult and child

Tour Highlights

Lake District: Lake Windermere free time

Gretna Green

Glasgow City Tour covering Glasgow Cathedral, Main Square and University of Glasgow

View the famous Neptune staircase & Commando memorial

Fort William

Nevis Range with entrance

Edinburgh City Walking Tour: covering the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle ( entrance not included)

Price Includes

Return transportation by delux AC coach from your selected pick up point

2 nights accommodation in 3* hotel with breakfast

2 Indian dinners

Entrances & sightseeing as mentioned in Tour Highlights

All tips and service charges

Premium services of a Star Tours Tour Representative

ABTA Legal Protection

Additional Excursions

Pick up points.

Please Note: All pick ups are Northbound Services and all drops will be Southbound Services.

Pick ups are subject to availability and change.

Tour Itinerary

Other information, 2024 usd dates & prices.

Price per person based on 2/3 adults sharing a room

Child 2 - 11 years must share a room with 2/3 adults

Infants 0 - 23 months price is from $180 for a seat in coach only

Max occupancy per room is 3 person (excluding infants)

$40 reduction will apply for 2nd child without a bed

Single supplement will be an additional $135

Country Details

2023 usd dates & prices.

Click Here for USD Pricing

Loch Lomond – From the Loch admire the breath-taking beauty & wealth of history, legend and folklore whilst on board a boat sailing through the Loch.

In Scotland the currency you will require will be Pounds (GBP/Sterling). Star Tours’ advices passengers to exchange any spending money for their holiday before they actually travel. Whilst on tour it is very inconvenient to change money and most places we will be visiting will not have ATM machines or accept credit/debit cards.

We also advice our passengers to keep some change in coins on them whilst on tour as using toilets in many parts of Scotland is not free.

An important point to note whilst on a touring holiday is that some long journeys are unavoidable especially when travelling from city to city.

It is advisable passengers carry necessities that they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, cameras etc. with them in their hand luggage.

For this tour it should be noted that the travel times are extensive on this tour.

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels. The breakfast is usually in a separate dining area of the hotel, and is usually a continental breakfast, which will consist of tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit and yogurt.

Passengers can choose from different diets, including vegetarian, Jain or non-vegetarian (Halal will not always be available) meals. Passengers should advice their tour representative of their preferred diet on the day one. The meals are pre-set buffet and a choice of menu is not available. Meals will be provided with Tap Water only.

Lunches are usually vegetarian only and are provided outdoors at a service station/rest area where limited or no seating is available. Lunch is served in a picnic style buffet arrangement. Dinners are usually provided within the hotel or restaurant in a separate dining facility. You should always consult your tour representative if you are not sure of what ingredients a dish contains.

Not all hotels in this tour will have air-conditioning so you should carry a small portable fan with you especially during the summer months.

Please also note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer / kettle as well as a thermos flask. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hair dryer etc, as many hotel rooms may not have these facilities.

If you use services such as the phone or mini bar, or pay TV whilst in your room, you will have to pay the hotel directly when you check out; these services are not included in your tour cost.

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is 3 person(s).

Other Advisories

High altitude.

You should only make trips to high altitudes if you feel healthy. The following recommendations apply:

Advanced age is no barrier to high altitude. For blood pressure patients who are well controlled with medication, the altitude is not a concern. Asthmatics can travel to high altitudes without any problems. High-altitude air is less polluted with particles that can cause an asthma attack. Epileptics who are well controlled with medication should be able to negotiate the altitude.

Pregnant women: There may be a certain risk for pregnancy even without pre-existing diseases over 2500-3000 metres. Caution is therefore advised if in doubt, please consult your doctor in advance.

Infants: Short-term stays at the mountain tops are unproblematic. Infants and young children are often unable to equalise pressure during descent and are therefore increasingly at risk of ear irritation. Regular swallowing (drinking, sucking on a bottle) during the descent can prevent the occurrence of irritation. Because children can chill faster than adults, always pay attention to sufficient protection from the cold at high altitude. Sunglasses and a good sunscreen are necessary on the glaciers!

High altitude visits not recommended for:

Lung and heart patients who are already short of breath while at rest or when climbing stairs are advised not to stay at high altitude. Patients with angina pectoris or severely impaired performance with heart enlargement and heart failure should not visit high altitude. Coronary artery disease (angina pectoris) and heart enlargement with medical therapy should not visit high altitude. Patients with a pronounced risk profile for cardiovascular disease (smoker + high blood pressure + diabetes + high blood fats + overweight + occasional chest pain) should consult the doctor before visiting high altitude.

Do not stay at high altitude after having striated muscles or a stroke.

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

Passengers should arrive at their pick-up point no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Your pick-up point, address and time will be stated on your invoice. If you have selected a pick-up time outside of Wembley then you will be confirmed your pick-up time.

Pick-up will be Northbound Services and drop-off will be at Southbound Services.

Visa Details

You do not require Schengen visas for this tour, however if you hold a non EU passport then you will require UK Visa. Please consult the British Embassy in your country of residence.

Passengers can be well prepared by ensuring they are carrying appropriate clothing, footwear and accessories. Passengers should also be aware that during the winter months most of the sightseeing will be in the dark as, in Scotland, the day becomes dark very early during winter. Passengers should consult with Star Tours at the time of booking if they are unsure.

Wheelchairs & Child Seats

We will accept light weight manual wheelchairs for travel, subject to them being capable of being stowed in the luggage hold of the coach. It is also essential that a family member is also on the tour to push their wheelchair. Star Tour’s will also request hotels for suitably equipped rooms; however, this is only on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed. It should be noted Ben Nevis is not fully accessible for a wheelchair user. Some part of Edinburgh will have cobbled streets, which may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

In most of Europe, the use of child seats in coaches is mandatory for children under the age of 12 or who are shorter than 150 cm. Children under 7 years old or less than 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or a restraint system. Children between 7 and 12 years old or between 125 and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or guardian to provide the appropriate child seat for their child.

Useful links

Home pick-ups.

The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service.

Unfortunately, there are no home pickup locations at this moment.

Pick-up points.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Early Bird Offers

Book your tour, number of passengers.

• Evan Evans Tours
• Rail Tours From London
• Edinburgh Tours from London

Edinburgh, Loch Ness & The Highlands

Journey to the heart of Scotland, starting with Edinburgh and head to the Scottish Highlands, where dramatic landscapes and legendary tales await. Admire the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands, and watch for the elusive Loch Ness Monster amidst the misty waters of Loch Ness.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Scotland's beauty and heritage on this unforgettable adventure through Edinburgh and the Highlands. Upgrade to First Class for a premium train travel experience.

London King’s Cross Station

Enjoy fantastic views of the British countryside on your way to Scotland, including stunning panoramic vistas and a dramatic coastline.

In a little over four and a half hours, you'll arrive in the Scottish capital ready to begin a day of exploration. Known by locals as Auld Reekiue ('Old Smokey'), Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and memorable cities in all of Europe - a city full of charm and character with history around every corner.  Your Rail Tour includes entrance to the mighty Edinburgh Castle, a 1,100-year-old fortress built on Castle Rock , a long-extinct volcano. Explore the long, bloody history of the castle, from its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. Walk in the footsteps of famous Scottish kings and queens as you ascend Castle Hill , and see the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone. For centuries, this sacred object has been used in the coronation of Scottish and later British monarchs. Board your Hop-on, Hop-off Guided Bus Tour and journey around some of Edinburgh's finest and most culture-rich destinations.

The Tour takes you to 14 fantastic locations , including Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, John Knox House, a magnificent medieval building dating back to the 15th century, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King’s official residence in Edinburgh. The ticket is valid all day, so you can hop on and hop off as many times as you like.

An amazing trip to Loch Ness and the chance to go Monster hunting! Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle , and skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and onto dramatic Glencoe. Our tour takes us past Fort William and Britain’s highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis , before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness. You have the option to take a boat trip on Loch Ness , explore or simply relax in a gorgeous wee Highland village . Enjoy our free locally-produced picnic lunch. Our return journey passes through the ‘Monarch of the Glen’ country, south to Perthshire and the historic town of Dunkeld. We then view the spectacular Forth Bridges before returning to the Capital around 8:00 pm.

Explore the higgledy-piggledy medieval streets and courtyards of Old Town , admire the beautiful Georgian architecture found in New Town or head to Carlton Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city. Ascend Castle Hill as you walk in the footsteps of famous Scottish kings and queens , and see the 'Stone of Destiny' - a sacred object that has been used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. Enjoy last-minute shopping , visit the attractions on your "must-see" list or stroll through the city centre - it's your day!

Kings Cross Station is centrally located and easily accessible by underground, serviced by the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Victoria and Northern Lines and is in Zone 1.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Outbound Day 1: Train departs London Kings Cross: 07:00 / train arrives in Edinburgh: 11:20
• Return Day 3: Train departs Edinburgh: 14:30 / train arrives at London Kings Cross: 18:50
• Your electronic tickets and vouchers will be emailed to you one week before your scheduled departure date (or if booked within one week, then within 24 hours of booking).
• We recommend arriving at the station 30 minutes before your scheduled train departure time
• Overnight accommodation: prices stated are per person, based on two people sharing a twin/double room (Single travellers pay single occupancy rate)
• This Tour is unescorted on Days 1 and 3. The excursion to Loch Ness on Day 2 is fully guided and operated by Highland Explorer Tours, whose terms and conditions apply
• Child age: 5-15 yrs inclusive. This Tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old
• We will make every effort to fulfil any requests you have for seating on the train, however, this cannot be guaranteed
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols

PACKAGE OPTIONS

Edinburgh, Loch Ness & The Highlands - 3 Days (Standard Class):

• Edinburgh Castle entry
• Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour Ticket

Full Day Guided Tour to Loch Ness & the Highlands

• Two nights' accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel, including breakfast 
• Return Rail Journey in standard class with reserved seats

Free Wi-Fi On Board the Train

Important: If you are travelling alone, please choose 'SINGLE OCCUPANCY' when making your reservation.

Edinburgh, Loch Ness & The Highlands - 3 Days (First Class):

• Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour
• Two nights' accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel, including breakfast
• Return Rail Journey in First Class with reserved seats
• Round-trip train tickets to Edinburgh with reserved seats
• Two nights' accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel, including breakfast

What's Included

Edinburgh castle entry, hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket, return rail journey with reserved seats, two nights' accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel, including breakfast , what's excluded, guide (except for the tour to loch ness and the highlands on day 2), meals (except breakfast on days 2 and 3 and lunch on day 2) , hotel pick-up & drop-off, share with friends.

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Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

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• SECC and the River Clyde
• Loch Ness Cruise
• Glasgow City Tour

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Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands - 3 day tour

Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands 3 day / 2 night

Glasgow is a vibrant centre of culture, fashion and entertainment. On this short break from London, it’s yours to explore! Discover Glasgow’s delightful parks, fascinating museums and galleries and architectural gems on a hop-on, hop-off tour. Get out of the city to spend a whole day discovering the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and visit Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster. If you are looking for the perfect introduction to Glasgow, this is the tour for you.

High Speed Train - travel from London to Glasgow in just under 4.5 hours

Glasgow - discover an exciting city boasting beautiful parks, wonderful architecture and friendly people

The Highlands - experience the glorious scenery of the Highlands, including awesome Glen Coe and the Cairngorms National Park

Loch Ness - enjoy the chance to go for a monster-spotting cruise on Scotland’s most famous lake

Hop-on, Hop-off Tour - get a different perspective on Glasgow from the upper deck of an open-top bus

Movie locations - Brave, Skyfall and Deacon Brodie

Hotel accommodation included

  Book Now

Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - London - Glasgow - Glasgow Sightseeing

Join your comfortable express train for a smooth journey northwards to Glasgow.

Your train will travel through the Midlands then skirt the Lake District. From Carlisle, you’ll cross the border into Scotland and enjoy scenic views all the way to Glasgow. 

On arrival in Glasgow, it is a short walk to your hotel for the next two nights.

Glasgow  is one of Europe’s great tourism centres with dozens of museums and galleries, outstanding architecture and sprawling parks. This afternoon explore the ornate Victorian architecture of the City Centre.

Visit the Lighthouse , which promotes Scotland’s design and architectural heritage. It was designed by the famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh , whose work can be found throughout the city.

Later, why not head to the Gallery of Modern Art , housed in an extraordinary 18th Century building, which showcases local, national and international art.

Don’t forget to snap the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside. He’s usually adorned with a parking cone on his head!   

As you wander through the City Centre, look out for the fun street art that forms The Mural Trail , a series of colourful creations that can be found throughout the city centre.

Enjoy a stroll through the vibrant Merchant City to reach the historic Cathedral Quarter home to Glasgow Cathedral , one of Scotland’s most magnificent medieval buildings and Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest building.

Back in town, there is exciting shopping to be enjoyed along the “Style Mile”. For the best in designer labels, head to Ingram Street or chic Princes Square.   

Tonight, why not head to fashionable Finnieston to experience its wide range of eateries and bars.

Day 2 - Loch Ness and the Highlands Excursion

Today we have a day exploring the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Leaving Glasgow, we travel into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and make a stop in the pretty village of Luss, where you can see its lovely stone cottages and enjoy the incredible panoramic views of Loch Lomond.

The tour continues along the “bonnie, bonnie banks” then by way of desolate Rannoch Moor and the stunning beauty of Glen Coe , site of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692.

There is a stop in Fort William for lunch before passing the towering bulk of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain and touring through the majestic scenery of the Great Glen .

The legendary waters of Loch Ness are our focus for this afternoon. Famed as being the home of “Nessie” Loch Ness Monster, we’ll have the chance to take to the waters to enjoy a cruise across the deepest part of the loch to enjoy amazing views of impressive Urquhart Castle .

Our journey continues to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, then through the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park .

We cross the Grampian Mountains to reach the picturesque woodland scenery of Perthshire, where we’ll make a stop for refreshments.

The last part of our journey takes us towards Stirling and onwards to Glasgow.

Day 3 - Glasgow City Tour - Free Time - London

After breakfast, join the hop-on, hop-off double-deck bus tour to get a different perspective on Glasgow. With 21 conveniently located stops, it covers almost all of Glasgow’s many attractions.  

Why not take time out to visit the  Riverside Museum , Glasgow’s museum of transport and travel. There are over 3,000 exhibits, including classic cars, trams and locomotives. A popular feature is the reconstruction of an old cobbled street complete with shops and bars dating from 1895 to the 1980s

Moored outside is the Tall Ship, Glenlee, a superb example of a Clyde-built merchant sailing ship.  

Nearby is the  Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery , one of Scotland’s premier visitor attractions. Contained within its 22 state-of-the-art galleries is an eclectic mix of natural history, armour and art from many movements plus much, much more.

If you fancy a wee change, why not visit The Clydeside Distillery , Glasgow’s newest Whisky Distillery. Join an expert guide for a tour of the distillery, enjoying the fantastic river views from the contemporary Still Room.

At the end of the tour, enjoy a tutored tasting of Three Wee Drams and take the opportunity of visiting the specialist whisky shop to get a gift bottle to take home.

Later in the tour, discover sprawling Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest parkland, home to the beautiful Dalton Fountain and People’s Palace , which tells the story of Glasgow’s and her people.

The train for London will depart from Glasgow Central Railway Station later this afternoon.

All too soon, you will have crossed the Border and speeding towards the journey’s end in Central London.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this freestyle train tour.

This carefully planned semi-independent tour will stretch your holiday time to the max without making you feeling rushed.

A unique combination of travel by train, comfortable accommodation and quality sightseeing will give you extra time to explore Scotland in greater detail.

All the documentation you need, including your rail tickets, will be emailed to you. They are in electronic format, so all you need to do is show them on your smart device. If you prefer, you can print your documents, so you have hard copies.

Any questions or if you need your documents early - just email or call us. We’re here to help.

On tour, you’ll travel independently by train to and from London. We’ll make sure you have a reserved seat, and we’ll send you a comprehensive itinerary so you know what’s planned day by day.

Accommodation is provided in comfortable 3-star hotels that are just a short walk from the railway station and convenient for sightseeing and the tour departure points.

A buffet breakfast is included in the cost of the tour.

The sightseeing tours included in this package are led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an entertaining and informative commentary in English.

Tell me more about the optional visit to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise?

You can maximise your time at Loch Ness by purchasing the optional Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise combination ticket.

The cost of the ticket is £20 per adult and £16 per child.

Visit hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest castles. The castle boasts a commanding presence overlooking the loch. After time to explore the castle and admire the views take to the water for a cruise on Loch Ness. The cruise boat is equipped with on-board sonar, comfortable seating inside and out as well as toilets. Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.

You can purchase this combination ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only. For operational reasons it’s not possible to purchase the cruise or admission to Urquhart Castle separately.

How will I find my hotel?

This Freestyle Train Tour has been very carefully planned. Your hotel has been selected not just for its comfort but also for its location close to the railway station as well as your sightseeing requirements.

Concise directions on how to reach your hotel will be given in your customised tour itinerary. 

What meals are included?

A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards. This hearty meal can consist of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee.

Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.

Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.

During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant.

What happens if I miss my train?

The tickets issued as part of this package are only valid on the train service shown on the ticket and in your itinerary.

If you miss the train, you will need to purchase new tickets at your own expense.

We recommend arriving at the railway stations at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your train so that you have time to locate the departure platform and board your train in good time.

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 2 nights hotel accommodation 
• Location: Glasgow (2)
• Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Full day tour to Loch Ness and the Highlands
• Hop-on, Hop-off tour of Glasgow

Tour Essentials

• Return standard class train tickets between London and Glasgow with seat reservations
• Customised tour itinerary & Official Glasgow Guide
• Service charges and taxes
• Admission charges
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver/guide

Departure information

From Euston Railway Station Euston Road London NW1 2RT

Check-in: 07:00 hrs Tour Departs: 07:30 hrs Tour Returns: 21:25 hrs

Child details

Child discount applies to children aged 5 to 15 years inclusive.

We’re sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.

Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement. 

Price Notes

IMPORTANT: Once booked this tour cannot be changed or cancelled

Accommodation The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.

Train Times The times shown above are for guidance only. The train times for your journey will be shown on your tickets and itinerary.

Admission Prices In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. 

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code   RT 00312

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Customer reviews overall rating:.

A very well planned holiday. Good value for money. Tour guide is friendly, helpful and informative. A highly recommended tour.

2 day tour from £ 405.00

3 day tour from £ 595.00

4 day tour from £ 845.00

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 3-Day Trips from London You’ll Want to Take

Today I want to share A Lady in London’s top picks for the best 3-day trips from London with you. If you have a long weekend or you want to go somewhere slightly further afield, these trips are perfect getaways and escapes. Whether you’re looking for bank holiday breaks or just want an extra day to travel, these 3-day tours and excursions will let you explore places you’ll love.

3-Day Trips from London

From the English seaside to the Scottish Highlands, my list of 3-day trips from London spans geography and topography. It includes exciting getaways to Wales, Northern Ireland, and even Europe.

Whether you’re interested in city breaks, country escapes, coastal scenery, or village charm, there’s a 3-day trip from London that will fit your travel style and satisfy your wanderlust.

You can do these trips on your own, or as guided tours. I’ve done many of them with Rabbie’s , a company offering great small-group tours in the UK.

They provide the driver and you choose what to do and where to stay. It’s a great balance between a guided tour and an independent trip. You can see their tours here .

1. Edinburgh

First on my list of 3-day trips from London is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is hard to beat when it comes to beautiful cities in the UK .

From the castle on the hill to the storybook houses in Dean Village, Edinburgh has a lot going for it.

Edinburgh makes for a great 3-day trip to Scotland from London. You can explore the highlights of the city and the best secret places in Edinburgh while you’re there.

It’s also enough time to take a day trip from Edinburgh if you want to explore the surrounding area. Places like Rosslyn Chapel are easy excursions from the city.

You can get to Edinburgh from London by train or flight. It takes around 4.5 hours either way, so it’s up to you how you prefer to travel.

Once there, my top pick for a place to stay in Edinburgh is The George . It’s in an ideal location on George Street near St Andrew Square. You can book it here .

2. The Lake District

Next on my list of 3-day trips from London is the Lake District. This is one of the best places to visit in the UK for nature lovers and fans of country walks . This part of England has spectacular scenery and great hiking trails.

It’s also home to Beatrix Potter’s house and pretty villages with gingerbread shops. Towns like Windermere and Keswick make this one of my favorite 3-day breaks in the UK, too.

You can get to the Lake District from London by train or car (if you choose the former, here are my top tips for visiting the Lake District without a car ). You can also take a tour with Rabbie’s. You can book their 3-day Lake District tour here .

Once there, my top pick for a place to stay for 3 days in the Lake District is Forest Side Hotel . I stayed in a beautiful room here once and loved the restaurant. You can book here .

3. Cornwall

Out west, Cornwall is the next place on my list of 3-day trips from London. There are plenty of places to visit here, from pretty St Ives with its beaches and world-class art museums to surf-friendly Newquay and foodie Padstow.

Once in Cornwall, there’s a lot to do and see. From coastal walks to big beaches, lovers of the outdoors are spoiled for choice when it come to 3-day tours of England here.

There are also historic highlights like St Michael’s Mount and unique attractions like the Eden Project. And that’s to say nothing of Land’s End, the westernmost point in Cornwall.

You can get to Cornwall by train (I took the overnight train once), flight, or car. Once there, my favorite place to stay is St Ives. You can book a hotel in St Ives here .

4. The Cotswolds

It’s no secret that I love the Cotswolds. From villages like Bibury to landmarks like Broadway Tower, there’s a lot to love about this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

While you can do it in a day, taking a 3-day trip from London to the Cotswolds is a great way to see a range of places in the area and take in some of the surrounding cities and National Trust properties in the Cotswolds as well.

3 days is enough time to visit Cotswolds villages like Castle Combe and Chipping Campden, and also explore Bath , Cheltenham , Cirencester , and/or Oxford . You can also take your time and go for walks in places like Moreton-in-Marsh and Burford .

You can get to the Cotswolds by train or car (if you choose the former, my guide to visiting the Cotswolds without a car can help). You can also do a tour with Rabbie’s. You can book their Cotswolds tour here .

Once there, my favorite place to stay is Painswick . You can book a hotel in Painswick here .

5. Yorkshire Dales National Park

Another great place for 3-day trips from London is the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This stunning area in the north of England has rock formations that lend it an otherworldly atmosphere, and waterfalls galore.

There are peaks to climb for the ambitious, and villages to explore for those who prefer a slower pace. There are Harry Potter filming locations like Malham Cove, too.

You can get to the Yorkshire Dales from London by train or car. Once in the area, having a car is a good idea.

My favorite place to stay for 3 days in the Yorkshire Dales is Inglefall Cottage in the village of Ingleton. It’s a lovely accommodation in an ideal location, and I had a great time there. You can book it here .

6. Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route

Over in Northern Ireland, Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route is another of the best 3-day trips from London. This part of the UK often gets overlooked, but it’s worth a special trip.

I love Belfast for its lively nightlife, friendly locals, and rich history, and I adore the coast around it for its stunning scenery. The Causeway Coastal Route starts in Belfast and runs north through the nine Glens of Antrim and along the waterfront.

From medieval castles and precarious rope bridges to distilleries and Game of Thrones filming locations, there’s a lot to discover along it.

And that’s to say nothing of the Giant’s Causeway, where interlocking basalt columns form a beautiful natural phenomenon. It’s worth a visit on a 3-day getaway from London.

You can get to Belfast from London by plane. You can also fly to Dublin and take a Rabbie’s tour. You can book their 3-day Northern Ireland tour here .

If you travel independently, you can book accommodation in Northern Ireland here . There are lots of good places to stay.

Glasgow is another of my favorite 3-day trips from London. I’ve been visiting this Scottish city all my life (my grandmother was from here), and its independent spirit, eye-catching architecture, and friendly locals win my heart every time.

I love exploring the lanes in the West End, soaking up the history in Merchant City, and wandering through the over-the-top tombs in the Necropolis. And that’s to say nothing of the restaurants and bars in Finnieston, which are some of the best in the UK.

You can get to Glasgow by train or flight from London. My top pick for a place to stay for 3 days in Glasgow is the citizenM Glasgow . It’s stylish and centrally located. You can book a room here .

8. Scottish Highlands

North of Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands are another of the top 3-day trips from London. It’s hard to beat this part of Britain when it comes to natural beauty. The hills and glens, lochs and coos all make for a rugged beauty rarely seen outside Scotland.

Add to that medieval castles, legendary monsters (in Loch Ness, anyway), and tragic history, and the Scottish Highlands are not to be missed.

Whether you want to visit the Hebridean islands , the Cairngorms National Park, Inverness , Aberdeen , the Isle of Skye or Glen Coe, there are a lot of options for places to travel here.

If you need inspiration, you can take a look at my guide to a 3-day Scottish Highlands tour .

Depending where you want to go, you can get to the Scottish Highlands from London by flight to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, or other airports.

From there you can travel by train, car, or bus to get to where you want to visit. You can also go on a Rabbie’s tour. You can see all their 3-day Scottish Highlands tours here .

If you want to travel independently, you can book accommodation here . There are lots of great places to stay in the Highlands.

9. The Peak District and Derbyshire

Another place with stunning scenery, England’s Derbyshire is not only full of natural beauty but also some of the most famous stately homes in the UK. It’s one of my favorite 3-day trips from London.

Chatsworth House is renowned in its own right, and it’s also known for being a filming location for Pride & Prejudice and other movies set in England .

Other stately homes in the Peak District have been used as filming locations for houses from Bronte sister novels. Towns like Bakewell and Matlock are lovely, too.

You can get to Derbyshire by train or car from London. My top pick for a place to stay in the area is The Cow Dalbury . It’s stylish and you can book it here .

10. South Wales

Another of the best 3-day trips from London is South Wales. From Cardiff to the Gower Peninsula , Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire, there are lots of great places to visit here.

Cardiff has an amazing castle, the Gower shows the Welsh coastline at its finest, the Brecon Beacons National Park has amazing hiking, and Pembrokeshire has some of the best beaches in Britain.

Worm’s Head and Rhossili Beach are particularly beautiful spots, Castell Coch is a fairy-tale, and hiking Pen-y-Fan is a great experience.

You can take a look at my guide to weekend breaks in Wales or my itinerary for this part of Wales if you want more ideas.

You can get to South Wales by train or car from London. Once there, it’s best to get around by car. You can book accommodation here .

11. North Norfolk

Next on my list of 3-day trips from London is North Norfolk. From Burnham Market to Wells-next-the-Sea , this area is brimming with places to visit. Whether you love shopping, beaches, stately homes, or pubs, there’s something for you.

Its proximity to London also makes this part of England one of my favorite places for a long weekend in Norfolk .

It’s easy to get to North Norfolk from London by car or train, but it’s best to have a car once you arrive in the area. You can book accommodation here .

13. The Eden Valley

Up north near the Lake District, the Eden Valley in England is another of my favorite 3-day trips from London.

This part of the UK is just as pretty as its better-known neighbor, but it’s free of the tourist crowds that can make the Lake District overwhelming in high season.

I visited this area one summer, and I had the most amazing time walking through the countryside, communing with sheep, and falling in love with historic pubs. I even saw a red squirrel.

You can get to the Eden Valley by train or car (the Settle-Carlisle railway is incredibly scenic, and I highly recommend it). You can book accommodation in the Eden Valley here .

14. Northumberland

Northumberland comes next on my list of 3-day trips from London. I used to spend a lot of time in this county in the north of England, and it remains one of my favorite under-the-radar places to visit in the UK .

There’s a lot you can do in Northumberland. From castles by the sea to country walks, the priory on Holy Island to the fortified walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed , there’s something for everyone.

My 3-day Northumberland itinerary will show you everything from Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh, and my list of Northumberland destinations can help inspire you, too.

You can get to Northumberland by train or car. It’s easiest to get around by car once you’re there. My top pick for a place to stay is The Cookie Jar in Alnwick. I loved the interiors as soon as I walked in, and the breakfast is great. You can book it here .

15. Yorkshire Coast

The coast in Yorkshire is another of the best 3-day trips from London. There are beautiful places to visit along the North Sea here, from fishing villages with smuggling lore to abbeys with Dracula connections.

There are lots of places you can visit on the Yorkshire Coast, including Robin Hood’s Bay , a seaside village with pretty cottages, narrow paths, and wood-paneled pubs.

Whitby is full of scenic views and hilltop ruins, and Scarborough has sandy beaches and a castle. There’s a lot to do during 3-day breaks in the UK here.

You can get to the Yorkshire Coast by train or car. Once there, it’s easiest to get around by car. You can book accommodation in the area here .

16. Fife, Scotland

Just north of Edinburgh, Fife is another of my top picks for 3-day trips from London. This county features everything from stunning coastline to famous universities and pretty villages.

There are lots of places you can visit in Fife, including Falkland , which was an Outlander filming location, Pittenweem, a pretty coastal village, and St Andrews , which has a historic university, golf courses, and cathedral ruins. Auchterarder and Gleneagles are great, too.

You can get to Fife by train or plane from London. I recommend taking the train (or flying to Edinburgh) to get there, then driving while you’re in the area.

My top pick for a place to stay in Fife is The Gleneagles Hotel . I loved my visit to this famous place, and you can book a room here .

17. Scottish Borders

I used to spend a lot of time in the Scottish Borders, and I still consider it the most underrated place in the UK.

Just south of Edinburgh, this area is deserving of 3-day trips from London for its beautiful landscapes, stately homes, pretty coastline, and historic abbey ruins.

From coastal walks in St Abbs to Walter Scott’s fairy-tale house at Abbotsford and the famous ruins of Melrose Abbey, there’s a lot to love here. Villages like St Boswells are fun to explore, and Floors Castle is stunning.

I’ve written about the Scottish Borders a lot, and you can take a look at my guide to places to visit in the Scottish Borders if you want more ideas.

You can get to the Scottish Borders from London by taking a train to Berwick-upon-Tweed, a flight to Edinburgh, or by car. Once there, driving is the best way to get around.

I recommend staying at SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel in the Borders. I’ve had great experiences at this place, and you can book a room here .

Next on my list of 3-day trips from London is Devon. This county in the south of England is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful landscapes, and it’s worth a special trip.

There are lots of great places to visit in Devon, from the seaside in Salcombe to the tower in Glastonbury . National Parks like Dartmoor and cities like Exeter are lovely, too.

You can read more in my blog post about a tour of Devon . I went with Rabbie’s, and you can book the tour I went on here .

If you go independently, you can get to Devon by train or car. Once there, it’s easiest to get around by driving. You can book accommodation in Devon here .

Next on my list of 3-day trips from London is Dorset. Right next to Devon, this county is known for its dramatic coastline and scenic interior.

There’s no shortage of places to spend 3 days in Dorset. From the Jurassic Coast on the English Channel to the ancient stone arch at Durdle Door and the cliffs at Lulworth Cove, it’s a seaside-lover’s paradise.

Places like Poole, Weymouth, and Swanage have sandy beaches, and Bournemouth is a popular resort town.

You can get to Dorset by train or car from London. Once there, it’s easiest to get around by car. You can book accommodation in Dorset here .

20. Channel Islands

Another of my favorite 3-day trips from London is the Channel Islands. Just off the coast of France, these isles are known for their aquamarine water, beautiful beaches, pretty towns, and unique history.

I’ve enjoyed visits to Guernsey and Sark , and Jersey and other islands in the archipelago are equally worth visiting.

You can get to the Channel Islands on a flight from London. Once there, it’s easiest to get around by car.

My favorite place to stay in the Channel Islands is the Duke of Richmond Hotel in Guernsey. It’s a beautiful place in a great location in St Peter Port. You can book a room here .

21. Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is another of the best 3-day trips from London. This island off the south coast of England is famous for everything from sailing to stately homes.

I visited for the annual regatta during Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight , but it’s a great place to travel at other times of year as well. From Queen Victoria’s Osborne House to miles of walking paths, there’s a lot to entertain here.

You can travel to the Isle of Wight from London by train and ferry. Once there, it’s easiest to get around with a car. You can also go on a tour with Rabbie’s. You can book their 3-day Isle of Wight tour here .

If you travel to the Isle of Wight independently, you can book accommodation here .

22. North Wales

North Wales is another of the top 3-day trips from London. This part of the UK is known for its dramatic landscapes, fairy-tale castles , and stunning coastline.

There are a lot of places you can visit in North Wales. Snowdonia is great for hiking, Llandudno is a fun resort town, Anglesey has beautiful island scenery, Caernarfon has a huge castle, and Portmeirion feels like an Italian village on the Welsh seaside.

You can read more in my blog post about a road trip in North Wales . It has lots of ideas for places to visit in the region.

You can get to North Wales from London by car or train to Chester . Once there, it’s easiest to get around by driving. You can also take a tour with Rabbie’s. You can book their 3-day North Wales tour here .

If you travel independently, you can book accommodation in North Wales here .

Last on my list of 3-day trips from London is Paris. I know, I know. It’s not in the UK.

But given it’s one of the most popular places to travel from London (all my travel planning clients want to go there on a twin-city trip with the UK capital), I can’t help including it in my list.

The City of Light has enough to do for a lifetime, but 3 days in Paris is enough time to see the sights and take in some of the cultural highlights. From Paris landmarks to events and exhibitions, you’re spoiled for choice.

You can get to Paris by train or flight from London. You can see my top picks for accommodation on my guide to the best area to stay in Paris .

I hope you’ve had fun reading about these 3-day trips from London, and that you enjoy visiting the ones that appeal to you most. They’re great places to discover, and they make for fun getaways.

If you want more inspiration, take a look at my blog posts about scenic drives near London and weekend trips in the UK . My post about 4-day trips from London can help, too. Happy travels!

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Home » Travel » Destinations » A Lovely London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Self Drive)

A Lovely London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Self Drive)

After taking a summer road trip from London to Scotland, I’m convinced it’s the best way to enjoy this amazing island. This self drive UK holiday is the perfect combination of freedom, exploration, and relaxation.

Not having to worry about train timetables or tour schedules means you can see the country’s storybook villages and famous sights at your own pace. And I guarantee this charming UK road trip itinerary will make up for the mild terror of driving on narrow country lanes!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Whether you’re after chocolate box cottages in the Cotswolds or a refreshing hike in the Lake District fells, this agenda has something that’s sure to please every traveler in the car.

This series of day trips from London to Scotland spans 9 days and covers 10 beautiful places to visit in Britain. If you already have London travel plans, simply skip the first two days for a 1 week UK road trip itinerary.

And don’t be concerned by the long list of destinations. My great British road trip may seem ambitious, but the country is more compact than you might think.

Even on a late summer weekend, the drive from Edinburgh to London can be done in a single day. You’ll even have time to stop for some Pret sandwiches along the way (I recommend the Scottish smoked salmon).

P.S: If you need to rent a car for this trip, I recommend Rentalcars.com !

London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: london, day 3: windsor castle, stonehenge, and bath.

• Day 4: Cotswolds

Day 5: Gloucester and Stratford-upon-Avon

Day 6: lake district, day 7: north berwick, days 8 & 9: edinburgh.

• The Best Time to do This UK Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Tips for Your Self Drive UK Holiday

Map of london to scotland road trip destinations.

It would be crazy to visit the UK and not spend a couple days in London. The Big Smoke is an incredible city bursting with history, great food, and classic British charm.

It’s also a bit tricky to navigate and explore to the fullest, which is why I recommend reading my London sightseeing tips before your trip .

RELATED: 15 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

If you’ve never visited London, you might feel overwhelmed trying to squeeze everything into two days. To help you make the most of your time, I’ve outlined a rough itinerary that mixes popular attractions with local gems:

• Natural History Museum : Spend a few magical hours exploring this “Cathedral to Nature”, which includes an interactive dinosaur exhibit and a suspended great blue whale skeleton.
• Westminster Abbey : Take in the gorgeous architecture and famous tombs of England’s historical figures, but make sure you buy your ticket online to avoid the long queue!
• Buckingham Palace : Walk past the iconic residence of the British monarch and maybe catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard.
• Afternoon Tea : There are dozens of elegant places serving afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace, including The Wolseley and Palm Court Bar . But if you’re traveling on a budget, try these places for cheap eats in London instead.
• Hyde Park : Stroll through this massive green space to see beautiful flowers, the Serpentine pond, and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
• Kensington Palace : Just past Hyde Park, you’ll find the royal residence of Kensington Palace, a stunning Christopher Wren building that’s home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, among others.
• Notting Hill : Enjoy a walk past the neighborhood’s pastel-colored row homes and do a bit of snacking and shopping at Portobello Road Market.
• Pub Dinner : Finish the day with a classic pub dinner near your accommodation, or at The Prince Edward in Notting Hill.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral : My personal favorite place in London, this opulent cathedral has beautiful frescoes and incredible panoramic views of the city from the upper dome.
• Leadenhall Market : Harry Potter fans will recognize this covered Victorian market as a setting for Diagon Alley. Grab lunch from one of the building’s many restaurants, including the delectable Cheese at Leadenhall.
• Sky Garden : Book advance tickets for this free skyscraper view over London, and enjoy a drink in the lush indoor garden.
• Tower of London : Learn about London’s bloody history with a Yeoman Warder tour of this residence-turned-prison-turned-tourist attraction. I strongly suggest buying a skip the line ticket , as queues can get quite long!
• Borough Market : Experience the diverse flavors of the city at this bustling marketplace, where visitors can purchase everything from paella to pumpkin fudge.
• Dinner at an Indian Restaurant : London’s Indian food scene is outstanding, from affordable local spots like Kensington’s Masala to elegant dining experiences like The Cinnamon Club .

A note on car rental : Because of London’s notorious traffic, I highly recommend reserving a car somewhere close to Heathrow Airport. That way, you won’t need to drive through the city during the morning rush. Or, you could simply take the train from London to Windsor and pick up your rental car after you finish touring the castle

Where to Stay in London

The city is well-connected by tube, so you don’t need to splurge on a hotel near Buckingham Palace. But you do want to be within a 5-7 minute walk of a decent tube station. Here are a few areas I recommend:

• Notting Hill : If you want a quiet place to stay, grab a hotel or serviced flat in this neighborhood famous for its colorful homes.
• South Kensington : This posh area has excellent shops and restaurants, and it’s on the tube lines for Heathrow Airport and central London.
• Paddington : There are plenty of hotel options near Paddington Station that will fit any budget.
• Southwark : Situated across the river from the Tower of London, Southwark has quality accommodation for reasonable prices.
• Wombat’s City Hostel : This highly-review hostel chain has a great Whitechapel location and fills up fast.

There are plenty of lovely VRBO apartment rental options in London as well. They’re an excellent way to experience authentic London life (and save a bit of money on dining out)!

Get some rest after day two, because you’ll need to be up bright and early for day three of this self drive UK holiday!

RELATED: Ultimate 4 Days in London Itinerary

I’m going to be honest: this day is packed from morning til night. If you’re road tripping from London to Edinburgh with young kids, it might be tough to squeeze in all of these places. In that case, I’d cut out sightseeing in Bath and just head there for a night’s rest.

Visiting Windsor is a double treat. Not only do you get to wander a 1,000-year-old castle, but you’ll also walk through the charming Windsor village on your way there (pictured at the top of this post).

If you already have your car, you’ll find plenty of parking options within walking distance of Windsor Castle. I recommend using one of the car parks south of the main area (either William Street or Victoria Street), as it’s the most efficient walking route to see both the village and castle.

For the speediest entry, book your tickets online . The castle doesn’t open until 10am, and you’ll want to get in as soon as possible.

Once inside the gate, it takes around two hours to explore the grounds and rooms. Highlights include the opulent state apartments, gilded grand reception room, and breathtaking St. George’s Chapel, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married in 2018.

Once you leave the castle, pop into a cafe or Pret A Manger for a quick lunch before you depart. Driving from Windsor to Stonehenge takes around 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, so you’ll want to be on the road by 12pm.

Despite being called a tourist trap by some, I found Stonehenge to be a highlight of my UK road trip itinerary.

This world wonder and UNESCO heritage site still holds mysteries after centuries of research. And the experience of seeing the stones up close is something I won’t soon forget.

Although it’s possible to visit Stonehenge for free , the amount of walking involved would take a serious chunk of time out of your day.

Instead, pay the admission fee, which gives you access to a shuttle to and from the stones. Your ticket also includes free parking in the massive Visitor’s Centre lot, and admission to the museum exhibition full of archaeological finds.

Get your skip the line Stonehenge tickets to save time!

It’s an hour’s drive from Stonehenge to Bath, so I recommend departing Stonehenge by 2:30pm.

Bath is best known for its Roman architecture, and I can see why. The view as you approach the city looks like something from the Italian countryside.

Orange roofs and whitewashed buildings line the hills above the city center, and the Roman Baths are surprisingly well-preserved given they’re nearly 2,000 years old.

If you want to see these famous Roman Baths, they should be your first stop upon arrival. After that, you should have time to check out Bath Abbey and the surrounding city center.

I also recommend walking past the famous Royal Crescent, a long curving row of Georgian houses facing Royal Victoria Park.At this point in the UK road trip, you’ll likely be exhausted!

Instead of navigating the city yourself, consider booking a guided tour of the Roman Baths and city highlights.

Once you’ve finished sightseeing, wind down with a nice pub dinner. Bath has dozens of old character pubs, including The Huntsman and The Raven.

Luckily, Bath is only a 30 minute drive from tomorrow’s first destination in the Cotswolds, making it an ideal place to spend the night .

Save me for later!

Day 4: Cotswolds

Day four of this London to Scotland road trip is all about picturesque English villages. You’ll spend the day meandering through the Cotswolds, an official Area of Natural Beauty.

The itinerary starts in Castle Combe , commonly cited as England’s most beautiful village. From there, you’ll drive north to Painswick , where a hilltop climb leads to sweeping views over the Severn Valley.

After that, grab lunch on your way to the Slaughters , a mildly disturbing name for this pair of lovely residential areas. Finally, you’ll end the day in Chipping Campden , whose famous church and high street make for a relaxing end to a day of sightseeing.

You’ll be covering a lot of ground in one day, so I recommend spending the night in Chipping Campden . From here, it won’t take long to hop back on the A44 to start driving to Gloucester.

Read the full Cotswolds day trip itinerary here.

Literature lovers and architecture enthusiasts will rejoice over today’s agenda. Aside from its abundance of British charm, Gloucester is home to an impressive cathedral, as well as a few places that inspired Beatrix Potter’s famous works.

After a morning in Gloucester, it’s off to Shakespeare’s hometown for a dose of half-timbered buildings and mementos to the Bard.

Gloucester is an interesting mix of ancient and contemporary. There’s the famous Gloucester Cathedral, an 11th century marvel of stained glass and blended Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It’s long, ornate corridor was also used as a filming location for several Harry Potter movies.

Just a few blocks west of the cathedral stand the Gloucester Docks, with their restored Victorian warehouses looming over the waterfront.

Finally, head up the high street to College Court, a narrow U-shaped alley that’s home to The House of the Tailor of Gloucester. This building inspired the eponymous Beatrix Potter book, and now serves as a shop and museum dedicated to the author.

Gloucester is very walkable, so I recommend parking in the large lot next to the Docks and making a circuit through the town. You’ll probably need around 2 hours to see the highlights, plus some time for lunch.

Stratford-upon-Avon

After lunch, head an hour north to the land of Shakespeare. Thanks to the Bard’s fame, Stratford-upon-Avon remains remarkably well preserved.

The timbered buildings and large flower displays make it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a piece of old England (even if one of those historic facades conceals a Subway).

Aside from the architecture, the main Stratford-upon-Avon attractions include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place (his retirement home), the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre, and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is entombed.

The easiest way to access all the Shakespeare residences (including Anne Hathaway’s cottage) is to buy a multi-entry ticket online .

All of these places are walkable as a large circuit. Stratford Greenway has the cheapest parking, though it’s slightly farther out from the main town. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of car parks on the northern side of the town.

The only highlight that’s a bit far to reach on foot is Anne Hathaway’s cottage, the charming former residence of Shakespeare’s wife. I recommend stopping by the cottage on your way into the town.

To see all of the above, you’ll need around 3 hours. Keep in mind that it’s a 3-4 hour drive from Stratford-upon-Avon to Lake District, so plan your dinner accordingly. We had a light meal to tide us over, and then ate dinner at our Lake District inn.

To get the most out of tomorrow’s itinerary, plan to spend the night somewhere north of Manchester, or in one of the southern Lake District villages .

There are tons of charming VRBO rentals in the southern lakes area!

Day six is made for exploring the great outdoors. Though the Lake District sounds like a place for water sports, there are plenty activities that don’t involve boats and paddleboards. Here are a few ideas to help plan your day:

• If you’re on this London to Edinburgh road trip with your partner, check out this list of romantic Lake District breaks for couples .
• Fans of Beatrix Potter should visit Bowness-on-Windermere, where the World of Beatrix Potter brings Peter Rabbit and other tales to life.
• Waterfall chasers need to see Aira Force , a stunning waterfall reachable by an easy hike through the lush forest.
• For panoramic views amidst grazing sheep, head to Keswick village for the Latrigg walk , an incredible vista point over the village and Derwent water.

Wherever your plans may lead, you’ll want to spend the night a bit closer to the Scottish border. It’s a 3 hour drive from the northern Lake District to North Berwick, so I recommend staying in–or north of– Carlisle .

Beaches, castles, and coffee, oh my! North Berwick is one of my favorite places in Britain, so I couldn’t leave it off of this UK road trip itinerary.

The town is home to several beautiful beaches, with a combination of sand and rugged rock. After a stroll along the coast, head to Tantallon Castle, which stands in partial ruin on a seaside cliff.

On your way back, have a refreshing cup of coffee or tea with a view at Drift Cafe. Finally, round out the day in the lovely town center, where several pubs and ice cream shops serve locals and visitors alike.

Read the entire list of things to do in North Berwick here.

Edinburgh is so much more than Harry Potter locations and the Fringe Festival. The city’s incredible scenery–Gothic architecture, a hilltop Castle, and Arthur’s Seat peak–combine to create a magical atmosphere unlike any other.

Whether you’re a history buff, a bookish type, or Scotch lover, you’re sure to be enchanted by this Scottish wonderland.

There’s so much to explore in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the Meadows, and more. Fortunately, I’ve already written a complete itinerary for the city to help you plan your visit!

Read the entire 2 day Edinburgh itinerary here.

When is the Best Time to do This UK Road Trip Itinerary?

Because this road trip from London to Scotland doesn’t go north of Edinburgh, you can easily do this driving itinerary 9 months out of the year.

Due to the potential for snowy road conditions, I’d avoid December – February. And to avoid the crowds and major traffic, steer clear of August. That’s when everyone else is going on UK road trips.

It was late September when I completed this route, and it was a great balance of fine weather and reduced congestion. April and October would also be ideal for the same reasons. If you’re desperate to see London at Christmas, they typically start decorating the last week in November.

Here are a few helpful tips to make your drive across the UK a success:

• When driving on country roads, be prepared to pull off to let oncoming drivers pass. Many of the roads in the Cotswolds and the Lake District are not wide enough for two cars to pass side-by-side.
• Many British roads are not well-marked, so it’s best to use GPS and have a local map handy to avoid missing your turns.
• Have a cooler of snacks and drinks handy to keep everyone happy and hydrated.
• Be sure to pack a first aid kit and other roadside repair essentials before you depart.
• If you’re renting a car ( I recommend Rentalcars.com ), compare prices of dropping it off in Edinburgh vs. returning the car to its original location. It might be costly to drop off in a different city, but consider the petrol prices (and an extra night’s accommodation) of driving back down to London or Windsor.

My Favorite UK Travel Planning Books

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• Lonely Planet: Great Britain’s Best Trips
• Rick Steves Great Britain
• Fodor’s Essential Great Britain: with the Best of England, Scotland & Wales

Click here to open the complete interactive map!

I hope I’ve convinced you to get behind the wheel for a London to Scotland road trip. If you have any questions about this itinerary, let me know in the comments section!

42 thoughts on “A Lovely London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Self Drive)”

This is such a cool itinerary! I know lots of people who want to combine their holidays in Scotland with a trip to England and London, so that itinerary is gold! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Kathi! I really enjoyed this trip and hope others will feel the same way 🙂

Thank you for this helpful itinerary. I will follow your recommendation for my trip to UK on May.

Thanks so much! May is the perfect time to travel the UK. I hope you have a great trip 🙂

This itinerary is fantastic. Do you recommend to follow for a 10-days trip in July?

I’m glad you found it useful! July is a great time to visit, as the weather will be nice and warm. You’ll find the cities a bit more crowded in July (it’s peak travel season in Europe), but nothing too unreasonable. I hope you have a wonderful road trip 🙂

We may be in London in September 2019 for a work event and plan to tack on 7-10 days to see more of the U.K. Driving on the left side on narrow roads seems challenging. How did you find the transition? And any suggestions on a truncated itinerary using trains and or buses?

Hello Christine! As I was not the one driving, I can’t speak to the difficulty of driving on the left side. However, my father-in-law said he got used to it very quickly, though he paid special attention at roundabouts and turns. As for a shorter itinerary using public transit, you can see all of the places in this post by train. I’d suggest Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, Gloucester, and the Cotswolds if you’re going that route. You could also take the overnight train to Edinburgh, spend a few days there, and then take a train to the Lake District.

We are planning on following your itinerary for a September trip. Any recommendations for rental car places near Windsor?

That’s great to hear, Brenda! I don’t have a personal recommendation, as my father-in-law rented our car in London from a small shop. However, I’ve always had good experiences with Enterprise when renting in the US. There’s an Enterprise rental agency in Slough, which is a bit north of Windsor.

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you so much for sharing all of this information. I am beginning the planning now!!!! Melanie

Happy to help, Melanie!

Thanks a lot for such an informative post. Actually, in October, I along with my wife are planning for a tour to London. Your guide will help us.

Happy to help, Mike!

Chelsea, we are coming to the UK in September and have nearly 3 weeks to explore before attending a conference in London in mid October. We were wondering if we could start in Scotland and use this itinerary to travel back to London over a 18 day period?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Kind regards, Maureen (Melbourne)

That sounds like a great trip, Maureen! This itinerary is only 9 days long, so you could either spend more time in each destination, or add a few extra places. Personally, I’d explore more of Scotland, the Lake District, and the Cotswolds, but that’s just me 🙂

I m planning trip which is cheaper by train or self drive car??

Hi Mayur! It’s almost certainly cheaper to do this UK road trip by car, unless you’re traveling by yourself. Train ticket fares keep going up, and you’d need to hire taxis to reach some of these places from the closest station.

Hi Chelsea This is a great itinerary . My problem is , my husband want to see Old Trafford in manchester and he is a HUGE ManU fan. We have 5.5 days in UK . Is there any way we can do Stonehenge ( as i really want to see it) and manchester also in these 5 days? What is the best way to go about these places? Renting a car or doing by train/bus?

P.S. We have two kids with us 3 and 6 yo. Coming in first week of Sept

Hi Wafa! If you only have 5.5 days in the UK and really want to see Manchester, I would probably do a totally diferent itinerary from this one!

If you’re starting in London, you can take a round trip bus tour to Stonehenge. Then, you can take a train to Manchester and spend a day there. Manchester is right next to the beautiful Peak District, so you could travel by train/bus or rent a car to see a few places there (Chatsworth House and the trails around Edale are nice). Finally, you can take a train back down to London assuming that’s where you’re departing from.

I hope this helps!

Hi, Chelsea,

It is very exciting to read thru your pre-planned on self driving from London to Scotland. We are following exact itinerary given by you. I Would appreciate that you can share on buying the tickets to Windsor Castle. Where to buy online with good bargains for 5 adults. And any other tickets to buy online or during the visit?

Thanks Daron! Unfortunately I don’t believe there aren’t any discounts on tickets for Windsor Castle (unless you’re over 60 or disabled), as it’s regulated by the Royal Collection Trust. However, getting your tickets online in advance is a good idea, because the ticket queue can get quite long and you’ll save time.

In addition to Windsor Castle, it’s best to get advance online tickets for the Tower of London , Stonehenge , and Shakespeare’s family homes .

Best wishes on your UK road trip!

Thanks Chelsea for sharing such a nice post. I am planning for a self drive ride while on a tour to London with my wife next month. Going to bookmark your site.. Thanks for helping…

Hi Is it possible to follow this itenerary by using public transportation such as train or bus?

Hello, Edy! Yes, you could use a combo of trains and buses to follow almost all of this itinerary. I’d start by using Google Maps to see what routes and train services are available, and then check the websites for specific providers (ex. Great Western Railway) to get an idea of cost.

Him read through your itinerary and was so impressed with it. Is it possible to do it at the end of October? Will the weather be wet if so than will it hinder this itinerary. Hope you can give me some guidance. Thank you.

Thanks, Violet! There’s no escaping the rain in the UK, unfortunately, so traveling in October is fine. You’ll also have the benefit of seeing beautiful autumn foliage!

You convinced me !! I only have 6 days to do them all , which places do you think i could miss ? im traveling with my husband ( he is not very fond on museums etc but love sightseen and enjoy the culture of the countries we visit) and my 10 yr old son .

Glad I could convince you, Fabiola! With six days and a 10-year-old in tow, I would probably do this: Day 1-2: London Day 3: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge Day 4: Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon Day 5: Lake District Day 6: Edinburgh

I hope you enjoy your UK road trip!

Great article! My husband, granddaughter (7) and I land at LHR on a Friday morning and leave from LHR eleven days later. My husband and I did a 30 day camping trip back in 1984 when stationed in Germany (US Army) and had a great time. This time we have a rental car and our granddaughter wants to see castles! We want to only spend about 1 or 1-1/2 days in London at either end of the trip. We want to go to Bath, Windsor, York, Stratford and a couple castles in Wales. Probably skip Edinburgh due to time constraints. Any advice on a route and other castles/sites along the way? We are not interested in Stonehenge and want to NOT be in Bath the last weekend in May due to the festival then. We did enjou our time in Cornwall back in 1984 and we also want to see one or two spectacular Cathedral/Abbeys. Any advise?

Sounds like the makings of a great trip, Lisa! I can’t advise on an ideal driving route, but based on where you’re traveling I would recommend stopping by Blenheim Palace, Gloucester Cathedral, Bolsover Castle, and Chatsworth House.

Great itinerary. How much should I budget for parking? Any hacks to reduce this cost item?

Great question! I wish I could remember exactly what we paid for parking, but unfortunately I’m not sure… However, I’d say most lots were around £2 per hour, with some lots doing flat rates for half vs. full day parking (ex. Aira Force is £7 for 4 hours or $9 for the whole day). Several places like the Cotswolds villages and Latrigg Fell had free parking, and you can find free or cheap street parking in Edinburgh as well. Stonehenge parking was included in the ticket price.

Thank you, Chelsea, for this invaluable itinerary! Our 6 week trip was postponed until next July. My husband will be relieving a pastor in Scotland. We plan to fly in to London, explore for 2-3 days and then begin our drive to Scotland. We will live in Lairg and Mike will serve two churches on the northwest coast in Kinlochbervie and Durness. We will use your guide and also be able to explore the Scottish Highlands. Thank you!

Thanks so much, Carol! It sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip planned. Hopefully everything goes well with your travel plans for next summer. Enjoy the Highlands 🙂

Thank you for this informative itinerary and advice. While I have visited the areas of London [several trips],Bath, Lake District and York, you have inspired me to do this trip even if there are repeat visits to certain places for me. Now we are praying for a COVID-19 free 2021 so that we can embark on our travels again.

Thank you, Etynne! It’s a fantastic road trip through the UK, even if you end up repeating a few locations. I hope you can get back on the road soon.

Hi Chelsea – thank you !! came across this great itinerary as I kick off planning for our 2 month UK self drive holiday for May2023. My wife and I have lived in UK for 4-5 years in mid’2000 but at that time work and children commitment did not allow us to travel extensively.

Therefore this trip – where we are planning to travel from India and just experience UK (and Ireland) as a local for 2 months. Pls share any insights, longer duration itineraries, typical budget.

Hello Sanjay, sounds like an amazing trip around the country! One of my favorite travel books is Lonely Planet’s Great Britain’s Best Trips . It has a bunch of fun road trip itineraries of various lengths as well as tips for hiring/driving a rental car.

Dear Chelsea, thank you for the great blog! I will be travelling to UK in May and love the idea to drive around. Would you be able to share if there will be parking fee at most places in your blog? For example, places of interest, hotels, inns, etc. (I live in Singapore and there is no free parking at all, everywhere charges a fee) I’m worried parking cost will be eating into my budget travelling in UK. Thank you!!

Hi Celine, you’ll find a mix of paid and free parking if you follow this itinerary. However, most of the paid lots only cost around £5. We definitely paid to park at Windsor, Bath, and Aira Force, but places in the countryside like the Painswick Beacon or any kind of inn/pub had free parking.

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