1 week trip to uk cost

How much does it cost to visit the UK? (Budget planning guide)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 5, 2023

One of the most important steps when planning your holiday is calculating what you need to budget for your trip. Use my guide and estimate the cost of a trip to the UK including flights, accommodation, transportation, tours and more .

When planning any trip the inevitable question of how much it will cost and what to budget for is a huge consideration for most of us. In this article I will go through the main costs you need to budget for when planning your trip to the UK.

Obviously, individual costs will vary depending on your interests and travel style – Are you travelling solo/with family? Are you a luxury or budget traveller? Are you planning to travel independently or with a tour? Etc

As with my UK trip planner (which helps you to plan your visit step by step) this guide to calculating UK trip costs will help you through the process of budgeting in a systematic manner whether you are a budget traveller or looking to splurge on your trip.

Why not download my printable budget trip planner to use as you work through the article?

UK Travel Planning Podcast

Flights to the uk, average accommodation costs, holiday home rentals in the uk, tickets and passes in london, tours and day trips, additional expenses, visit during the shoulder season, budgeting for popular destinations such as london, conclusion – how much does it cost to visit the uk.

Episode #57 : Insider tips for exploring the UK on a budget

Calculating how much a trip to the UK will cost

If you are flying to the UK from outside of Europe flights will probably be the most expensive part of your trip.

It is worth calculating the cost of your flights as early as possible in the budgeting process. I recommend using Skyscanner to find the average prices for the time of year you are planning to visit.

Enter your departure point and destination into the price tracker on Skyscanner and you will discover the *average prices across the month.

* Please to bear in mind that at present flight prices are best estimates and may be affected by Covid-19.

Accommodation in the UK

There are many accommodation options across the UK to suit all travel styles and budgets.

Accommodation in major cities and popular tourist destinations such as the Cotswolds and the Lake District will generally be more expensive but budget options are available if you book as early as possible.

Expect to pay more for accommodation in London than elsewhere in the UK. I recommend staying within close proximity of the main sights in London even though hotels, Airbnb and apartments may be slightly more expensive.

There is nothing worse than having a long day of sightseeing followed by a commute to accommodation on busy public transport.

Here are the average prices per double room per night depending on your preferences:

• Budget – Less than £65 per night (London £90 + per night)
• Mid-range – £65 – 120 per night (London £120+ per night)
• Luxury – £120+ per night (London £200+ per night)

There are a number of budget chain hotels in the UK which provide excellent accommodation options. These include Travelodge, Premier Inn, Ibis, Z Hotels, Holiday Inn and Novotel.

From cosy cottages in the Cotswolds , to log cabins with hot tubs in the Lake District, to castles in Scotland and luxury apartments in London there are many unique holiday homes available to rent across the UK.

Find the perfect holiday home rental for your stay in my accommodation guides to London , England , Scotland and Wales .

Read – UK Accommodation Guide

Transportation

If you plan to explore the UK there are a variety of transportation options available.

Renting a car is a great way to explore the countryside and areas which have limited or poor public transport options. However don’t forget to consider insurance, petrol, and parking fees when calculating costs.

Average costs for car hire in the UK per week are

• £100 + a week for a small car suitable for 2 people
• £160 + for a mid size car suitable for 4 people
• £250 + per week for a larger car, people carrier or SUV

Check car rental prices with RentalCars.com

Avoid driving in London (limited parking, traffic jams and the Congestion Charge are just a few reasons why)

If you do plan to pick up a hire car after a few days in London it is cheaper to do this at a train station outside of the capital.

Other ways to save money on car rental include hiring the car for a week or more (prices are more expensive for shorter rental periods) and to return the car to the same location. Of course, this is not always possible but it will reduce costs.

Read – Guide to renting a car in the UK – Practical tips and information

If you plan to visit the major cities across the UK travelling by train is an excellent way to get from A-B-C-D. Purchase tickets in advance (bookings open 90 days before the date of travel) or consider purchasing train passes for greater savings.

Check out the TrainLine for prices.

For budget-conscious travellers there are long-distance coach services to all major airports and cities. Do bear in mind that though this may be the cheapest option it is also the slowest.

Transfers from major airports such as from Heathrow into London can be taken by taxi, train or bus with dedicated express trains connecting to local public transport.

For travel around London purchasing a visitor Oyster Card is recommended prior to arrival. An Oyster Card is a reusable electronic ticket that enables access to London transport including the Tube and buses.

Read more about how to get around in London .

Read more – Guide to transportation in the UK

From fish and chips to pub food to 3 Michelin starred restaurants there are options for every budget in the UK!

To maximise your food budget visit markets, tea shops, pubs and fish and chip shops which can all offer reasonably priced food options. We also recommend looking for accommodation with breakfast included or booking an apartment or Airbnb so you can cater for some of the meals yourselves.

Supermarkets such as Sainsburys , Marks & Spencers and Tesco’s offer ‘Meal Deals’ of a sandwich, drink and packet of crisps/chocolate bar or piece of fruit for between £3 – £5.

Chain restaurants such as Nandos, Frankie and Benny’s, Harvester, Brewers Fayre, Bella Italia, Prezzo, Toby Carvery, Wagamama, Pizza Hut and Weatherspoons are found in major cities and are reasonably priced options.

Be careful with drinks though as it can push up costs. Often eateries will have speciality nights – curry/ steak for example with special offers such as 2 for 1 or a free drink.

If enjoying an afternoon tea is on your UK bucket list there are many options to choose from to suit all budgets and tastes.

You will find many different afternoon teas to choose from in London including traditional (The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason), themed (Harry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) or afternoon teas with spectacular views (The Shard) Prices vary considerably but expect to pay on average from £40 a head in London

You can read more about different British foods you may co me across in this article.

Average costs

• Pub meal – £7 -11
• Main course in restaurant – £10 to £20
• 3 course meal in a good restaurant – £40 +

Sightseeing expenses

If you are heading to London the good news is that there are lots of free things to do there – many of the world famous museums and art galleries have no admission charges (there may be small fees for specific exhibits) but entry is free.

If you have a long bucket list of sights to see in London it is worth calculating if the London Pass is a cost-effective purchase.

The London Pass includes entry to 80 of London’s main attractions including the Tower of London , the London Eye , Westminster Abbey and the view from the Shard and could save you over 50% on regular gate prices. Pass holders can also skip the queue and avoid long waits for some of the most popular attractions.

Click here to find out how you could save money with the London Pass

There are a myriad of tours to choose from in London to suit all tastes and interests from walking tours, themed tours, tours with a historical focus, foodie tours or general sightseeing tours aimed at first-time visitors .

Costs vary depending on the group size with small group tours prices from £40 – £200 and larger group tours from £15 plus per person.

Private tours of London and attractions are available and can cost anything from £25 per person upwards.

Day tours to popular destinations outside of London such as the Cotswolds , Stonehenge and Oxford vary again in cost depending on distance, the number of places visited, inclusions and group size. Expect to pay approximately £75 + per person for a larger group tour from London (or any other major UK city)

Private day trips to destinations outside London cost from around £500 + for 4 persons.

If you are on a budget costs for tickets, tours and day trips can really mount up. I recommend identifying which places are the most important for you to visit (for every destination you include in your UK itinerary) and calculating and comparing the costs of an organised tour or day trip with regular gate prices or the cost of travelling to the attraction independently.

I recommend taking insurance out as soon as your flights are booked. Not only will insurance provide peace of mind in the event of a trip cancellation but it also ensures you are covered for medical emergencies while away.

Travel insurance may also provide coverage for loss or theft of items, flight delays and even repatriation to your country of origin in the event of a medical emergency.

Obviously the cost of insurance will vary depending on your country of residence, your age, any existing medical conditions and level of cover.

We never travel without insurance. It is just not worth the risk.

Don’t forget to add a few ££’s a day towards some of the additional expenses you can expect.

Adding an extra £5/10 per day to cover these smaller daily costs should cover it.

• Wifi and internet access charges – The cost of accessing wifi will depend on which option you choose – read my detailed guides to the various options for internet access in the UK
• Tipping – Tipping is not expected in bars. Restaurants 10% of the bill is fine if service was not included in the bill. Black cabs round up to the nearest £
• Storing luggage – £5 for up to 24 hours
• Souvenirs – Budget a small amount towards any souvenirs you may wish to purchase.

How to reduce costs when visiting the UK

If you are visiting the UK during the summer (particularly late July and August) expect prices to be higher.

During UK school holidays (one week at the end of May/beginning of June and 6 weeks from July to early September) prices increase and availability may be limited.

Prices fall during the shoulder season March-May and September-October and the weather is generally not too bad (expect showers and sunny spells)

London is an expensive city to visit but there are ways to reduce your costs.

• Purchasing an Oyster Card and using public transportation (which is the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to get around London )
• If you plan to visit a number of popular sights and attractions a London Travel Pass may be the most cost effective way. Read my complete guide to the London Pass and save money when you visit London
• There are lots of free things to do in London including many of the world’s best museums, such as the British Museum or the Natural History Museum. Read more – 32 free things to do in London
• Read my budget guide to London for more tips and suggestions.
• Read my guide to visiting London for first time visitors which includes some essential tips to reduce costs

While everyone’s trip budget will be different depending on the length of your stay, accommodation choices, transportation, travel style etc this budget guide will have given you an idea of the cost of your trip to the UK.

To help you further why not download my UK Budget Planner sheet ? The sheet will enable you to keep track of all your expenses as you plan your trip.

UK: Travel Budget Calculator

Plan your UK trip with ease! Use our Travel Budget Calculator to manage costs across cities like London & Manchester. Ideal for all travelers.

How much does it cost to Travel the UK!?

The United Kingdom is one of the most iconic countries in the World. From its Royal Family and History building to country town and footballing second cities such as Manchester & Liverpool, the UK has alot to offer!

Is the UK Expensive to travel?

According to  Numbeo , the  UK is the 12th most expensive country  to live in out of 122 surveyed. (2016). The UK average is 0.81 the cost of living in New York.

Local purchasing power (cost of living / average wage),  in the UK is the 22nd most expensive out of 122.

The  UK  cost of living is relatively high, but this also reflects the relatively high wages in the  UK.

The UK cost of living is also quite high due to higher transport and energy costs. Tax rates are higher then US/European rates for goods like alcohol, petrol and cigarettes.

Regional differences (North/South) Divide?

There is a North/South Divide in the UK. With the cost of living in  London  15% higher then that in Manchester. For example rents in London are an average of 52% higher than Manchester!

So if you want to explore the UK on a Budget, consider spending less time in London and more time in other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Historic places such as York or Bath.

Fun Fact:   Norway  is the fourth most expensive at 0.99 and India the cheapest at 0.24

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To help you budget your next adventure to Russia

Dive into our interactive Travel Budget Calculator below

User Guide:  Simply select your “Travel Style”,  ” Number of Persons” and Number of Days Traveling.

Top Tip:  “Group” travel budget gives the  total budget for 4 people!  To find out how much that is each simply divide by 4.

Family Budgets:

Families would be best using the Group selector, or those with small children should select “Couple” if the children are young enough to share a room.

We have compiled the data in the table above from our vast travel experience & other reliable sources.  source

What currency is used in the UK?

The United Kingdom uses the Great British Pound (GBP). Symbol. £.

1 USD = £0.76

UK Travel Costs (Budget):

I. budget backpacker travel costs:, ii. mid range travel costs:, iii. luxury vacation travel costs:, where to stay in  london .

For a complete list of our recommend hotels in London   follow the link  HERE

Insider Tip:

• Invest in a quality Travel Camera!

Capturing the Memories of your adventure is essential!

You will be able to show your friends, family and even grand kids all the wonderful photos captured.

For more info see, our recommend  Travel Photography Gear

Make sure you are equip with some great Photography Gear!

A high quality Tent & backpack can also be great investments to help you cut costs and have more of an adventure while traveling!

Important! Are you Insured??

Be aware that you will need separate travel insurance if you are traveling to the UK!

If you get ill or have an accident it will be a very costly experience!

All travellers to the UK should have a robust travel insurance to avoid paying out thousands of dollars.

I always recommend  World Nomads , I’ve used these for years,

they are the best and most reliable insurance, they also provides an unlimited medical budget!

Getting hit with a large hospital bill after getting sick or injured, could really add to your worries! Get some Travel Insurance

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS

For more info see:  Why you NEED Travel Insurance?

Other  Travel Essentials    (Things You can’t travel without!)

• Recommended  Backpacks
• Recommended  Camping Gear
• Recommended  Hiking Boots.

To learn about our secret Hotel Hacks check out:  How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

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1 Week Trip to England Cost & Money-Saving Tips!

It’s no secret that England isn’t the cheapest country to travel to. That being said, it’s easier when you know exactly how much you should budget for a one week trip to England.

The average person spends £511 a week (£73 a night) on accomodation and £623 spending money per visit to England. An average total of £1,134 per week.

This takes into consideration budgeting for transport, accommodation, food and leisure. While spending varies depending on the kind of traveller you are, a rough idea of how much things cost in your country of destination can really help you put together a budget.

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my  Affiliate Disclosure  for more details.

Here is a complete guide to how much you should spend for a week in England.

Transport Costs for Travel in England

Price of Public Transport in England

England has a well-connected public transport system with buses, coaches and trains linking different cities throughout the country. You can even take domestic flights from one city to another, for example from Southampton to Newcastle. Sometimes, flying from one city to another works out even cheaper than catching the train.

Major cities like Manchester and Birmingham have trams which are pretty affordable. For example, the Birmingham city hop single for an adult is £1.50 and £0.70 for a child.

Although not all cities in England have trams, buses are available in all cities and towns and cost between £1.50 and £2 for a single, and between £2 and £4 for a return ticket. Buses are also available in rural areas, although you’ll find that they don’t run as often as in busier towns.

The two main coach companies in England are Megabus and National Express . They have great connections around the country and tickets are really good value.

For example, a single journey from Liverpool to London booked a week in advance costs approximately £8. Shorter distance journeys, for example a single from Manchester to Leeds, cost about £4.

Although they do take significantly longer than trains, they’re a good option if you want to save money.

You’ll often hear Brits complain about trains. While they’re much more expensive than other countries in Europe, they have a wide network that covers the whole country.

It’s also a much faster way of getting around if you’re on a tight schedule. A single train journey from Liverpool to London booked a week in advance costs between £30 and £60, depending on the time.

Peak hour trains are much more expensive, costing up to £120! So, it’s a good idea to travel during off-peak times when you can get some good deals.

Taxis are another option for getting around, although these can be expensive, especially in London. There are the metered taxis which you can hail in the street and minicabs which are advanced bookings only. They cost around £3 to £5 per mile. You’ll find ridesharing apps like Uber available in most towns and cities.

Looking for inspiration of places to travel in England? Here are 15 places you can travel in England without a car.

Money Saving Tips for Public Transport in England

Local buses have the option of day riders and weekly tickets, which work out a lot cheaper than buying several single tickets. Travelling outside of peak times is also a major way to save money.

Peak hours on coaches and trains are usually around 6am – 9pm, and start again at 4pm – 6pm. Some days of the week are much more expensive, mainly Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you’re visiting during the holidays, for example Easter and Christmas, ticket prices tend to be a lot higher.

Another tip is booking tickets in advance. You can save a lot of money this way, although this can be tricky when you’re on holiday and don’t have set plans! For example, the cheapest single from Liverpool to London three weeks in advance can cost as little as £12. A single on the same route, being booked for tomorrow, can cost up to £90.

Consider getting a  railcard  if you’re under 26, over 60, travel as a family, travel as a couple, or have a registered disability.   Railcards give 1/3 off Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares which is perfect if you plan on travelling England by rail!

If you’re only in England for a week, you may be able to find weekly passes which are good value if you’re planning on frequently taking public transport.

Transport for London (TfL) has travel cards which are valid for a week and can be used on the Tube, overground and National Rail trains in London, London buses, trams in South London and the Docklands Light Railway.

Price of Car Rental in England

Renting a car is a great way to make the most of your time, especially if you’re only in England for a week. It also helps you get around remote places like the Lake District, which is full of hidden spots and charming little villages.

Prices for renting a car vary massively depending on how long you want it for, but there are many price comparison websites to help you out such as Kayak and Car Rentals . On average hiring a car in England costs £148 per week (£21 per day) .

This is also the quickest way to scan the web for the cheapest price. The only downside to renting a car is high parking costs and fuel if you’re on a budget, and being stuck in traffic jams if you’re on a tight schedule.

If your itinerary consists of exploring the countryside and rural areas, then renting a car is probably the most efficient way of getting around.

Money Saving Tips for Car Hire in England

Book in advance.

Booking a car in advance can save you hundreds of pounds. When running your searches you will get better deals when renting 7 days over 5 to 6 days. Even if you don’t plan on using it for 7 days check this against the 5 to 6 days prices.

In terms of fuel, I would recommend checking the terms and conditions carefully. Oftentimes, rental companies will provide a full tank which you pay upfront for, but not provide a refund for any unused fuel.

Even if the company does give you a refund, there are often processing fees slipped into the contract. The best way to avoid this is to take out a ‘return as you found it’ policy. On most comparison sites you can filter results by fuel policies.

In the T&Cs check the number of  miles /km your deal includes. I normally aim for unlimate milage so I don’t need to worry about how much driving I do. However, when I did my great British road trip I did have a milage cap as it reduced the cost for the car. If I went over that I would have been an additional £0.10 per mile I went over.

When you book a car, basic insurance policies will be included, but you’ll have to pay an excess charge if you need to use them. Sometimes firms will have top-up insurance which gets rid of this excess, and this can be really expensive.

I wouldn’t recommend using this top-up insurance. Instead, find an excess policy from an independent provider who charges a lot less. How this works is that when you pay the hire company’s excess charge, you can then reclaim the money from the independent provider.

Check the T&Cs as not all car companies allow third party insurance.

Driving in England Tips

• Fill-up at supermarket petrol stations – Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco etc. will all offer cheaper petrol by some margin. If you stop at any of the petrol stations along the motorway you could easily see prices increased by 10 to 20 pence per litre!
• Potential Tolls – Some routes in England can have tolls but I have found these pretty easy to avoid. Check Google maps before driving and it will highlight toll roads. For example, the M6 has one, however, you can just take the non-toll M6 route to save the money.
• Download Parking Apps – A lot of parking around the country is paid and I am not sure about you but I never really carry cash any more. Download these apps before hitting the road; Just Park, Pay by Phone and Ring Go. They were by far the most frequent ones I encountered. Another way I have saved money with parking in cities is by booking in advance on Just Park. Weirdly in Bristol, it was cheaper to pay for a week’s worth of parking than two days!

Accommodation Costs for England Trip

Price of Accommodation England

A large chunk of your holiday budget will be spent on accommodation. Prices vary greatly depending on where you’re staying in the country and the type of accommodation you choose e.g. hostels, apartments, boutique hotels etc.

The table below illistrates the daily averages for acommodation in England. Like any country the big cities will be more expensive to stay.

Staying in hostels is a fantastic way to save money on your trip. Depending on the location and number of people you share with, you can find rooms starting from £10 per night.

A typical double occupancy room in a top tier hotel can set you back around £100 to £140 per night. For mid-tier hotels, you can find rooms that cost between £40 and £80 per night.

These numbers are significantly higher in touristy cities like London. An advantage of staying at a hotel is that most of them offer breakfast included in your room price, so you’ll save money on eating out.

Another option is Airbnb, and you can get some really good deals on there. It’s also a good way to meet locals and get a feel for the culture of the place. If you’re staying for a whole week in one place, it might be worth looking into renting an apartment, especially if you’re travelling with a large group.

These can be cheaper than hotels, and you have the option of cooking from home too, which further saves on meals out. For a week’s stay at an apartment in England (not London), you’re looking at around £400 to £900 for a one or two-bedroom apartment. Split between you and others, this would significantly lower your costs compared to staying at a hotel.

If you want to travel around the UK while also saving money, it’s a good idea to rent a motorhome or a campervan. Your accommodation and transport will be covered, and it also offers you much more flexibility in getting around.

Bunk Campers is one of the largest campervan and motorhome rental companies in the UK, and is a good place to start. Most rental companies have depots all over the country so they’re easy to pick up and drop off wherever you are.

Money Saving Tips for Accommodation in England

Use a comparison site like Booking.com, Tripadvisor and SkyScanner to see reviews and compare different places. If you’re more of a spontaneous person or don’t have set travel plans, it’s worth taking a look at Lastminute.com for some bargain deals.

Some hotel chains such as Marriott and Hilton have loyalty schemes which you can sign up to and get special offers when you sign up. Similarly, registering with hotels and websites for email alerts can get you some pretty good discount codes.

Another handy trick to save money on accommodation is the rebook trick. Depending on the hotel, sometimes you can get free cancellation. If you notice the price has dropped, simply cancel your booking and rebook it with the new, lower price.

Travel or reward credit cards also are a great source of deals, I often see deals on £100 off if I spend £300.

Food Costs for England trip

Price of Eating Out in England

Eating out in England is generally quite affordable. There is such a large range of places you can eat, from street food stalls to chain restaurants, to fine dining.

Especially in cities, you’ll find plenty of street food stalls and food trucks in markets, shopping centres and around city centres. From wraps and burgers, to sweet treats and desserts, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The UK’s rising foodie scene means that there is a lot of international street food as well. Expect to pay around £4 to £8 for a meal from a street food vendor.

If you’re staying somewhere which has a kitchen, it’s worth making your own meals as you can save a lot of money on dining out. Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are very affordable, and local markets are great for fresh produce.

England has such an extensive choice of restaurants that sometimes it can be hard to pick where to eat. The average mid-tier restaurant meal costs between £10 and £20 for one course and a drink.

If you’re looking to have a traditional Sunday roast, a local pub or carvery is a good option. You’ll find that portions are really generous and you can expect to pay around £7 to £13 for a meal of Yorkshire pudding, boiled or steamed veg, roast potatoes, vegetarian roast, roast beef, turkey or pork and a range of sauces.

Money Saving Tips for Eating Out in England

To save some money, eat at an ethnic restaurant. The UK has such a large choice of ethnic cuisine, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Arabic and much more. Prices tend to be much lower than at British or European restaurants.

If you’re out for the day and want to take a packed lunch with you, large supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons do meal deals where you get a sandwich/wrap/pasta dish, plus a snack and drink for £3. Independent sandwich shops also have a good choice of homemade lunches which tend to be much cheaper than chains like Subway.

Many sit down restaurants have fixed price menus which are often cheaper than ordering a la carte. These usually consist of two or three course meals, and these can save you a lot if you do fancy eating in a restaurant.

Fish and chips is a must when visiting England, and luckily enough this is a cheap meal. Look out for a ‘chippie’ near you, where you can order chips with the addition of battered cod, haddock, sausages or a meat pie. Meals usually cost around £4 to £6 each.

If the place you’re staying at allows you to order in takeaway, then this can be a good money saving trick. Apps like Just Eat and Uber Eats often have promo codes which will help you save money on orders.

Open Table is a handy website which lets you find restaurants, read reviews and book online. There is a specials section when you filter results, which allows you to find deals that are 50% off, or set your budget for £20 and under.

Sightseeing Costs for England Trip

Costs for Sightseeing in England

England is home to many world-class attractions. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you’ll want to budget enough so that you can tick off everything on your list.

It comes as no surprise that London is the most expensive city to sightsee. Although there are tons of free attractions, there are also paid attractions which can sometimes put a dent in your wallet. For example, the standard adult ticket for the London Eye costs £27 if booked in advance.

With my guide on what to book in advance in London , you will be covered on how to get discounts and when you should book!

Sports play a prominent role in English society and the country is home to world-class rugby, football, cricket and tennis. The majority of sports stadiums in England are open to visitors, and they also run guided tours where you can see inside the grounds, dressing rooms, press rooms etc. Sports stadium tours usually cost between £15 and £25, depending on the extent of the tour.

Most cities in England such as Manchester, Liverpool, York and Brighton, have hop on hop off bus tours which are a fun way of taking in the sights if you’re pressed for time. Tickets cost around £11 for an adult, and you can get good offers on family passes.

Money Saving Tips for Sightseeing in England

Visit Britain is the official tourism website for Great Britain and there many different sightseeing passes to help you save money exploring the country. If you’re planning on staying in London, there are different kinds of passes which give you access to all the top attractions, theatre scenes and nightlife.

There are also tons of passes if you want to explore the countryside or other cities in the UK like York, Blackpool and Portsmouth. Depending on the pass, this can cost between £20 and £79. A bonus of using a prepaid pass is that you can jump the queue!

England is home to an abundance of historic and cultural landmarks. From prehistoric times to Roman conquerors and Norman invaders, the different influences are reflected in the diversity of historical sites. One off entry fees to these places can quickly add up, so the best way of visiting heritage sites is to invest in a heritage pass.

These passes are offered by the National Trust and English Heritage , and allow you to access hundreds of sites including the iconic Stonehenge and Stourhead. The National Trust Touring Pass costs £33 for one adult for seven days. The ‘admit two’ option much better values and costs £58.

Meanwhile, the English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass lasts for a minimum of nine days, and this costs £37.

If you happen to be visiting in September, you’re in luck – thousands of historic monuments and buildings open their doors to the public for free. Check out Open House London for sights in the capital, and Heritage Open Days for sights around the country. Additionally, September is the very end of tourist season so it’s a much cheaper time to travel in general.

National museums in England are all free, and you’ll find them dotted all around the country. From the iconic National Gallery in London to the National Football Museum in Manchester, it’s definitely worth putting a visit to a museum on your itinerary.

England has 10 fantastic national parks and it would be a shame not to get outside and enjoy the rolling countryside, lush woodland and stunning valleys and lakes.

They’re all free to enter and are suitable for the whole family, with trails for all abilities. There are so many things you can do in the national parks, from walking, hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, orienteering, camping and much more.

Groupon can be a useful tool if you’re looking to save money off experiences, days out and sightseeing. It’s a service where you can find virtual coupons for anything from food and drink, to shopping and days out. Save up to 50% off experiences like afternoon tea and Thames river cruises.

Must know tip! Days Out Guide  is a great way to save money across the UK! It offers 2 for 1 price for certain attractions across England, Wales and Scotland.

To be able to use the deal you need to book the vouchers online or visit a rail station for the voucher (it needs to be a physical copy) and have a National Rail ticket for each person. I’ve used 2 for 1 on the Tower of London before which saved my mum and I £15 each on our entry.

In Summary: How much do you need for a week in England?

How much you’ll spend on a one week holiday in England varies greatly depending on where you’re staying, how much you’re travelling, what you’re planning to see and where you go for meals.

However, as an average figure, I would suggest budgeting around £1,000 for the whole week.

This number can be much lower if you’re a budget traveller, as there are plenty of ways to make your holiday a cheap one – staying at hostels, cooking for yourself or eating at cheap places, visiting free sights etc.

If you’re travelling as a family or a group then prices can be brought down even further, as kids’ tickets tend to be cheaper and accommodation can be shared.

More England Travel Inspiration and Tips

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Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

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One Week in England

One Week in England: The Perfect Itinerary

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

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

Day 1: London

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

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

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

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

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

Day 2: London and Windsor

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

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

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

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

Day 3: Day Trip to Brighton

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

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

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

Day 4: York

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

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

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

Day 5: Manchester

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

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

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

Day 6: Day Trip to Liverpool

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

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

Day 7: Return to London

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

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

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Travel itinerary, Travel guide and Destination reviews

Best UK Itinerary 1 Week (Free Things To Do + Nightlife)

In this article, read the UK itinerary 1 week (UK 7 days itinerary), which takes you to major attractions, iconic cities, and landscapes.

👉🏼Ultimate UK Itinerary 2 Weeks + Best Things To Do & Tours (England Scotland Itinerary 2 Weeks)

UK Itinerary 1 Week – UK In 7 Days

Explore Iconic Cities and Landscapes with this day-wise travel Guide for the UK. Read and plan the UK 1 week itinerary.

If you are planning more days in the UK, read this UK 15 days itinerary .

Day 1: Arrival in London

• Arrive at Heathrow Airport, and check into The Blackbird hotel in Greater London ..
• Rest and recover from jetlag; your UK in 7 days trip starts.
• Optional evening activity:  Stroll along the Thames River and visit the iconic Tower Bridge, followed by dinner at Borough Market .
• Perfect London Itinerary 3 Days For Family (Hotels + Things To Do + FAQs)

Day 2: London – UK Itinerary 1 Week

• Visit the historic Tower of London , a medieval castle with rich history, and the Crown Jewels on display.
• Take a Thames River cruise  to see London’s landmarks from the water.
• Must-do activity : Enjoy the view from the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views.

Day 3: London – UK itinerary 7 Days

• Explore the greenery of Hyde Park , perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
• Visit the iconic Westminster Abbey and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), both symbols of London’s history.
• In the evening, catch a West End musical or play at one of London’s famous theaters.
• Explore nearby areas of London, if you have some time , 16 Best Day Trips From London By Train (Things To Do)
• Your 3 days of UK itinerary 1 week finishes in London, and now let’s see where you head from Day 4 onwards.

Day 4: London to Edinburgh – UK 1 week Itinerary

• Take a train from  London to Edinburgh  (approximately 4-5 hours).
• Check into YOTEL Hotel .

• Visit Edinburgh Castle , perched on Castle Rock, offering breathtaking city views.

Day 5: Edinburgh

• Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience to learn about Scotland’s national drink.

• Climb Calton Hill for stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh.
• Must-do activity:  Join a ghost tour to discover the city’s spooky tales and haunted spots.

Day 6: Edinburgh to York

• Take a train from  Edinburgh to York  (approximately 2 hours).
• Check into Radisson Hotel York ..
• Explore York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s largest and most beautiful cathedrals.
• Stroll through the charming Shambles, a medieval street with timber-framed buildings.

Day 7: York to London

• Take a train from York back to London (approximately 2 hours).
• If time allows, visit the Tate Modern art gallery or the vibrant Camden Market for some last-minute shopping. 
• Optional: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional British pub.

👉🏼Best UK Itinerary 3 Weeks (England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales Tour)

Additional Tips – UK Itinerary 7 Days

• Consider  booking train tickets in advance for long-distance travel between cities to get better deals. 

• Use Oyster cards  in London for convenient and cost-effective travel on public transport.
• Plan activities and attractions in advance to ensure availability and avoid long queues.
• Be prepared for the weather, as it can be unpredictable in the UK. Always carry an umbrella and dress in layers.

This itinerary focuses on major cities, but the UK has numerous charming towns and scenic landscapes worth exploring if you have more time. 

Children-Related Must-Do Activities – UK Itinerary 1 Week

• Natural History Museum:  Let your kids be amazed by the fascinating dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays at this family-friendly museum.
• Science Museum:  Explore the hands-on exhibits and interactive science demonstrations that will spark curiosity in young minds.
• London Zoo:  Spend a fun day with the kids at one of the world’s oldest zoos, where they can see various animals.
• Diana Memorial Playground:  Located in Kensington Gardens, this playground is inspired by the story of Peter Pan and offers a magical play experience.
• Shrek’s Adventure:  Embark on an interactive journey through the world of Shrek and other DreamWorks characters.
• London Transport Museum:  Perfect for transport enthusiasts, this museum showcases the history of London’s public transport system.
• V&A Museum of Childhood:  Let your children explore the collection of toys, games, and interactive exhibits at this museum.

• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions:  Kids will love the optical illusions, mirror maze, and rooftop views of Edinburgh.
• Edinburgh Zoo:  Get up close with pandas, penguins, and other exciting animals at the Edinburgh Zoo.
• Dynamic Earth:  Take your children on an immersive journey through the Earth’s history and natural wonders.
• Gorgie City Farm:  A small but charming farm where kids can meet and interact with various farm animals.
• Holyrood Park:  Enjoy a family hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, for fantastic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
• The Real Mary King’s Close:  Older kids will be intrigued by the spooky underground tours of Edinburgh’s hidden streets and stories from the past.
• Jorvik Viking Centre:  Step back in time and explore a reconstructed Viking village, complete with interactive exhibits.
• National Railway Museum:  Train enthusiasts will delight in the vast collection of historical locomotives and interactive displays.
• York Dungeon:  For older kids, this theatrical experience brings to life York’s dark and gruesome history.
• DIG: An Archaeological Adventure:  Kids can become archaeologists for the day, uncovering artifacts and learning about York’s past.
• York Maze:  If visiting during summer, this seasonal attraction offers a massive maze, rides, and games for kids to enjoy.

These activities will blend education, fun, and excitement for the children during the trip. Remember to check each attraction’s specific age recommendations and opening hours before your visit.

Nightlife Options/Must-Visit Bars in UK in 7 Days:

Let’s check the best cities for nightlife in the UK !

• Soho District:  Known for its vibrant nightlife, Soho offers various bars, clubs, and live music venues to suit all tastes.
• The Shard’s Bars:  Enjoy breathtaking city views from bars such as Aqua Shard or Gong at The Shard.
• Covent Garden:  Explore the bustling area with its many bars, pubs, and street performers, offering a lively atmosphere.
• Cahoots:  Experience a unique 1940s-themed bar set in an old underground station, serving creative cocktails in a nostalgic setting.
• Sky Garden:  Visit the Sky Garden for a chic rooftop bar experience with panoramic views of London’s skyline.
• Grassmarket:  This historic square is packed with pubs, bars, and live music venues, perfect for a night out in Edinburgh.
• Rose Street:  Lined with pubs and bars, Rose Street is a popular spot for pub crawls and socializing.
• The Jazz Bar:  Enjoy live jazz performances in an intimate setting, offering a laid-back evening with great music.
• Frankenstein Pub:  Step into this quirky bar inspired by Mary Shelley’s novel, complete with live music and a fun atmosphere.
• The Bongo Club:  A renowned nightclub hosting various events, including DJ nights and live performances.
• Fossgate:  This street offers a mix of traditional pubs, cocktail bars, and live music venues, perfect for a night of exploration.
• Evil Eye Lounge:  A unique cocktail bar with a wide selection of drinks and a relaxed, eclectic vibe.
• The House of Trembling Madness:  This medieval-themed pub offers a vast selection of craft beers and ales.
• Kennedy’s Bar:  A lively Irish bar with live music, perfect for an evening of fun and dancing.
• The Basement:  Enjoy a night of dancing and live music in this underground nightclub.

General Tips for Nightlife:

• Always ensure you have a safe way to return to your accommodation, especially if you plan to drink alcohol.
• Check certain clubs and bars’ dress codes and entry requirements, as some may have specific policies.
• Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in busy nightlife areas.
• Take advantage of public transportation or taxi services to get around during the late hours.
• Make reservations in advance for popular bars and clubs, especially during weekends or peak tourist seasons.

Free Things to Do – UK in 7 Days

• British Museum:  Explore the extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, free to the public.
• National Gallery:  Admire masterpieces by renowned artists, such as Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
• Changing of the Guard:  Witness this iconic ceremony outside Buckingham Palace (check schedules in advance).
• Southbank Centre:  Enjoy free concerts, performances, and exhibitions at this cultural hub along the Thames.
• Hyde Park:  Take a stroll, picnic, or watch the swans on the Serpentine Lake.
• Tate Modern:  Discover contemporary art and stunning city views from the museum’s viewing level.
• Street Performers at Covent Garden:  Be entertained by talented street performers in this bustling area.

• Arthur’s Seat:  Hike to the top of this extinct volcano in Holyrood Park for panoramic city views.
• National Museum of Scotland:  Learn about the country’s history and culture through various exhibits.
• Scottish Parliament Building:  Take a free tour of this modern architectural gem and learn about Scottish politics.
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh:  Wander through beautiful gardens and greenhouses, home to diverse plant species.
• Calton Hill:  Climb this hill for stunning views of Edinburgh’s skyline and landmarks.
• St. Giles’ Cathedral:  Explore this magnificent cathedral on the Royal Mile, an architectural masterpiece.
• Portobello Beach:  Stroll along this charming beachfront on Edinburgh’s outskirts.

• York City Walls:  Walk along the medieval city walls for scenic views of York’s historic center.
• The Shambles:  Wander through this picturesque, narrow street with timber-framed buildings.
• York Minster:  Admire the stunning architecture of this grand cathedral (entry fee for the whole experience).
• Museum Gardens:  Relax in this tranquil garden, home to the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.
• Clifford’s Tower:  Visit the base of this historic tower for free and enjoy views of the city from the mound.
• Rowntree Park:  Spend time in this charming park with a lake, playgrounds, and scenic paths.
• National Railway Museum:  Discover the history of railways and see iconic locomotives without an entry fee.

These free activities offer a fantastic way to explore and experience the essence of each city without spending a penny on admission fees. Remember to check the opening hours and availability of free tours and activities in advance. Add these free activities to a UK 7 days itinerary to travel in a budget-friendly time.

I hope you loved reading about things to do in the UK in 7 days and will soon plan a UK itinerary 1 week (UK 7 days itinerary). 

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Cost of a Trip to London, GB & the Cheapest Time to Visit London

The average price of a 7-day trip to London is $2,002 for a solo traveler, $3,596 for a couple, and $6,741 for a family of 4 . London hotels range from $77 to $351 per night with an average of $148, while most vacation rentals will cost $280 to $590 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to London City Airport ( LCY ) are between $752 and $1,157 per person for economy flights and $2,360 to $3,631 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $68 to $138 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit London, GB

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to LCY and stay in a London hotel:

• January 8th to March 18th
• April 16th to May 27th (except the week of May 7th)
• September 24th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in London is usually late January and early February .

Average London Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit London for a week is $1,484-$3,209 ($212-$458 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $68 to $138 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $438 to $1,007 for economy

Lodging : $95 to $96 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $168 to $206 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit London for a week is $3,026-$5,482 ($432-$783 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $136 to $276 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $876 to $2,014 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit London for a week is $4,796-$9,746 ($685-$1,392 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $272 to $552 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,752 to $4,028 for economy

Lodging : $190 to $192 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $235 to $309 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to London

How cheap can you make a vacation to London? The cheapest trip to London is about $114 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $21 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $67.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit London for a week is $795-$1,931 ($114-$276 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $33 to $66 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $67 to $77 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $21 to $51 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit London for a week is $1,464-$3,400 ($209-$486 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $66 to $132 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit London for a week is $2,868-$6,800 ($410-$971 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $132 to $264 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $134 to $154 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $32 to $71 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to London cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury London Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in London.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit London for a week is $3,189-$12,141 ($456-$1,734 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $150 to $304 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,077 to $2,225 for first class

Lodging : $177 to $351 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $590 to $1,298 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit London for a week is $5,316-$16,494 ($759-$2,356 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $300 to $608 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,154 to $4,450 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit London for a week is $10,632-$29,874 ($1,519-$4,268 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $600 to $1,216 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,308 to $8,900 for first class

Lodging : $354 to $702 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $826 to $2,077 per night for a preferred vacation rental

London Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in London is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in London due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

London Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on London hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in London.

Flight Costs to London

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,157 average in early to mid June to a low of $752 in late January and early February. Median flight price is $879. These prices are based on millions of flights. For London our data includes 251 originating airports, and 85 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to London from an airport like Stewart International ( SWF ) in Newburgh/Poughkeepsie, NY (the United States) for an average $10,336 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Edinburgh ( EDI ) in Edinburgh (the United Kingdom) at an average of just $124.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Monday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In London, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $406, so you can easily save about 54% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around London can easily cost $490 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $33 per person. Private tours can cost $988 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other London Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Tower Hamlets, the United Kingdom
• London City Centre, the United Kingdom
• St James, the United Kingdom
• Covent Garden, the United Kingdom
• Soho, the United Kingdom
• West End, the United Kingdom
• Fitzrovia, the United Kingdom
• Holborn, the United Kingdom
• Bloomsbury, the United Kingdom
• Mayfair, the United Kingdom

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Mt. Hood National Forest, the United States
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Cape Town, South Africa

Love and Road

Costs of Traveling in The UK – Prices and Daily Budget

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Are you ready to discover what are the costs of traveling in the UK?

With rolling countryside, millenniums of well-preserved history, and cosmopolitan cities, the United Kingdom is a travel destination like no other.

The weather sometimes lets it down – I’m writing this looking out of my window to a distinctly British drizzly day – but there are so many amazing things to see and do here, both indoors and outdoors, that it’s always worth a visit no matter how expensive a trip to the UK might be. 

One of the most important things to work out before a trip is its expected costs. The costs of traveling in the UK can be high compared to other destinations, but there are ways to reduce them if you want to travel to the UK on a budget. 

In this post, we’ll look at UK travel costs, and I’ll give you some local tips for saving a few quid (that’s British for pounds!). Below you will find a breakdown of UK travel prices, from flights to the United Kingdom, local transportation, hotel, and attractions costs.

Looking for more inspiring guides? Read our posts about England and Scotland !

How much does it cost to travel to the UK?

Traveling to the UK is relatively affordable. If you’re already in Europe, there are budget airlines flying to London airports from most countries.

Ryanair and EasyJet are the most popular budget carriers, and while they are cheap, do be aware of hidden costs. For example, RyanAir will charge you if you don’t check in online and download your boarding pass beforehand.

Flights to the UK from within Europe can cost you anything from £6 (yes, really) to £300, depending on where you are flying to and the time of year.

There are also buses serving London from cities in France , Germany, the Netherlands , Belgium, and other destinations – check out Megabus or Flixbus. These are generally the same price as the cheapest budget airline tickets. You can search for buses to the UK here .

From further afield, it’s obviously pricier – but you can get some good deals. There is a lot of competition between airlines as many long-haul carriers serve London Heathrow Airport, so you’ll generally be able to find a deal from major airlines. Before, I’ve paid £400 for a round trip to Guatemala via New York, and $550 for a round trip to Asia, flying out to Cebu in the Philippines via Hong Kong and flying back from Bangkok .

We recommend use Skyscanner  to search for the best flights to London or any other city in the UK. 

Costs of traveling in the UK – prices and how to get around

If you are traveling to the UK on a budget, avoid the British rail network at all costs.

It is expensive, and while some new modern trains are coming out, you will be disappointed if you are an avid train traveler. However, trains are the quickest way of getting around, so if you aren’t on a budget, you might find yourself favoring this mode of travel. 

A return train ticket from London to Manchester could cost anything from £40 -£120, travel from London to Edinburgh is £80-£170 or maybe even more, and London to Bristol is between £30-£60. Even if you’re just making day trips from London, you can still easily spend $50 on a day’s transport. 

However, it’s not all bad news. Coaches in the UK are affordable and reasonably comfortable. They do take a lot longer, but the savings can be astronomical. Definitely, the cheapest way to travel around the UK.

For example, traveling from London to Bristol can cost under £6 for a return and go up to £25 ish, and London to Manchester return can be from £12 – £40. Lots of locals get coaches – I personally can never justify spending more than fifty quid on a train!

You can use the Bookaway website to check the prices of trains and buses in the UK, choose the best deals, and book in advance. By doing this, you can keep your UK travel budget under control, and you can calculate how much you will spend on transportation even before traveling there. 

Car rental is another option. Although the UK is a small country, some places aren’t that well connected, and if you want to get out to the countryside, you’ll save a considerable amount of time by renting a car.

UK car rental prices start at around £12 for a day. It’s a good idea to pay extra for insurance, and of course, petrol (around £40-50 for a full tank in most cars) is extra. You can find the best UK car rental deals on RentalCars.com (click here) . 

In the end, it all depends on your itinerary and the places you want to visit when traveling in England , Wales, or Scotland. Once you have mapped your destination becomes easier to choose the best or the cheapest mode of transportation. 

Don’t forget to buy your travel insurance before traveling to the UK!! We use   SafetyWing or Heymond ,  just click on the name of the company and get your quote now. If you need more information, read our Travel Insurance Guide here .

Prices of tourist attractions in the UK – what to do and how to save

There are, of course, plenty of things that you can spend money on in the UK. However, there are lots of free things to do in the UK as well. I’ll start with these and then go into some of the pricier UK tourist attractions!

• Many museums, particularly in London, are completely free. The Natural History Museum is a favorite, as are the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. Read our guide to free things to do in London here .  
• National parks are free in the UK. You can drop into the visitor’s center and get some information about local walks and things to do in the area. 
• Some attractions in famous destinations are also free, like the National Railway Museum in romantic York . You just need to search and you’ll find plenty of free attractions.
• If you base yourself in a town near the beach or other natural attractions, you might be able to do hikes and explore the surrounding nature. For example, there are loads of things to do in Exmouth, Devon , that don’t cost a dime; here, you can walk along the famous Jurassic Coast, explore the Exe Estuary, hike in moorland and enjoy the beach!
• When traveling around the coast, you can do many water sports and even surf without spending that much. For inspiration, check out these 15 beaches in Newquay, Cornwall . There you can surf, go hiking or simply relax by the beach. 

There are, however, plenty of attractions that cost money.

The National Trust is in charge of historic houses and other properties all over the UK, and entry to these costs £10 – £20. If historical places are your thing, these properties are normally managed by the English Heritage (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own programs) and cost £5-£15 for entry. Check out this incredible National Trust Sites in the Cotswolds , and how to save when visiting them.

The cost of visiting a museum in the UK can be anywhere from £2 up to £25 – the pricier ones are private museums that have a certain theme or ‘experience’, such as the SS Great Britain in Bristol, which has been completely renovated to mimic what it was like when it took British migrants to Australia during the Gold Rush. 

While there are plenty of free things to do in London, some of the most famous attractions – the London Eye , the Tower of London , and Westminster Abbey, all cost between £15-£30. These costs can add up if you are visiting a few, so if you are planning to visit more than 3 attractions in London, a cheaper alternative is to buy the London Pass or a tour ticket that combines many attractions like this one .

London Pass is a great option for those who want to see a lot without expending much, as it covers over 80 attractions and places to visit in London. You can choose between the 1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 Days Pass, the prices start at £79 and go up to £149.

Book your London Pass in advance here and start saving for your UK trip right now.

However, what you spend on British attractions really depends on your budget and style. You could spend two weeks here and not spend any money on attractions, or you could spend over £100 per day. 

UK food prices

The cost of food in the UK is another thing that can be cheap or astronomically expensive. A fancy dinner in London with a couple of drinks could easily be upwards of £150 – or you could spend less than £10 on street food at one of London’s food markets.

A dinner out at a typical restaurant will generally cost you £10-£30. Of course, every extra glass of wine you have will add more to that bill! 

If you’re visiting the UK on a budget but still want to eat out, consider going to Wetherspoons. These pubs are in every city, and while they aren’t exactly fine dining, they have a huge menu, decent food, and excellent prices. Here, dinner will cost you much less than £10 – and the drinks are cheap too!

For lunches, we Brits love a meal deal. You can get these in any supermarket (Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Morrisons are the main ones) or in the chemist Boots. Here, you can put together your own combo of a sandwich/ salad/ pasta pot, a snack, and a drink. These generally cost around £3, and are a great way to cut costs while exploring a city! 

Accommodation in the UK – hotel prices

Hotels in the UK cities start at around £50 and go up to about £300 – of course, you get what you pay for!

The cheaper hotels are generally either small guesthouses, which can be really lovely, or chains such as Ibis, Novotel, or Holiday Inn. On the other end, you can pamper yourself in nice hotels and spas in Edinburgh and other famous destinations in the UK.

You will find below two links, one for luxury stays and another for cheap accommodation in the UK. Click on them, and you will have an idea of the hotel prices in the UK per city, so you can plan your itinerary according to your budget and how much you want to spend on UK hotels.

Click here to see the prices of luxury hotels in the UK

Click here to see the prices of budget hotels in the UK.

You can find hotels at cheaper rates in smaller towns (sometimes the most budget-friendly thing to do is stay outside of a city and travel in), and the smaller, family-run places often include breakfast.

Click here for the best Bed & Breakfast in the UK here . 

Hostels are available in the cities – a bed in a dorm room can cost between £10-£30 per night, so it’s a significant saving compared to hotels! Keep in mind that in London, hostel prices can be a bit higher. 

You can find the best hostels in the UK here.

Airbnb is another good platform for booking accommodation, and there are amazing options for Airbnb in the UK . Another option is to rent an entire apartment or house, which might be cheaper than booking hotel rooms or hostel beds. If you are traveling alone you can rent a room in someone’s house, it’s cheap, you can meet local people, and save by cooking for yourself. 

If you don’t mind braving Britain’s unpredictable weather, camping is also an option. Campsite pitches cost around £20 per night.

Holiday parks also have self-contained static caravans to rent – these are expensive in the summer but extremely cheap from October – April. Prices start from around £150 for a week! However, you will usually need your own vehicle to reach campsites and caravan sites. 

Read our Accommodation Guide for more tips on how to search and book the perfect room for your UK vacation. We share in this guide tips and tricks on how to choose a good accommodation that suits your needs and budget, from luxury to budget. 

UK trip cost per day- How much money do I need to take to the UK?

It’s challenging to put together a UK daily budget because, as you can see, there are ways to both save and spend a lot of money. I’ll give it my best shot, though! 

If you’re traveling to the UK on a budget, staying in hostels or camping, eating meal deals/ Wetherspoons food or cooking yourself, and visiting free attractions, you could get by on £30 per day – or maybe slightly less if you’re savvy. 

Daily cost of traveling in the UK on a budget – £30 per person.

A mid-range budget would include a car rental, staying in guesthouses, and visiting most of the main attractions, this would cost £80-£120 per day. (Of course, if you share hotel rooms/ hire cars with one or more people, that divides the cost!)

Daily cost of traveling in the UK on a mid-range budget –  £80-£120 per person.

A luxury budget would involve staying at the best hotels, seeing all of the attractions in the United Kingdom, and traveling by car or train, and would be anywhere from £150+ per day. 

Daily cost of traveling in the UK on a luxury budget –  £150+ per person.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you work out the costs of traveling in the UK and help you devise your own plan depending on your budget and travel tastes! For more advice on how to plan a trip, which websites to use when booking flights, hotels, activities and more, read our Travel Planning page .

Love this guide about the costs of traveling in the UK? Pin it for later!

Author: Claire Martin 

Claire is a British travel blogger and writer. She currently runs two websites, Claire’s Footsteps and Go South West England. She is an advocate for overland travel and completed a trip from Bali to London without flying in 2019. However, she also loves experiencing the small aspects of travel, whether that is going to a local museum in her hometown or eating at an excellent restaurant. Follow Claire’s trips on Facebook .

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to England Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to England?

How much does a weekend trip to england cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to England cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to England cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to England

A trip to England for one person usually costs between $0 and $0 per day and $0 to $0 for two people. This is a wide range of costs, and the daily average per person from our data is $0 (£0) per person. This average includes food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses contributed from other travelers. Prices can vary based on travel style and activities. While the overall price for a trip to England is dependent on your personal travel style and the specific places you visit, if you book standard accommodation and travel with an average level of convenience, then your budget should be somewhere close to this average cost. Later in this article, you can find a breakdown of travel expenses by category, plus a general price range of accommodation and activity costs for your visit. Also, the prices for individual attractions and hotels may vary, but generally fall somewhat close to the price ranges described in this article.

For budget travelers in England, planning for around $0 (£0) per day should cover essentials such as accommodations in hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and engaging in various activities. If you're a mid-range traveler, setting aside around $0 (£0) per day would allow for more comfortable stays in typical hotels, dining at regular restaurants, and exploring a diverse range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should consider a daily budget of approximately $0 (£0) to accommodate higher-end hotel stays, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in more exclusive private tour options. It's important to note that these price ranges are derived from our extensive travel cost data for England, which is based on valuable insights from other travelers as well as hotel and tour data provided by travel companies. For a more detailed breakdown of travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for England .

On average, travelers spend around $0 per person during a three-day trip to England. This average includes expenses for sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. To align with this average price range, consider opting for mid-range hotels and dining at mid-level restaurants, while also allocating funds for entry tickets to popular attractions. For those seeking a more budget-friendly approach, it is possible to find lower-cost accommodations, dine at less expensive restaurants, and explore free activities. Also, many visitors choose to spend a higher travel budget, as England offers a range of high-end hotels and restaurants for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

How much does a five day trip to England cost?

With five days in England, you can expect to spend about $0 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to England cost?

Most visitors spend between $0 and $0 for a one week trip to England, with the average being $0 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in England. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hotel Prices in England

Based on our calculations from available hotels in the England, the average price for a hotel room is $0 per night. To save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by amenities and location. Check out more details from our analysis of hotel prices in England here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Should you do a tour in England?

Many visitors enjoy the convenience of booking tours and activities while they visit, and England has a wide array of things to do. These activities often include knowledgable guides and unique experiences. Tours range in price from $20 for the British Motor Museum Entry Ticket in Gaydon to $190 for the Walking tour of Hadrians Wall and Forest Bathing .

• Agatha Christie walking tour - the story of her extraordinary life Viator $ 25
• Agatha Christie walking tour - the story of her extraordinary life : $25
• Cotswold Walks & Villages Tour from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh: $107
• Stonehenge Private Tour - Half-Day Tour from Bath: $224
• British Museum & National Gallery of London Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max: $202
• Private Coastal Boat Tour in Torquay: $176
• Walking Tour around Spitalfields in the East End of London: $82
• Eat and Explore Liverpool Walking Tour: $139
• The Seven Sisters & Beachy Head Lighthouse Boat Trip Adventure: $57

More for England

If you're planning a trip to England, UK, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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

How Much Does a Trip to London Cost? (2024 London Trip Budget)

London’s reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world is well-earned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by families and budget travelers all the way to luxury aficionados. If you are wondering, “how much does a trip to London cost?”, we’ve got your answers.

After planning our own 7 days in London , and helping numerous other families plan a trip to London, I’ve done a ton of research into hotel options, activities, and ways to cut costs on your London trip budget (check this post for ideas of free things to do in London with kids .)

If you are still debating where to go, also check out our budget guides for Italy , Paris , Greece , Portugal, Ireland , Japan , and Iceland .

London Budget assumptions

To help you create your London trip budget, this post outlines pricing for two adults and two children between the ages of 6-11, traveling in the summer, and spending a week in London (six nights, seven days). If you are traveling in the off-season or not with a large family, your costs will undoubtedly be lower. When planning your own London trip budget, make adjustments as needed to suit your specific travel companions and travel style.

I’m going to assume that this family is traveling in the summer months, since that is when most families travel, although London would also be a great spring break destination and we also enjoyed visiting London for Christmas . This budget also isn’t for budget travelers, but rather for small families that are comfortable sharing a family-size room in three to four-star accommodations.

London Trip Cost

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Remember to keep in mind the exchange rate when looking at rates listed in British pounds. I use xe.com to convert currency. To figure out how much is a trip to London, I included the following elements:

• Airfare from a major U.S. airport hub
• Hotel/Accommodations (6 nights in family-friendly, mid-range accommodations)
• Tours/Entrance Fees (for a mix of self-guided and private family tours and activities)
• Transportation within London and to/from the airport
• Food (including one special high tea)

Souvenirs/Miscellaneous

• Travel insurance

While it used to be common to find airfare between the U.S. and London for $500 per person, those prices have gone up recently, especially for summer travel. If you book at least six months in advance or travel during shoulder seasons, you can find airfares under $750 if you are willing to connect (typically through Iceland or Dublin using Iceland Air or Aer Lingus). However, direct flights in the summer will cost closer to $900 per person.

This is certainly the time to redeem frequent flier points or credit card points to cover flights. If you have flexibility on your vacation time, I recommend subscribing to an airfare deal site such as Going or Dollar Flight Club to look for sales and sign up for deal alerts.

If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the  Travel Freely app  to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.

Heathrow Airport is a major global hub for most international airlines, but you may find deals on budget airlines such as Play or Norse Airlines to Stansted or Gatwick airports.

Total airfare cost: $2700 (4 people x $900 per person)

Accommodations

The two biggest factors in determining hotel room costs will be space and location. If you’d like two adjoining rooms or a family suite in the immediate central part of the city at a four or five-star hotel (we loved the Atheneum Hotel & Residences ), plan to spend $900 – 1,500 per night. If you have the budget, you’ll be within walking distance to many attractions with luxury hotel services like a concierge, on-site fine dining, etc.

However, if you’re willing to stay in one of London’s charming neighborhoods, just a short tube ride away from the immediate center of the city, then not only will you save money, but you can often find more spacious accommodations like apartment-style hotels or wonderful vrbo rentals . Just keep in mind that some of these will require a minimum of a 5-7 night stay.

The average cost per night for four-star accommodation or apartment rentals in areas like South Kensington (we also loved the Royal Garden Hotel ), Notting Hill, and Little Venice is approximately $300-600 per night.

Find accommodations options in London:

Just be careful when booking stand-alone rentals… ask for the exact address or closest major cross street so you can map it out. If you’re outside the T1 London Tube area, you’ll pay more for transportation and waste precious time each day traveling into the city. See my tips for booking Airbnb or other vacation rentals .

Total accommodation cost: $3,600 (based on $600 per night for 6 nights)

Tours/Entrance Fees

Investing in a Blue-Badge guide for half-day tours or a walking tour is a great splurge and a perfect way to explore some of London’s most popular attractions. The cost of a private family tour is usually around $300-400 for a half-day experience.

These guides can make the history of London come alive for you and your children. My two favorite attractions to invest in a guide are the British Museum and the Tower of London . We also enjoyed having a private tour of Westminster City .

If a private guide is too much of a stretch, spend the extra few pounds to supply each member of the family with an audio guide at major attractions. Many have dedicated children’s versions.

The other sightseeing expense that adds up quickly when visiting London is entrance fees. Expect to spend $15-60 per person to enter places like the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, London Eye , and the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio .

Keep your eye out for family passes when booking tickets in advance. Most attractions offer a discount for families that will include admission for two adults and two to three kids for one discounted amount.

If you plan on visiting quite a few attractions in just a couple of days, the London Go City Explorer or the London Pass can also be a money saver!

Luckily, most major museums are free (the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, etc.), as are all the large parks (Hyde Park, St. James, Regent’s Park, and the Olympic Park). So pair pricier activities with free options throughout the week.

Total tour/sightseeing cost: $1,200 (based on two private tours of $300, plus $100 per day for six days in additional entrance fees)

Transportation

Airport Transfers

The Heathrow Express is a great value and only costs about $10-15 per person when purchasing an advance ticket for a specific day of travel (flexible tickets are more.) The ride takes 20 minutes and takes you directly into Paddington Station, from which you can usually hail a reasonably priced taxi to take you to your accommodation. It is a bit of a long walk within Heathrow from one terminal to the other but it is worth it for the cost and time savings. Plus, children aged 15 years and under travel free in Express Class when accompanied by a paying adult.

Otherwise, arrange a driver in advance for about $150-200 through your hotel concierge. Taxis to and from the airport can sometimes be much pricier as traffic is so unpredictable in that part of the city.

London Tube

Taking the tube is not just a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around London, it’s frankly an integral part of the London experience. Invest in a Visitor Oyster card for each adult and any child over age 10, as it will reduce the per-ride cost compared to individual tickets.

If you have seven days in London , a day trip or two out of the city is fun. Train tickets to places like Oxford, Windsor, or Bath usually price out around $40-60 per person roundtrip. Be sure to book in advance for the best rates. If you decide to hire a driver, expect costs to be $500-1,000 for a full day of service.

Total transportation costs: $400 (based on using public transportation)

Food expenses can be difficult to budget for any destination, both because it can vary so drastically based on personal preferences and because it’s hard to know what your family will want to eat each day. Personally, I like a mix of quick, convenient food and sit-down, upscale dining, and London offers options at both ends of this spectrum.

This is typically included in a hotel stay. Otherwise, plan to hit a grocery store (small shops are prevalent throughout the city, look for chains like Waitrose and Sainsbury) and stock up on some basic supplies to keep in your room and apartment. Be sure to try a full English breakfast at least one morning of your trip… you likely won’t need lunch it’s so robust!

You can score some great savings at lunch if you duck into a grocery store and take advantage of their package deals. Most grocery stores offer a sandwich, drink, and a bag of crisps (potato chips) for around $4-7. Pick up some fruit or prepared veggies to share, and you can feed the whole family for around $40. Plus there are quick service Pret a Manger shops on nearly every corner.

If you’ve got access to kitchen facilities, then once again you’ll find great savings at the grocery stores. Most offer high-quality, upscale pre-made food that only requires you to heat and serve (think roasted chicken dishes, veggies, potatoes, and dessert).

This is often less than $30 for a healthy, satisfying meal that requires little effort. Takeaways are also fairly inexpensive, and it’s a fun way of trying the more ethnically diverse food like Indian and Thai, or the famous fish n’ chips! that London is known for.

When to Splurge

London has some outstanding restaurants, and I love to have a nice sit-down meal at least a few times during a week-long trip, balanced out with casual, cheaper fare. And don’t forget to indulge in afternoon tea!

While it typically prices out between $40-60 per person, many hotels will offer discounts or complimentary tea to their guests. Also, know that you’ll be served lots of food during the experience, so I encourage people to make their tea bookings for later in the day, and it will double as dinner.

Total food cost: $1,330 (based on free hotel breakfast, $40 for lunch x seven days, and $150 per day for dinner x seven days)

I have a strict rule with my kids that the trip itself is the treat, not all the kitschy souvenirs found in the gift shop of every major attraction. But London is a great place to shop for specialty items.

One of my favorite places to go for souvenirs or gifts is Fortnum & Mason, where you can buy some of England’s legendary tea and biscuits, perfectly packaged to bring home. And a stop at Hamley’s toy store is also a fabulous experience for the whole family to enjoy. We also enjoy browsing the many floors and departments at Harrods.

Total souvenir cost: $200 (based on each family member spending $50 while on the trip)

Travel Insurance

I would recommend protecting your trip with travel insurance . Pricing varies depending on your level of coverage, age, trip costs, and more. However, I would use $300-500 as a rough estimate.

Total Cost for a 7-day Family trip to London: $9,830

Bottom line is that the trip to London cost for a family of four would cost approximately $9,830 , or about $350 per person, per day . Your family could certainly spend less if you can utilize airline miles, score a great accommodation deal, cook your own meals, or focus your time on the free activities and landmarks in London instead of the pricier places to go.

That said, London is an expensive city, so it can be a challenge for families with an extremely tight budget. If you want an English countryside experience, I found very affordable inns and food in Northern England this past summer during my Hadrian’s Wall walking trip.

How much does it cost to go to London?

Visiting london read more:.

• 7 Day London itinerary
• 5 Festive things to do in London at Christmas
• Ultimate fan guide to Harry Potter attractions in London

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 18, 2023

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Love your transparency with the costs it is so helpful for those planning.

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How to spend one week in England: itinerary and photos

Let me preface this post by saying you will not be able to spend one week in England and see everything. For a small island, it’s jam-packed with so many beautiful, quaint and unique towns. You could go back multiple times and probably still not see everything!

However, I’ve put together an itinerary that I think takes you to some of the best places the island has to offer. The best part of this itinerary is that I’m forcing you to get outside of London! I find this is one of the biggest mistakes people make when they travel to the U.K., they often stick with the bigger cities and don’t give themselves the opportunity to get outside.

If you’re looking for the best time to travel to England the summer is obviously a great time. Known for its rainy days and moody weather, going in July and August definitely increases your chances for having optimal weather. That being said, we are fans of travelling in the off-season. I find May, June, September and October to be the best months for visiting England. It’s not too hot, the crowds aren’t as large and you can often find better deals.

| Getting around |

Given that England drives on the opposite side of the road than most of the world, it can be a bit more difficult renting a car.  Having been back now about 8 times, I have yet to drive. I’m just far too intimidated and nervous about getting in an accident that I would rather take public transport.

The good news is, the public transit system in England is actually quite good. Obviously as you get to the countryside it’s a tad less amazing but for the most part, you can get wherever you want to go without a car.

| Where to go |

Okay, you have to visit London on a trip to England. As one of the world’s biggest and most popular cities (and of course one of my favourites) there is so much to see and do. We have put together the perfect walking route of London  that will get you to all of the major spots within a day or two.

While the Tube can be slightly intimidating, once you get the hang of it you’ll feel like you can do anything. Plus if you are going to spend only a couple of days in London you’ll need to get around quickly. Try to avoid going on the Tube during rush hour if you’ll be there during the week because let me tell you, that’s like hell on Earth. Quite literally I have never felt my personal space so invaded.

|| Hotels in London ||

Don’t miss | buckingham palace, the london eye, westminster abbey, st. paul’s, millennial bridge, big ben, tower bridge, trafalgar square, coventry garden, london bridge, piccadilly circus, the shard, oxford street., | you might also like |.

7 of the best day trips from London

The best London walking route 

Top 10 things to see in London

Canterbury | 1 hour 30 minutes

The furthest East this itinerary will have you going is the beautiful town of Canterbury. Of course, it’s famous for the Canterbury Tales, being the headquarters of the Church of England and it’s largely still intact architecture. It’s not too far from the city of London, roughly an hour and a half if you plan on taking the trains.

Once you get to the little town you will be able to walk around very easily. The streets are so small that you’d probably find it too difficult to drive inside the city walls anyways. Canterbury is a Cathedral city and was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. What blew my mind was that it was founded in the year 597 A.D., it’s hard to believe anything from that time period still exists!

The one piece of advice I have is to really explore the Canterbury Cathedral. We were fortunate enough to have had someone who worked there notice that we only viewed the inside of the church. She took us outside to the gardens and gave us a mini tour of the back of the Cathedral. That was the best part. The stained glass windows, the gothic architecture and perfectly manicured gardens were like something I’d never seen.

|| Hotels in Canterbury ||

Don’t miss | canterbury cathedral, st. augustine’s abbey, canterbury roman museum, canterbury castle, westgate gardens..

The best 25 photos of Canterbury

How to see Canterbury in one day

Cambridge | 1 hour 20 minutes

Home to the famous Cambridge University, the town is more than just a ‘University town’. Many famous thinkers have roamed the streets in this town including Isaac Newton, Alan Turing, Sylvia Plath, David Attenborough, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, Prince Charles, Arianna Huffington, Emma Thompson and even Sachs Baron Cohen! Who wouldn’t want to visit a town with such a  star-studded past?

Similar to Oxford (I’ll get to that in a minute) you can go punting along the river Cam. Punting is similar to gondola rides you see in Venice where someone stands on the back of the boat and guides you along the flowing river. Trust me it sounds easier than it actually is.

A couple of hours is enough to explore the small city but keep in mind you’ll definitely want to stop to take photos as often as you can!

|| Hotels in Cambridge ||

Don’t miss | river cam, fitzwilliam museum, mathematical bridge, bridge of sighs, kings college chapel, king’s parade, anglesey abbey, oxford | 1 hour 30 minutes.

Many people often compare Oxford and Cambridge for being one in the same. For me? If you love smaller towns in England than truly you could never see enough of them. However, if you’re looking to spend more time in one place or another, you could likely choose either Oxford and Cambridge and be okay. I adored Oxford because of its affiliation with the Harry Potter movies (nerd I know).

One thing you also may not know about Oxford is that it’s the birthplace of The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe  novels. I dare you to wander the campus and try to find the actual spot. Outside one of the cathedral doors, you’ll find a gargoyle and not too far away, a lamppost. Once you find it you’ll be amazed.

Of all the places I’ve visited in the world, Oxford has become one of my favourites. Although apparently, I have expensive taste because it’s one of the most expensive places in England to live!

Curious about the famous people who have wandered the streets of Oxford? You may recognize some of these names: Hugh Grant, Emma Watson, David Cameron, Bill Clinton, T.S. Eliot, Tony Blair, Dr. Seuss, Rupert Murdoch, Oscar Wilde, Robert Frost and Lester B Pearson (for all of my fellow Canadians).

|| Hotels in Oxford ||

Don’t miss | bodleian library, radcliff camera, oxford castle, bridge of sighs, carfax oxford, divinity school, christ church meadow, carfax tower..

The perfect day trip from London: Oxford

Bath | 2 hours

I’ll admit this is one of the places that I haven’t gotten to but I’m absolutely dying to. Everything about Bath looks incredible, from the architecture to the landscaping. It seems like a complete dream. Located in the countryside of the U.K., it’s actually known for the natural hot springs. As well of course for the Georgian architecture.

While it’s a little further out of the way from London, there’s no doubt it’s worth the trip. As the waters are part of the largest draw, you want to make sure to spend as much time as possible. The Tourism website for Bath is pretty helpful if you’re looking for advice on navigating your time around. They even lay out exactly what trains you need to take to get you there!

|| Hotels in Bath ||

Don’t miss | roman baths, bath abbey, pulteney bridge, thermae bath spa, royal crescent, circus., cotswolds | 2 hours.

Funny enough I actually visited the Cotswolds before I visited London! To this day, it remains one of my favourite places in the world. I’m dying to get back to this stunning area of England. The rolling hills, lush greenery, thatched roofs, quaint pubs and old stone homes make it a must-stop spot.

This is the one time I would say having a car could come in handy. There are a number of smaller towns inside the “Cotswolds” that you will want to explore. During our stay, we bunked in Whitney so that we got easy access to the best spots.

One place you absolutely cannot miss is Arlington Row. It’s actually what brought me to the region in the first place. I saw a picture of the row on Pinterest and sent it Ben saying I just HAD to be there.

You’ll also have to check out the pubs when you’re in the countryside. You won’t find a better spot for a proper pub then outside of the big (or at least bigger) cities!

|| Hotels in Witney ||

Don’t miss | arlington row, warwick castle, bibury trout farm (i swear it’s cooler than it sounds), blenheim palce, shopping in cheltenham, the porch house, snowshill manor..

How to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds

The most beautiful photos of the Cotswolds

Where to go on your next trip to the Cotswolds

| England Essentials |

– The Tube / the Underground : The subway system in London. You can travel by paying as you go with tickets at the station or you can get an Oyster card and load it up so you pay per trip if you plan on visiting for more than a couple of days.

– British Pound : can also be referred to as ‘quid’ (dollar for Canadians and Americans). No matter where you live, the British Pound is worth more than your currency so keep that in mind as you venture around.

– They charge tax before : unlike in America and Canada, the Brits have figured it out and don’t charge you tax before at check out. Whatever the price is that you’re seeing that’s the price you’ll pay.

– No tipping : of course that doesn’t mean don’t tip anywhere but it’s not like in North America where you tip someone for saying good morning. While I’m at it, you also need to get up and get your own drinks when you’re at a bar, they won’t come to you.

*This post contains affiliate links which means we may make a small amount of money should you purchase anything from the sites we link to. Don’t worry, it’s at no additional cost to you!

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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.

Don’t have a UOB Card? Sign up and get the right credit card for all your needs!

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Home » Itinerary » 1 Week UK

One-Week Tour of the United Kingdom

Tailored itineraries.

• Private Group Tours

Luxury Vehicles

• Free Cancellation
• 15+ Years Experience

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

Our 7 Day private tour from London includes:

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

Days 1 & 2: London

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

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

Private Tour of Buckingham Palace

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

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

Tower of London

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

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

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

Tower Bridge

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

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

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

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

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

St Paul's Cathedral

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

Tate Modern Gallery Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cotswolds

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

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

Stratford-Upon-Avon

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

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

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

Day 4: York

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

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

York Minster

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

The City Walls

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

The Shambles

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

Mansion House

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

Clifford’s Tower

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

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

Day 5: Newcastle - Edinburgh

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

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

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

Arrival in Edinburgh

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

Scotch Whisky Experience

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

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

Edinburgh Dungeon

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

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

Day 6: Iconic Edinburgh

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

Arthur’s Seat

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

Edinburgh Castle

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

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

Holyrood Palace

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

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

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

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

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

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

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

The Trossachs Nature Walk

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

Visit Wallace monument

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

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

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

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Request your Custom 7 day UK Itinerary

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

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Weeks in the UK – My Perfect UK Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 16, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 219 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

A 2 week UK Trip itinerary

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

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

Days 1 & 2: London

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of our recommended accommodation options in London are:

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

Once you have finished up exploring London, we suggest collecting your car hire and heading out of town. For car hire we recommend Discover Cars , they search all the major providers so you can compare and find the best deal for your trip.

Days 3 & 4: Oxford & the Cotswolds

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 5 & 6: Peak District and Manchester

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 8 & 9: Edinburgh via Northumberland

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

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

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

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

Then  check and book your Edinburgh hotels here.

Days 10 – 12: Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

We have travelled from Cairnryan with both Stena Line and P&O Ferries, both of which have been a fast, comfortable and efficient service. We normally use Direct Ferries for ferry booking as they compare prices across all the providers and support payment in multple currencies. You can book your ferry tickets here .

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

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

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

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

Day 13: South Wales and Cardiff

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

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

Find and book your Cardiff hotels here .

Day 14: Bristol & Bath

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 15: Back to London, via Stonehenge!

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

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

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

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

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

2 Weeks in the UK: Road Trip Map

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

2 Week UK Itinerary Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What About Touring the UK With A Tour Company?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Visit the UK

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

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

Where to Stay in the UK:

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

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

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

How to Get Around the UK

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

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

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

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

Further reading for your UK Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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25th February 2024 at 6:30 pm

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

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2024 at 9:28 pm

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

Have a great trip!

Marcelo Gurgel says

18th January 2024 at 11:52 pm

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

19th January 2024 at 12:02 am

Hi Marcelo,

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

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

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

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

PAUL BASILE says

10th December 2023 at 10:20 pm

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

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

13th December 2023 at 12:19 am

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

13th December 2023 at 2:38 am

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

13th December 2023 at 3:37 am

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

Let me know if I can help any further 🙂

Linda Haddock says

2nd December 2023 at 7:38 am

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

2nd December 2023 at 8:46 pm

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

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

Ingrid Ermanovics says

24th May 2022 at 3:45 pm

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

24th May 2022 at 4:33 pm

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

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

I hope this helps!

Debbie Hebert says

16th May 2022 at 12:16 am

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

16th May 2022 at 3:11 pm

Thanks Debbie!

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

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

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

Farooq Ghouri says

6th May 2022 at 2:56 am

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

6th May 2022 at 9:44 am

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

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

6th May 2022 at 5:06 pm

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

Heather says

28th April 2022 at 2:35 am

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

28th April 2022 at 12:01 pm

Hi Heather,

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

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

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

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

13th April 2022 at 11:47 pm

Hi Laurence,

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

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

14th April 2022 at 11:23 am

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

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

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

Vincent Choo says

12th April 2022 at 11:04 am

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

12th April 2022 at 2:43 pm

Hi Vincent!

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

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

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

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

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

Sanchay says

7th April 2022 at 8:05 pm

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

Thanks and Regards 🙂

8th April 2022 at 11:04 am

Hi Sanchay,

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

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

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

Derek Bowen says

2nd June 2021 at 5:16 pm

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

3rd June 2021 at 12:53 pm

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

Patrick Russell says

22nd March 2021 at 5:18 pm

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

Thank you, Patrick

22nd March 2021 at 5:23 pm

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

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

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

Hope this helps!

Matthew says

8th December 2020 at 2:51 pm

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

8th December 2020 at 2:52 pm

Hey Matthew,

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Tammy Howard says

25th February 2020 at 11:07 pm

Dear Laurence,

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

26th February 2020 at 11:20 am

Dear Tammy,

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

Thornbury Castle – just north of Bristol

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

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

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

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

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

Abdiaziz says

29th February 2020 at 8:27 am

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

29th February 2020 at 10:14 am

Hi Abdiaziz,

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

Dhaval says

3rd February 2020 at 9:17 am

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

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

Thanks a lot in Advance. Cheers 🙂

3rd February 2020 at 2:45 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serafina Macdonald says

11th January 2020 at 9:09 pm

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

11th January 2020 at 9:18 pm

Hi Serafina!

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

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

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

12th January 2020 at 2:15 pm

Thanks so much! Looking forward to this trip!

3rd December 2019 at 9:40 am

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

Thanks Duong

3rd December 2019 at 6:11 pm

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

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

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

Hang Tran says

26th November 2019 at 3:59 pm

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

26th November 2019 at 5:20 pm

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

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

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

28th November 2019 at 5:30 am

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

Sincerely, Hang

28th November 2019 at 7:22 pm

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

Laurel says

9th October 2019 at 7:23 am

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

9th October 2019 at 6:16 pm

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

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

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

Kevin Ortyl says

19th September 2019 at 6:51 pm

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

19th September 2019 at 7:20 pm

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

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

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

19th September 2019 at 9:58 pm

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

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

20th September 2019 at 9:02 am

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

4th September 2019 at 2:13 am

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

4th September 2019 at 7:02 pm

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

I hope this helps a little 🙂

Rachel Sales says

16th August 2019 at 5:15 am

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

16th August 2019 at 12:12 pm

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

Robin Major says

13th August 2019 at 12:53 am

Hello Lawrence,

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much! Robin

13th August 2019 at 10:19 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8th August 2019 at 9:35 pm

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

9th August 2019 at 8:54 am

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

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

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

Christine Greentaner says

5th August 2019 at 12:26 pm

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

7th August 2019 at 2:52 pm

Hi Christine!

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

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

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

Danie marais says

11th July 2019 at 8:54 pm

What will it cost for 2 adults

12th July 2019 at 4:17 am

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

Margaret says

9th July 2019 at 6:29 am

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

10th July 2019 at 5:43 am

Hi Margaret!

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

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

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

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

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

22nd July 2019 at 4:35 am

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

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

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

22nd July 2019 at 6:03 pm

Hi Margaret,

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

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

Diana Cottrell says

1st July 2019 at 1:57 am

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

1st July 2019 at 10:18 pm

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

3rd July 2019 at 12:01 am

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

3rd July 2019 at 2:57 pm

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

6th July 2019 at 11:11 pm

Thanks so much. Will start planning.

Amanda says

23rd June 2019 at 5:59 pm

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

Thank so much!

23rd June 2019 at 6:02 pm

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

Opal joiner says

18th June 2019 at 1:37 pm

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

18th June 2019 at 7:05 pm

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

Chris Ryan says

17th June 2019 at 8:44 am

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

17th June 2019 at 11:06 am

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

Lillie says

15th June 2019 at 2:56 pm

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

15th June 2019 at 8:38 pm

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

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

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

I hope this helps a bit!

Ashok Agarwal says

15th June 2019 at 6:01 am

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

15th June 2019 at 11:04 am

Thanks very much Ashok! Much appreciated 🙂

9th June 2019 at 9:56 am

Dear Laurence!

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

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

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

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

10th June 2019 at 10:57 am

My pleasure 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10th June 2019 at 8:52 pm

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

with best regards!

7th June 2019 at 9:00 am

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

7th June 2019 at 8:37 pm

Thanks very much!

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

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

S. Steinback says

26th May 2019 at 9:16 am

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

26th May 2019 at 11:04 am

Hi Sabrina,

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

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

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

I hope this helps a bit with your planning!

Ed Hyland says

17th April 2019 at 12:01 am

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

17th April 2019 at 10:56 am

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

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

Otherwise, I hope you have a great trip!

12th April 2019 at 12:04 am

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

12th April 2019 at 11:46 am

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

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

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

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

Let me know if you have any more questions!

David Cameron says

11th April 2019 at 1:56 pm

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

11th April 2019 at 2:04 pm

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

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

Usha Gupta says

10th April 2019 at 6:02 pm

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

10th April 2019 at 6:52 pm

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

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

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

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

Usha gupta says

14th April 2019 at 3:24 am

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

14th April 2019 at 11:46 am

My pleasure. Enjoy!

Darlene Williams says

24th March 2019 at 6:10 pm

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

25th March 2019 at 3:44 pm

Thanks very much Darlene!

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

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

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

Deep Shah says

22nd March 2019 at 5:43 am

Hello Laurence and Jessica,

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

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

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

22nd March 2019 at 10:00 am

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

24th March 2019 at 12:35 pm

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

Thanks for sharing all the information on your website.

24th March 2019 at 12:38 pm

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

Omker Mahalanobish says

21st March 2019 at 5:22 pm

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

Thanks, Omker

21st March 2019 at 5:27 pm

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

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

Heather Reid says

20th March 2019 at 5:20 am

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

20th March 2019 at 12:49 pm

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

Phillip Armanas says

5th March 2019 at 12:20 am

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

5th March 2019 at 1:35 pm

Hi Phill & Patti!

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

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

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

Good luck, and have a great trip!

Ronald Rieder says

15th February 2019 at 1:22 am

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

17th February 2019 at 3:56 pm

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

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

Cass Baron says

11th February 2019 at 2:19 am

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

11th February 2019 at 7:40 am

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

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

Lashaun says

5th February 2019 at 11:42 pm

Hello. If we skip the Ireland portion where should we extend our time or add another destination for the 2 week adventure? Also we’d like to see a football game, suggestions for city (Manchester, Liverpool?), tickets etc? thank you!

6th February 2019 at 10:36 am

I’d say you could extend by visiting the Lake District and northern Wales, or by heading further north into Scotland, where there’s lots to see. You definitely won’t have trouble finding places to see!

For football, if you don’t have a particular affiliate with a team, then Manchester will likely be a good option as they have the largest stadium. Tickets can be bought online in advance for any of the teams from their official websites, just be aware that they can sell out so you’ll want to book well in advance to be sure of getting a spot.

I hope this helps! have a great trip 🙂

Steve Geller says

2nd February 2019 at 3:10 am

Hi there, Curious if this itinerary, or part of it, could be done in a motorhome (midsize RV) for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. I’ve never been to most of these places, outside of some brief time in London and Dublin. For itineraries like these where there is a lot of moving around, I like the idea of a motorhome vs going from hotel to hotel (or apt to apt). Thanks!

3rd February 2019 at 11:45 am

So yes, it would be possible to do this is a motorhome. However, I’d probably advise modifying the itinerary fairly substantially, especially the city parts. Most UK cities don’t have centrally located motorhome camping locations, and the streets tend to be fairly narrow, which can make driving and parking a motorhome very challenging. I would instead suggest, if you wanted to do a motorhome holiday in the UK, to look at a driving route like the NC500 (see our camping itinerary for the NC500 here ), or adjusting this route so it visits more of the countryside parts, like the Cotswolds, Peak District, Lake District and Northumberland.

Let me know if we can answer any more questions!

Iskandar Zulkifly Bin Ali says

29th January 2019 at 10:05 pm

Hello there ! finding this website was such a blessing for me! i am a student who wishes to travel around UK for 2 weeks before i go outside UK ( around Europe for a month ). my only problem is, i am studying in london therefore i’m gonna skip london from this amazing itinerary, and am also skipping Scotland cuz i went there last Dec already. which will give me extra days to fill in to make it 2 weeks. would you please help me to suggest places to fill in between the itinerary ? ps; i really really want to see Jurassic coast and cambridge and watergate bay. where should i put these places in terms of best route wise?

thank you in advance for your time !! you got a follower on your ig !

30th January 2019 at 7:33 pm

Hi Iskandar!

Thanks for your lovely comment and following on IG! We’ve actually just recently visited Cambridge and written a detailed guide to the city, which will be live on the blog in the next few weeks 🙂

To answer your question, first I have to assume you are driving. If not, this might have to change a bit to accommodate public transport. But I would say I would go from London to Cambridge, then up to the Peak District, Manchester and York. You could then go across to the Lake District if you wanted, then across to Holyhead and to Ireland (if you wanted to visit Ireland). Then south wales, Oxford and the Jurassic coast.

I hope that works for you 🙂 Have a great trip!

HANNAH JOHNSON says

29th January 2019 at 3:07 pm

This has been an amazing help! If possible, I did want to ask about more recommendations as far as castles/history goes. This is a very close itinerary for what I think we want to do, but I was wondering if you had any more info on what I could add/take away from this list in order to do more of that. Also, we will be departing from the atlanta, GA airport, and returning back to (or starting from) england isnt entirely necessarily. I definitely agree and would take your advice of ending in dublin and returning from there or wales, but im basically trying to avoid flying/ferrying more than need be. What would be your recommendation for doing everything in the UK in one vehicle and then only crossing into ireland once? if that makes sense

30th January 2019 at 7:38 pm

So there are a lot of great castles in the UK, and it’s hard to travel anywhere without finding history! Some of my favourite castles are in Scotland and the Northumberland area, and you’ve also got Hadrian’s wall up there. But York has all the Viking history too, and then cities like Oxford or Cambridge have more from the middles ages, Bath has the Roman empire.. So there’s really no shortage of history to find.

If it was me though, I’d spend a bit more time exploring some of the castles in Northumberland like Alnwick, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, as well as some in Scotland.

If you want to do everything in the UK that would be possible, just continue from Oxford to Bath and Cardiff, and then head north from there to York. You might want to bypass Manchester in order to get more of the history you are interested in as it’s more of a town that had it’s heyday with the industrial revolution, which might be a bit too recent history for your interests. You could instead add Warwick, which has a popular castle and a lovely town centre.

Have a great trip and let me know if I can be of any more help!

Hannah says

30th January 2019 at 8:25 pm

For sure! Thank you so much.

Maribel says

17th January 2019 at 4:13 am

Hi, I am planning a 2-week trip to Great Britain flying from Mexico City to London. Your post is very helpful. My trip HAS to include the Isle of Man but I do want to go to Edinburgh and Ireland. What do you think would be the best route? Thanks for your amazing post!

17th January 2019 at 6:37 pm

Hi Maribel!

Great question, and the first time anyone has asked me about the Isle of Man, which I have to admit, I haven’t been to!

There are direct ferry connections to the Isle of Man from Belfast, Dublin, Lancaster and Liverpool.

So assuming you want to do a fairly similar route, mug suggestion would be to follow the general outline of this trip, but take the ferry from Dublin to the Isle of Man, and then on to Liverpool, instead of from the southern end of Ireland to Fishguard. I think that’s the most logical option.

There are other option too – you could go London -> Oxford -> Liverpool -> Isle of Man -> Dublin -> Belfast -> Cairyan -> Edinburgh -> London.

So up to you really! Have a great trip, and let us know if you have any more questions!

Maribel Felix says

17th January 2019 at 6:40 pm

Muchas Gracias! I appreciate you advice very much. I will send you an update of my trip on my way back to Mexico.

17th January 2019 at 9:50 pm

Please do Maribel – we love to hear back from people on how their trips go, and incorporate feedback into our content to help everyone!

16th December 2018 at 12:15 am

Hello! I am planning a 28 day trip in in May 2019. What would you recommend to fill in the extra days? Thank you so much! And thank you for sharing such a lovely itinerary!

16th December 2018 at 11:49 am

Hi Sara! It’s hard to give a precise answer without knowing your interests, but if it was me I would extend my trip up into the northern half of Scotland, perhaps spending 7-10 days driving the North Coast 500, visiting the Isle of Skye and seeing the highlands. You could also head out to the some of the other islands, like Lewis. May is a great time to head up into that part of Scotland.

Other options include Wales or Cornwall, or extending your time in Ireland. There’s so much to see and do, even 28 days will be filled easily!

Nathaniel says

14th December 2018 at 7:57 pm

Could I use this itinerary for a school project. You will be credited and cited, obviously. Thank you if yes and thanks anyway if no. This was fun to read, regardless of your reply Thank you again, Nathaniel

14th December 2018 at 11:43 pm

Hi Nathaniel,

Thanks for asking! Could you e-mail me about this so I get more of an idea of the use? It’s [email protected] 🙂

9th December 2018 at 8:26 am

We are planning a 3 week trip to UK (2 weeks) and Amsterdam (1 week).. We will fly to Amsterdam from London. We were looking at your 2 week itinerary and wanted to ask what would you suggest instead of Ireland, We only want to visit London, Wales and Scotland start at London and return to London. Family with kids who like a bit of adventure, culture so interested in castles, nature etc. Also would like to visit Whisky distilleries preferably Glenfiddich and Aberlour. Also we will be hiring a car in London and return there. Would really appreciate your suggestions.

9th December 2018 at 10:37 am

So my suggestion would be to do a loop from London, similar to that I’ve described here, but instead of going across to Ireland, to head down the west coast of the UK, and then visit the Lake District and Wales on your way down.

In terms of distilleries, certainly, Aberlour and Glenfiddich are achievable from Edinburgh, but you are looking at a three hour drive each way. So you might prefer to visit a closer distillery like Deanston, which is also right next to Doune Castle, which I’m sure your kids will also enjoy 🙂

Hope this helps a bit!

Navtej says

22nd October 2018 at 11:18 am

Hi, a very helpful article. As I plan my next year travel to Europe after a gap of 15 years…it’s a god send. I propose to spend a few days in Amsterdam-Bruges and then fly to London. Here I catch up with another couple and there 12 year old daughter and plan to drive to Scotland and Ireland. We have a total of 10 / 11 days for this.

Am thinking will cut Wales from my itinerary and which other place would u recommend I skip ?

Many thanks

Navtej from New Delhi, India

PS another slighlty unrelates question : If I fly into London should I take a flight into Amsterdam and the train back from Bruges or is this complicated and expensive?

22nd October 2018 at 8:22 pm

It’s hard to give specific recommendations as to what to skip as I’m not sure as to your personal interests. If you are more interested in culture / museums etc, then you will want to include more of the cities, and less of the countryside. Conversely, if you are less interested in the outdoors, perhaps leaving out some of the countryside attractions would be a good idea 🙂

Generally my advice would be just to stick to flights as it’s likely going to be easier and probably less expensive. The train though can be a good option if you book far enough in advance, it will just take a little bit longer.

Hope this helps – have a great trip!

Leslie says

21st July 2018 at 11:12 pm

Four women from Texas will be traveling to the UK in September and wanted to drive (one of us is brave enough to drive on the wrong side of the road). We spend 8 days in London last September with side trips to Bath and a tour to Oxford and Cotswolds and Warwick Castle. We have relatives in Glasgow, so plan to see that area of Scotland. Your information is a Godsend and thank you so much for all your planning. We will let you know how it goes!

22nd July 2018 at 9:36 pm

Thanks Leslie – please do! We always love to hear feedback as to how our posts help people (or if they need changing, we love to hear about that too!)

Have an awesome trip!

Ruth Deane says

11th July 2018 at 6:24 am

A good travel guide to the UK. I know it is difficult to provided a balanced approach due to limited wordage but the emphasis should be on the UK. N. Ireland and its capital Belfast have been sadly neglected in this article and the focus was Dublin which is not part of the UK. Surely something coulf have been added about Belfast and N. Ireland in general. It is a beautiful place. The author did make a reference to the Dark Hedges but associates them with Dublin. Last time I checked they are quite definitely in N. IRELAND. Hope this criticism is constructive. N. Ireland continues to get a bad press but it is a beautiful place and the majority of the people are that bad either.

11th July 2018 at 9:44 am

Constructive feedback is always welcome! We’re actually visiting Northern Ireland next week for a week to fully explore Belfast and the Coastal Causeway, and will be updating our content (and creating new content!) to have more information on this part of the UK 🙂 Stay tuned!

Craig Grimston says

26th June 2018 at 2:47 am

Thank you!!

September is a perfect month to come to Texas – the weather is perfect then! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have to the best of my ability (I’m not a native Texan – originally from Australia), but there is a lot of great things to do here. Austin and San Antonio are great too.

Thank you for offering to answer any questions! We are going in a group, so I’m sure a lot of questions will come up! I’ll try not to bombard you with them, but I may just hit you with a few! We are planning for somewhere in June to August next year (I plan ahead big time!) and couldn’t be more excited to see your beautiful country!

But please, definitely hit me up with any questions you have about Dallas or Texas. If I can’t answer them, I can track someone down who can!

Thanks!! Craig

22nd June 2018 at 8:02 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this itinerary. I really wanted to plan a road trip in the UK and after googling about it all I got was a bunch of blogs pointing out all of the negative things and basically saying “don’t bother”!

As I was about to give up and go the typical tourist route, I came across your website. It was exactly what I was looking for! It is inspirational, and put the joy and adventure back into my travel plans.

I’m pretty much going to stick to your itinerary with the exception of Ireland (I wanted to check out the Lake District and Liverpool), so Ireland may have to be a separate road trip!

I have a million questions, but I’m going to spare you of that! LOL. I really just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

Kindest Regards, Craig – Dallas Texas

25th June 2018 at 9:28 pm

Thank you so much, it always means a lot to hear that people are finding our content useful. I think you are making a sensible choice – there is a lot to see on the mainland of the UK, and it’s also less hassle to worry about rental cars and ferries if you leave Ireland for another trip 🙂

We’re happy to answer any questions you have. We’re actually planning a trip to Texas for late September, and will be swinging by Dallas, so may have some questions for you in return!

Vanessa says

14th May 2018 at 9:38 pm

I’ve googled “hire car” and it says “rental car.” But on your site here it seems that a rental care and a hire car are different things. What exactly is the difference? Thank you! And also thank you for this post – it’s amazing and I think I will definitely base my trip -whenever that may be… – around it. Bookmarking this page!!

15th May 2018 at 5:57 pm

Thanks Vanessa! I think in the UK we use the term hire car, wheras in the USA it’s more likely to be called a rental car. But yes, they are the same thing in my mind, you can use the terms interchangeably as far as I know 🙂 Have a great trip, and don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions at all 😀

Saurabh says

7th May 2018 at 7:55 am

Hi Lawrence, This is a great post! I think I can use some help. We are planning a 2 week trip to UK in August with a 1 year old toddler. What from above or otherwise will be a good itinerary for us. How realistic is it for me to cover what you have listed here? Appreciate any help. Thanks!

7th May 2018 at 10:03 pm

Thanks Saurabh! First, I should say that not having kids ourselves this isn’t an area of expertise for us 🙂 However, based on experiences of friends who travel with family, my suggestion would be to probably cut the itinerary in half, and focus on some of the major cities. As it is, it’s quite a busy itinerary, and I think you will have a better time doing a bit less and having the time to really explore some of the cities on the itinerary. So for example, maybe just do England and Scotland, and skip Ireland and Wales. This will reduce your travel, and let you spend a bit longer in each city. I’d also advise finding accommodation close to the city centres and attractions, so at least one of you can go out sight-seeing if one of you needs to stay behind for naps etc. I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

3rd May 2018 at 12:38 am

My husband and I are following this itinerary this summer, flying round trip into Gatwick from Canada. I was looking at the cost of the ferry from Scotland to Ireland and than Ireland to Wales and was shocked at the cost. Do you know of any Ferry discounts?

3rd May 2018 at 7:12 pm

Hi Sarah – you can try the various ferry search companies like directferries or a1ferries I think they are called. Unfortunately that time of year is school holidays, and there aren’t many companies operating the routes, so the prices go up. You might consider instead flying from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin instead, and hiring a car in Ireland rather than taking the ferry, if that is a cheaper option!

Badariah says

21st March 2018 at 8:24 am

Awesome I am planning for a 2 week get away to UK. Your article helpsss a lot. Planning to go in mid sept till end of sept

21st March 2018 at 11:25 am

Thanks very much – have a wonderful trip!

11th March 2018 at 9:06 am

hi lawrence me n my wife middle aged planning to do england and scotland in 15 days in july which would be ideal places to cover by public transport. i am open to hire a car for 2 to 3 days if required. please suggest us best possible train route for this trip we are flying in n out of london thanks waiting for ur reply

11th March 2018 at 10:02 am

My advice would be to follow my 10 day UK itinerary, which is designed for public transport: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/

You could spend a little extra time in each location, or you could add a couple of stops. My advice would be to add 1 day in Bath near Bristol, stop in Manchester between Liverpool and York, and think about stopping in Newcastle on the way to Edinburgh. If you wanted to see the Cotswolds, you could do that with a hire car from Bath, or on a tour from London.

I hope this helps! That post also has lots of information on using public transport in the UK. Have a great trip!

Christine says

19th February 2018 at 4:57 am

Hello and Thank You!! I was just wondering, I’m not the best with timelines haha, but exactly how many hotel stays are there in total in each location? I’m just trying to determine if you actually spent the night in each location for both nights or if you spent the day touring then drove to the next location and got a room, especially for the 1 day places… if that makes sense? My husband and are are arriving March 10th and fly back out the 24th so just trying to sort out the timelines… Also it was suggested to me to go to Cornwall or Leeds, what are your thoughts? Thanks!

19th February 2018 at 6:11 pm

Hi! And my pleasure 😀

So you’d be looking at:

2 nights in London 1 night in Oxford 1 night in the Cotswolds 1 night in the Peak District 1 night in Manchester (could do Leeds here instead) 1 night in York 2 nights in Edinburgh (could do one night in Northumberland on the way up) 3 nights in Ireland / Northern Ireland 1 night in Cardiff 1 night in Bristol or Bath

You could of course spend more or less time in each destination, and leave say London after two full days but only one night, and overnight in Oxford. So really it’s up to you 🙂

Leeds you could easily fit into this itinerary. Cornwall would be a bit harder as it’s a bit further away. If you wanted to do Cornwall, you might need to leave Ireland out for example to give yourself enough time. Hope this helps!

15th February 2018 at 10:57 pm

Awesome Itinerary, I would add Canterbury to this list 🙂

17th February 2018 at 8:35 pm

I’ve only briefly visited Canterbury, must return!

22nd January 2018 at 4:52 pm

This came a blessing in disguise after searching for a week almost and making all shit loads of itineraries. I am thinking of blindly following this as it looks great to me. Need your help on a few points here if it doe snot bother you much, it would serve a great deal of planning for me in addition to what it already has, 1. Was this too hectic considering the number of places you covered? 2. Was driving time included in the time spent at each place you mentioned? 3. Is driving safe in and around England? 4. Is driving a cheaper option than using rail/bus transport? 5. How much did this two week trip cost you? 6. How much does the drive part of the trip cost?

22nd January 2018 at 5:44 pm

HI Saurabh!

Pleased to hear you found the itinerary 🙂 I’m happy to answer your questions of course.

1. This is definitely a busy itinerary, although as you can see from the other comments, many people have enjoyed it. So it really depends on your own personal style of travel and your preferences, as well as who you are travelling with. If you want a less hectic schedule, I’d suggest perhaps leaving the Irish part of the trip out, and maybe focusing on England and Scotland, and perhaps extending your time in cities like London and Edinburgh.

2. Yes, driving time is included. Driving time is not too great in the UK as distances are not large and the motorways are good, however, be aware that traffic can be bad around rush hour in the morning and evenings.

3. Yes, driving is very safe. Of course, accidents happen like anywhere in the world, but for the most part you shouldn’t have any trouble.

4. It depends on a few factors – mostly how many of you there are. For one person, it might be more cost-effective to take public transport. Also, if you book public transport well in advance, especially trains, this can be much cheaper than buying tickets on the day. Car hire also depends on the size of the car, but you can get pretty good value car hire. Fuel is quite expensive, but most modern hire cars are very fuel efficient. I am shortly going to publish a post with a similar itinerary that focuses on travelling in the UK by public transport, so stay tuned for that 🙂

5. Cost is really up to you, as it depends so much on what you want to see! I’d say you can hire a car for around £180 – £250 a week, fuel costs will be in the region of £50-£70 a week, and accommodation is likely to be in the range of £80 – £150 a night for two people sharing. You can of course get cheaper and more expensive accommodation options, it really depends on your style of travel.

6. The main costs for the car are the car hire, fuel, and any insurance you buy. I’d say between £200 and £300 a week, plus any parking fees. I’d definitely advise always booking a hotel that includes free parking.

I hope this helps with your planning – have a wonderful trip, and don’t miss my one week itinerary post for more ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/UK-Itinerary-One-Week-Road-Trip/

Steve and Cheryl Bales says

26th February 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thank you for the wealth of information! We are planning to take a trip to visit our daughter who is in the Air Force in the UK this May. I’ve read your itinerary and the questions and answers that followed. There were a couple of questions that popped up for me and I was hoping you could answer them. You mentioned taking a car over on the ferry to Ireland. We will be driving our daughter’s car, but I was wondering if we needed special insurance on the car to have it ferried. My husband are both disabled to a degree; neither of us are capable of walking long distances or sitting for any duration. Is there a need for concern over these issues? And, what is the cost of a London Pass and how many people does it cover, there will be four in our group? Any information would be much appreciated, thank you in advance. Steve and Cheryl

26th February 2018 at 9:19 pm

Hi Steve and Cheryl,

Thanks for reaching out, and I’m happy to hear you have found the content useful. You don’t normally need special insurance on a car to have it ferried, but you will likely need to check with your daughter’s insurer to make sure it is covered in Ireland. As far as I am aware it should be covered in Northern Ireland with the full coverage, and most UK insurers do provide at least some level cover for the EU, which Ireland is a part of, but worth checking.

For the itinerary I’ve put together, it’s really up to you how much you do. All the major cities have good public transport if you choose not to drive, as well as sight-seeing buses and things like that.

The London Pass prices vary – you have to buy one price per person, so that would be four passes total. Again, the value is up to you and how much you can get out of them. My only concern would be to get real value out of them you do need to try and pack quite a lot in – if you aren’t sure if that’s going to be possible you might end up being better off not getting them and just paying the ticket prices. Also, I’m not sure of your ages, but many attractions have senior concessions, which might also save you money rather than getting a pass. Worth checking the individual websites for the different attractions you want to visit to see what those might be.

You can see the London Pass prices here; https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011lbTW/pubref:FTU2WeekQuestion/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.londonpass.com%2Flondon-pass-prices.php

Derian Quek says

4th September 2017 at 1:10 pm

This trip seems a bit rushed when driving over to Ireland..I am also planning a 2 weeks this December to January. Any tips on this? Am planning London/Manchester/Lake district/Edinburgh/Cotswolds/bath/Stonehenge/Paris

Laurence says

4th September 2017 at 4:05 pm

Hey Darian,

This trip is definitely quite fast – unfortunately folks don’t have too much time sometimes, and are keen to see as much as possible, which is what I try to achieve on this itinerary.

Regarding your itinerary – at that time of year do be aware that the weather obviously won’t be great and it will be getting dark around 4pm – just something to bear in mind. Certainly your plan is possible but will also be quite packed. Perhaps focusing on a few less locations and seeing more. From your list I’d suggest London, with a day trip to bath, the Cotswolds and Stonehenge, then Edinburgh and Paris. You could add in Manchester as well of course. It would also depend on if you have visited any of the locations before and how you plan to travel. I’d suggest train from London to Edinburgh, and a cheap flight from Edinburgh to Paris.

4th September 2017 at 4:15 pm

Hi Laurence. It would actually be my first time to the UK. I’m visiting Manchester because I would wanna catch a game at old Trafford and that’s probably the only reason why. Flight from Edinburgh to Paris sounds like a good option though I would most likely be self driving from London up north. I’m thinking 3 days in London, 1 day in manchester, 2 days in lake district, 3 days in Edinburgh, 1 day to cotswolds and then 3 days in Paris via eurostar before heading back to London for my return flight

Mital Khona says

9th August 2017 at 2:43 pm

Hi Lawrence, Thanks a bunch for this wonderful itinerary… 1. We are travelling this September with 2 Kids ( 2 years old and 8 years old) and2 parents ( senior citizens).. Is this still doable.. I was thinking of picking up train for journey from London to Edinburgh 2. We would like to spend 3 days on the alternative route to Ireland suggested by you above. Can you help on the route/ time we should allot to Snowdonia, etc(west coast of the UK, including Glasgow, the Lake District, and Liverpool, as well as popping into Wales for the stunning Snowdonia national park)

7th January 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hi Mital! It really depends on your kids and grandparents and their stamina. I think this trip might be a bit much for some, and you might find it easier to go a bit slower and take things in a bit more. So perhaps a trip focusing on Edinburgh / London, with a hire car for the return journey down the west coast of the UK. I’d say three – four days in London, two to three days in Edinburgh, and then the rest of the time on the drive down the west coast would work!

Sussex Bloggers says

30th May 2017 at 12:56 pm

Can’t believe you’ve completely skipped Cornwall and the rest of the south coast. Such beautiful scenery all along the southern coastline and some wonderful towns and villages. Here’s a little teaser!

ipsita bhattacharya says

3rd May 2017 at 12:19 am

Hi guys, We are planning a trip to the UK in August/September 2017 and this 2-week itinerary is proving to be of great help! But if we plan to take public transport instead of driving, how much of this is doable? We are also looking at two weeks and while I understand taking trains/buses will eat into our travelling time, we are not sure we want to drive. Please advise. And thanks for this wonderful travel plan!

8th August 2017 at 8:56 am

Our pleasure. Much of this is doable, certainly between the major cities by train at least. We’d advice flying from the UK, likely Edinburgh to Dublin, and then back from Dublin to Cardiff or London. It’s definitely achievable in part though 🙂

Jessica says

2nd April 2017 at 1:15 am

I am so glad that I found your itinerary as we will be visiting the UK for a little over two weeks this coming summer. I do have question for a part of the trip when you have to ferry from Scotland to Ireland, is it easy to find ferries that will take your car across? Also do you recommend a car for the entire trip or to break it up with trains? Such as from London to Edinburgh? Thank you and I hope to hear back from you soon.

7th January 2018 at 1:24 pm

Hi Jessica! Sorry for the slow response. Most of the ferries take cars, but the question is as to whether or not your rental car company will let you take the car on the ferry. So you would need to check with them. If not, you might find it easier to say fly from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin to continue to journey, and perhaps pick up a hire car in Ireland instead.

Nishant says

19th March 2017 at 10:59 am

My family of 4 is planning in Aug’17 for 2 week and i like your write up here. we would be staying with our friend’s family (4 member) in LONDON and then accompany them to this tour plan. we wish to know approx budget in INR apart from AIR Ticket required for this kind of tour. Consider AIR BnB stay, Home cooking where ever possible, car drive and budgeted expense suitable for family.

แอโรคอม บริษัทจำกัด says

13th March 2017 at 8:24 am

Your 2 weeks itinerary seems very good. I am concerned with parking space in tourist attractions especially in big cities. Is it not so difficult to find parking area in all these recommended places (except London)? How much is a typical parking fee?

Thanks in advance! Pairoj S.

13th March 2017 at 2:24 pm

Thanks very much! Parking fees really vary depending on where you want to park. On road meter parking is usually the most expensive, around £3 an hour. I’d suggest finding a larger car park, like a multistorey operated by a company like NCP. These are more reasonable, and you would pay on a sliding scale where it is better value for staying for longer. I wouldn’t worry though, there is usually plenty of parking available, and sometimes if you don’t mind walking a little bit, if you don’t park centrally you can park for free. Have a great trip!

Mittal Shah says

10th March 2017 at 11:44 am

Hi Lawrence and Norah. I have been trying to plan a road trip in UK around July end for approximately 12days and have found a lot of helpful information.There are certain things i would like to know from you: For road trip should i consider hiring a caravan or a car( 4 of us travelling)? Is it better to book a hotel or bnb? Please help. Awaiting your reply

12th March 2017 at 9:47 pm

Thanks for your comment. A car would definitely be the best option, for four of you it would likely be the most cost effective option. I’d also suggest bed and breakfasts are a nice option, although there are lots of great hotels as well, it really depends on your budget,

Enjoy your trip!

rajul parikh says

19th February 2017 at 11:46 am

Hi Lawrence and Norah just been browsing through your site and taking in the information about the 2 week holiday in the UK. We find your information relevant and useful. We live in India and are considering a trip sometime mid June 2017. This would be our first trip to the UK. Lots of questions: would the weather be ok around that time? To cover your suggested itinerary (including ireland) how much driving would one end up doing everyday? Would your stops which are marked alphabetically on the map suggest overnight stay? Since we would like to spend at least 5 days in London we would need to extend our trip to about 21 days. Look forward to hearing from you.

19th February 2017 at 11:49 am

Happy that you found it useful! Yes, the main stopping points suggest an overnight stay. The weather is likely to be good in June, however, the weather in the UK can be very unpredictable. Coming from India, you’ll probably find it fairly cool 😉 I’d say between 15 and 25C would be the norm, and you should plan for rain whenever you visit the UK.

In terms of driving, the UK is quite small so not too much, probably not more than 2 – 3 hours a day.

Myn Wong says

14th February 2017 at 1:18 am

Hi. May I know the estimated cost of this trip?

George Monaghan says

30th January 2017 at 8:51 pm

Finding this site most interesting !

30th January 2017 at 8:52 pm

Thanks George, appreciated!

Dave_Toni says

18th January 2017 at 2:17 am

Hi guys, I’m staying in London for a short time (4 days) and I’m now thinking I should have booked a longer stay, but I’m on route to another destination. What would you recommend for a four day tour to get the best out of “must see” locations in in short amount of time? Really enjoying the site, keep up the great information. Thanks Dave.

18th January 2017 at 6:52 pm

Four days is a good time to see lots of London 🙂 My advice, if you’ve not been before, would be to focus on the highlights, plus allocate some time just to wander a bit. I have a two day Itinerary here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2016/06/two-day-london-itinerary-essential-sight-seeing.html That should help a bit, and then an itinerary that focuses on the region of Kensington: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2015/07/top-8-things-to-do-in-kensington.html I also have a guide for getting around London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2016/08/guide-public-transport-london.html Some tips for the best photo spots in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2015/12/best-photography-locations-london.html And finally, we always recommend the London Pass to save money if you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions. Here’s a great breakdown to find out if that’s worth it for you or not: independenttravelcats.com/2016/05/21/tips-using-buying-london-pass-worth/ Enjoy!

13th January 2017 at 10:19 am

So so perfect! Planning a 2 week UK holiday in June. This was God-sent!

13th January 2017 at 10:21 am

Wonderful, pleased you found it useful

Ashton says

5th November 2016 at 5:24 am

This is perfect! Exactly what I was looking for to start planning my honeymoon!! Thank you for taking the time to put this together

13th November 2016 at 7:58 pm

My pleasure – let us know how it goes and if there’s anything missing we can add to the post!

shiva bhavini says

16th July 2016 at 2:34 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica, My husband and I are planning to have a 10 days UK trip , reaching London on September 16 and have return flight from london on september 26 , can you please suggest should we take some travel agent to take us around in UK ? Thanks much in advance

Ellana McNulty says

3rd July 2016 at 1:39 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, My husband and I are planning on following your itinerary when we go over in August. When we first looked at your blog, there was a map at the end that you could zoom in on, but cannot find it now? Is the link still available.

3rd July 2016 at 11:24 am

Hi Ellana! Sorry about that, the map was causing issues for mobile users so I removed it. See comment below with a better answer!

Paul McNulty says

7th July 2016 at 12:09 am

Thanks for this Laurence!

Is it possible to have the whole route on the map like you had it before?

4th November 2016 at 11:13 pm

Hi Paul, I’ve been battling with google maps over this and gave up as it wouldn’t let me have enough waypoints. So I’ve switched to Bing Maps with the embedded image, and there’s a link to the route here: https://binged.it/2fDQGD2

Sorry for the delay!

5th November 2016 at 12:02 am

Thanks Laurence… we toured the UK in the last half of August using your itinerary. We modified it a bit to suit our personal tastes, but the basis of our trip was thanks to you. And it was even better than we expected!! Cheers.

5th November 2016 at 9:49 am

Brilliant! Delighted you had a good trip 😀

Alicia says

7th June 2017 at 3:22 am

The above link does not have a driving route in it. Is it no longer working (or I am doing it wrong)?

Unfortunately Google wouldn’t let me put together a driving route with this many stops, so this was the best I could do!

Seyne Tee says

27th June 2016 at 4:03 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, I plan to visit UK for 2 weeks and rent a car to travel around places outside UK. Your perfect itinerary is exactly what I’m looking for, thanks! I have a problem here, I can only travel with my husband and son in the middle of November, will the weather be friendly enough to carry out activities as per your recommendation?

27th June 2016 at 9:23 am

Well, the weather in the UK can be quite varied, with sun even in November! However it will more likely be cold and grey, temperatures in the range of 3 – 10 degrees C. It will also be dark fairly early. However, that shouldn’t put you off, a lot of this itinerary is focused on the cities, and indoors activities, so you should be fine, although you might want to edit the itinerary a bit to focus more on indoor activities than outdoor ones 🙂

Stephen Mason says

9th May 2016 at 3:58 am

This trip is incredible! Can you give a price of what the final trip costed?

28th June 2016 at 11:55 am

Hi Stephen – it really depends on many factors, including your budget for accommodation / food. You can find places for £50 / night in most of the locations I’ve mentioned, food per person you could get away with £15 a day, then there’s fuel and car hire, not to mention attraction entry. I’d probably look to budgeting around £700 – £1500 per person, as a guideline, but a lot of variables to take into account 🙂

SharronJ says

8th March 2016 at 6:33 pm

This is just what I was looking for. I am planning on visiting your wonderful country for a month next year and just started doing research. Your article is just what I was looking for Thanks so much!

8th March 2016 at 6:35 pm

My pleasure! Have a wonderful trip 🙂

Edward says

17th January 2016 at 11:32 pm

Thank you for this. I will be going in UK late Spetember to October (one month) and this is a nice itnerary and I can do it in a slower pace. Would you say September and October is a good time to do this? How is the weather usually in those months?

2nd February 2016 at 2:47 am

It’s the Autum time so you might fair pretty well, considering. It starts to cool down in September and the trees start changing. There will be rain, especially in the West of England and Wales but there always is.

The best time to visit England is May – August, but if you don’t mind getting caught in the rain now and then, you shouldn’t have a problem

Joanne says

12th October 2015 at 2:18 pm

Is it possible to do this itinerary relying only on public transportation since I don’t drive? Thank you in advance.

12th October 2015 at 2:21 pm

Good parts of it are certainly possible, as the major cities are linked by public transport, and the trains in particular are an excellent and fast way to get around. One tip – book well in advance on specific trains to get the best prices in the UK, the fares you pay on the day are much higher. I’d also suggest flying from Edinburgh to Dublin if you wanted to include the Irish part of the trip.

You might have a bit more difficulty visiting places like the Cotswolds or other “country” parts on your own, however there are plenty of tour operators who can give you a day trip out from London to say the Cotswolds and Stonehenge.

On the whole though, yes, the majority of this itinerary would be more than do-able by public transport!

Nina Tchernova says

7th October 2015 at 2:43 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for sharing this! We are planning to go in April, and this is exactly what we were hoping to do. And here it all is, so wonderfully explored and illustrated! One question though – what would you recommend about car rentals -one, or three? when we cross on a ferry to Ireland, do we bring the car, or is it better to rent another one there, and then another when we get back?

10th October 2015 at 1:14 pm

My pleasure 🙂 The answer to your question isn’t as simple as it sounds. One way rentals, as you’d need if you were to change cars, are generally more expensive than returning the car to the same place. On the other hand, a ferry ticket without a car is cheaper! So you might want to just check the math and see, depending on your budget. Personally, I’d not bother with the hassle of changing cars and just stick with the same one, you just need to check that it’s ok to drive the car in Ireland as well 🙂

10th October 2015 at 1:28 pm

Thank you very much, we will have to make a few enquiries.

Darryl Chan says

24th August 2015 at 6:03 pm

Hey! Love your itinerary! Is there anyway I can contact you to get more personalised advices from you? Looking forward to your reply!

27th August 2015 at 5:28 pm

Sure, you can just drop me an e-mail via the contact page on the site, or just fire away in the comments and I’ll see what I can do,

17th August 2015 at 4:58 am

Where’s the castle in your first picture?

25th September 2015 at 8:51 pm

The castle in the first picture (with the daffodils) is Alnwick castle in Northumberland. Home to Harry Potter or at least the was some filming taken place there and also some of Downtown Abbey. Alnwick is also home to Barter Books where the original ‘keep calm and carry on’ poster was discovered. Northumberland has one of the largest number of castles in the uk. Some of the most impressive I think are Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Castle (on holy island – which needs a visit itself) and Chillingham Castle (known for being pretty spooky). Contact Wooler Tourist Infomation Office on +44 1668 282123 to learn about accommodation as Wooler is a fantastic base for the best of Northumberland.

25th September 2015 at 9:02 pm

Can I also say there is an awesome place for Brits and tourists alike; Beamish, the living museum. It is an outdoor village fashioned perfectly on olden days northern England complete with coal mine, dentis, working sweet shop and more

Monica says

11th August 2015 at 8:16 pm

I loved you itinerary and pictures. I’m definitely using your steps to trace some of my own. Thanks for sharing. I’m excited to read through more of your posts.

15th August 2015 at 8:32 pm

Thanks Monica, have a great trip!

3rd August 2015 at 9:50 pm

Great review of a nice trip through GB. My wife and I are trying to plan one for May, and we were thinking of spending more time in Scottland. Do you have any suggestions for moving from Endinburgh and into the northern part of Scotland and skipping Ireland. I thinking about Aberdeen and stopping by Ben Nevis, but it’s our first time traveling abroad and I’d love more information. Thanks!

3rd August 2015 at 11:49 pm

Hi Andy! To be honest I’ve not spent a lot of time in Scotland recently, but I can very much recommend taking the time to visit Glencoe. It’s a couple of hours from Edinburgh, and is an absolutely stunning valley in the highlands. I’ve also heard nothing but good things about the isle of Skye! Sorry I can’t be of much more help right now 🙁

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• UK and Britain Tours
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UK and Britain 1-Week Tours and Itineraries

See the top UK and Britain 1-Week tours and itineraries. Select from 31 1-Week tours in UK and Britain with a total of 164 genuine reviews. Each of Bookmundi's 1-Week UK and Britain itineraries are carefully handpicked.

35 Trips in UK and Britain with 164 Reviews

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The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

The UK could face a shortage of cava due to a drought in the sparkling wine's Spanish heartlands.

The Penedes area of Catalonia is dealing with its worst drought on record, with vineyards across the region so parched the roots of 30-year-old vines have died.

It's left shrivelled red and green grapes languishing under intense sun, fuelled by fossil-fuel driven climate change.

Cava is an increasingly popular drink in the UK, with 17.8 million bottles sold in 2023 - an increase of 5% from the previous year, when Britons stocked up on 16.8 million bottles, according to the Cava Regulatory Board.

That makes the UK the fourth-biggest buyer, behind only the US, Belgium and Germany.

Workforce slashed

The problems have been compounded after Catalonia-based cava producer Freixenet announced it will temporarily lay off 615 workers, almost 80% of its workforce.

Under Spanish law, companies facing exceptional circumstances can lay off staff or reduce working hours.

This measure is expected to take effect from May and it is not known how long it will last.

Price rises

One industry source told retail publication The Grocer  that cava shortages would push up prices "certainly for next year" if there isn't enough supply.

This could last for years if the drought persists, they added.

Consumer expert Helen Dewdney told MailOnline the staff cuts at Freixenet can only mean one thing - price rises.

However, she added, supermarkets say they are not experiencing any issues right now.

Parents are being hammered by rising childcare costs, according to a new study that suggests they may spend more than £160,000 raising their child to the age of 18.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown has found that parents with children pay £6,969 a year more than couples without.

Over 18 years and assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%, that amounts to a whopping £163,175, the investment platform said.

Its study also found that parents were less likely to have money left at the end of the month.

Single parents carry the biggest burden, with the research suggesting they have just £85 left on average compared to £365 for couples with children.

Hargreaves Lansdown also found just 23% of single parents reported having enough emergency savings to cover at least three months' worth of essential expenses, compared to 63% of couples with children.

Parents are also at a slight disadvantage when it comes to pensions, the research found, with only 43% of couples with children on track for a moderate retirement income, compared to 47% without. Only 17% of single parents have a decent projected pension fund.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at the firm, said "having children is one of the most expensive decisions a person can make".

She adds that as a result of having a child, "financial resilience suffers across the board", and added: "For single parents, life is even tougher, and they face far lower resilience on almost every measure.

"It means we need all the help we can get."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

One of the top stories shaking up the markets this morning is that UK-based mining company Anglo American has rejected a major $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover bid.

Details of the attempted buyout by Australian rival BHP emerged yesterday  - sending Anglo American shares soaring.

The deal would have created the world's biggest copper mining company - with the news coming as the price of the metal hit record highs this week.

However, Anglo American has now dismissed the proposal as "opportunistic" and said BHP had undervalued the company.

Anglo's shares are slightly down by 0.8% this morning - suggesting investors may not have given up hopes that a deal could eventually be agreed.

However, overall the FTSE 100 is up around 0.4% this morning, buoyed by strong reported earnings from US tech giants Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet.

It's helped the index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, hit yet another intraday (during the day) record of 8,136 points this morning.

The winning streak comes after a week of all-time highs on the index - including a record close of 8,078 points yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Among the companies doing well this morning is NatWest - despite the bank reporting a fall in pre-tax profits of nearly 28% for the first quarter of the year.

Shares in the lender are up more than 3% after its results were better than expected by analysts.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, almost on a par with yesterday.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil has crept up slightly to $89 (£71).

Self-checkouts - they're like marmite, people seem to either love them or hate them.

But the boss of Sainsbury's has claimed that his customers do  enjoy using self-checkouts, despite criticism that that machines don't always provide the convenience promised.

Simon Roberts told The Telegraph that there are more of them in Sainsbury's stores "than a number of years ago" as shoppers like the "speedy checkout".

But despite this, he said there won't be a time when they'll replace cashiers completely.

"Over the last year, where we've put more self-checkouts in, we're always making sure that the traditional kind of belted checkout is there," he said.

His comments come after northern supermarket Booths ditched self-checkouts at all but two of its sites after customer feedback. 

Walmart and Costco in the US have also scaled back on the systems.

Let us know in the comments - do you love or hate self-checkouts?

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'Smart meters save you money'

For this one, we've enlisted the help of Dr Steve Buckley, also known as the Energy Doctor and head of data science at Loop...

So do smart meters help you save? 

"The short answer is both yes and no," Steve says.

"Installing a smart meter by itself won't magically reduce your energy consumption. But, by giving you easy access to your energy usage data, smart meters pave the way for savings that you couldn't achieve otherwise."

Before smart meters, most households only found out how much energy they had used when the bill arrived. 

By that stage it's too late to address wasteful usage, leading to what's known as "bill shock". 

"With a smart meter, you can see your usage and costs in real-time through an in-home display or an app provided by your supplier," Steve says. 

"This immediate feedback encourages you to use less energy. If you measure it, you can control it."

In 2022, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that homes with smart meters used about 3.4% less electricity and 3% less gas. 

"This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to a saving of over £50 per household annually," Steve says.  

If all homes in the UK made similar cuts, that would amount to savings of around £1.5bn and a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by about 2.7m tonnes each year. 

"Good for individual households but also great for the planet," Steve says. 

Smart meters are often installed at no extra cost to the consumer - it's effectively free data for households. 

Limitations

Smart meters are more or less what you make of them - a simple, free tool that allows you to see headline figures. 

However, "without detailed analysis, it's tough to identify and eliminate" where you could be wasting money, Steve says. 

Apps like Utrack, Loop and Hugo Energy can help you work out where you might be losing money by offering a more detailed breakdown if connected to your smart meter. 

Those tools are often free, but you may need to register your card details as proof of address. 

The tools give a number of useful insights, including looking at consumption in other households of similar size or monitoring where chunks of your money are going, such as to a faulty boiler or the "phantom load" (energy wasted by devices left on unnecessarily).

Myth or must?

Although smart meters alone don't reduce energy bills, they are a vital tool to help energy efficiency and cost savings. 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The world’s best budget hotels that cost less than £100 per night

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We all want to travel in style, but most of us don’t have to stick to a budget when planning our holidays.

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay in luxurious lodgings. You just need to know where to look.

There are some hotels that offer no-frills accommodation at bargain prices , and it’s possible to get a discount on your room if you book outside of peak season or in less popular locations.

On average, though, you’re looking at £200 a night for four-star hotel in London or £350 if you opt for a five-star location in the capital, while a luxury room will set you back $318 (£255) in New York City or €221 (£190) in Paris.

However, a new guide from travel writer Kate Leahy reveals 30 hidden gem hotels from around the world priced at less than £100 per night. Easy on the eye as well as your bank balance, the boutique locations she recommends look anything but cheap.

These are our favourites on the list (which you can see in full over on the Daily Mail site), proving bougie doesn’t need to break the bank.

Mollie’s Motel, Bristol and Oxfordshire

Here in the UK, one of the best budget hotels is Mollie’s Motel in Bristol and Oxfordshire, which is soon to open a third location in Manchester.

You can expect Hypnos mattresses, Dyson hairdryers and Cowshed products, with rooms designed by the team from Soho House – all from £70 a night for a double room.

Babel Belleville, Paris

Kate says: ‘Babel’s rooms are small but perfectly formed: Berber-influenced with patinated walls, antique furnishings and feature bed heads. A glass elevator makes the four floors accessible, including the massage room, restaurant and cocktail bar.’

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It’s right in the heart of the action in the Belleville neighbourhood, between the 19th and 20th Arrondissements. Cafes, restaurants, bars and markets are all nearby, and rooms are priced from £98.

Hotel Not Hotel, Amsterdam

Rooms may be small at this boutique spot, but it’s super unique. You may just be placed in a room hidden behind a bookcase, and there’s a local tram cart in the lobby where you can get a drink.

Priced from £68 for a double, you can choose between a private or shared bathroom.

Hotel Galleria, Venice

There are only nine rooms at this Venice hotel, which is quintessentially Italian with art on the walls and ornate decor. Some even have a Juliet balcony looking out onto the Grand Canal.

Prices start from £86.

Boro Hotel, New York

Head to Queens and you can stay at Boro for £100 a night.

Its chic rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and atmospheric pendant lighting, and Manhattan is within easy reach just over the East River.

Terminus Hotel, Pyrmont, Sydney

The Terminus Hotel Pyrmont offers nine boutique double rooms, two with private ensuite bathrooms and seven with shared bathroom access, priced from £92 per night.

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‘There’s a pretty courtyard deck and bar, as well as tables outside in what was previously the pub garden,’ says Kate in her guide.

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