road trip from london to edinburgh

28 Best Stops on a London to Edinburgh Drive

Last Updated on November 24, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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Though travellers could easily do the London to Edinburgh drive along the M6 or M1 in about seven to eight hours, all good travellers know that the best road trip adventures happen when you venture off the motorway and explore some of the amazing cities, towns, and historical sights along the way.

Driving from London to Scotland may seem like a long haul, but with so much to see along the way you are sure to be charmed and entertained your whole way to the Scottish capital.

From beautiful natural scenery to charming countryside towns to vibrant and dynamic cities, a London to Edinburgh road trip has so much for visitors looking to explore England and Scotland .

Table of Contents

Planning a London to Edinburgh Road Trip

The distance on the drive from London to Edinburgh is approximately 400 miles (644 kilometres) and would take around 7.5 hours along the highway if you don’t stop anywhere in between. However, if you plan to make stops along the way you should expect the journey to take at least 2 nights.

While you could certainly spend a lifetime visiting everything in between these two cities, these 28 stops — chosen by some great travel writers — are all excellent choices if you’re embarking on a London to Scotland road trip.

If you’re looking for the best options for car rental on your London to Edinburgh road trip then I suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to find plenty of options. They aggregate results across many major companies ensuring you get great prices for your trip.

It’s also worth considering taking out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to ensure you don’t need to pay any excess if making a claim!

Finally, have you considered taking out travel insurance before starting your drive?  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.

London to Edinburgh Drive Stops

The city of Oxford is located an hour west of London and is a University city full of history.

Oxford University is the second oldest in the world and several movies have been filmed there such as the Harry Potter films. 

Christ Church College is one of the most famous colleges in Oxford and also the most popular Harry Potter film location. The Christ Church great hall is the filming location for the Hogwarts dining hall.  You will also notice that the Bodley Staircase that leads to the Great Hall is another film location when Harry first arrives at Hogwarts.  You can visit all these locations and more on this Harry Potter Tour!

It’s also worth visiting the Christ Church picture gallery museum as it is one of the best museums in Oxford.

After walking around Oxford if you have time I highly recommend a visit to Highclere Castle about 30 minutes away.  This is one of the best  castles near London  (and so close to Oxford) to visit and it’s the castle used in Downton Abbey . 

Highclere was built in the 17 th  century and sits on a 5,000-acre park that is open to the public.  You can visit the Secret Garden, the Monk’s Garden, the White Border and woodlands on this beautiful estate.

— Nicole LaBarge, NicoleLaBarge.com

2. Cotswolds

One of the best places to visit is a charming area called the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are located in the southwestern part of England. It is an area that is characteristically known for its hills, meadows and its stunning nature.

The Cotswolds area spans from the meadows in the upper Thames region to the Cotswolds Edge — situated above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. It covers roughly 787 square miles. In general, this is the place to go to for a relaxing retreat or a weekend getaway.

Though it is a slight detour from the general London to Edinburgh drive, you’ll be able to visit some of the most beautiful and charming towns in England.

First and foremost, if you ever plan to visit the Cotswolds, you should definitely stay at the Feathers Hotel in Woodstock. It is a 17th-century townhouse located at the heart of Woodstock, which is a town famous for its historic market. You’ll literally feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

As regards food, the Feathers Hotel also has a restaurant and a gin bar. They won’t serve you the run-of-the-mill gastropub stuff. Therefore, it’s also a great place to dine. Otherwise, afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace is never a bad idea!

— Michelle Minnaar, The Greedy Gourmet

3. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is very close to London and the drive is around 2.5 hours, making it an excellent stop on your drive.

Obviously, Shakespeare is at the centre of everything in Stratford-upon-Avon . So take a moment to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, his mother Mary Arden’s farm, and the iconic Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

The town itself is very walkable and you can see some fascinating and truly historic architecture from Tudor to Jacobean and Victorian homes.

The heart of Stratford is pedestrianized and it is easy to walk from one Shakespearean site to another and on the way you can marvel at some of the most beautifully preserved buildings in England.

You would expect Stratford-upon-Avon to possibly be a little bit of a tourist trap and although there are tens of thousands of visitors, it remains a remarkably quirky and interesting place to visit.

There are plenty of fabulous restaurants serving everything from the great British Afternoon Tea to vegan delights. One of my favourites is the Anne Hathaway Tea Rooms with a great selection of teas and some delicious breakfasts and lunches.

Try some quintessential British fish and chips at the place Gordon Ramsay swears is one of the best — Barnaby’s, which is a minute away from the Royal Shakespeare Company where you must go for a backstage tour and some amazing performances of Shakespeare’s great plays. 

Wander down by the canal and watch the beautifully decorated canal boats and take a punt out yourself to row on the river. Or how about a cruise down the waterway in an Edwardian electric launch? Stratford-upon-Avon is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves both Shakespeare and British history.

— Faith Coates, XYU and Beyond

4. Worcestershire

Worcestershire sits right in the heart of England, just at the boundaries of the famous Cotswold region and Birmingham, the second-largest city in England. Known as the home of the famous Worcestershire Sauce, Malvern Hills and the Royal Porcelain, there are more things to do in Worcestershire than these.

Enjoy the countryside walks around the Lickey Hills and the Malvern Hills to get the best views of the county.  If you are interested in farming and gardening, the Three Counties Showgrounds in Malvern — where they showcase wonderful horticultural arrangements and livestock — is the place to be.  

One must not forget to visit the Worcester Cathedral, located right at the centre of the Royal faithful city of Worcester. The cathedral is known as the final resting place for King John I (the monarch who signed the Magna Carta) and Prince Albert — the firstborn of King Henry VII.  

If you want to go on a food trip, there are lots of various restaurants and pubs in the Worcester city centre. You can also enjoy classic food stalls at the Sunday markets. Every summer, the Digbeth Dining Club of Birmingham also comes and visits Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and that is an absolute mecca for all food lovers.

— Ryazan Tristram, Everything Zany

5. Cambridge

One of the most historic and well-known cities in England, Cambridge is a gem to visit and a place that must be included on any drive from London to the Scottish capital.  

Located about an hour drive north of London, the city has some of the most spectacular architecture to see, and the world-renowned colleges of Cambridge University.  The city has an array of amazing things to see and do and some fantastic places to eat as its huge university population gives the town a variety of great foods.

There are several popular things to do in Cambridge. Punting is a must when visiting Cambridge . It is a flat bottom boat that is used for recreation and moved across the water with the use of a pole.  It is one of the most popular activities in Cambridge along the River Cam and it’s a great way to see some of the colleges that way as well.  Along the way, you can visit the popular Bridge of Sighs.

Visiting the inside of King’s College Chapel is also a must-do when visiting Cambridge.  The immense size and sheer beauty of the interior vaulted ceilings is quite spectacular and visitors are always impressed with the beautiful carvings of the chapel.  

Cambridge University also has a fantastic Botanic Garden which is fee-based, but visitors can spend hours wandering the inside of the garden and popping in and out of the numerous greenhouses.  The gardens have one of the most extensive collections in all of Europe.

Be sure to try a few restaurants such as the Old Bike Shop or the Anchor Pub . 

— Diana, The Elusive Family

6. Birmingham

Birmingham, located in the Midlands, is just under two hours from London and an excellent place to stop when driving to Edinburgh. It is England’s second-largest city, which underwent a massive expansion during the industrial era of Victorian times.

One of the top things to do in Birmingham is to visit the Bull Ring, where since medieval times, a market has existed. Make sure to get a photo with the iconic Bull statue. 

Victoria Square, dominated by Queen Victoria’s statue, has exquisite 19th-century buildings and the 1.75m figure “The River” sitting in a flower fountain. But for the earlier history of Birmingham, The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery have an exhibit of the Staffordshire Hoard from a Viking raid .

But a highlight of Birmingham is the Victorian canals transformed from the 1980s with chic bars and restaurants. You can take a canal cruise, spend time at the National Sea Life Centre, or visit the moored longboats.

For places to dine, try The Malt House on the canal for traditional English food and craft beer. In the city centre, book a table at Bonehead if you love chicken or burgers with a twist.

However, the most iconic place to visit in Birmingham is Cadbury World to learn everything about chocolate. You’ll especially love the chocolate tasting, the best part of the tour.

For a place to stay, the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham at Brindley Place is within easy walking distance to the city centre or the canals.

— Maura McKenna, Travel Kiwis

7. Stamford

Want to enjoy a short trip to a historic stone town, perfectly preserved with cobbled streets and Georgian architecture? Stamford is the ideal destination, located in the Southwest part of Lincolnshire.

Visiting the most popular Burghley House is the most preferred choice among the visitors. It was built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I in between 1555 and 1587.

There are numerous rooms, corridors and halls in the house which can be discovered better by a guided tour. Burghley House is also featured in several films including The Da Vinci Code and Pride and Prejudice . It is just 1 mile away from Stamford and it is open every day except Friday all year round from 11 am to 5 pm.

You can also enjoy a few hours exploring the centre of Stamford. You must visit St Mary’s Church which was built by the 12 th century. You will be amazed by the gorgeous spires of this church. Most of the buildings of this historic town were built in the 17 th and 18 th centuries and have a uniform limestone architecture.

Spend some time in All Saint’s Church, built by the 13 th century and then have a short tour around Browne’s Hospital before ending a short trip to Stamford.

The William Cecil is a perfectly located restaurant to enjoy the view of downtown as well as good food to eat. It is located just a few walks away from Stamford Railway Station.

— Trijit Mallick, Budget Travel Buff

8. Crowland

One of the most unique towns to visit on a London to Edinburgh road trip is  Crowland , located in Lincolnshire near Peterborough. Crowland’s history dates back to the beginning of the 8th century when it was still just an island in the Fens. It was established as a place of piety by a hermit named Guthlac, and soon a small religious community began to grow.

Crowland is not a large town, and can easily be seen in a few hours. The two main points of interest are Crowland Abbey and the Trinity Bridge.

Crowland Abbey is a rather important religious building as it is believed to be the first in England – and one of the first in the world – to have a tuned peal (ringing bells). In 1925, the abbey’s bells were the first to ever be recorded on radio via the BBC. This caused protests as many of the townspeople believed it to be sacrilegious.

The abbey is beautiful and worth a stopover. If you’re able to do so, get a guided tour from one of the abbey’s incredibly knowledgeable volunteers.

In addition to the abbey, history buffs will be interested in checking out the Trinity Bridge in the town centre. Built in 1360 to span a tributary on the River Welland, it is one of only a handful of trinity bridges in the UK. Even more unique, due to the River Welland being rerouted, it now traverses nothing and remains only due to its historical significance.

Although it is a bit off the beaten path, Crowland is well worth the visit for anyone interested in religious sites, medieval sites, or English countryside charm.

— Dagney McKinney, Cultura Obscura

9. Nottingham

If you’re looking for some great cities to visit on the Edinburgh to London drive, then make sure to visit Nottingham — the city of Robin Hood. Nottingham is a lovely vibrant student city with two huge universities, so it has a lot of places for going out and eating out (e.g. Hockley Arts Club or Mowgli ). Nottingham also has some of England’s oldest pubs – The Bell’s Inn , Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and Ye Olde Salutation Inn.

Another one of the top things to do in Nottingham  is to attend the award-winning Robin Hood-themed tour of the city with Ezekial Bone , where you can learn a lot about Robin Hood, whether he was real and also learn quite a bit about the history of Nottingham and its textile (lace) industry.

Finally, you can visit Wollaton Park which also has a lot of cute deer living there. Nottingham is a very green city and has a lot of parks.

You can drive to the famous Sherwood Forest (you need to drive for about 50 minutes, as the forest is located between Sheffield and Nottingham).  

— Liza Skirpka, Tripsget

10. Lincoln

Lincoln is a fabulous city to visit in the UK and a great stop to make on the drive from London. It is brimming with history and great things to do. Lincoln is in the heart of Lincolnshire in the northeast of England.

Highlights of this English city include Lincoln castle with its recently restored wall walk. It is also home to one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta and there is a prison that you can look around.

Opposite the castle, you will find Lincoln Cathedral. The cathedral is stunning and has been through many stages of construction since 1088. It is the third-largest cathedral in the UK and there is lots to see and explore. Kids can pick up an explorer backpack which will make their visit even more interesting.

Lincoln is also famous for Steep hill. This is a very steep and historical hill that takes you up to the Castle and the Cathedral. There are some lovely cafes and shops to pop in along the way. Lincoln also has a good choice of free museums including the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, The Collection and Usher Gallery.

Down at the bottom of Steep hill, you will find a great shopping district. A little further from here there is the River Witham where you can enjoy boat tours, visit the modern cinema or eat at one of the restaurants along the waterfront.

— Suzy McCullough, Where to Go With Kids

11. Peak District

The Peak District is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers driving from London to Edinburgh. The area is great for hiking, mountain biking, scrambling and horse riding. Probably the most popular activity is hiking. There are several trails with different difficulties, which offer fantastic views.

The town of Edale is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the national park on foot and places like Bamford Edge, Kinder Scout, Lose Hill, Ladybower Reservoir and Mam Tor are all within easy reach. Cycling enthusiasts can ride the Monsal Trail or if they want something more adventurous mountain biking is also an option.

The Peak District has many family-friendly attractions as well. Go Ape and Gulliver’s theme park are a guaranteed hit with every child! But going on a ride on the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway or the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is another fun thing to do.

You can also walk alpacas at a farm, visit an underground wonderland at a cavern and hop on a cable car at the Heights of Abraham. You can easily reach the national park by car easily while on the Edinburgh to London drive.

— Enikő Krix, Travel Hacker Girl

12. Sheffield

Known as the “Outdoor City”, the northern city of Sheffield is one of the greenest in England. It is the UK’s leading destination for outdoor adventure and also the only major city in the UK with a National Park within its boundary. Although the Peak District is on Sheffield’s doorstep, the city is still only about three hours away from London by car. 

Sheffield offers locals and visitors plenty of opportunities to get outside. If you love hiking then head to the summit of Bamford Edge. However, if you are looking for more of a thrill, then take to the skies on a paragliding adventure from the top of Mam Tor or try out rock climbing at Stanage Edge. 

If water is more your thing, then only 15 minutes walk from Sheffield station lies Victoria Quay. A quaint inner-city canal, surrounded by apartments and riverside eateries.

The canal is perfect for paddling boarding, kayaking or canoeing along and once you’ve built up an appetite you only have to walk a few meters to Dorothy Pax — a quirky waterfront cafe serving drinks, cakes and homemade vegan food.

— Roshni Patel, The Wanderlust Within

13. Chester

Almost halfway in between London and Edinburgh is the beautiful walled city of Chester. Chester is situated approximately 200 miles north of London and 240 miles south of Edinburgh on the Welsh border.

This ancient city is a truly breathtaking place to visit, and the history of Chester is all there for you to explore. Roman Legionnaires marched to war when Chester was a Roman fort, the Viking raiders wreaked havoc on the city and Norman invaders conquered Anglo-Saxons all within the walls of this very city.

Take the time to discover the history in Chester, which is considered to have the most complete and best-preserved city walls in Great Britain. The walls almost completely encircle the city and stand much like they did in medieval times and measure almost 2 miles long.

Chester is also home to the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000-year-old Cathedral with Europe’s finest example of medieval carvings – and of course the one and only 700-year-old Rows galleries for double delight shopping. The Rows are unique in the world to Chester, and nobody is quite sure why they were built in this way.

Once you’ve explored the historic ancient city, situated just outside of Chester city centre is the famous Chester Zoo. Chester Zoo is one of the largest and most visited zoos in the UK and is a conservation and education charity committed to preventing extinction. There are over 27,000 animals and 125 acres of zoological gardens to explore at Chester Zoo which makes it a great day out for all ages when visiting Chester.

— Laura Clowes, Country Girl Explores

14. Liverpool

Mention Liverpool and most people’s thoughts instantly turn to The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club . However, there is a lot more to the UK’s fifth biggest city with hip urban hangouts and some of the most well preserved and historic buildings in the country.

Several areas in the city centre have been granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO including the Royal Albert Dock Area and William Brown Street.

Other highlights in the city include the hipster area Baltic Triangle, officially known as the ‘Creative and Digital Quarter’. This is a historic area spread over several city blocks with outdoor bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as amazing murals and street art. Check out  Cains Brewery Village and the  Baltic Market for street food.  

Liverpool also has some amazing galleries — Tate Liverpool is one of the most-visited in the UK and is located in a Grade I listed building in the Albert Docks. Located on the city’s waterfront, the Museum of Liverpool is the first national museum in the world to be solely devoted to the history of a regional city (entry is free).

If you have a head for heights, a new observation deck has just opened at the Liver Building offering panoramic 360° views across Liverpool from the 15th-floor viewing platform.

— Caroline Keyzor, CK Travels

15. Manchester

Manchester is a favourite with many travellers to the UK and for good reason. The city-produced bands like The Smiths, Oasis and the Stone Roses is known for more than just rock and roll. With cultural sights, galleries, museums, shopping malls and an excellent eating scene, there’s plenty to keep you busy during a trip to Manchester. 

One of the best things to do in Manchester is to visit Affleck’s Palace . This multi-level emporium is home to jewellery, trinkets, craft stores and even a cereal cafe! Anyone with an alternative sense of style or penchant for colourful destinations will enjoy wondering the stores and seeking out a bargain.

Once you’ve shopped, you might want to visit Chinatown. Marked by an enormous red archway, this large area of Asian restaurants and cafes is the perfect place for an authentic lunch or dinner. In the evening it comes alive with karaoke bars.

Foodies will also enjoy their trip to Manchester. Federal Cafe is known as the best place to sip speciality coffee and tuck into a hearty hipster brunch. For decadent cakes and a cosy coffee shop vibe, take a trip to Teacup Cafe . Pizza lovers can’t do better than PLY which is known for its woodfire oven and affordable prices.

— Rose Munday, Where Goes Rose

There are myriad things to do in Leeds that’ll keep you entertained from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. Well known for its numerous theatres, music venues and galleries, Leeds is a modern but historic city located in the Northwest of England making it a logical stop.

The city actually has a little something for everyone. From its exciting Leeds museums to fascinating heritage and history, Leeds has got you covered.

Leeds is typically a 4 – 4.5-hour drive from London and it is about the same drive time to get to Edinburgh. If you love Victorian architecture, historic markets and vibrant nightlife, a trip to the “Motorway City of the Seventies” allows you to indulge in all three.

Leeds is a great destination for shopping and fashion enthusiasts. So it would be a mistake not to take advantage of that. Combine your shopping and sightseeing adventures near Headrow avenue. There are many extravagant stores located in lovely Victorian arcades. If shopping is your thing, be sure to pay a visit to Queens Arcade, The Grand Arcade, Thornton’s Arcade and Corn Exchange.

There’s also the Victoria Quarter, the luxury shopping centre located between Briggate, and Vicar Lane. The interior is so pretty that you kind of forget about all those shops you can’t afford to buy anything. Then there’s Trinity Leeds, which has over 120 shops and restaurants, and, of course, a cinema.

Be sure to visit a lovely Angelica bar on the sixth floor of the Trinity shopping centre. A perfect spot to have lunch and enjoy spectacular views of Leeds from a wraparound terrace.

No trip to Leeds is complete without paying a visit to Kirkgate Market. Having first opened in 1822, Kirkgate Market is now a must-see place in Leeds. There are hundreds of stalls inside selling every type of food imaginable, and there’s a really cool historic feel when you’re in there.

Even if you don’t buy anything, a walk around the market is a must-do if you’re in Leeds. Also, fun fact: Kirkgate Market is the birthplace of Marks & Spencer!

— Ivan Tannenberg, Mind The Travel

York is one of the biggest highlights on a trip from up to Edinburgh.

York is known as the medieval capital of Northern England and if you haven’t been before then you’re in for a treat! There is a lot of history here (there has been a city on the site of York for nearly 2,000 years now) and it is one of 12 cities in England that are so old they pre-date records.

The medieval walls surround the heart of the city, with all the key places to visit inside, meaning you can see most of them on foot.

On your ‘must-visit’ list while in the city should be The Shambles — an old street with timber-framed buildings that is reminiscent of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, the huge Cathedral of Yorkminster, trainspotting (and afternoon tea in a restored carriage) at England’s biggest railway museum, a walk on the brilliantly preserved medieval walls, a ghost tour through what is claimed to be Europe’s most haunted city and learning about York’s Viking history at the Yorvik Centre. 

York is only about four hours from London about also four hours from Edinburgh by car, so it makes for an excellent spot to stop off. As with many medieval cities, the sites are close together, so you can easily see most of them in a short period of time.

— Ben Reeve, Reeves Roam

18. The Ribble Valley

The Ribble Valley in Lancashire is a beautiful part of England, and it makes for a perfect stop on the drive. The valley sits between Preston and Lancashire and it’s just over an hours drive from Manchester. 

For food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a wealth of things to do. Food lovers should head to Clitheroe which is known as the gastro capital and book in for a meal at the Michelin-starred Northcote Manner. 

One of the star attractions in the centre of Clitheroe is Holmes Mill. Here you’ll find the Bowland food hall , a beer hall, an ice cream shop and a fantastic restaurant.

The produce on sale is from the surrounding farms within the Ribble Valley and you can taste specialities like crumbly Lancashire cheese, homemade pork pies and black pudding. There’s a wealth of delights for food lovers to enjoy, not to mention the locally brewed beer to accompany.

There are a plethora of walks and cycling trails to explore in the magnificent surrounding countryside, several of which are linked to history and literature.  To learn about the witches of Pendle, a visit to the Pendle visitors centre is well worth a trip. After your visit, take the time to climb to the top of Pendle Hill, a well known historical site. The trail begins in the small village of Barley. 

Another fabulous walk in the area is the Tolkien trail which starts in Hurst Green. The 9 km walk takes you around Stoneyhurst College and the other regions that inspired J.R.R Tolkien when he was writing the famous novel The Lord of the Rings .

The clear Skys of the Ribble Valley also make for a fantastic place to view the night stars. Take a visit to one of the sky discovery sites at Beacon Fell Country Park, Crook O’Lune Picnic Site, Slaidburn or Gisburn Forest. On a clear night, you can see spectacles such as the Milky Way and various constellations such as Orion, with your naked eye.

Whatever you choose to do in the Ribble Valley, its charming villages, stunning countryside and exquisite food are bound to leave you wanting to revisit.

— Fiona Berry, Passport and Piano

19. Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the best stops on a road trip to Edinburgh!

The county of Yorkshire is known as “God’s own country” due to its spectacular scenery. One of the best places to see the incredible landscape is in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a place full of history, scenic spots, hidden waterfalls and epic hikes. Find sleepy abbeys such as Jervaulx Abbey and Bolton Abbey or the UNESCO-protected site of Fountains Abbey.

Discover secret waterfalls such as Catrigg Falls or see the remains of a gigantic ancient waterfall in Malham. Stroll across the wild, windy moors or if you fancy tackling a harder hike sign up for the Three Peaks Challenge. There are many wonderful things to do and see in the Yorkshire Dales National park.

Located in the North of England, many parts of the park are easy to reach by public transport. The famous Settle to Carlisle train goes through some of the most impressive parts of the Yorkshire Dales meaning you can easily hike onto the fells and enjoy a nice cider at a pub before hopping back on the train. There are also little volunteer buses running on certain days.

If you would like to see one of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales you can catch a train to Dent station then get the bus to the whitewashed village of Dent. Alternatively, a car offers you more freedom for getting around this beautiful place.

There are so many things to do and see in the Yorkshire Dales. Make sure you add this gorgeous national park to your places to visit between London and Edinburgh. 

— Anna Liddell, My Travel Scrapbook

20. Scarborough

Scarborough is located in North Yorkshire on the North Sea Coast.  It is nearly halfway between London and Edinburgh, making it an excellent place to stop on the drive.  It is a typical resort town and has been a popular place for tourists to visit for over 400 years.

Many people visit here for their summer holidays and enjoy the many attractions that there is here, from building sandcastles on the beach (whether it is a sunny day or not), playing in the arcades that dominate the seafront, enjoying the rides in the amusement park, talking one the many boat trips or fishing trips offered and enjoying a walk around Peasholm Park.

Scarborough is dominated by the castle that overlooks the south bay and harbour and it’s a place you can see no matter where you are in Scarborough.  It’s a great city to explore, whether you want to look around the shops or get out into the fresh air and walk along the cliffs and coastline or just be lazy on the beach. 

It has something for everyone to enjoy and that’s why when finally there is a sunny day in Yorkshire, everyone jumps in their cars and makes a trip there.

Whilst visiting the only thing you can’t miss is a stop in one of the chippies along the front for fresh fish & chips.  Watch out, though, for the seagulls that will swoop down and try and steal them from you!

— Clare Colley, I Live 4 Travel

One of the most popular destinations along the coast of Yorkshire and a perfect stop on a scenic drive from London to Edinburgh is the pretty seaside town of Whitby. The town is overlooked by the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The abbey, now owned by English Heritage, is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm and is the most popular attraction in the town.

Climb the 199 steps to the medieval church of St Mary and spectacular views over the town and harbour. Pose underneath the whalebone arch a reminder of the town’s past as a whaling town. 

Whitby was the home of famous and controversial explorer Captain James Cook. The Captain Cook memorial museum holds lots of artefacts and interesting information about the man and his travel around the globe.

There are always lots of things to see and do in Whitby and throughout the year there are regular Goth and Steampunk festivals held in the town as well as a Folk Week and annual Regatta. The town is also the gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Goathland station is seen in a number of Harry Potter films.

Don’t miss fish and chips at the famous Magpie Cafe where the seafood is literally award-winning. Believe me, you will not have tasted fish anywhere in England as delicious as any you have in Whitby.

— Tracy McConnachie Collins, Tracy’s Travels in Time

22. Lake District

The Lake District is a mecca for hikers, climbers and all outdoor adventurers alike, making it one of the most popular rural escapes in the UK and a fantastic place to stop en route to Edinburgh. The national park is famed for its peaks as well as its namesake lakes, with stunning vistas at seemingly every turn.

The area is perfect for experienced and novice hikers alike, if you want a full day of hitting the hillsides or just a gentle stroll to work off your lunch, it’s a great spot for some fresh air. As well as walking around the epic landscapes, another great way to explore the Lake District is by taking to the water.

Join one of the cruises around the huge Lake Windermere or hire a little boat (motor or row available dependent on your energy levels) and explore on your own. Those a little more adventurous may even want to take a very bracing dip in the waters!

The Lake District isn’t all about the great outdoors, however. There are plenty of options for luxury escapism, foodies and sightseers alike! With some fabulous hotels like the Samling and the Gilpin , adjoined with spas to soak up your surroundings in, you can be sure to properly pamper yourself during your visit.

Alongside this, the area is quickly being recognised on the UK food scene, helped along by tremendous local produce you can find nearby. One of the first people to showcase this best was Simon Rogan, whose two-star Michelin restaurant L’Enclume has won its plaudits from across the world for authentic, beautiful British fare, with much of the menu sourced from their own farm!

Alternatively, The Forest Side is a stunning restaurant with rooms, set in an ancient manor house just outside Grasmere, the rooms, the setting and the food are all equally as delightful!

— Laura Caddick, The Travelling Stomach

Want a unique place to spend the night? Check out this romantic farmhouse with spectacular views!

The historic city of Durham in northern England is approximately five hours by car from London and three hours by car from Edinburgh. This position makes it an ideal stopover. Durham is a compact city and the principal sights can easily be visited on foot.

The first location to visit on a trip to Durham should be the stunning Durham Cathedral. This impressive 12th-century church — a UNESCO World Heritage site — holds the relics of two saints and is known for its highly decorated nave and ornate stained glass.

The nave is lined with huge, Norman-era carved stone pillars and curved Romanesque arches. Don’t miss the outdoor cloisters which were used as a backdrop for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.

After visiting the Cathedral, a short stroll across the pretty Palace Green will bring you to the 11th-Century Durham Castle which is possible to visit on a pre-booked tour. Follow the pedestrianised cobbled lanes into Market Place, in the heart of Durham city.

Explore the shops or indoor market with its independent stalls or the imposing Victorian St Nicholas Church or Town Hall. Escape the bustle of the city by heading to the River Wear to enjoy a scenic riverside stroll.​

— Sinead Camplin, Map Made Memories

24. Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle-upon-Tyne has a reputation for being one of Europe’s great party cities. Groups often make a weekend of visits to the city, whose resurgent Quayside is dotted with cocktail bars, traditional pubs and restaurants. The House of Tides , the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, occupies a restored 16th-century building close to the waterfront.

The city’s name is derived from the now-historic fortress that looks out over the River Tyne and the surrounding landscape. It’s possible to buy tickets to tour the castle to see the great hall and step out onto the roof.

During the Victorian era, the castle was almost pulled down to make way for the railway that connects London and Edinburgh. Some of the best surviving sections of the city wall can be seen by Newcastle’s compact Chinatown, close to St James’ Park stadium.

The Laing Art Gallery displays paintings giving insights into aspects of the city’s heritage. So too does the Discovery Museum, which provides background about the evolution of Newcastle and the surrounding region.

Once associated with heavy industries such as shipbuilding and coal mining, Newcastle was and still is a hub for technological innovation. The Turbinia , the world’s first ship to be powered by steam turbines, is displayed on the ground floor of the museum.

— Stuart Forster, Go Eat Do

25. Alnwick

Alnwick is a historic market town in Northumberland that is definitely worth stopping to explore more. It is best known for Alnwick Castle , home to the Percy family and the filming location of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies.

There is a lot to see at Alnwick Castle. For Harry Potter fans, they offer broomstick lessons. Kids will love the Dragon’s Quest and the castle is also home to the Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland and the Duke’s Museum. You can tour the staterooms and see the Dungeon.

Once you have seen the castle, head over to Alnwick Gardens. The gardens are an attraction in their own right so try to leave a few hours to explore. Some of the highlights include the water features, the poison garden, treehouse, and bamboo labyrinth.

There is more to the town of Alnwick than just the castle and gardens. You can visit Barter Books , which originally opened in 1887. It’s the largest second-hand book shop in the UK located in a Victorian Railway station. The Bailiffgate Museum covers the history of Alnwick and surrounding villages. It has hands-on exhibits that are perfect for kids.

To get to Alnwick, make a detour on the A1 motorway while working your way north. It is about 2 hours south of Edinburgh.

— Anisa Alhilali, Two Travelling Texans

26. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is an ancient Roman wall built during the reign of, you guessed it, the Emperor Hadrian in the second century CE. It’s the most famous Roman site in Britain and should not be missed.

Given that the wall runs all along the length of northern England from east to west, it would be difficult not to visit it on a drive from London to Edinburgh, no matter which route you take. If you’re taking the most direct route, which passes through Newcastle upon Tyne, then you may be content just to walk the first five miles of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. Heading east from Newcastle, this will take you to Wallsend, the aptly named town which is where the wall does, in fact, end.

Of course, with more time to spare, you could head west and explore some of the more famous sights along the wall, such as Chester’s Fort, Housesteads Fort and Milecastle 42. The small city of Hexham makes a good base for exploring this section, by taking the hiking path along Hadrian’s wall . Near Milecastle 42, there’s a traditional English pub called the Milecastle Inn that’s a great place to stop for a drink or a pub meal. The friendly owners are happy to cater for vegan, gluten-free or other dietary requirements with advance notice.

— Wendy Werneth, The Nomadic Vegan

27. The Scottish Borders Abbeys

Edinburgh is so near now, but it is time for a final stop before you reach the Scottish capital. The Scottish Borders are a region in the southeast of Scotland and the name hints rightly towards their turbulent history.

Historically, the Borders is one of the most interesting regions of the area as it was here where many battles between the English and Scottish armies were fought during the Independence Wars and later during the Jacobite uprisings. 

But the Borders were also a religious centre with numerous abbeys dotting the lands. Today, the magnificent Border Abbeys lie in ruins but are maintained by Historic Scotland. You can visit four abbeys in Melrose, Kelso, Dryburgh and Jedburgh and reimagine what these wonders of medieval architecture would have looked like.

The abbeys are very close to each other, but if you have a few days, consider going on a pilgrimage along the Border Abbeys Way — a 65-mile hiking trail through the area.

After a stop in the colourful village of Kelso, visit Melrose , a bustling village at the foot of the Eildon Hills. Robert the Bruce, the infamous Outlaw King of Scotland, loved Melrose so much, he wished for his heart to be buried here. A commemorative stone marks the site among the ruins of the abbey.

Before you continue to Edinburgh, stop by Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott — the Scottish historian and novelist, who invented the historical fiction genre and contributed significantly to the way we think about Scottish identity.

Abbotsford was his palace – a stunning Victorian villa that looks like a castle. The grounds offer walking trails along the River Tweed and a breathtaking walled garden filled with flowers. If you want to know why Scott made the Borders his home, take a quick drive up to Scott’s View and see the view he fell in love with.

— Kathi Kamleitner, Watch Me See

28. Kirkcudbrightshire

When you think of top places to visit in Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire in the southwestern region of Dumfries and Galloway doesn’t often spring to mind. It is an underrated destination with long stretches of untouched coastline, beautiful forest walks, and traditional fishing villages and towns to discover.

If you are a keen hill-walker, you could venture into the Galloway Forest Park, and enjoy spectacular views from the Corbett Corserine.

For those of you that enjoy coastal trails, why not walk from one of my favourite coastal villages Rockcliffe to nearby Kippford?  If you are there in spring, you will be treated to huge blankets of bluebells along the way. Time it right and you can also walk out to Rough Island Nature Reserve from the village for some bird watching.

If you are looking for a bit more culture, don’t miss Kirkcudbright.  This historic port town is fast becoming an artistic cultural hub.  In the past, it has been home to several prominent artists and the theme continues now with plenty of galleries and exhibitions to peruse.

The town is a photographers delight, complete with castle ruins, great harbour views and lots of old, characterful and colourful buildings strewn along narrow cobbled lanes.

Head into the Garret Hotel for a warm welcome and some tasty local dishes to warm the cockles after a windy coastal jaunt.

— Gemma Johnstone, A Girl and Her Dog on the Road

Where to Stay on a London to Edinburgh Drive

There are so many stops to take when on this road trip, however, there are a few places that make sense to spend the night in if you’re looking to break the trip up and see more on your drive.

If you’re planning on taking the route up the M6, then stopping for the night in Liverpool or Manchester makes sense. Alternatively, if you’re driving up the A1, then stopping over in the beautiful city of York is a great idea.

If you would rather not stay in a traditional hotel, hostel or B&B, then private rental can be a great option. There are numerous properties available throughout the stops, including this romantic farmhouse in the Lake District .

Where to Stay in London

Z Hotel Soho — A stylish boutique hotel located in the Soho neighbourhood in central London. They have a number of chic rooms available and it is located within easy walking distance of some of London’s top restaurants and cafes.

Sanderson Hotel — This luxury hotel is a great high-end option in London, centrally located only a couple of minutes walking from Oxford Street. There are a number of spacious and stylish rooms available and an excellent bar and restaurant on site, along with other amenities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more London hotels!

Where to Stay in Liverpool

The Dolby Hotel — A great mid-range option overlooking the River Mersey, this hotel is centrally located, has a number of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from, and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool — A great luxury option that is centrally located close to all of Liverpool’s main attractions. Equipped with plush and comfortable rooms along with numerous other amenities, this makes for a great stay in Liverpool.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Liverpool hotels!

Where to Stay in Manchester

Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly — A great mid-range option in Manchester, they have a number of comfortable and clean rooms available, are centrally located, and a hearty breakfast included in the room rate.

Princess St. Hotel — A great option in Manchester for luxury travellers, this hotel is well-located close to the main attractions, has numerous plush rooms available and myriad other amenities to make your trip a great one.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Manchester hotels!

Where to Stay in York

Elmbank Hotel And Lodge — A great mid-range choice, this hotel is located within easy walking distance of York’s city centre, they have a range of spacious and comfortable rooms available, and there is an option to add a hearty breakfast to your nightly rate.

Principal York — This luxury hotel in the centre of York is a fantastic option for those on a high-end budget. There are numerous plush rooms available, it is located in a historic building, and there are lots of other luxe amenities available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more York hotels!

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Cityroomz Edinburgh — A great budget option, this hotel is centrally located in the Edinburgh New Town, close to chic Princes Street. There are a handful of hip room available and a breakfast option at an additional cost.

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel — This luxury option is great for those looking to enjoy their time in Edinburgh in style. Located in a central area close to Calton Hill, there are a number of great rooms available with the option to include breakfast in your nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Edinburgh hotels!

Choosing where to stop on the drive from London to Edinburgh can be a daunting task with so many excellent options available. Whether you’re interested in cosmopolitan cities, hiking through stunning nature, or exploring historical sights, there is something for everyone.

Are you wondering where to stop on this road trip? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

9 Best Towns to Stay in Cornwall

The Ultimate 10-Day England Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

The Perfect Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh

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

Dear Maggie, We are planning to visit this Summer Scotland and Ireland. After reading your article I realized that England had to be discovered next! Thank you so much, MM

Know many of the cities on east and west side and your analysis is spot on. Congratulations. It was lovely to relive especially Liverpool, Chester and York . Thank you

What a wonderful site. Very informative. travelling up on the east and coming back down the west side. Thank you Maggie

Dear Maggie,

Thanks for this article. We are planning a two week trip from London to Edinburgh. I would love to visit York and Manchester with an overnight stay. Based on the M6 or A1 route, do I need to choose one or the other or can I do both? Also, we are driving back from Edinburgh to London to fly home. Would you recommend staying at Stratford Upon Avon on the way from Edinburgh to London or vice versa. thank you.

Hi Cherryann – depending on how much time you have, there isn’t any reason why you can’t visit both York and Manchester if you’d like 🙂 But if you’re strapped for time, it’s probably best to choose one over the other. For instance, York is a lot smaller than Manchester so you can see a good portion of it in just one day. You would likely need more time to get a good feel for Manchester. Stratford-Upon-Avon can make a good stop, as well, if you have the time 🙂

Thanks for this. Planning a trip in a couple months with my dog so need to stop frequently. Would be really handy to have a map with the locations pinned so I can calculate the times 😅

Dear Maggie, I am planning to visit Scotland from this Monday 30th May The article is very helpful for me Thanks a lot. Regards Ahmad

Your guide is brilliant, thank you! Can you get off the train half way, stay overnight then hop back on the train the next day? Thanks

You will have to book separate train journeys, but there’s no reason you can’t do an overnight somewhere in between!

We have already booked our tickets from LAX to London with the plan to drive up into and around Scotland at the end of this June, 2022. The pessimism was intense on Trip Advisor that I was beginning to panic at what I’d done! Thank goodness for your article as I am renewed with enthusiasm. I am going to print out a map and use your guide to plan our trip. Thank you so very much! If anyone has any helpful tips, I’d love them! Our goal is to see the beautiful countryside that we’ve only seen in movies and read about in books : )

Happy you’ve found this article helpful! Hope you’re able to plan a great trip 🙂

This was a wonderful article outlining so many places! It would be impossible to stop in each place and give it justice. So we are planning a 3-4 week trip to England and Scotland and trying to figure out where to go and how many nights to spend in each area. I usually plan these trips myself but for some reason it seems daunting. We’re also trying to figure out the best time to tour. We are flexible, so we could plan our trip this year in early September or October. Or we could wait until next year and plan at anytime.

I understand how overwhelming it can be to plan a trip considering how much there is to see! I think planning a longer trip is a great idea – it will give you time to really prioritise what/where you want to visit and the ability to really enjoy those places! September and October are wonderful times to visit 🙂

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LONDON to EDINBURGH Drive: 36+ BEST Stop Ideas

Wondering where to stop on your London to Edinburgh drive? This post is packed with 36+ of the BEST stop ideas along two different scenic routes. This equals LOTS of options for your London to Edinburgh road trip! Plus, helpful tips to have as much fun as you can along the way. 

London to Edinburgh by car gives you SO many fantastic stop ideas to chose from. Royal castles and gardens to quaint Cotswold villages and cottages. Bustling cities with canals and cathedrals to lakes, woods and coastal drives. ALL with centuries of history and legends. 

Without any stops, a London to Edinburgh drive takes about 8 hours. If possible, give yourself at least three days for a comfortable and satisfying road trip from London to Edinburgh.

This post organizes your drive to Edinburgh into 4 areas (heading north from London): near London, central England western scenic route and eastern scenic route , and near Edinburgh. In central England, you might enjoy crisscrossing between the two routes, since many of England’s national parks are right up the middle.

• Stop Ideas NEAR LONDON: Castles, Oxford and Cotswolds
• Stop Ideas in CENTRAL ENGLAND: WESTERN SCENIC ROUTE through Lake District
• Stop Ideas in CENTRAL ENGLAND: EASTERN SCENIC ROUTE through York
• Stop Ideas NEAR EDINBURGH: Abbeys, Rosslyn and Cliffside Castle

Summary and Resources

But first, tips and castles …

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. This means that if you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

TIPS for Your London to Edinburgh Drive

• Pick up your car rental in Uxbridge. Uxbridge is at the end of the train line, so it’s easy to reach by public transit and is a quiet spot to get used to your car rental. Especially helpful if it’s your first time driving on the left side of the road!
• Use a GPS. Roads are poorly marked in both urban areas and the countryside, and cell coverage is hit and miss. Driving from London to Edinburgh without a GPS would’ve been very tough … especially with driving on the left side, too. My husband and I agree that our GPS saved our marriage. We love Garmin .
• Stick to the side roads, coasts and parks. The main highways will make your drive to Edinburgh quick, but the landscape is very “blah.” I can almost guarantee you won’t enjoy it. Scenic routes are along the local roads, coasts and national parks. Another reason why a GPS comes in handy.

CASTLES, CASTLES, CASTLES …

England and castles go hand-in-hand. If you want to center your entire London to Edinburgh road trip around castles and elegant mansions, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy. 

The great thing about including castles on your London to Edinburgh drive is that they’re often paired with gardens and cafes. So, they make fantastic pit stops to stretch your legs and grab a coffee! The downside? ALL of them have amazing reviews. So good luck in choosing your favorites! 

Included in where to stop are well-preserved inhabited castles AND incredibly romantic ruins. Some are grouped together so it’s easy to see a bunch at once, while others are scattered across the countryside. 

And actually, our first and last stop ideas are castles … Hmm, that was not intentional.

London to Edinburgh Road Trip: Stop Ideas NEAR LONDON

There is SO much to see around London. If you don’t have much time on your London to Edinburgh drive, you’re going to have to make some tough choices on where to stop. My personal favorite of these stop ideas is Oxford.

If you have the time on your drive to Edinburgh, you may want to dedicate one full day to Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath. From Windsor Castle, it’s a one-hour drive southwest to Stonehenge and another one-hour drive to the amazingly well-preserved roman baths in Bath. Along the way, make a short stop to wander through Lacock, which became Meryton in BBC’s Pride & Prejudice .

Where to Sleep: Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham

Depending on how much time you spend at these stops, you might spend your first night in the dreamy Cotswolds area or along Birmingham’s pretty canals. Here are some fabulous options:

• Stratford-upon-Avon : Stay in a dreamy cottage surrounded by Shakespearean romance. This day is so packed, that if you want to see anything in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’re best spending the night here. My favorite option is the charming and reasonably-priced Baraset Barn Hotel , with fantastic reviews, award-winning restaurant, and includes breakfast, wifi and parking.
• Cotswolds Cottage : Would you love to imagine yourself living in this picturesque area? Search Plum Guide to find fabulous cottages all over the Cotswolds, like Court Cottage. 
• Birmingham : Pick a place to stay with easy access to what makes Birmingham a great stop … its canals. My favorite is the unique Hotel Indigo with terrific views, breakfast and wifi included, and parking nearby (extra cost). Its 25th-floor restaurant offers amazing views over Birmingham and the canals.

Windsor Castle: A Royal Place to Stop 

We begin our list of where to stop on your London to Edinburgh road trip with nothing else but a castle. Possibly THE castle.

If you have even a moderate fascination with the royal family, Windsor Castle is likely a must-see stop idea. It was founded in the 1000s by William the Conqueror and has been home to 39 monarchs. Queen Elizabeth still spends many weekends here.

Only 30 minutes from Uxbridge, Windsor Castle is a convenient stop idea on your London to Edinburgh drive. Buy your tickets online in advance to bypass the extra-long lineups. That said, mornings are busiest due to coach tours, which leave shortly after the changing of the guard at 11am. From reading the forums, it looks like the best morning arrival time is 10:30am.

Highclere Castle: Downtown Abbey Stop Idea

Most of us know Highclere Castle as Downtown Abbey. Highclere Castle estate has evolved from the first-known medieval palace that was built here in 749. The palace that stands today dates to 1842, which served as a hospital during WWI and home to evacuees during WWII.

In researching Highclere Castle, I was surprised to learn its connection to Canada’s Confederation in 1867. Highclere Castle is where my forefathers sat around the table debating and inscribing the rules to govern my beloved country.

From Windsor Castle, the drive to Highclere Castle is about 1 hour. 

Oxford Stop: Narrow Cobblestone Alleys

Just walking through Oxford makes you feel smarter and more cultured! Seeing Oxford for myself was a must on our drive to Edinburgh.

Oxford is an easy stop on your London to Edinburgh road trip. It’s about 30 minutes before you reach the Cotswolds from London. We parked just outside of Oxford and took the bus in; super easy. 

Give yourself the freedom to explore and get lost in Oxford’s maze of random cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. They’re lined with fun surprises of cathedrals, cafes and pubs around every corner.

While visiting Oxford, check out:

• Architectural highlights: Magdalen College and deer park , St. Mary’s Cathedral , New College and Christ Church College (where Harry Potter was filmed). Even just walking through Christ Church Meadow was super-pretty (and free!).
• Museums: Ashmolean Museum , which is known for its art and antiquities collections including Egyptian mummies.
• Food and a pint: The Lamb and Flag (often visited by C.S Lewis, who wrote Chronicles of Narnia) or the teeny-tiny Bear Inn & Pub that we stumbled in Oxford’s narrow alleys.

The Cotswolds: Thatched Roofs and Majestic Castles

The Cotswolds is a picturesque drive through quaint villages with thatched roofs, majestic castles and rolling meadows.  Even if you don’t stop, it’s a lovely experience on your London to Edinburgh drive.

Here are some great stop ideas while driving through the Cotswolds:

• Burford’s main street : This small market town has a beautiful main street lined with pretty cottages and shops.
• Bibury’s Arlington Row : Stroll along the fairytale-like Arlington Row.
• Sudeley Castle (Winchcombe): Built in the 1400s and with pretty formal gardens.

Stratford-upon-Avon Stop Idea: Pretty Cottages and Gardens

Just north of the Cotswolds is Stratford-upon-Avon . Stratford-upon-Avon obviously famous for being the birthplace of brilliant storyteller and poet William Shakespeare. But Stratford-upon-Avon also has the same magical feel of the Cotswolds. 

Here are some great stop ideas in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon:

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace : A tribute museum to Shakespeare’s childhood.
• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage : This pretty 500-year old cottage features original furniture and a romantic garden … perfect for Shakespeare wooing his to-be bride. 
• Mary Arden’s Farm : The childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother, now a fun family stop with a farmyard, gardens, falconry demonstrations, playground and historic buildings.

Two Epic Castle Stops: Dungeons and Elizabeth’s Tower

Ready for more castles on your drive from London to Edinburgh? Between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham (next, where you might want to stop for the night), there are two fascinating and very different castles to check out:

• Warwick Castle : This impressive fortress and its dungeons is alive with medieval events like jousting, banquets and evenings with fire-breathing dragons. You can even stay here, with lodges, glamping and tower suite options. Very family friendly. But if you’re just looking for a big historic castle to explore, you can skip the commercialism and still love it.  
• Kenilworth Castle : Just 15 minutes from Warwick is the more romantic Kenilworth Castle ruins and Elizabethan gardens. Kenilworth Castle was initially built in the 1120s, later gifted in 1563 by Elizabeth I to her suitor Robert Dudley who transformed it into a magnificent palace, and then dismantled in 1650 after the English Civil War. The ruins still speak to its previous grandeur, and now you can climb the tower to what was Elizabeth’s private chambers.

Birmingham’s Victorian Canals Stop

The most interesting area to experience in Birmingham is its Victorian canals. These canals were built in the 1700-1800s to support Birmingham’s manufacturing dominance during the Industrial Revolution.

Wander (or take the canal bus) along the Old Line canal north of Commercial Street. The canal walk on Gas St and Birmingham City Centre Path take you past old brick buildings packed with plenty of shops, cafes and pubs to linger in. 

Specific stop ideas you might enjoy near Birmingham Canal Old Line include:

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery : Features the world’s largest Pre-Raphaelite art collection, the famous Staffordshire Hoard of gold and Egyptian mummies. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the canal.
• National Sea Life Centre : Highly-rated aquarium, with cuddly-cute sea otters and the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel. A perfect stop for families right along the Old Line canal.
• Symphony Hall : Considered one of the best concert halls in the world, the elegant Symphony Hall hosts world-class performances of various genres. Check out their lineup for evening or lunchtime concerts, also right on the Old Line canal.

Now our drive to Edinburgh DIVIDES to give you MORE stop ideas! Take the western scenic route through Lake District (next) or the eastern scenic route through York ( skip ahead ). 

I recommend reading through both sections of Central England. It’s definitely possible to zigzag your way through many of these stop ideas in central England to see everything on your list … all you need is time! Plus, you’d see some very pretty areas. Many of England’s national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are right up the middle.

London to Edinburgh Drive: Stop Ideas in CENTRAL ENGLAND’s WESTERN SCENIC ROUTE 

Central England’s western scenic route takes you through England’s enchantingly rugged national parks of Peak District and Lake District. Stop ideas on your London to Edinburgh drive include more stunning castles and the country house made famous as Pemberley in BBC’s Pride & Prejudice .

Major urban centers you may be interested in along the western scenic route are Manchester and Liverpool. 

Where to Sleep: The picturesque Lake District

A terrific spot to spend the second night of your London to Edinburgh road trip is the Lake District. It’s such a pretty area with so much to do when you arrive or the morning before you leave. 

Here are central, highly-rated accommodation options for staying in the Lake District:

• Ambleside Lake House (Ambleside): This lovely lakehouse gives you beautiful views from your window, a 10-minute walk to the nearby village, and includes breakfast, wifi and parking. Its location just south of Grasmere is a great location to explore the surrounding villages and hikes. 
• Langdale Hotel & Spa (Ambleside): This gorgeous hotel and spa is nestled among beautiful gardens and features a pub with open fires. Take your visit to the Lake District up a few notches here! Includes breakfast, wifi and parking.
• Private Cottage:  For a private house rental in Lake District, check out Plum Guide . You’ll find plenty of options with that view you’re looking for, like Stanley Ghyll Cottage.

Three Castles Stops with Incredible Histories

Here are three very different castles to visit on your London to Edinburgh road trip, all along the western scenic route through central England:

• Beeston Castle : These ruins stand atop a crag and date all the way to the Bronze Age (3500-2000 BC). Climb around the hill or straight up to imagine these ruins back in their glory day and take in the expansive views. Explore the surrounding wooded trails, linger on the bridges and search for the cave near the entrance. 
• Skipton Castle : Built in the 1100s, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Explore the dungeon and watch tower, the banquet hall and kitchen.
• Lancaster Castle : Lancaster Castle was also built in the 1100s and has a fascinating and gruesome past of administering justice and executions. In 1612, it was the site of the famous witch trials that condemned 10 people to death. Tours take you through the courtroom and prison, which were used up until 2011.

While you’re in the area, stop for ice cream! About 10 minutes west of Beeston Castle is The Ice Cream Farm , which serves more than 50 flavors and has tons of stuff for kids to do. It’s a fun place to stop in between castles on your London to Edinburgh drive! 

Lyme Park Stop: Pride & Prejudice’s Pemberley

If you love BBC’s Pride & Prejudice , then you’ll love this place: Lyme Park , or aka Pemberley. It’s a perfect place to stop between Beeston Castle and Skipton Castle on your London to Edinburgh road trip.

Pride & Prejudice’s Pemberley estate was filmed at Lyme Park. This is where you’ll get that classic shot of the reflecting pond in front of the enormous country home. Channel your inner Elizabeth as you explore the gardens, deer park, and courtyard. 

Even though Pemberley’s interior was filmed elsewhere (Sudbury Hall in Sudbury, Derbyshire), Lyme House is worth visiting. It’s very elegant and has a fascinating history. Learn about the family that owned this estate for nearly five centuries. 

The playground and cafe are perfect for families needing a classic pit stop on your drive to Edinburgh. 

Rugged Peak District: Scenic Drive and Stop Ideas

Tucked in behind Lyme Park is a rugged mountainous area blanketed in vibrant green grass and wooded areas. In Peak District , you can walk atop mountain ridges, in deep rocky gorges, and through old railway tunnels.  Doesn’t it look amazing?! I’m sad I missed this on my drive from London to Edinburgh.

The best hiking resource I found for Peak District is 10adventures.com . This page has inspiring pictures of places you’ll want to see for yourself, along with a map, trail length, difficulty and time estimates.

If you’re up for more grand palaces, nestled inside Peak District is the gorgeous Chatsworth House . Chatsworth House was home to Mary, Queen of Scots and is seen in movies like Pride & Prejudice (2005) and The Dutchess (2008). Kids will love the farmyard animals and adventure playground. And everyone will love the brilliant water features in the garden, like the 300-year-old cascade and fountains, maze and five miles of walking trails. 

Idyllic Lake District: Classic Stop on Drive to Edinburgh

Just the name, Lake District , brings to mind its glorious blue lakes gleaming in the sunlight, surrounded by romantic green peaks and hidden waterfalls. A nature paradise. With lakes obviously comes pretty lakeside towns and watersports, too.

Two stunning areas in the Lake District that are easy to stop at on your London to Edinburgh road trip are Grasmere and Ullswater areas. There are plenty of amazing hikes and lakeside villages between them, too. Grasmere is also where poet William Woodsworth lived. His last home, Rydal Mount cottage and gardens, is a romantic stop on your drive from London to Edinburgh.

As with Peak District, the best hiking resource I found for Lake District is 10adventures.com . This page will inspire you with its photos and give you all the details you need to get you on your amazing hike in the Lake District.

Now for the best stop ideas for driving up central England’s eastern scenic route through York. Even if you plan to drive the western scenic route, scan this section in case you want to zigzag across to a few spots. This is totally doable, depending on your time.

Otherwise, skip ahead to stop ideas near Edinburgh .

London to Edinburgh Drive: Stop Ideas in CENTRAL ENGLAND’s EASTERN SCENIC ROUTE

Central England’s eastern scenic route takes you through stunning York. This was the route we took and I absolutely loved York. The eastern route is also for those who prefer to see Cambridge over Oxford on your London to Edinburgh road trip.

The stop ideas below take you through the rolling countryside. If you’d rather see the major cities, plan to drive through Sheffield and Leeds.

Where to Sleep: Historic York

Make York your place to stay for the night on your drive to Edinburgh. You’ll want to experience this beautiful city in the evening AND morning. 

You can either stay inside or outside the city’s ancient walls. Chances are good with both that you’ll have to park in one of the many car parks skirting the walls. 

Here are four great options for staying in York, all with terrific reviews:

• Judges Court Hotel : Inside York’s city walls, this beautiful, fascinating 4-storey Georgian historic home is tucked inside a hidden courtyard. Includes wifi, with car park options 5-10 minutes walk away and plenty of food options nearby, too.
• The Grand, York : You can treat yourself to a 5-star luxury hotel and spa without the ridiculous cost. The Grand is set in a historic railway building. Includes breakfast, wifi, reduced-rate parking at nearby NCP car park. Plus afternoon teas, live music and an outdoor terrace overlooking the city walls. York Minster is a 10-minute walk away.
• Private Home:  Find your own beautiful home or apartment with incredible views with Plum Guide , like Stardust Cottage. 

Stamford Stop Ideas: Limestones and Country Homes

Stamford, Lincolnshire is a small city of 20,000 that’s frequently featured in films. You’ll see why, when you visit on your London to Edinburgh drive.

With signature limestone buildings from the 1600-1700s and five medieval churches, this is a wonderful city just to walk around in on your drive to Edinburgh. Park at the Scotgate Car Park and wander through the historic streets. Use the churches to guide your walk.

Here are two fantastic stop ideas just outside of Stamford:

• Burghley House : This massive 1500s Tudor mansion has been featured in films like Pride & Prejudice and Elizabeth: The Golden Age . It’s open to tours from mid-March to October, and the surrounding gardens and deer park are open year-round. It’s 10 minutes south of the Scotgate Car Park.
• Tolethorpe Hall : An elegant country house and garden that features outdoor Shakespeare plays in the summer. It’s 5 minutes north of the Scotgate Car Park.

Grantham Stop Ideas: Newton and Rosings 

Granthum, Lincolnshire is a fantastic stop for those who love literature, science AND history! Two country homes in this area were featured in BBC’s Pride & Prejudice . And it was home to Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher.

Here are three fun stops in the Grantham area (from south to north) for your London to Edinburgh road trip: 

• Teigh Old Rectory : Mr. Collins’ rectory from BBC’s Pride & Prejudice . It’s about 30 minutes south of Belton House. Now a bed & breakfast, you can stay in this “humble abode!”
• Woolsthorpe Manor : The humble farmstead where Isaac Newton was born and raised. Learn about his childhood and visit the legendary apple tree that was central to Newton’s theory of law and gravity. The little shop is perfect for your little scientist, and the cafe for a little treat. It’s about 20 minutes south of Belton House.
• Belton House : Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s Rosings in BBC’s Pride & Prejudice . Built in the 1680s, it’s grand and an archetypal English country house. Its large gardens are perfect for retracing Elizabeth’s walks!

Sherwood Forest Stop: Mystical and Marvelous!

The legendary Sherwood Forest is such a pretty wooded area. Follow paths meandering past massive knobbly, hollow oak trunks and wispy ground-cover you can hide in. Stretch your legs and have some fun with a game of hide-and-seek! 

We were here near the end of opening hours and had it mostly to ourselves. You can just feel Robin Hood’s scouts watching you as you move through the trails! 

It’s a short 30-minute walk through the woods. Grab a coffee at the welcome center and enjoy this marvelous short stop on your London to Edinburgh drive.

Five Castle Stops with Incredible Views

Are you itching for more castles on your drive from London to Edinburgh? Central England’s eastern scenic route can also satisfy your itch! Between Sherwood Forest and York are five fascinating castles (from south to north):

• Newark Castle : A free, partially-destroyed castle along the river , with exhibits tying the castle to King John, the Knights Templar and Civil War battles. Newark Castle is a great stop idea between Grantham and Sherwood Forest.
• Bolsover Castle : Get a little bit of everything , with walls you can walk overlooking a large grassy courtyard, elegant small castle interior, and romantic terrace ruins. Bolsover Castle is 30 minutes west of Sherwood Forest.
• Lincoln Castle : A fascinating and picturesque castle inside Lincoln. Walk all the way around the wall for brilliant views of the city and majestic Lincoln Cathedral. Explore its dungeons featured on Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife, with prisoner scratches still in its walls. And see the original 1215 Magna Carta for yourself. Lincoln Castle is 45 minutes east of Sherwood Forest.
• Conisbrough Castle : Crumbling walls but a remarkably intact cylindrical keep you can climb basement-to-top for great views. These hilltop ruins inspired Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe . Conisbrough Castle is 45 minutes north of Sherwood Forest.
• Pontefract Castle : Haunting ruins of what was once among the strongest castles in northern England, with an underground dungeons tour. This is where King Richard II starved to death. It’s free to enter and has a cafe and play area for kids. Pontefract Castle is 30 minutes north of Conisbrough Castle and 30 minutes south of York.

York: Historic and Brilliant Road Trip Stop

York is a spectacularly STUNNING city. Built by Romans and Vikings. Towering Gothic architecture. Boutique shops along narrow cobblestone streets. I was completely enchanted, and strongly recommend stopping in York on your London to Edinburgh drive.

It’s easy to park at one of the car parks skirting the city walls and explore from there. Here are must-sees when in York:

• York Minster is obviously the main attraction in York; we spent a lot of time just gazing up at it from different angles. Inside is also remarkable, with elaborate marble tombs and stained glass from the 1300s. 
• York City Wall Museum is right behind the gardens backing York Minster. The walls are free to walk.
• The Shambles is the idyllic narrow European street with tons of history, now lined with quaint shops and cafes. 
• York Castle Museum is very well done, bringing history alive with a recreated Victorian cobblestone street, period rooms and costumed guides. 

On your drive from York to Edinburgh, you can split again into two different scenic routes: INTERIOR: Skirt national parks, like Nidderdale and Yorkshire Dales. Pass by 10 more castles and an abbey. EAST/COAST: Drive through Howardian Hills and North York Moors, and along Northumberland Coast. North York is particularly lovely, with lush valleys covered in woods, ruins, farms and villages. 

I recommend against taking the main highway north of York. Although it’s quick, it was a boring drive. (And I’m quite easy to please.) A trade-off might be following the highway to Newcastle upon Tyne, and then following the local road along the Northumberland Coast.

Northumberland Coast Stop Ideas

Alnwick castle and market town stops.

Near Northumberland Coast is the small village of Alnwick and its magnificent castle made famous by Harry Potter. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll definitely want to check it out; if not, you’ll still be impressed with this stop on your London to Edinburgh drive.

Alnwick Castle is the main attraction in Alnwick. It has so much fun for kids, including dressing up in medieval costumes, broom flying lessons and archery. And the elaborate gardens, phenomenal library, and splendid state rooms will definitely leave you impressed. See how many film locations you recognize!

Other great stop ideas in Alnwick include the beautiful Alnwick Gardens and one of the largest used bookstores in England, Barter Books .

Five Castle Stops along Northumberland Coast

Some of the most fascinating castle ruins are right along the beautiful coastline. Here are FIVE castles worth visiting while driving through Northumberland Coast (from south to north):  

• Warkworth Castle : Your first stop is this circa-1200 castle ruins atop a hill and its chapel that was carved right out of the cliff rock.
• Dunstanburgh Castle : Next is another coastal castle ruin from the 1300s, which was once North England’s largest and grandest fortifications. It’s set along the coastal cliffs for stunning views.
• Bamburgh Castle : Atop a volcanic outcrop overlooking a wide stretch of sandy beach, this is a castle with beautiful halls and state rooms, collections of tapestries and battle-worn armory, and impressive towers, walls and keep to explore.
• Lindisfarne Castle : During low tide, you can drive right out to the island with this pretty little castle and walled garden. It was built in the 1500s and has about 10 rooms to explore.
• Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle : The final castle on the north end of Northumberland Coast is really an historical village surrounded by castle walls. Take a walk along the walls; access the ramparts at the barracks. Sadly, the railway station now stands where the Great Hall once was.

London to Edinburgh Drive: Stop Ideas NEAR EDINBURGH

As you enter the Scottish Borders, you’ll likely notice a remarkable change in landscape. The rolling hills of England now bunch up into narrow valleys; the vast expanse of fields and shrubs are broken up by Scotland’s thick woods and gurgling brooks … and lined with sheep . Oh, the SHEEP! Scotland was love at first sight.

On the final stretch of your London to Edinburgh drive, explore the interior’s lush valleys and villages before heading to the northeast coast. 

Where to Sleep: Glorious Edinburgh!

This final stretch of stop ideas will complete your London to Edinburgh road trip. So, Edinburgh is a fabulous place to stay! 

We stayed near Edinburgh Castle and LOVED this location. It’s very easy to see Edinburgh on foot and by transit. Parking in this area, however, is generally limited to car parks and some streets. If you’re not continuing past Edinburgh, ideally drop off your car before heading to your hotel. 

Here are three fantastic options for staying near Edinburgh Castle:

• Old Waverley Hotel : Stay in a gorgeous historic building with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, with onsite bar and restaurant. Includes wifi. Parking is at a nearby car park.
• Tigerlily : A beautiful, award-winning and comfortable boutique hotel in a fabulous location. Includes a full breakfast and wifi. Reduced-rate parking is at a nearby NCP car park.
• Private Home:  Discover your very own perfect space near Edinburgh Castle on Plum Guide , like The Bay Tree.

Stop at Floors Castle and Gardens

As you pass into the Scottish Borders, head inland towards some remarkable abbeys. Along the way is … yes, another castle. BUT, this one is rather distinct from others you’ve seen on your drive from London to Edinburgh. 

Floors Castle was built in 1721 and is Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. Its grand entrance courtyard and zillions of roof turrets greet you. The magnificent rooms filled with fine art, porcelain and tapestries intrigue you. And the Victorian walled gardens, glasshouses and wooded riverside walks restore you. Plus, a cafe, playground, gift shop and events throughout the year, including Sherlock Holmes live theater. Family and pet friendly.

Four Abbeys of the Scottish Borders

You’ll find four remarkable abbey ruins in the Scottish Borders. A nice drive from Floors Castle takes you past Kelso Abbey , Jedburgh Abbey , Dryburgh Abbey and Melrose Abbey . Arguably, this sequence also gets you to progressively more impressive ruins on your drive to Edinburgh.

The elegant ruins of Melrose Abbey stand in the fertile valley of the River Tweed and next to the pretty little village of Melrose. It was built in 1136 and rebuilt in the 1380s after battles during the Middle Ages. Melrose Abbey is considered one of the most impressive examples of medieval church architecture in the UK and is where Robert Bruce asked that his heart be buried (literally).

Climb the narrow steps to the top of one of the abbey’s towers for pretty views, including the sobering graveyard. 

While in the area, another great stop idea just 5 minutes away is Sir Waltor Scott’s Abbotsford House . It was built in the 1800s, and its entrance hall and study are particularly grand.

Rosslyn Chapel and Glen Stops

Made famous by The Da Vinci Code , the quaint well-preserved Rosslyn Chapel has fascinating, intricate carvings throughout. Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 and still hosts services today. I recommend taking the tour to help explain some of the mysteries surrounding Rosslyn Chapel. 

Note that photos and videos are not allowed inside the chapel.

After visiting Rosslyn Chapel, I highly recommend exploring the haunting ruins along River North Esk valley . The trails along the glen are very pretty, as are Rosslyn Castle and the ruins of Roslin Gunpowder Factory. Look for hidden tunnels and caves! The car park is downhill from Rosslyn Chapel with easy access to the trails. 

North Berwick Stops: Majestic Castle Ruins and Golf

North Berwick is a popular area for tourists because of Tantallon Castle, seaside cliffs and beaches. Isn’t that photo awesome ?!

Tantallon Castle’s massive red sandstone walls stand on the cliff’s edge with an unbeatable view of the North Sea. Built in the mid-1300s by William Douglas, you can just imagine the many battles fought on this historic spot in the time of the Red Douglas dynasty and Oliver Cromwell. 

Climb the tall stone towers where nobles lived. Walk its thick walls. Explore the inner buildings. Tantallon Castle is well worth the side trek, and a rather fitting stop idea to end your London to Edinburgh road trip.

But if you need something other than castles, castles, castles on your drive from London to Edinburgh, you can golf!  Many highly-rated golf clubs line the shores on your 1-hour drive from Edinburgh to North Berwick. This includes a classic links course at Archerfield Links .

Whew, this was quite the mega post! I sure hope you found this helpful and found yourself picking and choosing your preferred stop ideas as you read. 

Have you already defined the experience you want on your trip? This is the key to focusing – and enjoying – the trip planning process. Your COMPASS. Check out Step 1 of 3: Define Your Perfect Experience .

Here are resources to plan your London to Edinburgh road trip:

• VisitBritain.com : Britain’s tourism site, with tons of helpful information.
• Lonely Planet guidebooks : My go-to source for great content written by area experts, with lots of off-the-beaten track ideas.
• Intrepid Travel’s small group tours : I LOVE this travel company, and you have lots of fantastic options for exploring the United Kingdom.
• Booking.com : A clean, friendly site for finding great accommodations.
• Trip Advisor reviews : Super helpful site for checking visitor reviews for activities and smaller accommodations not on Booking.com, but also for saving and mapping out your favorite ideas.

Remember to SHARE this post with your TRAVEL COMPANIONS!

Other posts you may be interested in:

• How to Survive AFTER a RED-EYE to LONDON with your Partner   (but these tips work with any travel companion)
• SPEYSIDE Scotch: 16 Whisky Distilleries to Visit and Why  
• ISLAY Scotch Whisky: Tour ALL 9 Distilleries  

Photo credit (Lake District): Alex Neves from Unsplash

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Road trip from London to Edinburgh

The road trip from London to Edinburgh offers the chance to explore a huge cross-section of the UK, including some of its most popular attractions and some hidden gems. You'll travel through ancient university towns, historic castles, national parks and along the beautiful North Sea coastline.

The 520-mile road trip from London to Edinburgh takes 11 hours 30 minutes to drive. You'll drive along the East Coast through Cambridge, York, Durham and Newcastle or swing inland to visit the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

Spanning a significant length of the UK, this road trip shows off the English countryside and historic university towns to their full advantage, but also offers the opportunity to get to know some of its thriving modern cities.

How far is Edinburgh from London, and how long will the road trip take?

The East Coast Route is the marginally longer route and will take you 11 hours and 30 minutes to cover, spanning a distance of 520 miles. There are great places to stop along the way before continuing on to hug the coastline going north.

This route uses smaller A roads in places, which have one lane in each direction and limited places to overtake, so your journey could be slowed down by hold-ups on these roads.

The Lake District Route comprises a slightly shorter distance of 500 miles, which will take 11 hours and 20 minutes to drive. However, keep in mind that roads through the national parks can get congested during busy periods.

Neither of the journey times listed accounts for stops along the way, so we'd recommend leaving yourself 5 days or longer to explore some of the gorgeous countryside and characterful towns on both routes and squeeze in some memorable overnight stays.

Best road trip route from London to Edinburgh

The East Coast Route covers a great mixture of cultural and natural attractions, including ancient cathedrals, Cambridge's historic colleges, buzzing modern cities, two beautiful stretches of coastline and the North York Moors National Park.

The blend of old and new combines the chance to see some familiar landmarks, while offering the chance to have a night out or two in the university cities on the route.

This route has more stops, so is a great option if you have the time to potter around quaint towns and enjoy some windy British beach days.

The Lake District Route takes you through three amazing national parks as well as through Oxford, Derby and Leeds, so you'll get loads of outdoor attractions with some fun city vibes. Though this route has fewer stops, you'll want to leave plenty of time to discover the crags and trails of the landscape.

There is also plenty of history to be found in the gateway towns to the national parks - Bakewell, Bolton Abbey and Windermere are idyllic towns and villages offering a picture-postcard snapshot of English country life.

The East Coast Route

Follow signs to M11 to leave London and follow this road north to Cambridgeshire. Take the exit for Cambridge and spend a day exploring the historic limestone university colleges.

Take A14 to head north and continue onto A1. You'll pass by Peterborough, which has a fabulous cathedral. Take B1081 to drive through Stamford and continue on A1 to A46, then take the exit for Lincoln, another medieval cathedral city.

Take M1 northwards and take the A64 exit for York. Take some time to explore this ancient city, which has Roman foundations. Rejoin A46 to enter North Yorkshire and arrive in the seaside town of Scarborough.

From Scarborough, you'll drive through North York Moors National Park, which is a beautiful setting to stretch your legs. Take A165 and continue on A171 to Whitby.

Hug the coast on A174 and follow A19 to Durham, another quaint university city. You'll then rejoin A1 to hop up to Newcastle, a vibrant city to enjoy great shopping and nights out.

Continue on A1 to reach Alnwick, home of the iconic castle where Harry Potter and Downton Abbey were filmed. Take A1 and B1340 to follow the coastline north to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the last stop in English before crossing the Scottish border and following the A1 to arrive in Edinburgh.

The Lake District Route

Take A4 out of London to join M4. Continue on M40 to arrive in Oxford. Spend some time exploring the city's famous libraries and touring the limestone colleges. Rejoin M40 to enter Warwickshire, with a quick detour to Warwick Castle to see the former royal residence.

Take M40 and M42 and take the exit for Birmingham, one of the UK's major industrial cities with a walkable network of canal routes. Follow M6 north and get on A38 to arrive in Derby.

Turn onto B5023 and B5056 to reach Bakewell, gateway to the Peak District National Park. Head north to Bamford, then follow signs for A616 and take the exit for M1. Continue on M621 to reach Leeds city centre.

Wander around the Victoria Quarter where you can do some shopping in the pedestrianised network of restored shopping arcades.

Follow signs for A660, then take A65 to Bolton Abbey, your stop-off point for exploring the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park. Get back on A65 to head up through Kendal to Windermere for your final national park. The Lake District has a historic literary past associated with the landscape.

Take A591 up through Keswick, then take A66 to get on M6 and cross the border into Scotland, then follow signs to arrive in Edinburgh.

Best places to stop between London and Edinburgh

There are so many chocolate-box villages and urban hubs nestled along this route that you might have a hard time choosing where to bed down for the night and explore during the day.

We've selected a few of our highlight stops that tick all the boxes for cultural activities, historic landmarks and great overnight lodging options.

Discover historic York

Just under halfway on the East Coast Route is the cathedral city of York. One of the major cities along the route, York's ancient centre is picturesque, and its cobbled streets are worth exploring.

York's characterful mediaeval streets are known as The Shambles and are said to be the inspiration for Harry Potter's Diagon Alley - they are now home to a variety of independent shops.

You can't miss York Minster, a huge Gothic cathedral dating back to 1230, featuring beautiful stained glass - climb up the tower for stunning views across York.

To get a sense of the city's past, head to Jorvik Viking Centre. Built around the ruins of York's Viking settlement, this interactive museum takes you back to the 10th century to find out about the different cultures that helped shape the city.

The Dean Court hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers valet parking so you can head out on foot to explore. The rooms offer great views out across York Minster, and it's a short walk to York's many restaurants and bars.

The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and you can enjoy a fully cooked breakfast at the on-site restaurant so you're well-fuelled to head back out on the road the next day.

Eat sweet treats in Bakewell

Just about 4 hours from London on the Lake District Route, Bakewell is a great option for the first overnight stop of your trip. As well as being one of the larger towns in the area, Bakewell is a great place to stay if you're planning on exploring the Peak District for a few days.

Bakewell's historic centre is a delight to explore, and it's worth adding on a trip to the Old House Museum which dates back to the 1530s. Make sure to stop by a bakery and sample one of the famous Bakewell tarts that originate here.

Take one of the many hiking trails heading out from Bakewell and the nearby area, or head out to explore the lanes of the Peak District. The Monsal Trail takes you along a former railway line and passes through some stunning scenery.

The famous Chatsworth House is under 3 miles from Bakewell, where you can take a tour of the stunning family home of the Dukes of Devonshire and explore its beautiful estate.

The Rutland Arms Hotel is a memorable place to stay , with quirky rooms in their own styles and fun splashes of colour. There is an on-site restaurant with outdoor seating in good weather and a well-stocked bar.

You can expect a warm welcome from the staff and the central location and parking make it a convenient place to stay.

Where to stay when you reach Edinburgh

There is so much to see and do in lively Edinburgh, and you'll want a comfortable place to stay after traipsing up and down all those hills. The Tigerlily hotel is centrally located in Edinburgh's New Town , within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the Royal Mile.

The hotel is beautifully decorated with a cocktail bar and restaurant on site, which are great for a tipple before heading out into the buzzing nightlife of Edinburgh.

Alternatively, try Ocean Mist Leith to see another side of the city out in the more rural district of Leith. They offer cosy cabins with views out across the water and a well-appointed bar.

Things to see on a road trip from London to Edinburgh

There are plenty of reasons to get out of the car and take out your camera as you wind from south to north. To help plan your route, we've selected some of the top attractions, landmarks and natural wonders to stop for along the way.

• Cambridge - Take a tour of some of the historic colleges, go punting on the River Cam or dip into some of the city's excellent museums, including the Fitzwilliam gallery or the Scott Polar Research Institute.
• Stamford - This Georgian market town is known for its limestone buildings and great quality of life. Elizabethan Burghley House is just on the edge of the town.
• Lincoln - As you explore historic Bailgate and Lincoln Cathedral, look out for the Norman houses and independent shops on Steep Hill.
• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Museum - Lincolnshire is home to a number of RAF bases and a detour from Lincoln will take you via the RAF's heritage hangar at RAF Coningsby. When the WW2 aircraft here aren't flying, you can take a guided tour to learn more about these vintage aircraft.
• Scarborough - With two sweeping sandy beaches, Scarborough was the country's first beach resort. You can still ride the town's two cliff railways and listen to the in-house orchestra at Scarborough Spa.
• North York Moors National Park - Explore the moors on one of the many hiking trails, which are tailored to all different abilities, or ride the vintage North York Moors Railway on a restored steam train.
• Durham - Durham Cathedral soars above the city, where you can also visit neighbouring Durham Castle or the Open Treasure exhibition at the cathedral, which explores the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Sight.
• Beamish Museum - Take a detour from Durham to visit one of the country's best-loved living history museums.
• Newcastle Upon Tyne - Famous for its riverside location and iconic bridges, Newcastle is a great place to enjoy a night out. You can also take an underground tour along the Victoria Tunnel, built for moving coal across the city and more recently used as a WW2 air raid shelter.
• Alnwick - Alnwick Castle is the 900-year-old home of the Dukes of Northumberland, but more recently it provided some of the location shots for the Harry Potter movies.
• Northumberland Coast - Follow the coast through Craster, famous for its kippers, to Seahouses, then on to Bamburgh where a ruined castle keeps watch over the coast.
• Holy Island - Follow the mile-long causeway at low tide to visit this small island with its castle and ruined priory. In the 8th century, the illuminated manuscript known as the Lindisfarne Gospel (now kept at the British Library) was illustrated here by Celtic monks.

• Windsor Castle - This royal castle, with its huge surrounding Great Park, was where Queen Elizabeth II spent much of her time. Castle tours are available.
• Oxford - Go punting on the Isis, enjoy a pint in the sunshine, or roast marshmallows over an open fire at the Turf Tavern, in between touring some of the academic colleges which date back as far as 1263.
• Warwick Castle - Built by William the Conqueror, this riverside castle now hosts seasonal exhibitions and jousting tournaments.
• Peak District Lead Mining Museum - Find out about lead mining, which was one of the major industries in the Peak District.
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Set in a huge parkland, this open-air gallery includes work by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
• Bolton Abbey - Stop and explore the countryside around this ruined abbey on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Down by the river you'll find a shallow beach which is perfect for paddling in good weather, and 60 stepping stones which were originally one of the entry points to the abbey.
• Yorkshire Dales National Park - Take a detour off the main road to explore the impressive landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. You can hike up to Malham Cove or Ingleton Waterfall, follow the River Wharfe along to Grassington, or admire the huge Ribblehead Viaduct.
• Windermere - Explore Ambleside or Bowness on the shores of England's largest lake, where you can join a lake cruise or hire your own boat.
• Keswick - This historic market town beside Derwentwater is also a centre for outdoor activities which run in the beautiful hills near the town.

Best time to go on a road trip from London to Edinburgh

It's possible to take this trip all year round, as Edinburgh has cool summers and relatively mild winters. Rain is always a possibility in the UK, but as there are many indoor attractions there's plenty to do on wet days. That said, some of the outdoor destinations along the way are better enjoyed in the warmer months.

In Edinburgh, temperatures in summer tend to stick around 17-18 degrees Celsius but if you're lucky temperatures can hit the mid-20s at times. It rains frequently even in summer.

Edinburgh is extremely busy during the August festival period, so if you aren't travelling specifically for the festival, spring or autumn may be more peaceful times to travel.

Edinburgh's mild winters – with average temperatures around 7 degrees – mean it's possible to enjoy the city over the winter. It very rarely snows, but is very festive around Christmas, and is known for its famous new year celebrations.

Spring and autumn are great times to travel as there are fewer crowds (although Edinburgh receives many visitors all year round). Spring tends to be cooler from 8-14 degrees, while autumn can see temperatures up to 16 degrees. Outside of the school holiday period Edinburgh is likely to be less busy.

Edinburgh is a cultural capital, and consequently, there are plenty of events that draw people into the city - you may want to avoid these times as accommodation can be hard to come by and rates can increase.

Spring sees the Edinburgh Marathon when thousands of runners descend on the city for a weekend. August is the busiest time, with Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe bringing world-class theatre, dance and live music to venues across the city.

In winter, it's Hogmanay that draws the crowds to celebrate the new year, with a massive street party on Princes Street.

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops

20 October 2022 · In: Road Trip , Travel , UK

Are you planning a self-drive road trip from London to Edinburgh by car and looking for the most scenic route covering the best things to do and see? This article guides you through more than twenty stops and ideas for detours on your way to Scotland for an unforgettable adventure through the UK.

The UK is a country with a lot to offer. From picturesque villages to breathtaking national parks and peaceful seaside towns, you will find plenty of things to experience for a drive full of diversity and surprises.

Having lived there for six years, I am constantly amazed by how many things I have yet to discover. Exploring the country, from Cornwall to the Lake District, has been a pleasure – I love learning about British culture and heritage.

So, ready for a great adventure from London to Edinburgh ? In this article, I share two scenic road trip itineraries with over twenty stop ideas, one following the west road and one the east road. As I will mention below, you are welcome to mix them and pick what is best for you.

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, read our full affiliate disclosure  here .

Final Stop – Edinburgh, Scotland

Overview: london to edinburgh drive.

• Windsor Castle
• Cotswolds (collection of villages)
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Lake District
• Peak District
• Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• North Berwick

free download

London to edinburgh drive.

Planning your road trip across the UK and not sure where to start?  Here is an outline of the 20 best stops from London to Edinburgh . Enjoy! 🇬🇧

How long is the drive from London to Edinburgh?

The distance to Edinburgh from London is about 400 miles by car , and the drive time is around 7 to 8 hours without any stops if traffic is good. The route will mainly be on a fast motorway on the M1, but the scenery will not be as pretty as exploring England through its countryside and coastal roads.

Plus, if travelling during the holidays or festival times, the journey will be longer – so plan accordingly! 

It is possible to drive to Edinburgh in one day, but it can also be tiring and not the best way to see the country. That is why it might be best to break the itinerary down into two or more days. It will allow you to discover unique landscapes, picturesque villages, scenic national parks and historical sites. So take the time to stop and make detours to nearby towns and attractions – you will not regret it 🙂 

However, if the quickest route is what you are looking for, then the most direct way is to take the M1 to the A1. Check the road condition before setting off, as you may have traffic on your way, even though the journey is straightforward. 

Finally, if you need to rent a car for this self-drive road trip, I recommend using Rentalcars.com . From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to compare and have a great selection of rental agents and different pick-up and drop-off options.

Shop the printable road trip planner

Create your dream adventure & live an unforgettable green experience on the road.

London to Edinburgh drive: tips & things to know

Here are a few things to know before going on a road trip to Scotland from London: 

• Rent your car from one of London airports  and not from the city centre: driving across the capital can be a nightmare, so it might be best to rent your car from outside of the city. 
• Leave room for exploration : do not over-plan your road trip. Otherwise, you will quickly feel overwhelmed by the things to do and see. Take your time at each stop, and make space for the unexpected.
• Break down the journey  and do not do the route in one go: have at least one overnight stop to take the time to travel and make a few detours.
• Carry cash or download parking apps : it will save you time and/or trouble trying to find an ATM. Most car parks have apps that allow you to get the best prices and pay online.
• Use a GPS and a map : British roads are not well-marked, so be prepared. 

My favourite UK travel books & guides

If you want more help planning your incredible trip across the UK, here are my favourite planning books and travel guides (Kindle editions and used books available): 

London to Edinburgh drive: map

Here is my suggestion for where to stop on your way to Edinburgh and two itinerary ideas:

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

NOTES – This London to Scotland self-drive itinerary is only a guide with recommendations. You are more than welcome to spend more days in one destination or add other stops on your way. The UK has a lot to offer: you will not be short of ideas or sights to see!

READ MORE: 30 Best & Prettiest Places to Visit in The UK

Best stops on a London to Edinburgh drive

To help you get the most out of your time on the road, I have split the trip into two routes: east and west. Each of these routes will allow you to focus your time on one part of the country whilst guiding you through stunning landscapes, quaint villages and heritage sites.

The itinerary you choose is entirely up to you and your preferences. You can pick one or mix and match, but I recommend avoiding zig-zagging. Another option would be to choose one route to drive to Edinburgh and the other to return to London if you have time.

In addition, I suggest spending at least two days on both routes, with an overnight stay. Again, this is only guidance. Feel free to adapt the itinerary to your needs and add stops not listed below.

READ MORE: 10 Eco-Friendly & Fun Things to Do in London

West Route Stops

Best starting place : Heathrow Airport.

Click on the pins to display more information & top left of the map to display the list of locations.

1- Windsor Castle

Heathrow – Windsor Castle: 20 minutes / 8 miles

No trip through England would be complete without a stop at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied Castle in the world and the family home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years. 

If today it is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King, it is also a unique site to stop at and soak up all the culture and history, open to the public all year round.

And with many areas to explore, Windsor Castle has something for everyone. Allow 2 to 3 hours to see it all and enjoy an ultimate royal experience – the perfect attraction for families with kids.

Things to do and see at Windsor Castle

• Visit the majestic State Apartments 
• Gaze at the most incredible collection of paintings 
• Admire the Grand Reception Room decorated with real gold
• Take in the grandeur of St George’s Chapel
• Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony

Top tips for visiting Windsor Castle

• Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues
• Always check the opening dates and provisional closure times
• Consider visiting the Castle in winter for a unique atmosphere
• Look out for special tours throughout the year 

Windsor Castle – Oxford: 1 hour / 43 miles

Whilst you must have heard of it through its famous university (one of the best in the world), the city of Oxford is more than that and a must-visit on your drive to Edinburgh.

From world-class museums to buzzing bars and hidden waterways, this city full of culture and history is awaiting exploration. Take the time to stroll through its streets, visit its main attractions and walk along the river. The possibilities are endless, and even if it is for a short break, Oxford is the perfect place to start this road trip. 

And if you need more convincing, Oxford was where parts of Harry Potter were filmed, J.R.R. Tolkien shared lectures, Lewis Carrol wrote  Alice in Wonderland  – and so much more!

Things to do and see in Oxford

• Tour the Ashmolean Museum
• Go on a University of Oxford tour
• Visit the Pitt Rivers Museum
• Enjoy a river cruise
• Try yourself at river punting
• Wander in the Oxford Botanic Gardens
• Picnic on Port Meadow
• Admire Oxford Castle
• Go inside the Bodleian Library 

Oxford – Bath: 1 hour 35 minutes / 82 miles

Bath takes you on a little detour on your London-Edinburgh journey, but it is worth it! As one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, I could not add it to my bucket list and suggestion for this itinerary.

The city is known for its Roman baths and incredible atmosphere and is the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Setting foot in Bath is like stepping back in history. It is also the perfect stop for couples on a romantic getaway.

Take the time to explore this city full of attractions and activities. Visit the Roman Baths dating back to AD 43, stroll past architectural masterpieces like the Royal Crescent or enjoy a visit to the Jane Austen Centre. Plenty to do!

Things to do and see in Bath

• Explore the Roman Baths
• See Pulteney Bridge
• Soak at the Thermae Spa
• Visit Bath Abbey
• Admire the Royal Crescent
• Stroll through Green Street
• Take a boat cruise on the River Avon
• Enjoy the markets
• See the Jane Austen Centre

4- Cotswolds

The driving time and distance depend on which town you decide to visit.

Cotswolds is a collection of picturesque villages and stunning landscapes that are easy to explore by car. The area is perfect for immersing yourself in the British countryside and escaping busy roads. Here are some lovely places you can add to your drive to Edinburgh (in order): 

• Castle Combe : a beautiful village rich in history with its Market Cross and St Andrew’s Church.
• Bilbury : a charming village with quaint streets and brick cottages, famous for its Arlington Row street.
• Burford : a small medieval village with its famous High Street rising from the church and river.
• Bourton-on-the-Water : an old town on River Windrush known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses.
• The Slaughters : two twin picturesque villages boasting traditional limestone cottages.
• Stow-on-the-Wold : a delightful market town perched at the top of a hill at nearly 800 feet. 

5- Stratford-upon-Avon

Stow-on-the-Wold – Stratford-upon-Avon: 40 minutes / 22 miles

Whether or not you have chosen to go through the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon is the next place not to miss on your road trip to Scotland. The medieval market town developed along the banks of the River Avon is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare and an ideal stopover for the whole family.

From theatre shows to modern museums, traditional teahouses and riverboat cruises, there are plenty of things to do in this gorgeous town. Plus, all these incredible attractions and activities will introduce you to over 800 years of history.

However, remember to check out opening times and book your tickets in advance if needed – it will save you time and allow you to enjoy your stop stress-free!

Things to do and see in Stratford-upon-Avon

• Visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
• Wander through Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Cruise on the River Avon
• Stroll through the town centre
• Enjoy the MAD museum
• Check out the Stratford Butterfly Farm
• Relax at Bancroft Gardens
• See the Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
• Admire the Holy Trinity Church

6- Birmingham

Stratford-upon-Avon – Birmingham: 50 minutes / 39 miles

Located in the heart of England, Birmingham is the second largest city after London and a great place to explore on your trip. However, as you can imagine, traffic is sometimes complicated. So it is up to you if you prefer to skip it. 

I still recommend a detour to the buzzing city of Birmingham, a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, as it has a lot to offer. From trendy cafes and restaurants to multiple Industrial Revolution-era landmarks and well-known museums and art galleries, you will not run out of things to do – even if you only stop for a short break.

Things to do and see in Birmingham

• Visit St Philip’s Cathedral
• Explore Aston Hall
• Enjoy the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
• Stop at the National Motorcycle Museum
• See the Birmingham Symphony Hall 
• Wander around Winterbourne House
• Explore Sheldon Country Park
• Stroll through the Great Western Arcade
• Relax at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham – Chester: 1 hour 50 minutes / 98 miles

We continue our journey further north to Chester, a Roman fortress founded in the 1st century AD, known for its extensive walls made of local red sandstone. Its enchanting beauty and unique atmosphere make it an ideal stopover to discover this part of the country, right on the border with Wales.

The ancient centre of the town is an experience like no other. From the impressive city walls to the oldest hippodrome and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, a visit to Chester will leave you with unforgettable memories – especially in winter, the atmosphere is incredible. 

And, if shopping is more your thing, check out the 700-year-old Rows galleries, medieval timber buildings with elevated galleries that you can not find anywhere else in the world.

Things to do and see in Chester

• Walk along Chester City Walls
• Admire Chester Cathedral
• Stop at the Roman Amphitheatre
• See the Eastgate Clock
• Shop at the historic Rows galleries
• Walk through the Roman Gardens
• Visit the Grosvenor Museum
• Enjoy a stroll through The Groves

8- Liverpool

Chester – Liverpool: 40 minutes / 21 miles

Impossible for us not to mention Liverpool in our drive from London to Edinburgh. Home to one of most significant industrial heritages in Britain, the vibrant city is also a place you must have heard of through its football team and music scene as the birthplace of the Beatles. Yes, it is a worthwhile detour on your route!

Considered the capital of culture, Liverpool has something for everyone. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a music lover or a family with children, this artistic city offers many attractions for a day out, whatever the season.

Take advantage of this well-deserved break, immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere of Liverpool and discover an endless number of must-do activities. 

Things to do and see in Liverpool

• Enjoy the Royal Albert Dock
• Tour the British Music Experience
• Visit the St George’s Hall
• Go to The Beatles Story 
• Listen to live music at the Cavern Club
• Cruise across the River Mersey
• Wander the Georgian Quarter

9- Manchester

Liverpool – Manchester: 1 hour / 34 miles

With a thriving cultural scene and a rich industrial heritage, Manchester is another perfect stop to add to your bucket list and a fascinating place to wander. Known as a textile powerhouse and home to the first inter-city passenger railway, the bustling city is full of surprises and an ideal way to learn more about the North West of England. 

Whether you are seeking culture, quirky pubs, history or entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. From its famous football clubs to its progressive art exhibitions and live music theatres, it is one of the most exciting cities in the UK – and now you understand why! 

Things to do and see in Manchester

• Wander around Ancoats
• Stop at the Manchester Museum
• Explore the John Rylands Library
• Tour the Manchester Art Gallery
• Catch a show at one of its cutting-edge theatres
• Discover the Museum of Science and Industry
• Visit the Old Trafford 
• Admire the City Town Hall

10- The Lake District

Manchester – The Lake District: 1 hour 20 minutes / 75 miles

Nothing better to continue your trip to Edinburgh than to stop at the Lake District , one of the most beautiful mountainous national parks in England and an incredible place full of breathtaking landscapes, stunning fells and hidden lakes.

Filled with beauty and history, the Lake District provides plenty of activity for all ages, from scenic walks to peaceful boat cruises and spectacular cycle routes. Whatever the season and wherever you go, there is always something to do or see. 

Therefore, I recommend spending a day or two in this area, as there is so much to explore. And if you love the outdoors, you could also spend a night camping there – perfect for a family getaway or romantic escape.

Things to do and see in the Lake District

• See Lake Windermere
• Take the Ullswater streamer
• Hike Scafell Pike
• Stroll around Lake Buttermere
• Explore on an electric bike
• Ramble around Ambleside
• Wander through Whinlatter Forest Park
• Hike to Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Wild swim at Blea Tarn
• Kayak on Derwentwater
• Picnic at Tarn Hows

East Route Stops

Best starting place : Stansted Airport.

1- Cambridge

Stansted Airport – Cambridge: 40 minutes / 28 miles

For your first stop on your journey from London to Edinburgh via the eastern route, I recommend stopping first at the iconic Cambridge. Compact and beautiful, the city globally known for its top university is a perfect detour on your way to Scotland. 

But Cambridge is also full of hidden gems! Take the time to stroll through its picturesque streets, admire its architectural richness and be carried away by its fascinating history in state-of-the-art museums. 

And for a unique venture and different point of view, discover the city from the water by punting on the River Cam. You will have the chance to see significant landmarks such as the King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge.

Things to do and see in Cambridge

• Visit King’s College Chapel
• Tour the University buildings
• Go punting on River Cam
• See the Mathematical Bridge
• Admire St John’s College
• Enjoy the view from Great St Mary’s Church
• Spot the Bridge of Sighs
• Wander around Corpus Christi College

2- Stamford

Cambridge – Stamford: 1 hour 10 minutes / 50 miles

Stamford is a traditional market town with a perfect blend of history, shopping and fascinating Georgian architecture. It is a great place to get lost and wander through its beautiful quiet streets, hidden passageways and market squares. 

Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a place to have fun with the kids, Stamford has something for everyone. Take a walk along the river, enjoy gorgeous Georgian buildings or admire the captivating Burghley House – the choice is yours!

Things to do and see in Stamford

• Wander in the Historic town centre
• Tour the Burghley House
• Explore Burghley Park
• See the All Saints’ Church
• Ramble through Stamford Market
• Visit Browne’s Hospital

3- Sheffield

Stamford – Sheffield: 1 hour 35 minutes / 88 miles

We continue our journey to Edinburgh with a stop in Sheffield in the heart of South Yorkshire, renowned for its industry and innovation. The city is a beautiful balance of old and new, embellished by green spaces and the stunning surroundings of the Peak District National Park.

With a mix of independent shops, a famous music scene, wide open spaces on your doorstep, fascinating exhibitions and lively festivals throughout the year, Sheffield is undoubtedly a place where you will not get bored.

And if you love nature and hiking, the city is a perfect getaway to the Peak District, with easy access to the unique and spectacular English countryside. From beginner to advanced, there is a walk accessible to all.

Things to do and see in Sheffield

• Visit the Millennium Gallery
• Explore Kelham Island Museum
• Wander around the Winter Garden
• Admire Sheffield Cathedral
• Stroll through the Antiques Quarter 
• See Sheffield City Hall
• Relax in Endcliffe Park

4- Peak District

Sheffield – Peak District: 30 minutes / 16 miles

Known for its dramatic scenery and steep limestone valleys, the Peak District welcomes you to one of the most beautiful regions of England, spanning approximately 555 square miles.

From peaceful countryside walks and picturesque bike trails to exciting rock climbing experiences and charming villages, there are infinite things to do and see in this national park. 

Therefore, I recommend spending a few days in the Peak District as there is so much to explore. It is the perfect place for a family camping trip, a solo adventure or a romantic break under the stars. 

READ MORE: The 15 UK National Parks: Complete Guide

Things to do & see in the Peak District

• Explore Edensor
• Stroll through Bakewell
• Amble along Mam Tor
• Hike up to Bamford Edge
• Drive Winnats Pass
• Wander in Castleton
• Walk to Cave Dale
• Wild swim at Three Shires Head

Peak District – Leeds: 50 minutes / 31 miles

Offering the perfect balance between bustling city life and proximity to the great outdoors, Leeds is another excellent stop to add to your road trip from London to Edinburgh. It is the ideal place for taking a break and recharging your battery. 

The city is full of attractions and activities for solo travellers, couples and families with children. Visit famous galleries and exhibitions, taste delicious street food or have a drink in a lively pub. Or, if you prefer, go shopping from big brands to independent gems. There are many unmissable things to do and see in Leeds!

Things to do and see in Leeds

• Wander through Kirkgate Market
• Visit Kirkstall Abbey
• Escape the city in Roundhay Park
• Stroll down the Arcades
• Discover indie shops at the Corn Exchange
• See renowned sculptures at the Henry Moore Institute
• Explore the canals

Leeds – York: 50 minutes / 30 miles

It is impossible not to mention the magnificent York for this eastern road trip itinerary to Scotland. Founded by the ancient Romans, the city is full of historical gems, such as its monumental 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, with its medieval stained glass windows and two functioning bell towers.

With Roman roots and a Viking past, York is today a buzzing city where ancient walls surround local businesses, attractions, accommodations and independent restaurants, with exciting events and festivals throughout the year. 

You will not regret a stop in beautiful York: there is an adventure for everyone, from family-friendly activities to museum exhibits. The city is also easily accessible on foot, making it a perfect stopover on your expedition to Edinburgh. 

Things to do and see in York

• Climb York Minster
• Walk the City Walls
• Wander through the Shambles
• Visit the York Art Gallery
• Enjoy a peaceful river cruise
• Explore the Castle Museum
• Stroll around St Mary’s Abbey
• Hike up to Clifford’s Tower

York – Whitby: 1 hour 10 minutes / 46 miles

Whitby is a Yorkshire seaside town split by the River Esk – a perfect change of scenery for this road trip through the UK. Although it is a small town, there are plenty of things to do and activities for all ages.

Whether you want to learn about the history of Whitby at one of its local museums, experience family-friendly attractions or relax at the spa, there is an option for everyone. Or, you could also enjoy a simple and peaceful walk along the sea – the choice is yours!

Things to do and see in Whitby

• Visit Whitby Abbey
• Tour the Captain Cook Memorial Museum
• Climb 199 Steps to St Mary’s Churchyard
• Walk to the West Pier Lighthouse
• Experience Dracula
• Enjoy one of the beaches
• Take a boat cruise

Whitby – Durham: 1 hour 25 minutes / 58 miles

Continuing your journey to the North, you will come across Durham, straddling the River Wear. Despite its small size, the town is lively with many things to do and see, perfect for a well-deserved stopover.

From stargazing in the unspoilt Durham Dales and one of the biggest waterfalls in England to perfectly preserved castles and many Harry Potter filming locations, there are plenty of activities and attractions to experience on a short break in Durham.

Things to do and see in Durham

• Visit Durham Cathedral
• Walk to the High Force waterfall
• Enjoy a cruise on the River Wear
• Explore the Beamish Museum
• Tour Durham Castle
• Relax at the Botanic Garden

9- Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Durham – Newcastle-upon-Tyne: 35 minutes / 19 miles

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, known as Newcastle, is an industrial city standing on the River Tyne and possessing many impressive Victorian buildings and streets, as well as three large shopping centres.

And whilst Newcastle is renowned for its nightlife and a haven for students, the city is also perfect for a short getaway for everyone – from families to couples.

The vibrant city is a beautiful mix of history and heritage, along with many green promenades and peaceful riverside spots to unwind – not to forget its fantastic restaurants, elegant music venues and art galleries. 

Things to do and see in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

• See the historic Tyne Bridges
• Stroll along the Millennium Bridge
• Explore the Quayside District
• Visit Newcastle Castle
• Admire Newcastle Cathedral
• Explore the Old City Chares
• Wander around Grainger Town

10- North Berwick

Newcastle-upon-Tyne – North Berwick: 2 hours 15 minutes / 103 miles

Finally, last but not least is the charming seaside town of North Berwick in Scotland. A peaceful place for your latest stop before reaching Edinburgh. 

Boasting stunning beaches and coastal scenery as well as the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick is an ideal spot for all the family, home to an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and bars. There are plenty of things to keep you busy in this town, with boat trips around the local islands, world-class golf courses and other activities. 

Things to do and see in North Berwick

• Walk along the beautiful beaches 
• See the famous Bass Rock 
• Visit the Scottish Seabird Centre
• Enjoy yourself at independent shops
• Walk up the Law
• Take a stroll around the harbour
• Explore the ruins of Tantallon Castle

You have finally arrived at your destination: Edinburgh, the magical capital of Scotland. With its unique medieval architecture, quaint cobbled streets and magnificent hilltop castle, this city is one of a kind and must-see.

Here are some articles that will help you plan your stay: 

• Edinburgh Travel Guide: 15 Best Things to Do
• 3 Magical Days in Edinburgh: City Itinerary

Let me know if you have any questions! I have visited Edinburgh many times and loved it. 

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A little goes a long way. And together, we can create a better future for our planet.

Sustainable road trip guide & tips

Are you looking forward to your road trip through the UK? I understand! Road trips are a fantastic way of travelling as they allow us to move freely and discover so many incredible places at our own pace. However, they can also have negative environmental impacts. That is why considering our carbon footprint and adopting eco-responsible habits is essential.

Here are some simple tips for creating an unforgettable adventure from London to Edinburgh with less impact. 

Prepare your route

I know getting lost on a road trip can feel fun and exciting. But when trying to minimise your footprint, it is best to plan your route to avoid unnecessary travel. In addition, the shorter the distance you travel, the less fuel you will use and the less harmful emissions you will produce. Tip: Get offline maps to stay on track even if you lose signal. 

Plan your meals

Another great way to reduce your impact on the road is to plan your meals. Throughout your journey, try to find local restaurants or eco-friendly facilities. You can try the local cuisine or wander through local markets and buy fresh produce. 

Make your trip plastic-free

As you might know, plastic packaging is a significant environmental issue and causes concerns for wildlife and the preservation of natural landscapes. Therefore, avoid plastic as much as possible and bring reusable items instead. Choose eco-friendly alternatives, like reusable tote bags, cutlery, plates, etc. Tip: you can also buy filtered water bottles to refill your water anywhere. 

Check your car

Make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition for the road: check the engine, oil level and tyre pressure before your trip. In addition, use the available features in your car, like cruise control, to help you maintain your speed and reduce excess emissions. And even better, drive an electric vehicle if possible! (Or a bike for the most courageous).

Leave no trace

Aim to leave a place better than you found it. For example, dispose of your litter appropriately and pick up any trash you encounter. Be respectful of the land and do not drive over protected areas. And finally, stay on the marked trails when hiking, as going off can be dangerous for flora and fauna. 

Offset your carbon footprint

Carbon offsetting is not a complete solution, but it can help reduce your impact and give back to local projects. You can use Cool Effect to calculate your footprint and compensate. 

Want more inspiration?

• Sustainable Travel Guide: What, Why & How
• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Sustainable Backpacks for Eco-Travel

Download your  FREE sustainable travel checklist  ↓

UK travel planning guide

Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your road trip across the UK stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over the UK. However, I also recommend travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

Yes, renting a car in the UK is easy and is a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

The best way to book your accommodation in the UK is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable hotels to luxury resorts.

I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

London to Edinburgh drive – FAQ

The drive from London to Edinburgh is easy and should take 7-8 hours if traffic is good. It might be a bit busy in London and Edinburgh, but the middle of your journey will take you through the quiet and scenic English countryside.

Yes, you can travel from London to Edinburgh in one day as the journey takes 7-8 hours. However, I would recommend taking your time and stopping at different places to discover the country and its hidden gems.

And you, have you ever experienced a drive from London to Edinburgh? What was your favourite stop? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

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

• Day 4: Cotswolds

Day 5: Gloucester and Stratford-upon-Avon

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

• The Best Time to do This UK Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Tips for Your Self Drive UK Holiday

Map of london to scotland road trip destinations.

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

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

RELATED: 15 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in London

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

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

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

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

RELATED: Ultimate 4 Days in London Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your skip the line Stonehenge tickets to save time!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Save me for later!

Day 4: Cotswolds

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

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

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

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

Read the full Cotswolds day trip itinerary here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the entire 2 day Edinburgh itinerary here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Favorite UK Travel Planning Books

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

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

Click here to open the complete interactive map!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy to help, Melanie!

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

Happy to help, Mike!

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

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Kind regards, Maureen (Melbourne)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope this helps!

Hi, Chelsea,

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

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

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

Best wishes on your UK road trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy your UK road trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Road Trip From London to Edinburgh: East and West Routes

One of the best ways to see what England and Scotland have to offer is by completing a self-drive road trip from London to Edinburgh. Today, I’ve added all my favourite places for the ideal London to Edinburgh road trip, full of the best stops along the way.

The two itineraries cover everything from historic towns, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, UNESCO heritage sites, film locations and much more!

Starting your trip in London without a car (honestly, you don’t want the headache of driving there) then choose whether you want to do the east or west route of England before ending up in Edinburgh. Unless you live here and have no choice but to drive through London.

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

If you have enough time make sure you do the full loop and soak in what England and Scotland have to offer.

I am so excited to share all the things I love about these countries! Let’s get started!

Things to Know Before Driving From London to Edinburgh

If you are looking for the best options for car rental then I always use Europcar or Enterprise cars in the UK.

For my great British road trip, I used Europcars long rental option which gave us the car for half the price for 28 days, unlimited drivers and delivered to my door! The only drawback to this option is we were limited to 2,520 miles which just covered our round trip. There is another option at 3,360 miles.

Don’t forget to take out a travel insurance policy before travelling, even if you are local this will protect your belongings whilst you travel. I always like to use World Nomads for my travels – get a quote from WorldNomads here.

Other things to know before travelling:

• Don’t rent a car in London! – Chances are that you will be staying in Central London (unless you live here then skip to option 1 and 2 routes) and it’s honestly a total nightmare to drive here. Not only that there are congestion charges which cover quite a large radius. For each option I have added a recommended airport to pick up a rental car, this will save you driving time and the stress of driving in London.
• Fill-up at supermarket petrol stations – Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco etc. will all offer cheaper petrol by some margin. If you stop at any of the petrol stations along the motorway you could easily see prices increased by 10 to 20 pence per litre!
• Choose to either drive the East or West Route – I’ve split the itinerary into two routes as it’s more logical to follow these routes rather than zig-zagging across the country.
• Overloading your trip – Try not to cram half of England and Scotland into a two-day trip otherwise you will not see much apart from the road.
• Don’t drive from London to Edinburgh in one go – Unless you are familiar with driving long distances I don’t recommend trying the 8-hour drive. As someone that grew up with long distant driving across Australia, I still struggle with driving over here and recommend at least having 1 overnight stop. Plus you will be missing all the amazing things to see driving straight there!
• Potential Tolls – Some routes suggested can have tolls but I have found these pretty easy to avoid. Check Google maps before driving and it will highlight toll roads. For example, the M6 has one (west route) however, you can just take the non-toll M6 route to save the money.
• Download Parking Apps – A lot of parking around the country is paid and I am not sure about you but I never really carry cash any more. Download these apps before hitting the road; Just Park, Pay by Phone and Ring Go. They were by far the most frequent ones I encountered. Another way I have saved money with parking in cities is by booking in advance on Just Park. Weirdly in Bristol, it was cheaper to pay for a week’s worth of parking than two days!
• English Heritage – If you’re interested in visiting a bunch of different historic sites, you can purchase an Overseas Visitors Pass or if you’re living in England a yearly membership. Not only does this save you money at each individual place it includes parking! Valid at over 100 places, you can choose between a 9 or a 16 day passes.  

Start in London: 2 Day Itinerary

Before starting your road trip to Edinburgh it’s time to explore London! It’s a good idea to stay somewhere within close proximity to attractions and activities so here are some of the best places to stay in London .

Looking for something a little more off the beaten path to visit in London? Here is a list of alternative things to do in London that will not disappoint!

Psstt… To make the most of your time in London make sure you read my London sightseeing tips to get the most of your time in the city!

Day 1: West of London

Start the day by going to Kensington and pick one of the fantastic free museums:

• Natural History Museum – In my opinion this is the best museum in London. I always think of David Attenborough speaking whilst I am walking through the gorgeous building learning about dinosaurs.
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Science Museum

If you get there by 9am you will beat all the crowds and fewer crowds means you will be able to walk around faster.

Next walk through Kensington Palace & Gardens, through Hyde Park finally reaching Buckingham Palace. If watching the changing of the Guards is on your list then make sure you get to Buckingham Palace by 10:45 (I also have some tips in my London sightseeing tips on the best spot to watch this). I would say it would be impossible to do the changing of the Guard and a muesum so if it’s high on your list choose one or the other.

Afterwards head to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben before crossing Westminster Bridge to Waterloo.

Once you’re in Waterloo you can explore Leake Street Tunnel which became a famous street art spot after Banksy hosted the Cans Festival there in 2008. It’s the largest area in London for street art so it’s frequently having new pieces added or replaced.

Ready for a drink? The Waterloo Tap is also a short walk from Waterloo Station and set up in a converted railway arch, this funky bar boasts 20 kegs and 6 casks on constant rotation. They also serve bar snacks but not full meals.

Head back to the Thames path (i.e. The Queen’s Walk) and you’ll arrive at the London Eye. Make sure you read my guide on what to book in London where I cover everything you need to know about booking the London Eye.

Continue east down the Thames and you will see either the Underbelly Festival (summer event) or Rekorderlig Cider Lodge (winter event). There are lots of stalls that offer food and drinks, alternatively there plenty of restaurants around the Southbank.

Cross back over the Golden Jubilee Bridge to Embankment. Just a short way up Villiers Street you will find Gordon’s Wine Bar which is a 19th-century wine bar in a candlelit vaulted cellar. It’s lovely to grab a glass of wine here and just relax your feet for a bit.

Finish your day off in Covent Garden and Soho. There are lots of bars, restaurants and theatre options in the area, plenty to keep you entertained for an evening!

Day 2: East of London

Start the day off at St Paul’s Cathedral, on the weekend the area is super quiet apart from the tourists in the area. For a great view head to One New Change and go to the viewing platform.

Afterward, you can go by the Monument which commemorates The Great Fire of London, decide whether you want to climb the 311 steps or just have a sneak peek at it.

Cross London Bridge to Borough Market. Everyone gets confused with London Bridge and Tower Bridge. The first one is the functional one and Tower Bridge is the beautifully designed bridge originally opened in 1894 which you can see across the Thames from London Bridge.

Have a late breakfast or early lunch (brunch) stop at Borough Market. I am always overwhelmed by the choice of food options. It suits all dietary requirements as well!

Head back to the Thames Path and you will pass HMS Belfast, get a great photo opportunity of the London Skyline before crossing Tower Bridge.

Once you are finished the next place is the Tower of London! If you decide to go inside check out the 2 for 1 on Days Out Guide or buy tickets online to save a little bit of money.

Shoreditch is a great place to stop for food, find street art, have a drink on a rooftop, explore BOXPARK for food and shopping or find a secret bar like the Mayor of Scardy Cat Town.

Brick Lane is known as the curry mile and to really get the authentic feel you need to haggle for Indian food. Otherwise, head to one of the amazing restaurants like the famous Dishoom. If you’re lucky enough to be there on Sunday then Brick Lane hosts markets full of food stalls until 5pm.

East and West England Routes to Edinburgh

Both of these routes can be customised to how many days you have available to you. As a minimum give yourself two days to allow two pit stops and one overnight stay somewhere. Seven days will truly allow you to see the best of both routes and if you want to do the loop then allow at least 14 days!

This is not including the days you wish to spend in London and Edinburgh.

Option 1: East England Route to Edinburgh

The best place to pick up a hire car for option 1 is Stansted Airport. This will cost a little bit more money to get to if you’re catching the train as it’s a National Rail line, however, booking your tickets in advance or getting the coach will save you money.

The east route will mainly take you on the A1 and A1(M)/A1 to Edinburgh.

Drive: Roughly 1hr 30mins depending on where you start your journey in London.

Cambridge is one of the most well-known cities in England, and it’s easy to see why it is so popular with tourists!  The city has some of the most amazing architecture in all of England and a world-famous university as well.  Due to the large student population there is so much to do as well as numerous great places to eat and drink in the centre of the city!

There are many things that are fun to do when you visit Cambridge , but an absolute must-try is the famous punting! A punt is a flat bottomed boat, which is used for leisure time and pushed across the water using a quant pole. This is a popular method of seeing some of the Colleges on the university, as well as the Bridge of Sighs which is very popular among tourists.

You can choose to punt yourself or pay for a tour like this shared tour for up to 4 people .

Some other popular tourist attractions in Cambridge include:

• King’s College Chapel – A huge and stunning chapel with beautiful ceilings and carvings.
• The Botanic Gardens – The gardens are home to several greenhouses and a seriously impressive collection of different plants!
• Mathematical Bridge – Officially known as the Wooden Bridge, this is one of the most famous bridges in the UK due to its unique design and structure.
• St. John’s College – If you want to see the most incredible college in Cambridge then this is certainly one of the most impressive.  It is known across the UK for its annual May Ball, one of the best parties going!

Just to bear in mind that the preferred option for parking in Cambridge is to park and ride. Unless your accommodation offers parking as a part of your stay.

Drive: 55 minutes from Cambridge.

Fancy a quick stop off in a picturesque and historic town?  Why not take a drive to the cobbled streets of Stamford, the gorgeous Georgian town in Southwest Lincolnshire.  You may not have heard of the town before, but you’re sure to recognise parts of it, such as Burghley House, if you’ve seen the films Pride and Prejudice or The Da Vinci Code as it was used as a filming location in both.

Stamford is the kind of place where you can simply wander; behind every corner and down every alley is more stunning architecture to see. The town is incredibly walkable and has many pretty churches, such as St Mary’s Church (12th century) and All Saint’s Church (13th century).

Sheffield and the Peak District

Drive: 1hr 30mins from Stamford.

Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in the UK, and is right on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park. 

The Peak District offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, paragliding and rock climbing – what’s not to love? It’s also the UK’s first ever National Park back in 1951.

For a nice and easy stroll, I suggest the Mam Tor Walk trail which takes you to one of the Peak’s most iconic views. This 4.5km circular route is steeped in ancient history and you’ll be rewarded with views of the Vale of Edale, Peveril Castle and the Hope Valley. 

The world famous Chatsworth House was used as Pemberleyin Pride and Prejudice; Hardwick Hall was used as Malfoy Manor in the Harry Potter films and the medieval Haddon Hall was used in Kit Harrington’s Gunpowder. 

If the great outdoors isn’t for you, there are plenty of other things that Sheffield can offer:

• For a spot of shopping go to Meadowhall.
• Sheffield has the largest theatre complex outside London, the two major theatres are the Lyceum Theatre and the Crucible Theatre.
• Visit the tropical butterfly house which is popular with the locals.
• Visit Our Cow Molly which is a working dairy farm and makes delicious icecream.

Drive: 50 minutes from Sheffield.

Leeds is a thriving city and one of the larger cities in England.  It’s a hub for art, culture and history so the city offers something for everyone.

For museums and art galleries, I recommend visiting:

• Royal Armouries Museum
• Leeds City Museum
• Thackray Medical Museum
• the National Coal Mining Museum
• Leeds Art Gallery
• Henry Moore Institute

Microbreweries have really popped up all over the UK in the last few years and Leeds has some you should add to your list. Many of the breweries will hold tours and tasting. Some of the most established ones are Leeds Brewery, Northern Monk and North Brewing Company.

Drive: 40 minutes from Leeds.

Step back into medieval times with York’s winding cobbled streets, magnificent cathedral and stone walls surrounding the city. The best thing about York is that everything is within walking distance so it gives you a break from all that driving.

Things to add to your list include:

• Walking the city walls
• Climbing Clifford’s Tower
• Rascal buns at Betty’s tearoom
• Walk down the Shambles to see the beautiful shop fronts
• If you happen to be in York on the first Friday of the month then you need to visit York’s Farmers Market

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Drive: 1hr 40mins from York.

Newcastle has a great reputation for its lively atmosphere and friendly people. There are numerous cocktail bars, trendy clubs, traditional pubs and restaurants all over the city.

The city gets its name from the fortress sitting on the River Tyne which you can go and see as a part of your tour, including the great hall and the view from the roof. To learn more about the history of the city check out the Laing Art Gallery. Alternatively visit the Discovery Museum which gives an interesting account of Newcastle’s background in shipbuilding and coal mining, and how that evolved over time through technological innovation.

Here are a few more sights to check out:

• BALTIC centre for contemporary art
• Live theatre – check out a theatrical performance
• The Biscuit Factory – a great art gallery and awesome brunch spot
• St. Nicholas Cathedral

North Berwick

Drive: 2hrs from Newcastle Upon Tyne

This is one of the most stunning towns in Great Britain offering beautiful beaches, amazing food and a great castle! Here are some of the best things to do:

• The Scottish Seabird Centre – See a variety of birds at this charitable research centre which dedicates itself to protecting indigenous wildlife in the area. You can also take a boat tour at some times of the year to see some seabirds in the wild! Depending on the season you may even see puffins!
• The Lobster Shack – This is known to be one of the best places in the area to enjoy a fresh catch right from the ocean!  Enjoy a half lobster and chips and appreciate how incredible the fresh produce is!
• Tantallon Castle – The castle ruins sit right on the Firth of Forth overlooking the sea. It has a rich history of sieges and feuds dating back to the 14th century!
• Bass Rock – This famous rock sits proudly in the Firth of Forth and is a site of special scientific interest due to the fact that it homes the world’s largest local gannet colony.
• Yellowcraig Beach – This is a gorgeous beach that should not be missed on your travels – it makes for one of the most stunning coastal walks in the area!

Option 2: West England Route to Edinburgh

The best place to pick up a hire car for option 2 is Heathrow Airport. It will save you driving through London and therefore is a lot less stressful!

Windsor Castle (Stop en route to Oxford)

Drive: 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport .

Windsor is a stunning town and walking through it on the way to the castle is an absolute treat in itself.  And the awe certainly does not stop when you reach the glorious 1,000-year-old castle.  To explore the castle and its grounds in full, it will take around two hours.  The highlight of visiting the castle is certainly the beautiful St. George’s Chapel where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married in 2018.

Windsor Castle is open Thursday to Monday, entry times start at 10am and the last admission at 3.30pm. Buy tickets to Windsor Castle here .

Drive: 50 minutes from Windsor .

One of the best things about Oxford is that you can see the city on foot, from the most famous colleges, to historic pubs, to the many free museums.

The historic Oxford University was first established in the 12th century and is the oldest speaking English university in the world. The university does not have a campus so you will see the buildings spread across the city.

Famous works of literature were written in Oxford such as Alice in Wonderland, The Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia.

Here are some other great things to do while you are in Oxford :

• Bodelian Library
• Radcliffe Camera
• University Church of St Mary the Virgin
• Oxford University Museum of Natural History

After exploring the town, why not take some time to visit Highclere Castle which is very nearby.  You may recognise the castle from the opening scenes of popular period drama Downton Abbey, and it certainly lives up to how excellent it looks on screen.  The castle was built in the 17th century and encompasses 5,000 acres of land that you can explore at your leisure, including the Secret Garden, the Monk’s Garden, the White Border and some beautiful woodlands.

Drive: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Oxford .

An essential of visiting Bath is of course to visit the famous Roman Baths, which are surprisingly well preserved given how old they are.  Continuing with the stunning architecture of the baths, Bath Abbey should be your next stop, where you can climb the gothic tower and admire the views.

Booking a walking tour for Bath is a great idea if you want to make sure that you see all the sights as well as getting some highly valuable and interesting information on the history of this fascinating town.

There is a wealth of things you can do in Bath so make sure you allow enough time.

Drive: As Bath is on the edge of the Cotswolds it will be right at your doorstep. Castle Combe is an easy 30 minutes drive from Bath. It depends on which towns are on your list.

Not sure where you want to go to the Cotswolds? Here are 6 Perfect Cotswolds Day Trip Itineraries.

The Cotswolds is a continuous stream of picturesque villages and beautiful natural landscape, truly resembling something out of a storybook or fairytale. As the Cotswolds is a collection of villages it is best to know where it is that you want to go in advance of getting on the road.

On the banks of the River Coln, Bilbury is home to one of the most well-known streets in the area, Arlington Row. If you are looking for the quintessential fairytale style streets and crooked brick cottages that the Cotswolds are so well known for, then this is the place for you.

Stow-on-the-Wold

This sweet little town is perched right at the top of a hill and features a gorgeous church, a small gallery and a famous farmers market held on the second Thursday of each month.  You will definitely want to grab a bite at Lucy’s Tearoom for some yummy freshly baked goods!

Castlecombe

This is without a doubt one of the best places in the Cotswolds to admire the beautiful honey-coloured bricks of the cottages and get the ultimate photos. The southern tip of the village is where you will get that classic shot of the village.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Right on the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is a pretty Cotswolds town and is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds . Walk down the river and see what the Cotswolds is most famous for the honey-coloured bricks. Alternatively, enjoy a drink or food at one of the village’s cafes.

Drive: Gloucester is on the northeast edge of the Cotswolds so this will be a short drive as well.

Start by exploring the area around College Court where you will find The House of the Tailor of Gloucester, which inspired the author Beatrix Potter. The building is now a museum with a shop that is dedicated to the author.

Next head over to Gloucester Docks which is Britain’s most inland port. You will discover Victorian warehouses, a working dry dock and a Mariners Chapel. A lot of the buildings have been converted into restaurants, tap rooms and shops.

Don’t forget to see Gloucester Cathedral. It is an 11th century Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece. You may even recognise the cathedral’s corridor as it’s featured in the Harry Potter movies!

There is quite a lot to do in Gloucester so this could be a stop in itself but if you are short for time then a few hours will cover the main sites.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Gloucester to Stratford-Upon-Avon is 1 hour drive.

Stratford-upon-Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and most activities in this town are based around Shakespeare. 

The Stratford’s Historic Spine is where the most important buildings of the town are and some of the buildings date back to the 15th century. The walk through the spine is approximately 0.6 miles (0.9 km) and will take you to mosts of the iconic sites in the town.

Starting at Henley Street you can see the building where Shakespeare was born. Tours are offered to see Shakespeares’ birthplace.

Anne Hathaway’s cottage is where Shakespeare courted his bride to be. You can pay to go inside the 500 years old cottage and see items from the 13 generations that lived there including the original furniture. Consider buying a ticket online which gets you into all of these attractions!

There are also lots of wonderful independent restaurants, cafes and bars in the heart of the city where you can have a great dining experience no matter what you’re after.

I would recommend going for some afternoon tea as it is a British tradition; this is arguably one of the most quintessentially British places you could have it! 

Fancy something savoury instead? Chef Gordon Ramsay swears that Barnaby’s is the absolute best place to get yourself some fish and chips, and it’s right next to the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Drive: Stratford-Upon-Avon to Chester is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Makes sure you avoid the toll road on the M6 and carry on the non-toll M6 route.

You are now pretty much at the halfway point between London and Edinburgh and sitting right on the Welsh border.  This city has a rich history for you to explore; learn about Roman Legionnaires, Vikings, Normans and Anglo Saxons on your travels through the city.

The city is nearly completely surrounded by walls, which are considered to be the most well preserved in Great Britain running nearly two miles long.  Other historic sites include:

• The oldest racecourse in Great Britain
• The largest Roman amphitheater in Great Britain
• A one thousand year old Cathedral, with some amazing medieval carvings within
• Seven hundred year old Rows galleries

Chester has one of the largest zoos in the UK and dedicates some of its resources to the conservation of endangered species. This makes for a great day out for visitors of all ages!

Drive: the drive to Liverpool is a quick one at 40 minutes.

Time to visit one of England’s major cities – the home of The Beatles , it’s Liverpool!  This is the UK’s fifth biggest city, and there is so much to see and do that you could spend your entire trip there!  Check out some of the historic areas, which have been granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO, like the Royal Albert Dock Area and William Brown Street.

There is also a great art and creative scene making for some awesome murals and street art as well as some art galleries.  Here are some locations to check out:

• Cains Brewery Village
• Red Brick Vintage Market
• Baltic Market
• Tate Liverpool
• Museum of Liverpool

If you’re spending the day in Liverpool , don’t forget to check out this day guide.

Drive: Liverpool to Manchester is 1 hour.

Manchester is known across the UK for its rich and diverse cultural scene! After all, it is the home of The Smiths, Oasis, and the Stone Roses.  It also has numerous other sights such as galleries, museums and plenty of pubs and restaurants too!  Here are some of the highlights:

• Afflecks Palace – This is one of the best things to do in Manchester; it is ‘an emporium of eclecticism, a totem of indie commerce in Manchester’s Northern Quarter’ – enjoy looking through craft stores and at jewellery and trinkets.  It is truly a unique place.
• Chinatown – You will know that you have reached Chinatown when you see the giant red archway that leads into the area.  The area has a large number of Asian restaurants and cafes serving delicious food and even some karaoke! One of my favourite places to eat is Try Thai (I know it’s not Chinese!) but it offers great food and I often visit on my trips to Manchester.
• Federal Cafe – This place is known across the city as a trendy brunch spot with fantastic coffee – it’s totally instagrammable!
• PLY – Best pizza in the city, and very affordable – enough said!
• Football – Manchester is home to premier league teams Manchester United and Manchester City. As you can imagine that means there is a football atmosphere! You can try and catch a game or visit the National Football Museum.
• John Rylands Library – This building is one of the best examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe and an incredible library. One of the cool facts about the building is that it was the first place in Manchester to be lit by electricity.

As I travel to Manchester a lot, I’ve tried a significant amount of hotels in the city! By far my favourite is the Great John Street Hotel which is a 4-star hotel. The building is a Victorian former schoolhouse so it has a lot of wonderful architecture. The rooms are beautiful! Last time I stayed here I had a second floor just for my bathroom which had a free-standing bath. My other hotel recommendations are the Lowry Hotel and the Midland .

Here’s how to spend 24-hours exploring Manchester.

Lake District

Drive: 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the outskirts of the Lake District.

The Lake District has some incredible things to do – you’ll want to take your time and make sure you’ve seen all that you wish to!

Rydal Mount

Whether you’re a literature buff or not, you’re definitely not going to want to miss visiting the home of Wordsworth, Rydal Mount in the small village of Ambleside.  The famous poet resided here for the latter part of his life, and you can walk in the beautiful gardens that were once landscaped by Wordsworth himself!  You can even take a look at the place where he wrote, as well as his library!

The Lakes Distillery

This distillery was founded in 2014 and has become one of the most popular in the Cumbria area in recent years. It produces gin, vodka and whisky.  Even better? It uses local produce to do so!

The distillery is awesome to visit – it even has alpacas! Plus, there is a shop, so you can buy your favourite drinks and take them home with you!

Lake Windermere

This is the largest natural lake in England, and gives a great picture of the beauty of the Lake District.  If you are going to go to any lakes in the Lake District, make sure its this one.  There are tonnes of amazing things to do around the lake, such as boating, running, hiking and cycling!

Grasmere Gingerbread

One of the most famous things you can buy in the Lake District is Grasmere Gingerbread . When you walk into the shop you will smell the spices and the aroma of gingerbread. The perfect snack to grab for your road trip! If it is winter then pair it with a nice hot drink alongside a fireplace.

Find out more about whether you should choose the Lake District or Peak District, here.

Finish in Edinburgh

You have finally arrived at your destination; Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh!  This city is great to spend a couple of days exploring, particularly the old town which is where you will find the castle!

For ideas of what to see and do during your time here, check out my article on the 7 Day Drive Loop from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

More Articles on the UK

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11 Prettiest Towns and Villages in the Lake District

10 Brilliantly British Foods You Must Try in London

18 Things to Do in Yorkshire for Couples

16 Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in London

24 Famous Landmarks in England 

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

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The Open Road Travel

• Mar 5, 2022

Road Trip From London To Scotland (Edinburgh)

Updated: Dec 5, 2022

A road trip from London to Scotland takes you between the two largest, most populous countries in the United Kingdom.

A 320 mile road trip from London to Scotland takes you almost the entire height of England, giving you a glimpse of its entire landscape. Extending it into a road trip from London to Edinburgh then lets you take in the Scottish capital and countryside as well.

If you are thinking about planning your own road trip from London to Scotland, or more specifically Edinburgh, then I highly recommend reading on.

A Road Trip From London To Scotland (Edinburgh): How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take To Get There & What Is The Best Route?

A road trip from London to Scotland covers 330 miles and takes a little over 6 hours to complete, and a road trip from London to Edinburgh covers 400 miles and takes at least 8 hours to complete. While the journey is relatively long, it is, however, quite straightforward.

You begin by picking up the M1 where it begins, in Brent Cross, and following it for 78 miles, until you use Junction 19 to join the M6 at its origin, just outside Catthorpe. You will then follow the M6 for its entire 232 mile duration, which will take you to the Scottish border.

Once you pass into Scotland, the road will become the A74(M), and you’ll stay on it for 50 miles, before using Junction 13 to join the A702 going north, outside Cold Chapel. This will then take you the remaining 40 miles into Edinburgh.

Best Time For A Road Trip From London To Scotland

The best time for a road trip from London to Scotland is from late August to the end of September.

While June through September are traditionally the warmest months at our destination, the period from mid-June to late August is also among the wettest stretches of the entire year.

Planning your road trip from London to Edinburgh between late August and the end of September allows you to enjoy the perfect combination of warm, dry weather.

This means you can spend all of your time enjoying the fabulous landscape and attractions in Scotland, as opposed to constantly worrying about being cold or wet.

Best Places To Stop On A Road Trip From London To Scotland

At around 8 hours, there will be plenty of people who decide to complete a road trip from London to Scotland in a single sitting.

However, for those who want to take their time and make the most of the attractions along the way, you will want to break the journey up and make at least one stop.

While there are a number of great options along the way, the following two destinations are what we feel are the absolute best places to stop on a road trip from London to Scotland, due to the sheer quality and quantity of attractions that each has to offer.

With a population of just under half a million, the city of Liverpool is the 10th largest district in the United Kingdom, while its metropolitan area ranks 5th.

Originally founded in 1207, the city spent much of its history as one of the most important port areas in the country. The departure point for many of the ships heading to the United States in the 19th century, it also holds strong bonds with Ireland, due to its incredibly close proximity.

Through the years, countless legendary ships have been registered here, including the Titanic, Queen Mary, Olympic, and Lusitania. The Liverpool Docks even held UNESCO World Heritage Site status until 2021, when expansions and developments made them ineligible.

Home to one of the most famous bands in history, The Beatles, and one of the world’s most successful football teams, Liverpool FC, the city is brimming with attractions for tourists to enjoy.

With the huge renovation effort that has recently been completed in Liverpool’s city centre, a stunning range of bars, shops, restaurants, and hotels now perfectly blend with the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings to make Liverpool a must see location on your journey.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Liverpool – Pullman Liverpool

The Pullman Liverpool is a stylish, modern, 4-star hotel, located on Liverpool’s historic King’s Dock.

Beyond the incredible views of the water, guests in each of the 216 beautifully decorated rooms will enjoy facilities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, mini fridge, and tea and coffee making facilities, as well as comfortable furniture and luxury bedding and linens.

Those who choose to upgrade to an executive room will be greeted with even more high tech amenities, including a Bose docking station, iPad, and Nespresso coffee maker, as well as a large desk and bathtub.

The on-site restaurant serves the finest British cuisine and boasts a theatre-style kitchen, where you can watch the chefs prepare your meals.

Then you can relax in the beautiful bar and enjoy a drink from its extensive menu, which includes some of the best wines from around the world.

Other amenities at the property include a gym and private parking, as well as a 24 hour front desk and facilities for disabled guests.

Originally founded in the 1st century AD, Manchester is the 5th most populous city in the United Kingdom and has the second most populous metropolitan area, behind only London .

A major city during the industrial revolution, Manchester is well known for its extensive collection of historic locations, as well as stunning architecture and socially prominent destinations.

There are even points of important scientific significance, such as the location where the world’s first stored computer program was developed. Manchester is also famous for its musical exports, such as the Rolling Stones.

It is even home to one of the most historically successful football clubs in the world, as well as one of the most successful in the modern era, Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Manchester – Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange

The Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange is a beautiful, 4-star aparthotel, located in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Manchester.

Each of the spacious units boasts a seating area and sofa, and a fully equipped kitchenette, which includes a dishwasher, fridge, kettle, microwave, and toaster.

All guests will also receive access to free sitewide Wi-Fi, as well as a complimentary “grab and go” breakfast, which includes fresh fruit and pastries, hot drinks, and juice. Meanwhile, a great range of dining and drinking options are located downstairs in the Corn Exchange itself.

A 24-hour shop and front desk will cater to all of your needs around the clock, while the aparthotel’s central location means many of Manchester’s top attractions are within just a few minutes’ walk.

Top Attractions On A Road Trip From London To Scotland

To make your journey as enjoyable as possible, you are going to want plenty of things to do and see along the way, to keep things interesting.

While there are endless possibilities available, the following are the true top attractions on a road trip from London to Scotland and will fill your journey with some of the best natural and historical attractions you will find anywhere in Great Britain or the United Kingdom.

The city of St Albans is a historic location that sits atop the ruins of the Roman city of Verulamium.

Located on the Old Roman Road, it is an incredibly popular destination with tourists and history buffs, due to the fabulous collection of Roman ruins and artefacts that have been discovered here.

Among the most prominent remains still visible, visitors can see large sections of the original city walls, a forum, hypocaust, amphitheatre, and houses with fabulous mural floors, which rival any similar sites you will find anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Beyond the Roman influence, an abundance of Medieval architecture and the stunning St Albans Cathedral make the city a fabulous place to stop and experience how cultures and styles have changed in the United Kingdom through the centuries.

Peak District National Park

The Peak District National Park became the first national park in the United Kingdom when it was established in 1951. Stretched over 555 square miles (1,440 square kilometres), it covers parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, and South and West Yorkshire.

With evidence showing that the region has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, tourists come in their droves to take in the abundance of historical and geological attractions throughout the park, with more than 13 million visitors arriving each year.

The landscape is covered with peaks, hills, gorges, valleys, plateaus, and escarpments, most of which are filled with caves, canals, reservoirs, and rivers to explore.

With a number of unique species of plants, as well of a wide range of animals that includes amphibians, birds, fish, insects, invertebrates, lizards, and mammals, Peak District National Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers of all kinds.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Established in 1954, Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the United Kingdom. Covering 841 square miles (2,178 square kilometres), it is located primarily in North Yorkshire, as well as parts of Cumbria and Lancashire.

The park has more man made attractions than most British national parks, including bridges, castles, mills, viaducts, and villages.

Perhaps its most popular is the Dales Countryside Museum, which is set in the historic Hawes Railway Station and tells the history of the region over the past 1,000 years.

Despite that, hiking and rambling are still incredibly popular recreational activities in the park. With the landscape boasting caves, coves, fells, gills, lakes, peaks, ravines, rivers, and waterfalls, it is a truly wonderful destination for adventurers to explore.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is the most visited national park in the United Kingdom, with 16.4 million visitors and 24 million visitor days per year.

It is also the largest national park in either England or Wales, and second largest in the United Kingdom, behind Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, at 912 square miles (2,362 square kilometres).

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its cultural landscape, Lake District National Park primarily consists of beautiful lakes, surrounded by large sections of farmland and protected wildlife habitats.

With public footpaths running throughout the entire park, it is one of the best places in the United Kingdom to take a stroll and really appreciate the country’s natural landscape and wildlife.

North Pennines Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

The North Pennines is an area of moorlands covering nearly 770 square miles (2,000 square kilometres), making it the second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom.

It has been designated an AONB since 1988 and is also listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The landscape is dominated by moors, dales, and upland rivers, while it also accounts for 40% of the United Kingdom’s upland hay meadows, 30% of England’s upland heathland, and 27% of its blanket mire.

The North Pennines are home to a wide range of birds, including the vast majority of England’s black grouse population, as well as otters, red squirrels, and a huge range of rare and unusual wild alpine plants.

Meanwhile, there are also a number of historic, stone built villages dotted throughout it. It is an incredibly popular destination for walkers and nature lovers alike.

Pentland Hills Regional Park

The Pentland Hills Regional Park is a 35 square mile (90 square kilometre) natural park, which covers the northern section of the Pentland Hills range.

It is home to some of the tallest, most historic peaks in the area, and provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Originally designated a regional park in 1986, the landscape of Pentland Hills Regional Park is dominated by upland pasture grasslands and foothills, which are interspersed with forestry plantations, rivers, and reservoirs.

It’s an incredibly popular destination for outdoor recreation activities, including golfing, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, and rambling.

You even have locations like the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, with its artificial ski slopes, and the Ministry Of Defence rifle range, which make Pentland Hills Regional Park a fabulous destination for anyone who enjoys staying active.

That concludes our guide to planning the perfect road trip from London to Scotland (Edinburgh).

This should hopefully have given you all the information you require to plan your perfect route and travel itinerary, to ensure every second of your journey is filled with fun and excitement.

That means all that’s left is to work out the best things to do in Edinburgh while you’re there and start getting everything booked. That way, you can look forward to enjoying both the journey and the destination for yourself, as soon as possible.

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Set out on an amazing road trip from London to Edinburgh, stopping at 10 different destinations that promise exploration and excitement.

Want to go on an exciting road trip from London? Well, there are a lot of road trip options from London , some taking road trippers to charming English cities and others to faraway destinations in Scotland. One such distant location is Edinburgh, the Scottish capital renowned for its royal castle , street food , mysterious tunnels , old town , and new town .

Wondering where to stop on the drive from London to Edinburgh? From royal castles, gardens, and canals to quaint villages, cathedrals, and lakes, the pleasures on this beautiful drive are endless, offering travelers abundant opportunities to indulge and relax. So, why wait? Set out on an amazing London to Edinburgh road trip, stopping at these ten stunning destinations that promise fun, excitement, and memorable experiences.

Travelers will have the best experiences on a road trip from London to Edinburgh by stopping at several lovely sites en route, and staying overnight is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy the trip to the fullest while also replenishing oneself with energy. Each hotel on the list has been selected for its location, high ratings, and amenities, offering a stay full of unforgettable memories.

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Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa

Hopping hare, holiday inn leicester, crowne plaza royal victoria sheffield, dakota leeds, leonardo hotel middlesbrough, maldron hotel newcastle, purdy lodge, bayswell park hotel, luton, england.

After experiencing the beauty and buzz of London and having a pleasant night in one of the city's best hotels , it is time to start a trip full of lovely adventures to Edinburgh. And what better place than Luton to make a first stop on the drive along the M1? This picturesque, historic town on the River Lea is around 30 miles from London in the county of Bedfordshire. The Luton Museum houses an intriguing collection of porcelain, enamel, and other works of art; meanwhile, The Galaxy Center and Stockwood Discovery Center all offer hours of amusement for tourists. Don't forget to catch panoramic views from Warden Hills, shop for exclusive locally-made hats, and try some local dishes at street-side eateries.

• What to See in Luton: Stockwood Discovery Center, Wardown Park Museum, Luton Hoo Estate, Whipsnade Zoo, The Hat Factory Arts Center, Wrest Park, Luton Market
• Where to Stay in Luton: Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf And Spa

The Mansion House Bedfordshire London Luton Luton LU1 United Kingdom, Luton, LU1 3TQ

Northampton, England

Northampton is another historic town, only 60 miles from London, that deserves a stop while driving from London to Edinburgh along the M1. This town mesmerizes visitors with its laid-back vibes, stunning countryside, rich cultural heritage, and thriving arts scene. Visitors will find many medieval castles, plush manor houses, museums, and galleries, all illustrating the region's rich heritage. There are also plenty of serene canals, green spaces, and wildlife for those looking to unwind in nature or have some thrilling outdoor experiences. Watching a live performance at the Royal and Derngate is also a must for visitors with an inclination for the arts.

• What to See in Northampton: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Althorp House, Delapré Abbey, 78 Derngate, Abington Park, Billing Aquadrome, Market Square and Guildhall
• Where to Stay in Northampton: Hopping Hare

18 Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton, NN5 6PF

Leicester, England

Leicester, a city rich in culture and history, is a fantastic place to take a break and visit some architectural wonders while also learning about their historical significance. The King Richard III Visitor Center , Leicester Cathedral , and the Newark Houses Museum are just a few of the places that showcase Leicester's 2,000-year heritage. On the contrary, the National Space Center gives the charm of the old town a contemporary edge. There are many lush parks to unwind in and markets with retail outlets and dining places to browse for lovely local goods or sample some tasty treats.

• What to See in Leicester: Leicester Cathedral, King Richard III Visitor Center, Leicester Guildhall, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, National Space Center, Abbey Pumping Station Museum, Bradgate Park
• Where to Stay in Leicester: Holiday Inn Leicester

129 Saint Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LEI 5LX

Sheffield, England

Sheffield is an ideal destination for those looking for some adventures, good food, lovely art spaces, and beautiful surroundings. Once titled ‘the greenest city’ in the United Kingdom , it is also one of the top European places to visit in 2023. This city boasts the coolest neighborhoods where visitors can sate their urge for an adrenaline rush. Also, eye-catching street art, lovely museums, modern art galleries, and a vibrant ambiance all make visitors fall in love with the place. Sheffield's craft breweries, wide array of dining options, specifically street food, and lively music scene cater to all tastes.

• What to See in Sheffield: Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Millennium Gallery, Kelham Island Museum, Peak District National Park, Winter Garden, Chatsworth House, Sheffield Cathedral
• Where to Stay in Sheffield: Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield

Victoria Station Road, Sheffield, S4 7YE

Leeds, England

There are many compelling reasons to visit Leeds, England. It boasts an abundance of outdoor spaces, eclectic nightlife, delectable cuisine, and endless shopping. For visitors interested in live entertainment and nightlife, there are live music venues, lounge bars, dance clubs, and classic British pubs. Whereas the Edwardian and Victorian eras, buildings, art galleries, and museums are the perfect places to be for history and culture enthusiasts. The city's array of dining establishments, including cafés, restaurants, and fast-food outlets serving a variety of cuisines, is another high point.

• What to See in Leeds: Leeds City Museum, Royal Armouries Museum, Roundhay Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Art Gallery, Thackray Medical Museum, Tropical World
• Where to Stay in Leeds: Dakota Leeds

8 Russell Street, Leeds, LS1 5RN

Related: Why Leeds Castle Is Called The Loveliest Castle In The World

Middlesbrough, Scotland

Middlesbrough is a picturesque countryside town that attracts visitors with a number of interesting attractions, both modern and natural. The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge , a marvel of engineering, is one of the major modern draws that spans the River Tees and offers panoramic vistas of the river and the surroundings. The Dorman Museum , The Tunnel Gallery , and the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art are magnificent places that provide a look into the area's vibrant interest in the arts and culture. Furthermore, Albert Park and Stwart Park offer much-needed respite from the city's bustle, and the numerous dining options, pubs, and bars are enough to make the journey worthwhile.

• What to See in Middlesbrough: Transporter Bridge, Mima - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Riverside Stadium, Stewart Park, Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, Albert Park, Teesaurus Park
• Where to Stay in Middlesbrough: Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough

Fry Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 1JH

Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Newcastle upon Tyne is one of England's northernmost cities and a great destination to take an exhilarating break from the long journey. Situated North of the River Tyne, this city is among the largest cities in England. With a range of exciting sites to see in the city of Newcastle, there is something for everyone. The Tyne Bridge stands out for its unusual design and captivating surroundings; the Discovery Museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, and St. James Park is a must-see for all football fans. Newcastle's natural grandeur of gorgeous beaches, mountains, and Northumberland's National Park provide several chances for adventure or rejuvenation.

• What to See in Newcastle Upon Tyne: Newcastle Castle, Quayside and Millennium Bridge, The Tyne Bridge, St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Discovery Museum, BALTIC Center for Contemporary Art, The Great North Museum
• Where to Stay in Newcastle Upon Tyne: Maldron Hotel Newcastle

17 Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

Alnwick, England

Proud home of Alnwick Castle, one of the most stunning castles in the country , this small wonderland has so much to keep tourists attracted. The castle is among the most popular attractions in the city for being an architectural marvel as well as a filming location for Harry Potter and many other movies. Visitors can dine in one of the world’s largest treehouse restaurants, explore the mysterious Poison Garden , and even fly a broomstick at Alnwick Castle . And not to forget, numerous retail outlets, cafes, pubs, and restaurants offer unmatched experiences to travelers.

• What to See in Alnwick: Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden, Barter Books, Alnwick Playhouse, Hulne Park & Alnwick Abbey, Aln Valley Railway, Bailiffgate Museum
• Where to Stay in Alnwick: Eveanna

2 Aydon Gardens Alnwick, Alnwick, NE66 2NT

Related: Alnwick Castle: Broom Lessons, Poison Gardens, & More

Belford, England

Belford is an ancient village in the Northumberland countryside, offering plenty of opportunities to explore, play golf, enjoy food, and simply unwind after a long road journey. There are historical attractions like Market Square , St. Cuthbert's Cave , Belford Museum , and Bamburgh Castle, on the other side, just a short distance away is the Northumberland coast with options to indulge and relax. All in all, Belford serves as an ideal base for those looking for a diverse selection of experiences close to both the ocean and the countryside.

• What to See in Belford: Bamburgh Castle, Grace Darling Museum, Budle Bay, St. Aidan's Church, Belford Hidden History Museum, St. Mary's Church
• Where to Stay in Belford: Purdy Lodge

Adderstone Services, Belford, NE70 7JU, United Kingdom

Dunbar, Scotland

After visiting gorgeous English castles, countryside towns, modern marvels, and enchanting natural landscapes, Dunbar, about 30 miles east of Edinburgh, is the first destination in Scotland. Known as Sunny Dunny, it's a fun day trip, but visitors will find it interesting enough to remain for 2–3 days. The town is steeped in history and has many stunning historical sites to discover, including a castle, the Fisherman's Monument , and Dunbar Battery . From enjoying captivating sunset scenery from Dunbar Harbor to spotting seals to hiking the Cliff Top Trail and indulging in various water sports, experiences in Dunbar appeal to all preferences.

• What to See in Dunbar: Dunbar Harbor, John Muir's Birthplace, Dunbar Castle, Winterfield Golf Club, Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, Belhaven Bay, Dunbar Battery
• Where to Stay in Dunbar: Bayswell Park Hotel

16 Bayswell Park, Dunbar, EH42 1AE

How to Travel from London to Edinburgh by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Edinburgh is the Scottish capital and sits about 400 miles from its English counterpart in the south. You'll have to traverse nearly all of the United Kingdom from south to north to get there, so flying is the fastest way to complete the journey. However, the train takes almost the same amount of time and also lets passengers enjoy the lush beauty of the landscape that you would otherwise miss. You can also enjoy the scenery for a fraction of the price by taking the bus, although that is a much longer trip. If you have access to a car, driving yourself is the best way to truly experience life in the U.K. outside of the major cities.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From London to Edinburgh?

If you don't mind an all-day (or all-night) bus trip, you can book a bus from London to Edinburgh on National Express or Megabus . It's a long journey and involves nearly 11 hours seated on the bus, but when tickets are as cheap as $20, it's hard to turn down. Megabus is about two hours faster than other services, getting you to Edinburgh in roughly nine hours. You can typically choose from four daily buses, two that leaves in the morning and two more that leave at night. The overnight bus is an ideal option so you don't miss out on a full day of your trip while also saving yourself a night of accommodation.

Regardless of the company you choose, you catch the bus in London from Victoria Station, with connections to the Circle, Victoria, and District lines of the Underground. The Edinburgh Bus Station is in the city center next to St. Andrew Square and is easily accessible to most parts of the city by foot.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From London to Edinburgh?

The method of transport with the least amount of travel time is flying, and you can choose from one of several direct daily flights between London and Edinburgh. The total time in the air is only 1 hour, 20 minutes and flights start as low as $30 for a one-way ticket. The primary airlines that fly this popular route are Easyjet and British Airways, with flights departing from any one of the several London airports—Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted.

Heathrow is the largest of the airports and is the one that's best connected to the city center, with an express train from Paddington Station to the terminal. You can also take a train to Gatwick or Luton from the city center, while Stansted is only accessible by bus. Edinburgh Airport is located about 10 miles outside of the city, but you can take a tram or bus to the city center.

Although a plane is ostensibly the fastest way to get to Edinburgh from London, you also have to factor in all of the time it takes to get to and from the airport, check-in for your flight, pass through security, and wait at your gate. All things considered, flying and taking the train take almost the same amount of time.

How Long Is the Train Ride?

The fastest trains get you from London to Edinburgh in only 4 hours, 20 minutes. Considering that trains leave from King's Cross Station in the center of London and bring you directly to central Edinburgh, the total travel time of the train is more or less the same as going by plane. Taking the train also has the added benefits of enjoying the English countryside scenery while you travel as well as being the most environmentally friendly option.

Train tickets start at about $33 when you can find the cheapest "Advance" ticket prices. As those sell out, however, tickets jump up in price dramatically and can cost over $200 for a one-way ticket during peak travel times. Flexibility is key for finding the best deals, so try looking at different times and days to see if prices fluctuate. You should also buy tickets early to find the cheapest seats, as the Advance tickets usually go on sale about eight to 10 weeks before the travel date.

The drive to Edinburgh is about 400 miles and takes seven hours if you drive straight through along the direct route on the M1 highway. Traffic around London and Edinburgh can cause major delays at the beginning and end of your trip, but the bulk of the journey should be easy driving with the scenic countryside. Parking within the city center of Edinburgh is complicated at best. However, there are several Park & Ride structures outside of the city that offer free or inexpensive parking spaces and then shuttle customers into the city. Once you're in Edinburgh, everything is accessible on foot or public transportation and your vehicle won't be necessary.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Edinburgh?

Being Scotland, Edinburgh is cold and rainy in the winter (as well as much of spring). The summer months are the most comfortable time to enjoy the Scottish capital when the average high hovers around 65 degrees F and there are more days of sunshine than overcast. August not only all but guarantees you good weather, but the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is taking place all throughout the month. It's the largest arts festival in the entire world and it completely inundates the city for four weeks with performances, art shows, music, and entertainment. It's also the busiest time to visit the city, but it's a uniquely Edinburgh experience you won't regret seeing.

Winter may be chilly, but spending the holidays in Edinburgh has its own special magic, especially if you're visiting during the special New Year's celebration of Hogmanay . This three-day event starts on December 30 and goes until January 1 of the new year, and it's a special Scottish tradition that more than makes up for the cold weather.

What's the Most Scenic Route to Edinburgh?

If you have your own vehicle and want to get to Edinburgh quickly, the M1 highway will get you there in about seven hours. But one of the best parts of driving is being able to take your time and explore along the way. If you take the M6 highway along the west side of the country, you'll pass through worthwhile towns such as Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Liverpool, and Manchester before continuing through the photogenic national parks in northern England. The drive itself is minimally longer than the fastest route, but you'll definitely want to make pitstops along the way to see all the country has to offer.

What Is There to Do in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh offers all types of historical, cultural, and culinary delights, so it's no surprise that this Scottish capital is the second most popular city to visit in the U.K. after London. Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city and gives visitors an educational history lesson along with breathtaking views. Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still retains the medieval architecture that it was founded with. Nearby is New Town, praised for its urban planning which culminates around the famous Princes Street, popular for shopping, restaurants, and going out.

Trains leave King's Cross Station in London and bring you directly to central Edinburgh in about four hours and 20 minutes.

Train is the best mode of travel as it's easy, convenient, and likely the fastest option (if you count the additional airport time you'd need if flying).

The drive to Edinburgh is about 400 miles and takes seven hours if you drive straight through along the direct route on the M1 highway. 

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London to Edinburgh: How to Get There + Tips

Home » Blog » Europe » United Kingdom » London to Edinburgh: How to Get There + Tips

Are you planning to travel from London to Edinburgh? There are multiple ways to reach the popular Scottish tourist hub. In this guide, we’ve detailed all the various transportation methods to help you plan your route.

London to Edinburgh is a very popular transportation route, as many travelers start their UK exploration in the bustling British capital city before making their way to Scotland. 

However, a considerable distance (400 miles, or about 640 kilometers) separates the two cities, making it somewhat challenging to pick the single best transportation method. 

Having spent a great deal of time traveling throughout Europe ourselves, we can tell you it depends on several factors including your budget, how much time (and luggage!) you have, the number of people traveling, and more. 

In this guide, we outline all those logistics to make getting from London to Edinburgh as seamless as possible.

London to Edinburgh

• Guided tours

Other resources for planning your trip

• Essential Tips for Driving in Scotland + How to Choose the BEST Rental Car
• Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Epic Places to Visit in Scotland
• Insanely Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Best Campervan Hire in Scotland: Ultimate Guide
• Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Scotland !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Scotland trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

London to Edinburgh by plane

Flying from London to Edinburgh is the fastest option, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s also quite affordable. Often, you can find tickets available for between £20-25. 

However, traveling by plane has some disadvantages, and we wouldn’t recommend this option in ALL scenarios. Let’s break down the logistics of traveling from London to Edinburgh by air.

Cost of flying from London to Edinburgh

As we mentioned above, it’s generally fairly easy to find budget flights between these two cities. Especially if you book more than a couple of weeks in advance, there’s usually an ample selection of weekday tickets under £25. 

However, prices often double—if not triple—for weekend travel and booking last-minute is always the worst value. Even a ticket on a budget airline for an upcoming weekend can increase to a pricy £150!

Easy Jet is the UK budget airline with the cheapest flights. However, it’s important to note that fees on this airline are sky-high (pun intended!). You’ll wind up paying for everything from your seat to your carry-on baggage which really adds up.

If you need to get from London to Edinburgh as quickly as possible, we recommend paying extra for tickets with British Airways. Typically starting around £50 and going up from there, these flights depart from London Heathrow, a short 15-minute train ride from the city center!

No matter what options you’re considering, remember that flight prices tend to fluctuate quite a bit. Check ticket prices as far in advance as possible and don’t forget to watch for last-minute deals!

Psst! For more potential savings, follow these expert tips on how to find cheap flights .

Airports with flights from London to Edinburgh

London has a whopping six major airports, so just figuring out where to fly in and out of can be tricky. On the other hand, all Edinburgh flights land at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), a straightforward 30-minute bus ride from the city.

• London Heathrow (LHR): the main international airport in London, which is easy to reach via a fast train or subway ride from the city center. This airport services British Airways. 
• London Gatwick (LGW): can be reached by 30-minute train ride outside of the city. This airport services budget airlines that’ll get you to Edinburgh such as Easy Jet, Ryan Air and Air Lingus. 
• London Luton (LTN): can be reached via a 25-minute train and then a 10-minute shuttle outside the city. This airport services Easy Jet and Ryan Air. 
• London Stansted (STN): is the furthest from London proper; a 50-minute train or 1-hour (or more) bus ride, depending on traffic. This airport services Easy Jet and Ryan Air.
• London City (LCY): this is the closest airport to London’s city center and requires a 45 minute train ride or 30 minute taxi rise (depending on traffic). This airport services British Airways. 

Note: While taxis and rideshares are available for all the airports, we do not recommend them since they’re both slower and much more expensive than the alternatives.

Getting from the airport to Edinburgh center

Tram: 

Taking the tram from the airport to Edinburgh city center is the easiest and most convenient way to arrive. Trams run every 7 minutes from the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes outside of those hours. 

The airport tram stop is right outside the main terminal next to the plaza and Edinburgh sign.

Services run between the airport and York Place in the Edinburgh city center and make 15 stops along the way. A one-way adult ticket is just £6.50 and can be purchased at the ticket machines at every stop. 

The Airline 100 Bus also runs between Edinburgh Airport and the city center. Departures from the airport are every 30 minutes from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., then every 10 minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 12:10 a.m. The journey is about 25 minutes (depending on traffic). A ticket costs £4.50 and can be paid to the driver as you board.

Uber also works in Edinburgh, but is a much more expensive option. You can expect to pay around £17-24 for a one-way ride to the city center. 

Pros and cons of flying from London to Edinburgh

In our opinion, the biggest disadvantages of traveling by plane are the additional costs and time involved with getting to, in, and out of the airports. 

London’s airports are all outside of the city center, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour commute from the city. As a result, transportation tickets can get pricey, sometimes costing up to £20 (nearly the same as the plane tickets!). 

Plus, after factoring in time for going through security and the cost of baggage, the high-speed train is only a bit slower but competitively priced. And it’s so much more hassle-free! 

Of course, there are scenarios when flying is definitely the best option. For example, if you’re simply connecting flights in London, it’s easier than switching to other transit methods. 

Another great option is to book a hotel near the airport, eliminating commuting stress altogether! Even with all the additional transit time, flying is still the quickest option. It takes approximately 3.5-4 hours end-to-end to fly from Edinburgh to London.  

Planning a trip to Scotland? Find out the best time to visit Scotland based on seasonal weather patterns and your personal travel style.

London to Edinburgh by train

The train system in the UK is highly regarded as one of the best in the world. Trains run frequently, typically departing every half-hour from early morning through late evening in many major cities. 

The ride is very comfortable and it’s the best way to take in the scenery on the journey north (not having to pay attention to the road frees you up to simply soak it all in!). Best of all, trains arrive and depart from the center of both London and Edinburgh. 

The only major downside of this transportation method is the cost — tickets can get pricey.

Cost of the train from London to Edinburgh

Train tickets start from £20 if booked a month or more in advance for weekdays. As with flights, prices tend to increase significantly on weekends. Additionally, tickets at off-peak times (like extreme early mornings or late at night) are cheaper than the daytime. 

If booking a few weeks ahead for a “normal” time, £40-60 is a typical good-value ticket.

One important thing to note is that it’s crucial to purchase train tickets in advance in Europe. It’s not like hopping on the L train in Chicago on a whim. 

We’ve searched for train tickets just a few days ahead of our trip and the prices have always been steep, nearing £200 a seat! If you’re traveling during holidays, this is even more true. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that while it’s convenient to search for tickets using an aggregator service like TrainLine or Omio, you’ll get the best value by booking directly through the train operator.  

Pros and cons of train travel from London to Edinburgh

Trains, especially in the UK, are convenient. They’re quick and punctual, plus well-equipped for travelers with luggage (many even allow passengers to bring bicycles!). 

This route departs from King’s Cross Station in central London and arrives at Waverley Station, close to Edinburgh’s major attractions. 

With over 50 trains daily, it’s very easy to pick a time. Best of all, the trip only takes 4.5 hours — much quicker than driving by car or bus!

We think train travel is often the best option for getting from London to Edinburgh (and many other destinations in Europe!) — if you can plan ahead to take advantage of good pricing. 

Psst! If you have time to discover more of the country, don’t miss these epic places to visit in Scotland .

London to Edinburgh by bus

Several carriers service the bus routes from London to Edinburgh, including Megabus, FlixBus, or the National Express. In our opinion, there’s no significant difference between any of them, so choose the one with the most convenient time and departure/arrival location. 

The bus trip takes around nine hours, making it the slowest form of public transportation. However, it’s not always a bad option, as tickets are consistently affordable and flexible.

Cost of bus travel from London to Edinburgh

Bus tickets typically vary between £10-25, depending on the company and specific times. Keep an eye out for promotions — we’ve occasionally seen tickets drop to as low as £5!  

Like other transportation methods, prices increase for weekend travel. However, unlike trains, buses don’t have much variation between departure times; prices are fairly consistent regardless of the time of day. 

Ticket costs also don’t usually increase for a departure within the next few days. So if you’re looking for an affordable option for a last-minute trip, the bus is the way to go!

Pros and cons of taking a bus from London to Edinburgh

The biggest downside of bus travel is the duration; nine hours is a lengthy trip. And while they’re still fairly spacious, we find buses a bit more cramped than trains in the UK.

However, buses are unquestionably the most flexible option. You don’t have to worry about booking a ticket far in advance and the price deviations are more manageable. Like trains, buses depart from a central location — either from London Victoria Coach station or Finchley Road. 

For the most budget-friendly way to travel from London to Edinburgh, consider taking an overnight bus. That eliminates the need for accommodation and you’ll arrive in Scotland in the early morning with a full day ahead of you to explore!

London to Edinburgh by car

Another option is to take a road trip to Edinburgh! This self-guided option allows for the most flexibility and some sightseeing along the way. 

The drive takes around seven hours, following a straightforward route via the M1 and A1, both major roads. If you’d like to add some stops along the route, check out lively Newcastle and the Northumberland Coast.

Cost of driving from London to Edinburgh

Unlike ticketed transportation with a flat price, the cost of driving involves several factors like car rental and fuel costs. If you’re traveling with several people, though, this option can be pretty economical. 

As a very rough estimate, car rentals from London typically start at £100 a day, and the 400-mile road trip averages around £70 in fuel.  

Split several ways, this price is comparable to other transportation methods, but here, you have the added benefit of a private vehicle at your disposal. Search Discover Cars for the best deals!

Search & Compare Rental Car Prices

• Discover Cars : We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible. 
• Booking.com :  We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past. 

We put together a complete guide to renting a car in Scotland with all the information you need to find the best price, including tips for driving in the country.

Alternative driving options

If you like the idea of car travel from London to Edinburgh but don’t want to make the drive yourself, there are loads of other options. 

For the most hassle-free experience, various chauffeur services operate between the two cities. With hotel pick-up and drop-off, the driver takes care of all the travel logistics. 

At around £500 in price, chauffeurs are expensive, but offer an attractive option if you’re traveling in a group that can split the cost. Several sites aggregate driver services, like Findtransfers.com .

Another excellent option for traveling from London to Edinburgh is via rideshare. Similar to an intercity Uber, drivers offer a seat in their car for a low price. Rideshares are sometimes the cheapest option, with rides ranging in price from £10-40. 

However, there are downsides: they can’t be booked in advance, there aren’t always available drivers, and because you may be sharing the vehicle with other passengers, there’s no way of telling how long your trip will be. 

We do think it’s worth looking for last-minute transportation — just don’t rely on it. Popular platforms include BlaBlaCar and LiftShare .

The pros and cons of driving from London to Edinburgh

The biggest advantage of car travel is having complete control over the trip. If you’re not under a time constraint, it’s a great way to see more of the UK, visiting other destinations in addition to Edinburgh on your Scotland road trip . 

However, the drive does take a long time, averaging 7 hours between the 2 cities.  

Parking can also be a major issue in both London and Edinburgh, especially close to the city centers. Always check with your accommodation for information (many accommodation options in the city center don’t include a parking space!).

London to Edinburgh by bicycle

For the trip of a lifetime, consider cycling from London to Edinburgh (yes, seriously — it’s totally possible!). 

The UK is interconnected through an extensive bike path system called the National Cycle Network. There are endless possibilities for a route from London to Edinburgh, and this is a fantastic way to see the European countryside. 

It comes down to how much time you have and what you want to see along the way, but following these trails minimizes road dangers and allows you to incorporate interesting sights. 

Plus, since it’s so densely populated, you don’t have to bring as much bikepacking gear as other trips. It’s possible to stay in a warm bed every night and eat out for every meal, if you really wanted to.

The real logistics challenge comes in the form of the bicycle itself, for which there are two options. You can fly with your own bicycle, which means disassembling and packing the bike into a cardboard box or bike travel case. Usually, there’s an oversized luggage cost for this, but you’ll also arrive in London with your own wheels!

The other option is to rent from the many bike shops in London. Make sure to check with the shop that your bike is prepared for a long-distance journey (this is fairly common, so they’ll likely have plenty of options). 

For the biggest selection of bicycles, check out FatLlama , a platform that lets you rent directly from the owner. 

How long does cycling from London to Edinburgh take?

The most direct bicycle route from London to Edinburgh is 450 miles (about 724 kilometers), passing through the countryside in eastern England. 

The duration of the trip is entirely dependent on your speed and how often you stop. A fast but realistic pace for such a distance would be averaging around 65 miles a day, making the journey last about a week. 

For a more leisurely, relaxed bikepacking experience, allow two weeks, getting in about 30 miles a day. 

Pros and cons of cycling from London to Edinburgh

Of course, riding a bicycle for many consecutive days isn’t for everyone. However, for a reasonably fit rider, this form of transportation—and this particular trip—does have its charms. 

Biking allows you to experience towns off the beaten path, really take in all the surroundings, and connect with locals (many will surely be inquisitive about a long-distance traveler on a bicycle). 

And then there’s the flexibility: whether you’d like to camp and couchsurf for a budget experience or stop by breweries, restaurants, and quaint inns along the way, the options are endless.

Guided tours from London to Edinburgh

Want to leave all the planning up to someone else? It is possible to book an entire tour from London to Edinburgh. Here are a couple of intriguing options.

London to Edinburgh Day Trip

On this day trip, you’ll meet a guide at King’s Cross in London, who will give you an overview of the day ahead. Next, you’ll board a high-speed train to Edinburgh, where you’ll be greeted by another guide. 

The day will be full of sightseeing, hitting the city’s major attractions, before returning to London via train in the evening.

London to Edinburgh Overnight Trip

This overnight tour is similar to the day trip, but also includes a stay at a hotel. We recommend this option over a day trip so you won’t feel as hurried. Both are a great way to experience the Scottish capital stress-free, however.

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Best Places to Visit in Scotland
• How to Plan the Ultimate Scotland Road Trip
• Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh, Scotland

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If you’re looking for a scenic adventure in the UK, a road trip from London to Edinburgh is definitely a trip worth taking. The journey takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from busy city streets to winding country roads that offer a glimpse into the stunning countryside. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of planning your trip, from choosing the best route to budget-friendly tips and must-visit attractions along the way.

a guide to planning a road trip from london to edinburgh

Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your trip thoroughly. Start by deciding on the duration of the trip, bearing in mind how much time you have, your budget, and the goals you want to achieve. With that in mind, decide whether you want to take a direct route or detour for some sightseeing. Make sure you have a good sense of the best times of year to go and any weather considerations that may impact your journey.

Once you have a rough itinerary in place, it’s time to start thinking about accommodation. There are plenty of options available, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Consider your budget and the type of experience you want to have. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you may want to consider staying in a bed and breakfast or a local guesthouse.

Finally, don’t forget to pack appropriately for your trip. Make sure you have comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as any necessary equipment such as a GPS or maps. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and drinks for the journey, as well as a first aid kit and any necessary medication. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your road trip from London to Edinburgh is sure to be a memorable adventure.

the best route for a scenic road trip from london to edinburgh

The route from Edinburgh to London is a long one, so you'll want to break it up into manageable stages. One of the best routes to take is the A1, which takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the UK. En route, you’ll pass through the likes of Durham, Newcastle, and Berwick-Upon-Tweed, passing charming villages, historic landmarks, and stunning coastlines. If you have some extra time, detour through the Lake District for stunning views.

Another great option for a scenic road trip from London to Edinburgh is to take the A68 route. This route takes you through the heart of the Scottish Borders, where you can explore the rolling hills, picturesque villages, and historic castles. Along the way, you can stop at places like Jedburgh Abbey, Floors Castle, and Melrose Abbey.

If you're looking for a more adventurous route, consider taking the A82 through the Scottish Highlands. This route takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK, including Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis. You can also stop at charming towns like Fort William and Inverness, and take in the stunning views of the Scottish countryside.

top attractions and landmarks to visit on a road trip from london to edinburgh

When planning your trip, there are a few must-visit attractions and landmarks you should be sure to include. In Newcastle, visit the Victoria Tunnel, which was built in the 19th century to transport coal, or take in the views at the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. In Edinburgh, explore the historic Edinburgh Castle or take a stroll along the Royal Mile to explore the city's rich history.

Another great stop on your road trip from London to Edinburgh is the city of York. Here, you can visit the iconic York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, or walk along the medieval city walls for stunning views of the city. You can also explore the Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about the city's Viking history.

If you're looking for a scenic drive, consider taking a detour to the Lake District National Park. This stunning area is known for its picturesque lakes, rolling hills, and charming villages. Take a hike to see the stunning views from atop Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Windermere.

where to stop for food and drinks on a road trip from london to edinburgh

Traveling along the route, there are plenty of great places to stop for food and drinks. Check out the Black Bull in the historic town of Morpeth for traditional pub grub or head to the St. Valery Guest House and Bistro for some fine dining. In Newcastle, stop at the Tyne Bar for a pint or grab some chips and curry sauce at the famous Walkers Fish and Chip shop.

As you continue your journey towards Edinburgh, make sure to stop at the town of Alnwick, where you can find the Treehouse Restaurant. This unique dining experience offers delicious food and drinks in a magical setting, surrounded by trees and fairy lights. Another great option is the Bamburgh Castle Inn, located in the picturesque village of Seahouses. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood and a pint of local ale while taking in the stunning views of the Northumberland coast.

If you're looking for a quick snack or a caffeine fix, there are also plenty of coffee shops and bakeries along the way. The Blagdon Farm Shop and Cafe, located just off the A1, offers homemade cakes and pastries, as well as locally sourced produce. In Edinburgh, make sure to stop at the Elephant House, a cozy cafe where J.K. Rowling famously wrote some of the early Harry Potter books. Here, you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline.

budget-friendly tips for a road trip from london to edinburgh

A road trip can be an expensive undertaking, but there are ways to keep your costs low. Start by planning a budget for food, gas, and accommodation, and be sure to stick to it. Consider staying in budget hotels, camping, or opting for more affordable Airbnb rentals. Plan out your meals in advance and pack plenty of snacks for the road.

Another way to save money on your road trip is to take advantage of free attractions and activities along the way. Research and plan stops at national parks, museums, and other landmarks that offer free admission. Additionally, consider using public transportation or walking to explore cities instead of paying for parking or expensive tours. By incorporating these budget-friendly tips into your road trip, you can enjoy the journey without breaking the bank.

must-see historical sites on a road trip from london to edinburgh

With so much history along the way, a road trip from London to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the country's most iconic landmarks. Check out Durham Castle, the Durham Cathedral, and Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a must-visit, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

Another must-see historical site on this road trip is the city of York, which was founded by the Romans in 71 AD. York Minster, a Gothic cathedral, is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe and is home to stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.

As you continue your journey, make sure to stop at the Scottish Borders, where you can visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey. This 12th-century monastery was once a center of religious and cultural activity and is now a popular tourist attraction.

how long should you take for a road trip from london to edinburgh?

The length of your road trip usually depends on your level of curiosity and the time you have at your disposal. The standard duration of the trip is usually five or six days, but it can vary based on the number of detours and stops one wants to make. Planning in advance is crucial to make informed decisions about the duration of your trip.

It is important to note that the time of year can also affect the duration of your road trip. During the winter months, the days are shorter and the weather can be unpredictable, which may require more time for driving and less time for sightseeing. On the other hand, during the summer months, the days are longer and the weather is generally more favorable, allowing for more time to explore and enjoy the scenery. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

what type of car is best for a road trip from london to edinburgh?

The best type of car for a road trip from London to Edinburgh is one that is comfortable, spacious, and efficient. Something like a compact SUV or hatchback should be perfect for a road trip, as they offer a balance of comfort and fuel efficiency. Make sure your car is in good working order before you hit the road, and plan for any rest stops along the way to give yourself and your car a break.

It's also important to consider the weather conditions you may encounter on your road trip. Scotland is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's a good idea to choose a car with good traction and handling in wet or icy conditions. Additionally, packing the right gear such as warm clothing, rain jackets, and blankets can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

safety tips for driving on the roads from london to edinburgh

When driving on unfamiliar roads, it's always important to keep safety top of mind. Make sure you’re aware of the laws and regulations in each area, including any speed limits, parking restrictions, or tolls that may apply. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid driving tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and take regular breaks to rest and stretch out.

In addition to these general safety tips, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind when driving from London to Edinburgh. The route includes a mix of highways and smaller roads, so be prepared for varying speeds and road conditions. It's also important to note that the route passes through several mountainous areas, which can be particularly challenging in bad weather. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires and that you have emergency supplies on hand, such as blankets, food, and water. Finally, be aware of the potential for wildlife on the roads, particularly in more rural areas, and adjust your driving accordingly.

how much does it cost for a road trip from london to edinburgh?

The cost of a road trip from London to Edinburgh can vary depending on your travel style and budget. On average, it can cost around £300-£400 for transportation, accommodation, and food for a five-day trip. However, costs can be reduced by traveling during low season, planning in advance and budgeting for your expenses.

It's important to note that the cost of a road trip can also depend on the route you take and the activities you plan to do along the way. For example, if you choose to take a scenic route through the countryside, you may need to factor in additional fuel costs. Additionally, if you plan to visit popular tourist attractions or participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking or kayaking, you may need to budget for entrance fees or equipment rentals. It's always a good idea to research your route and activities beforehand to get a better idea of the total cost of your road trip.

weather considerations for planning a road trip from london to edinburgh

The best time to take a road trip from London to Edinburgh is usually in the spring or summer when temperatures are milder and the weather is usually drier. That said, the UK weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always worth being prepared with rain gear, warm clothing, and extra layers, just in case. Always check the weather forecast for each stop along the way before you leave.

best times of year for a road trip from london to edinburgh

The best time to take a road trip from London to Edinburgh is usually during the spring or summer months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. In addition, these months offer the opportunity for a wide range of outdoor activities along the way, such as hiking, biking, or exploration of local wildlife. Keep in mind, however, that summer is peak season for tourism, so prices may be higher.

ways to make your road trip eco-friendly

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying your road trip, there are several ways to make it more eco-friendly. You may opt to travel by public transport where possible, or by carpooling with friends or family. Consider renting an electric or hybrid vehicle, choosing eco-friendly products, and keeping your visits to natural attractions to a minimum to preserve them for future generations.

accommodation options along the route of the road trip from london to edinburgh

Accommodation along the route from London to Edinburgh offers a variety of options catering for different budget types. If you are on a tight budget, camping sites, youth hostels, and affordable Airbnb rentals are good options to consider. If you're looking for a more upscale experience, hotels, B&Bs, and local inns offer a unique and authentic experience throughout the trip, with some providing stunning views of the countryside. It's always worth checking out reviews and booking in advance.

In conclusion, a road trip from London to Edinburgh is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the most historical and stunning scenery in England. By taking into account all the tips discussed above, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most out of your trip.

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Top Stopovers On A London To Edinburgh Road Trip

How long to drive from london to edinburgh.

Days 1 and 2: London

Day 3: London to Windsor Castle (25 miles) and Stonehenge (70 miles)

Day 4: Stonehenge to Bath (34 miles) and the Cotswolds (50-70 miles)

Day 5: The Cotswolds to Cheltenham (15 miles) or Gloucester (23 miles), then on to Stratford-upon-Avon (30-40 miles)

Day 6: Stratford to the Peak District (approx. 100 miles)

Day 7: the Peak District to York (70 miles) and the Yorkshire Dales (65 miles) or North York Moors (42 miles)

Day 8: Yorkshire Dales (73 miles) or North York Moors (72 miles) to Newcastle upon Tyne

Day 9: Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed (63 miles) and Edinburgh (57 miles)

Day 10: Edinburgh

London to Scotland road trip – two-week itinerary via Birmingham

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Itinerary for the London to Edinburgh Road Trip in a Motorhome

There is so much to visit within the UK, and no better way to do this than a road trip from London to Edinburgh, two of the biggest cities of the UK! It can be daunting, with so many options for along the way, so simply follow this London to Edinburgh road trip itinerary and follow our suggestions for a fantastic motorhome trip.

Getting to London

To embark on this London to Edinburgh road trip, you may need to get to the English capital. If you’re already situated in London, you can skip to day 1 of the London to Edinburgh itinerary. If not, here are some suggestions for reaching London:

Outside of the UK

If you’re coming from France, take the ferry from Calais to Dover, Roscoff to Plymouth or Dieppe to Newhaven. From the Netherlands, you can take a ferry from Rotterdam to Hull, but then I’d advise doing the road trip the other way around, and doing an Edinburgh to London road trip. This also applies to those taking the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne. Find out more details on ferry crossings into England .

Within the UK

Trains and buses are constantly headed to London, so start with the National Rail website .Aim to get in at least a day before, as delays are common and you’ll certainly want a bit of time to see the capital!

Renting a Motorhome in London

There are plenty of motorhome hire options in London, with a variety of different vehicle types. It is important to consider what you require from the vehicle, and what style suits you best. Which amenities will you require? How many sleeping places? You can start looking at the motorhome hire options in London , and make a request!

Tips for London

There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in London, so why not take an extra day or two to properly enjoy this riveting city? Before starting your travel from London to Edinburgh, try some of the following:

Get your tourist on! Some of the most cliche things to do in London can be a great thing to tick off your bucket list. So get out your camera, slap on your bum-bag and visit the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and more!

If you’ve got limited time, go for the Big Bus tour! It’ll get you access to dozens of sites, and sort your transport for all of them. The buses come and go frequently, so you don’t feel tied down to a schedule and can go at your own pace.

Plenty of films and series have been shot in London, so visit the famous sites that have graced your screen. A fan favourite is the Harry Potter walking tour , which will take you to the inspiration for Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley, as well as the film entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and Ministry of Magic - a wicked good time!

Keep the London Low Emission Zone in mind!

Day 1, London to Oxford

Approximate driving time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Start the first day of your trip early, perhaps with a nice buttered roll and takeaway coffee to enjoy on the road! Head onto the M4 until you reach Colne Valley Regional Park. I recommend parking here, and stretching your legs with a nice stroll. Then you can continue driving by heading onto the M25 and M40. Stop in High Wycombe for a cup of tea and bite to eat. It is renowned for art and furniture exhibitions at Wycombe Museum, which also features a delightful garden. Then head to the supermarket and pick up something to eat, and take the campervan slightly further to the Chiltern Hills Area of National Beauty for a picnic. Finish the drive to Oxford and get settled into your campsite.

First visit Oxford Castle and take a tour around the part-ruined Norman castle. A must-see for Oxford is the esteemed Oxford University, considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Stroll around the manicured lawns and stop at the Bodleian Library. This leads well to the Oxford High Street, where you can either pop into a shop or two, or find a nice place for the first dinner of your England road trip!

Staying at: Godwin’s Caravan and Camping Site . A five minute walk from the pub, with easy access to the M40. There is also a cafe on-site with homemade meals and ice creams for the little ones!

Location: Weston-on-the-Green, Nr Bicester, OXON, OX25 3QL

51.862352, -1.219432

Day 2, Oxford to the Cotswolds

Approximate driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Take the A420 to Swindon and then the A419 to Cirencester, your first stop in the Cotswolds! If you enjoy riding or simply being in nature, head to Cirencester Park to go horse riding or strolling through the impressive grounds. History fans will enjoy the Church of St. John the Baptist, and beer fans will prefer the New Brewery Arts ! 

Hop back in the motorhome and over to Bourton-on-the-Water, renowned for its low bridges and traditional stone houses. Enjoy some lunch and a stroll around these fairytale cottages. Then you’ve got plenty of choice for how to spend the afternoon! You could visit Birdland , a large park home to dozens of birds species including parrots, owls and king penguins. Kids will also love the life-size model dinosaurs scattered around. Car fans will appreciate the Cotswold Motoring Museum , with a vast collection of vintage cars and antique toy collection. The Model Village is also a delight to visit, an exact replica of Bourton-on-the-Water complete with miniature gardens. And finally, adventure lovers and those with little ones will adore the Dragonfly Maze , a classic maze and puzzle game that will have you exploring for hours.

Staying at: Cotswold Carp Farm . A small family run campsite with lakeside pitches, they are a 10 minute stroll from the centre, and welcome dogs!  

Price: £17 

Location: Bury Barn, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2HB

51.881883, -1.746231

Day 3, The Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon

Approximate driving time: 45 minutes

Relish a final cup of tea and plate of scones in the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds, and then head onto the A429, taking the exit onto the A3400 to Stratford-upon-Avon. This is one of the places every English person, or visitor to Britain, simply must visit. Birthplace of the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, considered to be the most famous writer in the English language. You can visit his birthplace , the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage . Once you’ve had your fill of the Bard, you can visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm , a tropical greenhouse filled with butterflies, or go to the Church of the Holy Trinity for magnificent architecture. For the traditional pub experience, visit The Woodsman Restaurant for a delicious supper and pint!

Staying at: Dodwell Park . Complete with a shop, off-license, free hot showers and regular bus service right outside the site, you’ll find everything you need here. 

Location: Evesham Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9SR

52.182096, -1.758580

Day 4, Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham

Approximate driving time: 55 minutes

Driving via the M42 and A3400 you’ll reach Birmingham within an hour. Given the urban landscape of this city, it would be best to park at your campsite or a nearby spot, and take the bus into the city. Birmingham is renowned for their art scene, so visit the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for a wide collection of international importance which covers ceramics, fine art, metalwork, archeology, natural history and more! Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate Cadbury World , to dive into the history of chocolate with interactive exhibits - including interactive chocolate to eat of course! The National Sea Life Centre features oceanic exhibits for all ages, so you can learn about the fascinating world under the sea while you digest all that chocolate. 

Staying at: Chapel Lane Caravan Club Site . A rural gem with easy access to the major motorways of the M1, M6 and M42. It is set in the shadow of a charming old chapel, with an open-field horizon and shaded pitches to enjoy.

Price: starts from £10.45

Location: Chapel Ln, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6JX

52.373991, -1.893879

Day 5, Birmingham to Manchester

Approximate driving time: 2 hours

The majority of this drive is on the M6, until you take the A556 exit for Manchester. Another big city, but don’t worry, the next stops will include a bit more time in nature! Manchester is a thriving city filled with cultural pursuits. You could visit the Science and Industry Museum or the People’s History Museum . If you enjoy the finer arts, why not head to Whitworth Art Gallery or the Manchester Art Gallery ? 

Opened in 1906, the Victoria Baths were intended to be the grandest baths in Europe and have held a great deal of this former grandeur. You can tour the three pools, Turkish bath and art nouveau decor for £6 per person. After all that walking and exploring, you’ll be needing to refuel with a delicious meal. Head to 20 Stories , located on a 20-storey tower to provide stunning views alongside their tasty food! We must recommend the fish and chips, which are given a new twist and zesty taste. The night is young, so top the evening off with a drink at Refuge , Manchester’s hippest new bar!

Staying at: Crowden Camping and Caravanning Club Site . A bit of a drive out of Manchester, but this rural campsite ensures a proper nights sleep away from the bustle of central Manchester. Situated in the Peak District National Park, you’ll be gifted with a stunning view in the morning and the sounds of nearby wildlife.

Price: starts from £12  

Location: Woodhead Road Crowden, Glossop SK13 1HZ

53.490401, -1.893746

(Consider adding a day and detouring to Liverpool, the home of the famed Beatles!)

Day 6, The Peak District

No driving required today, so you can give your driving gloves a rest today! The 6th day of the London to Edinburgh road trip is dedicated to exploring the Peak District National Park. You could take this opportunity to visit Alton Towers or explore historic sites as Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House . But we would recommend taking the day to just give your mind a break and your lungs a great dose of fresh air. So hike across the Dovedale Nature Reserve, get lost on the dozens of trails and reset your clock for a day. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the most rural areas, where nobody exists but you and your travelling companion(s)! You can also explore some of the smaller Peak District towns , for a spot to eat for tea.  

Staying at: Crowden again!

Day 7, The Peak District to York

Approximate driving time: 1 hour and 23 minutes

Given your northern position in the Peak District, the drive to York won’t be too long. Midway you can stop in Leeds, in case you’d like to take in another booming city of the North. Here you can head to the centre and take a stroll, passing by the impressive architecture of the Town Hall and enjoying a delicious coffee. Perhaps even stop for lunch here, for which we would suggest Bill’s Leeds Restaurant - what could be more fitting? It is housed in the historic Albion Place, right next to the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, and has a great atmosphere!

Then continue on to York, a city steeped in history, art and delicious food! To discover this history, perhaps visit the Jorvik Viking Centre for a time-capsule style Viking attraction. Or if you prefer your history the old-fashioned way, visit the York Castle Museum or the National Railway Museum of York ! If you get a bit peckish along the way, we simply insist on stopping at Betty’s Tearoom for a delicious bun and cuppa. 

Staying at: York Rowntree Park Caravan Club Site . Pitch up at one of these levelled pitches situated on the banks of the River Ouse, with hedged pitches to provide you with both a scenic treat and privacy!

Price: starts from £15.70

Location: Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ

53.950716, -1.080287

Day 8, York

Another day in this wonderful city! If you’re in a rush, you can skip to the next day and head to the following location on this motorhome road trip, but otherwise get ready to explore more of spectacular York. Start your day at Brew and Brownie for the best pancakes in all of York! Then walk off the delicious food by a stroll to the nearby York Shambles, for a taste of a real-life Harry Potter world. Avid readers should head to The Minster Gate Bookshop , to peruse through five floors of second-hand books, covering every topic and genre possible.Then head to the famed York city walls, and explore the magnificent 3.4km of medieval stone walls spanning the centre of York. It provides a great view of the city and takes about 2 hours in total.

Staying at: Rowntree again!

Day 9, York to the Yorkshire Dales

Approximate driving time: 1 hour

Head out on time to make the most of your day in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Follow the A59 and then park your motorhome in Bolton Abbey and stroll around the 12th century Augustinian monastery ruins of the Bolton Priory. Take your motorhome to Skipton to organise your bike hire for the day, as given the immense distances of the vast park, this will allow you to explore as much as possible! Then head to Parcevall Hall Gardens, to enjoy the 24 acres of stunning gardens featuring species from across the globe. Next on the list is Gordale Scar, where you can enjoy a picnic seated next to this scenic limestone geological formation. Very few sounds are more relaxing than the falls and a stream running into the deep-sided gorge - heavenly! Once lunch is securely digested, off to Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss. Then you can bike to Skipton to return your bike, and take your motorhome to this evening’s campsite - if your weary legs can manage it! Don’t worry, tomorrow will be light on the exercise and you can have a little lie in…

(see a map for your day at the Yorkshire Dales above!)

Staying at: Honeycott Caravan Park . The shop on-site sells everything from calor gas to free range eggs, so you’ll be able to whip up a delicious dinner after a long day of biking and exploring! 

Price: £25 per night, cash/cheque only.

Location: Ingleton Road, Hawes DL8 3LH, UK

54.302920, -2.212177

Day 10, Yorkshire Dales to Newcastle upon Tyne

Approximate driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Sleep in till at least 10, you deserve it! Then head over to Newcastle upon Tyne following the A1 and A194. But if you don’t mind a bit of extra driving time, set your GPS app to non-motorways, to drive along picturesque villages and towns instead, a far better view! Grab a coffee at Flat Caps Coffee , you might need it after that long drive! Then walk over to the Newcastle Quayside, and stroll along the river and gaze at the bridges that Newcastle is renowned for. Architecture fans should head to Tyneside Cinema for some well-preserved architecture - and maybe a film! But art enthusiasts simply must visit the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art . It was built as the Baltic Flour Mill in 1950 and functioned as such until 1981. In 2002, it was reopened as an art gallery, and is free to the public! We would still recommend it to those not as interested in contemporary arts, as the 4th floor has an outdoor viewing platform and the 5th an inside viewing box, providing an excellent view of the city.

Stroll around Exhibition Park , a striking park which houses numerous events and weddings, and provides an oasis of tranquility in a bustling city. Visit Wylam Brewery , located within the Palace of Arts in the park, and take a tour of their facilities - be sure to test their product too! 

Staying at: Stephenson’s Arms Camping and Caravanning . Slightly outside of the city, this campsite is situated in the area of Wylam. There is fishing available at the River Tyne, a mere 100 meters away. 

Price: starts from £15 

Location: Stephenson's Arms, Wylam NE41 8ED, UK

54.977337, -1.814114

Day 11, Newcastle upon Tyne to Edinburgh

Approximate driving time: 2 hours and 35 minutes

Start your morning with a toasty cup of tea and a bite to eat at the Quilliam Brothers Teahouse . The warm interior will show you Newcastle’s homier side, and their vast tea selection is unrivalled! It can get quite busy, so you might need to wait for a table. Follow this with a stroll down Great Northern Road, where you’ll see Newcastle University along the way so you can explore the campus too. Then head to Ouseburn for the Victoria Tunnel Tours, a must-see for Newcastle. The Victoria Tunnel was constructed to be a subterranean wagonway for coal transport in the mid 19th century, and converted into an air-raid shelter in 1939. There is a guided tour all-year round, but be sure to book around! Top this off with a classic English pub lunch before you head into Scottish territory. Close to the tunnel tours, you’ll find The Cumberland Arms , best enjoyed for a Sunday roast!

Now onto Edinburgh. With a full and satisfied stomach, you can handle the 2 and a half hour drive to Edinburgh. Take the A1 along the coast for a stunning view while you drive, right up until you reach Edinburgh. You can head to your campsite to rest after the busy day, as no reason to head into the centre just yet!

Staying at: Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park . With direct public transport to the centre of Edinburgh, this spacious campsite is the best way to see this fantastic city with ease whilst also getting an evening escape for some tranquility.

Price: starts from £22

Location: 38 Mortonhall Gate, Frogston Road, Edinburgh EH16 6TJ, UK

55.903257, -3.180298

Day 12, Edinburgh

The final destination of our travel from London to Edinburgh, Scotland! Start your day early to make the most of this city, and go straight to Edinburgh Castle . By getting there early, you should be able to beat the tourist traffic. This 11th century castle and barracks houses the Crown Jewels, as well as the National War Museum of Scotland . Follow this with a stroll through the Princess Street Gardens next to it, with features many items of geological and botanical interest as well as several public monuments and memorials. Then you can either head straight to George Street, for a spot of shopping and some lunch, or you can first visit the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions . This long-standing tower contains five floors of interactive exhibits focused on whimsical optical illusions, and will have you amazed within minutes! For lunch, you should try Indigo Yard . With a cosy interior consisting of wooden tables and soft booths, Indigo Yard creates a relaxed rustic vibe with a delicious Scottish-Asian menu. The dishes are healthy and varied, with something for everyone - especially vegetarians and vegans! Those of you seeking some physical activity will appreciate a trip to Holyrood Park, where you can walk or bike up the slopes and crags to Arthur’s Seat, for an unbeatable view of the city. This can be combined well with a stop at Duddingston Loch and Bird Sanctuary, featuring a variety of species and a peaceful botanical garden.

Staying at: Mortonhall again!

You can spend another day or two in Edinburgh- you’ll find plenty to keep you busy!- or start your return with an Edinburgh to London road trip. This 12 day road trip from London to Edinbrugh, Scotland, combines some of the best places the UK has to offer. However it could easily be extended to 14 days, or even 3 weeks, as there are countless places to visit! If you’re looking to make your trip an Edinburgh to London road trip instead, simply follow this road trip itinerary in reverse! Now that you’ve got a complete road trip itinerary to travel from London to Edinburgh, you just need to hire a motorhome and let the adventure begin!

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How to get from London to Edinburgh (Options – train, car, plane or coach)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Wondering how to get from London to Edinburgh ? In this guide, we cover 4 of the most popular ways to get to Edinburgh from London including by train, car, plane and coach to help you choose the best option for your travel budget, style and needs.

Edinburgh and London are two of the most popular cities to visit for both overseas visitors and UK residents. It is, therefore, no surprise that visitors want to see the many attractions these UK cities have to offer.

So how to get from London to Edinburgh may be an easy question to answer but it can depend on various considerations and factors, including:

• Do you want to travel directly to Edinburgh by the quickest means?
• Do you want to stop off on the way there?
• How many are there in the travelling group?
• Do you have a preferred mode of travel?
• The cost of travel
• The day and time of travel and time of the year, around seasons and daylight hours.

This quick guide provides an overview of the various travel options with considerations taken of the factors mentioned above. Individual preferences are numerous but can be based on:

• Particular travel mode preferences
• Places/site attraction sites along the route best suited for visiting with one mode of travel eg castles and the countryside best reached by car.
• Mobility restrictions of travel group member(s)
• Quantity of luggage to be moved
• Budget of the group
• Time limitations or preferences

First time in Edinburgh? Read our practical tips to ensure you make the most of your visit

🧭 Fast Facts

• London to Edinburgh by Train*

London to Edinburgh by Coach

London to edinburgh by plane, london to edinburgh by car, how will you travel from london to edinburgh, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

London to Edinburgh Distance

By car – 400 miles or 643 km

By train – 332 miles or 534 km

London to Edinburgh train – how long does it take?

The quickest route is 4h 20

How to get from London to Edinburgh

London to edinburgh by train *.

Listen to episode 26 of the UK Travel Planning podcast where we chat about how to travel by train from London to Edinburgh plus tips to make the most of the journey.

Our preferred mode of travel is to travel by train from London to Edinburgh.

The train journey has many advantages including being able to choose the day/time and route of travel and book train tickets for your preferred class of travel.

You can move around the train easily, it’s more social and there is no better way to see the beautiful English countryside than from the comfort of a modern fast train.

The train arrives directly into the city centre too. Book a hotel in the Old or New Towns of Edinburgh and you won’t have too far to go from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.

East Coast Mainline (ECML) London King’s Cross Station to Edinburgh Waverley

This is the train line from London King’s Cross train station up the east side of the UK to Edinburgh Waverley Station.

The east coast route offers the fastest and most direct train services to Edinburgh, favoured by many and is the most direct for a stopover for days or just hours in York.

• Train Operators – LNER London North Eastern Railways, Lumo and Grand Central
• Train Tickets – The best deal option is likely displayed first with the national ticketing online booking options and with individual train operating companies or Open – Access  – companies.
• Advance Train Tickets – Sold in limited numbers in advance (around 9 to12 weeks from day of travel) and subject to availability. Not all advance tickets are released for general sale at the same time. Date and train specific.
• Off-Peak – Available to buy for off-peak travel only (specific to individual companies), buy at any time.
• Anytime – Any travel time or day. Buy any time.
• Season train ticket – Unlimited travel between 2 stations for a specific length of time.
• Click for ticket prices on TheTrainLine.com
• NOTE: Individual train companies and Ticket Retailers MAY have there own ticketing structures or terminology.
• Various types available can be posted out to the UK only or purchased on arrival at most mainline train stations, including some airports – though not Heathrow Airport .
• Digital options can be bought online prior to travel with terms and conditions.
• Click for more information about UK Railcards
• Britrail Pass – An excellent alternative for overseas travellers visiting the UK intending to travel around frequently using trains. Good option choices for area-specific passes and families. Has continuous or flexible durations available. Click here for more information about the BritRail Pass.
• Global Eurail   –  Similar to the Britrail and also has continuous or flexible duration options. Click here for more information about the Global Eurail Pass. www. Global Eurail.com

West Coast Main Line (WCML)

This is the train line from London Euston station up the west side of the UK and then across to Edinburgh Waverley Station.

These are fast trains but not the quickest or the most direct train services to Edinburgh. but it is an alternative route.

• Train Operators – Avanti West Coast. 

Tickets/Railcards and Passes – As above for the ECML.

Caledonian Sleeper – Night train service

This is a luxury overnight sleeper train service that departs from London Euston station for ‘Highland’ and ‘Lowland’ destinations on Sunday to Friday nights (not Saturdays) travelling initially along the West Coast Main Line train route.

The Lowlander service operates between London Euston and the stations of Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.

This is not intended to be the fastest option but it is a fantastic time-saving option to travel overnight with the opportunity for a lovely meal and hotel-quality accommodation.

Click to purchase tickets on the Caledonian Sleeper

Read more about the Caledonian Sleeper or listen to our podcast episode all about travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper

Cross-Country (via Birmingham New Street or Derby)

This is the train line from Birmingham New Street train station travelling up through the middle of the UK to Edinburgh. This joins the ECML at York.

Alternative routes to Birmingham are via the WCML (and then the Birmingham line) or the Chiltern train line from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street train station. A short walk, well signposted, then to Birmingham New Street.

Another alternative is to head to Derby on the Midland Mainline (also known as the East Midlands Route) and then join a train and travel on the Cross Country Line via York Station to Edinburgh.

These are not the fastest train routes and this definitely is not the quickest or the most direct train services to Edinburgh. This is popular option for visitors who wish to enjoy a trip through the industrial heartland of England including towns and countryside along the way.

Train Operators – Cross Country/ East Midlands Trains

UK Train Travel Guide

The buses or coaches that journey between the two cities generally depart from London Victoria Coach station for National Express and Megabus, arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station on Elder street (near St Andrews Square). National Express has around 4 daily services and Mega-bus around 4 connecting services.

These are generally the cheapest form of travel, they also take around 9 ½ hours, depending on roads/weather etc.  The amount of luggage taken can be restrictive. You can break your journey up with this option.

Click here for ticket prices for National Express Coaches via TheTrainLine.com or Omio for ticket prices for Megabus.

Whilst this may seem at first glance an ideal way to move between London and Edinburgh it has several logistical issues to be considered.

While it is the fastest direct line of travel (around 332 air miles once in the air) with a flight time of around 1 hour 20 minutes it is important to factor in the travel time to and from the airports.

The cost of the flight itself may seem reasonable but add checked baggage and costs rise. These are smaller aeroplanes used for domestic flights and weight/space is of a premium.  If you have carry on only this may make flying a more cost-effective option.

One obvious disadvantage of flying is missing out on enjoying the scenery of the English countryside as you travel.

There are several London airports with flights to Edinburgh including London Heathrow, London City Airport, London Gatwick Airport

Several operators fly between London airports, including British Airways, Easyjet, KLM, American Airlines as examples.

For flights check Omio for prices and schedules.

This is, of course, an option but firstly driving in London is not advised. The traffic congestion is immense and the time to even get out of London can be lengthy.

Options for car hire from the principal airports can be considered if this is a preference particularly if you wish to visit destinations along the way to Scotland.

The most direct road route is about 400 miles and can take around 7 to 8 hours depending on the day/time of setting out.

Car hire gives flexibility to a travel itinerary but can be demanding on time and budget (consider car hire costs plus insurance and the high cost of petrol). 

Visitors not familiar with driving on the left may find it stressful. We recommend Tripiamo – an online resource which through its online guides prepares North Americans to drive in the UK. You can listen to our podcast where we chat with founder John Cortese about Tripiamo .

Good to know – Most availability for UK car hire is for manual transmission cars and not automatics. An automatic will cost more and must be booked in advance.

Read – Guide to renting a car (and driving) in the UK

So there you have it – the various options to travel from London to Edinburgh (or of course how to get from Edinburgh to London if you are travelling the opposite way!)

For information about what to see and do in Edinburgh, these articles are what you need to read:

• Things to do and see in Edinburgh (Itinerary suggestions)
• Where to stay in Edinburgh
• Best day trips from Edinburgh

We highly recommend stopping off along the way if you are travelling by train (and of course by car) and York would be our number one choice (followed by Durham ) Read more about visiting York:

• Visiting York Podcast
• Where to stay in York
• Things to do and see in York

Train operators highlighted are the principal train operators on these train routes as of Feb 2024. Other operators are available but do not necessarily cover the entire train route between London and Edinburgh.

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Edinburgh to London drive

Edinburgh to london road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Edinburgh to London. If you're planning a road trip to London, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Edinburgh drive for about 1 hour

11:12 am   Stirling Castle stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:12 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:32 pm   Moffat stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:32 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:01 pm   Windermere stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:01 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Warrington drive for about 1 hour

11:05 am   Telford stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:05 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:32 pm   Stratford-upon-Avon stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:32 pm drive for about 1 hour

3:37 pm   Oxford stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 5:07 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:32 pm  arrive in London eat at Tayyabs stay at Kensington Rooms Hotel London

day 2 driving ≈ 5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Stirling Castle   (8 mentions) Moffat Windermere Warrington Telford Stratford-upon-Avon   (10 answers) Oxford   (67 answers)     questions about Oxford:         What to do and where to eat in Oxford?

Where's the best place to stay in London?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in London .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Kensington Rooms Hotel London , which was mentioned 6 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in London? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in London?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Tayyabs , which was mentioned 19 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in London? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in London?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about London. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to London.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a London to Edinburgh drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Edinburgh to London . Or get a full Edinburgh to London flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Edinburgh well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Edinburgh!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Edinburgh to London

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions