5 day scotland tour from london

• NORTHERN IRELAND
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Scotland , Europe , UK

5-day scotland itinerary: how to spend 5 days in scotland (+5 alternatives).

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Heading to the UK soon and looking for the perfect 5-day Scotland Itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and there is so much to do! From the beautiful capital city, Edinburgh, to the National Parks and lakes, there is a lot you can see in 5 days.

In this article, we tell you exactly how to spend 5 days in Scotland.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 QUICK SUMMARY – 5 DAYS IN SCOTLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

• BEST TOUR : Rabbie’s Isle of Skye and West Highlands 4- day tour
• BEST THINGS TO SEE: Edinburgh, Cairngorms, Inverness, Loch Ness and Fort William or Edinburgh, Highlands and Skye
• BEST STARTING POINT: Edinburgh
• FUN THINGS TO DO: Riding the Jacobite train , hiking, Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh

In the first section, you will find the ultimate Scotland 5-day itinerary for first-timers.

This itinerary is packed with activities and was made to allow you to enjoy Scotland at its maximum.

With only 5 days in Scotland, you need to be organised.

The itinerary will help you to do that but you will also find some tips and tricks to make your trip even easier!

Later down in the article, you will also find some alternatives.

If you think the first itinerary is too much for you, you can discover what to see in Scotland in 5 days using other routes.

🔎 Table of Contents

Planning your trip to Scotland

Before getting started with the itinerary itself, it’s important to plan your trip.

With only 5 days in Scotland, you need to be quite organised if you want to make the best of your time.

Luckily, travelling in Scotland is pretty easy. As long as you know how to get around and where to stay, you will be just fine.

And that’s exactly why you are here. I’ve been living in the UK for years and I will help you plan the perfect trip now!

How to get to Scotland

The best way to get to Scotland is by plane. The main airport is in Edinburgh.

There are loads of cheap flights going there every day and that’s the first thing you should check.

From Edinburgh airport, you can take a bus, train or tram to reach the city centre. It’s very quick. It takes less than 30 minutes.

Click here to see the latest fares for flights to Edinburgh.

Another option is to fly to the second main airport in Scotland, Glasgow.

There aren’t as many flights and it’s a bit less convenient as you will want to spend more time in Edinburgh than Glasgow but depending where you are flying from, you may get a better deal.

If you choose to fly to Glasgow, you will need to reverse the following itinerary. That’s not an issue at all but it’s worth mentioning.

Click here to see the latest fares for flights to Glasgow.

How to get around Scotland

Scotland is the perfect country to experience the outdoors .

For this reason, the best way to enjoy it is by car (or with a tour). If you wish to explore the country by yourself, you should rent a car and go on the ultimate Scotland road trip.

As you only have 5 days, you may also want to consider going on a multi-day tour. Everything will be planned for you and you won’t have to worry about anything.

The last alternative is taking the train. Public transport in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) is excellent.

It’s very easy to get around by train however, you won’t get to enjoy the outdoors as much and that could be an issue.

Road Trip in Scotland

Renting a car and going on a road trip is perfect for people who like to take their time and be on their own.

Whether you are starting in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you will find loads of car rental companies.

To get the best deal, use Skyscanner . You may know it as a comparison tool for flights but they also do it for car rentals.

Click here to see the best car rental deals in Scotland.

Tours in Scotland

As you only have 5 days in Scotland, you should also consider going on a tour.

The good thing about going on a tour is that you won’t have to worry about anything. The tour company will sort everything out for you.

Also, you will be with a guide which means that you will get loads of information about everything you visit.

It truly is the best way to make the best of your time in Scotland. The local tour companies know Scotland like the back of their hand. They will bring you to the best places in the most efficient way. Meanwhile, the only thing you have to do is to enjoy!

I would recommend to fly to Edinburgh, spend a day there and then go on a 4-day tour around Scotland.

Here are some of the best 4-day tours around Scotland:

• Scottish Castles Experience : this tour features the same itinerary than the one below. It’s a great way to discover the mainland and what Scotland truly is about. The tour company, Rabbie’s, is a Scottish company. The tour guides are amazing. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Isle of Skye and West Highlands : this tour is a bit different as instead of focusing on the mainland, you will go through the highlands and head to the beautiful Isle of Skye . It’s a great tour especially if you’ve always dreamt of visiting the Scottish Isles. It’s a bit harder to do this itinerary on your own in only 5 days so going on a tour is a great option. Click here to see the latest prices.

Trains and buses in Scotland

The railway and bus network in Scotland is pretty amazing. You will find loads of trains and buses going to all cities and towns. It’s very easy to book tickets however, if you are planning on following the itinerary and going to the lochs, this won’t be ideal.

To book your train tickets, you can use Trainline . It’s very easy to use and you can keep your tickets on your phone.

For buses, check out Megabus . The tickets are super cheap!

Accommodation in Scotland

For accommodation, you can opt for hostels, hotels, B&Bs or Airbnbs . You will find below recommendations on the best places to stay.

Overview of your Five Day Scotland Itinerary

Map of the 5-day scotland itinerary.

Your Scotland Itinerary 5 Days

Now is time for the good stuff. Here is the ultimate 5-day Scotland Itinerary.

Please note that this itinerary is packed with activities.

It really is for people who want to do as much as possible however, we’ve indicated the optional activities.

That way, if you want to slow down, you will know what to skip.

Scotland Itinerary Day 1: Edinburgh

To begin your Scotland 5-day itinerary, you’ll be exploring Edinburgh, Scotland.

This is the easiest (and most affordable) city to fly into, so this is the perfect place to start your road trip.

As you only have 5 days, you shouldn’t be spending more than one in Edinburgh. If you choose to do so, you won’t get to see as much of Scotland.

That being said, if you’d rather spending more time here, check out this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary.

Morning: Arthur’s Seat

Start your morning at Arthur’s Seat. This is one of the most underrated places to explore in the country, but your 5 days in Scotland wouldn’t be complete without it.

Arthur’s Seat is an old Volcano located in Edinburgh that has since become a popular place to hike.

There are a few different trails to the top with varying difficulties, but each has an extremely rewarding view.

It’s best to hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat first thing in the morning so you can avoid the crowds.

On average, you’ll probably spend about two hours here.

The hike is not particularly hard but it is considered a hike rather than a leisurely walk so make sure to wear good shoes.

PRO TIP: You can go up to Arthur’s Seat even if the weather is not great. As you can see on my photos, it doesn’t need to be sunny however, if it’s too rainy and the view is blocked, it’s better to reserve it for a time when the weather is a bit better.

Also, the top of Arthur’s Seat is very windy so make sure to wear a good wind breaker.

Once you’re done with the hike to Arthur’s Seat, be sure to explore the rest of Holyrood Park and also check out the Palace of Holyroodhouse , the King’s official Scottish residence.

Lunch: Kilderkin

Address: 67 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BT

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite by hiking to the top of an extinct volcano, it’s time to grab some lunch.

While you make your way back to the Old Town, you will walk past the Scottish Government (which is a building that is famous for being particularly ugly and that went 10 times above budget).

You will also walk past the Holyrood Palace which is the residence of the British monarch in Edinburgh.

Head to Canongate and starts walking up towards the Old Town. You will find on the right hand side a traditional Scottish pub called the Kilderkin.

This is an excellent place for lunch because they have all sorts of drinks and several dishes with haggis. They also offer all the pub classics which means that everyone can find something.

It’s also very reasonably priced.

Afternoon: Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is the most historic part of the city.

The main attraction in the Old Town is Edinburgh Castle, which sits on top of Castle Hill, another extinct volcano in Edinburgh!

This castle holds the country’s crown jewels and is also a museum open to the public. Tickets cost £15.50 per adult if you purchase your tickets online in advance or via a tour company.

While in Old Town, make sure to also walk the Royal Mile. This is the long bustling street leading up to Edinburgh Castle.

It’s lined with some historic and modern attractions that are worth stopping it, dating back a few centuries.

You will also find loads of souvenir shops.

The most popular stop along the Royal Mile is Camera Obscura. This fun museum is filled with optical illusion exhibits that will blow your mind.

If you don’t go inside Edinburgh Castle, this can be a great alternative. Tickets can be purchased here.

If you have a bit more time, consider stopping by the Scottish Parliament, Victoria Street (Real-life version of Diagon Alley) and St. Giles Cathedral.

To make the best of your time in Edinburgh Old Town, I particularly recommend going on a walking tour. The Old Town is full of gems and you can easily reach all of them on foot.

By going on a walking tour, you will discover more about the history of Edinburgh, the famous sites, Harry Potter and some cool anecdotes.

If you are a history lover and want to learn more about Edinburgh as a general thing, opt for the classic walking tour. See prices here.

If you are a Harry Potter fan, that’s no brainer, you must go on a Harry Potter tour! It’s so good! You will discover all the important sites and learn many fun facts! Click here to see the latest prices.

Dinner: The Jolly Judge

Address: 7 James Court, 493 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PB

After exploring the Old Town, it’s time for dinner! Since you didn’t get to try some traditional Scottish pub food for lunch, make your way to The Jolly Judge.

This is one of the top-rated pub restaurants in the whole city.

It’s located right in Old Town near St. Giles Cathedral and has mid-range prices so that you won’t break the bank.

The Jolly Judge is also open until 10 p.m., so if you also want to grab some drinks after and make it a longer night, you absolutely can.

Evening: Calton Hill

End your first of 5 days in Scotland by hiking up to Calton Hill after dinner. It may seem like a lot to hike again after starting the morning with a hike, but it’s completely worth it!

Calton Hill’s view is impeccable and it’s a lot easier to get to the top compared to Arthur’s Seat.

There is a National Monument that was never finished at the top of the hill and an art gallery. However, you should hike up to the top to catch the sunset over the Edinburgh skyline.

This can be a rather romantic way to end the day as you get prepared to see more of Scotland tomorrow!

If you are visiting in winter , make sure to go before dinner and not after otherwise it will be too dark.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

• Luxury:  The Balmoral Hotel is the ultimate place to stay in Edinburgh. It’s located by the station and is the place where JK Rowling wrote the last Harry Potter book. Click here to see the latest prices.
• If you’d rather a luxury Airbnb, this beautiful apartment in the Old Town will be perfect for you. See prices here.
• Mid-range:  The Angus Studio is a cute flat in Edinburgh Old Town. This Airbnb is perfect for a couple. The location is excellent and the amenities perfect. Click here to see the prices.
• Budget:  St Christopher’s Edinburgh Old Town is the best hostel in the city. It’s clean, comfy and well located. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 2: Cairngorms National Park

Next on your 5-day trip to Scotland, it’s time to head towards Cairngorms National Park!

This is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and it’s also filled with tons of castles that you won’t want to miss.

Morning: Dundee

Begin your morning by making a quick stop in Dundee.

It’s about one hour north of Edinburgh and is located right on the coast.

Travellers often overlook it, but it’s a good pit stop before you continue the rest of your trip for the day.

While in Dundee, be sure to stop at the V&A Museum. It recently opened in 2018 and is the first design museum in the country.

It’s completely free to visit, but there are always some rotating exhibits that you may have to pay to enter.

Lunch: The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant

Address: 121 Fisher St, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2BR

Grab lunch while you’re still in Dundee just because there are lots of options. One of the best restaurants in the city is The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant, which has affordable prices and a great water view.

Afternoon: Castle Sightseeing

Now it’s time for the fun part! After your early lunch, make your way towards Cragievar Castle.

This is often referred to as the “pink castle” because of its colour.

This quaint castle truly looks like something out of a fairytale and is worth stopping at.

People inhabited it until about forty years ago! Tickets cost £14.50 per person to see the inside.

Next, make your way to Balmoral Castle, nestled inside Cairngorms National Park.

This is the Queen’s summer residence, but you’re allowed to visit the castle and grounds if you visit anytime besides the summer months.

Tickets can be pricy, but it’s worth it.

If you’ve watched the Crown, you should recognise this place. In season 5, Diana and Margaret Thatcher go there with the royal family.

Last but not least, stop at one more architectural marvel: Braemar Castle. It dates back to the 17th century and is what you’d expect a traditional Scottish castle to look like.

If you visited Balmoral Castle and still have your ticket, you can get discounted access to this castle.

Dinner: The Old Bridge Inn

Address : 23 Dalfaber Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PU

Finish the night by grabbing dinner at The Old Bridge Inn.

This is arguably the best pub near Cairngorms National Park, and they offer a wide variety of dishes.

The menu pleases even the pickiest of eaters. It’s located in Aviemore, a great place to spend the evening before continuing your 5-day road trip in Scotland tomorrow.

Where to stay in the Cairngorms

• Luxury: Loch Insh Chalets are perfect for a luxury stay. They are located on the waterfront and some of them have a private hot tub! See prices here.
• Mid-range:  The Birds Nest is a beautiful cabin in Aviemore. It can sleep up to 2 guests. See prices here.
• Budget:  An Cabar is a super cute tiny house in the Cairngorms. It’s entirely made of wood and a great choice for travellers on a budget looking for an authentic experience. See prices.

Scotland Itinerary Day 3: Inverness & Loch Ness

Next on your Scotland itinerary 5 days, it’s time to make your way to Inverness. This drive will only take about 40 minutes so that you can get started on your day relatively early.

Morning: Inverness Castle

The first stop of the day is the beautiful Inverness Castle! It was built in the 19th century and has a beautiful view of Inverness since it’s located slightly higher than the rest of the city.

Even though it was built only a short hundred years ago, a castle has been in this very spot since the 11th century, when King Malcolm III established his fortress here.

You may instantly recognise the name of Inverness Castle if you’re a Shakespeare fan. That’s because it was featured in Macbeth!

Compared to other castles you’ve visited so far in Scotland, this one is relatively affordable at only £6 per ticket if you purchase your tickets online in advance.

Lunch: Rocpool or The Grumpy Chef

For lunch, make your way back down to Inverness. There are tons of spots to eat here, but some of the top-rated lunch restaurants are Rocpool and The Grumpy Chef.

If you have a bit more money to splurge on a fine meal, be sure to eat at Rocpool. Prices are a bit more luxury and not as budget-friendly, but it’s a top-rated place for modern cuisine in the city.

Address: 1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE

The Grumpy Chef is a more budget-friendly place to grab some quick food. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on their menu.

Whether you’re in the mood for French toast or a ciabatta sandwich, The Grumpy Chef has got you covered.

Address: Chapel St, Inverness IV1 1NA

Afternoon: Loch Ness

As with most Scotland itineraries, you absolutely must visit Loch Ness.

This is one of the best places to see in Scotland in 5 days and is only a thirty-minute drive from Inverness.

While you can drive around Loch Ness for free, you can enter the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition for £8.45 per person.

While you’re at Loch Ness, be on the lookout for Nessie, the legendary monster who has lived in the depths of the loch for centuries.

Be sure to also stop at Urquhart Castle, which is located right along Loch Ness.

Construction began on it and the 13th century though it wasn’t finished until the 16th. Tickets cost £9.60 per person to enter the castle.

And of course, one of the best things to do here is to take a cruise on Loch Ness.

Dinner: The Dores Inn

Address: B862, Dores, Inverness IV2 6TR

For dinner, head back to Inverness and grab some delicious pub food at The Dores Inn.

This pub is family run and offers some of the best views in Inverness, besides the ones from the castle.

Despite being one of the best pubs in Inverness, it’s usually relatively quiet, especially if you choose to use their outdoor seating along Loch Ness.

Evening: Scotch & Rye

Address: 21 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DF

If you still have some energy left, go out for drinks at Scotch & Rye!

The inside of this cocktail bar and restaurant has a lively atmosphere with tons of Prohibition decor and memorabilia.

The bartenders serve up almost any cocktail you can imagine.

Be sure not to stay up too late because you have another busy day tomorrow on this best itinerary for Scotland!

Where to stay in Inverness

• Luxury:  Cheerful and Airy Flat is a wonderful Airbnb in Inverness. The home decor is absolutely stunning and the location is ideal. See prices here.
• Mid-range:  West River Apartment is an excellent option for mid-budget accommodation. It’s very cosy and well located. See prices here.
• Budget:  Crown Street is a private room Airbnb. It’s the perfect choice if you are on a budget. It’s very good value. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 4: Fort William

Fort William is an absolute must-see in Scotland, and luckily that’s what you’ll be seeing today! After waking up in Inverness, make the hour and a half drive to Fort William.

Morning: Nevis Range Scenic Mountain Gondola

If you’re wondering what to see in Scotland while you’re in Fort William, look no further than the Nevis Range. Make your way here first, as soon as you make it to Fort William.

Once you’re there, you’ll want to find the ticket booth and purchase admission to the gondola. Each ticket costs £22, which may seem pricey, but it’s worth it.

After you grab your ticket, hop onto the gondola and catch one of the most breathtaking views in the whole country!

It is a rather steep ride, and if it’s windy, the gondola could also be a little shaky. Keep in mind that every once in a while, the gondolas might stop so that someone can attach their bike to one!

Lunch: The Pinemarten Cafe or The Snowgoose Restaurant

Address: Nevis Range Parking, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SQ

There are two places to eat at the top of the mountain: The Pinemarten Cafe and The Snowgoose Restaurant.

It’s best that you just grab lunch here because there’s a vast outdoor patio looking down the incredibly scenic mountain.

There are quite a few meals you can purchase, and they change depending on the day. Prices are also relatively affordable, but with a view like that, any price is worth it!

After lunch, be sure to walk on a few of the trails at the top of the mountain before heading back down.

Afternoon: Ben Nevis Distillery or Neptune’s Staircase

Here are two things you can do in the afternoon: visiting a distillery (perfect on a rainy day) or going to Neptune staircase and walk down to Corpach port (perfect on a sunny day).

Ben Nevis Distillery’s Address: Lochy Bridge, Fort William PH33 6TJ

Next on your 5-day self-drive tour of Scotland is Ben Nevis Distillery.

No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a distillery of some sort, and this one is one of the most scenic parts of the country.

Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest in the entire country.

This distillery is known for its whisky and offers tours to visitors. Admission is £5 per person, or you can pay £18 to go on a tasting tour. Either one is fantastic!

Neptune’s Staircase Address: Banavie, Fort William PH33 7NG

If it’s sunny then heading to Neptune’s staircase will be an excellent idea. At first sight, there is nothing that exciting about this place but I promise, you’ll be impressed!

Neptune’s staircase is a staircase made of 8 locks on the Caledonian canal.

In simple terms, it allows boats to go up!

As you get there, you can walk on the different bridges and get nice views of the stairs but it’s when a boat comes that it becomes truly impressive!

If you are down for a walk, you can stroll along the canal all the way to Corpach port. It’s an easy 30-minute walk.

Once you get to the port, you’ll discover stunning views of the loch and Ben Nevis.

On a nice and sunny day, you can even see the reflection of Ben Nevis on the loch. It’s so beautiful!

That said, it’s really not worth going on a rainy day as Ben Nevis will be hidden by the clouds.

PRO TIP: If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can stand by the railway at Banavie Station (next to the staircase) and see the Jacobite train coming! Make sure to check the timetables. The train doesn’t stop in the station but it goes fairly slow when it reaches this stage.

READ MORE: Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Dinner: Crannog Seafood Restaurant

Address: 4 Cameron Rd, Fort William PH33 6AJ

Eating seafood is an absolute must-do in Scotland, and there’s no better place to do it than while you’re in Fort William.

The Crannog Seafood Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Fort William and is located right on the pier, so there are excellent views.

Ask for a window seat if you can! Prices are mid-range, and the atmosphere is casual.

If you’re not a big fan of seafood, don’t worry. There are tons of other places to eat at in Fort William, so take your pick!

Where to stay in Fort William

• Luxury: This Airbnb is a beautifully decorated house with stunning views of the water and luxury amenities. See prices here.
• Mid-range: Lothlorien is a cute B&B in Fort William. Admittedly, it looks a bit old fashion but it is great value and breakfast is included! See prices here.
• Budget:  Fort William Backpackers is a hostel located in an old Victorian building in the heart of Fort William. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 5: Loch Lomond & Glasgow

Finish your last day in this beautiful country by visiting some of the best places to see in Scotland in 5 days.

Today, you’ll be visiting Loch Lomond and Glasgow before heading home!

Morning: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Begin your day by exploring Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, one of the best things to do in Scotland in 5 days.

This loch and park are arguably even more beautiful than Loch Ness, so it absolutely can’t be missed.

Instead of purposely going to certain parts of the park, try just driving around and pulling off to the side whenever you find a great viewpoint.

This is one of the best ways to explore, especially after a hectic week of sightseeing. If you do want to stop for a couple of hours, head to Balloch and go on a cruise on the lake .

The cruise is only 1 to 2 hours long and this will be an amazing use of your time!

It’s very pretty and a fun way to discover Loch Lomond.

Click here to see the prices.

Lunch: Mini Grill Glasgow Steakhouse

Address: 244A Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JW

From Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, make your way to Glasgow for lunch.

While there are many places to eat in this city, The Mini Grill Glasgow Steakhouse is a great option. It’s one of the more popular places to eat in Glasgow and has a friendly atmosphere and mid-range pricing.

Afternoon: Glasgow Sightseeing

Spend your last afternoon in Glasgow just doing some sightseeing. 

Again, I highly recommend going on a walking tour here.

The City Centre guided walking tour of Glasgow lasts 2.5 hours, during which you will learn everything you need to know about the city. There is no better way to discover the city quickly and in-depth.

Definitely, a winner when you don’t have much time. Click here to see the latest prices.

If you’d rather exploring on your own, it’s fine too! There are many great places to explore in the city, but here are a few top places to visit in Glasgow.

The equestrian statue of Arthur Wellesley is the most famous landmark in the city.

Not exactly because of the statue or the man himself but because it always has a road cone on the head! Yep, I am serious!

Believe it or not but Glasgow is notorious for this.

As a matter of fact, every time the cone is removed by the city council, people start placing bets on how long it will stay that way. It never lasted more than a few days!

You will see this statue on all postcards! It’s a local institution! You can find it just outside the Gallery of Modern art on the Royal Exchange Square.

The Glasgow Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful gothic church. The inside is very dark yet enchanting, which only adds to its appeal. It’s the oldest cathedral in the country, so it can’t be missed!

George Square is one of the main squares in Glasgow. In particular, this square was named after King George III and features lots of statues throughout, so it’s worth exploring, even if only for a half-hour.

The best museum in Glasgow is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It was opened to the public in 1901 but was recently refurbished in the early 21st century.

It’s filled with beautiful art and also is a true testament to the architecture in Scotland.

The Necropolis is a cemetery located on the heights of the city. It boasts some of the most breath-taking views of Glasgow so it’s well worth walking up there.

Finally, Glasgow is known for its street art! As you walk around, you will discover many beautiful murals!

Dinner: Ox and Finch

Address: 920 Sauchiehall St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7TF

For Dinner, make your way to Ox and Finch.

This is one of the favourite restaurants among locals and tourists, which only adds to its appeal.

The majority of the menu is tapas, and the atmosphere is very casual. Prices are mid-range, and there are tons of delicious meals and appetisers on the menu, including vegan options.

Evening: The Pot Still

Address: 154 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2TH

Finish your last day in Scotland by heading to your last Scottish pub, The Pot Still. This is the most famous pub in the entire city, and they sell tons of whiskies (over 700!) and other alcoholic drinks.

A pub has been located in this very spot since the 19th century, so it’s filled with history.

Where to stay in Glasgow

• Luxury: Kimpton – Blythswood Square Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the city centre. When it comes to luxury accommodation in Glasgow, it really doesn’t get better than that. See prices here.
• Mid-range: Historical Tenement Flat is a beautiful flat in Glasgow City Centre. It’s very good value for money and well located. See prices here.
• Budget: Glasgow Youth Hostel is ideal for travellers on a budget who still want to be staying in a beautiful building. See prices here.

Other Scotland 5-day itineraries

Now that you know exactly how to pack as much as possible in those 5 days, it’s time to discover how to have a more relaxing holiday.

While the first itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see as much of Scotland as possible, it’s not exactly relaxing.

Here you will find some more itineraries that you can use to plan your 5 days in Scotland.

Scotland 5-day itinerary 2: Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan and Fort William

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town
• Day 2: Edinburgh New Town and Dean Village
• Day 3: Fairy Pools on Skye and Portree
• Day 4: Old Man of Storr and Quirrang
• Day 5: Glenfinnan and Fort William

Scotland 5-day itinerary 3: Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur’s Seat
• Day 3: Glasgow City Centre
• Day 4: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Day 5: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Scotland 5-day itinerary 4: Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Inverness and Isle of Skye

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town
• Day 2: Loch Ness
• Day 3: Inverness
• Day 4: Fairy Pools and Portree on Skye
• Day 5: Old Man of Storr and back to Edinburgh

Scotland 5-day itinerary 5: Edinburgh, Outlander, St Andrews and Dundee

• Day 2: Edinburgh New Town, Stockebridge and Dean Village
• Day 3: Day tour to the Outlander filming locations
• Day 4: St Andrews
• Day 5: Dundee

Scotland 5-day itinerary 6: Edinburgh, Leith, Glenfinnan, Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glencoe

• Day 2: Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Day 3: Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William
• Day 4: Ben Nevis
• Day 5: Glencoe (visitor centre and hiking the devil’s staircase)

You may also be interested in:

• Edinburgh 2-day itinerary: How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Harry Potter in Edinburgh
• Scotland Outdoor Bucket List: the best Outdoor Activities in Scotland
• The Best Scotland Quiz: 55 Scottish Questions and Answers for your trivia night!
• Best 3-Day Scotland tours from Edinburgh to book
• 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Scotland

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Achmelvich Beach - 5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

5 Day Grand Tour of Scotland

This classic 5-day tour showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. From dazzling white beaches to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Skye and Assynt, our Grand Tour will live with you forever.

Our 5 day adventure begins by crossing the famous Forth Bridge, travelling past the Fair City of Perth before our first stop at the picturesque Victorian Highland village of Pitlochry.

Five days exploring the Highlands in a very small group

Get off the beaten track in the Wee Red Bus

Surrounded by a stunning Perthshire landscape of mountains, woodland and water there is an optional visit to the Blair Athol distillery for a tour and tasting – a must for all Scotch lovers! Non whisky drinkers can enjoy the bustling High St or stretch their legs beside the River Tummel.

We continue north through the Cairngorms National Park with sweeping views across the Spey Valley and the Central Highlands.

By mid afternoon we arrive at one of Scotland’s most evocative and scared prehistoric sites, the 4000 year old stone circles and burial cairns at Clava Cairns.

Highland town of Pitlochry

Walk and talk at Culloden Battlefield

Standing stones at Clava Cairns

Malt whisky tasting and tour at Blair Athol Distillery

Our final stop is Culloden Moor where the Jacobites were finally defeated by government soldiers in 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil.

You will have time to walk on the battlefield and learn more about this tragic event that killed 700 Highland clansmen in three minutes. Our base for two nights is the Highland capital, Inverness.

Inverness - your base for two nights and capital of the Highlands

A trip to Assynt and the Coigach peninsula will live with you forever as an area of outstanding natural beauty encompassing hundreds of lochs, beautiful coastline, and native woodlands all set against the stunning backdrop of some remarkable mountains.

This dramatic Highland landscape has inspired many from all over the world. We stop at the pretty fishing village of Ullapool for coffee, before continuing north-west to the unique landscape of Assynt and the Inverpolly Nature Reserve.

Stac Pollaidh mountain in unique and dramatic Assynt

Famous mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are never far from view. There can be few more scenic roads in the country than that from Badnagyle to Lochinver, where we pause for lunch. It’s then onto stunning Achmelvich beach to enjoy the wild coastline and beautiful sands.

Achmelvich Beach

Our drive continues to the ruins of 15th century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt before we finish this fabulous day at the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge.

We say goodbye to Inverness and head to the Isle of Skye via the magic of Loch Ness and the rugged splendour of the Western Highlands.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Cruise on Loch Ness

First stop is the world’s most famous lake, best known for sightings of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster!

There’s an option to take a 1 hour boat trip with views of Urquhart Castle or alternatively spend time at the loch-side village of Drumnadrochit for souvenir shopping and/or a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

We continue to the southern end of the loch for lunch in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus.

Getting away from the crowds

The spectacular Cuillin mountains on Skye

Eilean Donan Castle

Plenty of scenic photo stops

Dramatic scenery unfolds as we drive west, stopping for photos at the famous viewpoint over Loch Garry and the wilderness of Knoydart beyond. We continue past the Five Sisters of Kintail – a high mountain ridge rising steeply from Glen Shiel – towards world-famous Eilean Donan Castle.

Perhaps the most iconic image of Highland Scotland the castle has been used as the backdrop for countless well-known movies. It is perfectly situated on a small island, surrounded by water and fabulous scenery – a ‘must-see’ Scottish landmark.

From here it’s only a short drive to the Skye Bridge and onwards to Sligachan for a stunning view of the Cuillin Mountains. Our final stop of the day is the island capital of Portree where we will stay for two nights.

Portree - your picturesque base for two nights on the Isle of Skye

Today is spent touring the Isle of Skye, a flexible itinerary at the discretion of your driver / guide * (see below).

We enjoy a half-day scenic drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations. Stops can include Lealt Waterfall, Kilt Rock sea cliffs, the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and a walk at the Quiraing mountain pass. Another popular stop is the Fairy Glen, a delightful miniature Highland landscape and legendary home of the ‘wee people’!

Small groups and plenty of time with your guide

The Wee Red Bus on the dramatic Quiraing mountain pass

A full day exploring the stunning Isle of Skye

The second half of the day explores the stunning southern part of the island which includes well-known sights and some hidden gems we’ve discovered over the years.

Nestled under the Cuillin mountains is beautiful Glen Brittle. Rugged scenery surrounds us and there are several fantastic options for this section of the tour, including a short walk in the iconic mountain landscape to the famous Fairy Pools.

The beautiful Isle of Skye

Lots of happy memories to take home

Another popular excursion is the drive to Neist Point lighthouse for spectacular views to the Western Isles.

The 13th century home of the famous Clan McLeod, Dunvegan Castle offers guided tours, a useful wet-weather option because of Skye’s famously changeable weather. It’s not called the ‘Misty Isle’ for nothing!

* Please note depending on weather and traffic conditions the itinerary is flexible to maximise our time on Skye.

Our day begins with a scenic drive across Skye to the ferry terminal at Armadale for the 30 minute sea crossing to Mallaig (subject to availability).

With spectacular views to the Small Isles and Cuillin Mountains, the iconic black and red Caledonian Macbrayne ferry takes us back to mainland Scotland with wildlife spotting opportunities en route including seals, sea birds and the occasional whale, dolphin or otter.

The ferry from Skye back to mainland Scotland

Enjoy the company of our friendly driver guides

The 'Hogwarts Express' crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

On arrival in Mallaig we follow the beautiful ‘Road to the Isles’ to Glenfinnan Viaduct which famously features in several Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express train crosses the bridge. Historically this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on mainland Scotland and raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

As we drive to Fort William for lunch we stop for a photo of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis at Neptune’s Staircase. This series of locks on the Caledonian Canal raises the water level 20 metres and was designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford.

Mountains and lochs provide a dramatic backdrop as we continue to Glen Coe, perhaps the most famous of all Scotland’s glens.

Make new friends along the way

The Wee Red Bus at Glen Coe

This narrow valley is where the bloody massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. You may even recognise this part of the Highlands, used as a backdrop for many movies including Skyfall.

Our Grand Tour concludes with a photo stop at 13th century Doune Castle. Protecting the gateway to the Highlands the medieval castle has recently been seen as Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in Game of Thrones but is probably most famous for featuring in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

From £459 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

April — October

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 2282888
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Edinburgh & The Lothians
• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Small coach
• Small Group (1-16)
• Architecture
• Film and TV
• Island Hopping

Tour prices

From £459 Per Adult £245 Per Child £444 Concession

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information

Heart of scotland tours.

Our 5-star, award winning guided tours are carefully designed to give you lots of variety by including the best-loved sights as well as hidden gems that many tourists never see. Enjoy the spectacular mountains of the Highlands, ancient castles, beautiful lochs and some of the best views in the world. We look forward to welcoming you onto our famous 16 seat Wee Red Buses to experience and enjoy the essential Scotland together.

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Opening times

Our phone line is open from 07.00 to 21.00 every day +44(0)131 228 2888 Or book online at heartofscotlandtours.co.uk

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• Tour 1 – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• Tour 2 – Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky
• Tour 3 – Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall
• Tour 4 – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• Tour 5 – The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
• Tour 6 – St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• View All Private Tours
• 1 Day Tour – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• 1 Day Tour – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – The Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 4 Day Tour – Inverness & the Isle of Skye

5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland

• 6 Day Tour – The Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye
• 7 Day Tour – The Complete Tour of Scotland
• Departure Point
• Gift Vouchers
• Accommodation Explained
• Our Story – The Wee Red Bus
• John Muir Trust
• Our Vehicles
• Sustainable Tourism

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant) .

Achmelvich Beach

• Tour Details
• Accommodation Information

Please check in with your driver guide at Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place 15 minutes before departure

Prices & booking terms.

• Luggage allowance of up to 15 kg (33 lbs)
• Free cancellation/rebooking up to 8 days before departure
• Transport in a luxury Mercedes Wee Red Bus
• Fully guided services of a Heart of Scotland tour leader

Not Included

• Entry fees to attractions
• Meals and refreshments
• Accommodation (see below)

Tour Highlights

• Average group size of around 12
• Culloden Battlefield and Clava standing stone circles
• Loch Ness and Inverness
• Achmelvich beach
• Unique Highland landscape of Assynt
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye full day tour
• Lots of photo stops on the magical Isle of Skye
• Glenfinnan Viaduct

2024 Season

Next summer.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating According to TripAdvisor travelers as of May 2024

Your Accommodation

Tour price does not include the cost of accommodation. Accommodation is pre-booked by Heart of Scotland Tours (or by yourself) and you pay card or cash at checkout. Please note some Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) only accept cash . Choose from:

• Hostel – £25 to £35 per person, per night
• B&B single or single occupancy of a double room – £60 to £120 per person, per night
• B&B en suite double or twin – £120 to £190 per room, per night (2 sharing)
• B&B en suite triple or quad – £160 to £240 per room, per night (3 or 4 sharing)
• Hotel – £160 to £240+ per room, per night (2 sharing)

Your accommodation options explained in more detail.

This classic 5-day tour showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. From dazzling white beaches to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Skye and Assynt, our Grand Tour will live with you forever. As part of a small tour group in the Wee Red Bus you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-famous sights like Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle as well as some hidden gems that many tourists never see.

Our 5 day adventure begins by crossing the famous Forth Bridge, travelling past the Fair City of Perth before our first stop at the picturesque Victorian Highland village of Pitlochry.

Surrounded by a stunning Perthshire landscape of mountains, woodland and water there is an optional visit to the Blair Athol distillery for a tour and tasting – a must for all Scotch lovers!  Non whisky drinkers can enjoy the bustling High St or stretch their legs beside the River Tummel.

We continue north through the Cairngorms National Park with sweeping views across the Spey Valley and the Central Highlands.

By mid afternoon we arrive at one of Scotland’s most evocative and scared prehistoric sites, the 4000 year old stone circles and burial cairns at Clava Cairns.

Our final stop is Culloden Moor where the Jacobites were finally defeated by government soldiers in 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil.

You will have time to walk on the battlefield and learn more about this tragic event that killed 700 Highland clansmen in three minutes. Our base for two nights is the Highland capital, Inverness.

A trip to Assynt and the Coigach peninsula will live with you forever as an area of outstanding natural beauty encompassing hundreds of lochs, beautiful coastline, and native woodlands all set against the stunning backdrop of some remarkable mountains.

'Our trip to stunning Assynt will live with you forever'

This dramatic Highland landscape has inspired many from all over the world. We stop at the pretty fishing village of Ullapool for coffee, before continuing north-west to the unique landscape of Assynt and the Inverpolly Nature Reserve.

Famous mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are never far from view. There can be few more scenic roads in the country than that from Badnagyle to Lochinver, where we pause for lunch. It’s then onto stunning Achmelvich beach to enjoy the wild coastline and beautiful sands.

Our drive continues to the ruins of 15th century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt before we finish this fabulous day at the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge.

We say goodbye to Inverness and head to the Isle of Skye via the magic of Loch Ness and the rugged splendour of the Western Highlands.

First stop is the world’s most famous lake, best known for sightings of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster!

There’s an option to take a 1 hour boat trip with views of Urquhart Castle or alternatively spend time at the loch-side village of Drumnadrochit for souvenir shopping and/or a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

We continue to the southern end of the loch for lunch in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus.

Dramatic scenery unfolds as we drive west, stopping for photos at the famous viewpoint over Loch Garry and the wilderness of Knoydart beyond. We continue past the Five Sisters of Kintail – a high mountain ridge rising steeply from Glen Shiel – towards world-famous Eilean Donan Castle.

Perhaps the most iconic image of Highland Scotland the castle has been used as the backdrop for countless well-known movies. It is perfectly situated on a small island, surrounded by water and fabulous scenery – a ‘must-see’ Scottish landmark.

From here it’s only a short drive to the Skye Bridge and onwards to Sligachan for a stunning view of the Cuillin Mountains. Our final stop of the day is the island capital of Portree where we will stay for two nights.

Today is spent touring the Isle of Skye, a flexible itinerary at the discretion of your driver / guide * (see below).

We enjoy a half-day scenic drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations. Stops can include Lealt Waterfall, Kilt Rock sea cliffs, the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and a walk at the Quiraing mountain pass. Another popular stop is the Fairy Glen, a delightful miniature Highland landscape and legendary home of the ‘wee people’!

'We spend a full day exploring the spectacular and dramatic Isle of Skye in the Wee Red Bus'

The second half of the day explores the stunning southern part of the island which includes well-known sights and some hidden gems we’ve discovered over the years.

Nestled under the Cuillin mountains is beautiful Glen Brittle. Rugged scenery surrounds us and there are several fantastic options for this section of the tour, including a short walk in the iconic mountain landscape to the famous Fairy Pools.

Another popular excursion is the drive to Neist Point lighthouse for spectacular views to the Western Isles.

The 13th century home of the famous Clan McLeod, Dunvegan Castle offers guided tours, a useful wet-weather option because of Skye’s famously changeable weather. It’s not called the ‘Misty Isle’ for nothing!

* Please note depending on weather and traffic conditions the itinerary is flexible to maximise our time on Skye.

Our day begins with a scenic drive across Skye to the ferry terminal at Armadale for the 30 minute sea crossing to Mallaig (subject to availability).

With spectacular views to the Small Isles and Cuillin Mountains, the iconic black and red Caledonian Macbrayne ferry takes us back to mainland Scotland with wildlife spotting opportunities en route including seals, sea birds and the occasional whale, dolphin or otter.

On arrival in Mallaig we follow the beautiful ‘Road to the Isles’ to Glenfinnan Viaduct which famously features in several Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express train crosses the bridge. Historically this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on mainland Scotland and raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

'Glenfinnan Viaduct features in several Harry Potter movies'

As we drive to Fort William for lunch we stop for a photo of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis at Neptune’s Staircase. This series of locks on the Caledonian Canal raises the water level 20 metres and was designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford.

Mountains and lochs provide a dramatic backdrop as we continue to Glen Coe, perhaps the most famous of all Scotland’s glens.

This narrow valley is where the bloody massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. You may even recognise this part of the Highlands, used as a backdrop for many movies including Skyfall.

Our Grand Tour concludes with a photo stop at 13th century Doune Castle. Protecting the gateway to the Highlands the medieval castle has recently been seen as Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in Game of Thrones but is probably most famous for featuring in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Tour 1 Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 2 Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 3 Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian's Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 4 The Best of Scotland in a Day

Tour 5 The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Tour 6 St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife

2 Day Tour Inverness & the Highlands

3 Day Tour Isle of Skye & the Highlands

5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

Private Tours of Scotland

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Sensational Five Day Scotland Tour - a journey of discovery, of our history, scenery and culture

Private 5 Day Scotland Tour

Scotland 5 Day Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1 – Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Oban
• Day 2 – Oban, Fort William and the Isle of Skye
• Day 3 – Guided Tour of the Isle of Skye
• Day 4 – Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Inverness
• Day 5 – Cairngorm Mountains, Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery, Blair Castle or Stirling Castle

Day 1 - Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Oban

Travelling west on your 5-Day Tour of Scotland, our first stop of the day is to the picturesque conservation village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond. A perfect stop to stretch the legs, and capture some photographs of arguably the most beautiful loch in the world, Loch Lomond.

Heading North, we pass beneath the craggy mountain, “The Cobbler” (Ben Arthur), as we journey through the “Arrochar Alps”, and on for another photo-shoot at the spectacular viewpoint known as the “Rest and be Thankful”.

As we approach the Highland Harbour town of Inveraray, you have the option to stop for lunch at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, for a taste of some of the finest Scotland’s finest seafood. You may however, wish to opt for traditional Scottish pub cuisine at the ancient old Scottish Inn ‘The George’ in Inveraray town.

Arriving in Inveraray around midday, we visit the impressive Inveraray Castle and gardens. This proud fortress is the romantic Highland Home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Enjoy some free time to browse the beautiful town shops, or take a stroll to the waterside to view the Clyde puffer “The Vital Spark”, once used for transporting coal, moored in the harbour.

In the town of Inveraray, we find the historic 19th century Inveraray Jail, where you can meet the warder and talk to the ‘prisoners’.

https://www.inverarayjail.co.uk

We then take a scenic drive to Oban, for our first overnight stay on our 5-day tour of Scotland.

Day 2 - Oban to the ‘Magical’ Isle of Skye

From Oban, we head north travelling along the banks of Loch Laich. Our first stop of the morning on day two, is at Appin to take in spectacular views across the loch to Castle Stalker.

Our next stop is Fort William for lunch and shopping. We continue along the shores of Loch Lochy to Invergarry, and travel onwards to the magical Isle of Skye for a spot of sightseeing, before stopping for the night in the colourful, popular small town of Portree.

Day 3 - Isle of Skye Guided Tour Experience

Departing Portree after breakfast, we take a scenic tour around the Trotternish peninsula, stopping to see the “The Old Man of Storr,” and the wondrous ‘Kilt Rock’.

After lunch in Staffin, our journey continues around the stunning coastline. We stop for more photo opportunities at the Minch which separates the north-west Highlands and the northern Inner Hebrides from Lewis and Harris. Before driving back to Portree for our overnight stay, we visit the Skye Museum of Island life.

Day 4 - Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness & Inverness

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we cross the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, and then on to Eilean Donan Castle, filming location of the movie “Highlander”. Here we stop for a visit and photo-shoot.

Travelling onwards through Glen Sheil, towards the Great Glen and the banks of Loch Ness, we stop at Urquhart Castle, and again at Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness before lunch. “The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition Experience” offer you the chance to discover all the known facts about the mysterious monster, “Nessie”. Get your binoculars ready for some Nessie searching. Before arriving at our accommodation in Inverness we enjoy a relaxing break at Tomnahurich, to view the lock system in operation, and learn more about the Caledonian Canal from the Lock keeper.

Day 5 - Aviemore, Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery and Option of Blair Castle or Stirling Castle

Departing Inverness, we journey on to Aviemore, where we experience the beautiful Speyside countryside. Chat to the driver and fireman at the Strathspey Steam Railway, and discover the mechanics of a steam locomotive and view the Cairngorm Mountains, famous for its winter sports.

Heading south, we continue our journey through Cairngorms National Park to visit and enjoy a guided tour at Highland Whisky distillery, Dalwhinnie. Here we can sample the “gentle spirit” of the Glen and learn about the “Angels Share”, created during the whisky maturing process.

Climbing over the Pass of Drumochter, and on through the Pass of Killiecrankie, we head into Perthshire to visit Blair Castle, home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s last remaining private army. Alternatively, we can travel onwards to one of Scotland’s most important medieval fortresses, Stirling Castle. The grand castle perched proudly upon a volcanic crag, can be seen from miles around and offers an intriguing insight into Scotland’s turbulent history through the Wars of Independence and into the Renaissance period. Your 5-day Scotland tour concludes at your named accommodation in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

You will return home with fantastic memories and fun filled facts and knowledge of some of our ancient historical beauty spots.

Book your 5-day tour of Scotland today

Contact George today, to check availability on his wonderful 5-day tour. Make life-long memories on your wonderful Scotland touring experience. You can also check out our other fabulous selection of multi day tours in Scotland here .

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

• Scotland Tours
• Edinburgh, Skye and ...

• Dunrobin Castle
• Isle of Skye
• John O'Groats

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Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North - 5 day tour

Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North 5 day / 4 night

Speed from London to Edinburgh by high-speed train. On arrival, explore the city on a hop-on, hop-off tour and visit the historic castle. The next day relax with more time in Edinburgh before taking a train through the Highlands to reach Inverness. From your highland base, enjoy excursions to the picturesque Isle of Skye and John O’Groats & the Far North. Return directly to London through the Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire. 

Express Train  - travel between London and Scotland in comfort with reserved seating

Edinburgh  - explore the fascinating history of Edinburgh and visit its colossal castle

Eilean Donan Castle  - discover this stunningly beautiful castle

Isle of Skye  - see the mighty Cuillin Hills, spend time in colourful Portree and be awed by the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock

Northern Highlands  - visit John O’Groats, Britain’s most northerly village and admire the fairytale Dunrobin Castle 

Movie locations  - Sunshine on Leith, The World is not enough and Winter Solstice

Hotel accommodation included

  Book Now

Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - London - Edinburgh - Edinburgh Sightseeing

All aboard! Join your comfortable  express train  for the speedy journey to Scotland.

Along the way, the train will travel through the historic communities of York,  Durham  and Newcastle, which sits on the famous River Tyne.

After Berwick-upon-Tweed, we cross the border and enter Scotland. Experience stunning sea views as we make our way along the cliff tops towards Scotland’s Capital City.

 On arrival in Edinburgh, it is a short walk to your hotel for tonight.

After you’ve checked in, it’s time to explore Edinburgh by open-top bus. This absorbing tour will first take you into the Georgian splendour of the New Town with its wide streets and grand squares.  Listen to stories of mystery and murder as you travel through the  Grassmarket , then visit majestic  Edinburgh Castle , which stands guard over the city and has done since the earliest of times. During your visit, see the Scottish Crown Jewels and admire the stunning views over the city from the battlements. 

Next, you’ll discover the hidden secrets of the medieval Old Town, where many important events took place in the city’s history.  

Get grandstand views of the modern  Scottish Parliament  building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, HM The King’s official residence in Scotland. 

The remainder of today is free for independent sightseeing.

Overnight: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar)

Day 2 - Edinburgh - The Highland Line - Inverness

After breakfast, head out to discover more of Edinburgh. Why not stroll along the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses and many historical attractions?

At Gladstone’s Land, you can discover what life was like in a 17th Century tenement house or head underground to explore 400 years of hidden history at spooky Mary King’s Close .

Later we head into the Highlands on a spectacular rail journey as we make our way from Edinburgh to Inverness by train.

The “iron road” will take us to historic Stirling, where its ancient castle sits atop a volcanic core. Later travel across Strathallan and through the attractive station that serves the famous Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Courses. 

Admire the picturesque views as the train heads for the attractive Victorian resort of Pitlochry then, after passing through the Pass of Killiecrankie, see white-washed  Blair Castle , the home of the Duke of Atholl.

Our train starts the climb through the Grampian Mountains to reach the Druimuachdar Pass, the highest summit in the British rail network.

As we travel through the attractive Spey Valley, look out for the high peaks of the Cairngorm Mountains on the approach to Aviemore, one of Scotland’s premier outdoor sports venues.

On arrival in Inverness , make your way to your city centre hotel, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the many attractions of the “Highland Capital”.

Overnight: PentaHotel, Inverness (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 3 - Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Excursion

There is an exciting day in prospect as we head for the lovely Island of Skye.

Our first stop is in the tiny village of Achnasheen, which is surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Next, there is a scenic drive through Glen Carron, stopping along the way to admire the panoramic views over Loch Carron.

Soon we are crossing “over the sea to Skye”.

The magical Isle of Skye is known for its wild and beautiful landscapes of deep lochs and jagged mountains. This land has had a harsh history of Norse invasions, fierce clan battles and the tragic Highland Clearances of the 19th Century.

The stories that you will hear will be even more stirring as you drive through this dramatic scenery!

The main stop of the day will be in the colourful fishing port of Portree , which sits around a pretty harbour.

This afternoon we head to the north of the island to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula. We’ll see the impressive obelisk known as the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, which is said to resemble a pleated kilt.  

The scenic tour continues with magnificent views of the Cuillin Mountains, considered by many to be the finest in Britain!

We return to the mainland and stop at Eilean Donan Castle . This picturesque castle stands on a tiny island at the confluence of Lochs Duich and Alsh. The view of this iconic castle is just perfect for your next social media post.

Soon we are heading through Glen Shiel, a spectacular valley where the “ Five Sisters of Kintail ” mountain range soar skywards.

The final part of our journey takes us along the banks of Loch Ness and back to Inverness.

Day 4 - John O’Groats and the Far North Excursion

Today we join a new group and driver/guide for a day of nature, history and scenic beauty as we travel to John O’Groats and the Far North.

From Inverness, we head northwards across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth, where, hopefully, we will catch sight of members of the local seal population.

The attractive village of Golspie is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. Nearby is fairytale Dunrobin Castle , the ancestral seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. It resembles a French chateau and overlooks beautiful formal gardens modelled on those at the Palace of Versailles .

During the stop, there is a chance to visit this impressive castle and tour the grounds.     

Enjoy incredible sea views as we travel northwards along the famed North Coast 500 route.

We will take a break for lunch in Wick. This former Viking settlement became a prosperous fishing town during the herring boom of the 19 th Century. The legacy of the “silver darlings” is an impressive harbour that is still in use today.

Later, we head to John O’Groats ; the most northerly village in the British mainland. After the obligatory “I was there” photograph at the signpost, you can take a cliff-top stroll to enjoy the views and, maybe, spot some wildlife.

On our return journey to Inverness, there will be a stop in Dunbeath, where we can take a stroll around its attractive harbour.  

Day 5 - Inverness - Edinburgh - London

After an early rise, head to Inverness Railway Station to catch the "Highland Chieftain" train bound for London. As well as comfortable seating, air-conditioning and panoramic windows, the Azuma train also features free wifi.

There is an onboard café serving drinks and locally sourced food throughout the journey.

The train will follow the same route as our northbound journey, including the scenic Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire.

After a brief pause in Edinburgh, the journey southwards takes in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and York .  

Your tour will terminate at London (Kings Cross) Station around 15:50 hrs (17:55 hrs on Sundays).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this freestyle train tour.

This carefully planned semi-independent tour will stretch your holiday time to the max without making you feeling rushed. A unique combination of travel by train, comfortable accommodation and quality sightseeing will give you extra time to explore Scotland in greater detail.

All the documentation you need, including your rail tickets, will be emailed to you. Just show them on your smart device as you go, if required. Any questions or if you need your documents early - just email or call us. We’re here to help.

On tour, you’ll travel independently by train to and from London. We’ll make sure you have a reserved seat, and we’ll send you a comprehensive itinerary so you know what’s happening at any time during your tour, as well as helpful city guides for you to download to your smart device.

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

A tasty buffet breakfast is provided daily (except day one).

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

What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?

Other than Edinburgh Castle, admission fees are not included in the cost of the tour. To complement your itinerary you can choose to participate in these exciting options:

Attractions Eilean Donan Castle Dunrobin Castle

The link above will give you more information on this attraction as well as current prices. On some tours discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies. Please note that not all attractions take payment by credit/debit card so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash should you plan to make a visit.

What type of room should I choose?

There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:

Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds Double room - two people sharing one large bed Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)

Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.

What are the train times?

Subject to availability, we will make a reservation for you on a train departing London (Kings Cross) Station between 07:00 hrs and 08:00 hrs (arrival time in Edinburgh between 11:22 hrs and 12:20 hrs).

The return journey will depart Inverness at 07:55 hrs (arrival time in London (Kings Cross): 15:54 hrs).

If you leave Inverness on a Sunday, the departure will be at 09:40 hrs (arrival in London at 17:52 hrs). 

I’m an independent spirit, will I enjoy your tours?

Almost certainly.

Our Freestyle Train Tours are designed to have as much free time as possible. We have designed our tours to combine the freedom of independent travel with the cost advantages of group travel.

In particular, we think that our relaxed excursions from Inverness will appeal to those who enjoy time on their own to enjoy their own pursuits.

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 4 nights hotel accommodation
• Location: Edinburgh (1) and Inverness (3)
• Scottish/Continental breakfast (4)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Hop-on, Hop-off tour of Edinburgh
• Admission to Edinburgh Castle
• Full-day excursion to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye with a local driver/guide
• Full-day excursion to John O’Groats and the Far North with a local driver/guide

Tour Essentials

• Standard class train tickets from London to Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Inverness and Inverness to London
• Seat reservations on all train journeys when available
• Customised tour itinerary 
• Service charges and taxes
• Admission charges
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver/guide

Departure information

From Kings Cross Railway Station Euston Road London N1 9AL

Check-in: 06:30 hrs Tour Departs: 07:00 hrs Tour Returns: 15:54 hrs

Child details

Child discount applies to children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.

We’re sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.

Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement. 

Price Notes

IMPORTANT: Once booked this tour cannot be changed or cancelled

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

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

Documentation Tour documentation including service vouchers and tickets are issued in electronic format. A smart device with an IOS or Android operating system is required.

Admission Prices To give you maximum flexibility, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour (except Edinburgh Castle). 

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

Product code   RT 00315

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas

Customer reviews overall rating:.

All the arrangements were top notch. Hotels good, scenery amazing and the drivers really friendly. I would totally recommend this tour.

I booked my first ever trip to Scotland with Scottish Tours. I was a bit worried as the tour was described as semi-independent, but everything ran like clockwork. I got my train tickets and vouchers about a week before I was due to leave. The hotels in Edinburgh and Inverness were in great locations and the train journey in both directions was a breeze. Andy, the driver/guide for the first two days of the tour was great. He had a great sense of humour and was very patient with his 10 passengers. He was so knowledge of history and facts was awesome! I hadn’t realised Scotland could be so beautiful and Sky was just amazing. I loved Eilean Donan Castle.I joined another group for my tour to John O’Groats. It was a long day, but the scenery was stunning. Best of all I had couple, Sinclair and Kathleen as the driver and guide. They were lovely and gave lots of information.I would recommend this tour if you want to get a taste of Scotland in a short space of time. Thank you Andy, Sinclair and Kathleen for an amazing trip. And Scottish Tours for arranging it so well.

I wanted to visit Scotland on vacation and was looking for 5 days tour from London. I came to know about scottishtours through my search and loved the itinerary of their 5 days tour. It covered most of the places which I wanted to visit and also included return train tickets of London and Scotland. My only concern was there were very few reviews regarding scottishtours even when it said it is member of ABTA. As their tours were offering most of my travel requirements I went ahead and booked the tour and Im so glad I did!!! The tour experience was fantastic. From the start to end there has been no complains. The tour included accommodation and the accommodation that was provided to us was amazing. All located in the center of the city and very close to the coach station was we did not have to hurry in the morning to catch the tour coach. The tour coordinator(Euan) has been very helpful and informative, he made sure everything was arranged perfectly. He also provided us upgrade to our day tour to Skye with the new tour including few more places to visit and we were not disappointed at all. We were arranged tour coaches of Timberbush and Highland experiences and both the tours had excellent guides who told us the stories of the places we were visiting. We missed our coach to inverness(which included Lochness experience) from Edinburgh on the second day of our tour, but the tour was kind enough to arrange an alternative tour(with similar itinerary) which left in an hour and it was awesome. I would definitely recommend Scottishtours for best experience of Scotland.

5 day tour from £ 1205.00

5 day tour from £ 1170.00

4 day tour from £ 845.00

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Scotland 5 Days 5th June

Description.

Balaji Temple Birmingham - Lake District - Windermere Lake - Kirkstone Pass - Ullswater Lake - Aira Force Waterfall - Gretna Green - Glasgow City Tour - Highland - Loch Lomond - Ben Nevis - Fort William - Glen Coe Mountain Range - Loch Ness - Inverness - Isle of Skye - Portree - Fairy Pool - Eilean Donan Castle- Sterling Castle - William Wallace Monument- Bracklin Waterfall - Edinburgh Castle - Royal Mile - Calton Hill - Edinburgh City Tour

Start at 05-06-2024 , 7:30 AM End at 09-06-2024 , 11:00 PM

Scotland – 5 Days 4 Nights

This impressive 5-day tour showcases the best of the Scottish mountains, lakes, Highlands and Islands. From stunning lakes to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Skye, our Grand Tour will live with you forever. As part of a small tour group, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-famous sights like Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle as well as some hidden gems that many tourists never see.

Early morning, we depart from our pick-up point in London towards Sri Venkateshwara Balaji Temple in Birmingham before continuing our journey towards  Windermere Lake  in  Lake   District,  which is England’s largest fresh water Lake. Here you will have the chance of either going on to the cruise or hiring the power boat to have a thrilling experience of the lake. You will also have some time to explore the town.

You will then return to the coach and we will depart for Glasgow (Scotland). We will travel via one of the most scenic routes which will give us a chance to view the  Kirkstone Pass  which is a mountain pass in the Lake District having an altitude of 1,489 feet (454 m) and  Ullswater Lake  which is the second largest lake in English Lake District and it will accompany us for approximately 14.5kms. We will then join the motorway to reach  Glasgow  via Gretna Green.  Gretna Green  is a village in the south of Scotland famous for runaway weddings. On the arrival at  Glasgow,  we will stop at the city centre which is the heart of Glasgow. It consists of Glasgow Cathedral, City Chambers and the famous St. Georges Square. Later check-in to our hotel for a night stay. 

We enjoy delicious Indian meal at the restaurant before making our way to the hotel for a night stay.

After the early breakfast at the hotel, we will start our second day journey towards  Highland  to view the Magnificent Mountains and lake scenery. On the way our first stop will be at  Loch Lomond , one of the prettiest and largest Lochs in the whole of Scotland. We then visit the infamous site of the 1692  Glencoe  massacre one of the most famous Glens, where we pause for a photo-stop and to soak up the atmosphere in that haunting Glen, followed by a short drive to  Fort William  in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain  Ben Nevis , where we stop for lunch. Travelling on, we admire the Caledonian Canal and the pretty village of  Fort Augustus , enjoying the spectacular view of  Loch Ness . It is 24 miles long and over 700 ft deep, is most famous for its sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as  Nessie.  

We will then drive towards Inverness. On arrival enjoy your meal at the Indian restaurant before checking-in to the hotel for next two nights.

(Breakfast + Dinner)

In early morning, after breakfast we will depart towards  Isle of Skye , on the way making a quick stop at  Eilean Donan Castle , one of the most photographed castles.  Later crossing over the  SKYE BRIDGE , you follow dramatic coastline towards the island’s capital,  Portree . And after all this breath-taking beauty we will head towards our main attraction for the day  Fairy Pool waterfalls , the most beautiful waterfalls in this Island. It takes about 20minute walk after crossing the stepping stones and river markings to reach the first and the largest waterfall. It features a natural arch, offering an exhilarating under water swim through the arch. 

We then make our drive back to the restaurant in the evening, before going back to the hotel, (night stay will be in Inverness).

Day 4: 

Today morning after breakfast, we drive through Cairngorms national park, UK's largest national park and has the highest range of mountains, we will be making a stop on route at Loch Morlich . A stunning beach, in the beautiful settings of the Cairngorms and Glenmore Forest.  Loch Morlich surrounded by the mighty trees of Glenmore Forest, the pristine Morlich Beach and a picture-postcard backdrop of the peaks of the often snow-clad Cairngorm mountains, it’s no wonder it’s considered to be one of the finest lochs in Scotland. Continuing our journey we will drive to the town of Stirling which has a backdrop of Stirling castle, enjoy free time for lunch and exploring. Then visit a Whiskey Distillery, learn more about the traditional art of whisky distilling on our guided tour, followed by a tasting (optional). Later visit Falkirk Wheel which is a rotating boat lift in Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Then, we visit The Kelpies: 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures depicting Kelpies. The Kelpies are a monument to horse powered heritage across Scotland.

After the exhausting day, we will depart for Edinburgh where we will stay overnight.

Day 5: 

Today morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and depart for the capital city of Scotland - Edinburgh! As it says the name is enough, everyone knows that  Edinburgh  is the most historical town of Scotland. Here you will have the opportunity to do the walking tour with our tour manager who will guide you throughout the city. We will cover  Calton Hill, National monument of Scotland, Nelson Monument, Scott Monument, Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile, Scottish Parliament and the Hollyrood Palace . After enjoying the most popular city we will help ourselves for the Lunch and depart towards London. Upon arrival at London We will bid farewell to each other and hoping to see each other soon again.

(Breakfast)

*Please Note we are not responsible for any attractions that are closed by the attraction authorities*

PICK-UP POINTS

4:30am EAST HAM  – OUT SIDE EAST HAM STATION, HIGH STREET NORTH, E6 2JA.

5:30am WEMBLEY  – OUT SIDE SANATAN HINDU MANDIR, EALING ROAD, WEMBLEY, HA0 4TA.

6:00am HOUNSLOW  – OUTSIDE HOUNSLOW CENTRAL STATION, TW3 1JG.

ADDITIONAL PICK-UP ON REQUEST

WARWICK SERVICES  – M40 NORTH BOUND, BANBURY ROAD, ASHORNE, WARWICK, CV35 0AA.

TODDINGTON SERVICES NORTHBOUND  – NORTHBOUND M1 BETWEEN JUNCTION 11 & 12, BEDFORDSHIRE, LU5 6HR

NEWPORT PAGNELL SERVICES  – NORTHBOUND M1 BETWEEN JUNCTION 14 & 15, MILTON KEYNES, MK16 8DS

WATFORD GAP SERVICES  – NORTHBOUND M1 BETWEEN JUNCTION 16-17, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, NN6 7UZ

CORLEY SERVICES –  NORTHBOUND M6 BETWEEN JUNCTION 3 & 4, CV7 8NR

KEELE SERVICES (PICK UP ONLY) –  NORTHBOUND M6 BETWEEN JUNCTION 15 & 16, ST5 5HG

STAFFORD SERVICES -  NORTHBOUND M6 BETWEEN JUNCTION 14 - 15, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST15 OEU

KNAUTSFORD SERVICES –  KNAUTSFORD SERVICES M6, BETWEEN JUNCTION 18 & 19, KNAUTSFORD, WA16 0TL

BIRMINGHAM   (PICK UP ONLY)  – BALAJI TEMPLE, DUDLEY RD E, TIVIDALE, OLDBURY B69 3DU

Price Per Person

• Adult – £600
• Child – £475 (Age 3 to less than 14yrs)
• Infant – £175 (0 to under 3 years)
• Single Room - £850

Price Includes

• Transportation in AC Vehicle (This may be Minibus or Coach)?
• Price per person include a room shared between 2/3 adults
• Child aged 3-14 must share a room with 2/3 adults.
• Max occupancy per room is 3 people (Excluding Infants)
• 4 English continental breakfast
• 4 Indian dinner (Veg, non-veg & Jain option also available)

Price Excludes

• Any expense of personal nature.
• Any expense for food or snacks during the day
• Entry fees to the attractions

ALL BOOKINGS TO BE CONFIRMED AT 07778 335 336

 Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time. 

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Scottish Highlands

5 days tour, scotland | lake district.

Please scroll to see more information

Tour Overview

05 days - scottish highlands (code: uksh), early bird offer, tour highlights.

Nevis Range* with entrance

Glasgow City Tour covering Glasgow Cathedral, Main Square & University of Glasgow for photo stops

Edinburgh City Tour covering the Royal Mile and entrance to Edinburgh Castle

View the famous Neptune staircase & Commando Memorial

View the Forth Road Bridge

Photo Stop at Falkirk Wheel

The Kelpies

Free time in Inverness City

Isle of Skye Tour

Caringorms National Park

Scottish Distillery

Price Includes

Return Transportation by deluxe AC vehicle from selected pick up point

4 Nights accomodation in a 3/4 Star Hotel

3 Indian Dinners

Entrance & sightseeing as mentioned in the Tour Highlights

All tips and service charges

Premium service of a Star Tours Representative

ABTA Legal Protection

The Star Difference

Free Selected pick ups available nationwide

Tips and service charge included

Premium service of a Star Tours Representive

ABTA Protection

All departures guaranteed to travel in June, July and August

Stay at Premier Inn or Holiday Inn Express or Similar

Pick Up Points

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

Pick ups are subject to availability and change.

Additional Excursions

Tour itinerary, other information, 2024 usd dates & prices.

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

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

Infants 0 - 23 months from price is $260 for a seat in coach only

Max occupancy per room is 3 person (excluding infants)

$100 reduction will apply for 2nd child without a bed

Single supplement will be an additional $350

Discover general information about our tours by clicking here . Additionally, should you have any questions, our Frequently Asked Questions page may already contain the answers to your questions.

Country Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details, as Scotland is part of the UK there are no advisories for people travelling from the UK.

For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

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

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

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

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

Other Advisories

High altitude.

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

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

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

Infants: Short-term stays at the mountain tops are unproblematic. Infants and young children are often unable to equalise pressure during descent and are therefore increasingly at risk of ear irritation. Regular swallowing (drinking, sucking on a bottle) during the descent can prevent the occurrence of irritation.

Because children can chill faster than adults, always pay attention to sufficient protection from the cold at high altitude. Sunglasses and a good sunscreen are necessary on the glaciers!

High altitude visits not recommended for:

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

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

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

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

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

Visa Details

You do not require Schengen visas for this tour, however you will require UK Visa or the right to be in UK. Please consult the British Embassy in your country of residence.

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

Wheelchairs & Child Seats

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

Useful links

Home pick-ups.

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

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

Pick-up points.

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

Early Bird Offers

• Book 10 weeks in advance and get £25 / $35  OFF per adult and child
• Book 8 weeks in advance and get £15 / $20  OFF per adult and child

Book Your Tour

Number of passengers.

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Our tour guide, Tony Walker, was excellent. Since this was a first for this itinerary, there were a lot of travel issues and Tony was great at solving them. Culture Tours need to acknowledge how good a tour guide and leader he was for them. Here are my comments, in no special order. - More trip details as very vague in the itinerary, i.e. daily timetables for stops - Timely receipt of changes to original schedule of events - Notification of roommate and contact info when sharing room (prior to trip start) - Daily events need to be better scheduled. Too many crammed into some days causing early starts and late day endings. - Long distances to each night's stop causing long days on coach and trains - More centrally located hotels with dining options nearby. - Disliked hotel in Inverness. Staff almost rude and not helpful when we wanted a cab. Way too far from the city center. No amenities in the room - i.e. soap, shampoo, lotions, etc. - Name tags for tour members

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

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

• Day 4: Cotswolds

Day 5: Gloucester and Stratford-upon-Avon

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

• The Best Time to do This UK Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Tips for Your Self Drive UK Holiday

Map of london to scotland road trip destinations.

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

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

RELATED: 15 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in London

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

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

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

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

RELATED: Ultimate 4 Days in London Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your skip the line Stonehenge tickets to save time!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Save me for later!

Day 4: Cotswolds

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

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

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

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

Read the full Cotswolds day trip itinerary here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the entire 2 day Edinburgh itinerary here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Favorite UK Travel Planning Books

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

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

Click here to open the complete interactive map!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy to help, Melanie!

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

Happy to help, Mike!

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

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Kind regards, Maureen (Melbourne)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope this helps!

Hi, Chelsea,

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

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

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

Best wishes on your UK road trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy your UK road trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Scotland Tour Packages from Edinburgh and Glasgow >

5 Day Scotland Tour

Our 5 Day Scotland Tour from Edinburgh and Glasgow takes you into the heart of the Highlands, giving a taste of the sights and sounds of Scotland. You’ll get to enjoy stunning landscapes, visit medieval cities, discover important archaeology sites, and see famous TV and film locations on this 5-day sightseeing trip. Our tour is led by an experienced guide, and you’ll travel in a small-group with a maximum of 16 guests.

Discover the dramatic Scottish countryside as we drive through valleys and over mountainous terrain. We’ll visit iconic viewpoints along the way including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Eilean Donan Castle and more! A highlight of the trip includes a visit to the Isle of Skye which is home to one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. You’ll also have the chance to take a seal-spotting boat cruise, visit a Scotch Whisky distillery and try to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness monster! On our 5-day Scotland tour, you’ll stay overnight in well-known towns including Inverness, the capital of the highlands. The tour is available on selected dates.

• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Highlights:

Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland

• Leave in the morning with pick up from Edinburgh and then Glasgow on our 5 Day Scotland tour adventure!
• In Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery which houses one of Europe’s great art collections
• Drive into the Scottish Highlands, a rugged mountainous region with breathtaking scenery and views. We’ll pass several villages along the way including Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond, Arrochar at the foot of the Arrochar Alps, and Inveraray which is the seat of the Clan Campbell and Dukes of Argyll!
• Visit the Dunadd Iron Age Fort which dates back over 2,000 years and was the coronation site of kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic speaking kingdom
• See Kilmartin Glen, one of the richest Neolithic sites anywhere in Europe with some of the largest concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. Visit the Kilmartin Museum to learn the history of the peoples who have lived and worshipped in this area for the last six thousand years
• Our first day ends with an overnight stay in Oban, a port and fishing town.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

• Departing Oban our first stop of the day is Glencoe. This is one of the most impressive valleys in Scotland and is an iconic filming location, featuring in the Harry Potter movies and James Bond’s Skyfall. It’s also the site of the infamous 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, and your guide will explain its importance for Scottish history
• We’ll continue to Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognizable as the bridge that Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter movies!
• Enjoy lunch in the town of Fort William, the second largest town in the Highlands. Choose to take a tour of the Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and learn how Scotch whisky is made. At the end of the tour you’ll get to taste some Ben Nevis single malt whisky. Alternatively, you’ll have the chance to visit the ruins of Inverlochy Castle and explore “Neptune’s Staircase”
• From here, we’ll head to a viewpoint at the Commando Memorial Statue to enjoy sweeping views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. The memorial site commemorates commandos who trained near here during WWII
• Continue to the village of Fort August which lies at the shore of Loch Ness. You might even get to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness monster!
• Our drive continues through some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery in Scotland, passing Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail. We’ll visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most famous locations in Scotland
• Continue the drive over Skye Bridge and onto the Isle of Skye. You’ll stay overnight in Portree, the largest town on the island

The Isle of Skye!

• We’ll spend the morning touring the Isle of Skye, which is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!
• Highlights include exploring the Trotternish Peninsula where you’ll see the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing. You’ll also get to see amazing views across the sea – east to the Torridon Mountains and west to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Your guide will also bring the island to life with tales of the local folklore. The Skye Museum of Island Life explains how people lived on this island a hundred years ago
• Enjoy lunch in Portree which is known for its fish and seafood, with time to explore the pretty town with many craft and local gift shops
• Following lunch we’ll drive over the Cuillin Mountains, leaving the Isle of Skye and heading to the village of Plockton on the shores of Loch Carron
• Choose to take a 1-hour seal tour where you’ll get to see seals along with many species of sea birds. And sometimes you can even see dolphins and porpoise. Alternatively, spend some free time exploring the village of Plockton
• We end the day in Inverness which is the capital of the Highlands. Spend your free evening with a stroll along the riverbank or visit Inverness Castle which dominates the city centre and offers a fabulous view of the surrounding area
• Overnight in Inverness

View of Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

• We spend day 4 exploring the wild and mountainous North West Highlands. Our drive takes us past spectacular scenery that is amongst the most rugged landscapes in Europe
• Visit Corrieshalloch, one of the most breathtaking gorges of its type in Britain set in a national nature reserve. See the series of crashing waterfalls from the Victorian suspension bridge
• We’ll drive along part of the North Coast 500 Route, one of the top coastal road trips in the world. Stop to visit the ancient ruins of Ardvreck Castle
• From here visit Knockan Crag, a globally important geological site. For serious hikers, there is an optional hike along steep paths that takes you through hundreds of millions of years of history. Alternatively, sit back and soak up the beautiful landscapes
• Enjoy lunch in the pretty ferry port of Ullapool. This fishing town is well known for its fish ‘n’ chips! We’ll visit nearby  Rogie Falls, a beautiful sport which offers several good forest walks
• Visit the town of Beauly. Mary, Queen of Scots is believed to have given this town its name in 1564 when she visited, exclaiming: ‘ Quel beau lieu!’ (What a beautiful place!)
• As we make our way back to Inverness, we’ll stop for a fantastic photo opportunity from a vantage point high above Urquhart Castle – the only castle on the banks of Loch Ness
• Spend our last night in Inverness

The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral

• We depart Inverness on our final day, gradually making our way south towards Edinburgh passing some beautiful places along the way
• Begin the day with a visit to Clava Cairns. The stones and Burial Chambers date from at least 4000 years ago and were the inspiration for the author of the Outlander novels when writing about Craigh na Dun. We’ll also visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield, which is also connected to the Outlander TV series and is where the final battle of the Jacobite rising of 1745 took place
• Our final stop is to the town of St Andrews, known as the birthplace of golf and the place where Prince William met Kate Middleton. You’ll have free time to explore the highlights of this town.
• Golf fans can visit The Old Course which is the oldest course in the world. The British Golf Museum is located just behind the clubhouse. The medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University. Visitors can walk around the ancient buildings, and see the remains of the Cathedral. St Andrews Castle sits on the coast and highlights include the Bottleneck Dungeon, subterranean mine and medieval tunnels
• As we return to Edinburgh, the drive takes us through the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge and the 2017 Queensferry Crossing
• Arrive back in Edinburgh in the early evening. The tour does not return to Glasgow.

Accommodation:

During this tour, you will stay 1-night in Oban, 1-night in Portree & 2-nights in Inverness. Our tour does not include accommodation, and you can either book your own accommodation or request for us to book accommodation for you.

Drop-off & Pick-up locations:

You will be dropped off and picked up at these city-centre locations at the end of each touring day:

• Oban: 1 Station Rd, Oban PA34 4NU
• Portree: Somerled Square, Portree IV51 9BS
• Inverness: 26 Queensgate, Inverness, IV1 1DJ

Leave it to us:

If you would like us to reserve your accommodation, please contact us after booking your tour. We can arrange the following types of accommodation:

• Hostel accommodation: a dorm bed in a mixed room with 4-8 beds per room. Facilities are shared, and breakfast is not included, but there is a communal kitchen where you can prepare food
• B&B/Guesthouse: we can arrange a single room, double/twin room, or family room (3-4 people). All rooms are en-suite or have private shower facilities. Breakfast is included

You’ll pay for your accommodation directly to the provider on arrival. By doing so, we can offer you the best prices!

• The tour departs at 8:30am from Deacon’s House Cafe, 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PS. It returns to the same location on day 5 at approximately 6:30 pm
• Pickup at Glasgow is at 10am from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG.
• The tour includes a driver, transportation. It does not include entrance fees/optional extras
• This is a small-group tour that typically operates on a 16-seater Mercedes sprinter
• Optional extras for this tour are: Ben Nevis Distillery Tour; Museum of Island Life Skye; Seal Tour; Eilean Donan Castle; St Andrews Cathedral. You can see prices for these extras on our book now page
• It is important to bring warm and waterproof clothing, as well as comfortable walking shoes. We also recommended bringing cash (around £30 per day) since not all villages have ATM machines

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

3 Day Isle of Skye Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye Tour from Glasgow - 3 Days

3 Day Lake District Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

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5-Day England & Scotland Explorer London (Historical Sites, Landscapes) Cambridge | York | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Manchester

• Meeting Point
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Tour Themes: Nature

Get in touch with Mother Earth

Tour Type: Guided Tour

Multiple local tour guides/drivers available throughout your tour/activity

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Quality: Budget

The most affordable tour service and/or accommodation with fast-paced itineraries. Eg.Budget hotels, certificated guide, about 10 year safe driving experience driver. Price is about $80.00-$150.00 per day per person.

Hotel: Ibis London Excel Docklands or similar

Visiting Attractions

Admission fees.

• All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
• Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

London - Cambridge - York

Hotel: Holiday Inn Darlington - A1 Scotch Corner or similar

Meal: Breakfast: including

• Breakfast: including

York - Edinburgh - Glasgow

Hotel: Days Inn Hotel Abington or similar

Glasgow - Gretna Green - Lake District - Manchester

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Manchester / Niu Loom Hotel or similar

Manchester - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Bicester Village - Swindon

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AUD: A$ 263.05

EUR: A$ 263.05

GBP: A$ 263.05

USD: A$ 263.05

• 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
• 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
• 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable

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