scotland and london trip

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Journey through Scotland & England

About this tour.

From poetic countrysides to bustling capitals, experience the different sides of Scotland and England. Explore the Lake District, which inspirited the greatest writers of the Romantic Era. Choose how you spend time in Liverpool – at the site of Strawberry Field that inspired John Lennon, or on a walking tour of Albert Dock. Explore the idyllic towns of the Cotswolds and take in the rocky coastline of Cornwall. Tour the famous sites of London with a local expert. Encounter the history, connect with the locals, and see what life is like in Great Britain.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 5 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Edinburgh Castle
• Lake District
• Choices on Tour

Your Tour at a Glance

12 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Explorations

Best Time for travel

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Optional Excursions

Starting at $120.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

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Extension Style

Best time for travel journey through scotland & england.

While just about any month is great to visit England and Scotland , there are a few prime times of the year for the Journey through Scotland & England tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: The countryside of England is blossoming in the spring. While the weather can be unpredictable, it’s a pleasant time of year with fewer crowds.

Summer: This is a vibrant time to visit the United Kingdom. Enjoy the local culture along with the locals and other travelers alike. While you’re on the coast, do as the locals do and enjoy an ice cream on the beach!

Fall: As temperatures cool, autumn’s colors set in – a photographer’s dream! It’s a nice time to enjoy the sights with fewer crowds if you don’t mind that it starts to get dark earlier in the evenings.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Explore the monastic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.

Spend two nights in Bath, one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities.

Take a cruise on Lake Windermere.

Cultural Experiences:

Overnight in a 16th-century Elizabethan manor house.

Relax as you journey through the countryside by train from Cornwall to London.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Personalize your evening with Diner's Choice in Bath.

Enjoy lunch at the historic Bell Inn in the charming village of Willersey.

• Glastonbury Abbey
• Great Western Railway

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Getting Prepared

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Hotel-Low Wood Bay Hotel

During your stay in the Lakes District, you may choose to enjoy views of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, by upgrading your accommodations to a lake front room. Please inquire about this upgrade at time of booking

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Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Today in the Lake District, you have a choice between two activities. First you may choose to explore Rydal Mount, which lies between Ambleside and Grasmere, and commands glorious views of Lake Windermere and Rydal Water. This was William Wordsworth’s best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80. The house, which was a focus for romantic literature, continues to be owned by the Wordsworth family and retains the feel of a lived-in family home. Spend time touring the house and gardens at your leisure. Your other option is to explore the area’s famed trails, wildlife, villages and culture on a leisurely paced hike, in the company of a professional guide. Two centuries after Wordsworth penned his famous lyric poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” travelers still flock to this rugged corner of England to enjoy the splendor of nature that inspired so many of England’s literary giants.

" Take a trip to Strawberry Field, the site where John Lennon came to play as a child, and one he immortalized in the 1967 classic, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. The site has been owned by the Salvation Army for decades, and operated as a children's home until 2005. It is a unique addition to Beatles tourism and since 2019 has run an interactive center where guests can experience the world John Lennon’s childhood. You will also learn about the centers Steps to Work program which gives young people with learning difficulties the opportunity for work experience. OR, with a local expert, uncover Liverpool’s rich maritime history. Once considered Britain’s “gateway to the world”, Liverpool was one of the most important cities in the British Empire. Learn about the role it played in the American Civil War and World War II, the luxurious ocean liners that called it home, and the renaissance its historic waterfront is experiencing today. This tour will visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum. "

Hotel-VOCO Edinburgh

Hotel-Clayton Hotel City of London

Hop on London’s iconic ‘Tube’ and head east towards Tower Bridge Station. During your self-guided tour, explore the world-famous Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic symbol of the city has served as a fortress, a treasury, a prison and a zoo. See the Traitors’ Gate, where prisoners like Anne Boleyn and Saint Thomas More once entered the tower. Behold the magnificent and priceless Crown Jewels before enjoying a savory lunch at a traditional London pub.

Personalize your evening with Diner's Choice in Bath.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: VOCO Edinburgh From $140 per night

VOCO Edinburgh

Low wood bay resort and spa, hotel indigo liverpool, the greenway hotel & spa, the francis hotel, the cornwall hotel and spa.

Nights 9-10

Clayton Hotel City of London

Nights 11-12

Stay Longer

Post Night: Clayton Hotel City of London From $150 per night

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The Perfect Itinerary for 7 Days in London and Edinburgh

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/WXSJQH/the-perfect-itinerary-for-7-days-in-london-and-edinburgh-isabelle-newcomb

International Travel

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Curator’s statement

After studying abroad in the U.K. for a semester in college, I can definitely say that it is one of my favorite countries in the world! There is so much to see and do here, which is why I made this perfect itinerary for 7 days in London and Edinburgh. This itinerary takes you to two of the largest cities in the U.K., London and Edinburgh, and is itinerary is pretty jam-packed, making it best for solo travelers, couples and active groups!

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Where to stay

Vintry and mercer.

Luxury hotel with fashionable rooms in the heart of London.

$50 – 100 (resort / spa) credit.

Daily breakfast.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione

Posh hotel with opulent rooms set in an elegant Victorian building near Hyde Park in London.

Andaz London Liverpool Street

Distinctively local hotel with modern and spacious rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars and the best of East London and the city, just a stone’s throw from the doorstep.

20% food / beverage discount.

Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in.

Guaranteed 2pm late check-out.

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

Perched on the edge of a picturesque private garden in the New Town, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel blends traditional glamor with the Scotland of today.

$100 food / beverage credit.

Breakfast daily.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Modern Scottish luxury in Edinburgh just steps away from Edinburgh Castle and Victoria Street.

Welcome amenity

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Day 1: Arrive in London

You’ve made it to London! Depending on when you arrive, you may be pretty tired from the flight. Take some time to relax and get used to the time change. If you are up for it, make your way to an English pub!

My suggestions are:

The Grenadier .

Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn .

The Lamb & Flag .

Covent Garden .

Day 2: Sightseeing in London

Today we are visiting all the important spots in London! I know it sounds super touristy, but the best way to get around is a Hop On Hop Off Bus tour! Big Bus London has multiple different bus routes that will take you all over the city, and the good thing is, you can hop off at any time if you want to walk around somewhere! My suggestions for stops to get off at and explore for a little bit:

Piccadilly Circus - The London version of Times Square.

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey - Whitehall.

St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Tower of London/London Bridge.

Buckingham Palace.

Oxford Street.

You get to end a perfect sightseeing day on Oxford Street, one of the most popular shopping streets in all of London! You have to eat at Market Hall West End, there are two bars and eight restaurants, making it the perfect spot for any eater! If you aren’t too tired, try out another pub tonight!

Day 3: Borough Market in London or travel to Edinburgh

We have two options for the day, depending on whether you want to spend more time in London or in Edinburgh! Option 1: We will leave in the early morning to board the 4-hour train to Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh, get ready, because we are hiking an extinct volcano with the best view of the city, Arthur’s Seat! There are two hike options, Arthur’s Seat is a bit more strenuous but with better views, while the other option is Salisbury Crags, which is easier but the view is not as wonderful. Option 2: Sleep in a little bit and head out to Borough Market when it opens at 10 AM. There are tons of stalls with merchants, lots of food options and produce/flowers. There are so many food options, you definitely want to stay here for lunch! We will head out of London in the late afternoon for the 4-hour train ride. We don’t want to get into Edinburgh too late, we have an early day tomorrow!

Day 4: Visit Loch Ness & Glencoe

On day 4 of your 7 days in London, we will be taking a full-day trip to none other than…Loch Ness! Home of the infamous Loch Ness Monster, this beautiful lake cannot be missed. On this trip, we will also get to see Glencoe, an area with breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. Maybe we will even spot the adorable Highland Cow, or as the locals call them, coos! If you are feeling up for it after the tour, we have to go to a classic Scottish Pub! My Suggestions:

The Bow Bar.

Dirty Dick’s Pub

Sandy Bell’s.

Day 5: Visit Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile

We will head out early (we want to miss the crowds) to visit the famous Edinburgh Castle, a beautiful, medieval castle overlooking the city of Edinburgh. After doing an awesome tour of the castle, we will do some shopping and sightseeing through The Royal Mile, the historic street next to the castle. The Royal Mile has tons to see: parliaments, a cathedral and churches, walking tours, shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. Lunch Suggestion on the Royal Mile:

The Grain Store .

Wedgwood The Restaurant .

In the evening, we will hop on the 4-hour train back to London.

Day 6: Harry Potter Studio, Oxford, Stonehenge or the Natural History Museum

Today we are leaving the city to explore, and we have options! For the Harry Potter lovers, we are going to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio. This tour includes tons of original HP sets, clothing and props, as well as interactive exhibits! Another option is to do a walking tour of HP filming sites in London city if you aren’t up for leaving the city.

Another option is to visit Oxford, home to Oxford University, the oldest university in England! The city is compact and scenic, perfect for a half-day trip and filled with amazing architecture.

We can also take a day trip to Stonehenge. This mysterious stone circle is most often visited by either half or full-day trips from London, with a guided tour.

Don’t like any of these options? I suggest spending the first half of the day at a museum. I recommend the Natural History Museum for the nature-loving travelers or the National Gallery for art lovers! For dinner/the evening, I suggest making your way to Chinatown, the vibes are great and it’s even better at night! Restaurant Suggestions:

Koya Soho .

Food House .

Day 7: Final day in London

So sad, we have to leave! Depending on when your flight departs, you may have time for a bite to eat. Breakfast Suggestions:

E Pellicci .

Regency Cafe .

Lunch Suggestions:

Scarlett Garden .

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out my 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring La Fortuna, Costa Rica .

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on  travel to London , part of our larger series on travel to England .

The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Travelling through the British Isles is something many people want to do in their lifetimes. And it’s no surprise as to why. England, Scotland, and Ireland not only have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years, but is home to both bucolic natural scenery and some of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities. With so much to see and do in a seemingly small landmass, it can be hard to plan out the perfect London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary.

Luckily, I’m here to help. Read on to find out the best places to visit in Great Britain and Ireland and where you should spend your time!

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to England, Ireland and Scotland

If you’re wondering about the best way to see England, Scotland and Ireland, then make sure to follow the tips and tricks outlined below.

Though it can be fairly easy to travel around this area, there are a number of logistical things and considerations to take into account in order to make the most out of your trip.

Everything from the time of year you visit to the mode of transport you use to get around can make an impact on your trip, so we’ve taken the time to outline all major options out there.

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contrary to popular belief, it is not always cold and rainy in Britain and Ireland. The weather tends to be mild in the British Isles no matter what time of year, with no extreme variance between the seasons.

However, there are some seasons to travel to this beautiful corner of the world that are better than others which is important to consider when wondering how to plan a trip to England, Ireland and Scotland.

Summer is the most popular time to plan a trip. The days are long and the weather is as warm as it can be.

Highs in most of England and Ireland in the summer average around 20-22ºC (68-72ºF) and you can expect highs in Scotland to be about 15-17ºC (59-63°F). Though there are definitely rainy days, you can generally expect more sunshine this time of year than in other seasons.

While the weather is fantastic (for Britain) in the summer, it is also the busiest time for tourism. That means that the prettiest cities and towns will be filled with people and accommodation will book out well in advance. Prices are likely to be higher as well.

If you plan to go to Edinburgh, it is best to avoid the city during the month of August when its world-famous Fringe Festival is going on (unless you specifically want to visit for this occasion). Accommodation books out months in advance and it can be absolutely packed with people.

Autumn could arguably be the best time to visit Britain and Ireland because you get fewer crowds and decent weather. It doesn’t tend to get properly cold in the British Isles until November, so if you don’t mind a bit of rain and needing to wear a jacket outside , then autumn might be the best bet for you.

Along with the beautiful colours of the changing leaves, average highs in England and Ireland land somewhere around 10-17ºC (50-63ºF) and 8-14ºC (46-57ºF) in Scotland. Plan your visit for late September to early October and you very well might get some beautiful sunny days that are over 20ºC!

Spring in Britain and Ireland can be quite chilly still as the weather doesn’t start warming up properly until mid to late May and doesn’t consistently stay warm until June.

It can be quite rainy, windy, and miserable through most of the spring and even a bit dreary as the leaves don’t return to the trees until May. If you’re travelling in the spring, expect highs to be between 9-14ºC (48-57ºF) in England and Ireland and 7-13ºC (45-55ºF) in Scotland.

Winter is the coldest and darkest month in England, Scotland, and Ireland. While the majority of the isles don’t get a lot of snow, it does get dark quite early (around 3 or 4 PM depending on where you are) and it can be extremely wet and rainy.

Snow and sleet are common so make sure to pack accordingly. Average high temperatures in England and Ireland in winter clock in around 5-7ºC (41-45ºF) and 0-5ºC (32-41ºF) in Scotland.

Winter in Britain and Ireland can be miserable, however, many do like to travel around Christmas time in order to enjoy the decorations and markets scattered throughout the cities.

Cities like London and Edinburgh have wonderful Christmas markets and carnivals set up, but most major towns and cities all throughout this England-Scotland-Ireland itinerary will have something to fill you with holiday cheer.

How to Get Around

When it comes to planning a trip around England, Ireland, and Scotland, many people assume that it is easy to see a great portion of all three countries relying solely on the train. While the train network, especially in England, is extensive, it can be very expensive and they don’t always connect to smaller towns and more rural areas.

We recommend relying on the train and public transport systems while visiting England and then hiring a car once you arrive in Scotland and Ireland respectively if you’re following this itinerary. Both of the countries are noticeably more rural than England and don’t have as extensive of a train network.

The bus is also another option and there are more reliable bus connections within Ireland and Scotland than there are with the train.

Bus tickets can also be considerably less expensive than train tickets, however, it is almost always cheaper to book tickets for both at least a little bit in advance instead of on the day of travel. We suggest looking on Omio to book tickets for trains and buses in the UK

If you can drive, however, and your budget allows for it, then we would seriously recommend you hire a car in Ireland and Scotland . There are many places on this Ireland and Scotland itinerary that are much easier reached if you have your own mode of transportation.

Having a rental car not only allows you to get to more off-the-beaten-path and hard-to-reach areas, but it also gives you more flexibility. Nobody likes to be at the mercy of irregular bus timetables! You can browse car rental options here.

It can also be worth taking out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to ensure you don’t need to pay a cent if you get into an accident. This will be significantly cheaper than taking out additional insurance from the car rental company.

It is worth knowing that the majority of rental cars available have a manual transmission. If you can only drive automatic, you need to expect to pay a little bit more for that! Also, this goes without saying, all three countries drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Finally, are you considering taking out a travel insurance policy before your trip? World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

3-Week London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

In order to get a good feel for each country, we recommend you spend at least one week in each of them. Obviously, you could easily spend weeks exploring all three countries on their own, but then that is what future trips are for!

If you have a shorter period of time, why not make it solely a London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary? While we recommend spending as much time in the massive city that is England’s capital as possible, you can see all of the biggest tourist attractions of London in just three or 4 days before taking the train or flying up to Scotland.

Week 1: England

London — the capital of the United Kingdom — is the most logical starting point for this itinerary. London is an absolutely massive city and while most visitors only spend a couple of days exploring, we would recommend that you spend the entirety of your week in England solely staying in London .

While there is certainly more to England than London, due to its central location as a transport hub, it is easy to visit other English cities as a day trip by train. And also a week in the city allows you to dig deeper and see beyond the main tourist draws and get a glimpse at how and where locals actually live in this diverse metropolis.

If you have never visited London before, then it is only understandable that you might want to spend a couple of days seeing everything that makes The Big Smoke so famous. Take the time to visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

If you plan on visiting many paid attractions, then consider investing in a London Go City Pass that includes entry to several of the most popular places in the city and will save you money if you visit enough places!

Enjoy free entry into some of the best museums in the world like the British Museum, Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. And, if you can, be sure to catch a West End show.

If these are the only things you plan on doing, then we suggest planning to stay in Central or West London (neighbourhoods like Soho, Kensington, and Knightsbridge) in order to avoid wasting valuable time sitting on the tube or bus.

Many first-time visitors to London grossly underestimate the city’s size and expect everything to be quite close to each other when, in reality, travel times in the city can take a very long time.

One benefit to spending one week in London, however, is that you will have time not only to do that traditional “touristy” things but also be able to get a little bit off the tourist trail and significantly reduce your overall London trip cost .

After you’ve spent your first couple of days exploring Central London and the museums, take a journey east and hang out with the hipsters in Shoreditch, walk along Regent’s Canal to London Fields, or see some live music in Camden.

London is much more than what is displayed in movies and in the media — it is easily one of the most multicultural cities in the world and has close to 9 million residents. Take the time to realise that London is not solely British and you won’t be disappointed.

Another benefit to spending one week in London is that it gives you the opportunity to take some day trips to other English cities. London is very different from the rest of the country, so it can be a really great experience to see how other cities function in England. Cities like Oxford , Cambridge , and Brighton are very popular day-trips from London and are all within about an hour’s train journey.

If you want to visit some less touristy cities that are still easy to do as a day trip, we would recommend getting up early and catching a train to Bristol or Bath in the west, which is a very cool and completely underrated city with an amazing craft beer and arts scene. Or, if you want to see a beautiful walled medieval city, head north to York , which can also easily be visited as a day trip from London.

If you don’t want to spend your entire week in England completely in London, then we would actually recommend spending five nights in the capital before spending two nights in York. There, you can spend one day exploring the city and another venturing out into the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Where to Stay in London

It really depends on what you want to do and see in order to find the best area to stay in London . These are our suggestions for some of our favourite areas of the city:

Z Hotel Soho  – cool boutique hotel located right in the centre of Soho. The rooms have been stylishly decorated and there are a number of great cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. 

Astor Hyde Park Hostel   – great budget option in this area offering a mix of dorm and private rooms. The hostel has a brilliant common area, large kitchen and cheap breakfast available with proceeds going to charity. 

Eden Plaza Kensington   – a mid-range hotel located just a few minutes walk from the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. Also well connected with nearby Tube stations.

Shoreditch: 

Prime Backpackers Angel  – this hostel is located in Angel, just a short walk along the canal to lively and bustling Shoreditch. They have a range of great dorm and private rooms available and come quite highly rated. 

The Hoxton   – boutique hotel with funky and stylish rooms, located only a few minutes from Old Street Tube Station. Downstairs is a popular bar and restaurant that gets busy on weekends, however, rooms are completely soundproof. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other London hotels.

Week 2: Scotland

After spending one week in London and exploring England, it is time to head north to Scotland. You can reach Scotland either by taking the train — which is incredibly scenic, though expensive — or flying, which is often cheaper. If driving, there are a number of great stops between London and Edinburgh to check out!

Begin your adventures in Scotland by spending two days in Edinburgh , the Scottish capital. This beautiful city has an incredible history but it is quite compact and easy to get around — and it’s drastically different from London!

Take the time to walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, swill some single-malt whiskey in a convivial pub, or maybe let your inner Harry Potter nerd run wild at Greyfriars Kirkyard!

After spending two days in Edinburgh, it’s time to venture into the Scottish Highlands and to explore the largest city there: Inverness. Inverness has the feeling of a small town and the main tourist appeal is its proximity to Loch Ness , however, it is very much worth exploring in its own right.

Spend one day in Inverness itself and another on a day trip from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, or the famous Loch Ness.

From Inverness, it’s time to get in the car and drive to one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland and a top place to visit in the country: the Isle of Skye . Though many people treat Skye as a simple day trip or stopover spot, it is quite large and really deserves to be explored fully.

That is why we recommend spending 2 full days here in order to see some of the main attractions while also getting a bit off the beaten path. There are some really fantastic hikes to do on Skye as well, so make sure you have proper boots!

After you have spent a wonderful two days exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye, head back to Edinburgh of one night before catching a flight to the Emerald Isle.

Where to Stay in Scotland

Apart from the traditional accommodation options listed below, you can find a number of private rentals in Scotland such as this contemporary cottage on the Isle of Skye or this charming riverside cottage in Inverness.

Edinburgh  

Cityroomz Edinburgh — Located in the heart of the city, this small hotel had a number of rooms on offer and comes very highly rated.

Castle Rock Hostel   — This small, centrally located hostel continues to be one of the highest-rated places to stay in Edinburgh. They have a number of rooms on offer, from dorm beds to privates, a friendly staff, and are a great option for both budget and solo travellers.  

Torridon Guest House – a quaint bed and breakfast that is a great place to stay in Inverness. It is within a short walking distance of the city centre and a good option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel.

Black Isle Hostel  – a great hostel offering dorms and private rooms that is a fantastic option if travelling solo and if you want to meet other travellers. 

Isle of Skye 

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast Portree – located in Portree, this is a cosy bed and breakfast with plentyof great rooms, a hearty breakfast and friendly owners. Perfect for mid-range visitors.

Skyewalker Hostel — one of the top-rated hostels in all of Scotland, it’s excellently located, they have a number of different room options, a friendly staff, and they sometimes organise social events in the evening. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other Scotland hotels

Week 3: Ireland

Ireland is a country that fills many people with visions of rolling green hills, pastoral beauty, and incredibly friendly people — and upon visiting you will find that it certainly delivers!

While most people spend one week in Ireland going a pretty standard route from Dublin south to Cork and then following the coast up to Galway , we suggest that you venture on a path less taken when you get to this portion of the London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary.

It is easiest to begin your Ireland trip in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Dublin is a large and dynamic city with many layers, however, it can be quite expensive for tourists and there aren’t a plethora of things to do.

Two days in Dublin should be more than sufficient to see the main sites such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse.

From Dublin, instead of following all too many tourists ahead of you and going south, it’s time to instead head west for the naturally stunning Connemara region in County Galway.

Situated on Ireland’s west coast, Connemara is famed for its rugged scenery, mountainous and boggy terrain, and unique Gaelic culture.  Though Connemara is your eventual destination, there are a number of interesting stops you can make in the drive along the way.

Spending two days in Connemara will give you time to experience all of the fantastic things to do in this beautiful peninsula.

You can spend the day driving the famous scenic Sky Road outside of Clifden, explore charming fishing villages like Roundstone and Letterfrack, lie on the pristine white sand of Dog’s Bay Beach, and visit the gorgeous and historic Kylemore Abbey.

The final stop sees you in the wonderful Irish city of Galway. There are a number of great things to do here from exploring the main sites like the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, whiskey tasting at Garavans Pub, listening to traditional Irish music in the trendy West End, and eating at some of Ireland’s top restaurants.

Spend two days exploring Galway city and one more day to take a day trip to one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions: the Cliffs of Moher . These amazing cliffs are a popular spot for a reason: they are absolutely stunning. Avoid the tourist crowds by trying to get there early, you won’t be sorry!

Where to Stay in Ireland

Apart from the traditional accommodation listed below, you can find a number of private rental properties in Ireland including this stunning city-centre flat in Dublin or this lovely restored barn in Connemara.

Hotel 7 – This perfectly located boutique hotel is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a bit more comfort in Dublin. Situated within easy walking distance of some main attractions, they have a number of plush rooms available and a restaurant and bar on site.

Jacobs Inn – This centrally located hostel is a great place for solo and budget travellers. As one of the best-rated hostels in Dublin, they have a range of dorm rooms and privates available and they also organise social events. 

Island View B&B  – Located in the small seaside village of Roundstone, this B&B is the perfect base to explore all that Connemara has to offer. They offer a tasty and filling breakfast and the rooms were clean and comfortable. This is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Connemara. 

Galway  

The Stop B&B   – This is a great bed and breakfast located in the Claddagh neighbourhood of Galway. Though the location is more quiet and residential, it was only about a ten-minute walk to the city centre and even closer to Galway’s vibrant west end. They also have a fantastic breakfast in the morning, included in the room rate. 

Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel – Centrally located just off of Galway’s Eyre Square, this is one of the top-rated hostels in Galway City. They have both dorm and private rooms on offer and also include breakfast in their nightly rate. It’s a fantastic option for both budget and solo travellers alike. 

Additional Information

If you have more time to devote to your itinerary, it can be worth adding a week onto all three countries or forgoing visiting one country altogether.

If you want to see more of England, consider spending a week in the beautiful southwestern region of Cornwall (there are a number of great stops from London to Cornwall to explore!) or heading north to the perennially popular Lake District. The latter makes more sense for an England-Scotland itinerary.

If you have more time and want to spend it in Scotland, consider adding on the Orkney Islands or driving all or part of the North Coast 500 route – this will allow you to see some of the most beautiful areas of the country where few tourists ever venture.

If you want to spend more time in Ireland or want only an Ireland-Scotland itinerary, you can head south from Dublin and spend time in Cork and the Ring of Kerry before tacking on Galway City and Connemara or alternatively head north from Dublin to Belfast and explore Northern Ireland!

Planning the perfect itinerary for England, Scotland and Ireland can be difficult as there is so much to see in each country. With these suggestions, however, you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

Are you trying to plan a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

An Alternative 5 to 10 Days North Coast 500 Itinerary

Glasgow or Edinburgh: Which Scottish City to Visit?

Epping Forest Walks: The Best London Day Hike

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I am a widower and solo traveller of 76 years old can you recommend a company that would cater to my age group to see england scotland and Ireland, would it be better to take a cruise on small ship or land tour. I want to spend some time in London as well. It’s been thirty years since Ive been there. I realize this may be too much for one trip but not sure I would ever get back. I am not one to organize tours on my own look forward to hearing from you martin taffel

Hello Maggie,

Hope you are doing great and thank you for having chat blog which would help travelers like us.

We are a family of three adults and fan of Manchester United. We are planning to travel in September/October to see or 2 matches of Man U then travel to Scotland and Ireland. . I also want to know how could travel to the three places, train or air would be better. We are coming from Singapore. Any tips and guidance for us would be good.

Thank you very much Seli

Hi Selvi, if you don’t want to drive yourself, I’d recommend taking the train from London to Manchester and the same onward to Scotland. Then it’s a quick flight to Ireland 🙂

Thanks for the ideas and feedback. This helps stop the head spinning.

One question as we are planning something in June or July 2024 ( I know need to get going), but it will be a family of 3 (2 adults and 1 14YR Old Son). Knowing all cool viewing points will not always be as fun for a 14 year old, any thoughts/suggestions for his consideration?

Hi Tom, maybe plan to spend more time in the cities rather than in the country? There are lots of things that could be of interest to a teenager depending on what your son likes!

Love your recommendations! We will likely visit England, Scotland and Wales in a three to four week trip. Any thoughts about a brief Wales tour? My ancestors are from Llanddulas and we’ve never been to Wales.

I saw you suggested Ireland and Scotland if you only plan to spend 10 days, but what do you think about Ireland and England? I’d love to know your thoughts.

Thank you so much for the great info! My husband and I just booked a trip in and out of London from 9/12-10/16. We plan to do 2 weeks in England and a week each in Scotland and Ireland. He has roots in County Cork so we definitely want to go there. Can you help with an itinerary? Since we’re flying in and out of London, do you recommend one week in the city and one week in the countryside? We definitely want to go to Bath. York, Cambridge, Oxford and maybe the Cotswalds? What do you suggest? Also, is there a ferry from Scotland to Ireland and how are the roads in the rural areas of these two countries? We’ve never driven on the UK side of the road. Will we need a car at all in England? Thank you so much! Debbie

Hello Maggie, I enjoyed your article. My wife and I are planning a Sept 2023 trip to Scotland/London area. Will spend 14 days or so. Wondering if we fly into a Scottish airport or London on a RT ticket from Seattle, WA? The only thing in England we want to see is Sudeley Castle (family relationship), then it’s off to Scotland for 11-12 days (focused on highlands), probably by train then rental car. We could do Sudeley on front end or back. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I am planning a 13 days trip to the UK in January.

I want to understand if I should do both Scotland and Ireland with london.

Please guide.

Thanks for your super helpful blog! I have just a couple of questions:

– Would you recommend separate car hires for Scottland and Ireland? – If you recommend separate car hires, would you recommend travel to Ireland from Scottland via ferry, or plane?

Hello Maggie,visiting Europe for the first time- London – Paris – Italy – would love some advise from you Is the Oliver plaza hotel a good choice to stay in London We are considering 3 to 4 days in London ( sight seeing the most famous sites) – traveling to Paris via the eurostar – 4 day stay in Paris- need advise on hotel close to normal sight seeing- then Italy Rome-pissa -Venice- any and all advise is welcome Thanking you in advance for your help! Adriana

Greetings Maggie! We have a reunion meeting in Belfast on 16-20 Sept 2022. I am flying from New York to Heathrow with connection to Belfast. After the reunion we want to explore Wales and Edinburg and Loch Ness (20-22 Sept) then back to London for return flight to NY. Would appreciate if you could recommend a good itinerary (I don’t drive manual so driving is not for me) taking the ferry from Belfast to Wales and maybe by air to Edinburg (pls suggest the best transport to take). Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Wonderful information. I have a 1 week trip to London in August and want to spend 2 days in Ireland. My family is from County Fermanagh but I am not sure I can get that far in such a short time and still enjoy it leisurely. Any must do’s or suggestions?? I am not too interested in Dublin.

Spending 2 days in Ireland will definitely be a bit rushed, especially when you consider travel times. I would recommend planning to visit another time if you’re strapped for time on this trip 🙂

Hello Maggie we are 6 people from India all 60 plus of age want to visit London & Countryside in second half of June for around 12 nights what can be best ittenary for the same.My daughter living in London suggested Isle of Wright,Cotswold & Scotland

Hi Maggie- My son is graduating from college and we are planning to go to Ireland, Wales and London. We have approximately 2 weeks. We fly into Dublin and will finish up in London. I’m going home then and he’s heading over to the continent for another 10 days before he returns home to Chicago. I’m considering renting a car in Ireland so we can have more flexibility getting to more places “off the beaten path”. Any advice? Thanks!!

Hi Patrice – sounds like you’re planning a really memorable trip! I think that renting a car in Ireland (and in Wales, too) is a great idea as it will give you a lot more flexibility. Hope you have a great time!

I’m returning to the British Isles in April with my husband & son, as we will be visiting our older son studying in Swansea, Wales. Do you have any recommendations/links for a bed & breakfast or hotel in Swansea and for a bed & breakfast in Dublin, Ireland? Thank you for your kind consideration.

Hi there Maggie,

Thank you for this interesting read! I’ve actually been wanting to do a eng-sct-irl tour like this for quite a while (due in part to being a huge Harry Potter nerd), but I’ve never actually looked into it until now. Your itinerary guide has been really informative!

I know it’s almost impossible to say, BUT if you were to give a ballpark cost figure for the full tour for a single traveler hiring a car, what would it be?

Thanks again! And best wishes.

Thanks for your comment, Jason! We actually have a few cost guides that you might find helpful when coming up with a rough budget. England: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/england-trip-cost/ Scotland: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/trip-to-scotland-cost/ Ireland: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/ireland-trip-cost/

Great article, thank you. In terms of a budget for the three locations, do you have anything on this? Many thanks, Ken

Hi Ken! We actually have separate budget guides for England ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/england-trip-cost/ ), Scotland ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/trip-to-scotland-cost/ ) and Ireland ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/ireland-trip-cost/ ). To help you even further we also have budget guides specifically for London ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/london-trip-cost/ ), Edinburgh ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/prices-in-edinburgh/ ) and Dublin ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/prices-in-dublin/ ). Hope this helps!

Dear Maggie, thank you so much for putting this information out. 6 of us (3 couples family) want to plan a vacation to these locations in June 2022. This really helps us. My mother in law was from England and my husband and siblings want to see it all again. Fingers crossed. Thank you, Barbara

Thanks for your comment, Barbara! Really hope you’re able to have a fantastic trip 🙂

Dear Maggie, This is wonderful information. Thank you so very much. I along with 3 other nurses who have worked off and on together for over 30 years are planning a 6 week trip through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Your tips have helped me with the planning of this trip. Thank you again,

Thanks for your comment, Terry! So happy that we’ve been able to help you plan your trip and I hope that you’re able to have an unforgettable adventure.

Hello, we are considering a 4 week trip for our family of 5, and I was wondering how your 6 weeks went? I am starting to think 4 weeks isn’t enough time

I am planning a trip to the U.K next year. I’m planning on moving to the U.K from Maryland. Where are the best location to settle down. It’s just me and no kids.

Hi Felicia, thanks for your comment! Where you plan to live in the UK really depends on what you’re after. There’s quite a lot of options so make sure to do some research and see where you like the most when you’re visiting next year 🙂

My husband and I are hoping to travel next year to London, Scotland and Ireland. This was a very informative and helpful article. We unfortunately will only have two weeks and not three to do this trip so we may leave off Ireland. Any suggestions on how to spilt the 3 of them in a 2 week period or do you suggest skipping one for a later time date by itself? Thank you

Hi Vicki, thanks for your comment! If you only have two weeks, I think the right move is to only concentrate on England and Scotland and leave Ireland for another trip. It is way better to visit fewer places and actually get to see and experience them then feel as if you have to rush through too many places and not really get the most out of them. Hope this helps and you’re able to have a great trip in the future!

Thanks for your tips etc on visiting Scotland/Ireland. A question can I rent a car in Scotland go over to Ireland leaving the car behind and pick up another car with the same rental company. Thus saving Ferry costs for the car. Whick port do you advise to use?

Regards Sakkie

Hi Sakkie, I’m not aware of any particular companies that you could do this with — you’ll need to contact a few yourself. Hope you have a great trip!

hello maggie,me and my wife are leaving USA,first time for our 30th anniversary.taking 2 1/2 weeks.wanted to visit all 3 places plus amsterdam,and normandy.was planning on flying to all of them,we heard it was the less expensive and doing small day tours in each.3 days in each,London,Edinburgh,dublin,amsterdam and normandy,all in may 2021.think too much?trying to plan a headstart.

Hi Jeffery, I think if you want to visit all of these places in 2.5 weeks it’s going to be a bit too much. Personally, I would limit yourself to just England and Scotland and maybe Ireland and save continental Europe for another trip 🙂 I think you will be able to enjoy the places you visit more this way.

Wondering what the best itinerary would be for 17 day trip. We would fly into the suggested city and rent a car for sure. Looking to get all 3 in and definitely want to see all the highlights. Any recommendations ?

H John, if you have 17 days, I would follow the 3-week itinerary that I’ve lined out and just pick one or two places that don’t interest you in order to meet your time constraints.

Dear Maggie, Thanks for the great information I’m planning for my short vacation (one week ) trip to London . North iceland and Scotland. Do you have any idea or suggestions for this short period ?? Regards Joanne

Hi Joanne, that is a lot of places to pack into one week! I would honestly only suggest sticking to the capital cities (London, Edinburgh, Belfast) and maybe take a day trip or two from them. That would allow you to get a good feel for the places without cramming too much in. Hope you have a great time!

Wonderfully insightful and helpful information on traveling the British Isles. I am planning an 18 day trip next September for my wife and I. Following your suggestions, I think 3 days in London would be enough for us to see many of the important and historic sights there. Then we would take the train to Edinburgh and stay for 2 or 3 days (maybe a short trip to St. Andrews one of those days). Then off to Inverness and the Isle of Skye for 2 days. I’d like to know if you think Glasgow is a must see. If not, we will simply head to Ireland and have a few more days to spend there.

I like the idea of Air BnB sites, but have no experience with them and want to make sure there is no concern necessary. I am a bit cautious at this point.

I’m looking forward to your response and any further/additional suggestions for helpful information.

Best regards, Pat

Thanks for your comment, Pat! I’m glad you’ve found this information helpful and it sounds like you’re planning a great trip. A lot of people tend to skip Glasgow when visiting Scotland (I, myself, have never been) as I don’t believe it has the same kind of beauty and historical sites that you can find in Edinburgh or elsewhere in the country. It is pretty up and coming, however, and there is a great music scene (so I’ve heard), so it all depends on what you’re after.

As for Airbnb, I have stayed in many many Airbnb properties all over the world and have never once had any sort of safety issue. It is actually my preferred kind of accommodation and I use it more often than not. All I would say is make sure you read the reviews of whichever property you want to stay in so you know what to expect. But there isn’t anything to worry about 🙂

Hope this helps!

Maggie, I really enjoyed your discussion and suggested itinerary. I is a great start for us. We are planning a five week trip to England, Scotland and Ireland (hopefully including Northern Ireland). A bit of Wales if we can fit it in would be nice. We are deciding between May and September. Do you have any recommendation/preference? I was thinking September since we would be heading pretty far north in Scotland. Also, do you have any thoughts on additional places to add for a trip of this length. We would likely limit our time in London to two-three days max. Both my wife Sue and I have visited London multiple times, but that is the extent of her travels to Britain. I have seen a fair share of the West Country and South Wales, but would appreciate any thoughts from an expert on how to expand your suggested itinerary. FYI, I have been no further north than the Cotswolds and have not seen Oxford/Cambridge/York and only limited places in Kent/Sussex/Hampshire/Dorset. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for your comment, Bob. I think that planning to go in September is a better bet, the weather is more consistently warm then — May can be really cold throughout Britain. If you’ve already been to London, then I would recommend spending some time in Cambridge and York. The Lake District could be a good option for you, as well, especially if you like nature. I hope you have a great trip!

Thank you so much for such informative articles (I’ve read several of them tonight)!

My husband and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary this December. We never had a honeymoon, so we have been planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland in March/April of 2020.

After reading this article, however, I’m thinking we might be better off to wait until Fall of 2020. ?

I have been looking into tour group trips, but none of them seem to be what we really want. After waiting all this time to go on a trip we’ve dreamed all our lives, I want it to be as special as can be. You have given me the courage to try and plan a trip myself and even hire a car! ?

Thank you again for the insightful advice.

Hi Lorrie, thanks so much for your comment and I am so happy that I’ve inspired you to travel independently for your 40th anniversary “honeymoon!” I’m sure you and your husband will have an amazing time! If you have any questions regarding your trip, please don’t hesitate to get in touch 🙂

we plan to travel to London 14 days on 19dec2019 onwsrds for Christmas celebration n New year 2020 and knowing that daylights short..about 4pm will b dark..

We don’t plan to drive.. can u recommend which date shall we stay in London ? will like to travel to Paris, Scotland or any better suggestion.

Regards Amie

Hey Amie, you can stay in London on any of these days but keep in mind that virtually everything shuts down on Christmas (25 Dec), including all public transport. Other than that, I’m sure you will have a great time — there are lots of markets and fun, festive things to explore that time of year. Just make sure to pack warm clothes!

We are planning a 10 days trip to London Scotland and Ireland.Please suggest an itinerary.

10 days in all three of London, Scotland, and Ireland is going to be too rushed. I would suggest concentrating on either London and Scotland or Scotland and Ireland depending on what interests you most. Hope you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie, Planning a 2.5 week trip and a friend has offered for me to use her vehicle (starting point West London). Would this be a good option or will I be wasting time driving long distances?

Hi Stephanie, if you have the option to borrow your friend’s car for the trip, I would definitely recommend it! Driving in London can be a nightmare, but otherwise, you will have so much more flexibility on your itinerary without being beholden to bus and train timetables. The UK is a small country, so no drives are really that long, either. And you can always find somewhere great to stop along the way!

Hi Maggie! We are looking for a 2 week trip to all 3 places. London we only want to do a few days and see the highlights. Then Scotland and Ireland. We want to stay a night in a castle in Scotland. Ireland we have to kiss the Blarney Stone. Touristy stuff as we have never been. Guinness and Jameson yours too! Ideas?

Hey Maureen, sounds like you’ve got a great trip planned! Hope you have a great time 🙂

Dear Maggie, Read your wonderful and infomative blog. Planning a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland in Mid September for family of 4 adults , a 4 years child and a 8 months baby.

We have only 2 weeks to spend. Please recommended some suggestions and an itinerary. Would like self driving in Scotland and Ireland.

Glad you found the information helpful! While the above itinerary is 3 weeks long, it is entirely possible to cut it down to 2 weeks if you just decide to skip some of the destinations that don’t interest you. For instance, you can only spend a couple of days in London, and skip one destination from each Scotland and Ireland and you will be able to plan to perfect 2-week trip. Hope you and your family have a great time!

Dear Maggie, Happy New Year! Your information is great but I was wondering if you have info on just navigating travel to these beautiful cities via train or other types of transportation between your suggested cities What is your opinion of taking a ferry to one of our selected city? I will be traveling with my 16-year-old daughter and will not be renting a car. I would be too freaked out and make our trip unbearable. We have been to London but never to Scotland or Ireland. We are traveling from Los Angeles and look for to making this a reality. Our travel will be in June of 2019. Great Article and look forward to reading more of your articles.

Happy New Year, Rosemarie! Thanks for your comment 🙂 Depending on where you want to go in Ireland/Scotland, renting a car isn’t entirely necessary, it can just make things more convenient if you want to visit more rural areas. Bus and train connections between the bigger cities in both countries are frequent and reliable, so you shouldn’t need to worry much about that. I’m not sure where you plan to take a ferry to, however, in my experience, the ferries are large, clean, and comfortable and tend to operate on time. If you’re not renting a car, you can also take day tours from all of the bigger cities/towns to visit more difficult-to-reach areas as well. I hope this helps you plan your trip! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email 🙂

Hi Maggie, my husband and I are planning a trip Oct 1-15 for his work to Tenby, Wales. He will have to work each day and I would love to see the UK, my daughter is planning on flying for one week of our stay and just wondering how we could see Ireland-Scotland-London in a 7 day period or is that too much to see in such a short time? Would love your suggestions!!

Hi Pam, thanks for your comment! I personally wouldn’t recommend trying to cram a visit to England, Scotland and Ireland into one 7-day trip – you’re likely not going to get a lot out of it and will spend more of your time travelling between places rather than actually seeing anything. I would recommend staying simply in England and Scotland (or just one of them) and then plan to visit Ireland some other time when you have enough time to properly dedicate to it.

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A 10-Day London and Edinburgh Itinerary

Make the most of your time in the UK with this 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary. You’ll see all the best sights and get a taste of history, culture, and life in the UK. This trip is not to be missed!

My dad always told us that when we all grew up and got married, he wanted to take his adult children and their spouses to Hawaii. My dad passed away before my youngest brother got married, so we never got to fulfill his dream. Shortly after his death, my mom decided that she wanted to do it anyway—but to London instead! And she asked me to plan a 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary. After getting input from the 13 of us (my mom, her 6 kids, and our spouses) on what everyone wanted to do, I came up with the following 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary. And it did not disappoint! This was seriously one of the most memorable and amazing trips I’ve ever taken.

Day 1: London sights

We arrived in London at 7 am local time. Yes we were tired, but we didn’t want to waste any time! (In my opinion, the best way to get over jet lag is to just adapt to local time by staying up during daylight hours in your new location and going to bed early that first night.)

After getting settled in our Airbnb and going grocery shopping, we set off to explore! We purchased a 5-attraction London Explorer pass, which made it easy to visit the attractions we wanted to see. With 20+ attractions to choose from, there was something for everyone!

Buckingham Palace

You can’t come to London and not visit Buckingham Palace! Although we missed the changing of the guard, we still got to see the palace and the grounds and the guards marching back and forth in those big furry hats.

Westminster Abbey

Next we hit Westminster Abbey and took the guided tour (included in our London Explorer pass). We learned all about the history of the abbey and the British monarchy. The architecture of the abbey is incredible!

Thames River cruise

We passed Big Ben on our way to the Thames River, where we took a river cruise (also included in the London Explorer pass). Our guide pointed out all the sights along the Thames, and explained their significance. We really enjoyed seeing the famous skylines from the river!

Borough Market

We ended the day at Borough Market, a large market selling all sorts of local foods. It was delicious and easy to try a sampling of a variety of English foods.

Day 2: Warner Bros Studio

Being the Harry Potter fans that most of my siblings and I are, we had to spend a day at the Warner Bros Studio. They provide a shuttle to the studio from several stops around London. We learned all about special effects, saw the costumes and sets used in the movies, and of course, drank butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Yum!

It was so fascinating to see the details of the costumes and sets, but my favorite part was learning the secrets of how they did the special effects. Here’s a cool video about some highlights—including Matt flying on a broom!

That night we ate at a traditional English pub, St. George’s Tavern. The fish n chips were excellent!

Day 3: London sights

Double-decker bus tour.

We started off the day with a double-decker bus tour around the city (included in the London Explorer pass). I loved this because we were able to see things and learn about stuff that we otherwise would not have if we’d just taken the subway to the destinations we wanted to visit. You could get on and off the bus whenever you wanted too, so we stopped at the following places along the route.

Our first stop was Kings Cross Station, because I wanted to see Platform 9 ¾. To be honest, Platform 9 3/4 was a little disappointing (they have a better version at the WB studio), but the station was fun to see.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Next we stopped at St. Paul’s Cathedral. I was seriously BLOWN AWAY! I loved everything about St. Paul’s, and it was a highlight of London for me.  A definite must-do. Both inside and outside were gorgeous. We went to a Sunday service, and the acoustics inside were just incredible! I loved hearing the choir and looking up at the immaculate ceiling. They also have guided tours you can take when there aren’t services going on. And the grounds are beautiful. You can even channel your inner Mary Poppins on the famous steps in front of the cathedral.

Tower of London

We hopped back on the bus and got off at the Tower of London. It’s not really a tower, but a fortress and prison. We learned all about the history, the ravens, and the crown jewels from our awesome guide, Beefeater Dave. (The prison guards were called beefeaters back in the day.) After our tour, we got to go in and see the famed crown jewels. I enjoyed hearing about all the coronation traditions and seeing the incredible crowns and other items on display.

London Bridge

From there, we went over to the London Bridge (included in the explorer pass), and learned all about this architectural gem. You can even go way up over the bridge to the glass bottom observatory. To be honest, walking on the glass floor that high up kinda freaked me out, but it was still cool!

We had planned for our last stop to be the London Eye, but when we arrived the line had been cut off because it was so late and there were so many people already in line. I was super disappointed, however some of my siblings were able to go and said it was amazing!

Day 4: Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge

We took a day trip out to Windsor castle, Bath, and Stonehenge. Our tour from International Friends Day Trips was awesome! They do smaller group tours (they only do groups of 10-15), so we were the only ones in our van and we had the BEST guide. They made it so easy and enjoyable, and we learned so much about each location. Our guide went above and beyond and talked to us about local culture and politics, etc., which we found so interesting.

For example, we went right when the whole Brexit thing was happening, so she told us all about it. She also told us the different ways locals prefer to top their scones and toasts (some do jam then cream, and others prefer cream then jam).

Windsor Castle was gorgeous and we even got to see the staff preparing for Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

Day 5: Oxford/Ilston on the Hill

Since two of my brothers are major fans of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, they requested that we visit Oxford. We took a day trip out to Oxford and did a guided walking tour from a local Oxford student. While I didn’t think Oxford would be super interesting, this charming town proved me wrong! We learned all about the university and the different colleges. Our guide even told us interesting facts and stories about those famous authors. We ate lunch at the local Eagle and Child pub where Tolkien and Lewis came to meet up with their writer friends and discuss their writing. The food was delicious, and the sticky toffee pudding was to die for!

Legend has it that when CS Lewis came out of the doors of the church on the Oxford campus, he saw a door with a lion and a fawn on it and looked to his right and saw a lamppost. And the idea for The Chronicles of Narnia was born! So of course we had to visit that church and see for ourselves. For other travel-inspiring books , check out our favorites here !

The local museum featured a really cool Tolkien exhibit that included some of his original manuscripts and drawings. We even saw original, illustrated letters that Tolkien had written to his children from Santa. Honestly, I wished we would have had more time in Oxford.

Ilston on the Hill

Later that day we visited a small town called Ilston on the Hill. My mom had been doing some family history and discovered that many of our ancestors came from this place. (This was actually the reason my mom wanted to come to London in the first place—to see the places where our ancestors came from.)

We visited the local church where many of our ancestors were christened, married, and buried. After talking with a local, we even got to go inside and look around and see the church’s 200 year old Bible! Honestly, this was a really special part of our trip. If you have the opportunity to visit the places your ancestors came from, I highly recommend it!

Day 6: London sights

Since we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , we wanted to visit our church’s London Temple while we were there. We hired a driver to take us out to the suburbs where the temple is located. It was a beautiful drive and so fun to see some of the country. (I highly recommend hiring a driver if you can. It was so nice not to have to worry about directions or traffic, etc in a foreign country.) We had a wonderful time at the temple, and I especially loved the beautiful grounds.

If you want to stay in London, I’d suggest visiting the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Churchill War Rooms, and/or Kensington Palace. Or, you could go out to Greenwich (home to the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and the National Maritime Museum). All of these attractions (minus Kensington) are included in the Explorer Pass.

After our morning at the temple, we indulged in afternoon tea at the Hotel Café Royal. I love going to afternoon tea! It’s a British tradition that should not be missed. They serve several different kinds of tea (including herbal), scones, sandwiches, and pastries. You think this might be a snack, but it’s a full-on meal! So we definitely left with full bellies!

After tea, we saw Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theater. There are several theaters in the West End that feature the best of Broadway! Hamilton was AMAZING! As I’m sure all the shows are that London has to offer.

Day 7: Train to Edinburgh

As much as I wished we would have had more time in London, we took a train to Edinburgh to finish out our trip. I loved riding through the countryside and seeing the beauty of the landscapes and the small towns we passed through.

Upon arriving in Edinburgh and getting checked into our hotel, we enjoyed dinner at The Tower Restaurant. The Tower features fine dining on the top floor of the National Museum of Scotland. This was the BEST meal! Seriously, I think this was the best steak I’ve ever had in my life. We even tried haggis there and it wasn’t gross. And the views from the roof were incredible.

Day 8: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and Trossachs National Park

We had originally wanted to visit Loch Ness, but we discovered that Loch Lomond was supposedly prettier and closer. And had a song inspired by it! So we hired a driver to take us out to the loch. We used Kilted Piper Tours , and Graeme, our driver and guide, was incredible!

This was probably my favorite day of our whole trip. Stirling Castle was interesting, and the Scottish landscapes of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park were just gorgeous. Graeme even played the bagpipes for us and the highlight was when he let us have a turn!

Day 9: Kirkton of Glenisla

Another line of our ancestors come from the small Scottish town of Kirkton of Glenisla. We knew there was a home in Glenisla that my 3 rd great grandfather, John Robertson, had lived in as a child with his family before they immigrated to the US. And we wanted to find it! So we set out on a bit of a wild goose hunt because we didn’t know exactly where it was.

We saw the schoolhouse and the church in town where my ancestors went, and scoured the graveyard for our ancestors’ headstones. The local Glenisla pub, where we enjoyed lunch, had the best steak pie! Graeme drove us around again, and he was just as determined as we were to find the house. After much searching, we finally found it and were so excited!

The cute couple who lived there let us in and look around and told us about the history of the home. It really was a neat experience. I was even able to find some Robertson tartan souvenirs to bring home and wear proudly!

If you don’t have ancestors from anywhere near Edinburgh, you can skip the day trip and spend an extra day in Edinburgh—there’s plenty to do! Although the countryside is beautiful!

Day 10: Edinburgh

We enjoyed simply walking around Edinburgh and basking in the architecture and culture. Sounds of bagpipes echoed from outside of one of the churches and we just stopped to listen for a while. We also visited the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens.

There is so much history and beauty to enjoy in Edinburgh! One of our favorites included an old cannon called Mons Meg. We loved this because Meg is my mom’s name!

And don’t miss the cranachan—a traditional Scottish dessert with berries and cream. Yum!

As a recap, here’s the basic 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary

Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Thames River Cruise, Borough Market Day 2: Warner Bros Studios Day 3: Double-decker bus tour, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye Day 4: Day trip to Stonehenge, Bath, & Windsor Day 5: Day trip to Oxford Day 6: Temple, afternoon tea, Broadway show Day 7: Train to Edinburgh Day 8: Day trip to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, Trossachs National Park Day 9: Day trip to Glenisla or stay in Edinburgh Day 10: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens

Yes it’s a lot, but it’s worth it! This was one of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on. This 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary made some of our favorite memories of all time! What questions do you have about London or Edinburgh?

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11 thoughts on “ A 10-Day London and Edinburgh Itinerary ”

Wonderful itinerary! These are two of my favorite cities. When my sisters, niece, mom and I did this tour, we added a couple of days in Dublin, Ireland as well! Edinburgh is my favorite city in the world.

We wanted to do Ireland as well, but not enough time! Hopefully we can go back and see Ireland too!

This is so inspiring! SO many places that I would LOVE to explore as I am Scottish too!

It really was so neat to see the places where our ancestors came from!

Visiting London and Edinburgh is definitely on the list! We have spent a brief time in London, but not with the kids, and definitely not long enough to explore everything it has to offer.

Oh! London is on bucket list now Edinburg too!

I was surprised at how much I loved Scotland. I definitely want to go back!

Wow, this really is the perfect itinerary! I’d love to experience all the things you’ve listed here. London and Edinburgh are definitely on my list; I just don’t know how I’m ever going to do everything! This makes is seem like it’s manageable. Someday!

Right??!! I don’t know how I’m ever going to get everywhere on my list! But I just keep chipping away a little at a time and hope that someday I’ll get everywhere!

We’ve been to London so would love to take these day trips! And love that you can just hop on a train to Edinburgh! Great guide and pics!

Wow, this is the most amazing trip ever! I want to go and do all of this!

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Highlights of Scotland & England: Edinburgh to London

4.4 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

A little island—with a lot to discover.

Take time to uncover the amazing sights Great Britain has to offer. Start in Edinburgh, soaking in the Scottish city's Georgian charms, before setting off into the English countryside for everything from Shakespeare to Stonehenge. Then, end in London, where you'll see iconic landmarks and get a glimpse into the royal life outside Buckingham Palace.

Your tour package includes

• 8 nights in handpicked hotels
• 8 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 6 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• The Royal Mile
• Edinburgh Castle
• York Minster
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Roman Baths

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Edinburgh today.

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight's welcome dinner.

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

• View the elegant Georgian-style New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Pass the Sir Walter Scott monument, the largest monument to a writer in the world.
• Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Please note: The order of today's activities are subject to change.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

From $109 per person

Spend a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Coastal Scotland & St Andrews Pub Lunch

From $145 per person

Travel to York and soak in the city's medieval charms on a sightseeing tour.

• Visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and the Shambles, a historic street in York lined with timber-framed houses.
• Join a local guide inside York Minster, home to the world's largest collection of medieval stained glass.
• View the Roman wall, the oldest section of the city’s historic fortifications.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Drive through the countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town of Shakespeare’s birth. Here, you’ll step inside the Shakespeare family home for a tour with your Tour Director. Then, continue on to the town of Bath.

On a guided sightseeing tour, get to know the charming city of Bath, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

• See the city’s most famous architectural sites, including the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus.
• Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, or visit the Bath Abbey on your own.

Spend a free afternoon in Bath or add an excursion

Literary Bath & Afternoon Tea

From $129 per person

Travel to London today. En route, visit the charming village of Lacock and stop to admire the mysterious monoliths at Stonehenge.

• Walk through the beautifully preserved medieval town of Lacock.
• Continue on to Stonehenge, where you'll learn about the ancient site at the visitor center before making your way to the monument.

View the regal landmarks of England’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill.
• See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations, weddings, and funerals.
• View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
• Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard.

Spend a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Windsor Castle

From $125 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring London.

Enjoy a free day in London or add an excursion.

London Eye & Pub Dinner

From $149 per person

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion.

Tower of London

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.4 out of 5

4 out of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars

This is a very nice tour as it allows you to see both Edinburgh and London with stops in between. Edinburgh is delightful and if anything I would suggest to fly in early if possible to see the sites. Edinburgh was a favorite. Our tour director (Sue) was one of the best we have been with and that ...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy the fitness center, a bar, and stylish rooms. Nearby, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle,...

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown York. Guests enjoy a restaurant, cocktail bar, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find the York Castle Museum, Y...

This Georgian townhouse is located in the center of Bath. Guests enjoy house-baked bread and croissants, individually styled rooms, and a trendy on-si...

This upscale hotel is located in London, steps away from the St Pancras railway station. Guests enjoy on-site restaurants, the leisure club, and a fit...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter the United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code HGB
• You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Edinburgh and depart from London. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Scottish cuisine relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular, as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
• For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
• Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
• The United Kingdom operates within 230–240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
• You will use the Pound sterling on tour.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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Ultimate 12-Day England & Scotland Road Trip Guide

I took this trip in 2019 but I feel like it’s relevant now more than ever for anyone living in the UK. With travel restriction changing left, right and centre, UK-based holidays are becoming more and more popular and what better way to explore than with a road trip through England and Scotland! Make sure you check the local restrictions before planning your trip. With my best friend from Australia set to be visiting for 3 glorious weeks, we were faced with the difficult decision of where to travel together. We’d both dreamt of exploring Scotland for years (Outlander may or may not have played a big part in this dream), but also wanted to see some of the beauty that England has to offer. And so it was decided that we would set off on a 12-day road trip that would take us from London, up through both the Peak and Lake Districts’ and then onto glorious Scotland.

Now, I realise that calling this the ‘ Ultimate 12-Day England & Scotland Road Trip’ may be slightly presumptuous, but for us it truly was! It ticked all of the boxes for places we wanted to visit and suited the style of trip we were wanting to take (not too fast-paced, lots of hiking, stunning scenery a must).

Getting around

Road tripping is truly one of the best ways to see both England and Scotland, especially if you’re wanting to visit places that aren’t major cities with good train/public transport connections. Having a car to scoot around in also allows you more freedom to decide what you want to do day-to-day. We started our trip by picking up our hire car from London Victoria and returned it to Edinburgh Airport at the end. Scotland has lots of wild camping spots so hiring a camper van could be a great way to travel around if that takes your fancy. We opted for a standard car and stayed in AirBnB’s along the way.

Driving Itinerary

Day 1: London – Peak District (3-4hrs) Day 2: Peak District – York (2hrs) Day 3: York – Lake District (3hrs) Day 4: Lake District – Edinburgh (3.5hrs) Day 5: Explore Edinburgh Day 6: Edinburgh – Glasgow (1hr) – Loch Lomond (1hr) – Glencoe (1.5hrs) Day 7: Day trip to Oban (50mins each way) Day 8: Glencoe – Glenfinnan Viaduct (1hr) – Portree, Isle of Skye (2.5hrs via Mallaig ferry) Day 9: Explore Isle of Skye Day 10: Isle of Skye – Fort Augustus & Loch Ness (2hrs) – Inverness (1hr) Day 11: Inverness – Edinburgh (3hrs) Day 12: Last day, fly or train back to London 🙁 Click on the destinations above to drop straight down to the recommendations . You can also check out my Scotland Roadtrip tags on Google Maps .

What to See, Eat & Do

I’ve split this section up into the areas we stayed in overnight and have included stops we took between destinations and sights to see along the way.

Peak District

• We stayed overnight in Buxton , a very cute spa town in the heart of the Peak District. We spent a few hours wandering around town, stopping into local boutiques and shops along the way
• The Roaches & Lud’s Church trail walk . Allow 3-4 hours to complete this loop trail, but trust me the scenery is worth it. The best place to park is along Roach Road in Upper Hulme , right near the Don Whillans Memorial Hut
• Reward yourself with tea and scones after The Roaches walk by visiting Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant , you’ll have earned it!

• Start your day off with a coffee at Brew & Brownie or Spring Espresso
• Explore The Shambles , one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe! Lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings, The Shambles is a must-see when visiting York and is rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter (although I feel like I’ve heard the same thing about many quaint streets throughout the UK, so who really knows!)
• Clifford’s Tower is quite a sight to see, sitting on top of a high mound in the city centre. Fun fact, it was originally built by William the Conqueror
• No UK city is complete without an impressive cathedral – swing by York Minster to take in the beautiful building (it’s one of the largest of it’s kind in Europe) and it’s amazing stained glass windows
• Spend some time wandering through York’s picturesque Museum Gardens . You’ll find St Mary’s Abbey in the gardens, a medieval church that now houses a contemporary art gallery, which is also worth a visit
• Last but not least, before heading off to your next destination take a walk along the York city walls , which run most of the way around the town

Lake District

• We stayed in Ambleside , which was so picture-perfect and I would highly recommend. Windemere and Grasmere would also be good places to base yourself (or to visit and explore) when visiting the Lake District
• Make sure you take time for at least one walk while in the Lake District, the scenery is stunning. We chose The Tarns Walk , which takes you through some of the beautiful lakes (aka. tarns) in the area. The best place to park and start the walk is near the Windemere Ferry terminal .

• I absolutely fell in love with Edinburgh on this trip, there is so much to see and do throughout the city – I could have spent a week exploring! I found it very romantic and loved just wandering the cobbled streets, stopping for warm drinks along the way.
• Speaking of warm drinks, pay a visit to Cult Espresso for a delish coffee. It would also be a great place to set up shop with your laptop for the day if you’re working along the way.
• No trip to Edinburgh is complete without walking through Holyrood Park and up to Arthur’s Seat , you’ll be treated to the most amazing views of both the city and the harbour.
• The famous Edinburgh Castle sits right in the centre of Edinburgh city and is (another) must-see. I’d recommend spending the money to enter the castle and get the audio guide, you’ll see some of the best views over the city and learn a little while you’re at it.
• After touring the castle, grab a (second, or third, no judgement) coffee from either Cairngorm Coffee or Wellington Coffee and then wander through the Princes Street Gardens
• Victoria Street is lined with lovely, quirky local shops and is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. It’s another street that was *apparently* JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley
• The Devils Advocate is a whisky lovers dream! We stopped in after dinner one night and had a few whisky sours, delish.
• Any gin fans in the house? You can book into a Gin Tasting Experience at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery for just £25.

• Wandering through Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a great way to spend a few hours, especially if you’re hit with some rainy weather (which, lets face it, is quite possible in Scotland)
• Stop by Tchai-Ovna House of Tea to try the chai tea and a slice of carrot cake, you won’t regret it!
• Right next to Tchai-Ovna, you’ll find a wonderfully eclectic second-hand bookshop, Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop . Pop in for a browse and pick up a read for your trip
• I can never say no to a botanic garden, so visiting the Glasgow Botanic Gardens was a must! The greenhouses were my personal favourite.

Loch Lomond

• One of the best walks we did on the whole trip, the Conic Hill walk is a 3.2 mile loop walk that boasts incredible views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs National Park (complete with with Highland cows). There’s a public car park at the start of the walk for easy access
• After the walk, stop by the lakeside town of Luss for a quick walk around and a bite to eat

• The drive from Loch Lomond through the highlands to Glencoe was truly breathtaking, the road winding through towering mountains on either side. I could drive this stretch over and over and still love it
• The Laroch Restaurant and Bar may look like your average country pub from the outside, but believe me it is so much more. With a Michelin star chef in the kitchen, the food is out-of-this-world good – we ate there every night we were in town
• Take a stroll around Loch Leven and soak in the beauty of the Scottish highlands
• If you’re looking for a really challenging hike, then Ben Nevis is for you. It’s the highest mountain in the UK and has a summit of 1,345m above sea level – woah! Make sure you do your research (and probably a spot of training) before taking on this summit
• On your way from Glencoe to Isle of Skye, you’ll pass by the Glenfinnan Viaduct , the bridge from a classic shot in Harry Potter with the Hotwarts Express. If you’re lucky, you might even see the train itself go along past

• If you’re visiting Oban, there is really only one lunch spot you need to know about and that’s the Oban Seafood Hut . Walk along the pier towards the Oban Ferry Terminal and you’ll find the green seafood hut. I highly recommend trying the oysters and the mussels cooked in garlic, onions and wine – truly to die for
• The Modern Croft is a modern gift shop filled with homewares and crafts from local Scottish designers
• Sitting above the town of Oban is McCaig’s Tower , a stone tower that dates back to the late 1800’s, there’s a lovely walk up to the tower and you’ll get a great view over the town too
• Oban is home to a huge amount of wildlife including seals, otters, eagles and falcons. You can take a 1hr boat tour from Oban for around £12 to see these animals in their natural habitat
• Before heading onto your next stop, pay a visit to Oban Chocolate Company and pick up some sweet treats for the road

Isle of Skye

• If you’re heading the Isle of Sky from Glencoe, then the fastest and easiest way to get to the island is to take the Calmac ferry from Mallaig . A one way car ticket will set you back about £16. We caught the ferry over and then drove back to the mainland via the Skye Bridge at Kyleakin
• If you have some spare time before your ferry over to Skye, I’d recommend stopping by the Silver Sands of Morar . With crystal blue waters and white silky sand, you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean and not the coast of Scotland! There’s plenty of parking available at the Morar Beach Car Park
• We stayed in Portree , which was a great base for our few days in Skye. It’s fairly central and has a lovely town centre with everything you’d need for your stay. It’s also home to Dulce and Brose , which is 1000% worth booking into for dinner if you can, we had one of the best meals of our trip here
• On your way from the ferry to Portree, you can take a short detour to see the Fairy Pools , cascading and crystal clear waterfalls that are another of Skye’s famous sites
• Arguably Skye’s most well-known natural landmark, Old Man of Storr is a must when visiting the island. You’ll feel like you’re standing in a giants playground!
• Skye truly feels like something out of a fairy tale and The Fairy Glen lives up to the magical hype, with roads winding around grassy hills and cone-shaped hills.
• The friend I was travelling with has a bit of a thing for lighthouses, so seeing the Neist Point Lighthouse was a must for us, and it did not disappoint! Nestled on rocky clifftop at the westernmost point of Skye, it truly took our breath away (and not just because it was windy as hell)

Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

• This just wouldn’t be the ultimate Scottish road trip without a mention of Loch Ness . If you have time, it’s worth booking onto one of the boat trips around the loch to take in the stunning scenery (and try to spot Nessy of course)
• We did part of the River Oich walk while in Fort Augustus, which was a lovely forest track that snakes along the river. You can park in the Fort Augustus Chalet Park and head off from there

• We sadly didn’t get to spend too much time in Inverness, so I’m afraid my recommendations here are a bit bare. For dinner, you can enjoy a nice pub meal at The Castle Tavern right next to Inverness Castle
• For a quality coffee before hitting the road in the morning, head to Inverness Coffee Roasting Co
• We headed off early from Inverness because we wanted to explore the Cairngorms National Park on our way back to Edinburgh. We decided to do a walk around Loch An Eilein in Aviemore, it was so peaceful and the perfect way to end the trip. Park at the Loch An Eilein car park and walk to your hearts content

Well, that was a blog and a half! If you’ve made it this far then I am very impressed, a huge thank you for taking the time to read the post. It may have taken me over a year to write but I’m so glad I finally got there – it truly was one of my favourite trips to date. Hopefully these tips will come in handy when planning your England and Scotland adventure. I’d love to know if you do explore the area so feel free to get in touch!

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How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

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With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

London & Scotland Escape

It’s time to dive into Britain to see what all the Great is about. Get things off to a royal start with London’s iconic sights and world-class pubs before moving on to medieval Edinburgh, where storybook castles and the Scottish Highlands will capture your imagination.

Picture yourself

Looking out at Big Ben from high atop the London Eye

Hiking through the picturesque Scottish Highlands

Feeling like royalty as you explore Edinburgh Castle

Walking Abbey Road, harnessing your inner Beatle

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

6 nights in handpicked accommodations

6 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 Support

2 insider tours with a local guide

Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

Board your overnight flight, bound for London. Get ready to see The Clock Tower, home of Big Ben, which is actually the bell inside the tower. #LondonFacts

Welcome to Europe! Your bus transfer will be waiting at the airport when you arrive. Today is the day to adjust, make new friends and start the journey right.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

• Arrive in London and transfer to your accommodation.
• Take a brief walk of the area with your group’s personal Tour Director.

Experience London’s most iconic sites with a local guide for a walking tour of the city.

Take the rest of the day to return to any of these sites or find some favorites of your own.

• See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, all the while hearing about their unique stories from your local guide.
• Learn how to tell if the King is home at Buckingham Palace.
• Check out the medieval Tower of London juxtaposed against the modern cityscape.

Ride Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel for panoramic views before enjoying a traditional English tea. This excursion is  pre-book  only; if your trip is less than fourteen days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase.

Take the day to explore. Walk through some of the many royal gardens, shop on Oxford Street, go for high tea, or explore the city by foot. At 607 square miles, the city is an easy place to get your 10,000 steps in. Looking for a different perspective? See the city by boat and by giant ferris wheel during an optional excursion.

• Walk the cobblestone streets of London.
• Explore Piccadilly Circus. You won’t find clowns and trapeze artists here. Just shopping and all the entertainment your heart desires.
• Sip on a cup of English Breakfast at high tea—don’t forget, pinky’s up!

All aboard! Catch your train from King's Cross Station to Edinburgh, Scotland. Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. Catch live music in a pub, tour the haunted vaults below the city, hike to Arthur's Seat, and take in a city that feels too magical to actually exist in real life.

• Disappear into Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station, where you'll board your train for Edinburgh.
• Watch the lush countryside and stunning sea roll by on your dreamlike journey to Scotland.

Free time suggestions

Brew Lab: This specialty shop serves up delicious artisanal coffee. It’s also the perfect place to sample the wares of some other indie Edinburgh icons, including soup from Union of Genius and cakes from Lovecrumbs. Arthur’s Seat: Visible from pretty much everywhere in the city, this extinct volcanic peak is a relatively easy hike with a killer view. Old Town: Walk the winding streets lined with everything from candy-colored shops to local pubs to souvenir shops.

Built on two extinct volcanoes, Edinburgh is an enchanting labyrinth of narrow alleyways, cozy pubs, and storybook castles. You'll get an in-depth look at Scottish history and modern day life with a guided sightseeing tour of the city and castle.

• View the Scottish Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle.
• Walk the Great Hall and see the armor, swords and medieval decor that line the walls.
• Visit the Elephant House Cafe, where the first Harry Potter book was written.

Spend the day exploring the Scottish Highlands*. Its beauty is everywhere, so take in the view and a deep breath—because this is Scotland’s great outdoors.

*Excursion only offered May–October. Travelers on tours departing outside of these months will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia instead.

Farewell Dinner Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

• Journey to Winterfell by visiting Doune Castle, which was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones , as well as Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander .
• Take a stroll through Trossachs National Park, which features the biggest freshwater body in the UK.
• Enjoy the scenery as you drive through the rolling meadows and mountain ranges of the Scottish countryside.

Goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

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A trip I will never forget! The best way to solo travel but you will not be alone! My first time but the experience was above my expectations. I met so many beautiful people that turned into family by the end of the trip. I loved how in a short period of time I was able to visit two countries. I loved the set up of this tour. I like how the morning is planne... See more

Once in a lifetime NYE

Overall, an amazing trip! Our tour director, Julia, was BEYOND fabulous! She made me feel comfortable and confident on my first ever trip to Europe/ first EF trip. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. There was so much to see and explore. LOVED the Oyster card (public transportation pass)- it was undoubtedly the most useful tool in London! Edinburgh NYE was defi... See more

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Inspiration, Insight, & Itineraries

London & Scotland 10 Day Itinerary

Our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary comes from our trip to the UK in June 2016. We spent the majority of our time in London but flew to Edinburgh, Scotland for two days and then returned to England. Enjoy our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Arrival, Wallace Collection, & British Museum

Getting to London from Heathrow

After arriving at Heathrow Airport, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station . The Heathrow Express only takes about fifteen minutes and ticket prices range from £22 to £32 depending if it is “peak” times or not. It is very easy to use and a convenient way to get into the city from Heathrow.

Once in Paddington Station, we recommend taxiing or walking to your hotel (depending on where you are staying). We stayed at the Marylebone Hotel in the Marylebone area of London, and so we hailed a taxi.

The Wallace Collection

Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom

Our first stop for our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary was a nearby museum known as the Wallace Collection . The Wallace Collection has free admission and is typically open 10am-5pm.

Oxford Street

Next, we left the Wallace Collection and walked down Oxford Street. The street is known for its shopping and includes famous department stores like Selfridges and the flagship Marks and Spencer. We were staying near here and would return later, so we briefly window shopped as we walked to our next stop.

The British Museum

Address:  Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK

The British Museum is a must-see while in London and it has FREE admission. Originally founded in 1753, the British Museum holds treasures like the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, mummies, samurai armor, Sutton Hoo excavation finds, and more! There is so much to see! In fact, we visited twice during our trip to see it all. It is typically open 10am to 5:30pm and is open late on Fridays until 8:30pm.

Day 2: Westminster, St. James’s, and the London Eye

We like to get an early start to the day, so we woke up and breakfasted around 8am. There was cute shop and cafe near our hotel in Marylebone, the Bonne Bouche , that we ate at several times. After eating, we walked to the Bond Street Tube and took the Jubilee Line to the Westminster Stop .

Westminster Abbey

Address : Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA

We purchased our tickets for Westiminster Abbey in advance. It opens at 9:30am and we decided to visit as soon as it opened. All visitors receive an audio guide. Many British monarchs were crowned at the Abbey and some are buried there. Expect your visit to take about 1 hour- 1.5 hours.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Then we took a short walk to see Big Ben, the famous clock tower, and the outside of the Houses of Parliament. If you want, you can take a guided tour of Parliament on Saturdays and weekdays when Parliament is not in session. If you are short on time, you can just view the outside like we did.

No. 10 Downing Street and Trafalgar Square

After viewing Parliament, we began walking down Parliament St/Whitehall. There are many attractions and sites along this street that you may want to stop at. We paused to look at No. 10 Downing Street where the Prime Minister lives and then continued onto Trafalgar Square.

Buckingham Palace and  St. James’s Park

Next, we walked down the mall toward Buckingham Palace, the home of the British monarch. When we visited, it was close to Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday and they were rehearsing a parade to celebrate, so we stopped and watched the rehearsal. The palace wasn’t open for tours when we visited, but certain times of the year, you can tour Buckingham. Whether you tour it or simply see the exterior, this is a must-see for our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary.

After that, we walked through St. James’s Park, and strolled past the lake. In June, much of it was in bloom and it was lovely. We then walked back down the Mall and towards Whitehall; then ate lunch at a pub off Trafalgar Square. 

The National Gallery

Address : Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Following lunch, we headed to the National Gallery , located in Trafalgar Square. Admission is free and the art museum houses pieces from famous artists like Vermeer, Titian, Monet, van Gogh, Michelangelo, and more. It is typically open 10am to 6pm, and on Fridays, it is open until 9pm.

Once we finished with the National Gallery, we walked to the Charing Cross Underground Station to take the Bakerloo line to the Waterloo Underground Station.

The London Eye

Address : The London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB

Once at the Waterloo Underground Station, it was a five minute walk to the London Eye . The Eye has become a famous icon of London and is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. It has great views of the city and it is the MOST popular paid tourist attraction in the UK.

After our London Eye ride, we walked around the Queen’s Walk, a boardwalk area, and the Jubilee Gardens.

Day 3: City of London and the Tower

The next morning, we woke up early to walk to Bond Street Underground Station. We took the Jubilee Line to the London Bridge Station to explore the “original”/old city of London. We arrived at the London Bridge Station and crossed the Thames River via the London Bridge.

Monument to the Great Fire of London

Address : Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, UK

We began walking towards the Tower of London area, but made sure to stop by the Monument to the Great Fire of London. The fire occurred in 1666 during the Charles II’s reign and destroyed a large portion of the city, leading to a massive rebuild, headed up by architect Christopher Wren. The 202 foot monument is open to visitors and you can pay to climb its 311 stairs to reach a public viewing platform for some great city views. We stopped by before it opened and so merely saw it and moved on.

Next, we headed to the entrance of the Tower of London and stopped in a cafe for a quick breakfast before the site opened.

Tower of London

Address: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB

The Tower of London was a favorite attraction of ours! We booked our tickets online and in advance, and we also paid for the audio tour. The Tower of London served as a fortress, royal palace, and prison.  When we visited, we spent the majority of our day there and even ate lunch in one of its restaurants. You can learn about its main famous prisoners, like Sir Walter Raleigh, the many animals that lived there (from polar bears to the omnipresent ravens), and see the English crown jewels!

Museum of London

Address: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN

Another amazing, free  museum is the Museum of London . It is about a 30 minute walk from the Tower of London. This amazing museum exhibits London’s history from pre-historic days and the early Romans to modern day. We really enjoyed learning about the different areas of London and how it changed and expanded.

Day 4: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Southwark, & London Zoo

Again, we awoke early, ate, and walked to the nearest Underground stop, Bond Street. We took the Epping Line to the St. Paul’s Station.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

Our first stop of the day was St. Paul’s Cathedral . Built by Christopher Wren, this church is the site of many famous memorial services and funerals, such as Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Admission (£18) includes entry to the Cathedral floor, crypt and the three galleries in the dome; it also includes multimedia guides and guided tours (for individuals and family visitors, subject to guide availability on the day). We received an audio guide, and also choose to walk to the top of Dome, amazing views!

Millennium Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe

Next, we walked from St. Paul’s over the Thames via Millennium Bridge. Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that opened in 2000, and is also known for its use in scenes from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince  and other films. We then walked past Shakespeare’s Globe . If time permits, you can tour it or see a play. We didn’t have time and so saw it and then continued walking.

Borough Market

Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK

We came upon Borough Market and decided to stroll through it. The market is located on a site that has been a marketplace since the 1100s and is one of the oldest and largest in London with baked goods, fresh produce, cheeses, and more. Two scenes of Harry Potter were filmed in Borough Market; it was used for the Leaky Cauldron when Harry gets off the Knight Bus in Prisoner of Azkaban   and Third Hand Emporium in Chamber of Secrets .

Afterwards, we walked to the London Bridge Underground Station back to Bond Street and our hotel for a brief respite. From there, we took a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the London Zoo.

Address : ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK

The London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world and is home to many creatures, including penguins, lemurs, and giraffes. If possible, we like to visit zoos whenever we travel (Alex is a big fan). I wanted to go to the London Zoo because part of the first Harry Potter film was shot there! The Reptile House was used in the scene where Harry releases a snake and his cousin, Dudley, falls into exhibit.

Day 5: Kensington, King’s Cross, & the British Library

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

The next day, we awoke early and explored Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens . Hyde Park is a large, 350 acre park located between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace and contains a memorial fountain to Princess Diana, along with other memorials, statues, and water features. Kensington Gardens used to be part of Hyde Park, but is now considered its own separate park; it offers contemporary art and architecture along with other classic London monuments like t he Albert Memorial.

Kensington Palace

Address: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

Kensington Palace , located adjacent to Kensington Gardens, is currently the home to Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate), and their children. It was also the site of Queen Victoria’s birth. You can tour the King’s State rooms, Victoria’s re-imagined childhood rooms, and its famous sunken garden.

Natural History Museum

Address : The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

Following the Palace, we walked about fifteen minutes to the Natural History Museum , also in the Kensington area. We ate lunch at the restaurant there and then explored the museum. Admission is free. Located near the Science Museum , it is on “Exhibition Road” alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum  as well. If natural history isn’t your thing, we recommend visiting either of those!

After the museum, we took a roughly 25 minute taxi ride across town to King’s Cross Station.

King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4 

Address : Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9AL, UK

Our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary has several Harry Potter related stops and that includes  King’s Cross Station. It is the site where Harry Potter famously boards the Hogwarts Express via Platform 9 3/4. Being a huge Potter fan, I insisted that we visit the station and the Platform 9 3/4 store that sells gifts and also offers a photo opportunity of you pushing a trolley through the wall and “into” the magical Platform 9 3/4. There was a long line for photos but I waited and paid for the professional photo they take, and bought some Potter souvenirs as well.

Following King’s Cross, we walked about six minutes to the British Library.

The British Library

Address : 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB

The British Library is a national treasure! It has free admission and offers rotating exhibits and the exhibit “Treasures of the British Library.” Its highlights include a Gutenberg Bible, Jane Austen’s notebooks, the Magna Carta, Handel’s Messiah sheet music, lyrics of the Beetles, and more! It is a must-visit for your London & Scotland 10 day itinerary!

Day 6: Overnight Trip to Edinburgh, Part 1

Getting to Stansted Airport

The next day, we flew to Edinburgh, Scotland. We compared taking the train to flying, but flying was cheaper and faster! Our flight left from Stansted Airport, so we took a taxi to London Liverpool Station. Then we took the Stansted Express from there; we got on the 6:10am train from Liverpool Station to Standsted. The train to the airport took about an hour and cost less than £10. 

We flew on Ryanair. Our flight departed around 8:55am and we arrived at Edinburgh Airport around 10:15am, so roughly an hour and twenty minute flight.

Getting from Edinburgh Airport into the city

Once, we landed in Edinburgh, we utilized the tram to get into the city. We boarded at the airport, going in the direction of York Station. The train departs about every 7 minutes and takes roughly 35 minutes to get into town. It was simple to purchase tickets at a kiosk and cost about £6 for single ride or £8.50 for a return trip. We got off at the Princes Street station, walked with our luggage past the Scott Monument and into the Old Town to our hotel. 

Address : 3, Old Town Chambers, Roxburgh’s Court, High Street, Edinburgh, UK

We then checked into our hotel, Old Town Chambers . The hotel is a series of apartments in several ‘closes’ in Old Town Edinburgh. We ended up having an issue with our apartment (the heat was on blast in June) and were moved to the top floor suite; it had an amazing view of the city! We were sad that our stay was only one night!

The Royal Mile

After dropping off luggage, we got lunch at a pub on the Royal Mile and explored the street. The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of Old Town Edinburgh and is lined with shops, restaurants, and sites. On one end is Edinburgh Castle and on the other is Holyrood House, the royal residence. We eventually made our way towards Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle

Address : Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh Castle sits high on “Castle Rock” and was a fortress for the capital city of Edinburgh. It houses the Scottish crown jewels and was at one point a military fort, a royal residence, and a prison. Here you will learn about Scotland’s political and military history, and we opted to pay for an audio tour that was definitely worth it! Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring!

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Address: St Giles’ Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

Following the castle, we walked back down the Royal Mile to St. Giles’ Cathedral . Entrance to the church is free, although there is a suggested donation. You can also pay for a guided tour, to climb the tower, and other programs. St. Giles is the mother church of World Presbyterianism and also has a beautiful memorial, stain-glassed window dedicated to Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet.

Day 7: Overnight Trip to Edinburgh, Part 2

In the morning, we checked out of our room but stored our luggage with the hotel so that we could do some more sightseeing. We headed down the other end of the Royal Mile today!

Scottish Parliament Building

Address:  Edinburgh EH99 1SP, United Kingdom

The Scottish Parliament Building is located on one end of the Royal Mile. If you desire and have time, you can visit the Parliament building for free, six days out of the week. When Parliament is in session, you can sit in on a session, or when it is out of session, you can take a guided tour of the building. We didn’t have time to visit the inside and merely saw it from the outside.

Palace of Holyrood and the Queen’s Gallery

Address : Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

Across the street from the Parliament building, is the Palace of Holyrood and the Queen’s Gallery. The Gallery is an art gallery with pieces from the royal collection. When we visited, there was an exhibit on Dutch art, including artists like Vermeer, and we spent time in the gallery and then toured the palace. You can purchase a ticket for just the palace or get a combination ticket for the palace and the gallery. Holyrood was a beautiful palace and through an audio guide, we learned a lot about Queen Victoria’s time there and more modern monarchs.

After the palace, we quickly ate lunch and picked up our luggage.

Getting to Edinburgh Airport

We walked to the Princes Street Stop and took the tram back to Edinburgh Airport.

Once again, we took Ryanair. Our flight left Edinburgh at 7:35pm and arrived at Stansted Airport at 9pm, so roughly an hour and a half flight. We then took the Stansted Express back to London Liverpool Station and took a taxi back to our hotel.

Day 8: Oxford Street, Piccadilly, & the West End

The British Museum (again)

On our last day in London for our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary, we visited the British Museum again. It has so much to see and free admission. So we returned again to explore its collections.

 Oxford Street

We also spent more time today on Oxford Street. Strolling along we visited several department stores and shops, including:

Address:  400 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB, UK

Selfridges opened in 1909 and founder Henry Gordon Selfridge started using some innovative selling methods like lighting its spectacular window displays and having women try on beauty products. We explored the store and did a little shopping!

Piccadilly Circus

In the evening, we dressed for the theater and walked about 20 minutes to Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly is known for its unique architecture, brightly lit screens with advertisements, and its famous Eros Statue.

The West End is London’s equivalent to New York City’s Broadway and is known for theater. We decided to book a show and saw the Book of Mormon, which was great! Highly recommend seeing a play or musical in the West End if time and funds permit.

Day 9: Day Trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, & Stonehenge

On this day, we took an amazing bus trip to three different sites. Read more about it here .

Day 10: Departure

Our final day, we checked out of the hotel and took a taxi to Paddington Station. From there, we took the Heathrow Express and flew home. Thanks for reading our London Scotland 10 day itinerary!

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UK By Rail: 10D Scotland, Wales And London Itinerary Under S$1,400

Explore the charming sights and architecture of Scotland,  hike down Snowdonia — the highest mountain in Wales, and be a part of London’s all-around excitement in this 10-day itinerary for less than S$1,400. 

People usually only care about London when it comes to the UK, and there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, capital cities are where we feel familiar, and relate the most to. Not to mention there’s just so much going on in London; it’ll make you forget their skies are a perpetual dull grey.

We even got to see some of the best attractions, including a West End musical,  Warner Brothers Studios for Harry Potter  and a day trip out to the Stonehenge!

But the UK is definitely much more than that. I mean, it’s so huge! I’ve always wanted to experience the vast nature Scotland and Wales had to offer, but they’re too far apart and usually expensive to get there.

That’s until we found out about the  BritRail Pass   — the only transport pass we needed to get around UK without spending a bomb.

Now I can say that no, Scotland and Wales aren’t just full of sheep — they also have some of the friendliest people, most gorgeous views, and ever-welcome cold weather! Comparing London to the rest of the UK is really apples and oranges.

Down to explore the best of the UK? Here’s our 10-day Scotland, Wales and London itinerary to experiencing them all, with the help of our BritRail Pass.

Pre-trip Essentials

Transport: To travel across the 3 destinations in this itinerary, get the 3-day BritRail Flexipass (Youth Pass, S$187.80)  for unlimited rides on the extensive UK train network.

Activities:  For London, we purchased a  London Pass (S$138.50)  that provides free access to many attractions. The pass includes a pre-loaded Oyster card for travelling within London and come with options ranging from 1 to 10 days.

Data Connectivity: We got our Europe SIM Cards from  Qoo10  which can be collected from ICC — International Card Centre in Singapore. Plans range from 1 – 6GB starting from S$14.90, much cheaper than buying it in the UK.

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation:  S$341.73 Food:  S$207.82 Transport:  S$303.57 (Excl. round trip flight from Singapore ) Activities:  S$505.59 3GB Data SIM Card:  S$28.90

Total:  S$1,387.60/pax Click here for full breakdown

Check Flights to Edinburgh

Because flight prices fluctuate all year round, we didn’t include them into the budget for this UK itinerary. Get better estimates by checking prices for your date of travel:

If you can’t see the widget above, click here to check flights from Singapore to Edinburgh !

Day 1: Edinburgh

Getting from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh Waverley:  Take the Airlink 100 bus from Bus Stop D outside of International Arrivals (£4.50, ~S$8.10). Tickets can be bought from the kiosk beside the stop.

Accommodation in Edinburgh:  2 nights at Kick Ass Greyfriars — ~S$42.54/pax in a 4-bed mixed dorm.

Brunch at Papii Cafe

A popular spot for breakfast and brunch, we loved the buttermilk vanilla Waffles at  Papii Cafe . Our buttermilk vanilla waffles came with bacon, maple syrup, strawberries and cream (£6.75, ~S$12.20) with a portion fit for 2. Bacon and strawberries may seem odd together, but the sweet and savoury combo proved our doubts insignificant.’

Try to visit Papii Cafe at slightly off-peak timings to get seats!

Cost: £5.68 (~S$10.25) Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4PM (Opens 9AM on weekends, closes 5PM on Saturdays) Address:  101 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ, UK

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat  is unfortunately not a chair, but an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park  and also the highest peak in Edinburgh. The hike up might be daunting, but it’s not difficult with gentle slopes and steps. Not to mention totally worth for the sweeping views of Edinburgh city!

The green trail is the easiest (pictured above), and leads to the summit after about 45 minutes of walking. Do be warned it can get extremely windy (and cold) at the top, the kind that could really knock you back if you’re not stable!

If you’re up for it, the other routes lead to different view points and range from about 1 – 1.5 hours to complete.

How to get there: Walk 1.9km from Papii Cafe

Early Dinner at Oink

One of the best meals we had in the UK was this pulled-pork sandwich using a Scottish hog roast. We were rather hungry after the hike so we got the medium (“Oink”-sized) sandwich for £4.20 (~S$7.60).

We got one stuffed with traditional haggis (it tastes better than it looks) and homemade mustard mayo for an added kick. But what stood out for us was really the crackling bits of skin!

Cost: £4.20 (~S$7.60) Opening Hours: 11AM – 5PM Address:  34 Victoria Street, Grassmarket, EH1 2JW, Edinburgh (and 2 other outlets )

Calton Hill

A much more relaxing walk up (than Arthur’s Seat), you’ll be greeted with landmarks like the Dugald Stewart Monument above, at Calton Hill .

A popular spot for people to climb up and chill on, the Greek-inspired acropolis above was left incomplete after a lack of funding.

With a closer view of the city, we stuck around to catch the sunset and watch all the street lamps and buildings gradually light up the town.

How to get there: Walk 1.4km from Oink

Day 2: Day Trip to St Andrews

Travel from edinburgh to st andrews.

Before taking the ScotRail train to St Andrews, you must first validate the BritRail Pass at the  Virgin Trains ticket office, and then reserve your seats for the trips you’ll make throughout your entire trip.

That way, there’ll be no additional reservation costs compared to doing it online, and doing it early gives you better chances at securing seats (try to arrive at least 2 hours before). But even if you don’t, there will be unreserved carriages/seats available for all.

We advise taking the 8:56AM train so you’ll reach Leuchars Rail Station by 10:30AM. Then, take Stagecoach East Scotland bus 99D at the station entrance’s bus stop to St Andrews Bus Station (£3.20, ~S$5.80).

St Andrews Castle 

Picture what medieval Scotland looked like in the ruins of St Andrews Castle , juxtaposed against the sea. Built in the 13th century housing bishops and archbishops, there are even underground mines and one of the UK’s most infamous castle prisons!

Entrance Fee:  £6 (~S$10.90), £9 (~S$16.30) with St Andrews Cathedral Opening Hours: 9.30AM – 5.30PM, 10AM – 4PM from 1 Oct – 31 Mar (Last entry 30 minutes before closing) How to get there: Walk 1km from St Andrews Bus Station

St Andrews Cathedral 

Check out the on-site museum’s collection of medieval artefacts at St Andrews Cathedral , that was once Scotland’s largest church. You can also climb up the 33-metre high St Rule’s Tower for a sweeping view of the town, with the cathedral’s remains in the foreground.

Entrance Fee:  £5 (~S$9.10), £9 (~S$16.30) with St Andrews Castle Opening Hours: 9.30AM – 5.30PM, 10AM – 4PM from 1 Oct – 31 Mar (Last entry 30 minutes before closing) How to get there: Walk 350m from St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Museum 

Learn all about St Andrews’ historical origins in a Victorian-style mansion, and find out how the city came to be known for its university , and golf. St Andrews Museum also has an in-house cafe serving teas and cakes.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours:  10:30AM – 4PM (Mon – Sat), open Wed – Sat from Oct – Mar Address: Kinburn Park, Doubledykes Road, St. Andrews, KY16 9DP How to get there: 1.2km from St Andrews Cathedral

Day 3: Edinburgh – Wales

Edinburgh castle.

Probably the most iconic landmark of Edinburgh perched atop an extinct volcano, it’d be shame not to pay the historical Edinburgh Castle a visit.

Learn about the heritage of the Scottish royals , explore the underground prisons and marvel at the architecture of what was once a royal residence, and military base. You can even catch a glimpse of the Honours of Scotland  so treasured, you can’t even take photos.

To beat the crowd, reserve the first time-slot at 9:30AM by purchasing your tickets online . There are also  itineraries  to help you plan and make the most of your time there.

Entrance Fee:  £17 (~S$30.70) Opening Hours: 9.30AM – 6PM (Last entry 5PM) How to get there:  600m walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station

Travel From Edinburgh Waverley to Bangor (Wales)

Moving on to Wales, take the Virgin train terminating at London Euston, and alight at Warrington Bank Quay. Then, transfer to the Arriva train towards Holyhead, and alight at Bangor.

It is normal for the platform of your train to be confirmed literally 5 minutes before its scheduled departure, or face train delays/cancellations. Be sure to always stay updated!

Our train at Warrington Bank Quay actually got cancelled after a 30-minute delay, forcing us to find alternative means from the staff at the ticket counter. It sounds scary, but these are scenarios you should prepare for! Thankfully, the staff was helpful and advised us on another route in a jiffy.

Accommodation in Wales:  2 nights at   Totters Independent Hostel   — ~S$34/pax in a 6-bed mixed dorm

Caernarfon Castle

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a ginormous castle built by King Edward I as a symbol of power, but has been repurposed today into a tourist attraction with museums and exhibitions.

Strategically built along the shoreline, you can cross the bridge across the waters for a view of the majestic castle from afar, and even have a drink or two at the bar located right beside its entrance. How to get there:  350m walk from Totters Independent Hostel

Day 4: Wales

Hike down from clogwyn (snowdon mountain) to llanberis.

There are two parts to Snowdon Mountain, the highest point in Wales — Clogwyn (3/4 to the summit), and the actual summit, both of which can be reached with the Snowdon Mountain Railway  using  traditional diesel trains .

They operate only from mid-March to October, and don’t go to the summit in March and April.

The journey between Llanberis (the base) and Clogwin takes 45 minutes, peppered with breathtaking views of waterfalls, vast lakes and sunbathing sheep. The cooling weather was a big plus! The journey to the summit takes 1 hour.

Stopovers last 30 minutes for you to enjoy the panoramic views overlooking North Wales and Snowdon Mountain. If you plan to hike down instead, just inform the train conductor — make sure you’re really prepared for the descent with proper hiking gear and water, as there’s no turning back!

While there are no facilities at the Clogwyn stop, the summit has a visitor centre with a gift shop and cafe selling drinks and snacks.

We hiked down from Clogwyn station for 2.5 hours before reaching back down. It’s a rather relaxing walk with greenery all around at 360 degrees, but the terrain was rocky and steep at parts.

You’ll also see daring tourists (some with their pet dogs) hiking upwards from the base, many of them red from the blazing sun as there are no shelters throughout this route. Respect!

Departures run based on passenger demand, so book your tickets online  to avoid a wasted trip.

Cost: £16 (~S$28.90) ( Llanberis – Clogwyn Return Fare Early Bird ) Opening Hours:  8:30AM (First train at 9AM). Closing varies (Call at +44(0)1286 870223 to confirm). How to get there: From Turf Square Bus Station, take Bus S2 for 30 minutes and alight at the Snowdon Railway Station. Purchase your bus ticket directly from the driver for £1.80 (~S$3.25).

Lunch at Platform Grill

Grab lunch at Platform Grill right by the  Snowdon Mountain Railway . We ordered the Quarter Pounder and Jumbo Hotdog, which you can choose with or without chips (£4.20 / ~S$7.60, £6.20 / ~S$11.25 with chips). We feel that one serving of chips is enough to share between 2 people though!

Cost:  £5.20/pax (~S$9.45) Opening Hours:  From 8.30AM Address: Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL55 4 TT

Dolbadarn Castle

Tucked away in a small woodland out of sight from the main road, you wouldn’t notice this 13th century castle that was used for defence by  Llywelyn the Great , and then by his  grandson  to imprison his elder brother whom he deemed a threat.

Inside the castle, you can go around a steep and narrow stairway up the 12m-high castle where you’ll reach a lookout point.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 10AM – 4PM Address:  A4086, Caernarfon LL55 4UB, UK How to get there: Walk 550m from Snowdon Mountain Railway

Dinner at Ainsworth’s Traditional Fish & Chips

The cod (£4, ~S$7.25) tasted fresh, was deep fried to perfection, and especially filling when paired with a small serving of chips (£1.25, ~S$2.25) enough for both of us. The thick cut chips are the soggy sort, if you’re a fan!

Ainsworth’s Traditional Fish & Chips is also known for their mushy peas dip, which costs an additional £0.95 (~S$1.70) for a small cup.

Cost: £5.10/pax (~S$9.20) Opening Hours: 11:45AM – 9PM (Closes 10PM on Fridays and weekends) Address:  41 Bridge Street | Turf Square, Caernarfon LL55 1AF, Wales

Day 5: Wales – London

Travel from Wales to London

Take the 3 hour ride from Bangor (Wales) to London Euston —  plan your trip to depart from Bangor before 9AM to make the most out of your day in London. If you didn’t secure seats for this ride, confirm at the ticketing counters which carriage of your train has unreserved seats.

For breakfast, there is a cafe on the platform itself to buy sandwiches and coffees, which added up to £5.10 (~S$9.20) per pax.

Look out for the screens above each row of seat displaying which ones are available.

Collect Your London Pass

First things first when you arrive in London, head to the  London Pass Redemption Desk  located at the basement of Tourism Island information centre (pictured above) to collect your London Pass and Oyster card .

Cost:   ~S$138 online (incl. Oyster card with £25)  + £4.90 (~S$8.90) (Single ticket from Euston to Leicester Square Underground Station) Opening Hours: 10AM – 4:30PM ( Closed on selected dates ) How to get there:  From London Euston Station, take the Underground Northern line to Leicester Square Station and take Exit 1.

Getting around in London

(1) Public transport with Oyster card — if you’re getting the London Pass, it comes with an Oyster card pre-loaded with £25 (~S$45.15). If you only take the Underground trains in Zones 1 and 2 (covered in most attractions in this itinerary), fares are capped at £6.60 (~S$10.85) daily.

(2) Bicycle with Santander Cycles  — Download the Santander Cycles  app, locate a docking station and rent a bike at £2 (~S$3.60) for 24 hours. The catch: you have to dock within 30 mins to avoid another £2 fee. Docking stations are all over town though, so just plan your journeys strategically! Also note you have to wait 10 minutes after docking before you get on another bike.

Accommodation in London:  4 nights at an   Airbnb  near Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium  — ~S$86 for a 2 pax private room.

*Pro-tip:  Choose an apartment near a station in  Zone 1 or 2 . That way, you can take advantage of the Underground trains’ daily fare cap!

Brick Lane Market

Find vintage items and secondhand goods like furniture and clothes at this weekend market . There are also plenty of food trucks and stalls perfuming the entire street.

The best day to visit is Sunday; we went on a Saturday and it felt like a watered down version with nothing much going on.

We had our lunch at Pigling Street ‘s Posh Pork Baps. The meat box (£8.50, ~S$15.50) contained slices of their signature slow-roasted pigling topped with apple sauce, with a side of salad, pickles and fried duck’s egg (egg is an additional £1).

Cost: £4.75/pax (~S$8.70) Opening Hours:  11AM – 6PM (Saturdays), 10AM – 5PM (Sundays) Address:  91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR, UK

*Pro-tip: Give the  Brick Lane Food Hall  down the street a miss. They sell mostly Asian cuisines, and are nothing to write home about taste-wise. I mean, there’s a Singaporean food stall selling soggy “Lemongrass Chicken” — you decide.

Try Jellied Eels at F. Cooke

Adventurous foodies, this one’s for you. F. Cooke serves traditional English pie and mash (£4.15, ~S$7.50) as well as jellied eels (£4.25, ~S$7.75), and is the oldest shop in London selling it.

We’d say it’s an acquired taste, but giving them a try is really an experience in itself. If you’re not up to the challenge, you can skip this and look for better options (like Beigel Bake, below).

Cost: £4.20/pax (~S$7.60) Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM (9.30AM – 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays) Address:  150 Hoxton St, London N1 6SH, UK

Brick Lane Beigel Bake

This 24-hour bakery entices passers-by with salt beef slabs displayed at the front window, getting stuffed into freshly-baked bagels together with a gherkin slice and mustard.

Their signature salt beef beigel is delightfully tender and savoury. Don’t be intimidated by the long queues as they move pretty quickly.

Cost: £4.30 (~S$7.75) Opening Hours: 24 hours Address:  159 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB, UK

Explore London’s Famous Landmarks

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without seeing the likes of the Big Ben and London Eye .

They’re also walking distance to the “holy Trinity” of Central London —  Trafalgar Square , Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus (with its famous electronic billboard , the largest in Europe).

There aren’t many activities to do in these places per se, but it’s the best way to have a glimpse at the city’s history through its architecture, or bask in the city’s bustling atmosphere.

Day 6: Harry Potter Studios Tour

Warner brothers studio tour london — the making of harry potter.

If you ask me, watching all eight movies should be a pre-trip essential, fan or non-fan.

Harry Potter is truly a cultural phenomenon in London, and a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London shouldn’t be missed! Not going for this is like not visiting Universal Studios Japan while you’re in Osaka. Or Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

Studio tickets are always high in demand and can sell out, but you can try your luck and check 2 weeks before if there are saver tickets , which are £2 (~S$3.60) less.

Feel the magic as you ride a broom in front of a green screen, board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾, and learn wand combat from Paul Harris , the choreographer himself (on a screen, of course).

Don’t forget to try Butterbeer (£3.95, ~S$7.20) at the cafe, which tastes like ice cream soda topped with butterscotch-flavoured cream (to emulate beer foam). Yummy!

Generally, you can complete the tour in 3 to 5 hours.

Cost: £39 (~S$70.60) Opening Hours: 9.30AM – 8PM (Last admission 4:30PM) Address:  Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR How to get there:  Take the train from London Euston Station to Watford Junction Station (£5.30, ~S$9.60, £8.60, ~S$15.60 from 4PM – 7PM), then take the dedicated shuttle bus to the studios from there (£2.50 for return trip, ~S$4.50). The total journey takes about 1 hour.

Optional:  If you’re not too strict with your budget, consider getting these round trip tickets including admission. It’s a convenient all-in-one package that also covers your transport (including the shuttle bus) to and from the studio!

To Potterheads craving a Harry-er London itinerary, check out our Quintessential Guide for Harry Potter fans in London.

Day 7: London

  camden market.

Camden Market is a hipster galore with lots to shop, from vintage clothes and vinyl records to collectible figurines and souvenir trinkets. You can easily spend an entire afternoon there!

With also  over 60 food stalls , deciding what to eat at  Camden Market is a beautiful nightmare, from burgers and pizzas to sushi and curry.

We settled for Oliver’s Fish and Chips , and got a box of 5 crispy cod “bites” with chips and pickles (£9, ~S$16.40) to share.

Cost:  £4.50/pax (~S$8.20) Opening Hours: 10AM – late (individual stalls vary) Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

Catch a West End Musical

London is home to the West End theatres  just as New York is to Broadway, so expect only the best award-winning plays like  Aladdin and Les Misérables .

*Pro-tip: Get up to half-price discounts at “last minute” ticket shops like the Leicester Square Box Office .

Our tickets to  The Book of Mormon  were bought the evening before for £43.50 (~S$79.10), a 30% discount from £63 (~S$114.90). We still scored good views since the theatres tend to be rather small!

If you want to catch a cheaper (or maybe more politically correct) show, prices can get as low as £24 (~S$43.60) (e.g.  The Phantom of the Opera ).

Lastminute.com or Ticket Master  may also have better deals, plus the assurance with online booking at any time.

Leicester Square Box Office Cost:   Varies Opening Hours: 10AM – 8PM Address: 42 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AN, UK

The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre) Cost: £43.50 (~S$79.10) Showtime: 7:30PM (Also shows at 2:30PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays) Address:  Coventry St, London W1D 6AS, UK

Day 8: Day Tour to Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge 

The tour starts at Victoria Coach Station , a 5-minute walk from Victoria Underground Station. We grabbed breakfast there at Pret A Manger ; a sandwich and coffee costs about £5 (~S$9.10).

First stop: Windsor Castle , the oldest castle in the world that still serves as residence of the royal family.

Have a firsthand look at the lives of British kings and queens since medieval times, like the State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Doll House. Don’t forget to also check out St. George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle most recently got married !

Depending on the day of visit , there’ll be a changing of guard ceremony at 11AM.

*Pro-tip:  Break away from the crowds at the fences and get a way better view from the streets instead, where the band and guards march from to the castle. The guards stand still at the field doing nothing anyway.

The second stop is the  Roman Baths in the city of, well, Bath . While most images online show the Great Bath (above), there are lots of other rooms within the site below our current ground level, with changing rooms, sacred springs and even what remains of a temple courtyard.

Towards the end of the tour, have a sip of the actual spa water containing 43 minerals, which was once believed to cure ailments. Personally I felt the taste was a little off-putting because of the sulphur content!

The tour culminates into a visit to the world-famous  Stonehenge . You cannot venture into the stone circle itself, but you can get close enough to marvel at this fascinating creation, which still poses many unanswered questions about how and why it was built.

There is also a gift shop and separate exhibition illustrating more of its history, as well as replicas of Neolithic Houses where the builders supposedly lived in 4,500 years ago.

The area can get pretty chilly, so we advise packing a few more layers to brave the wind!

Cost: S$138.40 Time: 8AM – ~7PM Address (Victoria Coach Station):  164 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9TP

Dinner at Flat Iron

The best steak you can get for £11 (~S$20) in London (no longer £10, sadly)!  Flat Iron doesn’t do reservations, and queues could go up to 2 hours. If you’re using a UK SIM card, leave your number with the staff and you’ll receive a text when your table is ready.

There’s free-flow popcorn, friendly service staff and the best part — free ice-cream dessert. Just ask the server for it after your meal 😉

Cost: £11 and above (~S$20) — 1 steak Opening Hours: 12PM – 12AM (Closes 11.30PM on Sundays) Address:  17-18 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH, UK (and 4 other outlets )

Day 9: Maximising the London Pass 

Westminster abbey.

Built by Henry III in the 13th century, this Gothic church has held marriages (most recently Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ), coronations and burials for centuries.

Call it morbid, but we were particularly fascinated by the  recumbent effigies  of past Kings and Queens that were so elaborately sculpted and painted atop their tombs.

This attraction is highly visited, so get there slightly before the opening time and be one of the first in queue.

Entrance Fee: £20 online (~S$36.15, free with London Pass ) Opening Hours: 9AM – 3PM How to get there:  Walk 350m from Westminster Underground Station

Thames River Boat Cruise From Westminster Pier to Tower Pier

Float along the heart of central London with the  Thames River Boat Cruise from Westminster Pier . Through panoramic windows, get a glimpse of the famous Shakespeare’s Globe , Millennium Bridge and Houses of Parliament , among others.

Cost:   £10.25 (~S$18.50, free hop-on-hop-off for 24 hours with London Pass ) Time: 10AM – 7:20PM (departures every 40 minutes) Address (Westminster Pier):  Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London SW1A 2JH, UK

Tower Bridge

Besides the Tower Bridge Exhibition , the walkway upstairs also has glass floor panels for you to watch passers-by from 42m high!

If the timing is right , you may get to see the bridge’s bascules lift up for bigger ships to get through.

Entrance Fee: £8.70 online  (~S$15.70, free with London Pass ) Opening Hours: 10AM – 5.30PM last admission (9.30AM – 5PM from October to March) How to get there: Walk 600m from Tower Pier

Lunch at Borough Market

Sprawling across a large area with an endless choice of food and a grocery market, you can easily spend an hour or two strolling inside Borough Market and sampling all the delicacies.

The BBQ Chicken Wrap (£6.50, ~S$11.75) from Soul Food is generously stuffed with tender slices of chicken, and goes well with chilli sauce.

The Mac & Pulled Pork (£6.50, ~S$11.75) at Hash , topped with gooey melted cheese is also to die for.

Cost:  £6.50/pax (~S$11.75) Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM (Open 8AM on Saturdays, closed Sundays) Address:  8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK

Monmouth Coffee

Up high on our recommendation list is Monmouth Coffee , literally a stone’s throw from the main Borough Market. You can even buy their coffee beans there!

Cost: £3.10 (~S$5.60) — 1 latte Opening Hours: 7:30AM – 6PM (Closed Sundays) Address:  2 Park Street, The Borough, London SE1 9AB (and 1 other outlet )

St Paul’s Cathedral

If you’re ever looking for a legs day workout, you can get one at St Paul’s Cathedral .

You can literally scale up the dome in 528 steps with 3 viewing points — 1 with a top-down look at the nave, and 2 outdoors at varying heights, offering a view of the city.

Entrance Fee:  £16 online (~S$28.90, free with London Pass ) Opening Hours:  8.30AM – 4PM (Last admission), closed Sundays. Hours vary on selected dates . How to get there: Walk 400m from Borough Market to London Bridge Underground Station. Take the Northern line to Bank, transfer to the Central line and alight at St Paul’s Station. Walk 150m to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The View from The Shard

Get the best panoramic views of London at The View from The Shard — the highest point in Western Europe.

Entrance Fee:  £24.50 online (~S$44.30, free with London Pass ) Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM (Last entry 9PM, may vary ) Address:  32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK How to get there: Take a scenic 2km walk from St Paul’s Cathedral across the Millennium Bridge , then along River Thames .

Day 10: London

Changing the guard ceremony at buckingham palace.

Witness the iconic  Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace that usually takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday .

The guards march in at 10:45AM, so reach by 10:30AM or earlier to secure a good viewing spot. Be warned: you’ll be squeezing with all the tourists like it’s a rush hour train in Japan.

Cost: Free Time: 11AM Address:  Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK

Lunch at Patty & Bun

The beef patty burgers served at Patty & Bun are so thick and juicy, the meat juices were literally dripping off the wrappers as we ate them. Try the classic ‘Ari Gold’ Cheeseburger (£8.75, ~S$15.90) or ‘Smokey Robinson’ Burger (£9, ~S$16.25) that has delicious caramelised onions.

Cost: £9/pax (~S$16.25) Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 10.30PM (Closes 10PM on Sundays) Address: 54 James St, London W1U 1HE (and 11 other outlets )

Spanning a whopping 142 hectares, Hyde Park is the largest green lung of London that’s the perfect chill spot, whether you want to have a picnic, cycle, go to a cafe, or just lie on the grass.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 5AM – 12AM How to get there: Walk 1km from Patty & Bun

Natural History Museum

Spend the rest of the afternoon at one of London’s many free museums, the Natural History Museum . Don’t miss the latest addition (not like you would), the 25.2m-long blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling!

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 10AM – 5:50PM (Last entry 5:30PM) Address:  Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

The UK is definitely not a place you only visit once. Every location has something special to offer, and you’ll be surprised by the kind of diversity that exists. Scotland’s and Wales’ quietness is refreshing, and London’s mix of tradition and modernity is something rarely found elsewhere!

The next time we return, we’ll definitely want to rent a car and give the Scottish Highlands a go.

Accommodation in UK

1) edinburgh: budget backpackers.

At Kick Ass Greyfriars , our 4-bed mixed dorm (~S$21.85) was clean and cosy with a standard layout of 2 bunk beds. Strangely there was a toilet sink and mirror in the room as well, but hey, we’re not gonna complain.

The hostel sports a youthful atmosphere with plenty of common spaces for mingling, including a pool table, cafe, and upcoming bar.

They also have storage lockers for your luggage at £1 (~S$1.80) each, in case you arrive before the 3PM check-in time.

2) Wales: Totters Independent Hostel

The unassuming Totters Independent Hostel could easily pass off as a private residence if you’re not discerning enough. It’s located right next to the sea, and really close to the Caernarfon Castle . We got a 6-bed mixed dorm at ~S$34/night each.

We loved that this place is central to all the Wales attractions we visited, fully-heated all around, and has a decent living and dining area (with free breakfast provided every morning).

3) London: Airbnb

If you’re not picky,  Airbnb apartments in London can get as low as S$36 per night. Our Airbnb stay (~S$77/night for 2) was shared with the owners located near Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium , with Holloway Road Underground Station a 5-minute walk away.

Travelling with the BritRail Pass

The BritRail Pass  helped make our trip absolutely fuss-free, and is the only pass covering all  UK train companies except EuroStar and London’s Underground services — that’s a lot of places!

Individual tickets would’ve cost us £249.40 (~S$451.40) but we only spent S$187.80 (Youth under 27 price) with the 3-day BritRail Flexipass  from Klook. They’re currently the lowest price in the market, with free delivery to boot! Granted, you have to book it at least 7 days before, but unless you’re into extreme spontaneity, plan your trip ahead and enjoy these savings!

The Flexipass option also meant we could travel on 3 days within 1 month, which is obviously more flexible compared to the continuous pass. Reserving seats was also easy for all our rides during the trip, at no extra charge. Basically book everything at the first train station you arrive at, and flash the pass to train inspectors on subsequent trips.

Planning to explore Europe beyond the UK? Check out this 16-Day Europe Itinerary with the Eurail Pass !

Check Flights to the UK

Even though our UK itinerary starts in Edinburgh, feel free to flip it around and start in London if you’d like — who knows, it might be cheaper that way depending on the season you travel! Check flight prices here:

Can’t see the widget above? click here to check flights from Singapore to Edinburgh instead!

Where else would you recommend visiting in the UK? Tell us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by  Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . 

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on May 8, 2018 at 2:09am PDT

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This is very helpful for my hometown friends. They will travel from the states to here in London when the lockdown ends. This is very informative for them on where to go. I live in London but right now I am not seeing much more of this amazing city than my couch.

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Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

• Scotland Tours

134 Scotland Tours found.

• 8 day and above
• TV and Movies 166
• Historic Sites 147
• Lochs, Mountains and Nature 161
• Castles 140
• England, Ireland and Wales 18
• Landmarks 118
• Experiences 144
• Bannockburn 7
• Bealach Na Ba Mountain Pass 6
• Ben Nevis 93
• Border Abbeys 9
• Braveheart 33
• Cairngorm National Park 99
• Cuillin Hills 52
• Culloden Moor 48
• Dunfermline Abbey 1
• Dunkeld Cathedral 9
• Dunrobin 17
• Edinburgh 46
• Eilean Donan 48
• Fife Fishing Villages 4
• Forth Bridges 91
• Glen Coe 95
• Glenfinnan Viaduct 37
• Harry Potter 88
• Hebridean 7
• Highland Clearances 47
• Highland Games 2
• Highlander 63
• Inveraray 12
• Jacobite History 83
• Jacobite Steam Train 16
• James Bond 84
• Lake District 14
• Linlithgow Palace 5
• Loch Lomond National Park 87
• Loch Ness 94
• Loch Ness Cruise 11
• North Coast 500 Route 31
• Open-top bus tour 19
• Outlander 57
• Pre-historic Scotland 58
• Rannoch Moor 85
• Rosslyn Chapel 3
• Royal Military Tattoo 29
• Scenic Loch Cruise 58
• Snowdonia National Park 5
• St Andrews 6
• Stirling 17
• Stonehenge 9
• Stratford-upon-Avon 10
• The Angels' Share 45
• The Kelpies 7
• Torridon and Applecross 5
• UNESCO Heritage Site 50
• Urquhart 53
• Whisky Distillery Tour 62
• Wildlife 51

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Your Question:

Loch Ness and the Highlands

The Loch Ness Monster - fact or fiction? Maybe you’ll find out on this splendid tour through the glorious Scottish Highlands.

Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and Highlands Tour

Exploring the magical Isle of Skye and the picturesque Scottish Highlands including a trip on the real Hogwarts Express makes for a very special touring experience.

Edinburgh City Tour

Take the Edinburgh Bus Tour to see the highlights of Edinburgh from a different viewpoint 

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies

Enjoy an captivating day exploring the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

This magical tour combines a magical visit to the Isle of Skye with a trip on the World famous Jacobite Steam Train – the real Hogwarts’s Express!

Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness Winter Tour

Savour the scenic splendour of the Scottish Highlands and explore the hidden delights of the Isle of Skye on this magical five-day adventure.

Road to the Isles

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye and the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands on this relaxing and in-depoth tour.

Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Experience the best of the Scottish Highlands on this 3-day Isle of Skye tour.

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

This popular “Scotland in one-day” tour will introduce you to some of the finest scenery the Highlands has to offer including, of course, Loch Ness

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle

This fascinating tour will introduce you to the history of Stirling, with its famous castle and the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Explore historic monuments and experience the many natural wonders of the Highlands in this fascinating tour of the very best of Scotland.

Outlander Experience

Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire on this wonderful Outlander themed tour.

The Jacobite Highlander

Discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and experience an unforgettable journey on the Jacobite Steam Train - the real Hogwarts Express!

Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands

Take your sightseeing to the Max on this amazing tour to the beautiful Scottish Highlands. This is Scotland’s most famous day tour!

Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland with local pick-up

The Ultimate Scottish day tour - a trip to Loch Ness through the picturesque scenery of the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles

Enjoy a wonderful drive through the picturesque scenery of the Western Highlands and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glen Coe Adventure

See the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and experience some of the finest scenery the Highlands has to offer.

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

The Isle of Skye is famed the world over for its dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque seascapes. Come with us to explore the Magical Isle and stunning Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness Temptation - Afternoon Tour

Explore enigmatic Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle on this wonderful combination of luxury coach tour and enchanting cruise.

Glasgow City Tour

This official Glasgow bus tour is the ideal way to discover all that is best about Scotland’s largest and most colourful city.

Loch Ness Experience

Explore enigmatic Loch Ness in detail on this ideal combination of a coach tour and an enchanting optional cruise.

Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools

Explore the highlights of the magical Isle of Skye including a visit to the enchanting Fairy Pools

Scenic Skye

Discover towering mountain ranges and an ancient castle en route to an unforgettable experience on this magical isle.

The Ultimate Skye Tour

Discover the highlights of the Isle of Skye including Portree, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Cuillin Hills and the famous Fairy Pools.

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Loch Ness Discovery

Experience amazing highland scenery all the way on this magical tour to see the real Hogwarts Express steam across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Loch Ness Temptation - Morning Tour

Admire the stunning scenery on a tour along the banks of Loch Ness, then take to the water on a monster spotting cruise to visit romantic Urquhart Castle.

Edinburgh by Train

Want to visit Edinburgh for a day during your stay in London? This convenient tour package is just for you!

Inverness City Tour

Discover the treasures of Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, on this hop-on, hop-off tour by open-top double deck bus.

Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glen Coe Experience

Experience some of the best scenery the Scottish Highlands has to offer including Glen Coe, Cairngorms National Park and the famous Harry Potter Bridge

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland

Explore the haunting beauty and unique heritage of Scotland's Northern Isles to discover magnificent prehistoric and Norse treasures.  

Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness

Explore the beauty of the Highlands including the romantic Isle of Skye and take a trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, star of the Harry Potter movies! 

Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy an unforgettable two days of Highland history and romance in a land alive with fairytale castles, lush glens and shimmering lochs.

Heart of the Highlands

If you only have a couple of days to discover the true beauty of the Scottish Highlands, then this is the tour for you.

Isle of Skye Explorer

While the focus of this delightful tour is undoubtedly the beautiful Isle of Skye you’ll also experience Scotland’s west coast scenery at its very best.

Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides

Sample the captivating delights of Scotland’s Highlands and islands, exploring famous sights and discovering hidden gems in a land of rich history and charm.

Loch Ness Explorer

The ultimate Loch Ness Experience. This “Scotland in a day” tour combines many iconic must-see sights including Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park.

Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500

Discover the scenic beauty of the North Coast 500, sail over the sea to Skye and explore the ancient history of the Orkney Islands on this magnificent tour.

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Discover the Land of the Gaels in-depth on this amazing Island hopping adventure through the length and breadth of the picturesque Western Isles.

Orkney Discovery

Explore the best of the Orkney Islands on this short tour. It is the perfect accompaniment to your stay in the Highland Capital.

Hebridean Discovery Small Group Tour

Travel to the Outer Hebrides to explore the distinctive heritage and scenic beauty of Harris and Lewis.

Orkney Odyssey

Discover the hidden treasures of the breathtaking Orkney Islands, where fascinating Stone Age history meets stunning scenery and nature at its finest.

Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital

This convenient tour package includes all the elements you need for a fantastic two-day visit to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital City.

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Escape from London to get a taste of historic Edinburgh and experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands

During your time in London come north to explore the lively city of Glasgow and discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands

Leave London behind to discover the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands

Edinburgh, Skye and the Highlands

Travel directly from London to visit Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic Capital City then travel through the Highlands to see Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the amazing Isle of Skye.

Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North

On this short break from London discover elegant Edinburgh then head to the Highlands to explore the Isle of Skye and the Northern Highlands.

Amazing Britain

Capture the heritage of Britain, explore celebrated cities and venture into the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Best of Britain

This comprehensive tour showcases the very best of Britain's three nations - England, Scotland and Wales.

Real Britain

Discover the scenery, cities, culture and history that makes Britain great on this highly affordable tour from London.

Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands

Take a fascinating journey to the very tip of Scotland, exploring landmarks steeped in history every step of the way.

Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander

Sample the finest ‘water of life’; follow in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s footsteps and walk among the ancient locations of TV’s Outlander in this fascinating trip back in time.

Taste of Britain

Explore the highlights of Britain on this relaxing one-way journey from London to Glasgow.

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

Leave the hustle and bustle of mainland life behind to discover why the beautiful Isle of Arran is known as Scotland in Miniature.

A Classic Steam Break

Experience travel from a bygone era by land and sea on this relaxing tour through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery.

A Scottish Journey

This ultimate Scottish adventure combines magical islands, historic castles and the seductive scenery of the Western Highlands.

Alnwick Castle and The Border Country

Travel through the rolling Scottish Border country to visit mighty Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland and a star of the Harry Potter movies!

Alnwick Castle and the Scottish Borders

Tour through the beautiful Scottish Border country and visit mighty Alnwick Castle, the filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter Movies!

Applecross Adventure

Explore dramatic Highland scenery, take an exhilarating journey over the Bealach na Ba pass and sample fresh seafood in one of Scotland’s most delightful villages.

Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland

Step back in time on an incredible odyssey as centuries of history and heritage are brought vividly to life on Scotland’s stunning northern islands.

Best of Scotland

This comprehensive tour of the beautiful Scottish Highlands features all the “must see” destinations.

Best of the Scottish Highlands

Lose yourself in the romance of the Highlands and soak up a land of history filled with imposing castles, dramatic mountains and mysterious lochs.

Bonnie Scotland

Discover Scotland's unrivalled beauty on this feature-packed tour that includes city stays in historic Edinburgh and lively Glasgow.

Braemar Highland Gathering

The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of Scotland’s Highland Games traditionally attended by the Monarch and members of the Royal Family

British Escape with Return to London

This magical journey from London to Edinburgh will introduce you to the iconic sights of Great Britain, including Stonehenge, Bath and the Lake District

British Highlights

This relaxing tour has been designed for the discerning traveller who wants to explore Britain in depth.

British Royale

Experience the very best of Britain on this deluxe one-way tour from London to Edinburgh.

Castles and Kilts

This family themed tour from London to Edinburgh focuses on the mystery and magic of England, Scotland and Wales.

Castles and Lochs of the Western Highlands with local pick-up

Explore the beautiful Western Highlands famed for it's soaring mountains, scenic lochs and ancient castles

Country Roads of Scotland

Scotland shows off its most attractive side on this luxury road-cruise tour to Skye, the Highlands and Orkney Islands.

Edinburgh Tattoo Experience

Prepare for your evening visit to the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with a relaxing day touring through stunning Highland landscapes.

Elegance of Great Britain

This one way tour from Edinburgh to London will introduce you some of Britain’s finest stately homes, historic castles and finest gardens.

England and Scotland Heritage

Experience the highlights of Britain and enjoy great value on this fabulous tour

Fort George, Culloden Moor and the Cairngorms National Park

Discover some of the north’s most important historical sights, all with an Outlander vibe, then tour the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.

Gems of Britain

Focused and feature packed, this lively tour captures the true essence of Britain in only five days!

Glasgow, The Cultural Capital

This convenient tour package includes all the elements you need for a fantastic 2 day visit to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest City.

Glenfinnan, Eilean Donan Castle and the North West Highlands

This short tour to Scotland’s picturesque North West Highlands includes the opportunity to visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

This captivating tour will tick off no less than five picturesque islands on your Hebridean bucket list - Mull, Staffa, Iona, Islay and Jura.

Hebridean Explorer Small Group Tour

Get away from it all on a magnificent short break to the Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris.

Highland Games Experience

Join us as we drive through spectacular scenery to visit one of Scotland’s premier Highland Games for a fun-filled day of dancing, music and athletics.

Highlands and Islands

This amazing tour unfolds to show you the magnificent scenery of Scotland’s West Coast as well as the Hebridean islands of Skye, Harris and Lewis.

Highlights of Britain

This comprehensive journey from London to Edinburgh is tailored for those who want to fully experience British history and culture.

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland by Air

Explore the magical islands of Orkney and Shetland on this air-inclusive holiday.

Highlights of the Outer Hebrides

Discover the Land of the Gaels in-depth on this fantastic island-hopping adventure through eight Hebridean isles.

Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and the Northumberland Coast

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive to visit ancient Lindisfarne and mighty Alnwick Castle, star of the Harry Potter movies and Downton Abbey

In Quest of the Holy Grail

Discover the legends of our greatest National heroes on this wonderful tour; Mary, Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, the real Braveheart.

Islay and Jura

Enjoy an in-depth visit to two jewels of the Inner Hebrides, Jura and Islay. Untamed and mysterious, famed for their natural beauty, wildlife and whisky.

Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour

Explore the island of Islay, home to eight whisky distilleries whose lovingly produced malts boast a unique peaty aroma.

Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands Winter Tour

This great value tour will show you the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in the quieter months, including the stunning Isle of Skye.

Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools and Highland Castles

This comprehensive two-day tour will introduce you to Skye's many highlights, including the magical Fairy Pools.

Loch Lomond, The Highlands and Stirling Castle with local pick-up

Enjoy the glorious scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and discover the history of impressive Stirling Castle.

Loch Ness Rambler

Travel the length and breadth of Scotland’s most famous loch and enjoy exhilarating experiences on and off the beaten track.

Magical Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

The short tour combines the magical and mythical Isle of Skye with a memorable trip on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Majestic Edinburgh Tour

Discover Edinburgh's many Royal connections including the Royal Yacht Britannia and Palace of Holyroodhouse on this popular hop-on, hop-off tour.

Majestic Scotland

Experience the highlights of Scotland with stays in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the beautiful Scottish Highlands on this great value tour.

Moray Coast, Puffins and Whisky

Discover magical coastal scenery, see cheeky puffins and experience a visit to the whisky trail

Oban and the Western Highlands

Explore the lochs, glens and mountains of Scotland’s stunningly beautiful Western Highlands

Oban, Glen Coe, West Highland Lochs and Castles

This spectacular tour will take you on a journey through the natural beauty of the Western Highlands

Orkney Explorer

This concise tour combines wonderful Highland scenery with a fabulous two-night stay in the fabled Orkney Islands. It’s the perfect island adventure.

Outlander Adventure with local pick-up

Imerse yourself the World of Jamie and Claire on this amazing Outlander themed tour.  

Outlander Film Locations

Discover the real history behind some of the most famous locations used in TV’s popular Outlander series.

Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Whisky

This combination of a visit to intriguing Rosslyn Chapel and the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Borders makes this tour the perfect day out.

Scenic Scottish Railways

Explore Scotland’s great scenic rail journeys on this fabulous tour that features a memorable trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train.

Scotland inspired by Outlander

This premium tour of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands is enhanced with an Outlander twist.

Scotland's Extreme North West

Discover dramatic natural wonders and enjoy the finest Highland hospitality in this unforgettable adventure on Scotland’s rugged north-west coast.

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Discover magical islands, sophisticated cities and the rugged beauty of the Scottish highlands on this far-reaching tour.

Scotland's Northern Edge

Explore Scotland's northern highlands to experience ancient landscapes, grand castles and stunning coastal scenery. 

Scottish and Irish Dream

On this leisurely tour experience the very best that Scotland and Ireland have to offer.

Scottish Clans and Castles

Discover the history of Scotland and her people on this inspiring tour through the Highlands which includes a trip on the famous West Highland Railway.

Scottish Dream

On this comprehensive tour experience many aspects of Scotland from the great cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the scenic beauty of the Isle of Skye.

Scottish Escape

Experience Edinburgh, Glasgow and the natural beauty of the stunning Scottish Highlands in the quieter months to enjoy the very best value.

Scottish Highland Escape

This great-value tour of Scotland will introduce you to the beauty of the Highlands as well as the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scottish Highland Fling

Combine visits to historical and sophisticated cities with the stunning scenery of the Highlands, including a magical excursion to the Orkney Islands.

Scottish Highland Railways

Travel in style through Scotland's most breath-taking landscapes on three of the World's most acclaimed railway journeys.

Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities

This epic tour will take you along some of the most famous routes in Scotland to visit Edinburgh, Glasgow and the islands of Skye, Orkney, Mull and Iona.

Scottish Isles and Glens

Be captivated by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands on this luxury tour that includes visits to the Orkney Islands, Skye and Bute.

Scottish Outland Adventure

Discover Edinburgh, Glasgow and the very best that the Highlands have to offer on this extremely affordable seven-day tour.

Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Explore the magical Isle of Skye famed for its royal fugitive and rival clans, enjoying stunning Eilean Donan Castle, brooding mountains and tranquil lochs along the way.

Skye, Orkney and the Highlands

Explore Skye, the Orkney Islands together with the Western and Northern Highlands in one spectacular tour.

Skye, The Highlands and Inverness

This great value 3-day tour to the Highlands and Isle of Skye gives you the flexibility to book your own accommodation.

St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife

Although the focus of this tour is on St Andrews, famed throughout the World as being the home of Golf, there is much more to explore on this relaxing tour.

St Andrews, Falkland and the Fishing Villages of Fife

St Andrews is famed for its rich golfing heritage but there is so much more to discover on this fascinating tour.

St Andrews, Fife and Dunfermline Abbey with local pick-up

See the spectacular Forth Bridges, explore ancient Dunfermline Abbey and visit the home of golf - St Andrews.

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky

A wonderful day that combines historic Stirling Castle, the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and a visit to a historic malt whisky distillery.

Taste of Scotland

This short tour combines visits to Scotland’s two great cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow with a delightful tour through the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

The Argyll Explorer

Sample the very best of this stunning part of Scotland, with its captivating blend of natural wonders and fascinating history

The Edinburgh Tour

Let an experienced guide bring Edinburgh's history to life as you experience the very best views the city has to offer from an open-top double-deck bus.

The Essential Whisky Experience

Raise a glass to Scotland’s national drink with a tour of two traditional distilleries, sampling the finest drams and enjoying stunning scenery as you go.

The Highlands of Harry Potter Adventure

The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

Get a fabulous introduction to the treasures of Scotland including the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the history of Stirling Castle.

The Original Loch Ness Tour

This is the Original Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh. Created in 1985 and still offering the very best of Scotland!

The Outlander Trail Small Group Tour

This engaging small group tour will let you explore many of the locations used in the filming of the highly-popular Outlander TV series.

The Scots and the Irish

This extensive tour of two Celtic neighbours focuses on the highlights of Scotland together with the north and west of Ireland

Whisky and Waterfalls

Discover the beauty of Highland Perthshire, take a waterfall walk then enjoy a tour and tasting at Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery. What an amazing day out!

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England, Ireland and Scotland Tours & Trips

If you have been longing to see England, Scotland and Ireland in one go, now is your chance. Book one of our Western European tours and let yourself be carried away through London and Oxford University, the Scottish Highlands, Dublin and Galway. Read here the best 7 day Ireland travel itineraries , 10 day Ireland itineraries , ideas for one week in Scotland  , or find the best Ireland adventures .

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England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin

As the one year anniversary approaches, I wish I could do this trip again!

• Coach / Bus

Essential Britain & Ireland

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

The experience was excellent, would definitely recommend to my friends and family visiting. The tour director and the driver were so thoughtful and kind throughout the tour.

Britain and Ireland Panorama (16 Days)

The tour was great,we seen so much of the UK,Ireland, our guide Jim Michell was so informative,with the history of the UK you learn so much,there was so many great places we went to its hard to name any one place that was special, but one place i will always remember was going to the Cavern in Liverpool where the Beatles played,and driving down Penny Lane, also we had a great driver..

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

This is the first time we’ve used TRAFALGAR and we were very happy with the overall experience and have already recommended them to family and friends. Our Tour Guide (Sarah Rose Jefferson) was super friendly and a huge highlight of our trip & our Driver (Jamie Wassell) was fabulous! His driving skills were incredible and he was also very informative and had a good knowledge of the area. Wifi could’ve been better on the coach (some days it didn’t work by mid morning/lunchtime). Perhaps having individual usage would stop others from draining all of the data? Also, a couple of the hotels we stayed in also lacked wifi in the actual rooms, which was a bit frustrating. The “optionals” were great. Would’ve liked to have spent more time at Blarney Castle (due to the massive crowds) and at Galway and maybe less or more time at Pembroke (as there wasn’t quite enough time to do the castle tour whilst there) so that time seemed a bit wasted. A more in depth description of the Warwick Castle should be explained to future travelers, as we nearly didn’t do this optional, and we’re so glad we did. The falconry show was so entertaining and the displays inside the lower rooms inside the castle were spectacular. It’s one of the few castles where you can explore the entire castle too. Of course, with all travel, there’s always hiccups with bags going missing or mix ups with number of beds in rooms or no air conditioning available. However... Sarah & Jamie made sure EVERY single person on our tour were looked after and taken care of before their own needs. Some days they didn’t get to bed until early hours in the morning. Their dedication and comittment to making sure our trip was an amazing experience is a credit to both of them. Thank you TRAFALGAR for employing such great staff.

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

First trip hard to compare. Suited us fine.

Best of UK & Ireland

Great driver Paul and tourleader Peter who wasVery informative and gave us lots of places to see or visit on free time to experience.Would do another tour with. Expat .

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

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

Excellent with a great tour guide, driver and companions.

Scotland and Ireland with London

Loved the chosen sites, met great people, had clean hotels and good free breakfasts! Communication during the tour between the tour and travelers, especially in relation to leaving/arriving details and posting places within the hotels caused problems multiple times. We lost time that could have been spent at our destinations. Knowing beforehand that our tour guides would not be native English speakers would have been verfy helpful to those of us who struggle with understanding unfamiliar accents. Having written daily details would have solved that problem.

Celtic Highlights

The itinerary. I do not think we would have ever seen so much of these countries if we had tried to do this on our own. I did feel a little rushed sometimes and would have liked to stay another 30 minutes here and there. So I do think there could be some adjustments made for a few stops.

The Best of Britain & Ireland

Our tour guide John did a wonderful job giving us information about each site we visited and many more sItems we passed along the way. He was knowledgeable and witty. He was always pleasant and helpful and answered questions from all of us. He kept us on schedule and informed at all times. John is a great asset to Cosmos/Globus.

Britain & Ireland Discovery (Classic, 22 Days)

Our tour guide was brilliant .I really enjoyed the history.

Play & Pause: Britain & Ireland

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

10-Day United Kingdom and Ireland

Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended

What people love about England, Ireland And Scotland Tours

I really enjoyed the trip

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International Versions

• Deutsch: England-Irland-Schottland Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits au Angleterre, Irlande et Écosse
• Español: Circuitos y Viajes por Inglaterra, Irlanda y Escocia
• Nederlands: Engeland, Ierland en Schotland Rondreizen

• 2-5 Day Tours from London >

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.

terms and conditions

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The Ultimate 1 Week UK Itinerary — Must-Visits in London, Scotland and Wales

With non-stop flights to London, you can now resume your dream vacation. But why stop there? Make the most of your trip in the UK —  from visiting the highest mountains in Wales to majestic castles in Edingburgh. Kick start your trip planning with some ideas in this ultimate one-week UK itinerary!

*Pro-tip: Get up to 10% off flight bookings on Qatar when you book with your UOB Card before 31 August 2022

Travelling Around the UK

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

To travel across the three destinations in this itinerary, get the three-day BritRail Flexipass for unlimited rides on the extensive UK train network.

The main transport system within the city is the London Tube. Similar to Singapore, you can either get an Oyster card for £5 (like an EZlink), or use your credit card to tap and pay.

Day 1 – 3: London

1) london’s hipster markets , camden market.

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

Start off your trip exploring Camden Market, a popular vintage market that opens daily!

Apart from thrift shops, there are over 60 food stalls serving everything from burgers and pizzas, to sushi and curry — grab a Venezuelan wrap packed with flavour from Arepazo Bros, or indulge in a sinful serving of The Mac Factory’s gourmet mac and cheese!

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 10AM – late (individual stalls vary)

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

Brick Lane Market

Only open on the weekends, Brick Lane Market is the place for antique finds and secondhand goods like furniture, clothes and vinyl records. 

For food, we recommend trying the ham at Pigling Street‘s Posh Pork Baps. Their meat boxes have slices of their signature slow-roasted pigling topped with applesauce, and a side of salad and pickles!

Opening hours: 11AM – 6PM (Saturdays), 10AM – 6PM (Sundays)

Address: 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR

2) Check out Windsor Castle and London’s Unique Museums

Spend a day delving into Britain's rich history. 

Visit the world’s oldest castle that the royal family still calls home. At Windsor Castle, look firsthand into the lives of British kings and queens since medieval times as you visit the State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Doll House. 

Catch the Changing of Guards ceremony at 11AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. And don’t miss out St. George’s Chapel too — it’s where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married

Entrance fee: From £26.50 

Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM (1 March - 31 October), 10AM – 3PM (1 November- 28 February), closed on Tue and Wed

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ

Next, head to the Natural History Museum. The museum’s extensive collection of fossils will leave you in awe — just imagine a blue whale skeleton “swimming” above you, and getting up close to a full-sized Sauropod replica! You’ll also love learning more about the Earth’s history, human evolution and many other animals past and present. 

Other museums worth visiting include the British Museum, for a deep dive into Britian’s history, and Tate Modern Museum for its impressive collection of international modern and contemporary art. 

Entrance fee: Free (for Natural History Museum)

Opening hours: 10AM – 5:50PM, last entry 5:30PM

Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

3) Harry Potter Studios Tour

Photo credit: Tom Kulczycki

Potterhead or not, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a quintessential experience in London. The recommended time here is three hours but if you’re a fan, it’s easy to spend double that time here. Experience the magic of Hogwarts, get up close with the sets, props and costumes down to the minute details. Don’t forget to chug down some delicious butter beer too!

Entrance fee: From £49.95/adult (~S$86)

Opening hours: 10AM (first tour) – 6:30PM (final tour), first tour begins at 9AM on weekends

Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR

4) Buckingham Palace

Photo credit: Jean Carlo Emer

Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace that takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

*Pro-tip: Be there at least half an hour earlier to secure a good viewing point. 

Changing of the Guard ceremony timing: 11AM

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA

5) London’s Beautiful Churches

Westminster abbey.

Photo credit: Ian Branch

If this 13th century gothic church looks familiar, you’ve probably seen it from where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, got married!

Entrance fee: £25 online (~S$42, free with London Pass)

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, closes 3PM on Sat, 4:30PM – 6PM on Wed

How to get there: Walk 350m from Westminster Underground Station

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Here’s a pro-tip, skip the queue for the London Eye and head to St. Paul’s Cathedral instead. Although you’ll have to work for the view (climbing up 528 steps to be exact), you’ll be rewarded with three different viewing points: One with a top-down look at the nave, and two outdoors at varying heights — offering views of the city skyline and River Thames.

Entrance fee: £18 online (~S$30, free with London Pass)

Opening hours: 8:30AM – 4PM, opens 10AM on Wed

How to get there: Walk 400m from Borough Market to London Bridge Underground Station. Take the Northern line to Bank, transfer to the Central line and alight at St Paul’s Station. Walk 150m to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Where to Eat in London

There are lots of food options as you explore the markets, but here are some spots you don’t want to miss:

Brick Lane Beigel Bake

This 24-hour bakery is almost always seen with a long queue up front. They have the classics like smoked salmon, and cream cheese bagels. But the star of the show is their delightfully tender and flavourful signature salt beef beigels.

Cost: £4.30 (~S$8)

Opening hours: 24 hours

Address: 159 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB

Steak at Flat Iron

This wallet-friendly steak is not only generous in size, but also ​​incredibly delicious and tender. 

They don’t take reservations, so queues can go up to two hours. But fret not, just leave your number with the staff and they’ll text you when your table is ready.

On top of your yummy meal, there’s also free-flow popcorn and a free ice-cream dessert. Just ask the server for it after your meal. 

Cost: £12 and above (~S$21) — 1 steak

Opening hours: 12PM – 12AM, closes 11.30PM on Sundays

Address: 17-18 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH 

Photo credit: Dishoom

It’s a tad strange but ask any local for food recommendations and Dishoom’s Indian street food seems to come up frequently. Some must-haves are the House Black Daal, Mattar Paneer, and Spicy Lamb Chops.

Cost: Grills start from £6.90 (~S$12) 

Opening hours: 8AM – 11PM, closes 12AM on Fri and Sat

Address: 12 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB

Day 4: Wales 

Escape into the mountains as you head to Wales. A full day at Snowdon Mountain is exactly how you’d want to spend your time in nature. 

You’ll see waterfalls, vast lakes, and adorable sheep as you make your way up to the summit — the highest point in Wales! It’s a six to eight-hour hike up Snowdon, but thankfully, you can cut your time to two hours with the Snowdon Mountain Railway (from mid-March to October). 

We recommend taking the train up to Clowgyn (the ¾ point), then slowly making your way down by foot. You get a decent view of the ridges and valleys at this viewpoint, and some exercise afterwards. The hike down is about two and a half hours, so be careful as the terrain can get rocky and steep at times.

Cost: £29/adult (~S$50), Llanberis – Clogwyn Return Fare Early Bird

Opening hours: 8:30AM (First train at 9AM). Closing varies (Call +44(0)1286 870223 to confirm)

How to get there: From Turf Square Bus Station, take Bus S2 for 30mins and alight at the Snowdon Railway Station. Purchase your bus ticket directly from the driver for £1.80 (~S$3)

Where to Eat in Wales

Platform grill at snowdon mountain railway.

Platform Grill is a fuss-free eatery perfect for a post-hike fill. Located right by the Snowdon Mountain Railway, they serve Quarter Pounders and Jumbo Hotdogs, which you can choose with or without chips!

Ainsworth’s Traditional Fish & Chips

Ainsworth’s serves the classic Fish & Chips as well as mushy peas dip, which goes well with both fries and fish.

Opening hours: 11:45AM – 9PM, closes 10PM on Fridays and weekends

Address: 41 Bridge Street Turf Square, Caernarfon LL55 1AF

Day 5 – 7: Edinburgh

1) edinburgh castle .

Photo credit: The Times

It’s hard to decide what’s more iconic about Edinburgh Castle, its rich royal history or the fact that it’s perched atop an extinct volcano.

Marvel at the architecture of this former royal residence, and learn of its dark history — the underground prisons here housed prisoners of war back in the 1800s!

Entrance fee: £18 (~S$31)

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 6PM, last entry 5PM (1 Apr to 30 Sep). 9:30AM – 5PM, last entry 4PM (1 Oct to 30 Mar)

How to get there: Walk 600m from Edinburgh Waverley Station

2) Calton Hill

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Calton Hill is one of the more prominent areas in central Edinburgh, known for its collection of historic monuments. One being the National Monument inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, which is currently unfinished due to lack of funding. 

How to get there: Walk 480m from Regent Gardens Entrance

3) Day trip to St Andrews

St andrews castle .

Photo credit: About St Andrews

This seaside castle may be in ruins now, but it’s every bit intriguing. What you don’t see above ground is made up for with underground passages to explore. These were created during the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s!

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral is just a 350m walk from St Andrews Castle and is another must-visit in Edinburgh. What was once Scotland’s largest church, is now an open-air museum housing collections of medieval artefacts. Within it, you can also scale the 33-metre high St Rule’s Tower for a sweeping view of the town!

St Andrews Castle and Cathedral 

Entrance fee: £12 (~S$20)

Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (1 Apr to 30 Sep), 10AM – 4PM (1 Oct – 31 Mar),  last entry 30 minutes before closing

How to get there: Walk 1km from St Andrews Bus Station

St Andrews Museum

Wrap up your visit in St Andrews at the Victorian-style mansion (turned museum), and learn all about St Andrews’ historical origins. You’ll find out how the city came to be known for its university, and even golf. End the day with some tea and cakes at the museum’s in-house cafe before heading back.

Opening hours: 10:30AM – 4PM, closed on Sun

How to get there: 1.2km walk from St Andrews Cathedral

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

Photo credit: Papii Cafe

Papii Cafe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot that’s known to serve a big stack of fluffy buttermilk vanilla waffles topped with bacon, maple syrup, strawberries and cream.

Cost: £5.68 (~S$10)

Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM, closed on Mon

Address: 101 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ

Oink Hog Roast 

Photo credit: @oink_hogroast via Instagram

Don’t miss the pulled pork sandwiches made with Scottish hog roast. Have yours stuffed with traditional haggis (pudding made out of sheep lungs, hearts, and liver) and homemade mustard mayo for an added kick!

Opening hours: 11AM – 5PM

Address: 34 Victoria Street, Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JW

Make the most of your London trip with UOB Cards

Photo credit: Marcin Nowak

This is finally your year to check that long-awaited London trip off your travel bucket list — while exploring a few more places beyond the city too! What’s more, being a UOB Cardmember helps you save as you plan your trip.

Get up to 15% off accommodation bookings with Agoda , Booking.com and Expedia . And save up to S$50 on travel bookings with Klook or Trip.com , along with 10% off flights with Qatar . Not to mention, up to 30% off travel insurance with InsureTravel !

For those looking to drive out of London, enjoy up to 20% off rentals with Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental

With plenty of UOB travel deals to suit your itinerary, you’ll have everything you need for your next epic adventure.

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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.

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First visit to Scotland - overnight scenic trip options? - Scotland Forum

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First visit to Scotland - overnight scenic trip options?

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5 replies to this topic

For the Highlands, Pitlochry/Blair Athol are easy enough to reach by train from Edinburgh , without having to go through/change in Glasgow .

If you are coming up the east coast main line although not in Scotland , Northumberland has some great options that aren't so high on the big-tourism radar.

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Easter travel delays forecast for UK due to poor weather and rail disruption

Line closures and strikes coinciding with school holidays and turbulent weather are expected to hit travel plans

A long Good Friday looms for many drivers and rail passengers who are heading off for a UK getaway, as the Easter weekend collides with the start of school holidays, engineering works and turbulent weather.

With more than 14 million leisure trips planned by drivers over the coming days, motorists have been warned to expect delays on many routes. Additional cars could be forced on to the roads because of major railway line closures, with strikes hampering possible return train journeys next week.

According to the RAC, some car journeys could take twice as long as normal as many schools are breaking up at the start of the bank holiday weekend this year, leading to an increase in getaway traffic.

Meanwhile, all trains in and out of London Euston on the west coast mainline to cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow will be cancelled from Friday to Monday, with passengers wishing to travel diverted via rail replacement buses to Milton Keynes.

Getaway hell was expected to kick off on Thursday afternoon, with the biggest potential for gridlock coming from the south-east after 2pm with many schools closing at lunchtime.

With normal commuter journeys contributing to the traffic, the RAC and transport analysts Inrix forecast peak jams between 4pm and 5pm on the western flank of the M25 motorway between the M1 north and the M23 for Gatwick, including the turnoffs for the west and south-west. A usual one-hour drive on that stretch of the London orbital motorway is expected to take 2 hours 10 minutes or more, they predict.

Most long car journeys are expected to be made on Good Friday, with the lengthiest delays likely between 11am and 3pm. Two popular routes for holidaymakers – the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton and M3 between the M25 and the south coast – could take twice as long as usual.

One curveball is the British bank holiday weather , with changeable sun and rain either luring or deterring more in the coming days. The worst was forecast by the Met Office for Thursday afternoon, including strong winds and heavy rain at times, with a yellow warning for wind across the south of England .

The RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “If you do need to travel between the busiest hours of 2pm and 7pm, keep speeds appropriate to the conditions and leave plenty of extra stopping distance.”

She said anyone who could delay leaving until later on Thursday or set off as early as possible on Good Friday was likely to have a better journey, but lengthy queues could be expected.

Network Rail meanwhile has advised train passengers to check their journey details with £90m worth of engineering works scheduled to land awkwardly on the getaway plans of anyone fleeing London for the north in the coming days.

As well as the west coast mainline closure south of Milton Keynes, there will be disruption and closures around Glasgow and Huddersfield.

Network Rail’s network strategy director, Lawrence Bowman, said: “There’s never a good time to do the work we need to do but the four days of the bank holiday, when fewer people are travelling, give us the opportunity to do major work we couldn’t do in normal weekend.”

Rolling 24-hour rail strikes next week from 5 to 8 April by drivers in the Aslef union will halt most long-distance trains in Britain next Friday or Saturday, further hampering potential train holidays. The strikes affect different companies on different days but firms affected include Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry on 5 April and GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine on 6 April.

Tourist board VisitEngland said around 11 million people in the UK are nonetheless planning an overnight Easter trip, generating an estimated £3.2bn boost to the economy.

Two million of us are, however, not taking that chance, according to travel association Abta, heading overseas instead. The somewhat balmier Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey are the most popular destinations for foreign travel.

The Port of Dover has warned holidaymakers they may face delays due to tighter French border security after the Moscow concert attack, including controls in Dover before passengers board cross-Channel ferries. About 20,000 cars are expected to travel through the port this weekend.

• Rail transport
• Industrial action
• Road transport

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