great britain road trip itinerary

UK Road Trip Itinerary Planner | The 7 Best Routes

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

If you love to take to the wheel and you’ll be visiting the UK at some point in the future, then you need to find the perfect UK road trip itinerary! This UK road trip planner aims to help you pin down the ideal 1 week, 10 day or 2 week UK road trip itinerary to follow during your visit. 

Featured in this guide are 7 of the best road trip routes in the UK. Whether you want a 10 days in England itinerary, would rather spend a week in Wales or have 10 days to discover Scotland, this post showcases the very best that the UK has to offer. 

Don’t plan a road trip in the UK without reading this first! From the Scottish Highlands to the sunny south coast of England and wild, unspoiled Wales, here are seven of the best UK road trip itineraries. But first, a few pointers on how to use this guide.

Cherry-picking

Pace yourself, the great british weather, driving in the uk, 1. the cotswolds and the south of england, 2. wonderful wales, 3. the english countryside, 4. the south to north circular, 5. capital to capital (london to edinburgh), 6. devon and cornwall, 7. bonnie scotland, which uk road trip itinerary will you follow, how to use this uk road trip itinerary planner.

You could follow these itineraries over whatever period of time you have at your disposal, but we’d say you need at least a week.

A fortnight means you can spend more time in each place, while ten days means having to rush around a little less than when you have only 7 nights to spare. 

The key thing to remember here is that it’s your UK road trip, not ours! So you can of course cherry pick where you want to go and leave out anywhere that doesn’t really interest you. 

If you think about it, doing that means you could fit in two of these itineraries, back-to-back, over a fortnight. Rather than just one. Having said that…

A holiday is all about having fun. Or at least it should be. For that reason, we urge you not to try to pack too much in. Pace yourself and you might just enjoy yourself a whole lot more. 

When you’re not sure about where you really want to go, ask yourself this. Would you be really disappointed if you missed out on visiting this place? Or are you not really all that bothered? If you’re not feeling the love and aren’t too fussed about it, then is it really worth spending the time and money on going there? 

Wherever you go, be prepared for the weather to take over. British people often seem to talk about little else. Whether you’re in northern Scotland, west Wales or central England, the maritime climate of the British Isles means that the weather can be very changeable. 

Dress in layers, take along a packable rain jacket and an umbrella, pick the right footwear and you’ll be prepared for anything. 

Before you draw up that UK road trip map, you’ll need to think about driving around the country. Booking car hire before you go is always advisable, especially if you want a particular kind of vehicle. Such as an automatic – cars with manual transmission are still the norm in the UK. 

In the UK they drive on the left. Cars are thus right hand drive. Meaning that the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. If you’re from North America, Europe or any other area that drives on the left, then this may feel very different from what you’re used to!

Roads in the UK are generally well-maintained. Signs measure distances in miles rather than kilometres. In the interests of safety, it’s a good idea to look at the Highway Code before you set off, as this will familiarise you with the rules of the road in the UK.

We recommend preparing to drive in the UK with Tripiamo which is the most comprehensive guide for Americans driving abroad.

Their guides include instructional videos and interactive 360-degree driving tours and will teach you everything you need to know about driving abroad, from reading road signs to avoiding fines. Drive safely and confidently in the UK with the help of Tripiamo.

7 best UK road trip itineraries

This suggested road trip itinerary for the UK commences in Oxford. If you make all the stops, you’ll visit the Cotswolds, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge , Portsmouth, Winchester, Brighton, Dover and Canterbury. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Salisbury & Stonehenge -> optional Portsmouth and/or Winchester -> Brighton -> Dover -> Canterbury 

Depending on whether you want to embark on your road trip right away or spend some time in London first, you can collect a hire car for this Cotswolds and southern England road trip either at Heathrow Airport or in Oxford.

Don’t bother trying to drive in central London – it’s congested, expensive and almost completely devoid of any parking whatsoever!

Here’s where to stop when you want to explore the Cotswolds and the south of England. As well as five of the best things to do in each of these locations.

If you choose to begin in Oxford , this historic and academic city has lots to offer. It’s packed with very old buildings, including the many colleges making up the prestigious University of Oxford. Some of these were featured in the Harry Potter movies . 

Oxford also offers the Ashmolean Museum, which focuses on art and archaeology. You can also take a river cruise on the Thames, which is a lovely way to see the city. The Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum are also well worth a look. 

• Oxford University and city walking tour
• Ashmolean Museum of art and archaeology
• Sightseeing river cruise on a small electric boat
• Harry Potter tour of Oxford filming locations
• Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

If you’re spending time in southern England, then you must visit the Cotswolds . This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all greenery and honey-toned local stone, and dotted with appealing towns and villages. 

Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are the two most popular spots, but there are so many villages you can visit. Check out the 10 best Cotswolds villages in this post, or use the suggestions below.

Find things to do and places to stay in the Cotswolds in our complete guides.

• Stow-on-the-Wold Market town with traditional pubs and antique shops
• Bourton-on-the-Water On the River Windrush with honey-toned stone buildings
• Lacock Home to Harry Potter filming locations and beautiful, ancient buildings 
• Bibury Timeless village where you can find photogenic and historic Arlington Row
• Painswick The Queen of the Cotswolds with Rococo gardens and a grand churchyard

Bath is a spa city in the west of England. It’s world famous for its original Roman Baths, handsome Georgian architecture and the Bath bun. Other top places to visit in Bath include Pulteney Bridge and the luxurious Thermae Bath Spa. 

Discover a Bath itinerary , where to stay and what to do in our Bath guides.

• City walking tour with Roman Baths entry
• Pulteney Bridge
• Thermae Bath Spa
• The Royal Crescent 
• Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum

Salisbury & Stonehenge

So many visitors to the UK want to see Stonehenge. The mysterious stone circle can be found close to Salisbury , making it easy to visit both. 

Salisbury is a small city with a magnificent cathedral, a good museum and a bi-weekly market. You can also enjoy views of the city from Old Sarum, two miles away. 

• Stonehenge World Heritage Site
• Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta
• Salisbury Charter Market | Tuesdays and Saturdays
• The Salisbury Museum | Stonehenge and local archaeology
• Old Sarum | Deserted hilltop ruins with panoramic city views

Portsmouth – optional

An optional trip to Portsmouth will particularly appeal to anyone interested in maritime history. The city is home to the historic dockyard, the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Other sights to see include the Spinnaker Tower, and you can shop at the Gunwharf Quays outlet centre too. 

• Spinnaker Tower
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• The Mary Rose
• HMS Victory
• Gunwharf Quays | Outlet shopping

Winchester – optional

Like Salisbury, Winchester is a small cathedral city. There’s an interesting military museum here. Other places to visit include the Winchester Science Centre, the Great Hall and Winchester College.

• Winchester Cathedral
• The Royal Green Jackets Museum
• Winchester College
• The Great Hall
• Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Brighton makes a great day trip from London – or you can stay over as part of a road trip around the UK. With a grand pier and a pebble beach, Brighton is Britain’s most popular city by the sea. 

Things to do here include shopping at The Lanes, seeing the Royal Pavilion and going on the i360. The Seal Life Centre is also popular with families. 

• British Airways i360
• The Lanes | Cafes, shops, pubs, boutiques and restaurants
• Brighton Palace Pier
• The Royal Pavilion
• Sea Life Brighton

Dover 

Dover is best known for the iconic white cliffs, but there are other attractions here too. These include St Margarets Bay beach, Dover Castle, the Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery.

• White Cliffs of Dover
• Dover Castle
• St Margarets Bay beach
• Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
• Fan Bay Deep Shelter

Canterbury is the capital of Kent, the county known as the Garden of England. The cathedral here is a draw, and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. 

You can also explore Westgate Gardens here, and visit Howletts Wild Animal Park or The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge with the kids.

• Canterbury Cathedral
• Westgate Gardens
• Official guided walking tour
• Howletts Wild Animal Park
• The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge 

Our wonderful Welsh itinerary begins in Oxford, in England, before heading via the Cotswolds to Bath. You can find out what to do in those locations under the Cotswolds and South of England itinerary above. Or read on to discover all that Wales has to offer. 

• Heathrow or Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Cardiff (optional) -> Brecon Beacons -> Barmouth -> Porthmadog -> Snowdonia -> Caernarfon -> Anglesey -> Llandudno -> Chester -> Liverpool (optional) -> Peak District -> Stratford -> Oxford/Heathrow

Cardiff is the cool capital of Wales. Top things to see here include Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, the Principality Stadium and home of Welsh rugby, and the National Museum. You can also take a Doctor Who walking tour of the city!

• Cardiff Castle
• Principality Stadium
• National Museum
• Doctor Who walking tour

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Bannau Brycheiniog, formally known as the Brecon Beacons, is the ideal place for outdoor sorts to stretch their legs. As well as hiking, you can cycle, try watersports, stargaze or do some rock climbing here.

• Mountain biking
• Watersports
• Rock climbing

The seaside town of Barmouth in northwest Wales is a pretty place to explore. Here you can spend time at Barmouth Beach, walk over Barmouth Bridge, see the harbour, discover Old Barmouth or hike the Taith Ardudwy Way. 

• Barmouth Beach
• Barmouth Harbour
• Taith Ardudwy Way hiking trail
• Old Barmouth
• Barmouth Bridge

Porthmadog is also a coastal town in Gwynedd. Things to do in this Welsh destination include visiting Black Rock Sands, two miles from town. You can also see the harbour village of Borth-y-Gest, Criccieth Castle, take a ride on the famous Blaenau Ffestiniog railway and spend time in the I talianate village of Portmeirion.  

• Blaenau Ffestiniog railway
• Black Rock Sands beach
• Borth-y-Gest village
• Criccieth Castle
• Portmeirion village

Snowdonia ( Eryri )

This mountainous part of northwest Wales is home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain.

The area is popular among hikers, and also known for the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway. Apart from exploring Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), taking a train ride and conquering the peak, you can also visit the National Slate Museum or go to Harlech beach and castle.   

• Scale Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon)
• National Slate Museum
• Snowdon Mountain Railway
• Harlech Castle and beach
• Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)

Caernarfon is known for its majestic castle, but there are other absorbing places to visit in this royal Gwynedd town. These include Gypsy Wood Park, the Beacon Climbing Centre and the picturesque village of Beddgelert. You can also find the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum at the castle. 

• Caernarfon Castle
• Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
• Gypsy Wood Park
• Beacon Climbing Centre
• Beddgelert village

Anglesey is an island off the northwest coast of Wales. It offers the mediaeval capital of Beaumaris, historic sites and beautiful beaches.

You can also see the Menai Suspension Bridge built by Thomas Telford, trek the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, head to Llanddwyn Island and beach, or explore Plas Newydd House and Gardens.

• Mediaeval Beaumaris
• Menai Suspension Bridge
• Llanddwyn Island
• Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
• Plas Newydd House and Gardens

Llandudno is a popular Welsh resort town . It has everything you’d expect from a British seaside spot, including a pier, gaming arcades, beaches and more. Here you can also add the Great Orme Tramway, North Shore Beach, Great Orme Mines and Rhiwledyn nature reserve to your to-do list. 

• North Shore Beach
• Great Orme Tramway
• Llandudno Pier
• Great Orme Mines
• Rhiwledyn nature reserve

Chester is a historic city with many Roman remains. It’s actually in England, but just a short hop over the border. Things to do here include shopping at The Rows, seeing the Roman walls and amphitheatre, visiting Chester Racecourse – which is the oldest in the UK – and ancient Chester Cathedral. 

• Roman walls
• Chester Cathedral
• The Rows shopping
• Chester Racecourse
• Roman amphitheatre

Liverpool – optional

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the English city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

Two cathedrals, a major football stadium with a museum and the River Mersey are also musts. You can also find more things to do and places to stay in our Liverpool articles. 

• River Mersey sightseeing cruise
• Beatles Magical Mystery bus tour
• Liverpool Football Club stadium and museum
• Anglican and Catholic cathedrals
• The Beatles Story

Peak District

The Peak District National Park is another of those outdoor spaces that offer so much scope for active people. Here you can hike or bike, or follow the Pennine Bridleway on horseback. 

Visit the lovely spa town of Buxton, too, and don’t miss out on trying a Bakewell pudding in the town of the same name. This sweet treat is more widely known as a Bakewell tart, but locally is always called Bakewell pudding!

Discover where to stay in the Peak District here

• Horse riding
• Hiking the trails
• Try Bakewell pudding in Bakewell

Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare – the most famous playwright who ever lived – is a pretty town on the banks of the Avon river. Packed with historic and literary attractions, things to do here include seeing a play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). 

You can also visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford , plus Anne Hathaway’s thatched, half-timbered cottage, or go to Stratford Butterfly Farm and the MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum.

• Shakespeare’s birthplace
• Stratford Butterfly Farm
• Anne Hathaway’s cottage
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre 

England is known as “this green and pleasant land”, so seeing the countryside can be a real highlight of touring the UK. While our itinerary includes a few cities, they are small and picturesque picks that complement the countryside. 

Places to include are the Peak District, Yorkshire, the Lake District and the Cotswolds. See the above itineraries, too, for a more in-depth look at locations already featured in this guide.

• Heathrow -> Cambridge -> Peak District -> York and Yorkshire -> Lake District -> Liverpool -> Chester -> Cotswolds (and Bath) -> Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Academia and punting along the River Cam are what spring to mind when anyone thinks of Cambridge . You can tour the colleges here, including King’s, and also absorb all the history on a guided walking tour. The Fitzwilliam Museum of Art and Gin Laboratory are also popular.  

• University of Cambridge tour
• The Fitzwilliam Museum
• Punting on the Cam
• Cambridge Gin Laboratory
• Historic walking tour

York and Yorkshire

The city of York and the large northern county of Yorkshire have so much to offer visitors from the UK and overseas. Head to the city for history and urban beauty, or go to the Yorkshire dales and moors to see swathes of unspoiled countryside. 

If you do visit York, don’t miss the Minster, or wandering among the shops and cafes of The Shambles. The Chocolate Story is also great for fans of the sweet stuff (and who isn’t?)

You can also find out what to do in Yorkshire and where to stay in York in our guides.

• York Minster
• Yorkshire Moors
• The Shambles | Cafes, restaurants and shops
• Yorkshire Dales
• York’s Chocolate Story

Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The area is known for its dramatic bodies of water, and it is dotted with historic market towns. The Lakes also has literary associations, a thriving foodie scene and lots of camping shops. 

Things to do include sampling sticky toffee pudding (it was invented here), discovering the history of Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter, walking to Aira Force waterfall and visiting Lake Windermere. 

Discover where to stay in the Lakes and the best towns and villages in our Cumbria articles

• Lake Windermere
• The World of Beatrix Potter
• Aira Force waterfall.
• Try sticky toffee pudding
• Beatrix Potter tour with lake cruise

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> Cambridge -> Lincoln -> York and Yorkshire -> Whitby -> Durham -> Northumberland Coast then via Hadrian’s Wall to Lake District -> Yorkshire Dales -> Peak District -> Cotswolds -> optional Bath/Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Lincoln is a little off the beaten track when it comes to British cities, but it’s a place with so much to offer. The cathedral and castle here are incredible, as are the galleries and museums.

We recommend The Museum of Lincolnshire Life and The Usher Gallery art museum, and a stroll up Steep Hill, which will lead you to the castle via shops, cafes and pubs. 

• Lincoln Cathedral
• Lincoln Castle
• The Usher Gallery
• The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Fish and chips, colourful beach huts, Whitby Abbey, a fascinating insight into science during Victorian times and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum all await in Whitby. 

Much of the scampi consumed in the UK is caught in the waters here, so sampling fish or seafood and chips is de rigueur. Look out for goths, too, Whitby being a favoured hangout among lovers of black attire and white makeup. 

You can also find more places to go in Whitby here .

• Whitby Abbey
• Fish and chips
• Beach huts at West Cliff beach
• The Museum of Victorian Science
• The Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Durham can be somewhat overlooked, but it’s a delightful and compact university city in the north of England. The castle and cathedral are both outstanding.

Other attractions to visit include Hall Hill Farm, the Oriental Museum at Durham University, and a wander along the banks of the River Wear. 

• Hall Hill Farm
• Durham Cathedral
• Oriental Museum
• Durham Castle
• Walk along the banks of the River Wear

Northumberland

Northumberland is England’s hidden coastal gem. It also has more castles than any other county. Think windswept, near-deserted beaches, cliff-top castles and rolling countryside, and you get the idea.

There are some breathtaking buildings to visit, such as Cragside in Rothbury and the castles. The Alnwick Garden is also well worth your time. 

Also discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

• Bamburgh Castle
• Alnwick Castle
• Alnwick Garden
• Northumberland coast

Hadrian’s Wall

The Hadrian’s Wall site of Vindolanda features Roman remains, and is one of the key spots to visit when travelling between Northumberland and Cumbria. The Roman fort at Birdoswald is also worth stopping for. You can also follow various trails in the area, or drop into the Roman Army Museum. 

• The Chesters Trail
• Roman Army Museum
• The Corbridge Trail
• Birdoswald Roman fort

• London -> pick up car at Heathrow -> Cotswolds and Stratford -> Peak District  -> York and Yorkshire -> Durham -> Northumberland -> Edinburgh 

Also, discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

Scotland’s capital city is steeped in history, has swathes of glorious Georgian architecture, and scenic parks and squares. There’s also world-class dining and shopping, and the mediaeval Royal Mile. Also not to be missed are Edinburgh Castle and the New Town. You could also take a Harry Potter walking tour or a city tour by hop-on, hop-off bus.

Also find the best ghost tours of Edinburgh , top Edinburgh tips , and great Edinburgh accommodation options

• Edinburgh Castle
• Hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Royal Mile | The Old Town
• Magical Harry Potter walking tour
• New Town | Elegant Georgian architecture

If you want to explore the sun-drenched (well sometimes) southwest of England, check out our southwest corner road trip itinerary here . 

For 10, 14 and 18-day Scotland road trip itineraries, click here . 

Whether you want to drive around the UK for a week, ten days, a fortnight or longer, we hope this guide has inspired you to visit this glorious land.

With so much to see and do yet relatively short distances between places, you really can pack a lot into a short time when visiting the UK.

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Lady’s England Road Trip Itinerary and Map

Today I want to share my England road trip itinerary and map with you. I love a great British road trip, not least because the cities, villages, and countryside in the UK are stunning.

I’ve done many road trips in England over the years. They’ve ranged from short drives in the Cotswolds to 5-week odysseys covering the length of England and Wales.

Through them I’ve seen big British travel destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations alike. Now I want to share the highlights with you.

England Road Trip Itinerary

My England road trip itinerary covers my favorite bits of this part of Britain. From cities to towns, coast to countryside, it has a variety of destinations that make this one of my favorite places to travel.

You can visit them all in one trip, or you can split the itinerary up into shorter ones. Some of them even make for great scenic drives near London if you only have a day.

1. London (3 Days)

Since I live in the UK capital, I’ll start my England road trip itinerary in London. If you haven’t been here before, it’s worth spending at least 3 days in the city to see the highlights.

You can use my 3-day London itinerary to get ideas for what to do. It’s a great guide for visitors.

2. Cambridgeshire (1 Day)

From London, my England road trip itinerary goes north to Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge is one of the prettiest cities in England . Its colleges feature stunning historic architecture and beautiful grounds. It’s worth spending a day here soaking up the atmosphere and going punting on the river.

Just north of Cambridge, under-the-radar Ely often gets overlooked. It’s worth a visit for its stunning cathedral and great markets, though. The side streets and riverfront are pretty, too.

3. Norfolk (2 days)

From Cambridgeshire my England road trip itinerary will take you to Norfolk . Norwich is one of the best cities in England , not least because its historic streets are bursting with colorful houses. Its cathedral is impressive, too.

The coast in North Norfolk is worth a visit as well. Driving to places like Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Beach is worthwhile, and towns like Burnham Market are great places to stay.

4. Nottingham (1 day)

From Norfolk, my England road trip itinerary will take you to Nottingham .

Famous for its Robin Hood connections, this city in the Midlands is worth a stop for its historic castle, heritage buildings, and shops. It’s even home to one of the oldest pubs in England.

5. Derbyshire and the Peak District (2 days)

From Nottingham, my England road trip itinerary continues with a stop in Derbyshire. This place is great for Peak District stately homes and outdoor activities.

Chatsworth House, Kedleston Hall, and Haddon Hall are all worth touring (and they’re famous filming locations for many movies set in England ). There are lots of great hikes and country walks in the Peak District, too.

6. Yorkshire (2 days)

From the Peak District, it’s not far to Yorkshire. No England road trip itinerary would be complete without a trip to York . It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and its pretty streets and spectacular minster are worth discovering.

Over on the east coast of Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay is a coastal gem with a storied past, and Whitby is famous for its abbey ruins and Dracula connections. (Don’t worry, I’ll get to West Yorkshire soon).

7. Durham & Newcastle (1 Day)

Leaving Yorkshire, my England road trip itinerary will take you north to Durham and Newcastle . The former is home to a hilltop cathedral, castle, and university. The nearby Angel of the North sculpture is worth seeing when you’re here, too.

The latter is packed with stunning bridges, historic streets, and great nightlife. You can do a side trip to Hadrian’s Wall if you like Roman history as well.

8. Northumberland (2 Days)

Way at the top of England, the next stop on my itinerary is Northumberland . Alnwick Castle is a popular place to visit, and Alnwick itself is adorable (don’t miss the bookshop).

Farther up the coast, Bamburgh Castle takes over a hilltop next to the beach. It’s stunning both inside and out.

Right on the border with Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a great seaside town, too.

9. Lake District (2 Days)

From Northumberland, my England road trip itinerary will take you west to the Lake District . This part of the UK is famous for its outdoor activities, and it’s a great place to go walking and hiking.

There are also a lot of famous houses here, from Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top to John Rusin’s Brantwood and Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house .

Towns and villages like Windermere , Keswick, Ambleside, and Grasmere are worth popping into as well. I particularly like the gingerbread shop in Grasmere.

10. Yorkshire Dales National Park (1 Day)

From Cumbria, my England road trip itinerary will take you into the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This is another great place for country walks , including the famous peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside. Malham Cove is beautiful, too.

11. Chester (1 Day)

From the Yorkshire Dales, my England road trip itinerary continues south with a stop in Chester .

This place is one of the most underrated cities in the UK , and it’s worth a special trip. With stunning streets and layers of history dating back to Roman times, Chester is magical.

12. Birmingham (1 Day)

From Chester, you can drive down to Birmingham . This city is packed with things to see and do, from shopping arcades to art museums and an eye-catching contemporary library.

13. Wye Valley (1 Day)

South of Birmingham, it’s worth spending a day in the Wye Valley . From market towns like Ross-on-Wye to hikes around the cliff at Symonds Yat Rock, there’s a lot to take in here.

15. Cotswolds (2 Days)

No England road trip itinerary of mine would be complete without a stop in the Cotswolds. From beautiful countryside to picturesque Cotswolds villages like Painswick and Upper Slaughter , there’s a lot to love about this part of Britain.

It’s worth spending a couple days driving through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to soak up the scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the UK .

16. Bath (1 Day)

Next on my England road trip itinerary is Bath . This city is famous for both its Roman baths and its Jane Austen sites . It’s packed with scenic streets and great independent shops , too.

17. Cornwall (2 Days)

From Bath, it’s worth heading west to Cornwall for a few days. My England road trip itinerary will take you to St Ives , which is one of the most beautiful places in England .

Basing yourself there, you can drive to places like Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, and the Eden Project. There are great coastal walks in Cornwall, too.

18. Devon (2 Days)

From Cornwall, you can drive to Devon , where it’s worth spending a couple days exploring the coast and countryside.

You can stay in Salcombe , a pretty seaside town, and drive to places like Dartmoor National Park. You can also explore some of the walks along the water in the area.

19. Wiltshire and Hampshire (2 Days)

From Devon, my England road trip itinerary will take you to Wiltshire and Hampshire . The former is home to everything from cathedral cities like Salisbury to historic sites like Stonehenge and villages like Lacock.

The latter is home to cities like Winchester and great countryside around places like East Meon. Jane Austen’s House Museum is here, too.

Both Hampshire and Wiltshire are home to the New Forest , one of the best places to get outdoors in England. It’s worth taking a walk here and spotting some of the area’s famous ponies.

20. Brighton (1 Day)

Next on my England road trip itinerary is Brighton . This seaside spot in East Sussex boasts of one of the most famous beaches in Britain.

And that’s to say nothing of the historic pier and Royal Pavilion. They make Brighton one of the best places to visit in the UK .

21. Kent (2 Days)

Last on my England road trip itinerary is Kent . The Garden of England features everything from coast to castles, and it’s a great place to get both a seafood fix and a dose of history.

From Dover Castle to Canterbury Cathedral and the Charles Dickens highlights in Rochester , there’s a lot to discover here.

From Kent, it’s a short drive back to London, where my England road trip itinerary ends. You can spend more time in the UK capital if your head isn’t already spinning from all the amazing places you’ve seen during your journey.

England Road Trip Itinerary Map

If you want to follow my route, the places on my road trip in England are on the interactive map below. You can click on the pins to see more about each one. I hope the map helps you plan a great British adventure of your own.

England Road Trip Itineraries and Beyond

If you’re looking for additional inspiration, I’ve published blog posts about UK road trips , a great British road trip itinerary for England and Wales, a legendary Scotland road trip , a road trip in North Wales , and road trip packing tips .

I’ve even written about road trip movies . Happy driving!

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Great British Road Trip

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Endless attractions are on offer in England’s vibrant capital city. Visit iconic attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, and enjoy world-class eating and drinking opportunities.

Charming Cotswolds

Visit the Cotswolds, home to idyllic villages and beautiful countryside. Each village is picturesque in its own unique way and offers delightful sightseeing opportunities.

Lake District

This legendary national park is England’s mountain country and a paradise for anybody who loves nature and the great outdoors. Climb Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, or explore one of the several lakes on a cruise – the most famous being Lake Windermere.

Glorious Glencoe

Glencoe is Scotland’s most famous and mystical glen and the site of the infamous massacre of Clan Macdonald. Enjoy the great outdoors and spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is world-famous for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery, including The Cuillin mountains, the Old Man of Storr, and The Quiraing. You’ll find great places to eat and drink in the island’s colourful capital of Portree.

Medieval Edinburgh

Charming and vibrant, Edinburgh is Scotland’s ancient capital city and a hub for culture and creativity. Attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Unmissable Highlights of Scotland, England & Wales

This fantastic itinerary packs many of the highlights of Great Britain into an unforgettable three-week road trip. Begin your adventure in London – a city which needs no introduction – before travelling to the ancient Roman city of Bath. From here, make your way through idyllic English countryside to the picture-postcard Cotswolds.

Wales and the epic mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park await, before ‘God’s Own Country’ of Yorkshire where you’ll discover the historic city of York. Explore the breathtaking Lake District in north-west England, then cross the border into Scotland where you’ll visit the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, the legendary Isle of Skye, the historic cities of Inverness and Edinburgh, and much more.

Begin your holiday in the cosmopolitan city of London – an energetic mecca of different cultures, attractions, sights and sounds. Sightseeing opportunities are endless here; you could visit the historic Tower of London or St Paul’s Cathedral, watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace, or take in a show at the West End. The dining scene in London is among the best in the world and you are spoiled for choice for exceptional places to eat and drink.

Collect your hire car and travel to Bath, known for its Roman baths and stunning Georgian architecture, then onto the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a captivating area to discover, with picturesque villages and historic castles dotted between a patchwork quilt of rolling green fields.

Make your way to Wales where epic Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park awaits – a place to explore the great outdoors with everything from gentle riverside rambles to majestic mountains. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe, so there is plenty for history lovers to enjoy here.

You’ll then travel to historic and charming York, one of the most picturesque cities in England. Experience the city’s ancient history including Roman ruins, medieval city walls, as well as the remains of a Viking city under its very streets.

Continue onward to the Lake District National Park. This is England’s mountain country and home to sparkling lakes, charming villages, and Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in the country. Hear about literary greats like William Wordsworth who were inspired by the region’s immense beauty.

Cross the border into Scotland where your first destination is the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is truly one of the most beautiful countries on earth and breathtaking landscapes await around every corner. From Loch Lomond, journey through wonderful lochside and mountain scenery into the heart of the Highlands and take the ferry across to the Isle of Skye. This legendary island is world-famous for its wild mountains, stunning seascapes and geological scenery, and fascinating historical sites.

Leaving Skye, you will pass the much-photographed castles of Eilean Donan and Urquhart before arriving in the vibrant Highland capital of Inverness. This is the perfect base to explore Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, before travelling south to your final destination of Edinburgh – Scotland’s picturesque capital city. Here you can explore many attractions including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace. In the evening, you are spoilt for choice; Edinburgh is gastronomic heaven, and the perfect place to enjoy a whisky and reflect on the memories of your Great British Road Trip.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in London

Arrive in London and enjoy your first evening in England’s legendary capital city. You will find endless opportunities for eating and drinking here – from Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pubs to bustling, international food markets. There are cuisines from every country in the world. Overnight – London

Day 2: London Sightseeing

Today you will enjoy an included sightseeing tour in order to get acquainted with this vast city and all the attractions it has to offer. Learn about the history of London with a visit to the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, or explore one of the many museums and art galleries. Overnight – London

Day 3: London Sightseeing

For a more extensive view of this renowned capital, take a cruise along the River Thames, a circuit on the London Eye, or a trip up the dizzying heights of the Shard to enjoy stunning views of London’s well-known skyline. Perhaps end your day with a show in London’s famous West End. Overnight – London

Day 4: London to Bath

After breakfast, collect your hire car and make your way to historic Bath. En route you could visit one of the most famous landmarks in the UK; the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge . The distinctive standing stone circle also has a world-class exhibition centre and Neolithic houses. Overnight – Bath

Day 5: Bath Sightseeing

Relax in one of the many thermal baths in the city, or join a walking tour and be awed by Bath’s incredible Neoclassical architecture. This vibrant city also boasts a wide range of great places to eat and drink, as well as an impressive collection of museums. Overnight – Bath

Day 6: Bath to The Cotswolds

Make the short journey into the picture-postcard Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is quintessential England at its best, with rolling patchwork fields, chocolate-box villages, and quaint market towns such as Chipping Norton, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold to discover. Overnight – North Cotswolds

Day 7: The Cotswolds Sightseeing

The idyllic Cotswolds is yours to explore today. For something grander, the spa town of Cheltenham is closeby, as is Stratford-upon-Avon – most famous as the birthplace of the great playwright William Shakespeare. Overnight – North Cotswolds

Day 8: The Cotswolds to Eryri (Snowdonia)

Travel through the Shropshire Hills into Wales and make your way to the natural wonderland of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Here you’ll find the highest mountains and the largest lakes in Wales – a perfect place for getting into nature. Overnight – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Day 9: Eryri (Snowdonia) Sightseeing

This immense area is filled with opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy mountains, rivers and woodland, or explore the picturesque villages and historic castles. The park’s historic mountain railway climbs to the summit of Wales’s highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), offering sensational views across the sea to Ireland. Overnight – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Day 10: Eryri (Snowdonia) to York

You will travel back into England today as you make your way to the ancient city of York. Celebrate your arrival in York by enjoying one of the many delicious restaurants in the city or visiting its characterful pubs. Overnight – York

Day 11: York Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in York and visit the magnificent York Minster cathedral – the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Walk the surrounding medieval city walls, stroll through the famous winding streets, or step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre . Overnight – York

Day 12: York to the Lake District

Travel through one national park to visit another today as you drive from the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the Lake District – home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK. Overnight – Lake District

Day 13: Lake District Sightseeing

Explore all that the Lake District has to offer. Climb England’s highest mountain or take a cruise on Lake Windermere, walk amongst stunning fell mountain scenery or learn about the many famous literary figures who were inspired by the Lakes. Overnight – Lake District

Day 14: Lake District to Loch Lomond

Make your way north into Scotland where your destination is Loch Lomond, Scotland’s most romantic loch. Surrounded by enchanting forests, the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond inspired one of Scotland’s most iconic love songs. Overnight – Loch Lomond

Day 15: Loch Lomond to the Isle of Skye

Today you will travel into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Travel through Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glen, and pass Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Take the magnificent Road to the Isles and then the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across to the west coast. Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 16: Isle of Skye Sightseeing

A full day on Skye to visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample some fine island whiskies, enjoy a great day’s walking, or take a fabulous boat trip into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 17: Isle of Skye to Inverness

Depart Skye and travel past the most photographed of Scotland’s castles, Eilean Donan. Your route takes you through the Great Glen and by brooding Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, and onto the vibrant ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness. Overnight – Inverness

Day 18: Inverness Sightseeing

A full day to explore Inverness, where you could visit Cawdor with its 14th-century castle, Culloden Battlefield where, in 1746, the last battle took place on British soil, or travel into Speyside and tour the Malt Whisky Trail where the world’s most celebrated distilleries are on your doorstep. Overnight – Inverness

Day 19: Inverness to Edinburgh

Travel from the Highlands to the Lowlands through beautiful Highland Perthshire. En-route you could explore the Cairngorms National Park, Blair Castle, or Scone Palace. Your destination is Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh – one of the most charming cities in Europe. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 20: Edinburgh Sightseeing

The opportunities for sightseeing in this wonderful city are almost endless. Visit majestic Edinburgh Castle, sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience , or hike up Arthur’s Seat for an incredible panoramic view across the city. Visit Holyrood Palace, the Royal Yacht Britannia, or enjoy a walking history tour along the Royal Mile as Edinburgh’s glorious past is brought to life. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 21: Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast, your Great British Road Trip will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 20 nights including traditional British breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map of the UK with our recommended driving route
• 16 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
• London Pass which includes a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and free entry to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and over 80 other attractions
• Tickets for the Bath City Sightseeing Tour
• York Pass which includes a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and free entry to York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre and many more attractions
• Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
• All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your experience.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best accommodation that the UK has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

Related blog posts

How do our self-drive holidays work.

Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

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A One Week UK Itinerary

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 69 Comments

Following on from my two week UK itinerary  post, I wanted to put together a slightly shorter itinerary for those of you with less time, but who still wanted to explore more of the UK than the capital city. And so, I present, our suggested itinerary for one week in the UK.

The idea of this 1 week UK itinerary is to take in some of the essential highlights of the UK, but also throw in a few curveballs – spectacular places that you would find hard to visit without your own wheels.

If this is your first time driving in the UK, I can also recommend checking out our guide to driving in the UK for tips.

Without further ado, here’s my guide for an awesome:

One Week UK Road Trip Itinerary

We’re going to kick off this itinerary in the UK’s capital, on the assumption that this is where you’re going to fly to when you arrive. There are flights from all over the world to London’s airports, so the chances are pretty high that this is where you’re going to be arriving.

Note that as with any itinerary, this one should be adjusted to your travel style. The itinerary as laid out is very busy, and has you moving quite quickly so as to take in the highlights. So feel free to adjust it to your specific preferences. It could easily be adjusted to accommodate a longer trip for example.

• Days 1 & 2: London

In general, having a hire car in London is A Bad Idea. What with the congestion charge, antiquated road system, and the fact that the traffic moves slower now on average than it did when horses and carts plied the roads – well, you get the idea.

This isn’t to suggest writing it off though. You have two options – pick up a hire car after your time in London, or stay a little outside the centre in a hotel with parking near a public transport hub. Now, on to London itself.

For your first day of exploration in London, I’d suggest spending your day seeing the essential London sights . London is an eminently walkable city, and you’ll be able to take in the majority of the key highlights, from the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace through to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London .

Then, on your second day, you can either continue to explore London, or you might consider heading out to some of the attractions outside of London.

Popular locations outside the city centre include Windsor Castle , or Hampton Court Palace – both eminently explorable, and easy to reach with a car or by public transport from the city centre.

If you want to save money on the above attractions, and will be visiting a few, then you should definitely consider investing in a London Pass . Available in 1, 3 and 6 day versions, the savings can really be quite impressive if you plan on visiting a few locations. You can read a full break down on if the London Pass is worth buying here , and buy one yourself here .

Finally, London has no shortage of accommodation options, something to suit pretty much every budget. Check out the options for London at booking.com , and here for Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment. We also have a guide to where to stay in London .

• Day 3: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds

From London, I’m going to suggest you head west, and take in one of Britain’s most recognisable old monuments – the incredible Stonehenge . Visiting Stonehenge is a popular day trip from London, and I have a guide to visiting Stonehenge from London here .

Every year new evidence comes to light as to how these got here, and you can’t fail to be impressed at their massiveness, as well as their seeming impervious nature. Since the motorway was shifted a few years ago, and the fence around the stones moved, this has become a far more pleasant attraction to visit.

From Stonehenge, head along to the old town of Bath. A favourite of the Romans, this place has, as you would imagine, some baths to explore, where you can see how the Romans kept themselves clean, plus try some of the waters yourself.

It’s also worth taking the time to check out the Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and the Circus.

You can either overnight in Bath, which might be preferable to driving any more today, or you can head into the Cotswolds. If you do the latter, find yourself a cosy little B&B in the countryside – somewhere you’d likely struggle to get to with public transport – and really take advantage of having your own wheels!

• Days 4 & 5: Warwickshire, The Peak District & Yorkshire

After a pleasant overnight in Bath or the Cotswolds, it’s time to turn North, and head up towards Yorkshire. This will be a bit of a drive, but there are some highlights on the way that I’d recommend stopping at to break up the journey.

First, I’d suggest stopping off at Baddesley Clinton , a moated manor house just outside of Warwick. This is a spectacular property, over 500 years old, which will give you an insight as to how the British aristocracy lived in the middle ages.

Highlights include the glorious moat that surrounds the building, and the priest-holes in the house itself, where the Catholic priests of the time would hide from persecution and execution.

If you’d prefer to explore an interesting town, then I can recommend dropping in to Warwick. There’s enough to do here to fill a day (especially if you decide to visit the Castle!), but I’d suggest at least visiting the Lord Leycester Hospital, and St. Mary’s Church .

The former isn’t, and has never been, a hospital, instead, for over 400 years it has housed military veterans of Britain’s various wars. It’s a fascinating cluster of houses, dating from the 14th century, and is basically everything you could hope for in a medieval construction.

St Mary’s Church is one of the largest churches (I thought it was a cathedral when I first spotted it) in the UK, home to a gorgeous medieval chapel, a magnificent view from the top of its tower, and 1000 years of worshipping history.

Alternatively, you could also choose to visit Stratford-upon-Avon , the birthplace of Shakespeare.

Once you’re done with the above, it’s time to leave Warwickshire behind, and head on up to the Peak District, where I’m going to suggest you spend the night – there are some really fantastic accommodation options on hand, to suit every budget .

After your night in the Peak District, set aside a morning for visiting Chatsworth House . Often voted the UK’s favourite country house – if you’re going to take in a stately home on a spectacular scale, then this is an excellent choice.

Still home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the property has 126 rooms, with a number of these open for public viewing. Surrounding the property itself are 105 acres of magnificent garden, constructed across six centuries, and reflecting changing times and fashions. You’ll easily be able to lose a morning at Chatsworth!

From Chatsworth, it’s a 2 hour blast up to the next stop on our itinerary – the gorgeous ruined remains of Fountains Abbey , a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in Studley Royal Park.

As well as the well preserved ruins of the giant 12th century Cistercian monastery, you’ll also find the rather impressive 18th century water garden, generally recognised as the most important in the UK.

If you can,  I’d suggest exploring right through until the sun sets, which should afford you some wonderful photography opportunities. There’s lots of ground to cover, and if you find yourself tiring, there’s an excellent tea room.

When you’re done, find yourself somewhere to stay in the nearby area .

• Day 6: Northumberland

You’ll be starting your sixth day of exploration bright and early in Yorkshire, and continuing northwards, this time to the country of Northumberland, home to the city of Newcastle, the island spanning Hadrian’s Wall, and some of England’s finest medieval castles.

It’s the latter that I’m going to suggest you focus on in Northumberland. You’re unlikely to be able to do all of the following in the time available, but I’d definitely suggest that you visit at least two of the following four sights when in Northumberland, starting with:

Alnwick Castle . Home to the Duke of Northumberland, and dating from 1036, this is the sort of castle that you probably think of when you think of medieval fortress castles.

It’s also the sort of castle you might think of if you’re a Harry Potter fan, as a number of the scenes from the earlier Harry Potter movies , including the Quidditch training scenes, were filmed here. If you’re more of a Downton Abbey fan, well, the last two Christmas specials of the show were filmed here.

It would be easy to spend a day here, particularly as the gardens are also very picturesque, so you’re welcome to do just that. But, if you’re keen to see some more of England’s incredible castles, head along to:

Bamburgh Castle . I absolutely love the coastal location of Bamburgh Castle, which is just perfect for photography, atop a rocky outcrop by a golden sand beach. The native Britons of the area thought so too – with a fort housing the original Kings of Britain located here. Of course, that all came to an end when the Vikings popped over in 993 and presumably burnt the place to the ground.

The castle that’s on the site today was built by the Normans, in the 11th century, and is another imposing fortress like construction, designed to withstand brutal assault and siege warfare.

Since you’re in the area for Bamburgh, you might also take the time to take a look at either Dunstanburgh castle , a few miles to the south, or Holy Island, a few miles to the north. The former was a 14th century fortification that fell into ruin by the 16th century – the latter is an island, accessible at low tide, and where you’ll find the still inhabited Lindisfarne Castle , which you can also tour.

If you’re more interested in Roman history than castles,  then I’d suggest you visit Hadrian’s Wall. Built during the time of Emperor Hadrian (122AD if you’re not up to speed on Roman timelines), this wall stretched from one side of England to the other, and marked the northern limit of the Roman empire. The precise reason for building a 73 mile wall is still unclear, I suspect it was largely just because they could.

There are multiple locations where you can visit the wall, with my favourite being Sycamore Gap, near Housesteads Crag, where a lonely tree sits amongst the remains of the highest part of the wall.

From Hadrian’s Wall, head north, to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, either overnighting in the Scottish Borders, or Edinburgh itself.

• Day 7: Edinburgh

This trip finishes off in Edinburgh, one of my favourite cities in the UK, and where you’ll have no shortage of things to do . However, since you have a car, I have two suggestions that you might want to add to the list. First – head to the Pentland Hills. A few miles south of the city, these offer excellent walking, sheep spotting opportunities and iron age hill forts.

I’d also suggest you make the time to head out to an icon of the Edinburgh surrounds – the Firth of Forth bridges, and in particular, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Firth of Forth Rail Bridge.

This is a mighty red cantilevered bridge construction spanning the Firth of Forth, opened in 1890, and still operational today. At it’s time of construction it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world, and despite now being the second longest, is still mighty impressive.

Finally, of course, I’d recommend spending some time exploring Edinburgh, which has no shortage of attractions, fine dining, shopping and places to stay . Whether you’re into Harry Potter or festivals , you’re bound to find something to do.

Then – turn your car in, and head home – Edinburgh airport is easy to drive to, has all the main car hire operator’s, and you should be able to fly from here to anywhere you like. Whew! I hope you enjoyed that tour!

1 Week UK Itinerary Map

To help you visualise this driving route of the UK, we’ve put together this map of the route. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

1 Week UK Itinerary Summary

As mentioned at the start of the post, this itinerary is quite busy. If you have limited vacation time, then you can definitely do a lot in a short time and see the highlights, but be aware you will not be able to explore every location in great depth.

If you prefer to travel more slowly, you’ll definitely want to tweak this itinerary for your own travel style, either by adding more time, or changing the route.

How to Get Around the UK

Well, this one should be pretty obvious! I’m going to suggest a rental car of course. This itinerary is really only do-able if you drive yourself.

We recommend you compare car prices using a service like Discover Cars , which compares prices across a range of providers to help you find the best deal.

When To Visit the UK

The UK has what could best be described as “variable” weather. The good news is that you don’t really get extremes of weather. The bad news is that being surrounded by water, it tends to rain a lot, throughout the year.

Obviously, the summer period is likely to be warmer than the winter period, but the climate is generally mild, so whenever you visit, plan for the gamut of weather conditions, from rain to sunshine. Layers are key to your clothing, meaning you can adjust as the weather changes.

My main piece of advice for a trip like this is to avoid popular weekends and school holidays if you can. The UK has a number of public holidays throughout the year, when the roads (and attractions) get very crowded. If you can avoid these times, you’ll have a far more pleasant experience.

Time of year wise, there’s no “bad” time to visit, but I’d advise perhaps May / June might give you the best shot of decent weather, whilst avoiding the summer school holiday period.

Where to Stay in the UK

The UK has loads of accommodation options, from cosy B&B’s through to upscale hotels, as well as all the chains you’d expect.

• We’ve tried a lot of booking sites, and nearly always find ourselves using Booking.com. They have an extensive selection of properties, many with no-fee cancellation policies, and often run discounts and special offers. Click on each city title to see their listings:  London , the Cotswolds , the Peak District , Yorkshire and Edinburgh ,
• If you prefer an apartment or more of a hosted stay, then we recommend Plum Guide . We’ve tried all the others, and Plum Guide consistently has the best quality in all the locations we’ve used them in.
• If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we have some alternatives we also use. We suggest trying Vrbo to start with. For even more ideas to help you save money and get the best choice, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB , as well as a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK , which you should check out!

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

What about a Tour of the UK?

We’re often asked if a trip like this can be done as part of a tour instead of driving yourself. The answer is – yes it can, and you have a few options for doing so.

First, you could take a group tour of the UK. This will take you to a wide variety of sights, with someone else handling all the logistics, and letting you just relax and chill out.

We have used and can recommend  Rabbie’s Trail Burners for group tours – they’re a small group tour operator with lots of experience and great guides, and they have a wide range of tours of varying lengths covering many parts of the UK. This 8 day tour they offer for example runs from London to Edinburgh and gives you an idea of what can be done in that time period.

You can also arrange a private tour. This will usually be a more expensive option, but will mean you can put something totally customised together. This is a service offered by a number of companies, we would again recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners who offer a  customised tour service .

Another option we are happy to recommend is professional driver-guide Robina Brown, who is a blue-badge guide offering tours across the UK. See her website  here .

Further reading for your UK trip

And that sums up our guide to the perfect 1 week UK itinerary. Before you go though, we’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you want a longer trip, taking in some more highlights of the UK including Wales and Ireland, check out this two week itinerary of the UK that I put together. We also have a detailed Wales road trip itinerary .
• As this is a self-drive trip, you should definitely check out our guide to driving in the UK for tips.
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• If you’d prefer not to drive, we also have an itinerary for 10 days in the UK by public transport .
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A Two Day Edinburgh Itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh: Getting off the beaten path
• If you like Royal themed attractions, Jess wrote a full post about the Royal Edinburgh Ticket here , which can help you save money on some of Edinburgh’s top attractions.
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• A Two Day London Itinerary
• A Six Day London Itinerary
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• The Highlights of Oxford
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then Amazon do a good line in UK Travel Guides , and there is naturally a Lonely Planet and a Rough Guide to the UK available.

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There are 69 comments on this post

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28th January 2023 at 3:25 pm

Hi Lawrence,

I’m doing a 5 day trip on my motorbike from Liverpool to London. I’ve tried to pull together a route but I seemed to have picked the wrong stop points as I don’t know a lot about the areas. I would like history, good views and to stay away from busy cities where I can. Could you recommend a route please?

Thank you! Sasha

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:03 am

So I would probably head east from London towards Stonehenge / Avebury, where you can definitely see some history. Salisbury is also a lovely town to explore. From there, I’d head north up into the Cotswolds, which has a lot of stunning villages and quintessential English countryside. Towns like Circencester, Bibury, Burford, Bourton on the Water etc. There are lots of nice B&B style accommodation options in the area to enjoy. If you are interested in Shakespeare, you can head up to Stratford-Upon-Avon which is also a nice town. After that I’d suggest the Peak District National Park which is also very pretty. Chatsworth House is a lovely stately home but there is good walking and lots of nice villages here as well. From there it’s an easy trip across to Liverpool perhaps via Chester if you have spare time.

I hope this makes sense, let me know if you need any more input!

Safe travels, would love to hear how your trip goes 🙂

2nd December 2022 at 4:36 pm

Hello Laurence, I need help please, so we are following your 7 days road trip to Edinburg. 1 Week UK Itinerary Summary Days 1 & 2: London Day 3: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds from costwold, is it possible to drive through Yorkshire straight to Manchester Days 4 & 5: Warwickshire, The Peak District & Yorkshire (for this 2 days we want to stay in Manchester) from Manchester train to Edinburgh.. Do we need to rent a car in Edinburgh? Day 6: Edinburg Day 7: Edinburgh

What do you think?

Thank you in advance.

4th December 2022 at 10:39 am

Sure thing. So yes, it is possible to drive from the Cotswolds to Manchester, it’s about a 3 hour drive. However you won’t be driving through Yorkshire, which is to the east and north of Manchester. You would also have passed Warwickshire and the Peak District if you drive up to Manchester as they are both south of Manchester.

For Edinburgh you definitely don’t need a car, the city centre is very easy to get around either on foot on by local bus. The only exception would be if you wanted to visit sights out of town of course.

Have a great trip!

5th December 2022 at 4:20 pm

Thank you for your help! Merry Christmas!🎄

10th November 2022 at 4:48 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica, The only blog that I can trust. Thank you for this wonderful article. We are travelling to Uk on august , for 7 days before heading to Ireland. I have a question, my husband’s dad was born in manchester and grandmother born in Bath. so we will definitely visit bath and probably stay in costwold for the night (can you recommend a hotel or b and b) in this itinerary can we add manchester before edinburgh?

Thank you for taking time to read. God bless you both!

11th November 2022 at 11:13 am

My pleasure. So yes, you could definitely tweak this itinerary to include Manchester, it would be around days 4 or 5 and you would want to adjust what you see in that area instead. It’s quite a busy itinerary already, so you would definitely want to swap something out.

In terms of a hotel, there are so many great ones to choose from and it would really depend a lot on how far from Bath you wanted to drive. Bath is right at the southern end of the Cotswolds, and you can drive for a couple of hours from there up to Chipping Norton, and all of that drive would be through the Cotswolds. Villages to consider would be Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden. I think any of those would be a lovely option.

Have a wonderful time!

11th November 2022 at 4:23 pm

Great Thanks. I appreciate it.

16th August 2019 at 9:08 pm

Thank you for your blog. This is a trip for the future — just took my family to Venice and Paris for 10 nights. Anyway, as a note, I would estimate that your itinerary is too full (both of them). It’s very high paced without real time to stop and smell the roses. But, it’s a very, very solid starting point, well considered, and much better than anything I have. Thanks again!

16th August 2019 at 9:12 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 We absolutely agree that this is a pretty full itinerary, and as you say, most of our itineraries are. The idea is to show what is possible (some people really like to pack it in!), but we highly recommend folks pare them back to what is suitable for them, as everyone has a different travel style. So we hope this works as a good basis for you to work from, and that you have a great trip in the future!

16th August 2019 at 10:43 pm

Awesome photography, too!

17th August 2019 at 9:17 am

Chiang Kok Weng says

15th July 2019 at 12:42 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, we are from Singapore. We are a family of 4 adults planning to do a one week tour of UK at the end of the year, just after Christmas and into the New Year. We saw your one week itinerary and it looks quite fun and exciting. We are wondering if this itinerary is doable with self-drive as we are not familiar with the crowd, weather and road condition during this period.

Thanks much!

18th July 2019 at 3:32 am

This should be fine even at Christmas and New Year. Snow is uncommon in the UK – usually it is just wet. Of course, it is possible that there will be snow and ice, but the roads are usually well treated so you should not have any problems. Just drive to the conditions of the road and you should be fine. Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

13th July 2019 at 7:11 am

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for sharing all this! I know it is a ton of work but your posts are amazing!

13th July 2019 at 4:20 pm

Thanks very much Amber, it’s appreciated 😀

Carole Cavers says

3rd July 2019 at 2:25 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica, My husband and I are from New Zealand and are planning a trip to the UK for the first time. We arrive at Heathrow on the 20 August 11.45am and leave from Heathrow 20 September. We have been looking at lots of options and have decided to rent a car to travel around England, Scotland and Wales. We intend to fly to Ireland and pick up another rental car (if you think that would be wise) to see the sights there. My question is, what would you recommend for an itenarary so we get to see some sights in each country, finishing our trip with 5 days in London for sightseeing. Your recommendations would be much appreciated.

3rd July 2019 at 3:07 pm

So my advice would be to essentially follow my two week UK itinerary ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ ), but to extend it to a month. I would also recommend flying across the Irish Sea rather than worrying about car rentals and ferries. It wouldn’t be heard to extend the itinerary as you could add in time in Wales, the Highlands, and much more time in Ireland. But it should give you a good basis for a trip that you can work on.

I hope this helps a bit!

5th April 2019 at 3:19 pm

Hi Laurence…so many helpful hints on your site for us ignorant non Brits! I’d love your opinion on our September 4 wk visit from Aust. All accommodation booked – 3 nts Prague, 4 nts Paris, 10nts London, train to Bath, pick up hire car to Mevagissey 3 nts, 3 nts Cotswolds, 1nt York, 1 nt Ft William, 2 nts Plockton, Edinburgh 1 nt via Perth. Leave car.. Then we’d like to train from Edinburgh to Windsor as have 2 nts booked there before flying home – . It seems that we have to change trains at Piccadilly or Kings Cross to get the Windsor line..any suggestions please? ( picturing us 3 over 65 ers in peak hr with luggage climbing stairs at a train station ???? ( pretty stretch Edinburgh to York so not keen on flying ) Locals on other forums are horrified at us doing so much driving in that time but many OP here doing similar so don’t feel so bad! Thanks so much for any thoughts you have on all of this!

5th April 2019 at 4:01 pm

Thanks very much. I’m happy to help out of course. It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned out!

Since everything is booked it sounds like the itinerary is fairly well arranged. My only feedback is that 10 days is quite a long time in London, although there is so much to see that you could easily fill more time than that. Our 6 day London itinerary is probably going to give you the most help in terms of planning. You can see that on our other blog here: https://independenttravelcats.com/london-itinerary-6-days-in-london/

For your first question, you are correct about needing to change trains. The majority of trains from Edinburgh arrive at Kings Cross, wheras trains to Windsor go from Paddington or Vauxhall. In either case, you are going to have to take the underground, and trust me, I know what carting luggage around down there is like!

The good news is that Kings Cross tube station is now fully accessible, which means that there are lifts from the platform to street level. I should warn you in advance though that you do have to take multiple lifts, there is not just one lift. There will be a lift map to help you figure this out. This is because the station was built a good long time ago, before such things as lifts to tube platforms were thought of as being handy, so they’ve had to put lift shafts where they can rather than necessarily where is totally logical.

At the other end, Vauxhall also has full lift access. Paddington has escalator access, so if you prefer a lift, the route from Vauxhall will be easier.

In terms of your itinerary, especially given that you are coming from Australia, I suspect you will not find the driving distances that long! After my year of travelling in Australia, my perspective of what makes for a “long drive” certainly changed a great deal! The longest drive you have is going to be between York and Fort William. That would be nearly a 6 hour drive without stops.

I hope this helps, don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Kathy Jones says

6th April 2019 at 1:51 am

Hi again Laurence……do you think the scenery is worth taking the train (first class maybe) from Edinburgh to London please? ( I’ve read posts that it’s lovely especially Edinburgh to York). Otherwise we’d consider flying using Easyjet. Also we wondered about train London to Truro or Bodmin ( sleeper?) to save a bit of driving! Good idea or not? Getting an idea how hire car versus train cost, for this trip is confusing …prices vary a lot. Thanks heaps.

6th April 2019 at 12:26 pm

The view from Edinburgh to York on the train is really nice, I have done that journey many times, and the Northumberland coastline is just stunning. First class is going to be more comfortable, and if you book well in advance the prices are not that expensive either. Flying is another option, but to be honest, the time saving is a bit of a myth – by the time you’ve got to the airport at one end and from the airport at the other, as well as gone through security etc, it won’t really save you any time. Plus the train doesn’t require you to worry about bag weight and size.

Train prices vary a lot depending on the time of day, day of week and how far in advance you book. Going to Cornwall for example on a Friday afternoon will likely be more expensive as it’s popular time to return from London. Car hire might be cheaper, especially as you can split it between you, whereas you need individual train tickets. Note that cars are usually cheaper to hire from city centre locations rather than airports. The overnight train is a good option, but these are usually not budget options. However you do save a night in a hotel, which is another cost. I would definitely recommend having a car in Cornwall for sight seeing though.

Kathy J says

6th April 2019 at 3:06 pm

Thanks again for your time Laurence. Sensible advice there…!! I spend too much time browsing your website ????

6th April 2019 at 3:11 pm

My pleasure Kathy. Delighted to have been of help 😀

Greg n Ramona Willingham says

6th February 2019 at 1:15 am

Laurence & Jessica, I am so thrilled to have found y’all and your amazing website. My husband and I are from Alabama here in the States and are super excited for our upcoming trip. We are working together to plan an experience of as many sites as are reasonably possible, without stressing ourselves out, and doing a fair job at controlling our modest budget. We feel that experiences shouldn’t cost a fortune and responsible spending is doable without sacrificing quality. I have been doing research for almost 2 months and cannot believe it took that long to find all of this fantastic information! Thank you for sharing your experiences, guides and useful information. My husband and I are planning our 20th anniversary trip to the UK; England/Wales/Scotland & Ireland for November 8-24, 2019. We will fly overnight on the 8th and return the 24th. I have researched public transport (coaches/trains), car hires, & even various flights from one main local to another. We are flying into London at approximately 10am November 9th and planned to nap after settling in and then exploring London. We will be flying out of Dublin the morning of the 24th back to London until our later afternoon flight that same day. We have considered doing a sail-rail pass to Dublin from Scotland or England, even though it’s a bit pricey. Many people have told us that it’s an unforgettable experience. We are strongly leaning towards a car hire for the UK portion and then returning the car for a flight to Dublin from Glasgow or the sail/rail pass over. While in Dublin, we plan on doing day trips from there. We feel having a base is more secure and comfortable than lugging around our packs….lol!!! ???? I have discovered that we can do 5 days of single day trips for about $550/each for those 5 days and have found that the price is relatively inexpensive due to the transport, entrance fees, tour guides, and the few meals included. This should also give us the opportunity to allow another to drive as we relax on the last leg of our trip. Those day trips will allow us to venture to all coasts and Belfast: 1-Aran Islands-2-Cork/Cobh-3-Wicklow/Avora Mill Village…(misspell I’m sure ????)-4-Belfast/Giants Causeway-5-Dublin itself. Respectively, that should place UAB in Dublin the night of the 18th or early the 19th. My husband wants to do the ferry but considering the cost and the time needed I am more inclined to fly over for a small fare and enjoy a day of settling in and exploring a bit for dinner and guiness rofl ????. However, I suggested we maybe do a ferry to Isle of Man. I think he would enjoy that area as an avid rock-climber. We would like to add Bath & Cardiff to our road trip out of London then maybe head to the car museum in the Coswolfs then off to Chester-York-Newcastle-then on into Scotland for Edinburgh-Pitlochry (probably spelt that wrong too ????)-Inverness-Maybe Skye-Definetly Glen Co-Glasgow-Then on to Dublin by ferry or flight; as stated prior. Stonehenge isn’t a top priority for us but we dont mind drive by for a photo or 2, then to Bath and on to Cardiff. Would this be doable with our travel time and driving ourselves or would we better served searching out daytrips or multiday trips from London on to Edinburgh, etc? If this is doable, is our planned route workable or should we modify our planned route? Oh, my husband would also like to visit Greta Green but I’m unsure how to make that happen. Could York to Greta Green before going on to Edinburgh be feasible? Thank you in advance for your time and information. Greg & Ramona ????????????

6th February 2019 at 10:49 am

Hi Greg and Ramona!

Wow, sounds like you’ve done a great job of planning 🙂 I would say that your route is certainly do-able. Personally I’d fly from Glasgow to Dublin as you have mentioned, it will take a bit less time. For your trip, I think driving yourself is going to be your best option as it will give you the flexibility you will need, and you won’t have to keep returning to a base which will cost you time. I think your timetable is busy but certainly achievable, and your route looks sensible to me.

York -> Newcastle -> Gretna Green -> Edinburgh is possible. It’s a bit of a detour but not a major one 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

7th February 2019 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for the quick reply Laurence. It’s great to hear we are on the right track with our plans and that the flight seems the most reasonable way to get to Dublin without a large amount of time wasted. Thank you again and have a blessed day. ????????????

Patt Snow says

20th December 2018 at 3:08 pm

I loved reading your itineraries! So very helpful! I will be traveling in May, 2 weeks with my hub and granddaughter recent high school graduate, she’s an avid reader, taught herself Welsh, wants to be a librarian. Here’s my conundrum: I rented a condo near Snowdonia NP for one week and cannot cancel without relinquishing my payment. What do you recommend for that week and then if I could extend our trip for an additional 8 days what path would you take? We will rent a car in London on our way of the city…I’m allowing 2 nights in London and then onto Snowdonia! Thank you so much for any input!

20th December 2018 at 3:16 pm

Our pleasure. Snowdonia is a stunning part of the UK, and you won’t regret spending a week there. I spent a long time in this area as my grandparents used to live in the national park, and it is magnificent. There is plentiful hiking as well as lovely coastline, beaches, and cute villages and towns to visit. So don’t worry, you will have a wonderful time. It’s also the part of Wales where Welsh is quite commonly spoken, so your daughter will have ample opportunity to practice.

If you did want to extend, my advice would be to visit some of the towns and cities between London and Snowdonia, so as to have a balanced trip – Snowdonia is more countryside, so you might want to experience a bit of culture. So some ideas might be Oxford, Liverpool, Bristol or Bath, to give you a balanced trip!

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

20th December 2018 at 3:47 pm

Laurence, thank you for your prompt reply. We are definitely looking forward to our time in Snowdonia! I’m just not certain how to incorporate driving time. London to 2 nites Oxford, then onto Wales. Would a day trip from Snowdonia to Cardiff be crazy as far as drive time? Then, I’m thinking ferry to Dublin and driving north, reentering Great Britain in Scotland, visiting Highlands 1 day, driving to Edinburgh for two nights,and back to London for two nights???? Is two nights in Ireland enough time? Of course we want to kiss the Blarney stone! I’m all over the place????!

20th December 2018 at 3:55 pm

No worries 😀 So I think you could do just one night on Oxford and still see plenty. Snowdonia to Cardiff would be a long drive – there are no motorways in Wales, so driving times are significantly increased compared to the rest of the country. So I wouldn’t personally do that trip, but it’s up to you of course.

Otherwise your itinerary looks pretty good. Of course, there’s never enough time and always more to see, and you will be driving a fair bit, but if you are happy with that then go for it!

20th December 2018 at 5:11 pm

Laurence! You are awesome! Thank you so much for your input! I love a good Roadtrip and am so very excited to visit these wonderful places I’ve always read about!! Your site has certainly given me a great guideline…I’m not feeling terribly overwhelmed at this moment!???? I think I can plan this! I thank you so very much and I look forward to reading about more of your travels!!!

20th December 2018 at 5:13 pm

Thanks Patt, that’s brought a big smile to my face! Do let me know if we can help any more. If not, we always love to hear how trips go after the fact 😀

Sylvia says

12th October 2018 at 9:13 am

Hello Laurence & Jessica, I am so glad to chance upon your site, So love your story sharing and the photographs. THANK YOU!

I am Sylvia from Singapore, have spent 2-yr in Newcastle in mid 90’s and have been to various parts of England & Scotland. My last trip was 15 yr ago (didn’t realize it’s been so long)! I am planning a 8.5-days trip in Dec with my family (arriving 3rd, departing night of 11th). My teenage daughter has never been to UK and I’d love to show her it’s really more than London. Anyway, this trip is really for her. 🙂

I’d like to get your advice.. here’s the must have.. London, Stonehenge, Bath, Manchester (to catch a match on 5-Dec), Newcastle. My hubby has very fond memories of Wales and be great if we could include a walk/hike in the region. A trip to York/Edinburgh or Ireland would be bonus but not sure if time permits. Is it better to start from London (3-4 Dec)? Would it be less crowded on Mon/Tue to weekend? Another crazy thought is include a day trip to Paris.

Also, would be great if you can recommend some places for best fish & chips, scones and a good pint of guinness.

Much thanks! Sylvia

13th October 2018 at 11:55 pm

Thanks for your comment, it’s always appreciated! Let me try to help!

Your trip does sound do-able, but it depends on how rushed you wanted to be. We’d suggest at least two days in London, and from London it’s easy enough to do a day trip that includes Stonehenge and Bath. However, as you are doing Manchester on the 5th, you might need to do this after that, as you’ll want to get up to Manchester in time for the match on the 5th. A train to Manchester from London is easy enough, just book in advance for the best tickets. Then you can get a train from Manchester to Newcastle, and then back down to London.

If you wanted to visit Wales, I think the best option would be from Manchester. York could be done on the way from Manchester to Newcastle, either as a day stop or an overnight stop.

Personally, with the time you have I’d probably advise against adding Ireland or France, as it’s just going to involve more travel days and less time sight-seeing. For food and drink, to be honest, most pubs serve decent Guinness these days, just make sure you visit a popular one so that the barrels are regularly cleaned. We usually just check google reviews, and find a pub that does good fish and chips. London will generally be more expensive, other cities less so 🙂

Hope this helps!

14th October 2018 at 2:35 pm

Thank you Laurence! We plan to self-drive (outside of London) for greater flexibility. Will use your links to book car and accommodation. I will share with you how our trip goes. Regardless, I know it will be a blast!

Let me know if I can bring anything for you from Singapore. 🙂

17th October 2018 at 7:36 pm

Hey Sylvia! Thanks so much 😀 We’ve not actually visited Singapore, so we don’t know what we would want, but that’s very kind of you to offer 🙂 Do let us know how your trip goes!

Miyako says

20th September 2018 at 7:40 am

Hello, I would greatly appreciate some advice on our first 9D8N trip (last min) in early Nov to London. We will be flying into Gatwick and leaving from there. There are so many sight-seeings in London, however we are thinking if we could squeeze in a self-drive to see the countryside.

What would the weather be like in November? We are hoping to capture some gorgeous pics at the countryside. If the weather is bad, then perhaps we will just do London and one more city.

We would like to visit the following: Windsor Castle Bath Stonehenge Chelsea Stadium Edinburgh

Westminister Abbey St Paul’s Cathedral Imperial War museum Churchill War rooms Tower Bridge Shard skyscrapper Big Ben British museum London Bridge experience Sky Garden Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Moulin Rouge London eye London zoo

Is it too ambitious? Could you help us plan a route that is most efficient? We would also like to catch a musical.

Many thanks in advance!

21st September 2018 at 2:19 pm

Your itinerary definitely looks achievable. I would suggest you need around three- four days in London to get all those things done. You would then want a day for Stonehenge and Bath, and half a day for Windsor. These are possible as day trips from London, or you can visit them independently. So with the amount of time you have, i think you should be fine.

My only feedback is around the Moulin Rouge – do you mean the musical? Because the actual Moulin Rouge is in Paris 🙂 For Edinburgh I would recommend at least two days. If you only visit Edinburgh, it will probably be quicker to fly or take the train.

6th September 2018 at 6:32 pm

Hi Laurence,

Cass here from Malaysia 🙂 I’m doing some research to plan for a 5 days (11th -15th Sept) road trip from London to Edinburgh & back to London, and found that your article is really useful for me & the itinerary pretty fits to my itinerary!

Appreciate if you could advice on my 5 days itinerary if I’m driving with my family (6 of us)? Or would you suggest us to go with other transportation? If you recommend driving, where is good to rent a 7 seaters?

I think I would most likely follow 80% of your itinerary here but would be helpful if you could share some advice here as I have some concerns. I will skip London cz I’ve been there. Prefer to explore more of cities outside London especially Edinburgh 🙂 Not too keen on visiting churches or normal structure, but love experiencing, sightseeing., nice places for pictures haha! Of course if the church is a super historical one then we don’t mind. Just hope to visit as many places out of London as possible within these 5 days (**sorry abit greedy haha!) By the way, a lil confused on point 3 & 4.

Much apologies for the last minute enquiries as my schedule is kinda tight over here.

Looking forward to your reply! 😀

Thanks, Cass.

6th September 2018 at 6:46 pm

Great to hear from you. So to answer your question on car hire, we usually try Enterprise and Priceline. I just checked, and both have the option to specify how many passengers, and they both have options for 6 people 🙂 You can see links under our car hire suggestions here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

For the itinerary in this post, a car is definitely going to work better than public transport. For six of you, a car will also be more cost effective, as tickets for six people, especially at this short notice, will definitely work out more expensive.

So for your trip, I would follow the itinerary pretty closely, but skipping London. Perhaps start with Stonehenge and the Cotwolds, then overnight in Oxford on your first night ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/6-ways-spend-day-oxford/ ). Second day you could explore Oxford then head north to Warwick. Overnight at Warwick, see the sights, then head further north, perhaps to York for your third night. Then on again, maybe a night in Durham, before your last night in Edinburgh?

Should give you something to work from anyway, without too much driving every day!

Hope this works for you! Have a great trip 🙂

Stella says

4th August 2018 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for providing such a great itinerary! My family and I are planning a trip for about 5 or 6 days total to the UK and the only set plan is to leave from London at the end of the trip. Now, we either want to go to Oxford and stay in that area for a few days, or go to Edinburgh and take a train directly to London. Which would you recommend? Thanks!

4th August 2018 at 5:14 pm

Hey Stella! My pleasure 🙂

Well, it really depends on what you want to see. From Oxford you have access to the Cotswolds and highlights like the Roman city of Bath, and of course, Stonehenge. Edinburgh is a bit bigger than Oxford so there is a bit more to see and do in the city, and then of course there are a lot of great day trips you can do to places like Loch Lomond, the highlands – even Loch Ness. So I guess it depends on if you want more cute villages, or more dramatic medieval city / landscapes!

I love both cities, so it’s hard to pick, but as a city I think Edinburgh has a bit more to offer, just because of the size. Hope this helps – have a great trip!

Cherry Vanderhoek says

22nd July 2018 at 5:49 pm

HI there, I was originally going to do your one week itinerary starting in London and ending in Glasgow but now due to flights I have to start in Gatwick and end in Gatwick. I love everything on your itinerary. I want to see quant villages, Stonehenge, Castles (medieval if possible) and I do love the look of that one house where they were inspired for Lord of the Rings, beautiful. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a nice market and a couple local pubs along the way. By the looks of things, based on your one week itinerary, I could do:

London- Stonehendge/Bath/Cotswolds/- Warwickshire/Peak District/Yorkshire

but than after that I would need to start rounding back down towards Gatwick. What do you suggest and where can I fit in Cambridge and possibly a medieval castle and a market? Or should I spend more time in London at the end?

Keep in mind I have been to London before and have seen alot of the main sites but definitely not all of them. How is the driving there, I will be on my own?

Thank you 🙂

22nd July 2018 at 9:35 pm

Well, Warwick has a castle, as does Oxford, so you might want to add in Oxford on your way out. You could do Cambridge on the way back to London from York, that would be quite easy. York is also home to a pile of medieval streets which should tick that box very nicely. Also, not to forget, London has a super old castle in the form of the Tower of London – although I suspect you might have been there already.

In terms of driving, the UK isn’t too bad once you get used to being on the left side (I have some tips for driving in the UK here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/ ). I’d definitely avoid driving in London though, it’s really slow and inefficient, parking is hard to find, and the congestion charge makes it really expensive! So definitely avoid that if you can.

Otherwise, have a great trip, and let me know if I can help any more!

4th June 2018 at 5:46 pm

I would love to follow your itinerary and would love to add 2-3 more days in it. Will be a family of 5 with 3 preteens. Are there any special considerations. Would like to see Stonehenge from road and would like to drove through Stratford on Avon. Would also like to add York to our trop and see Sycamore gsp. Is it worth going to Edinburgh in August for festival or should we avoid it? Any thoughts on where to stay town-wize in the Cotswolds and where would be the best placd to make a run for York and still ser Chatworth, Baddesly and the ruins? Thanks.

5th June 2018 at 8:56 am

Hey Joe! I guess it depends on the stamina of your kids 🙂 If they are very young then usually we advise cutting back a fair bit, but if they’re closer to teenage then they probably have more energy than everyone else 😉

Edinburgh is great in August if you are into the festival, but it is very very busy (and accommodation is harder to come by and more expensive), so if you’re not that excited about the festival, you might want to visit another location. For the Cotswolds, you can try Burton on the Water, Burford or Stow on the Wold 🙂 – or you could stay in Stratford which would give you a good run up to York.

Rocksy says

19th May 2018 at 3:28 pm

Thank you so much..

Rocksy Vidiaty says

16th May 2018 at 8:17 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for your article. It helps me a lot in planning our UK big family trip next June. There will be 7 adults and 6 kids in this trip. Where would you suggest us to stay? And do we need to be a member of EH or NT in order to cut off the cost of entrance fee? Thank you for your advices..

regards, RFV

17th May 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hey Rocksy – my pleasure. Wow, that sounds like quite the trip 🙂 For the English Heritage and National Trust sites, if you’re a member then you get free admission. If you’re visiting from overseas, you can pick up the passes I link to which are cheaper than annual membership, and last for a shorter duration – normally long enough to cover a trip. My suggestion would be to look up the entry prices for the attractions you are interested in, add them up, and see if the pass would save you the money or not.

For accommodation, for such a large group my suggestion would be to look at larger apartment rentals as that will give you more flexibility as a larger group. Hotels are an option, but you would likely have to book quite a few rooms, so apartments might be a better option. I have a list of accommodation sites that specialise in apartment rentals that might be a good place to start, you can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/alternatives-to-airbnb/

Have an amazing trip, and do let us know how it goes – and do feel free to send us any more questions of course 🙂

18th May 2018 at 10:36 am

Thanks Laurence. We plan to rent 2 big cars and do our self-drive UK trip. We will follow some of your route and modify the rest. So our route will be Heathrow – Stonehenge – Bath – Cotswold (in one day) -Baddesley Clinton-Chatsworth (in one day). From here we have 2 options, either go to York (in one day) – Cambridge – Oxford (in one day) -Windsor -London (in 3 days), or go to Manchester-Liverpool-Snowdonia (in 2 days) -Oxford-Windsor-London (in 3 days). We have 8 days in total. Can you please give some advice? In our group there will be 80 years old lady to 2 years old boy..

Thanks in advance Regards, Rocksy

18th May 2018 at 9:10 pm

Sounds like a great trip! Well, I don’t think you’ll have enough time in 2 days to do Manchester, Liverpool and Snowdonia, so my suggestion would be the first option you suggest, which will give you a bit more time. I’d also add that Cambridge and Oxford are fairly similar, so you might prefer to just pick one of the two 🙂

Crystal says

9th May 2018 at 6:57 pm

HI. I was wondering if you had a detailed map of this 1 week UK itinerary. Thank you

10th May 2018 at 8:52 am

Hi Crystal! That is an excellent point – I have been trying to add maps to my itineraries and seem to have missed this one. I’ll add one in as soon as I can and will respond to your comment again when I have done so – thanks for letting me know 🙂

Dylan Wright says

8th May 2018 at 10:28 am

Thank you for the article. But I would like to ask a question. I want to rent a car, but I’m under 25. What is the UK policy for renting a car to students?

8th May 2018 at 12:33 pm

There’s no UK wide policy on age restrictions for car rentals – it’s varies from company to company. I would advise checking individual car rental services like Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt etc. and seeing what their policy is. Most companies will have a surcharge for drivers younger than 25, but it should still be possible to rent a car. I have more information on my driving in the UK post, which you can eee here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

Kathleen says

27th April 2018 at 2:01 am

I’m so happy to have found this! My husband and I are planning a one week trip this June coming from the US and this sounds perfect. I am just trying to figure out how to fit everything in along with the driving. Several things don’t open until 10 or 11 am and then close early, which doesn’t leave much time. For example, you mention staying at Fountains Abbey through sunset, but the website says it closes at 18:00. Can you stay on the grounds past closing? I’m also trying to decide if it would be worth stopping for a night between Newcastle and Edinburgh if we have time which gives us more time in Edinburgh. Any suggestions? Thanks

27th April 2018 at 9:12 am

Hi Kathleen!

I’m glad to have been able to help! Opening times can be a bit of a challenge for sure, and they vary by season – so you’ll definitely have to plan around them. It also depends what time of year you visit depending on the sunset – in June the sun won’t set until around 10pm, in December, it’s more like 4pm! With Fountains Abbey, when I spoke to the staff there they said you were fine to stay after official closing hours, there’s just no entry after those times. it’s a huge park, so they’d struggle to get everyone out anyway! For an overnight stop between Edinburgh and Newcastle, there are a few options, perhaps Alnwick would be a good option?

27th April 2018 at 5:48 pm

Thank you so much for answering my questions! I have one more for you. My husband is very leery of trying to drive since we are used to driving on the other side of the road. If we plan on picking up a rental car at heathrow on our way out of London on day 3 and returning it either in Newcastle (to take the train to Edinburgh) or at the Edinburgh airport at our arrival there, how much city driving would there be? The thought of getting confused in a roundabout scare him 🙂 Thanks so. much! Kathleen

27th April 2018 at 5:52 pm

My pleasure Kathleen 😀 The remaining cities are not really that big (London is by far the worst to drive in), but I would say that the UK doesn’t have quite the interstate system of the USA, so there will still be the odd roundabout to deal with. But if you take your time (and make sure to hire an automatic if you’re not used to driving stick!) then you should be ok. I also have a guide to driving in the UK he might find helpful, which I wrote from the perspective of someone coming from the US in mind 🙂 You definitely won’t need a car in Edinburgh. I would also advise bringing a GPS – even google maps with an offline version of the UK downloaded onto it will make your travels a lot easier.

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

26th April 2018 at 7:17 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, this all sounds pretty amazing. I have lived in the UK for over ten years (Southampton and London) and I totally agree with the itinerary you’re suggesting. I was wondering if you can give me any ideas on the following: my fiance and I will be in York in June for work and then have about six days to travel around the country. We want to spend the two last days in London as we need to catch our plane back to Australia. We’ve been debating whether we should explore the Scottish Highlands or go down to Cornwall, both of which are places we haven’t visited before. Or are we missing out on a better itinerary for our timeframe? I admit I very much like your one week in the UK although I have visited most of these places before…Any ideas? Thank you!

26th April 2018 at 7:32 pm

Thanks for your comment. Let me see if I can help 🙂 My personal preference would be to go to the Scottish Highlands. I’m not sure how you are travelling exactly, either by car or public transport, but your best option would be to take a car – either take the train to Inverness and hire one, or drive up from York. For scenery, my suggestion would be to head to the west coast – perhaps Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, and then up the west coast towards Durness. That part of the country is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Definitely check out my North Coast 500 itinerary ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/7-day-north-coast-500-camping-itinerary/ ) for pointers on that, as well as our Isle of Skye photography guide ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/skye-photography-locations-scotland/ ).

One other option, I’m not sure if you’ve been to the Lake District, but if you didn’t want to drive so much then that’s also a good option from York 🙂

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

8th May 2018 at 5:30 pm

Dear Laurence,

Many thanks for your prompt response and apologies it took me forever to get back to you! We will be renting a car to do our travelling. Lake District is currently one of our options and we are also considering the Yorkshire moors as a closer option before heading down to London. Any preference between the two (Lake District vs Yorkshire moors)? Thank you!

10th May 2018 at 8:56 am

No need to apologise! My personal preference would be the Lake District – it’s a really beautiful part of the UK. The only thing is it’s likely to be a bit busier than the Yorkshire moors, so if it’s peace and quiet you are after, the Yorkshire Moors are also very beautiful and likely to be a bit less busy! Hope this helps a bit 🙂

H Singh says

15th April 2018 at 9:41 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica, All of this is wonderful and very helpful info. What would you suggest to see and do in UK for a family of four on a net budget of around 1500 GBP. Tickets and Visa to UK I shall take care separately. We plan to visit in July and start the itinerary by travelling into London Please advise. Thanks. HS

15th April 2018 at 2:20 pm

Thanks for your message! You will be pleased to hear that I have just today published a detailed post that covers the cost of travel in the UK. This is based on two people, but you should be able to use the numbers to help inform your budget. You can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

How long are you in the UK for and what are you interested in?

15th April 2018 at 4:41 pm

Dear Lawrence,

Thanks for your prompt reply. Your article related to the costs is very timely for me, I am looking forward to a short UK holiday in July with family (me, wife, teen son, pre-teen daughter) on a 1500 GBP budget (airfare, visas separate). Seeing the costs in the article, wondering how to make it possible!!! Any advice will be very useful to me!

18th April 2018 at 6:29 am

My advice would be to book as much in advance as you can – especially train tickets or plane tickets are much cheaper if you book them in advance. For accommodation, try some of the alternative lodging options ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/alternatives-to-airbnb/ ) – which might help you save money, especially travelling as a family. I hope this helps a bit.

19th April 2018 at 6:57 pm

I’ll look into the link you provided for accommodation, as well as note your advice on advance bookings. Thank you Lawrence.

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UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

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Top United Kingdom Road Trip Ideas

If you want to escape day-to-day life, explore new destinations and enjoy travel freedom, then plan a UK road trip. And where better than in the glorious isles of the United Kingdom, where landscapes vary from the gentle to the dramatic, and roads thread through the patchwork countryside between quaint villages and historic towns?

Whether you’re looking for an epic Scottish adventure through highlands and glens, a gentle potter along one of England’s beautiful coastlines, a fast-paced action-packed Welsh road trip, or you like Northern Ireland’s road less travelled, you’ll find it here, amongst our collection of the eighteen best road trips in the United Kingdom.

If you’ve got wheels, we’ve got the best UK road trip ideas for you!

Getting to the UK

The UK has over 40 airports meaning there will be one which is perfectly located for the start point of your road trip. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

• London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham are best for English road trips .
• Fly into Belfast City and Belfast International for Northern Irish road trips .
• Head for Edinburgh and Glasgow International for Scottish road trips .
• Cardiff, Bristol or Birmingham Airport are best for Welsh road trips .

You can hire a car  at any of these airports and be on your chosen UK driving route within an hour of landing. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in the UK. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time to Take a UK Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months in the UK are often cold and wet, more so if you head to Scotland or Northern Ireland. Although other visitors will be thinner on the ground, the weather may hinder you from seeing everything you want to, accommodation options may be limited and the driving experience will be a lot less enjoyable.

March to May

Late spring is a wonderful time to visit the UK, as the cold and wet retreats and gives way to kinder weather. Wildflowers appear, baby animals abound and life picks up a lively pace again. But, remember that the country is so lush because it rains frequently, so always be prepared for a downpour, or a few drizzly days when you plan a UK road trip.

June to August

Summer brings sunshine to all of the UK, with south Wales and the western coast of Scotland getting the best of the Gulf Stream. This is the perfect time to visit for outdoor adventures such as hiking and coasteering and ideal if you’re in a tent or motorhome wild camping.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time to explore the UK . The coasts will be quieter but still warm and the glorious colours of fall bring vibrancy to the countryside. Don’t leave it too late, it will be cold and wet again by mid-October.

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

UK Road Trip Planner

The United Kingdom is a small but diverse country and it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip. Whatever type of road trip you enjoy, and whether you’ve got one week or one month for your UK trip, you’ll find an itinerary here that’s right for you!

UK Road Trip Map

England Road Trips

Devon & cornwall, barnstable – rock – padstow – newquay – st ives – sennen – porthcurno – penzance.

The most south-westerly county in England has some of the best beaches the country has to offer. You’ll also find plenty of quaint seaside towns, stunning landscapes and lots of fantastic days out, which make Cornwall one of the best UK road trips for families.

The drive down the M5 or A303 can be long and slow, especially at the weekends when lots of self-catering accommodation providers have their change-over days. Try and head down mid-week and break up the journey before you get to the A30, the main arterial road through the county.

Visit the  Eden Project on the way, an amazing place to explore, and not to be missed when you’re driving so close by.

Alternatively, take the Atlantic Highway from Barnstable, just south of the glorious Exmoor National Park, to Newquay. This route takes you into Cornwall on the A39 road, passing some of the  best beaches in north Devon  on the way. As you head south, enjoy the walking and cycling trails on North Devon’s aptly named Adventure Coast.

The Camel Estuary

With pretty Padstow on one side of the estuary and trendy Rock on the other, this is a fantastic family destination with lots to do. Try your hand at surfing or body-boarding in Rock or just have fun in the waves. Eat delicious, locally caught fish in Padstow restaurants and enjoy strolling the charming harbour and town. 

The most famous of all Cornish holiday and seaside towns, St Ives is graced with a couple of superb beaches and a lively ambience in the busy and picturesque town and harbour and is a must-stop on any  Cornwall road trip .

With shops, restaurants and bars open long into the evening in summer, and several world-renowned galleries, St Ives has a cosmopolitan feel and is perfectly placed for day trips around the south of Cornwall. It can get very busy here in the high season, if you’re travelling as a couple, visit before UK schools break up for summer if you possibly can. 

Porthcurno & Around

The tip of the Cornish peninsula has some amazing coves and beaches. Porthcurno is one of our all-time favourite beaches and is overlooked by the Minack Theatre, which you should visit, if only for the spectacular views. Get to the beach early in the summer months, the car park fills quickly.

Elsewhere on the peninsula, Sennen Cove and the  tin mines at Botallack  provide a fascinating insight into Cornish history.

Head east for charming Mousehole (pronounced Mowzle), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!).

Penzance, of pirate fame, and the splendid  St. Michael’s Mount , accessible on foot when the tide is out, are all within a few miles of each other and well worth a visit.

RELATED POSTS: Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips | Atlantic Highway: An Epic Devon & Cornwall Road Trip

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting the United Kingdom . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

The Cotswolds

Burford – cheltenham – painswick – bath.

Is there anywhere more perfectly English than the Cotswolds? The lush and rolling countryside of southwest England is dotted with honeyed picture-perfect villages set around duck ponds and greens, and the winding country lanes are lined with stone walls and hedgerows.

The region is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers close encounters with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities at the  Slimbridge Wetland Centre .

If you prefer a bit more activity, paddle boarding, kayaking and archery are all available at the  Cotswold Water Park , and there are lots of great cycling and hiking routes in the area. If you’re looking for a gentle escape and a slow pace, this is a perfect 1 week road trip in the UK.

The medieval town of Burford, just 30 minutes west of historic Oxford and an hour and 45 minutes by car from  London , is on the edge of the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’, bordered by the A40, A44 and A429.

The triangle is home to some of the most idyllic chocolate box villages of the Cotswolds, including Kingham, Churchill, Broadwell, Bledington and Oddington, and a perfect place to start a Cotswolds road trip.

Burford itself has changed little over the centuries, other than becoming one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. Stroll down the famous High Street, lined with half-timbered houses and Georgian architecture, as it descends to the River Windrush.

Dip in and out of the side streets and alleys for hidden treasures, more historic buildings and great places to stop for lunch. 

Painswick, known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’, is a beautiful and historic wool town. One of the best-preserved settlements in the Cotswolds, built from locally quarried stone, Painswick is a great starting point to travel around the area.

Close enough to Cheltenham to make exploring easy, there are many small country roads and tiny villages between Painswick and Cheltenham to discover.

Sitting halfway along the  Cotswold Way National Trail , Painswick is surrounded by fabulous hiking country and is a great base to start from. Painswick Beacon has spectacular views across the Severn Valley to the mountains of Wales.

End your road trip in the historic Roman and Georgian spa city of Bath. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is famous for its hot springs, Roman baths, Medieval heritage and elegant Georgian architecture.

Visit the fascinating  Roman Baths  which date from AD43, to see how the Romans liked to relax. At the more modern end of the scale, take a dip in the contemporary  Thermae Bath Spa , which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain.

Make time to admire the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus to see the fine period architecture which epitomises the city that was home to the author, Jane Austen.

Bournemouth – Swanage – Corfe Castle – Kimmeridge – Lulworth – Weymouth – Portland – Abbotsbury

This stunning  coastal road trip in England  takes you through the county of Dorset, which boasts a rugged UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline, traditional villages and some great bucket-and-spade resorts.

The cliffs of the 95 mile long ancient Jurassic Coast contain millions of fossils and there is even a forest of fossilised trees.

With Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth providing good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, there’s a lot to recommend on this England road trip itinerary.

Swanage & Around

Swanage is a traditional English sea-side resort that was ‘discovered’ by the Victorians when sea bathing became fashionable.

At the far eastern end of the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck, Swanage boasts a safe sandy beach, steam train, nearby  Corfe Castle , great wreck diving and  Durlston Country Park , so there’s a great deal to keep you busy and entertained.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

At the other end of the Isle of Purbeck, Lulworth Cove is an almost perfect circle and is considered one of the best examples in Europe of this type of marine erosion.

Whatever the reason for Lulworth Cove, it really is a wonderful holiday spot, perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddling or just messing about in the water.

Literally next door is Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch in the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion. Durdle Door is backed by a beautiful pebble beach and the imposing limestone cliffs that the Jurassic Coast is famous for.

Both places are on the glorious  South West Coast Path , which starts in Minehead in Somerset and ends in Poole harbour. The longest long-distance footpath in the UK, it snakes along the coast for 630 miles. Follow the path west from Lulworth for wild clifftop views free of people, and the geological wonder that is Kimmeridge Bay.

Chesil Beach & Around

An eighteen mile long shingle barrier beach made up of 180 billion pebbles, the iconic Chesil Beach stretches from West Bay to Portland, on the western side of Dorset.

Head for  Abbotsbury Gardens  for one of the best views of Chesil Beach from above, stretching miles in either direction. Pop in to see the mute swan colony at the Abbotsbury Swannery, also a little-known filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

Energy levels permitting, drive south to the instantly recognisable  Portland Bill  lighthouse at the tip of Portland, for more wild seascapes.

RELATED POST: A South England Road Trip to Dorset & the New Forest

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Lake District

Ullswater – keswick – grasmere – ambleside – windermere.

The rugged Lake District in Cumbria is known as ‘Wordsworth country’ and is home to some of the most scenic roads in UK. This English road trip has something for everyone, whether escape or adventure is on the agenda, and is one of the best road routes in the UK for active families and experience days for couples .

Head for the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick or find peace and quiet by one of the sixteen beautiful bodies of water in this stunning national park.

Enjoy great hiking, biking and outdoor activities in the warmer months, or spend time on the water, with boat hires, kayaking and SUP all on offer. 

Start your Lake District road trip at Ullswater, the second largest of the national parks lakes. Ullswater is nestled amongst some of the best fells the area has to offer and is home to the stunning Aira Force waterfall.

With hiking and water sports on your doorstep, this is a perfect spot for road trippers to enjoy nature and outdoor activity, and some of the best Lake District hikes.

To the west of Ullswater, Keswick is a busy market town that lies between the natural beauty of Derwentwater and the imposing Skiddaw mountains.

Hike up to the prehistoric Castelrigg stone circle, literally surrounded by fells and sky in every direction, or try an easy trail like Catbells, which also has the added benefit of  incredible Lake District views  of the rugged and far-reaching landscape.

Honister Slate Mine

At the southern end of Derwentwater is the valley of Borrowdale, leading to the Honister Pass and the home of the Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England.

The mine has a visitor centre which provides underground guided mine tours and a range of adventure activities including a Via Ferrata (by ropes) course, a ropes course in the mine and a daring infinity bridge – kids big and small will love it here!

The New Forest

Fordingbridge – lyndhurst – brockenhurst – lymington.

The historic New Forest in Hampshire, planted in 1079 by William the Conquerer, retains a strong sense of tradition. Home to New Forest wild ponies, roaming pigs, Highland cattle and deer, the forest is a haven for wildlife and offers peace and tranquillity to all who visit.

It is a particularly special place to visit in autumn , when the crowds have gone, and the fall colours are spectacular. You might also spot rutting deer if you visit at this time of year.

Also a hub for outdoor activity, including water sports, cycling and hiking, you can find the top  New Forest outdoor activities here . 

Just a few hours from the capital, the New Forest is one of the best road trips from London and perfect for an activity focussed long weekend.

Brockenhurst

A charming village to the south of the forest and an excellent base for cycling and walking, Brockenhurst has a few good pubs and a seriously good  takeaway fish and chip shop . An excellent hub from which to explore, you can hire bikes in the village or bring your own – download this helpful map for routes.

New Forest Water Park

On the western fringes of the forest, the New Forest Water Park offers wakeboarding and a giant inflatable aqua park, the best fun you can have in a wet suit and a perfect family day out. Try your hand at wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle before running the gauntlet on the aqua park course …its a lot, lot harder than it looks!

Right on the southwestern edge of the New Forest, Lymington is a traditional bustling market town. With a busy modern harbour and easy access to the Solent, this is a haven for sailors.

From your base in Lymington, take a trip to  Hurst Castle , built by Henry VIII and situated on a shingle spit stretching into the Solent.

On hot days, take a dip in the seawater swimming baths on the edge of Lymington town.

Lymington also makes a great base to visit the Isle of Wight. Sitting guard in the Solent, at the entrance to one of the UK’s busiest freight ports, the island is famous for being the one-time home of Queen Victoria and having the sunniest beach in the UK, amongst lots of other things.

You can get the  car ferry  there and back in a day, making it a road trip within a road trip!

RELATED POST: Top 16 New Forest Outdoor Adventures

Norwich – Wroxham – Hemsby – Cromer – Blakeney – Hunstanton – Kings Lynn

One of the most beautiful counties in England, Norfolk enjoys an incredible and unspoilt heritage coastline and the famous Norfolk Broads, where you will find huge skies and mesmerising landscapes, making it one of the best road trip destinations around the UK.

A national park and a haven for birds and wildlife, the Broads are a nature lover’s paradise and can be explored on foot or by boat, with a traditional Norfolk wherry being the ultimate Broads experience.

The historic city of Norwich is a hidden gem and a must-visit if you’re in Norfolk. Considered the UK’s best preserved medieval city, Norwich delivers a fine Norman cathedral with the second highest spire in England, a lively and well-respected bar and restaurant scene, and the Norwich Lanes, a muddle of pedestrian alleys full of independent shops and boutiques.

As you follow the coast north from the Broads, you’ll come to the North Norfolk coast and Blakeney . This pretty coastal village lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty which boasts a nature reserve of spacious landscapes with salt marshes, sand dunes and horizons stretching far out to sea.

Practice your crabbing skills in the harbour, or take a trip out to Blakeney Point to see the Common and Grey seals that breed here in winter. 

Sandringham

South of the Wash lies the royal estate of Sandringham. Set in beautiful woodlands, perfect for walking, you can also visit the house, gardens and transport museum before heading to see the St Mary Magdalene church where the Queen attends services when she is staying at Sandringham.

There are often events here too, such as farmer’s markets and craft fairs, check the Sandringham Estate website for details and dates.

RELATED POST: Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

Northumberland Coast Route

Alnmouth – craster – embleton – beadnell – seahouses – bamburgh – holy island of lindisfarne – alnwick.

This drive takes you along the stunning Northumberland coast, passing through the beautiful landscapes and seaside fishing villages of the county.

Northumberland is home to some of England’s most dramatic castles, an iconic holy island and Hadrian’s Wall, on the border with Scotland. There is fantastic coastal walking in the region, huge sandy beaches that seem endless and warm hospitality for visitors.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is a spectacular castle and country house, and the seat of The 12th Duke of Northumberland. It was built following the Norman conquest and renovated and remodelled a number of times, into the castle you see today.

Film and TV fans shouldn’t miss a visit here – the castle has been featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, Elizabeth, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey, and probably most famously, as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.

Coastal Villages

As you head north, spend a night in one of the fishing villages such as Craster or Beadnell, and enjoy a bracing beach walk from your accommodation, and a traditional fish and chip supper from the local chippie!

Lindisfarne Holy Island

The tidal island of Lindisfarne , also known as Holy Island, is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled there in 635CE and the monastery became the centre of a major saint’s cult celebrating its bishop, Cuthbert.

In 793CE the Vikings attacked Lindisfarne, looting the monastery and killing or enslaving many of the monks. It was the first time the Vikings had attacked a monastic site in Britain, and the attack came as a major shock for medieval Christians.

The historic island lies just off the extreme Northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed, and is reachable across a paved causeway, but only when the North Sea tides permit! Safe times to cross are predictable and can be found here , and the route takes around two hours to walk.

The Peak District

Chesterfield – bakewell – buxton – castleton – glossop.

Nestled between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield is the glorious Peak District. Straddling the Pennines’ southernmost hills lie ancient stone villages, hillsides dotted with grand stately homes and rocky outcrops in every direction, but no peaks, despite the name.

To the north, the Dark Peak area is dominated by exposed moorland and gritstone ‘edges’, while to the south, the White Peak is made up of rolling limestone dales. The diverse and soaring landscapes of the Peak District mean some seriously good drives, making for one of the best road trips in England.

Chatsworth House

Known as the ‘Palace of the Peak’, this huge stately home three miles northeast of Bakewell has been the family seat of sixteen generations of earls and dukes of Devonshire. Inside, the lavish apartments and mural-painted staterooms are filled with priceless paintings and period furniture.

Head outside for 25 square miles of grounds and ornamental gardens, including water features, a maze, sculptures, and splendid Victorian glass houses. Some of the grounds were landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Full of history,  Chatsworth House  was founded in 1552 by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, who came from modest beginnings to become the second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England after the Queen. It was with Bess’ second husband, Sir William Cavendish, that the Cavendish line, which continues today, was established.

Finish your Chatsworth House visit with lunch or dinner a few miles up the road, at the highly-rated Prince of Wales in Baslow, one of the best fine dining pubs in the Peak District .

Caves and Caverns

The Peak District is littered with caves and caverns, some entirely natural and some created as a result of historic mining activity.

Peak Cavern  at Castleton is the largest cave system in the Peak District and is almost all entirely natural. Known as the ‘devil’s arse’, the cave was inhabited by rope-making cave dwellers until the early 20th century and 40 families lived in two rows of cottages in the cave entrance, along with stables, a pub and a few small shops! You will also find Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton.

The  Heights of Abraham  opened in 1780 and is one of the oldest tourist attractions in England. Alongside the cable car ride and parkland with lots of attractions are two 350 million-year-old caves, Rutland Caverns and Great Masson, where you can experience what lead mining in the 17th century was like.

In the heart of the rugged North Peak area of the Peak District, lies Snake Pass. Winding its way through the valley connecting Sheffield and Glossop, this is one of the best roads to drive in Europe . Following the river Ashop, Snake Pass crosses the Pennines at Ashopton and reaches a high point of 512 metres above sea level.

With stunning views in every direction and surrounded by heather-carpeted moorland, deep valleys, reservoirs and lush woodland, the scenic Snake Pass makes for a truly memorable drive. With its sharp twisted roads, moulded around the rugged landscape, Snake Pass really is a drive to be celebrated by road trippers. 

Just a word of warning though, this road is considered one of the most dangerous in the UK, so take it slowly, stop for photos, and savour the drive.  

RELATED POST: Why We Say These Are the Best Driving Roads in Europe

Yorkshire Dales

Harrogate – malham – hawes – richmond.

In ‘God’s own country’ of Yorkshire , the roads ribbon between glacial valleys, patchwork fields, flat-topped hills and rocky outcrops, punctuated by pretty villages with quaint pubs, and windswept hiking trails.

There’s history aplenty too, in this land that was once host to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Be aware that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a mecca for tour buses which cause major headaches both on the roads and in car parks at the most popular spots. Avoid the summer months if you possibly can.

Start in the well-heeled and elegant Georgian town of Harrogate, known then as ‘The English Spa’. On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is a great starting point for your Yorkshire road trip.

Malhamdale is in the Pennines, at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales. Malham itself is a pretty village, surrounded by the limestone buildings and the dry-stone walls so common in the Dales, with a stream bubbling through the centre of the village. 

Malham is best known though for the glacial lake, Malham Tarn, and the majestic Malham Cove, a vast curving amphitheatre-shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. 

The vertical cliff face is about 80 metres high. If you’re lucky, you may see Malham Cove waterfall, which appears in the centre of the cliff face in spring and after heavy rain.

Wensleydale

The lush sweeping valley of Wensleydale is distinct for its wooded hillocks and rushing waterfalls, the most famous being the triple flight Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, England’s largest single-drop waterfall.

The capital of Upper Wensleydale, Hawes, is a lively market town with many hotels and tearooms. Local craft and artisan industries thrive making pottery, wooden toys and the famous Wensleydale cheese, Wallace and Gromit’s favourite.

The  Dales Countryside Museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in traditional countryside life in Yorkshire.

One of the northernmost dales in the national park is Swaledale, a deep and winding valley that is home to the pretty cobbled market town of Richmond, which boasts a rich and vivid history.

Sitting high above the town,  Richmond Castle  dominates the skyline. The views from the top of the massive keep are far-reaching between the hills of Swaledale to the west, the Vale of York to the south and in the far distance to the east, the stunning North York Moors.

Famous for its hardy breed of horned sheep, Swaledale also puts on a spectacular wildflower display in its meadows, which are a riot of wildlife and colour in June and early July.

Spring comes late to this part of England, but you’ll find it an excellent time of year to hike the trails crisscrossing the rugged countryside.

Northern Ireland Road Trips

The causeway coastal route, ballycastle – bushmills – portrush – portstewart – castlerock – londonderry.

This picturesque and unspoilt country of the United Kingdom may require a ferry crossing if you don’t live there, but it is a coastal road trip in the UK that’s worth making the effort for.

From the breathtaking natural beauty of the  Giant’s Causeway  to the huge Benone Beach, the coastline is studded with Game of Thrones locations and pretty seaside towns.

End your trip in the walled city of Londonderry, a popular tourist destination in its own right, or continue onto the Wild Atlantic Way just over the border, for more big seas, idyllic beaches and dramatic landcscapes.

If you don’t live in Northern Ireland, why not start your road trip in the fun city of Dublin – we even have the perfect one day Dublin itinerary for you!

It’s easy to fly in and rent a car in Ireland before heading north across the border to Belfast and making your way up the coast – if you have to take a ferry or plane, you might as well make the most of it and cover two countries in one trip!

The Giants Causeway & Around

Forged by volcanic nature some 50 to 60 million years ago, these 40,000 columns of basalt spilling into the wild North Atlantic are simply unmissable.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous historic and natural landmarks, as well as being an awe-inspiring place that really gets you thinking about man’s insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Climb the Shepherd’s Steps to hike along the clifftop trail for an aerial view of the dramatic sea views, or take the road less travelled on a five mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path for uninterrupted views.

Don’t miss the tiny harbour at Ballintoy (also a Game of Thrones location) before heading along the coast to the  Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge  and testing your courage as you cross between the mainland and the island.

Portstewart & Portrush

Literally next to each other, both Portstewart and Portrush are pretty seaside holiday towns.

With souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, Portrush is livelier and has a nightclub and amusements.

Portstewart has a more laid-back vibe with some interesting independent shops along the prom which sell local crafts and a few great places to eat.

Both have superb beaches and excellent golf courses. If you like motorbikes, head here in May for the infamous  North West 200 , when bikes race along the roads you are driving, but at twice the speed.

Benone Beach & Around

A favourite of surfers, kite flyers and walkers, the vast beach stretches from Magilligan Point in the west to Castlerock in the east.

From here you can see, and then visit the  Mussenden Temple  on the headland and the Downhill Demesne.

The mighty Binevenagh mountain sits to the south and is excellent for hiking, with stunning views of the coast, Loch Foyle and Donegal from the summit, if you pick a clear day. 

Make time to pop into the  Sea Shed Cafe  for their legendary Spanish hot chocolate and home made cake right on the beach!

RELATED POST – Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?

Mourne Coastal Route

Belfast – bangor – ards peninsula – downpatrick – newcastle – mourne mountains.

The Mourne Coastal Route follows the lesser travelled eastern route of the Northern Ireland coast.   This area is known for its traditional fishing villages and picturesque seaside towns, only surpassed by the stunning scenery and coastal landscapes of the region.

As you drive, you’ll get many glimpses into the past, from ancient tower houses to stately homes and gardens. You’ll also be able to spot many birds including geese and duck, oystercatchers and curlew, and in the summer nesting tern are in abundance.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is a Marine Nature Reserve, meaning the marine life is worth exploring. Wandering along the shore reveals starfish, urchins, shellfish and even glimpses of seals basking on the rocks. If you stop for a walk along the coast, you’ll be sure to see beautiful wildflowers and a huge variety of butterflies.

With Northern Ireland’s three main fishing ports on the Mourne Coastal Route, you have to sample the fresh seafood. It features on many menus, whether you’re looking for fine dining, or just to grab some fish and chips and watch the boat activity in the harbours.

Artisan food producers are plentiful in this area which is home to Comber potatoes, Portavogie prawns, Dundrum Bay oysters, local honey, Finnebrogue venison and many local brews and beverages. 

Stately Homes

The National Trust sites in this area all offer beautiful views and glorious nature. Neo-classical Mount Stewart has exceptional gardens and walks, as well as a house tour. Castle Ward estate extends right to the edge of Strangford Lough, with its unique mansion, gardens and trails, and you can experience archery and a medieval banquet on the original set of Winterfell from Game of Thrones.

RELATED POST – Belfast in A Day: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our top road trips in Europe for ideas and inspiration.

Scotland Road Trips

The argyll coastal route, loch lomond – inverary – lochgilphead – oban – glen coe – fort william – glenfinnan.

Starting at the tip of Loch Lomond and following the coast from Inveraray to Fort William, this west coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers and those that want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

We’ve added an extra stop to the official route at Glenfinnan – you’re so close to this historic village at the end of the trip, we just couldn’t resist.

Cultural Glasgow and historic Edinburgh are also both within striking distance at the start or end of your road trip if you fancy a few days of city life.

Easdale Island

Spend a fantastic car-free day wildlife watching from Easdale Island. Make the five minute passenger ferry crossing to this tranquil part of Scotland, where you can take a whale spotting trip, an excursion to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool or a tour of a local seal colony. 

Other areas of interest include the historical remains of what was once the centre of the Scottish slate mining industry.

The still pools, which are a defining feature of Easdale, were once active slate quarries, and together with the wide variety of flora and bird life make Easdale unique.

With magnificent views of towering mountains and glens, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders. Explore the  Glen Coe Geotrail  to learn more about the ancient volcanic history of this other-worldly place which was shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago.

In the picturesque village of Glencoe, you can learn about local history, including the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown.

At the top of this road trip lies Glenfinnan, the historic spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble in 1745, proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to be denounced and rightfully returned to his family, the Stuarts.

His actions and the subsequent Battle of Culloden led to a seismic change in the Highland way of life and caused a long rift between Scotland and England. 

You’ll also find the magical Glenfinnan Viaduct here, made famous by the Harry Potter films. This railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. 

For the best views, take the Glenfinnan Trail to the viewpoint, where you’ll see the steam train crossing the famous viaduct. Turn around for a magnificent view of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument which commemorates the Jacobite uprising.

RELATED POST: Eight Incredible Scotland Road Trips

The North Coast 500

Inverness – john o’groats – durness – lochinver – ullapool – inverness.

This ultimate Scottish route and one of the great British road trips is a 516 mile spectacular circular trip around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle and passing through some of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Do a bit of it or tackle the whole iconic route, for which you’ll need at least two if not three or four, weeks to do the trip justice. You’ll find incredible landscapes, myths and legends, welcoming Scottish hospitality and the thrill of the open road. 

The NC500 is one of Europe’s best-known road trips and it will be busy in the summer months – head there in late spring or autumn for quieter roads and better deals on accommodation.

Both the start and finish point of your driving holiday in Scotland, this ancient cathedral city is full of history and interest. Go hunting for monsters on Loch Ness, take a trip to the haunting and emotive  battlefield at Culloden  and visit  Inverness Castle .

Home to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the most northerly village and northerly point of mainland UK respectively, Caithness is right at the top of Great Britain.

It is so far north that in favourable conditions, it’s possible to see the northern lights from here. The coastline features soaring sea stacks and towering headlands, home to puffins and other sea birds.  

One of the last great wilderness of Europe, quite a few miles of the NC500 pass through Sutherland’s raw and naturally beautiful.

The coast of this part of the route is unspoilt and diverse, from huge sandy beaches in the west to the rugged and aptly named Cape Wrath cliffs, the most north-westerly point of mainland UK and only accessible by boat or special transport.

RELATED POST: North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips

Kyle of Lochalsh – Portree – Duntulm – Dunvegan – Armadale

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second-largest island, a 50 mile long stretch of heather-carpeted moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and dramatic sea cliffs.

This incredible landscape is the main attraction, but there is plenty to do when the mist descends, including castles, museums, craft studios and even fairy pools.

Follow this popular UK road trip route out of season for real solitude and remoteness, some of the best hiking in Scotland, and to breath the clear air and remind yourself of why life is good. 

Dunvegan Castle

In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, Skye’s most famous historic building,  Dunvegan Castle , is the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod and has been so for over 800 years.

The castle itself is fascinating and the formal gardens make a wonderful contrast to the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a busy tourist attraction though, and best visited outside of the peak months of July and August.

The Sleat Peninsula

Commonly referred to as ‘the garden of Skye’, the Sleat peninsula is home to verdant gardens and thick forests, surrounded by glorious beaches and sparking seas.

This eclectic corner of Skye not only has nature on its doorstep, it also has some of the best restaurants on the island and of course, a  whisky distillery , for that wee dram you must have when visiting.

The Trotternish Peninsula

Trotternish is the most northerly peninsula and enjoys Skye’s most striking and dramatic landscapes. As you drive north your attention will be captured by The Storr and The Old Man of Storr, a 50m high lance of rock that sits at the foot of the cliffs. 

Head to The Quiraing for some fantastic hiking and to see the best of these ancient landscapes in this remote, stunning part of the island.

The South West Coastal 300

Prestwick – ballantrae – cairngaan – isle of whithorn – kirkudbright – dumfries – lockerbie – moffat – dalmellington – prestwick.

The South West Coastal 300 is a road trip for nature lovers and history buffs. With stunning coastlines, lush forests which stretch over rolling hills and dramatic moorlands, this quiet corner of Scotland will woo you until you fall in love with its gentle charms.

This is a well-located road trip in Scotland for those driving north from the rest of the UK and can be joined at Lockerbie, within a 20 minute drive of the Scottish border. 

Dunure Beach

Our favourite beach on this road trip, the small but perfectly formed Dunure Beach has dark sand and shingle with great rock pooling and stunning views of Ailsa Craig from the ragged ruins of Dunure Castle.

Dip into  Galloway Forest Park , the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland and a top spot to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, or visit the  Scottish Dark Sky Observatory  at Dalmellington to use their powerful telescopes to observe the night skies – stargazing without light pollution is an incredible experience.

Kirkudbright

Spend a day in lively Kirkudbright (pronounced kir–coo–bree) and follow the Arts and Crafts Trail. Home to generations of creatives, ‘the artist’s town’ has a flourishing community of painters and craftworkers. You might also hear bagpipes here as they have lots of parades.

Wales Road Trips

Brecon beacons, hay-on-wye – brecon – libanus – llandovery – gwaun-cae-curwen.

Undulating dramatically across the landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Wales.

High mountain plateaus and glacial hollows rise above forested valleys, hidden waterfalls and gorgeous rural landscapes that echo to the sound of rushing waterfalls, making this a varied and exciting Wales road trip.

The relatively short distance from London to Wales, just three hours and 40 minutes driving makes this one of the best weekend road trips from London.

Starting at the northernmost tip of the national park, Hay-on-Wye is famous the world over for books and the annual  Hay Festival of Literature and Arts , a reputation that belies its small size.

Known as Hay by locals, this charming town in Wales sits on the gently flowing river Wye and abuts the Wales-England border. 

The town centre is made up of skinny sloping lanes characterised by a shabby elegance that suits the quirky bookshops and antiques emporia that thrive in Wye’s independent and cosmopolitan vibe. 

Known as ‘the Beacons’ to hikers, there are many trails to choose from in these mountains. Pen-y-Fan, which just misses out on ‘Furth’ status (the equivalent of a Munro in Scotland), is a favourite of many.

The route is a challenging ten mile slog through forest and moorland to the steep ridge of Pen-y-Fan. The views from the top, at 886m, are superb, especially in the winter when the landscape is dusted with frost and snow.

But there is more hiking here than just Pen-y-Fan; an online search will reward you with many options, including Sugar Loaf in Monmouthshire and the four waterfalls walk which starts in Porth yr Ogof.

The Black Mountain Pass

One of the most scenic drives in Wales, this epic mountain road of Top Gear fame gives unrivalled views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and enough hairpin bends and switchbacks to satisfy any dangerous road enthusiast.

For the best experience, drive the A4069 road from north to south. Starting in Llandovery, the pass snakes between breathtaking viewpoints as you cross the twin humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass, before descending to the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. 

Be aware that sheep will cross the road indiscriminately – not uncommon for roads in Wales! It is known that mobile speed cameras are sometimes along the route in objects such as horseboxes or small trucks.

Since its exposure by Jeremy Clarkson, the route has become incredibly popular – save this one for a weekday if you can.

RELATED POSTS: The Best Wales Road Trip Route and Itinerary | One Day Cardiff Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

Pembrokeshire

Fishguard – st davids – marloes – pembroke – tenby.

Famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches and remote islands, the coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

From the Victorian seaside town of Tenby to the puffins of Skomer Island, this road trip in Wales has something to suit everyone, outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Coasteering

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, so how could we leave it off the list? The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun.

You can find a pace to suit you, there are guided expeditions and courses for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way.

Skomer Island

The wild island of Skomer is a haven for migrant birds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots. You may also see seals here, which come to moult in April, along with owls, buzzards and peregrine falcons.

In the spring, wildflowers cover the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

Working on a first-come, first-served basis, numbers and tickets are limited so make sure you get to Lockley Lodge visitor centre early.

Tenby is one of the most iconic seaside towns in Wales, steeped in history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall. With several excellent sandy beaches, a colourful harbour and narrow cobbled streets with a fantastic selection of gift shops, cafes and pubs, this charming town is perfect for a day out. 

If you base yourself here for a few days, you’re within striking distance of two of the best castles in Wales,  Pembroke Castle  and  Carew Castle , both well worth a visit.

Snowdonia & Anglesey

Betws-y-coed – bangor – newborough – holyhead – benllech.

Head for spectacular Snowdonia in north Wales for drama, huge skies and outdoor adventures.

Cross the iconic Menai suspension bridge to reach the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, home to some of the best beaches in Wales, and fantastic coastal hiking and cycling paths.

With a good dose of remoteness, this is one of the best travel routes in the UK to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Betws-y-Coed

Set in a beautiful valley, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town, full of companies offering outdoor adventures and shops selling outdoor gear. Pubs are full of hikers talking about the day’s adventures.

The town is a great base for outdoor sports and activities such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining and mountain biking.

You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls to visit in the nearby area.

Snowdonia National Park

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowden, the highest mountain in England and Wales, some 1,085m above sea level.

If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike, take the train up and hike down!  

Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island

Newborough beach is our favourite beach on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels.

Take a walk through the forest and dunes to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating lighthouse and pilot’s cottages. 

UK Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in the UK.

• Search for affordable flights to the UK with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in the UK with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in the UK with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in the UK with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re road tripping the UK in a car, camper or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tyre is in good condition. If your UK road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your licence is not in Latin script, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to the UK!

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The Perfect Itinerary for a Road Trip in England

We’ve lived in London for over 8 years now and we have a weakness for road trips – this dangerous combination has led us to make many a road trip in England 🙂 So far, we’ve written about a long weekend away in Devon , a road trip from London to Cornwall , and our favourite road trips around London .

But this summer we thought we’d tell you everything you need to know about planning an epic road trip in England – one that will take you through unending fields of flowers, quaint British villages, seaside towns, urban centres such as London, and UNESCO Heritage Sites. You can dine at English gastro pubs, try your hand at making English cheese, unwind at an English beach, marvel at intricate cathedrals, and hop on a pub crawl or food tour to taste the best that England has to offer.

Distance covered on this road trip in England : 800 miles

Time required : 2-3 weeks

I) Start in London  (5 days)

Before you rent a car, get a taste of the capital by exploring it via tube.

Accommodation in London

When it comes to choosing accommodation in London, there is no dearth of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets. But if you’re travelling to London during summer months, you will struggle to get accommodation that is both affordable and central. It’s usually one or the other.

But we do have a great option for you if you are lucky enough to be travelling to London between 2 July and 23 September (exact dates vary each year). Did you know Imperial College opens its doors to guests every summer? We love their summer accommodation because of a couple of different reasons. It’s clean, well-equipped, spacious, and located in one of the nicest areas of London. It’s easy to spend your days walking around South Kensington’s alleyways but you will have a lot of London’s iconic sites at your doorstep too. This includes the V&A, Natural History Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park! What’s more, all the other London landmarks are just a hop, skip, and jump away. This makes it our top choice for a short summer getaway in London

As for things to do, there’s nothing that hasn’t been said about London. On Bruised Passports alone, we’ve written a dozen articles on the ever-fascinating city. But allow us to rave a bit more 🙂 London has a bit for everyone. Of course you will want to check off primary attractions such as The Big Ben, The London Eye, or Westminster Abbey off your list. If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London  , take an offbeat food tour , sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town . Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London.

Accommodation for the rest of the trip

T here is no dearth of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets on this road trip in England. But we would suggest booking scenic cottages or quaint apartments on Air BnB for the rest of this trip for a truly English experience.

II) Drive to Cornwall (3 days)

It’s time to say goodbye to urbanity for a taste of the English countryside. Pick up your rental car and kick off your roadtrip. It’s only fair to start your road trip of England in a area laden with character. Cornwall is a stunning area at the south-western tip of England and the Cornish coastal road has repeatedly been adjudged as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

But first it’s time for a pit-stop or two along the way. Depending on the time you have at hand, spend a few hours or a couple of days in Bath and Stonehenge. Bath is a historic town, known for its historic buildings. Stonehenge, is one of the most famous pre-historic monuments in the entire world. It has a pagan air about it and is definitely worth a visit.

There is no shortage of things to do in Cornwall. You can spend your days indulging in archetypal English delights. Don’t leave without exploring the fishing village of Cadgwith, the bustling town of St. Ives, sampling Cornish pasties, walking along the coastal route at Lizard Peninsula, and watching a play at Minack Theatre (an open-air theater overlooking the sea)

II) Continue onto Devon and Dorset (3 days)

The charm turns up a notch in neighbouring Devon. Here thatched cottages, picturesque farms, and holiday homes dilly dally with gorgeous coastal drives and UNESCO Heritage Sites. Devon seems to be rimmed with a halo of magic and you are bound to love every bit of it.

Make sure you stay in a holiday cottage or a working farm. Spend your days picnicking amidst canola fields, going for long walks in the countryside, and admiring the sylvan landscape. Don’t come away without driving along the Jurassic Coast, a natural UNESCO Heritage site. It’s littered with pebbled beaches, hidden coves, fishing villages, and the famed Durdle Door – a natural limestone arch overlooking the sea. This drive is bound to be one of the highlights of your long road trip in England.

III) Experience Brighton (2-4 days)

After spending a week in the English countryside, you’re bound to crave the hustle-bustle of cities. Brighton is the perfect pit stop on your way to London. This small city is one of the most vibrant in all of England. There is no dearth of vintage boutiques, independent cafes and eateries, street art in Brighton and there’s something for everyone.

Brighton’s seafront offers all the charms of an English sea-side resort – there are ice-cream vendors, carousels, casinos, and dozens of fish-n-chip takeaways. Truly as English as it gets!!

IV) Fall in love with Canterbury

There are a few things only a road trip in England can offer – Canterbury is one of them. Time stands still in this cathedral city, made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales . The idyllic city is straight out of the pages of a fairy-tale. Explore the Canterbury Cathedral and go for a river tour to acquaint yourself with the city. You will fall in love.

VI) Be awed by Oxford (1 day)

Oxford is just an hour’s drive away from London. It’s home to the one of the oldest and most famed universities in the world – University of Oxford. Explore the hallowed corridors of the colleges, listen to one of the college chapel choirs, or explore Bodleian Library (perfect for bookworms!).

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep in order to prepare yourself for the long drive the next day.

VII) Visit York and the surrounding moors (3-5 days)

A long drive will take you to the northern part of England. You could stop at a pick-your-own farm on the way. Pick your own fruit (choose from strawberries, raspberries, pears, and apples) farms lends a typical English edge to this road trip.

York, a quaint cathedral city, provides the perfect base to explore the area. The city itself is home to one of the prettiest cathedrals in England but the rugged countryside surrounding York acts as the proverbial cherry on top of the cake. The North York Moors national park includes wide expanses of moorland straight out of the pages of Wuthering Heights. The spa town of Harrogate is the getaway to the moors. We love the little known Ilkley Moors but there are a number of hikes and walks in the area.

If you love all things outdoorsy, you might want to consider camping in the neighbouring Peak District for 3-4 days. There are a variety of options – pitched tents, camping sites, caravans, and holiday homes – for keen campers.

VIII) Lake District National Park

We saved the best for the last – we truly did. The Lake District National Park is famous for being home to the Romantic poets, especially Wordsworth. It is said to have provided inspiration for a lot of his poetry – looking around, it’s easy to see why. The entire landscape is peppered with perfect cottages, fields full of daffodils, rolling mountains, and dazzling lakes. The panoramas in The Lake District National Park will leave you hankering for more. We won’t blame you if you stay on for a week (or two) 🙂

If you find yourself in London, the best way to explore the city is to get a   London Pass (get 6% off passes using the code JULY6 at checkout)

Planning a road trip in England? Read all our articles on England, including detailed articles on Devon, Cornwall, and London here .

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70 thoughts on “ the perfect itinerary for a road trip in england ”.

I absolutely agree, this Roadtrip sounds perfect. Oxford and York are my favorite cities in the UK and the Lake District is stunning. I would love to get to know Cornwall. Unfortunately I haven’t been to this part of the UK yet.

Glad you enjoyed it Stef 🙂

Hello what’s this place postcode or name I really want to go with my family but I don’t where this is.

Which place?

What a great itinerary! A little bit of city, a little bit of country, a whole lot of English loveliness. I’m definitely tucking this away for when I move over in a few years and have the time to do this road trip right.

You’ll have a great time, Stacey 🙂

Hi! I am planning to do a road trip in July. Would it be possible to send me your itinerary? Thank you so much!

Hey Yoke – you can see a detailed breakdown of the itinerary above in our articles on England. Here’s the link to all our articles: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/england

Hi , planning to come to London for 2 weeks , it would be better if you can sugeest me any road trip .

hey we have articles on two of our favourite road trips from London – to Devon and Cornwall on the website. Check those out 🙂

Thank you so much for this article. It is great you have taken the time to help others. Do you have name or links to where you sleep on this trip?

Hey Lisa – we slept in li’l cottages and B&Bs along the way. Unfortunately we weren’t into blogging then, so never jotted down names 🙁

My mother and I are planning a 3 1/2 week holiday to England and Ireland in April next year. Your itinerary is really helpful. We will fly into London hire a car for the duration, only stay in London for two days then head down the coast as you have done and then make our way to the family in Manchester. Any ideas, hints would be appreciated.

That sounds like a great trip 🙂 You can read our articles on Cornwall, Devon, day trips from London etc. here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/england to get more details 🙂

If you can, do go further north to the Lake District – it’s amazing 🙂

Have a great trip!

Hi Savi and Vid, Love all your pics and articles. Could you give us a detailed itinerary for Lake district?

Hello Merin,

All our suggestions and the places we visited in Lake District are already included in the article 🙂

Thank you so much for finally being a tourist venturing up North, I hope you enjoyed York and the national parks! If you ever get the chance – Come up to Northumberland and visit Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick – you will not regret it, all these towns are beautiful and all contain a castle – Alniwck castle being where Harry Potter was filmed and Bamburgh constantly being voted as the uk most beautiful castles!, plus it only an hours drive from Berwick to Edinburgh so it would work out great.

Sounds great Alex – we love York – will definitely try and visit Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick soon 🙂

Hi, did you guys travelling by car ? Your own car or rent ? If rent, can you please share the details.

Thank you !

Hi Fateha – we rented a car with Hertz 🙂

Ahhh!!! This is perfect!!! Planning on road tripping through England this November so that we can visit the Bath Christmas Market and do some other holiday shopping and your post has made us so excited for our trip! Thank you for posting! This will be so helpful!

Dear Yohanna,

So happy to hear that 🙂 Have a great trip!

Hey Savi, can you suggest an itinerary on Scotland Ireland or may be one of them.we would ideally have 10 days. Thanks a ton

You should spend a few days in Edinburgh, then drive to Inverness maybe? from there you could fly to Dublin or Belfast even and rent a car again and explore Northern Ireland (if you decide to fly to Belfast) 🙂

Just an update to this post. York doesn’t actually have a Cathedral, it’s a Minster. But its beautiful nonetheless!

True that – will correct it 🙂

York does not have a Cathedral, it has a Minster! But York is still a beautiful place to visit.

But minsters are cathedrals too, just ones that were used for teaching during Anglo-Saxon times. Quoting wikipedia “The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster, is the cathedral of York, England, and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe”

I’d like a bit of help please. We are doing this: arrive Heathrow and get car and 3 nights in Bath. Then 2 in Oxford. Then 4 in the Lakes District and 4 in Broadway and then finishing it out w/5 in London. We’ve been to Oxford. Do you recommend we skip Oxford altogether and replace it w/York or skim a night off of Oxford and The Lakes to get 2 nights in York. This is a very helpful post! Thanks for your advice….jon

Like the sound of your itinerary. If you’ve been to Oxford already, we’d suggest skipping that and spending those 2 nights in York. York is truly magical and you’ll love it 😀

Thanks very much. Greatly appreciate your help.

Cheers Jon!

Hey Savi Vid, Hope you guys doing well. 🙂 Well I’m sure you guys are. Both me and my wife are such a celebrity fan of both of you. We wait to see all your posts and your write ups from all your tours. We would first like to inform you, that we had taken two complete holiday itinerary from your website, they being the one for Bali and the other road trip in New Zealand, we followed both the tours of yours religiously, From choosing the same hotels, the same road navigations, restaurants etc. We literally followed, stalked you guys for those two vacations of ours. and trust us, those two vacations were just breathtaking, it changed our idea of travelling. We have never been such a followers of anybody, and we are so proud of following your holidays, We recommend it to all our family members and friends all around.

At this point We are looking to take another holiday to UK this summer, and was browsing up your itinerary. we are so happy too be following them and making sure we cover the most of it through Bruised Passports.

Thank you so much you guys. Keep Writing and sharing the photographs. They mean so much to us. Its the time when we share and discuss about your work, makes us so happy.

Have a great day.

Hey Nikhil,

Thank you so much for your message and for trusting our itineraries 🙂 Our work here is done in that case 😀 Please do share photos from your trip to Bali and New Zealand – we’d love to see them 🙂

Have a great trip in UK.

Thanks once again for your love and support.

Hi Savi Vid,

I will second the earlier post on being truly inspired by your holidays. We too in last 10 months first google whether you have been to a destination and then decide as it makes things so much quicker for us.

we too followed your garden route itinerary and loved it.

We really identify with your holiday style.

We are planning a road trip with our parents and infant in October end-mid nov for like 17-18 days from New Delhi.

We are torn between New Zealand or England with Scotland.

England would suit us more in terms of flight time with an infant but we are not really sure whether this would be the best time to go, we are interested in visiting scotch distilleries in england and also follow the above mentioned itinerary by squeezing a few days or follow your new zealand road trip itinerary.

Please make the decision for us 🙂

Hey Randhir – that’s great to know. So happy to hear that you enjoy Bruised Passports SO much. Given its October/November, we’d recommend going for New Zealand as the weather in UK can get really grey and cold at that time 🙂

Hey thanks a lot, Will the England one be a feasible option in March first week ?

Hey Randhir – the weather in UK is always unpredictable. However it is still quite cold in March

Hi!! I was looking for some inspiration as to where to go this August with a 2-year-old and a 1-month-old baby from London with a car, and have decided to do York and Lake District after reading your post!

Could you give me any recommendations of where to go within the Lake District? And any stops you’d suggest on our drive back or where we could stop for the night so the drive isn’t as long?

Ps. Already followed your Cornwall road trip tips and loved that part of England!

So happy to hear our Cornwall itinerary was helpful 🙂

Within the Lake District you could go to Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness, or Lakeside. You could also drive further up to Rydal or Grasmere. On your way back, you could break your journey at Cheshire or perhaps Stratford-upon-avon?

Have a great trip 🙂

Hi me & hubby john are planning a week road trip in UK, we fancy going to Devon we live in fleetwood, Lancashire. We welcome your ideas? Thank you.

Hey Carol and John – that’s a great idea. We have detailed itineraries on Devon and Cornwall if you’re interested 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

Its always nice reading your posts. Very informative indeed. We are planning to take this road trip in June 2018. Please tell us how viable would it be with a 1 year infant? Thanks in advance.

Hey Prachi – You can get a car seat for your infant. Other than that England is extremely kid-friendly, so you won’t have a problem at service stations, restaurants, or anywhere else. Have fun 🙂

planning to visit uk in july.plz suggest ireland vs scotland which is better.we are luking at 6 nights in london n 3 nights either in scotland or ireland.cant do both. what day trips can we take from london.. Really luking forward for your suggestion..

Regards punam

Hey perhaps go with Northern Ireland for 3 nights 🙂

There’s plenty of information on our website for what to do in and around London – please search for “London” and you’ll see all the articles.

Hi Savi & Vid,

Firstly, thank you so much !

We planned our Honeymoon day by day according to your Seychelles Itinerary and trust me, that has been the best holiday for me and my husband.

Now, We are planning for a holiday in December, somewhere cold and a place which will have a magical vibe considering it will be Christmas & New Years. Is the chain across Scotland worth it or should we explore some place elsewhere across the world?

Hey so happy to hear that – you have to share photos with us (from Seychelles) 🙂

Do consider Finland/Lapland for your next winter holiday – you’ll love it

Hi Savi Vid, My husband and self live in Australia and we are planning a road trip as you have in England, you have given us great inspiration where to start and where to go, we were unsure about what we could do. Thank you kindly Cassa and Jeff

Thank you so much and hope you had a great time driving in England / UK 🙂

If I have 2 days in Lake District, where do you reccomend we stay? Also I’m traveling with a 1 year old, does LD make sense with a baby?

I m planning to go 1st week of July. The iteniary is 3 days in Edinburgh >2 days in Lake District> 7 days in London.. pls suggest

Perhaps you could stay in Windermere as there’ll be more options to shop/dine especially with a baby 🙂 Your itinerary for United Kingdom sounds just fine. Assuming you’ll be driving down from Edinburgh to London via Lake District?

My sister is visiting from Canada from mid to the end of February – but I know the weather won’t be very good and the wonderful countryside won’t be very beautiful. If we were to stay in the UK, would you recommend doing more castles and things like that or should I just avoid altogether and we will go to Rome or something LOL

Thanks so much! Lindsay

Hey Lindsay,

Some of the countryside, especially castles and cathedrals, are beautiful at that time of the year. Perhaps you could split that time between UK and say Rome or any other European city – lots of inspiration here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/europe 🙂

Completely misses East Anglia?

Next May myself, my mother and my daughter are travelling to the UK from Australia. We arrive in London for 2 nights, then have a hire car to head off exploring. We have 3 weeks before heading off to France.

In those 3 weeks we’re hoping to cover England, Scotland and Ireland! Would have loved to get to Wales, but time doesn’t allow it this trip!

Your itinerary is amazing. And we will certainly be using it to our advantage, but may have to condense it somewhat. Are there any suggestions you have re Scotland and Ireland?

Hey Brooke,

Thanks a lot for your message and we hope you had a great trip in UK. WE don’t really have driving suggestions for Ireland but a road trip in Northern Ireland is dreamy 🙂 (there are articles about that on our site)

We are looking at doing a 3 week road trip from the Yorkshire moors down to Devon in 2021. Would love to get a map of the route you took and the towns that you stopped in. We were thinking about doing a pub crawl!

Dave & Ros

This perfect itinerary for a road trip in England has been curated over many trips – we have shared the map in the article 🙂

hi guys..is this itinerary doable by public transport

Yes, it should be possible but you will lose out on the possibility of taking random detours which are always the fun part 🙂

Loved the description

Love it, can wait to start my road trip

I am a traveller and reader myself, I love to travel exploring places and I also enjoy reading quitely in a my own space, and I loved your blog, it is very engaging and amazing, please keep on writing blogs like this.

Amazing blog, please keep on writing blogs like this, I love to read such engaging and informative blogs, I look forward for more of your blogs.

I loved how you have written this blog, so amazingly described, I loved it, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

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Great Blog I love to read this , You doing great work ,keep it up

Nice Blog really help full in many ways like changing atmoshphere relaxing feature and many more. I just Loved it.

Excellent blog with some insightful information. Must Read

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2-week Great British Road Trip Itinerary: From England to Scotland

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2023

Do you want to explore the UK on a British Road Trip but are unsure where to start? This two-week itinerary will help you plan the perfect road trip from England to Scotland.

I am almost too embarrassed to admit that I’ve travelled all the way to Australia from the UK, but I hadn’t ventured to Scotland until recently.

Well, I guess that’s not completely true; I took a weekend break to Edinburgh after winning the trip in a raffle. Still, it seems to me that when people talk about the “real” Scotland , they always seem to refer to the diverse natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, and so with this in mind, I decided to plan a great British road trip and check out this area of Scotland for myself.

Of course, it’s a long drive from England to the Scottish Highlands (this is where hubby comes in handy), and so I included stops during the drive “up North” and also on the return journey back “down South” to break up the time spent on the road.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Why Every Traveller Should Make a British Road Trip

I have made road trips through Australia , New Zealand, South Africa , Iceland, Europe and the UK , and I love the freedom of adventure that driving gives you. You can stop whenever you want, take photos, stretch your legs, visit restrooms, and if you suddenly see somewhere interesting, you can explore it without anyone else’s time constraints.

Road trips make you feel like you are having lots of exciting mini-breaks. For a person like me that gets stir-crazy being in one place for too long and has FOMO (fear of missing out), I enjoy packing my things up every few days and heading off to see the next new thing. If I ever get regressed (don’t laugh, I’ve thought about it), I’m sure I would live a nomadic, gipsy life in a forest somewhere and foraging for berries and hugging trees.

British Road Trip Travel Tips

Anyway, back to the topic at hand! I have detailed the best places to stay during a British road trip , the best landmark destinations to visit on a British road trip, and the driving routes and times between locations to help you enjoy the perfect British road trip. This interactive Google map will also help you follow my route or plan your own British road trip itinerary.

UK British Road Trip Map

The United Kingdom 14-Day British Road Trip Itinerary

2 nights in the Lake District – England

4 nights in the Trossachs National Park – Scotland

1 night in Fort Augustus – Scotland

3 nights on the Isle of Skye – Scotland

2 nights in Pitlochry – Scotland

2 nights in Harrogate – England

Drive to the Lake District

We left home early on a bright September morning, around 9 am, for the first part of our British road trip from Surrey to Windermere in the Lake District. We knew the drive would take around 5 hours with good driving conditions, so I planned our first stop at the Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke on Trent.

I had never heard of this place before, but when I realised it was a sanctuary for 140 Barbary macaques , I knew I would love it.

The great news is that Trentham’s monkeys roam freely , though exterior fencing contains them within the forest. Let’s face it – monkeys on the loose on the M6 would probably not be the best thing!

It was gratifying to wander around and see them in a natural setting, and we stayed for feeding time and a talk given by the keepers before continuing our drive to Lake Windermere.

Trentham Monkey Forest to Lake Windermere via M6 – 2hrs 45 mins

Lake district – 2 nights.

The Lake District in Cumbria offers abundant natural beauty and is the perfect place to stop on a trip to the North of England and beyond.

A Unesco World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park , the Lake District has so much to offer, from huge mountains, quintessential English villages, lush green valleys, and of course, sixteen world-renowned lakes.

The Lake District’s largest lake is Windermere. Scenic lake cruises, kayaking, walking and hiking are a must here. The circular walking route of Lake Windermere is great fun.

Throughout the Lake District, hiking trails cater for all abilities. From visitors who want to enjoy a gentle stroll around the lakes to advanced hikes that scale iconic landmarks such as Scafell Pike , the highest mountain in England.

We arrived at The Belsfield Hotel at Bowness-on-Windermere for our two-night stay. The Laura Ashley Group owns this chic hotel, and the design is not surprisingly beautiful. It also happens to be one of the most prestigious hotels in the Lake District, with unrivalled views across Lake Windermere – I was going to enjoy this!

Luxury Accommodation in Bowness

I had booked into a classic double room as I knew we wouldn’t spend much time in it, but there are larger, grander rooms to choose from.

The rest of the hotel was fabulous, with views over the lake from every turn. The outside terrace was a hit with guests, a great spot to watch the sun go down. The indoor lounge was cosy and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before dinner (well, it would be rude not to).

The only thing I didn’t like was that our weekend stay coincided with a wedding function, and to say wedding guests overtook the hotel was an understatement.

It became noisy and chaotic and was not the peaceful boutique experience we expected. My advice would be to check before you book to see if any functions are being held during your stay to avoid noisy disruptions on your trip.

Where to Dine and Stay in Lake Windermere

As we were tired and didn’t fancy anything too formal tonight, we headed into town and enjoyed dinner at Baha Restaurant . Bowness is really charming, and its cobbled streets are home to dozens of restaurants and cafes. I was surprised to see such a choice of modern eateries for a small Cumbrian town.

If you are looking for a more traditional place to eat, then The Hole in T Wall is the oldest pub in Bowness and was even frequented by Charles Dickens.

Alternative places to stay in Bowness-on-Windermere

Lakes Hotel and Spa

Linthwaite House Hotel

The Angel Inn

If you want a more exclusive stay in the Lake District, you may enjoy the many Lake District cottages with hot tubs scattered around the area.

Lakeside Cruise and Walk

After a hearty breakfast, we decided to cruise across the lake – the most popular thing to do in the Lake District. Hop on a Windermere Lake Cruise from the pier at Bowness – just below the hotel. To make sure of a seat pre-book, especially in the height of summer.

Cruise and Walk Lake Windermere

We opted for the Lake Windemere walker’s ticket , which allowed us to cruise from Bowness to Ambleside , disembark and then walk four miles along the western shore to Ferry House pier.

Make sure you have the ferry timetable to plan the timings of your return trip to Bowness Pier.

Points to explore during the lakeside walk include Wray Castle , a Gothic revival castle complete with a superb little cafe where we stopped for lunch.

The next stop on the walking route is Claife Viewing Station to admire the view of Lake Windermere.

Check out the coloured glass viewing panels that supposedly recreate the lake’s colours through the seasons – an interesting idea, but I’m not sure it worked for me.

At the end of the walk, we caught a ferry back from Ferry House Pier to Bowness – it was a great day out and a fabulous way to see the best of Lake Windermere by water and land.

Angie’s Top Tip – Hill Top, the former house of Beatrix Potter, is a 2.5-mile walk from Ferry House Pier ( or hop on the Mountain Goat Bus ). You could include a visit either at the end of your walk or make the whole trip in reverse, starting in Bowness and sailing to Ferry House.

Drive to The Trossachs National Park

Crossing the border from england to scotland.

After a breakfast fit for a king (and Queen!), we set off for the next location on our British road trip itinerary, Arrochar, in the Trossachs National Park. It would be another long drive, and so to break things up, we stopped at Gretna Green , the location for eloping couples to wed. Please don’t get too excited; we made our vows 30 years ago; however, we had now crossed the border into SCOTLAND!

Lake Windermere to Gretna Green via M6 – 1hrs 45mins

Gretna Green in Scotland is a location where English couples under the age of 21 could marry without their parent’s consent. They would elope and seal the deal in the blacksmith’s barn over the anvil.

Confused? Check out the Gretna Green official website for more on this Scottish landmark’s history and folklore.

I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and to be fair, it is quite a magnet for tourists. It seemed our friends from the USA were here in their masses.

A quick wander around the small museum, a photo of our hands on the blacksmith’s anvil (obviously had to get that one) and then a stock-up of Scottish produce (not sure we needed quite so much shortbread and fudge!), and we were off to our forest cabin at Arrochar in the Trossachs National Park.

Gretna Green to Arrochar in the Trossachs National park via A74 & M8 – 2 hrs 30 mins

Arrochar, trossachs national park – 4 nights.

The Trossachs National Park, often referred to as “ the Highlands in miniature “, is an area of incredible beauty with lowland landscapes in the south and huge mountains in the north ( 21 mountains all above 3,000ft ).

The park has 22 large lochs (water bodies), including the famous Loch Lomond and woodland, scrub and forest covering every part of the area.

The Trossachs also lay claim to one of the UK’s largest National Nature Reserves –  The Great Trossachs Forest , and 50% of Scotland’s population lives within an hour’s drive of the National Park!

In this area, you will also find Queen Elizabeth Forest Park . The park was established along with five others in 1953 – the year of Elizabeth ll’s coronation.

It holds some of Scotland’s best-loved locations, from the magnificent Loch Lomond to the rolling Trossachs mountains. 

For the next four nights, our home was at Ardgarten Hot Tub Forest Lodges in Arrochar, with unparalleled views of Loch Long .

This is a perfect base to explore the surrounding towns, including Inveraray and its castle, Oban and its distillery and Luss with its charming village and boat rides.

Angie’s Top Tip – Make sure you stock up on provisions before you arrive at Arrochar. There are a couple of small convenience shops nearby, but they only stock the basics. The nearest is Braeside grocery and newsagent, a 10-minute drive from the lodge.

Alternative places to stay in Arrochar can be booked here on Booking.com .

Exploring the Local Area

Did I mention it rains a lot in Scotland? And in September, when we travelled, there were many wet days.

Of course, it didn’t come as a shock, and I had already packed everything in my wardrobe to keep me warm and dry, so we were ready for any eventuality.

Unfortunately, as we pulled back the curtains that first morning, we couldn’t even see Loch Long , just swathes of grey fog slowly moving across the landscape and the tops of a few mountains in the distance.

Not to be deterred from getting out (after already having wallowed in the hot tub for about 2 hours!), we took a trail that started near our lodge and headed into the unknown (actually the Argyll Forest ) to see what we could find.

After what seemed like a rather wet couple of hours, we had seen a river, a waterfall, lots and lots of woodlands and a fairy house – I kid you not – check out the photos, and finally decided to head back to the lodge because if we got any muddier, we might get mistaken for bog monsters by the locals.

Angie’s Top Tip – Check out The Village Inn in Arrochar for a real taste of Scotland. Haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) topped off with whisky sauce are delicious.

Inveraray – St Conan’s Kirk – Oban

Arrochar to inveraray – 30 minutes.

Hurray – there were blue skies this morning, and after a quick dip in the hot tub, we were in the car and on our way to the town of Inveraray.

For a small town, there are many things to do in Inveraray, including exploring a castle, hiking up a hill, taking part in a whisky tasting, visiting a prison museum and generally soaking up the beautiful surroundings of this lochside setting.

If you want to stop here for coffee or lunch, then Campbell Coffee Roasters on the high street serves great coffee, and Loch Fyne restaurant serves freshly caught seafood from the loch.

Love the sound of Inveraray?

Read more about it in my post – 7 great things to do in inveraray ..

Inveraray to St Conan’s Kirk – 25 minutes

After a morning wandering around Inveraray, we were back on the road and heading for Oban. Thirty minutes into the journey, we happened upon an eerie Gothic-looking church, and of course, I had to have a closer look.

It turns out that it was called St. Conan’s Kirk and was voted one of the top 10 buildings in Scotland of the last 100 years .

The minute I walked through the doors, I felt the building had a spiritual vibe, and I was amazed at all the different styles of architecture used in its design. Gothic, Norman, Saxon and Celtic decorations all shared the same space making it a unique place to visit.

We got lucky as there were only a few other people there when we visited, so we got to enjoy St Conan’s peacefulness and its beautiful views across Loch Awe.

Back in the car, and after a cup of tea from my flask and a shortbread biscuit (yes, we still had some left), we continued to Oban.

St Conan’s Kirk to Connel Bridge – 25 minutes

Almost in Oban, we spotted The Falls of Lora near Connel Bridge. They are a spectacular sight as they form a tidal rapid, which occurs naturally when the tidal level in the Firth of Lorn drops below the water level in Loch Etive.

We stopped at the car park viewpoint in Connel village to get the falls’ best views and were amazed to see kayakers riding the rapids. Afterwards, we discovered that the falls are a popular destination for kayakers and divers – who would have imagined all that going on under a bridge?

Connel Bridge to Oban – 10 minutes

Finally, we arrived in the coastal town of Oban. Known as the departure point to catch ferries to some of the beautiful outlying Scottish Hebridean islands as well as the home of the famous whisky distillery, and that was where we were heading.

Want to find out more about the Scottish Islands?

Read about them in my post: the best and most beautiful scottish islands you must visit in scotland ..

Oban distillery has been producing whisky since the 18th century and running tours to give visitors a peek into how this spirit is made. Ensure you have pre-booked your spot on the tour, as they fill up very quickly.

Let me say that I am not a whisky drinker (or wasn’t until I went to Scotland), but still found the tour fascinating. We both learnt so much about making whisky and now know all about “ fairy tears ” and whisky taxes which is useful should we ever start up a distillery in the garden shed!

After the tour, we walked along the vast sandy beach, which was not what I expected in Scotland. No chance of taking our coats and scarves off in September, though; this was just a time for us to soak up the scenery before finishing off with dinner.

We ate in Coasters, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it – there are other better restaurants in Oban to choose from.

Oban to our lodge in Arrochar via A85 & A83 – 1hr 30 minutes

Day trip to the village of luss.

Our last day in the Trossachs was a dry one, and we set off to explore the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain . We particularly wanted to go for a cruise across the loch and arrived mid-morning to buy our tickets from the boat pier.

Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea, so our timed tickets weren’t until 4 pm. We were leaving the area the next day to head to Fort Augustus – home of Loch Ness – so it was today or never!

Arrochar to Luss – 20 minutes

The village of Luss is a popular place for tourists and has charming 18th-century stone houses, lovely Scottish artisan craft shops, a historic church and plenty of cafes and coffee shops – what more could you want?

Luss also has several walks to allow the visitor to explore the area – a favourite is the Heritage Trail, a one-hour walk around the town.

I learned from the Luss Visitor Centre that fairies were living in Luss (they get everywhere) and that the Loch Lomond fairy trail would take us through the woods to see their homes. I didn’t need to be told twice, and with hubby in tow, we set off to find some pixie magic.

The clouds came in as the day went by, and by 4 pm, it looked pretty grim. We boarded our boat and set off for a cold and bumpy ninety-minute ride. It was not the leisurely cruise I was looking forward to, but at least we can say we cruised Loch Lomond!

Drive to Fort Augustus

We packed our stuff early and headed to our next destination, Loch Ness, in Fort Augustus.

The thought of cruising on the loch and listening to stories about Nessie the Loch Ness monster probably got me a little more excited than it should, but having grown up hearing about this fictional (or should I say factual) creature, I couldn’t wait to get there! But there were plenty of other things in Scotland that I wanted to see on the route.

Arrochar to Falls of Falloch – 25 minutes

As soon as I hear mention of a waterfall, I have to check it out; it doesn’t matter where I am in the world; they seem to call to me. Some of the best waterfalls in the UK can be found in Scotland, like the 30ft Falls of Falloch . Approached by the A82 near the village of Crianlarich, a woodland track leads from the car park to the falls and the River Falloch.

A funky viewing platform allows you to view the waterfall in all its glory and is a great structure to see in its own right – not something you would expect to see in a woodland glen!

Falls of Falloch to Glencoe – 50 minutes

Scotland’s landscape seems to get better and better the further north you go (though it is all stunning). After passing through the Bridge of Orchy with its white-washed houses and positioned on the famous Scottish walking route –  the West Highland Way  – we arrived at the magnificent mountain range of Glencoe.

Glencoe is predominately a ski and outdoor pursuits area. As we were driving through, it reminded me of the dramatic landscape in Iceland and Norway; foreboding and mighty.

We pulled into Glencoe Mountain Resort to buy some tickets for the chair lift; however, when I saw how high it went, I got cold feet, so we popped into the restaurant instead to warm up and grab some lunch!

Angie’s Top Tip  – If you love outdoor activities, then it may be worth adding a night to your British road trip itinerary and spending longer in Glencoe to really see it at its best.

Glencoe to Fort William – 40 minutes

Not to give up on the chance to get an amazing view across the Scottish mountain range, we headed to Fort William and the  Nevis Range Mountain Gondola.  The 650m high enclosed gondola is the only one of its kind in the UK, so it was only fitting that we tried it out.

Built to transport skiers to the top of Aonach Mòr,  the 8th highest mountain in Britain , it is now one of the most popular things to do in Fort William – after visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct and waiting for that magical opportunity to catch the  Harry Potter train of course!

We stepped aboard and luckily had the gondola to ourselves. I think the grey skies and threat of rain had put many visitors off, but I can imagine it gets swamped on warm sunny days. It takes 15 minutes to get to the top, and then you are rewarded with views of  Ben Nevis,   Britain’s highest mountain .

Angie’s Top Tip  – There is a big drop in temperature from the bottom to the top of Aonach Mor, so make sure to wrap up warm.

Fort William to Fort Augustus – 45 minutes

Back in the car and aware that time was getting on, we decided only to have one quick stop on the route to Fort Augustus, and that would be to look at the  Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge .

Three 17ft bronze figures are depicted in full uniforms and dedicated to WW2 service members that lost their lives.  If you have the time, it is worth stopping, a small car park is located along the B8004, and the views alone are incredible.

Fort Augustus – 1 Night

Arriving in Fort Augustus, the rain stopped, and the sun shone – our luck had changed!

We were staying here for one night in the award-winning boutique hotel The Lovat, but before we settled in for our stay, we had arranged a rib cruise with the company Cruise Loch Ness .

There are two ways to view Loch Ness – a fast rib cruise or a scenic cruise – we opted for the 90-minute rib cruise to Urquhart Castle, which was an informative ride telling us about the loch, the landscape, the castle and, of course, the monster!

Is the Loch Ness Monster Real?

Because we were on the last cruise of the day, we got the rib to ourselves, which was fantastic. However, our captain told us many stories about the Loch Ness monster but never quite confirmed his own sighting, so we still don’t know the truth!

A cruise is the most popular thing to do in Loch Ness, and I would definitely recommend it.

Angie’s Top Tip – If you suffer from a bad back, then don’t take the rib – it jolts you about a fair bit, and I felt quite tender afterwards. The scenic cruise may be more suitable.

Love the sound of Fort Augustus and Loch Ness?

Find out more in my post: loch ness scotland: is it really home to a monster.

Back on dry land and feeling a little like we had been through a washing machine, we strolled back to the hotel through the pretty town of Fort Augustus.

It is full of Scottish craft shops, delicatessens and a few traditional-looking pubs, The Lock Inn and The Bothy , all scattered around the Caledonian Canal, which runs through the town. The picturesque Scottish scenery all around is just wonderful.

Luxury Accommodation in Fort Augustus

Back at our family-run hotel, The Lovat , we checked into our Double Garden Room – accommodation within the courtyard. The design was beautiful, with muted colours echoing the Scottish landscape – green and heather tones and we were pleased we had chosen this hotel.

As well as being the only four-star hotel in Fort Augustus , the restaurant is run by a head chef who has worked in several Michelin restaurants. Our taste buds were tingling, waiting to sample our evening fayre, and we weren’t disappointed – the food was superb.

Alternative places to stay in Fort Augustus can be found here on Booking.com .

Drive to the isle of skye.

After a hearty Scottish breakfast at the hotel, we packed up and headed into town to grab some provisions for the drive (shortbread, obviously, Scotch eggs and Highland coffee). This part of our British road trip would take us to the furthest location on our Scottish trip itinerary – the Inner Hebridean island of Skye .

Fort Augustus to Rogie Falls via A82 – 1 Hour

By now, you will have realised that I like to make a few diversions when I am heading to my next overnight stop on a British road trip, and Rogie Falls ( yes, it’s a waterfall) was one such place.

A series of forest walks, a suspension bridge , a waterfall, and the chance to view salmon in the summer months make this one of the best places to visit in Contin, near Ullapool. There is a small car park just off the A835.

We were lucky that Rogie Falls wasn’t very busy when we arrived. It was lovely to be at one with nature and wander around the woodland area taking in the beautiful Scottish scenery and viewing the falls from the bridge suspended across the Black Water River.

Rogie Falls to Eilean Donan – 2 hours via A890 and A87 ( with lots of photo stops!)

Leaving Rogie Falls, we were now deep in the Scottish Highlands. We were heading to Eilean Donan, the fabled Scottish Castle, perched on a tidal island on the main tourist route into the Isle of Skye.

But before that, we stopped a million times to take photos of the stunning Scottish landscape – there’s simply no way you can just drive past it without capturing a memory.

Isle of Skye – 3 Nights

We were in the Scottish Highlands now, and I have to say it has to be one of the best scenic drives we have done. Every inch of this part of our British road trip left me mesmerised.

With every mile we drove, I was commenting, “look at that”, and “Oh wow”, much to my hubby’s despair as he navigated the winding narrow Scottish roads while still trying to glimpse the amazing sights I had spotted!

Love the sound of the Isle of Skye?

Find out more in my post: 8 amazing places you must visit on the isle of skye ., exploring eilean donan.

Before we headed over the bridge into Skye, we stopped at Dornie on the A87 to tour the iconic Eilean Donan, probably the most photographed castle in Scotland . The mystical and romantic Scottish castle sits on a tidal island where three lochs (lakes) meet and is steeped in history and folklore.

We headed into the castle and were shown around and told the history and “hidden secrets” of Eilean Donan. If you have ever heard of the saying “the walls have ears,” it comes from the wall slits in this castle where the chieftain’s soldiers would listen discreetly to important clan meetings, ready to do battle if things turned sour. Hence the saying!

Angie’s Top Tip : Pre-book your entrance/tour tickets as Eilean Donan is a popular tourist attraction in Scotland, and tickets often sell out.

After our Eilean Donan tour, we headed across the Skye Bridge (no toll charges) into the Isle of Skye and headed to our accommodation.

We had booked our stay on the Dunvegan Castle Estate in Rose Valley Cottage for three nights. A traditional white-washed stone-built self-catering Scottish cottage – Perfect!

After a cosy sleep, but with no wi-fi to check that the outside world was still functioning (location too remote and cottage walls too thick!!!), we layered on our cold-weather gear and headed to Dunvegan Castle. As we were staying on the Dunvegan castle estate, admittance was free.

Dunvegan Castle and Estate has been owned by the McLeod clan (family) for 800 years and is steeped in Scottish myths and legends . When you visit, ask about the fairy flag, it is very interesting.

After your history tour, head to the castle gardens to discover pretty gardens complete with walkways, bridges and a waterfall! You can also take a boat trip to the Dunvegan seal colony from the castle pier.

Dunvegan Castle to Coral Beach at Claigan – 10 minutes

We had heard stories of a beach near Dunvegan castle that has crushed white coral on its shores. In summer, when the sun is out, the water is the same blue colour as the Caribbean – who would have known this kind of beach existed in Scotland!

We decided to check it out and headed 10 minutes further on from the castle until we arrived at the gravel car park at Claigan.

An easy 25-minute walk through farmland takes you to the beach, and I’m sure on a sunny day, it is glorious. Sadly we had freezing temperatures and a harsh wind blowing, so we wandered along its shores and then headed back to the warmth of the car!

Angie’s Top Tip – There are no facilities here, so I recommend that you use the toilets by the castle gift shop.

Coral Beach to Portree via Struan – 1 Hour

Part of the beauty of visiting the Isle of Skye is that you can drive around its winding roads and will be guaranteed to see some of the most majestic views on the planet.

Rugged wilderness, majestic mountains, mystical lochs, Highland cows, and many sheep await your arrival. We loved driving around Skye and stopping in random locations to take photographs and immerse ourselves in the landscape.

Portree is a fishing village with pretty pastel cottages lining its harbour and is also Skye’s capital. We had a delicious lunch at Cuchillin – one of the best restaurants in Portree .

From Portree, you can jump aboard one of the boat trips that will take you around Portree Bay and Raasay Sound on the lookout for local wildlife, including dolphins and grey seals.

We didn’t have the time to experience this as the tour had already gone out; however, if you schedule it in your itinerary, it sounds like you will have a good chance of encountering Scottish wildlife from the water.

Portree to Quaraing – 30 minutes

Leaving Portree, we had an eerie view of the Outer Hebrides covered in an ethereal mist. On our next trip to Scotland, we will be planning to visit some of the more remote Scottish islands and seeing them from Skye made us want to cross the water and explore them even more!

We continued driving to see the monolith columns known as the “Old Man of Storr” and the Quaraing before returning to our cottage.

Remember that when you are driving in Skye, it takes a long time to get from A to B .

Roads are narrow and winding, cattle are often on the roads, and you have to wait for them to be ready to move. Also, the weather can suddenly turn, so your speed needs to be kept down.

We awoke this morning to torrential rain and wind and hunkered down with a good book before finally venturing out and heading to the Talisker Distillery . We had already done a whisky tour in Oban, so I looked forward to another one here in Skye.

Dunvegan to Talisker Distillery – 40 minutes

Sadly, that was not going to be the case as the tours were all booked for the next three days, at which point we would have moved on from Skye. The nearest next best thing was to visit the Talisker on-site shop and buy a miniature selection to take home with us!

By now, it was lunchtime, and we were ready for some haggis ! We found a pub called the Old Inn at Carbost and headed inside to eat and get warm.

It seemed everyone visiting Skye had stumbled into the pub as it was full of nationalities from every corner of the globe. We sat close to a group from Sweden while a South African family sat on the other side – it is a popular place for tourists – us included!

Tasting Scotland’s National Dish

If you are coming to Scotland, then at some point, you will have to try haggis – Scotland’s national dish. At first, the thought of the ingredients in haggis turned my stomach, but I was hooked once I had tasted it.

I can vouch for the haggis at the Old Inn – it was delicious.

The mist had come down since we had been in the pub, and it again gave an ethereal look to the landscape.

We were heading to the Fairy Pools, known for their waterfalls, brooks and delightful walks and, in warmer months – swimmable pools!

Once again, the weather had turned on us, and to say we nearly got swept off our feet is an understatement. We didn’t feel it was appropriate weather to set off on a walk around the pools and so we captured a few pictures from the roadside and headed back to the cottage for our last night in Skye!

Talisker Distillery – Fairy Pools 15 minutes

Our time on the Isle of Skye had been wonderful, and we were sad to be leaving but, at the same time, excited to be staying in Pitlochry for a couple of nights.

Dunvegan to Pitlochry on the A87, A86, A889 and A9 via Newtonmore – 4 hours

We headed away from Skye on the A87 ( the only way to get in or out) and passed by several lochs with names such as Loch Garry and Loch Laggan; the latter even had a beach .

No matter where you go in the Scottish Highlands, you will see a loch!

The drive would take several hours, but that was no hardship with so much stunning scenery.

We stopped in Newtonmore on the edge of the Cairngorms – the largest National Park in the UK , to have a coffee break and take even more photos of the lush countryside and the mountains.

Angie’s Top Tip – If you have time, then take a detour and check out the majestic scenery at Glen Roy National Reserve or pay a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery on the A889 near Loch Ericht – remember only the passenger gets to try a dram of whisky!

Pitlochry – 2 Nights

We arrived at our accommodation, Craigatin House , early evening. After freshening up, we headed to the Auld Smithy Inn , a mere 10-minute walk from the hotel, for our evening meal.

After our meal, we treated ourselves to a whisky ice cream (yes, you read that correctly!) from Scotch Corner before exploring the circular Pitlochry river walk, taking us past the dam.

Alternative accommodation in Pitlochry can be found on Booking.com

Pitlochry is a charming town in Perthshire by the River Tummel. What we loved about it was even though it was small, there were many things to do in Pitlochry.

We did a lovely river walk, visited the famous “ Queens View “, and visited Blair Castle and the House of Bruar and its waterfalls. I would recommend staying in Pitlochry for more than one night to see everything in the area.

Love the sound of Pitlochry?

Please find out more in my post: 13 fun things to do in pitlochry on a weekend break., day thirteen.

After two wonderful days in Pitlochry, we said goodbye to our time in Scotland . We were back on the road and heading for Harrogate in Yorkshire for a 2-night stay at the exclusive Rudding Park Hotel and Spa .

Pitlochry to Harrogate – 5 hours

Yorkshire is England’s largest historical county, packed with ancient landmarks, beautiful towns and villages and stunning countryside.

Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and west of the North York Moors National Park – both areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

It is a Victorian spa town, so naturally, the Turkish Spa Baths are one of the most popular places in Harrogate for visitors to relax and unwind after shopping in the town’s trendy boutiques and galleries.

Love the Sound of Yorkshire?

Please find out more in my yorkshire 7-night road trip guide, harrogate – 2 nights, luxury accommodation in harrogate.

This was the longest continual drive we had done on our British road trip, as we wanted to make the most of our time at Rudding Park Hotel .

We had decided that after such an action-packed two weeks, we would wind down at the hotel and enjoy its amazing state-of-the-art spa facilities. That didn’t mean that we weren’t privy to some wonderful views on the way there; the Yorkshire countryside really is stunning.

Arriving at Rudding Park in the early evening, we were welcomed and shown to our beautiful room.

The hotel was everything I had been looking for and more. It is luxurious, beautifully designed, and nestled in a vast estate with fine dining restaurants, an amazing indoor pool, and a roof-top spa. I was ready to be pampered!

Love the sound of the Rudding Park Hotel and Spa?

Please find out more in my hotel review: rudding park: the most luxurious hotel in harrogate ..

Alternative places to stay in Harrogate

White Hart Hotel

Studley Hotel

The Yorkshire Hotel

Day Fourteen

After an amazing sleep and a sumptuous breakfast, we went to the sauna and for a swim in the indoor pool before heading out to explore Fountains Abbey – England’s oldest monastic ruins. They are located near the historic town of Ripon, famed for its cathedral.

Rudding Park Hotel to Fountains Abbey – 35 minutes

Fountains Abbey UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit landmark in Yorkshire. Its ruins date back to the 12th century, and it shares its site with Studley Royal Water Gardens, which are absolutely beautiful to wander around.

Both are National Trust properties, and a visit is most definitely recommended. We were shocked at how much of the abbey ruins were still intact after so many centuries.

Love the sound of Fountains Abbey?

Please find out more in my post: fountains abbey and studley royal water gardens..

We spent about 3 hours wandering around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal grounds and finished our day with tea and cake at the Mill cafe with lovely lakeside views.

You can also walk across the deer park to the Gothic revival church of St Mary’s from here.

Back at Rudding Park, we headed straight to the spa area for a relaxing massage and to spend some time on the roof-top terrace where a hot tub, sauna and steam room awaited us – albeit in the rain, the only downfall of it being outdoors!

Later that evening, we had dinner at The Clocktower, which was incredible. The food was great, and the ambience and service were second to none.

Day Fifteen

After a sensational two weeks on our ultimate England to Scotland Road Trip, it was time to start our drive home.

Of course, by now, you will know that I always like to make route stops and explore interesting locations, and Warwick Castle fits that description.

Rudding Park to Warwick Castle via the M1 – 2 hours 35 minutes

We had pre-booked one-day entrance tickets to avoid the queues. We were looking forward to visiting this medieval castle originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 by William the Conqueror . Remodelled over the centuries, Warwick is now one of the most famous castles in England.

Even though they were so high, we loved walking along the battlements and wandering around the gardens to watch the birds of prey demonstration. We stayed for around 3 hours, giving us plenty of time to do everything we wanted.

Angie’s Top Tip – Bring a picnic with you as the eateries are busy and mainly sell fast food.

Time to Go Home

We left Warwick late afternoon and jumped in the car for the last time on our British road trip. We had been on an epic journey from the South of England to the North of Scotland and had enjoyed every minute of it.

True, the weather may not have been great for some of our trip, but it didn’t stop us from ticking off everything we had planned on our two-week British road trip itinerary.

If you have ever wondered where to go in England and Scotland, I hope this extensive British road trip guide has given you some good ideas.

Of course, you can spend longer or shorter in each place depending on your time availability and whether you prefer slow travel or a more action-packed itinerary.

If you have any questions about going on a British road trip, I would be happy to answer them.

Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way. Tamed Quotes by Emma Chase

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

I appreciate you for sharing amazing information and ideas about road trips and travel in the UK. This post is very thorough and easy to follow. I will be saving it for a trip in 2024.

Mahesh Nandish

Sunday 16th of October 2022

Thanks for helping in making a memorable itinerary for our trip to UK/Scotland last 10 days back. Your blog really helped us with clear perspective on Scottish Highlands, Lake District etc. Truly, it was a memorable vacation, inspired by above itinerary.

WhereAngieWanders

Hello Mahesh, It is so wonderful to read this comment and to hear that my Great British Road Trip Itinerary helped you to identify and plan which parts of the UK you wanted to visit. I am so happy I have helped you in making your trip to the UK one that you will always remember. I hope you will continue to check out my website for more useful travel posts to help plan other trips around the UK and abroad. All the best Angie

Saturday 14th of August 2021

A destination I have always wanted to visit. Not that I needed any inspiration. Such a wonderous and beautiful natural environment awaits.

Yvonne Keeler ( Cheshire UK)

Tuesday 22nd of June 2021

Loved reading your blog on Waheiki Island Nr Auckland NZ . We concur with your reviews and advice . Our son lives inAuckland so we visit each year( in normal non Covid times) in fact they are looking to book a vineyard for their wedding over there. Your trip up to Scotland looks wonderful and like you, we must explore what is only a drive away, and enjoy the beauty , scenic delights we have here in Uk. So you have inspired us to plan and follow your route some time soon. Look forward to more of your travel blogs as we too are intrepid travellers in normal times. Stay safe !

Thanks for taking the time to comment; it makes me so pleased when I hear I have helped someone else plan a trip to somewhere I loved. Lovely to hear that your son will be getting married in one of Waiheke's vineyards - I couldn't think of a better place to tie the knot! I hope you enjoy future blogs that I publish

Suzanne Jones

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

What a fabulous road trip. We're heading to the Highlands this September and will be visiting a few of the places on your itinerary. I'll be referring back to this post nearer the time to remind myself of some excellent tips!

Thursday 15th of April 2021

You will have an amazing time in the Scottish Highlands, there is so much to see and do up there. I'm glad my Scotland Road Trip blog post was of help with planning.

3 perfect England itineraries for every type of traveler

May 12, 2022 • 10 min read

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

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

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

Essential England – a 10-day itinerary

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

Day 1: Tour the streets of the capital

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

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

Day 2: Captivating cathedral cities

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

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

Day 3: A literary day in Bath

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

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

Day 5: Study the beauty of Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8: Discover the delights of York

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

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

Day 9: Punt around Cambridge

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

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

Day 10:  Back to London

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

The wild side of England – a 10-day itinerary

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

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

Day 1: Ramble along Hadrian’s Wall

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

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

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

Day 3: Find literary inspiration at Yorkshire Dales National Park

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

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

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

Day 5: Feel a natural symphony in the Cotswolds

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

Day 6: Unravel the mysteries of Salisbury Plain

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

Day 7: Find fossils on the Jurassic Coast

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

Day 8: Track down wild ponies in Exmoor National Park

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

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

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

Day 10: Finish is cozy coves in Cornwall

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

Introducing Roman England – a 7-day itinerary

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

Day 1: Hello Londinium

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

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

Day 2: The villas of Fishbourne Palace

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

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

Day 3: Take a bath in Bath

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

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

Day 4: Stand in the amphitheater of Chester

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

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

Day 5: Enjoy Eboracum (aka York)

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

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

Day 6: Patrol along Hadrian’s Wall

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

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

Day 7: Back to Londinium

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

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

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The Ultimate UK Road Trip Itinerary – Driving Tour of England, Scotland, and Wales

Last summer the #FabFam had a journey to seek some family and personal history in the U.K.   This could only be accomplished by taking a two-week road trip around the UK.  We began in London , spent the weekend in the countryside in Devon  with some good friends, drove through Wales to seek dragons and castles , spent a few days in Liverpool and Manchester , explored the Scottish Highlands (including searching for the mysterious Loch Ness Monster ), spent one family-friendly day in Edinburgh , and then came back down the eastern coast to loop back towards London.

Today I am sharing the route and itinerary for a U.K. road trip, including recommendations on where to stay during a UK road trip, the top cities to see when traveling to England, Scotland, and Wales, what we found to be the best places to eat during a road trip through the UK, as well as reviews, recommendations, and tips for the best activities for kids during a family road trip and driving tour through England to Wales and Scotland.  You’ll want to pin this post for planning your own UK road trip.

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in London

See more specific reviews and recommendations for London in these posts:

• Fabulous things to do in London with kids
• A romantic long weekend in London
• Arrive in London in the morning (local time)
• Collect rental car ( Kia Optima Sportswagon )
• Garden Court Hotel
• No parking available
• Complimentary continental breakfast included
• Morning: Misc. London sight-seeing: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge

Obligatory things to do in London with kids: Take a photo with a red phonebooth

• Mid-day: Visit the Tower of London

One of the best things to do with kids in London: Visit The Tower of London

• Afternoon: Kid-friendly Afternoon Tea at The Park Room (Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN)

Park Lane at Grosvenor House has one of the most kid-friendly teas in London

• Evening: London Eye Champagne Experience

We recommend the London Eye Champagne Experience. What a fabulous thing to do with kids in London!

• Dinner: Zizzi (several locations)

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 2: London

• Morning: Breakfast at Farm Girl (59A Portobello Rd, London W11 3DB, UK)
• Shopping around Portobello Road and Notting Hill
• Misc. London sight-seeing: Abbey Road

Our boys are named Sawyer and Grayson, so we had to take this pic at Sawyer & Gray in London!

• King’s Cross Station Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4  (free)

Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station is one of the best things to do in London with kids (or heck, even by yourself! Hufflepuff 4 Lyfe!). This is a must-do when you’re planning your UK road trip

• Afternoon sight-seeing: Buckingham Palace
• Hyde Park (Diana Memorial Playground)
• V&A Museum (free)
• Natural History Museum (free)

The (free) Natural History Museum is one of our top recommendations for things to do in London with kids

The incredible blue whale skeleton at London’s Natural History Museum

• Evening: Visit the world’s largest toy store, Hamley’s

When planning your UK road trip with kids, you must include a visit to Hamleys, the world’s largest toy store

• Dinner: The Diner (several locations)

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 3: Drive to Devon

• Visit Highclere Castle  (aka Downton Abbey!).  Make sure you are aware of their closure dates before planning to visit.
• Lunch: The 15th century Castle & Ball Hotel (High St, Marlborough SN8 1LZ, UK)

Meat pie lunch at Castle & Ball in Marlborough

Fish and chips lunch at Castle & Ball

• Drive to Stonehenge  for a visit

Stonehenge was a must-do for us when planning our UK road trip

Stonehenge is a must-see during a driving tour of England!

• Drive to Devon

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 4: Devon

• A weekend in Devon, England
•  Visit Devon

• Lunch and sight-seeing in the seaside town of Lynmouth

• Afternoon: Cream tea (and the best scones in England with traditional Devonshire clotted cream) at  Watersmeet House

What to do during a UK road trip: Cream tea at Watersmeet House in Devonshire

The best scones of my life at Watersmeet House, along with Devonshire clotted cream and cream tea

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 5: Drive to South Wales

• Depart Devon
• Lunch and sight-seeing in Bath
• Drive to Cardiff, misc. sight-seeing: Cardiff Bay Beach (at Roald Dahl Plass).  Admission: free (activities extra).
• Hampton by Hilton Newport/East 
• Self parking: Complimentary
• Complimentary breakfast included
• Dinner at hotel restaurant

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 6: Wales

• One-Day Road Trip Through Wales – Seeking Ancient Ruins, Dragons, and Castles
• Drive around Wales
• Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths  (High Street, Newport NP18 1AE, United Kingdom).  Admission: free.

Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths in Wales

• Dryslwyn Castle (B4297, Carmarthen SA32 8JQ, UK).  Admission: free.

The ruins of Dryslwyn Castle in Wales. Exploring these ruins was one of our most memorable moments during our UK road trip.

• Drive to the city with the longest name in Europe (and second longest in the world):  Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch on the island of Anglesey.

Fun stop during a driving tour through Wales, UK: The city with the longest name in Europe, Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch

• Drive to Liverpool
• Hampton by Hilton Liverpool City Centre
• Self parking available for a fee

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 7: Liverpool

• What to do in Liverpool and Manchester with children
• Albert Dock
• Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Liverpool is a fun thing to do with kids during a UK road trip

• Evening: Beatles history

When planning a UK road trip, you must check out the Beatles history and memorabilia in Liverpool, England

The Cavern Club in Liverpool is where The Beatles first started to become popular

• Dinner: Hard Days Night Hotel  (Central Buildings, North John Street, Liverpool L2 6RR, United Kingdom)

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 8: Manchester

• Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science & Industry is a great sight-seeing option in Manchester during your family’s UK road trip through England

The kids had a great time at the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester

• Old Trafford stadium (mecca for Manchester United fans)

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 9: Drive to Scotland

• Connecting with my family and personal history in the U.K. with Kia
• Family Travel Bucket List: Hunting for the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland
• Discovering the Beauty of Scotland’s Highlands
• Depart for Scotland
• Picnic lunch: Lake District National Park

We had a picnic lunch in the Lake District while driving from northern England to Scotland on our UK road trip

• Mambeg Country Guest House

The kids playing at the Mambeg Country Guest House bed & breakfast in Scotland during our road trip

• Drive by Dunderave Castle (the former castle of Clan MacNaughton)

We had to drive by Dunderave Castle (the former castle of Clan MacNaughton – my husband’s family ancestor’s clan) in Loch Fyne in Scotland on our road trip

• Dinner: Cairndow Stagecoach Inn  (Cairndow PA26 8BN, UK)

Sampling the local ale at Cairndow Stagecoach Inn on Loch Fyne in Scotland

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 10: Drive to the Highlands of Scotland

Full Scotch breakfast at Mambeg Country Guest House

• Depart for Inverness
• Drive by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Visit Loch Ness

Hunting for Nessie at Loch Ness

Scotland road trip itinerary: Loch Ness

• Depart for Aviemore

The beautiful Scottish Highlands

• Hilton Coylumbridge – the most family-friendly hotel I have ever stayed!
• Complimentary dinner and breakfast included

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 11: The Highlands of Scotland

• Explore the Highlands, driving the Old Military Road through Cairngorms National Park

Outlander fans can appreciate these standing stones at Cairngorms National Park during our driving tour of Scotland’s Highlands

Scotch thistle photographed in Cairngorms National Park in Scotland’s Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen

Scenic views on Old Military Road for a driving tour of Scotland

A magical moment: We saw this complete, perfect rainbow during our road trip through Scotland’s Highlands

• Drive to Edinburgh
• Dinner: The Scran & Scallie  (1 Comely Bank Rd, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1DT, UK)
• Evening: Visit the dungeon or do a ghost tour (if your kids are old enough)
• Norton House Hotel & Spa

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 12: Edinburgh, Scotland

• Travel Tuesday: Family-Friendly Edinburgh
• Morning: Misc. Edinburgh sight-seeing
• Lunch: La Favorita  (331-325 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8SA, UK)
• Afternoon: Edinburgh Castle

We recommend seeing Edinburgh Castle during a UK road trip through Scotland

Add a visit to Edinburgh Castle to your Scotland road trip itinerary

• Depart for York
• Misc. York sight-seeing

Clifford’s Tower in York

• Dinner: The York Roast Co. (several locations).  I had to have Yorkshire pudding while in York!

Yorkshire Pudding at York Roast Co.

• Hilton York

1 Tower Street, York Y01 9WD, United Kingdom

T:  +44-1904-648 111

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 13: Peak District

• Drive to Peak District
• Stanage Edge (Derbyshire / South Yorkshire) – have your own Elizabeth Bennet moment and take in an unbelievable view

A highlight of our UK road trip: Standing where Elizabeth Bennet stood in Pride & Prejudice at Stanage Edge in the Peak District

The view from Stanage Edge in Derbyshire, England

• Chatsworth House (aka Pemberley for you Pride & Prejudice fans)

Chatsworth House was the filming location for Pemberley in Pride & Prejudice. As a big P&P fan, I had to see this during our UK road trip

If you’re planning a UK road trip with your family, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is a great place to visit with kids

• Drive to Cambridge , visit campus
• Drive to Thetford
• The Crown Hotel (circa 1650)

The Crown Hotel (circa 1650) is a great place to stay in Thetford on your UK road trip

UK Road Trip Itinerary Day 14: Return to London

• Visit Lakenheath, Suffolk, and surrounding area (I was born and lived in this area)
• Drive back to London

Related Posts:

• Connecting with my family and personal history in the U.K.  
• A Romantic Long Weekend in London  
• Fabulous Things to Do in London with Kids  
• A Weekend in Devon, England  
• One-Day Road Trip Through Wales – Seeking Ancient Ruins, Dragons, and Castles  
• What to Do in Liverpool and Manchester with Kids  
• Discovering the Beauty of Scotland’s Highlands  
• Family Travel Bucket List: Hunting for the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland  
• Family-Friendly Edinburgh  

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Sophie Taylor says

July 10, 2018 at 4:15 pm

Last month, my friend and I visited Scotland. We're very satisfied with the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, fun and experienced. We really do get the best of Scotland, Isle of Skye in last 3 days. Hopefully to visit again. Thanks for sharing such a great post. ~ Sophie Taylor

February 15, 2019 at 3:20 am

Your trip is currently is my main reference for my UK road trip.

btw, any reason why you didn’t go to durdle door as well The Minack Theatre.

Ramona Cruz-Peters says

February 15, 2019 at 6:53 am

Thank you! No reason we didn’t visit those two aside from time. We sometimes spent extra time in different spots and then wouldn’t be able to make it to the next place.

Leesa R Edwards says

December 14, 2019 at 1:30 pm

This trip looks amazing, and I want to base my trip on it. Is it terribly rude to ask an estimate of the cost of the trip?

December 16, 2019 at 8:55 am

Hi Leesa! It’s not rude, I am sure it’s helpful info for planning purposes. I don’t have the total cost handy, but the round-trip flights to London were just under $3500 total for 4 people, then you’ll need to factor in hotel costs for the amount of days you’re spending, and same with the number of days for a rental car (plus petrol). For food, we try to find hotels that include complimentary breakfast to save on some of the cost of meals. We also did a picnic one day for lunch which was reasonable. London was the most expensive part of the trip, but note that there are free things to do there (Platform 9 3/4 is free, the museums are free).

Beth Taylor says

September 4, 2022 at 7:17 pm

Thanks for the great info! Where did you park the rental car during your first few nights in London?

September 5, 2022 at 9:56 am

Great question! We street parked where we could or used parking structures if available, but in hindsight I would actually not get the car until leaving London for the rest of the road trip and instead Uber around while in town. We ended up with at least one ticket as it wasn’t easy to drive or park in town. Since this trip we’ve done similar road trips in France and Ireland, and for both of those trips we ended up not using a car in Paris or Dublin respectively, and just picked up the rental cars on our way out of town.

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10 Day England Itinerary: The Best Sights And Attractions In England

This 10-day england itinerary takes you on a tour of the most famous sights in the country, plus a few hidden gems.

If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom, it’s hard to know where to start. The first big decision is do you fancy spending all of your time in England, or perhaps venture to Wales or Scotland too? While Britain isn’t a huge island (you could drive from Land’s End in the south to John O’Groats in the north in under 15 hours) the scenery is varied and you’ll want to take your time.

If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend focusing on England, and spending at least a week travelling around. You can move at a fast pace and visit a new place each day, but if you fancy a more leisurely trip, you’ll probably want to allow a minimum of 2 days in some of them, especially when you factor in the travel time.

Coming up is a 10-day England itinerary packed full of the best sights in the country. I’ll admit it’s been really difficult to choose where to include. There are SO many other places that are equally as beautiful, but this route gives you a nice variety.

From London’s museums and iconic landmarks, to the epic beauty of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Bath’s history and the landscapes of the Lake District, this itinerary has it all! If you want to wander through streets that could feature in Harry Potter or soak up the romance of where The Holiday was filmed, there are some iconic movie locations on this route too.

The easiest way to travel around England is by car. It’ll give you the flexibility to get off the beaten track, visit some unique destinations and pack as much into your trip as your time allows. However, if you’d rather use public transport, all of these locations are accessible by trains or buses too.

10-Day England Itinerary: The Best Sights And Attractions In England

2 days in london.

There’s SO much to see in the UK’s capital, you could easily spend a week exploring the city. For this 10-day England itinerary I’ve suggested you spend 2 days in London and pack in as much sightseeing as you can.

If it’s your first time in London you can’t miss the key landmarks. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, see London from a different angle from one of the 32 pods on the London Eye, check the time at Big Ben, explore Westminster Abbey, wave to Nelson in Trafalgar Square, see Tower Bridge open for a tall ship, see the crown jewels sparkling inside the Tower of London and step inside St Paul’s Cathedral. It sounds like a lot, but you can see so many sights with a long walk along the River Thames.

One of the best ways of doing all of this is on a bus tour. We really like this vintage open-top bus tour which is just oh so quintessentially British. This tour has a guide explaining all the top sights.

Alternatively, another tour we love is this half-day bike tour . In 4 hours you get to ride around London taking in all the sights – it’s a really cool way of seeing London, especially on a bright sunny day.

If you love museums, take a trip to South Kensington and venture inside the impressive Natural History Museum and Science Museums. They both have lots of interesting interactive exhibits and are great for families.

For tasty food, take a wander through Borough Market or Camden Market. If you love architecture, how about a little tour of Notting Hill. The pastel coloured houses are like something out of a kid’s book. Or for a great view, walk to the top of Primrose Hill. It’s one of our favourite spots on a sunny day. 

The easiest way to get around London is using public transport. You can either pick up an Oyster Card (a contactless travel card) or use your own contactless bank card.

1 Day In Brighton

After a great few days in London, it’s time to escape to the coast. Brighton is one of the best seaside day trips from London by train (journey takes one hour) and a gorgeous place to explore on foot.

There’s the pier which is crammed full of fun rides, amusement arcades and food outlets wafting the sickly scent of donuts through the air. There’s a mammoth pebbly beach, lined with little art galleries, gift shops and restaurants.

For a great view of Brighton, you could take a trip on the i360 – a tourist attraction which offers great views of the area. Plus, there are some gorgeous hotels on the seafront if you want to stay overnight.

One of our favourite things about Brighton is the shopping scene. The Lanes and North Laine are full of character, and are THE place to visit for independent stores, quirky cafes and restaurants. This is a great place to shop for vintage jewellery and bohemian clothing.

Once you’ve done all of that, you’ll definitely have earned some fish and chips on the beach. Just watch out for the seagulls overhead – they’re always hungry!

1 Day In Dorset

I was debating whether to recommend two days in Cornwall, or break up the journey with one day in Dorset. Needless to say, Dorset won! I visited last year for the first time and would definitely suggest you include a stop there on your 10-day England itinerary.

Dorset is known for its dramatic coastline, known as the Jurassic Coast. I’d recommend the clifftop walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door – England’s iconic rock arch. If you have time, you could also do the walk from Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks. It’s another beautiful spot, with huge chalk stones standing in the water.

Alternatively, if you fancy a more relaxing day you could drive to West Bay to see the enormous limestone cliffs, which show the falling sea levels from over 175 million years ago. Or enjoy the adorable English villages of Milton Abbas or Abbotsbury.

Both have main streets lined with charming thatched cottages, many decorated with pretty plants and flowers. It’s got a quaint English charm! 

Alternatively, if you’re basing yourself in London for your England itinerary, then this is an amazing 5 day tour of Dorset and Cornwall . On this tour EVERYTHING is taken care of for you, so you don’t need to worry about transport, tickets or anything else like that.

1 Day In Cornwall

Cornwall is one of my favourite parts of England. This southern region of mainland Britain is where you’ll find a spectacular rugged coastline, top surf beaches and some of the best fresh seafood in the country. It’s a walker’s paradise, and a great place for day hikes along the South West Coast Path .

The Cornish coastline is stunning – it’s no wonder it’s one of the top places for people to go on holiday in UK. For beach time head to Fistral Beach (Newquay’s famous surf beach), Bedruthan Steps (epic rock views), Pedn Vounder (might have you fooled for the Caribbean) or Kynance Cove (with its incredible rock formation).

Alternatively, you could focus on Cornwall’s food scene. There are lots of great restaurants dotted around the county, but the most famous town for gastronomy is Padstow .

Legendary chefs Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth have launched a culinary empire in the town, and there’s a nice mix of high-end to budget friendly options. Most of them involve fresh fish and seafood brought in daily by fisherman in Padstow Harbour. Read our guide to the 13 best places to eat in Padstow before you go! 

1 Day In Bath

Bath is one of England’s prettiest cities. Most buildings here are constructed from Bath stone – a beige limestone which gives the city a certain uniformity. It’s a very walkable city, and one of my top recommendations would be to get lost in the pretty streets.

There are a few highlights not to be missed. If you’re a lover of history, the city of Bath offers a lot. First time visitors must visit the Roman baths . It’s incredible to learn about the ancient ways of the Romans and their impact on modern civilisation.

For the best views, I’d recommend climbing the tower of Bath Abbey (bookable as part of a guided tour). It’s a tiring climb up, but well worth it once you see the stunning cityscapes from the top.

Alternatively, an evening cruise on the water with a glass of prosecco is a great way of seeing the city too!

If you’re craving relaxation after a busy few days of travelling, you could spend some time enjoying the soothing waters of Thermae Bath Spa. There are several pools, saunas and steam rooms. One pool is on a roof terrace and offers lovely views of the city too!

Bath is a sophisticated city, with great places to eat and drink, lovely independent shops and plenty of history, so it’s s great addition to your 10-day England itinerary!

1 Day In The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one of the most picturesque regions of England. If you’ve grown up watching films set in cute English villages, you can bet 99% of the time they were filmed in this area! You know, the beautiful snowy Christmas scenes in The Holiday and Bridget Jones? Yep, they were filmed in the Cotswolds.

If you’re only spending one day in the area as part of a bigger 10-day England itinerary, I’d recommend visiting Bibury and walking down Arlington Row. After that, head to Moreton in Marsh, Bourton on the Water, Upper and Lower Slaughter and Broadway.

The best way to enjoy this area is on a little road trip, stopping off at towns and villages, then having a little country walk before enjoying a traditional cream tea. There are a number of beautiful accommodation options in this area too, from adorable B&Bs to huge country manor houses.

Alternatively, if you want everything taken care of for you, then this is one of the most popular tours of the Cotswolds from London . It is packed full of all the top things to do in the area, and it’s one of the most recommended Cotswold tours out there!

2 Days In The Lake District

After spending time in The Cotswolds, it’s time to head north. It’s a long journey, so it might be best to add in a travel day at this point if possible.

The Lake District is England’s largest national park and covers 912 square miles. It’s stunningly beautiful, with rolling hills, pretty lakes and some of the best restaurants in the country.

With just two days in the area, we’d recommend a mix of hiking, water activities and good food. There are lots of Michelin starred restaurants in the Lake District , so you could treat yourselves to an extra special meal. Our favourite was Cottage in the Wood, but there are a few others including Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume that we’d love to visit one day!

In terms of hiking, one of our favourite routes is up to Cat Bells. The views from up there are absolutely incredible. We also really enjoyed the hike from Pooley Bridge to Aira Force waterfall . The route passes high over the hills, with epic views of Ullswater from the top.

If you like getting out on the water, then there are plenty of opportunities in this area. You could kayak, hire a sailing boat, try stand up paddle boarding, go canyoning or enjoy a leisurely journey on board the historic Ullswater Steamer.

Another fantastic Great British tour is of 10 lakes in the Lake District . Here you get to hop from each lake seeing which one is your favourite – it’s a

1 Day In Cambridge

You’ve made it to the final day of your 10-day England itinerary, and it’s time for a trip to Cambridge. History lovers will adore walking the grounds of famous university colleges here. The architecture is amazing and feels very grand. The city centre has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy too.

One of the top things to do in Cambridge is go punting . It’s not an activity that goes on in other cities really – Cambridge is THE place for it. There’s nothing quite like gliding down the River Cam learning all about the history of Cambridge while on a punting tour.

As you relax on board the boat you get to see some of the sights that are tricky to view properly from the banks of the river, including the spectacular Bridge of Sighs, the Mathematical Bridge and the back of King’s College.

As another thing to do, it’s really popular to take a tour of the colleges too for that real Cambridge university experience.

It’s a beautiful city to explore, and a great place to round off an exciting and varied 10 days in England.

Fancy going further afield? Head to Scotland and visit Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile or venture out into the stunning Scottish Highlands.

Alternatively, you could cross the border into Wales and visit Snowdonia or the Gower Coast. There’s so much to see in Britain – who knows where you’ll end up!

Enjoyed this 10-day England itinerary? Pin it for later…

19 Best Road Trips in the UK for Scenic Drives

March 19, 2024

The UK is home to some of the world’s best road trips , with lots of (both official and unofficial) routes zig-zagging across the entirety of the region.

So in this four-wheeled guide, we’ve brought you the 19 best road trips in the UK . I’ve covered routes in all parts of the region, and I’ve included short rides, long rides, coastal journeys, mountainous meanders, and everything in between.

Rev up that engine and come join the fun!

1. The North Coast 500

2. the northumberland coastal route, 3. the north pennines, 4. the arran ring road, 5. the a4069 black mountain pass, 6. the heart 200, 7. the trotternish loop, 8. the snow roads scenic route, 9. the causeway coastal route, 10. the central sperrins route, 11. the cambrian way, 12. the welsh coastal way, 13. the borders historic route, 14. the lake district loop, 15. the atlantic highway, 16. the south west coastal 300, 17. the high mournes scenic loop, 18. the norfolk and suffolk coasts, 19. belleek to teemore, before you go.

I’m starting with my favorite road trip in the whole of the UK.

A 500-mile (800km) loop around the most northern parts of mainland Scotland, the North Coast 500 is iconic and unmissable—and if you’re only going to attempt one ride on this list, you should definitely make it this one. I’ve done this loop twice, and I’ll definitely be doing it again.

People genuinely have no idea how beautiful or remote this part of Scotland is. Along the route, you get fishing villages, charming towns, massive mountains, some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen, and lots of the planet’s best landscapes. Some stretches are unbelievably otherworldly, and totally unlike any other part of the UK.

If you like hiking, you’ll love this ride—it takes you to some of the best, most rugged and most underrated walking spots in the UK, and you could spend years exploring new treks and trails in this area. For walks, I recommend Stac Pollaidh, Torridon, and the shoreside strolls on the west coast (but there are also way more).

For sheer variety and beauty, road trips really don’t get much better than this… and this is one of the best road trips in the UK.

• Location: Scotland
• Distance: 500 miles/800km
• Itinerary: Signposted loop beginning and ending in Inverness (or Applecross), and following the coast for the majority of the way
• Recommended Time: 5-21 days
• Highlights: Ullapool, Torridon, the Bealach na Bà, the tiny villages, the meandering roads, and the beautiful beaches

For me, the Northumberland Coastal Route is the very best road trip in England.

That might be because I’m from the area and I’m very very biased and I absolutely love the place I’m from… but it just might also be because it’s actually true.

If you like remote beaches, isolated shorelines, friendly fishing villages, massive castles, or gigantic portions of heavily-salted fish and chips, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this ride.

You start in Tynemouth, just east of the city of Newcastle . From here, you follow the coast all the way to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the last significant settlement before England becomes Scotland.

Along the way, you’ll pass some of my favorite places in the world, including Cresswell, Alnmouth, Amble, Seahouses, Bamburgh, Craster, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, and plenty more. If you want history and beaches without countless crowds, it doesn’t get better than this.

Though this is an incredible road trip, it’s actually most famous as the route for the ultra-beautiful Coast and Castles bike ride .

• Location: England
• Distance: Around 75 miles/120km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Tynemouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed, following the coast the entire way
• Recommended Time : 3-5 days
• Highlights: Tynemouth, Cresswell, Alnmouth, Craster, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, lots of friendly faces, lots of fish and chips, and a whole load of quiet towns and beaches

If you’re looking for underrated and under-the-radar, this is the best English road trip on our list.

I love the North Pennines. A bleak, barren and boggy range of peaks in northern England, this is the best mountainous area if you’re looking for remote, rural hikes without lots of other people.

It’s a very unique area. While most hilly regions are green and verdant, this place is sort of apocalyptic and empty, but in a strangely attractive way.

It’s also a great choice if you want a short trip—the route I’m recommending measures only 40 miles (65km).

Start in Lambley, a village famous for its massive viaduct. From here, head south to lovely Alston, my favorite town in the area. Keep heading south and you’ll hit Garrigill, Ashgill Force waterfall, and the ever-popular town of pretty Barnard Castle.

If you want to add a detour, I recommend hiking up Cross Fell , the tallest peak in the North Pennines. The highest point in England outside the Lake District, it sits at a lofty 893 meters (2,930 feet).

• Distance: Around 40 miles/65km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Lambley to Barnard Castle
• Recommended Time : 1-3 days
• Highlights: Lambley Viaduct, Alston, Ashgill Force, Barnard Castle, the optional detour to Cross Fell, and exploring a barren-but-beautiful area

Another circular Scottish route, this is one of the best road trips in the UK for completionists who like feeling as if they’ve seen the entirety of one particular place.

Off the west coast of mainland Scotland, you have the Isle of Arran… which is famously known as ‘Scotland in miniature.’

It comes with that reputation because it offers most of the same things as mainland Scotland. You get great beaches , excellent hikes , multi-day walking and cycling trails, fantastic food, friendly faces, varied wildlife , and some of the cutest coastal settlements you’ve probably ever seen.

If you want to see pretty much the entirety of the island, you can drive around its whole perimeter by riding the Arran ring road. It measures in at only 56 miles (90km), but it brings you close to everything you could want to see .

Make sure you hike up Goatfell, walk some stretches of the Arran Coastal Way , and spend some time exploring towns and villages.

• Distance: 56 miles/90km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Brodick, following Arran’s entire coast in a big circle
• Recommended Time : 2-7 days
• Highlights: Seeing all of Arran’s highlights, some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen, the Arran Coastal Way, an ascent up Goatfell, and the settlements of Brodick, Lochranza and Blackwaterfoot

The A4069 Black Mountain Pass is only a short journey, but it’s the most famous road trip in Wales by a long way, and it’s absolutely incredible.

Sitting in the western side of the Brecon Beacons (a massive range of mountains in the south of Wales) , rides this short don’t normally have views this good. Famous for appearing on British TV show Top Gear, the route offers jagged peaks, massive passes, and some of the best panoramas that Wales has to offer.

Notorious for its tight bends, hairpin turns, suddenly-there sheep, and stomach-churning scenery, this is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. That said, it’s not as dangerous as some people like to pretend… so as long as you’re a competent driver, you’ll definitely be comfortable.

If you like mountains, or if you’re looking for a short but brilliant ride, this is one of the best road trips in the UK. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to stop for photographs (there are lots of laybys where you can pull in to get your camera out) .

• Location: Wales
• Distance: 20 miles/32km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, across the A4069 road in the Brecon Beacons
• Recommended Time : 1 hour
• Highlights: A short ride, an exhilarating adventure, hitting the most famous road in Wales, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery that the UK has to offer

The Heart 200 is one of the newest official road trips in Scotland. And unlike the North Coast 500, it takes you in a loop through the center of the nation, instead of on a tour around the outskirts.

The idea behind this ride is that it journeys through the heart of the nation, hitting lots of the most popular tourist spots. It runs between two excellent national parks: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and the Cairngorms National Park (which is the biggest national park in the UK).

In between those parks, you also hit Perth, Stirling, Pitlochry, Callander, Bridge of Allan, Loch Tay, Loch Earn, Loch Leven, and loads more great stuff. The whole route is signposted… which is useful, because the ride meanders a maze-like route through this part of the nation.

For lots of people, the highlights here are all the cute towns and villages, and there are dozens of tiny places dotted around the route. If you like exploring small settlements, this is one of the best road trips in the UK.

• Distance: 158 miles/320km
• Itinerary: Loop starting and ending in Perth or Stirling, following the official signposts all the way
• Recommended Time : 3-7 days
• Highlights: Perth, Stirling, Pitlochry, Bridge of Allan, Loch Tay, Loch Leven, and exploring the outskirts of two of the UK’s best national parks

Sort of similar to the Arran route I’ve outlined above, the Trotternish Loop takes you around an island. But this time, it’s the much-more-famous Isle of Skye —and you don’t see the entirety of the place.

Instead, you see the whole of the Trotternish Peninsula, where you’ll find lots of Skye’s most famous attractions. The most northern part of the Isle of Skye, the Trotternish Peninsula is a finger-shaped area full of attractions and adventures. The most famous parts of this place include the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls, and the island’s capital of Portree.

But you’ll also see Staffin, Uig, Rubha Hunish, the Fairy Glen, the dinosaur footprints of An Corran Beach, and plenty more.

Even if you don’t make any en-route stops, the drive itself is still phenomenal, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Scotland. If you’re visiting Skye, you should absolutely drive along the Trotternish Loop.

• Distance: 50 miles/80km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Portree, following the coast for pretty much the entire ride
• Recommended Time : 2-4 days
• Highlights: The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls, Rubha Hunish, the Fairy Glen, Portree, the dramatic drive itself, and seeing lots of Skye’s highlights in one big trip

If you want a real adventure, this is one of the best road trips in the UK. It takes you through some of the highest parts of the Cairngorms, the biggest (and arguably most impressive) national park in the UK.

Riding through some of the most mountainous parts of Scotland, the Snow Roads Scenic Route climbs through the highest public road in Britain (and, consequently, typically the first road to be hit by seasonal snowfall, which gives the route its name).

Because it’s so high, this is the best ride on our list for panoramic views—along the way, you’ll see lots of peaks and passes. The highest point is Cairnwell Pass, which sits at a loftily-impressive height of 670 meters (2,200 feet).

Full of tight turns and hair-raising switchbacks, you need to be fairly confident to drive this one. But the roads are well-surfaced, and the infrastructure is great (with lots of designated photo-grabbing opportunities along the way, which are purposely placed in the most scenic spots).

By road, there’s no better way to explore the Cairngorms… and this ride is a mountain-lover’s dream.

• Distance: 90 miles/144km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Blairgowrie to Grantown-On-Spey, following the signposts all the way
• Highlights: Cairnwell Pass, Tomintoul, Corgarff Castle , the photo opportunities, the winding roads, and seeing many Cairngorms highlights without ever needing to leave your car

The most famous road trip in Northern Ireland by a long way, The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Derry to Belfast along the northern and eastern coasts of the nation.

It’s most well-known for passing the Devil’s Causeway (the only UNESCO site in Northern Ireland, and the location that gives the route its name). Make sure you stop to see it—it’s one of the strangest geological oddities in this part of the planet.

But the highlights run way beyond that… you get beaches, coastal walks, some surprisingly good inland hikes, Dunluce Castle , Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , and super-friendly towns and villages.

If you’re only going to tackle one road trip in Northern Ireland, you should probably make it this one. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re a big fan of detours — there are nine official side-trip loops along the route, and they all make your journey bigger, better, much more scenic, and a lot more adventurous.

You should also give yourself enough time to explore both Derry and Belfast, two excellent cities. Tiny Derry in particular is super charming, and it’s one of my favorite settlements in the UK.

• Location: Northern Ireland
• Distance: 130 miles/212km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Derry to Belfast, running all the way along the coast
• Highlights: The Devil’s Causeway, Derry and Belfast themselves, lots of excellent detours, endless coastal walks, Dunluce Castle, Carrickfergus Castle, seeing a massive chunk of Northern Ireland, and riding around the nation’s most famous road trip

In the northwest of Northern Ireland, you have the Sperrins, a mountainous area that takes up almost a quarter of the nation. They’re not the tallest or most well-known mountains in the area, but they’re brimming with hikes, drives, cycling routes, lakes, valleys, historical sites, and some of Northern Ireland’s most overlooked adventures.

In and around the entirety of the Sperrins, there are four official driving routes , taking you to various parts of the area. Of them all, the Central Sperrins Route is the longest, the most comprehensive, and (arguably) the best.

This particular route takes you very close to the summit of Sawel, the highest peak in the area. It’s not massive (measuring in at only 678 meters/2,224 feet), but it’s a great hike.

Other highlights along the way include Baronscourt Forest, Gortinglen Forest, Glenelly Valley, the climb up Mullaghcarn, the villages of Donemana and Sion Mills, and the medieval Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone.

And of course, if you want to add even more action and adventure to your ride, you can add an extra Sperrin road trip or two to your route (all four are joined to one another).

• Distance: 90 miles/145km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in various possible places, but the best choice is Strabane
• Highlights: Strabane, Baronscourt Forest, Gortinglen Forest, Glenelly Valley, the ascents up Sawel and Mullaghcarn, exploring an underrated part of Northern Ireland, and the exciting option of adding extra road trips

If you want to see lots of Wales and lots of mountains, The Cambrian Way is one of the best road trips in the UK.

The longest Welsh ride we’ve featured on our list, it’s an official route, and it’s probably the most popular road trip in the nation. It runs from the Welsh capital of Cardiff (right in the south of the nation) through to Conwy, a castled resort town on the nation’s northern coast.

But though it begins and ends in coastal territory, the route mainly passes over mountains. It runs through the Brecon Beacons, Elan Valley, the Cambrian Mountains, and parts of Snowdonia National Park.

If you want to take some hilly hiking detours, you have endless options. Snowdon is of course the most popular choice, but there are also lots of wanders in and around nearby Beddgelert. But don’t overlook the southern mountain ranges, which are quieter and arguably more interesting.

Non-hiking highlights include the narrow-gauge Brecon Mountain Railway , Gwydir Castle , and Adventure Parc Snowdonia , but there’s plenty more fun.

• Distance: 240 miles/386km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Cardiff to Conwy via the Brecon Beacons, Elan Valley, the Cambrian Mountains, and parts of Snowdonia National Park
• Recommended Time : 2-10 days
• Highlights: Endless hiking side-trips, Snowdonia National Park, Elan Valley, Conwy, Cardiff, and tackling the longest Welsh road trip on our list

Another official Welsh road trip, the Coastal Way is another south-to-north odyssey through Wales.

But instead of cutting inland through peaks and passes, it instead runs along the coast, taking riders along some of the nation’s best beaches and coastal settlements. The route meanders from St Davids to Aberdaron, following the coast pretty much all the way.

If you like seas, sands and shores, this is one of the best road trips in the UK. Some of the best beaches along the route include Whitesands Bay, Tywyn Beach, and Llangrannog Beach, but there are many more. Make sure you also stop off at the lovely seaside settlements of Abersoch, Cardigan, Aberaeron, and Llangrannog.

All of that said, this ride isn’t all beaches and bays—you also get some good inland hiking opportunities. The northern part of the ride runs west of Snowdonia National Park, while the southern Preseli Hills are great for low-level wanders.

Last of all, make sure you also spend some time in both St Davids and Aberdaron. While St Davids is the pilgrimage-famed smallest city in Britain, Aberdaron is a quaint former fishing village.

• Distance: 180 miles/290km
• Itinerary: Linear route from St Davids to Aberdaron, following the coast all the way
• Recommended Time : 3-10 days
• Highlights: Whitesands Bay, Tywyn Beach, Llangrannog Beach, Abersoch, Cardigan, Aberaeron, St Davids, the Preseli Hills, and seeing countless hidden highlights of the beautiful Welsh coast

The Borders Historic Route is the most underrated Scottish road trip we’ve featured on this list.

Starting from just inside England, the ride then runs all the way to Edinburgh, passing through some of the most history-stuffed parts of southern Scotland.

If you’re interested in history and heritage, make sure you check out Gilnockie Tower , Abbotsford House , and the National Mining Museum of Scotland . And of course, when you reach Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh , there’s plenty of historic stuff to explore there too.

Along the route, you’ll also pass some serene towns and villages, including Langholm, Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels.

Broadly speaking, this route is very rural and quiet, with lots of rarely-visited settlements and attractions. If you’re interested in Scottish history, lowland Scotland, or being surrounded by few other tourists, you’ll definitely love this ride. It’s not the most dramatic or scenic route in Scotland, but it’s endlessly charming.

• Location: Scotland (and a tiny bit of England)
• Distance: 89 miles/143 km
• Itinerary: Linear waymarked route from Scots Dyke to Edinburgh
• Recommended Time : 3-4 days
• Highlights: Exploring an underrated part of Scotland, the settlements of Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels, the borderland lowlands, the history and heritage, and an excellent finale in Edinburgh

For seeing very-famous places, this is definitely one of the best road trips in the UK.

The Lake District National Park is the most well-known hiking hub in the entirety of England, and masses of locals travel here for hiking, cycling, swimming, and various other outdoor adventures.

There are endless beautiful drives in and around the region, but for seeing lots of the highlights, here’s what I recommend…

Start in Ambleside, right in the middle of the park. Head east (via the shores of Ullswater) to Pooley Bridge, then cut west to Keswick and Cockermouth. From Cockermouth, head south to Broughton-in-Furness, then back to Ambleside to complete your route.

If you take no detours (though you probably will!), this ride clocks in at 110 miles (177km).

It’s impossible to squeeze all of the Lake District highlights into one drive, but this route does a pretty good job of doing exactly that. It offers Helvellyn, Coniston Water, Keswick, Windermere, Ullswater, all the places we’ve already mentioned, and some of the best panoramas of the park’s various areas.

If you have time, I recommend hiking up Helvellyn, and walking along the entire southern shore of Ullswater.

• Distance: 110 miles/177km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Ambleside, via Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Keswick, Cockermouth, and Broughton-in-Furness
• Highlights: Ambleside, Coniston Water, Keswick, Windermere, seeing the most famous national park in the UK, hiking up Helvellyn, and walking along the shores of Ullswater

Probably the most well-known driving route in England, The Atlantic Highway runs across some of the most famous beaches in the UK.

The ‘Atlantic Highway’, in truth, is just a better-sounding name for the A39 road, a beautiful drive that runs through a western part of southern England.

Though most people only drive from Bridgwater to Bude (which is around 100 miles/160km), I think it’s best to take the route a little further, traveling all the way from Bath to Newquay. If you take the longer route, it measures in at around 210 miles (338km).

Along the way, you’ll pass some of the best parts of the Devon and Cornwall coasts, which many people think are the best shorelines in the whole of the UK. And as another big perk, this is one of the warmest parts of the region, perfect if you’re trying to dodge shoddy weather.

One of the best road trips in the UK for seas and sands, it’s phenomenal. But be warned: it gets outrageously busy in summer… so you should expect lots of crowds and traffic, and you should try to tackle it outside of peak season.

• Distance: Around 210 miles/338km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Bath to Newquay, following the coastline all the way
• Recommended Time : 5-10 days
• Highlights: Bath, Bude, Porlock, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, lots of beaches, cliffs and sands, and enjoying the warm climes of the hottest part of the UK

The South West Coastal 300 takes you to some of the most overlooked parts of Scotland’s brilliant coastline.

Most people have heard about the northern and northwestern coastlines of Scotland… but way fewer know about all the treats and treasures on Scotland’s southwestern coast.

Some of the highlights include Ayr, Stranraer, Newton Stewart, the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, Girvan, Portpatrick, Moffat and Whithorn. Portpatrick in particular is a big local hotspot, and it’s one of my favorite seaside villages in Scotland.

You also get great seafood, rolling hills, mini lochs, and some underrated hiking opportunities. The entire route circles around Galloway Forest Park , which I think is the best walking region in southern Scotland. Best of all, because this area isn’t yet overrun by tourists, locals are super friendly and welcoming, and love chatting with visitors.

If you want beaches, hikes and villages without crowds, this is one of the best road trips in the UK.

• Distance: 300 miles/482km
• Itinerary: Signposted loop starting and ending in many potential places (but Dumfries is best)
• Recommended Time : 7-14 days
• Highlights: Newton Stewart, Girvan, Portpatrick, the stretch of coast between Ayr and Stranraer, Galloway Forest Park, great seafood, and enjoying coasts without crowds

The High Mournes Scenic Loop takes you through the most impressive part of the Mournes mountains, in the southern part of Northern Ireland.

If you’re looking for short but impressive, this is one of the best road trips in the UK, and it’s crammed with peaks, panoramas and passes at every twist, turn, and hairpin bend.

In and around the area, there are mountains, lakes, seaside views, and forests—so although the route only clocks in at 32 miles (51km), there’s a huge amount of variety. Best of all, the route skirts around Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland (with a highest point of 850 meters/2790 feet).

Start in the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle, then follow the B180 and the B27 roads, which will lead you to the village of Attica. From Attica, head east, and you’ll hit Annalong, a tiny marina-fronted village where most people end their trip. But I recommend not stopping here—instead, you should turn this trip into a loop by riding along the coast back to Newcastle.

It’s almost unbelievable how much beauty, variety and awe you can cram into a trip this small. If you’re short on time, I 100% recommend it.

• Distance: 32 miles/51km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Newcastle
• Recommended Time : 1-3 hours
• Highlights: Newcastle, Annalong, climbing up Slieve Donard, pretty coastal views, the tucked-away lakes, and seeing what might just be the most dramatic mountains in Northern Ireland

Though they’re famous, the Norfolk and Suffolk Coasts (in the southeast of England) are often overlooked in favor of the coastlines in the southwest of England (where you find the Atlantic Highway, which we’ve already outlined).

But this region is absolutely beautiful, and it’s definitely worth exploring.

Because it’s such a big area, there are of course lots of routes you can attempt in the region. But I’m going to recommend driving from Felixstowe to Huntstanton, which is a pretty lengthy drive of around 180 miles (290km).

If you ride the whole route, you’ll hit the three best parts of the region: the Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty, The Norfolk Broads, and The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Natural Beauty.

The coastlines are the most famous part of this ride, but this part of the nation also has some pretty good low-level hills and hiking… if you want a compromise between shorelines and mountains, you won’t find any better than this.

If you’re interested in birds, this is one of the best road trips in the UK—there are many RSPB reserves in this part of the region.

• Distance: Around 180 miles/290km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Felixstowe to Huntstanton, following the coast all the way
• Recommended Time : 5-8 days
• Highlights: Hunstanton, Blakeney Point (where you’ll find the largest seal colony in England), Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and the three officially-designated areas of natural beauty

Another great option for a short ride, the route from Belleek to Teemore is in an underrated part of Northern Ireland, and it’s brimming with endless lakeside views.

It’s not an official drive, but it’s one of my favorites… and it’s absolutely beautiful. But here’s the important part: when you tackle it, don’t take the direct route. Instead, follow the A46 out of Belleek, which will bring you along the southwestern shores of Lower Lough Erne.

One of the prettiest lakes in Northern Ireland, it’s full of great views, excellent picnic spots, and lots of tiny islands. Other highlights along this part of the route include the Cliffs of Magho , Blackslee Waterfall , and Tully Castle .

Eventually, you’ll hit the town of Enniskillen, which is great for an overnight stay. From here, pass both Lisnaskea and Teemore on a pretty ride which takes you over the shores of Upper Lough Erne.

During this part of the ride, make sure you check out the oddly-situated Hare Krishna Temple, which sits on a small island inside the lake.

When you get to Teemore, you’re super close to the Republic of Ireland border. I recommend crossing the border for even more adventures!

• Distance: 38 miles/61km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Belleek to Teemore, via Enniskillen
• Recommended Time : 1-2 days
• Highlights: The Cliffs of Magho, Blackslee Waterfall, Teemore, Enniskillen, the strange Hare Kirishna temple, lots of tiny islands, and endless lakeside views

And that brings us to the end of our guide to the 19 best road trips in the UK . Thanks for reading!

We compiled this list from our collections of the best road trips in England , the best road trips in Scotland , the best road trips in Wales and the best road trips in Northern Ireland . So for even more detail, rev on over to those.

And if you’re curious, here’s the answer to the popular question: How Long Does it Take To Travel Across Great Britain?

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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United Kingdom: 15 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Table of Contents

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Jackie

From the captivating castles of Scotland to the serene countryside of Wales and the charming villages of England, this 15-day itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through some of the UK’s most iconic destinations.

Planning trips for friends is like being a travel wizard, weaving together adventures and excitement! My husband, Michael, and I are lucky enough to have the flexibility to take off on epic journeys lasting from three weeks to two or even three months. But I get it—time is precious, and not everyone can swing such long vacations.

So, for those looking for a taste of adventure without the marathon travel, I’ve whipped up a fantastic 15-day road trip itinerary through the magical landscapes of the United Kingdom. And hey, if you’ve got more time to spare, feel free to linger longer or tweak the schedule to suit your style. And don’t worry if the thought of driving on the left side of those narrow UK roads gives you the jitters—I’ve got alternative transportation options for each stop.

For all the juicy details on our adventures, where we stayed, and insider tips for each spot in the UK, I’ve included handy links for every location. Whether you want to mix and match your favorite bits or dive headfirst into the entire itinerary, I guarantee your journey will be nothing short of fabulous!

Road Trip Itinerary:  United Kingdom

Days 1 through 4:  Edinburgh, Scotland (United Kingdom)

Upon your grand arrival in the enchanting city of Edinburgh, the starting point of your epic 15-day road trip across the UK, you’ll discover that having a car is as unnecessary as a snowman in summer. Why, you ask? Well, Edinburgh’s got this compact city center that’s just begging to be explored on foot. It’s like a treasure trove of history and culture, all within easy reach of your eager feet.

Getting to Old Town from the Airport

• Option 1 : All the Fives is a car hire service which will pick you up from the airport and take you into town for a very reasonable price. Book it online and they are waiting for you when you land. It’s about a 20 minute drive from the airport to Old Town, and it will cost about 20 euro.
• Option two : The Airlink bus service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The buses run about every 10 minutes, and the drive to Old Town will take about 30 minutes. This will cost around 5 to 7 Euro.
• Option three : Edinburgh Trams run every 7 minutes to Old Town and will take about 30 minutes of travel time. The cost is about 6 to 9 Euro.
• Option four : Taxi’s can be found on the ground floor of the airport garage. This will cost about the same as booking a car ahead of time (option 1).

How Many Days in Edinburgh

We spent four (4) days in Edinburgh. Three of those days were for exploring this fairytale city, and on the last day we rented a car and took a drive to Stirling Castle and St. Andrews. We then kept that car to begin our drive through the UK the next day. Following is the itinerary we prepared and followed:

Itinerary for Edinburgh

See the link for Things to See and Do in Edinburgh, Scotland for where we stayed, as well as more in depth information on each of these itinerary items.

Day One in Edinburgh

On your first day in Edinburgh, get ready for an adventure fit for a wizard! Start with a magical walk to the historic Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll discover centuries of captivating history and stunning views. As you leave the castle, step onto The Royal Mile and feel like you’ve entered the pages of a Harry Potter book. Treat yourself to a scrumptious sandwich from Oink, a local favorite, and soak in the charming surroundings. A leisurely stroll down The Mile will help you burn off those tasty Oink calories. After a bit of relaxation, head to The Witchery for a dining experience that’s nothing short of enchanting. Savor a fantastic meal and soak in the mystical ambiance of this atmospheric restaurant.

Day Two in Edinburgh

On the second day of your Edinburgh adventure, kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. Then, set off on a delightful stroll to the opposite end of The Royal Mile, where you’ll find the intriguing Palace of Holyroodhouse waiting to be explored. Spend some time wandering through the majestic grounds and soaking up the history of Holyrood Abbey—it’s like stepping back in time! Feeling adventurous? Take on the challenge of hiking up Arthur’s Seat for some of the most breathtaking views of Edinburgh you’ll ever see. After working up an appetite, indulge in a late lunch or early dinner of classic fish and chips at Tolbooth Tavern, a charming local spot. As night falls, dive into the mysteries of Edinburgh’s past with the Cadies & Witchery Murder & Mystery Tour. It’s a thrilling and entertaining experience that will leave you spellbound by the city’s darker side.

Day Three in Edinburgh

On the delightful morning of day three, start your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Princes Street Gardens. It’s a peaceful oasis where nature’s beauty mingles with the city’s charm, offering a perfect start to your day. When hunger strikes, make your way to Chaophraya, a fantastic Thai restaurant known for its delectable cuisine. Be sure to snag a table on their glass-enclosed patio for a dining experience that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also treats you to enchanting views of Edinburgh. After a satisfying lunch, hop into a taxi and venture to the Royal Yacht Britannia, where you’ll embark on a captivating two-hour journey exploring the history and opulence of this iconic vessel. Once you’ve had your fill of maritime wonders, head over to Mum’s, a cozy haven renowned for its comforting and mouthwatering dishes.

Day Four in Edinburgh (Day Trip to Stirling Castle & St. Andrews)

On day four, kick off your adventure with a rental car , gearing up for a memorable day trip to Stirling Castle and St. Andrews. As you cruise to Stirling Castle, an imposing fortress steeped in history, get ready for a day filled with fascinating tales of Scotland’s past. Explore grand halls, walk ancient walls, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish history.

After soaking up the castle’s history, continue your journey to the charming town of St. Andrews . Known for its historic university and iconic golf course, St. Andrews is a treasure trove of Scottish charm. Wander through atmospheric streets, discover the captivating ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, and feel the centuries of tradition come alive around you.

Days 5 through 7:  Colwyn Bay, Wales (United Kingdom)

Getting from edinburgh to colwyn bay (northern wales).

Drive :  Leave Edinburgh early and begin making your way down to Colwyn Bay, Wales. This is about a 4.5 hour drive, but there are some very interesting stops along the way.  

• The first stop to make is Rosslyn Chapel. Check out the link for our visit to Rosslyn Chapel here .
• The second stop will be at Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian’s Wall is a beautiful spot to walk, but make sure you wear sneakers or hiking boots as you will be walking in grass pathways with lots of sheep! The link for our visit to Hadrian’s Wall is here .

The stop at Rosslyn is about an hour long (more or less). Hadrian’s Wall is about a 1.5 hour stop (more or less). So, the drive from Edinburgh to Colwyn Bay will take approximately seven (7) hours with the two stops. If you just want to keep on driving without stopping, it’s about 5 hours.  

Fly : For about $60 you can fly from Edinburgh to Colwyn Bay on Flybe . The trip will take a little over an hour, not including travel time to and from each airport.  

Train : Rail tickets start at 18 Euro for the journey from Edinburgh to Colwyn Bay, but it’s about 5 hour trip. And those stops at Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall will not be possible.

How many days in Colwyn Bay

We planned for only two (2) nights in Colwyn Bay when we were in the United Kingdom. But, after driving most of our first day, this gave us only one (1) full day to explore the area. Not enough! I suggest you spend three (3) days in Colwyn Bay/Northern Wales. Northern Wales is absolutely stunning and there is a lot to see and do.

Check out where we stayed and what we did in Wales here .

If you get the chance to stay for longer than one full day, these are the things we missed that are supposed to be fabulous:

• Hike Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park . It’s the highest mountain in Wales. If you’re not up for a hike, you can ride up to the summit on the mountain railway. The views are supposed to be stunning!
• Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest railway in the world. You can choose a 13.5 mile steam train ride from the town of Porthmadog to the slate quarries. Or you can choose the 25 mile scenic journey from the town of Caernarfon. This ride will take you through the mountains and forests, and around lakes and waterfalls. Check out their website here .

Ending Your Trip to the United Kingdom Here

If you want to end your trip in Wales, the nearest International Airport is Hawarden (CEG) , which is about 38 miles from the center of Colwyn Bay.

Days 8 through 11: The Cotswolds, United Kingdom

Getting from colwyn bay to cotswolds.

Drive : Leave Colwyn Bay very early and begin a three (3) hour drive to Chipping Campden in The Cotswolds, England.  

• Along the way is the Warwick Castle, where we spent about 2 hours before continuing our drive to our B&B in Chipping Campden. This drive, with a stop at Warwick is a total of a little over five (5) hours. Now, the Warwick Castle is a beautiful place, but it’s extremely touristy and expensive. If we were doing it over again, I’d skip this stop and just get to Chipping Campden earlier . Check out our visit to the Warwick Castle here .

Buses & Trains : You’re much better off driving… the trains and buses will take you over 7 hours to get from Colwyn Bay to the Cotswolds.

How Many Days in Chipping Campden

In Chipping Campden three (3) days is really a perfect amount of time. The Cotswolds and the town of Chipping Campden are one of my favorite destinations, just lovely.  

Itinerary for The Cotswolds

Details on where we stayed and what we did in The Cotswolds can be found here .

Day One in The Cotswolds

Day 1 in the Cotswolds kicks off with a fairytale-like visit to Chipping Campden, a town straight out of a storybook with its thatched roofs and vibrant gardens. Meander through its quaint streets, explore charming boutiques, and treat yourself to a delightful meal at Eight Bells Inn along High Street. Wine aficionados can rejoice with a tour and tasting at Little Oak Vineyard. As the day winds down, bask in the picturesque scenery and relax in one of the town’s cozy tea rooms. Cap off the evening with a memorable dinner at Huxley’s, located at the heart of High Street, where locally sourced ingredients transform into a mouthwatering menu.

Day Two in The Cotswolds

On day 2, get ready for a fantastic trek along The Cotswolds Way! While the full hike stretches about 100 miles, you can tailor your adventure to fit your day. Get ready to be wowed by stunning sights and breathtaking landscapes. Lose yourself in the Cotswolds’ natural splendor as you wander through scenic trails and picturesque countryside. After a day of rewarding hiking, head back to Chipping Campden and treat yourself to a mouthwatering pasta dinner at Da Stefania.

Day Three in The Cotswolds

On day 3, buckle up and hit the road in your rental car to explore some of the Cotswolds’ most charming towns. Your first stop? Upper Slaughter, followed by Lower Slaughter—two villages so cute they should be illegal! Despite lacking major attractions, their picturesque charm is downright enchanting. Next up, Bourton-on-the-Water awaits! Grab a scrumptious sandwich from Bakery on the Water to fuel your adventures. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterway, browse charming shops, or sip on some local brews at the Cotswolds Brewing Company. As the day winds down, you can either head back to Chipping Campden for dinner or dine at the Mousetrap Inn in Bourton.

Ending Your Trip Here

There are no international airports in the Cotswolds. So to end your trip in The Cotswolds, you will have to drive to London and fly out from there to get home. See Rome2Rio for bus and train options to London’s airports.

Days 12 through 15:  London, England (United Kingdom)

Getting from cotswolds to london.

Drive : Leave Chipping Campden early and continue driving through England toward London. This is about a 2.5 hour drive.

• Again, there is a great stop in between. This stop is Windsor Castle . Plan on spending about 3 hours at Windsor, it’s very impressive!

Get back in the car and continue the drive toward London. Drop off the rental car, though, before getting into downtown London – the traffic in the city is horrendous, and they charge you a congestion fee and emissions fees!! Once you drop off your car you can either take an Uber, Taxi, bus or the train into the city (check Rome2Rio for transport into London). Avoid driving in London at all costs! You don’t need a car for your last few days.

Buses & Trains : See Rome2Rio for bus and train options into London from The Cotswolds.

How Many Days in London

There is a lot to see in London, but three (3) days is really all you need to see all of the major attractions. Of course, since this is the last stop, this portion of the trip can be extended if you feel more time is needed.

Itinerary for London

For where we stayed and what we did in London, see my post on London here .

Day One in London

On day 1 in London, get ready for an adventure-packed day! Grab your ticket for the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour—it’s like a London sightseeing extravaganza on wheels! Take a full loop to soak in all the iconic landmarks and get the lay of the land. Once you’ve scoped out the scene, hop off and join a Free Walking Tour  to dive deep into London’s rich history and quirky stories with expert guides. After all that exploring, it’s time to refuel at Harrods, the ultimate foodie paradise! Browse through their mouthwatering selection of gourmet treats and pick out some goodies for dinner or a fabulous picnic on day two.

Day Two in London

On day 2 in London, get ready for more adventure! Jump on the “tube” or hail an Uber to whisk you away to the north bank of the Thames. Your destination? The iconic Tower of London ! Prepare to be transported back in time as you join a guided tour led by a Beefeater. Marvel at the majestic Tower Bridge and soak in the rich history of this incredible landmark. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring every nook and cranny!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to a scrumptious meal fit for a king (or queen). After lunch, head over to Hyde Park for a leisurely stroll among lush greenery. Feeling fancy? Rent a rowboat and glide across the serene Serpentine.

Cap off your day with a delightful picnic featuring the gourmet goodies you snagged from Harrods.

Day Three in London

Day 3 in London promises to be a day of grandeur and iconic sights! Start your day with a hearty breakfast fit for royalty before heading to Buckingham Palace for the grand spectacle of The Changing of the Guards. Arriving by 10:15 AM will ensure you get a prime spot on the mall to witness this impressive display. Get ready to be dazzled!

After the spectacle, continue your adventure by exploring Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Parliament Building, and the London Eye, all conveniently located in the same area. You can easily hop between these landmarks using Uber or the tube, starting your journey at Westminster Abbey.

To end your day on a high note, reserve a table at the fabulous restaurant of Gordon Ramsay, known for its exquisite cuisine. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your London adventure in style!

Take a look at my post on London Food for more dining inspiration.

Ending Your Trip Through the United Kingdom Here

Heathrow Airport is the main hub and it’s the easiest airport to fly in and out of because it’s closest to city center. But, it is also one of the world’s busiest! To get to the airport, you grab the Piccadilly line of the metro system. These trains run every 2-3 minutes during the day and the journey will take about 45 minutes. Or, you can take a direct train (Heathrow Express) from Paddington Station. This will take about 15 minutes.

Gatwick Airport is not quite as busy, but it’s a good distance from the city center and not as easy to get to. This airport has three trains to the city: the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thames. Again, you can check Rome2Rio for all of your transportation options.

Although I receive a small commission from my affiliates, such as Viator and Booking.com, there is no extra cost to you.

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The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to England, Ireland and Scotland

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom and Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get Around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-Week London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

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

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

Week 1: England

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in London

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

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

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

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

Shoreditch: 

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

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

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

Week 2: Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Scotland

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

Edinburgh  

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

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

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

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

Isle of Skye 

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

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

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

Week 3: Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Ireland

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

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

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

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

Galway  

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Maggie Turansky

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

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

Hello Maggie,

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

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

Thank you very much Seli

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please guide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there Maggie,

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

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

Thanks again! And best wishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards Sakkie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best regards, Pat

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

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

Hope this helps!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you again for the insightful advice.

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

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

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

Regards Amie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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