scotland trip planner from london

Road Trip from London to Scotland

This round trip route from London to Scotland and back showcases some of the most stunning parts of Scotland, taking you through its biggest cities, out to the Isle of Skye and past countless lochs and mountains as you travel across the Highlands.

It takes 32 hours to drive the 1,490-mile round trip from London to Scotland. You'll pass Oxford, the Lake District and Glasgow then Fort William, Skye and Loch Ness in the Highlands, returning via Edinburgh, the Northumberland coast, York and Cambridge.

There's something for every taste on this road trip, with fabulous views and amazing hiking opportunities, plus cultural attractions in the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. There's also plenty to see and do on the drive north through England, so keep on reading to find out what this epic drive has in store.

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

This is one of the longest road trips you can take through the British Isles - the Scottish border is around 8 hours' drive from London and you'll have to cover another 400 miles before you reach Loch Ness and start to make your way south again to London.

In total, this road trip will take around 32 hours to drive, and that's without allowing any time to stop and enjoy the places you'll see along the way.

To get maximum enjoyment from this trip we'd suggest taking around 10 days for your journey, but you could comfortably fill longer than this if you stop more often along the way, especially if you're planning on hill walking in the Highlands, the Cairngorms or in England's national parks.

Expect traffic around Birmingham and Glasgow at peak times, which could hold you up if you're on a tight schedule and remember that after Glasgow the roads can be much smaller so take your time and pass carefully if you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle.

Although the UK as a whole isn't known for its extreme weather conditions, you should be prepared for snow and some fairly long stretches between stops as you travel through the Highlands, so don't leave it to the last minute to refuel. If you're driving in winter keep water and snacks in the car in case poor driving conditions slow you down.

Best road trip route from London to Scotland

The journey north through England follows motorways for much of the way, so you can make your way north quickly, with a few slightly slower sections where you'll detour onto local roads.

The suggested stops along the way let you explore historic sights and beautiful national parks, before crossing the border into Scotland and on past Glasgow to reach the Highlands. The amazing scenery is interspersed with castles, lochs, outdoor activities and picturesque villages - and you can find a distillery or two to tour if you're interested.

As you reach the most northerly point of this road trip you still have a stretch of fabulous scenery to enjoy, with the drive through Cairngorms National Park and then past the smaller lochs around Pitlochry.

The road crosses the Firth of Forth before heading into Edinburgh, famous for its cultural and historic attractions, before continuing back across the border into England. The stunning coastlines of Northumberland and Yorkshire await before the road swings inland through the historic cities of York and Cambridge.

The Outbound Route

Follow the M40 motorway west out of London, passing Oxford, Bicester and Banbury before you reach Birmingham around an hour later.

As you approach Telford, take the exit towards Madeley and Ironbridge to explore this beautiful setting on the banks of the River Severn, which was once home to some of the country's first industrial powerhouses.

From here, the road runs parallel to the River Severn until you reach Shrewsbury. Then follow the A5 north in the direction of Chester.

Leaving Chester to the north, pick up the M56 then change onto the M6 which you'll follow all the way to Gretna Green on the Scottish border. Along the way you'll pass Preston, the Lake District and Penrith before arriving in Scotland.

From the border the road runs direct to Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city. After spending some time in the city head west to continue on your trip, crossing the River Clyde via the Erskine Bridge, then follow the A82 which runs along the whole of the western shore of Loch Lomond.

Continue along the same road to make your way north through the Highlands. You'll pass Crianlarich, Loch Tulla and Rannoch Moor before reaching Glencoe then passing Ben Nevis on your way to Fort William.

From Spean Bridge the road takes you along Loch Lochy before you finally turn off onto the A87 at Invergarry. Then, at Kyle of Lochalsh take the Skye Bridge from where the same road takes you across the Isle of Skye as far as Portree.

From here, retrace your journey back across to the mainland, continuing straight ahead towards Invermoriston where the road divides, then following the road to Fort Augustus and along the eastern shore of Loch Ness.

The Return Route

Make your way to the northern end of Loch Ness to the city of Inverness, from where you'll make your way south to London.

The A9 takes you south past the Cairngorms National Park, through Aviemore and on towards Pitlochry and Perth, where you'll pick up the motorway towards Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh, the A1 runs parallel to the Northumberland Coast, and you can detour to the beautiful beaches and coastal villages of Bamburgh, Seahouses and Craster before arriving in Newcastle upon Tyne.

From Newcastle take the A1(M) to Durham then head southeast out of the city towards Middlesborough, where you'll cross River Tees before joining up with the A171 which heads east across North York Moors National Park to the coast at Whitby.

Next, follow the road across the moors to York then merge onto the M1 which takes you to the south of Leeds and past Yorkshire Sculpture Park before you turn off at Tankersley to wind your way through the Peak District via Thornhill and Bakewell.

From Bakewell, return to the M1 then turn off to cross Nottingham. Next, pick up the A52 to reach the A1, which you'll follow south past Peterborough and Huntingdon before turning off to visit Cambridge.

After spending some time in the university town, all that's left is to head back out to the motorway which takes you all the way back to London.

Best places to stop between London and Scotland

Seeing as you'll be covering nearly 1,500 miles on this round trip, you'll need to make a number of overnight stops to take in the beauty that will surround you and to rest up before the next leg of your trip.

Step back in time in Chester

Chester is located 5 hours from London, so you can easily get here in a day from London if you're not stopping overnight in Oxford or Ironbridge along the way.

Founded by the Romans in 79AD, Chester is also famous for its location and historic attractions, with historic black and white timbered houses all around the city centre.

Visit Britain's biggest Roman amphitheatre or take an informative tour with a gladiator for your guide, then walk around the city via the 2-mile long wall which still runs right around it, with parts dating back to Roman times.

At the Grosvenor Museum you can find out more about the county's extensive history, with art and exhibits covering Roman times to the 20th Century, including Cheshire's industrial revolution heritage.

The luxurious rooms at The Chester Grosvenor combine traditional English style with modern comfort. Relax with a cocktail in the ornate bar or wake up to a full English breakfast cooked to your requirements. Spa treatments including a salt grotto are also available.

The hotel is centrally located within walking distance of all the sights including the Cathedral, Roman Gardens, River Dee and Grosvenor Museum. Parking is available in the neighbouring car park at reduced rates

Travel over the sea to Skye

300 miles after crossing the border from England to Scotland, you'll reach the beautiful Isle of Skye. From here it's another 2 hours 40 minutes before you reach Loch Ness, where you'll start to make your way south again to London.

With its colourful houses, quaint harbour and stunning views, Portree is a great place to base yourself while you explore the Isle of Skye.

Around Skye there are countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, including sea kayaking, fishing trips, wildlife tours - minke whales are occasionally spotted as well as eagles, dolphins and seals - plus some fantastic hiking.

You can take a tour of the Talisker Distillery which has had its home on Skye for nearly 200 years to see how this iconic Scottish tipple is produced, or head to the newly founded Raasay or Torabhaig Distilleries. They're all in beautiful settings, and all offer visitors a wee dram.

Dunvegan Castle, which overlooks the sea, has been home to the MacLeod family for over 800 years, and is packed full of art and heirlooms. It also has beautiful gardens.

The Museum of Island Life is also well worth a visit. This open-air museum has a series of traditional thatched cottages which show what life was like on the island in the 19th century.

Just off the main road through Skye you'll find the Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree . It has cosy and comfortable rooms with modern Scottish décor, and unforgettable views out across the water and mountains.

The hotel's on-site restaurant focuses on quality local ingredients, and you can warm up by the open fire in the guest lounge after a day outdoors.

Walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

There's plenty to see and do in Scotland's capital city, which you'll reach around 3 and a half hours after leaving Loch Ness as you head back to London. After the drive through wilder parts of Scotland it's a great place to enjoy the more urban cafes, bars and culture Scotland has to offer.

Edinburgh, renowned for its summer festivals including Edinburgh International Festival and the parallel Fringe festival, has impressive and varied architecture, with different parts of the city each having their own distinct character.

The 900-year-old Edinburgh Castle is unmissable as it sits on top of a rock looking down across the city. Here you can see the the Honours of Scotland – Scotland's crown jewels – and find out more about the castle's royal heritage.

Next, take a walk along the cobbled, shop-lined Royal Mile which runs from the castle to Holyrood Palace then take a tour of the King's official Scottish residence to see the State Apartments and the ruins of the abbey that previously stood on the site.

Elsewhere in the city you'll find the National Museum of Scotland, a fascinating and varied collection inside a beautifully renovated galleried building.

And if you're keen to carry on hiking after spending so much time on this trip in the great outdoors, head to Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano on the edge of the city, for stunning views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

A quirky mid-century modern vibe runs through Native Edinburgh , a beautiful aparthotel that is located in one of the city's traditional stone-built terraces.

All of the rooms here are spacious and comfortable and include a kitchenette. Plus, larger one or two-bedroom apartments are also available – handy if you're travelling as a group.

Native Edinburgh is within walking distance of the city's main sights, but a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street. It's a great choice for a road trip as it's easily accessed from the main routes in and out of the city and parking is available on-site (reservations are required).

Things to see on a road trip from London to Scotland

There's so much to see and do on a road trip from London to Scotland that you could easily spend a month exploring the fantastic places you'll pass on the way.

Here are our top tips to get you started in planning your trip.

• Oxford - Admire the gleaming spires of this historic university city, where you can take a tour of a college or two, check out a cosy traditional pub, or punt on the river with a glass of Pimm's.
• The Ironbridge Gorge - Known as the ‘birthplace of industry', the natural resources in this now beautiful and idyllic part of Shropshire allowed entrepreneurs of the day to revolutionise manufacturing. Several museums, including Blists Hill Victorian Town, Coalport China Museum and Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron tell the story of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Shrewsbury - Built on a bend of River Severn, this historic town has an ancient abbey and ruined castle to explore, as well as a host of excellent independent eateries, shops and wine merchants.
• The Lake District National Park - The beautiful and green landscapes here inspired Beatrix Potter to write her much-loved Peter Rabbit books – the World of Beatrix Potter and her home at Hill Top are both worth a visit for fans. Or take a boat trip on Windermere, England's biggest lake, and explore the beautiful towns of Ambleside and Bowness.
• Gretna Green - This border town is famous for its weddings – more relaxed marriage laws here saw countless couples back in the 18th century running away to get married at Gretna Green. The Famous Blacksmith Shop Museum tells some of their stories.
• Glasgow - Scotland's biggest city is famous for its architecture, street art, music scene and nightlife. The Hunterian Museum, Scotland's oldest, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum are both worth a visit.
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - Take a boat trip across the UK's biggest lake or lace up your hiking boots to climb Conic Hill (an easy 2.5-mile walk) or the most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond. The Highlands meet the Lowlands in this national park, so you can enjoy beautiful and varied landscapes if you have time to explore.
• Lochaber - Set out from the village of Glencoe to climb a Munro (hill), or go mountain biking, sea kayaking or wildlife spotting.
• Ben Nevis - Climb to the peak of Britain's highest mountain, or go skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding slopes during winter months.
• Fort William - From Fort William you can take a boat trip on Loch Linnhe or board the Jacobite Steam Train through the highlands, famous for its role in the Harry Potter films. Back in town, the 400 metre-long Neptune's Staircase locks are impressive if you manage to catch a boat making its journey through them.
• Loch Ness - As well as taking a boat trip to search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster, visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle or find out more about highland life at the Highland Folk Museum.

• Inverness - Around the city, Inverness Art Gallery, the Highlanders Museum, Inverness Castle and the 18th century Fort George are all worth a visit. Just outside the city, you'll find the Bronze Age Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield, site of the famous 1745 battle.
• The Cairngorms - One of the UK's top ski destinations, you can also hike here in summer for spectacular mountain views. Take the country's highest funicular railway to the Ptarmigan restaurant at the summit, or stop off in Aviemore for a lively apres-ski atmosphere.
• Pitlochry - In this charming town on the edge of the Highlands, you can tour the Blair Atholl whisky distillery, hike, or kayak on the nearby lochs.
• Perth - Scottish kings Macbeth and Robert the Bruce were crowned in Perth's Scone Palace. On the banks of the River Tay, this city is also home to the Black Watch Museum, dedicated to one of Scotland's most legendary regiments.
• Alnwick - Visit the vast Alnwick Castle, home of the Dukes of Northumberland for nearly 900 years, which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
• Newcastle - The biggest city in the region is famous for its nightlife. If you're here in the daytime, immerse yourself in modern art at the Biscuit Factor, explore the Victoria Tunnel which runs right underneath the city or head to the nearby Beamish open-air museum.
• York - Potter around the Shambles, the medieval streets of this historic riverside city, explore its magnificent cathedral or learn about its Viking history at Jorvik Viking Centre.
• The Peak District National Park - A hiker's paradise, you'll find stunning views and picturesque villages across this national park. Visit Bakewell, one of the park's biggest towns, and nearby Chatsworth, a vast country house.
• Cambridge - Take to the water on the River Cam which runs beside many of the city's historic colleges. There are also several excellent museums to explore across the beautiful city centre.

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

Scotland has four distinct seasons but all of them come with a chance of rain. Summers are cool, which can make for ideal hiking weather, and winters vary depending on where you are in the country. There's something to do whatever season you visit Scotland, but you'll have to tailor your trip to the conditions.

Scotland has cool, wet summers so pack accordingly. Average temperatures peak at around 17 degrees Celsius when you get as far north as Loch Ness, and rain is possible all through the summer. The days are long though, especially when you travel north, with the sun setting close to midnight.

With international theatre, dance and live music stars taking part in Edinburgh International Festival, and hundreds more independent and alternative acts featuring in the Fringe, accommodation is at a premium here in August, especially if you're looking for more affordable options.

It often snows in the Highlands during winter, and with average temperatures sitting not far above freezing you should always drive cautiously as you travel through the north of Scotland and be prepared to adapt your route according to the conditions. Snow tyres aren't compulsory in the UK.

Outside the big cities, many attractions shut down over winter so check seasonal opening before you travel if you have something particular in mind. Don't let the short days catch you out either – sometimes you'll only get 5 hours of daylight. However, if you're lucky you might see the northern lights.

Further south in Scotland it stays a little warmer and snow is less common, but it can still get very wet.

There are plenty of events to keep you busy if you're travelling in the winter. Edinburgh's Hogmanay (new year) celebrations are legendary, but this means the city will be busy, with higher accommodation prices.

Look out for Burns Suppers and ceilidhs if you're travelling in January, celebrating the much-loved Scottish poet. The Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow also takes place in January, and you can enjoy live traditional music at events across the city

Spring and autumn are both cool in Scotland, with average temperatures of 11 degrees in April and 13 degrees in October. As with summer and winter, it rains frequently.

Further north you still might encounter icy conditions all through spring. May is a popular time to visit, with temperatures approaching their peak of 15 degrees and trees and flowers in bloom, but take repellent if you're planning on exploring the hills to ward off the infamous midges.

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How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

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

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Planning A Trip To Scotland – The Ultimate Guide

Categories Planning a trip to Scotland , Scotland , Scotland Guides

Are you planning a trip to Scotland for the first time? How exciting! My first trip to Scotland was so amazing, that I ended up moving to Edinburgh a few years later. I’ve combined my years of experience working as a travel agent, travelling the world, and living and exploring Scotland to put this guide together to help you plan your dream trip.

Table of Contents

In my Planning a Trip to Scotland Guide I’m spilling the beans on how I personally plan my trips around Scotland. I cover the best times to visit Scotland, the regions you can visit, how to book flights, accommodation and activities and what to pack.

I hope this guide is a great introduction to planning a trip to Scotland!

Planning a trip to Scotland

Hiking the Quiraing on Isle of Skye at sunrise

What is the best time to visit Scotland?

Anytime! It really just depends on what you want out of your trip to Scotland.

My favourite months for exploring Scotland are April and May . This is spring in Scotland when the weather is starting to get warmer and we have more daylight hours. Scotland’s nature is also in full bloom, and you can enjoy it with fewer tourists around before the busy summer months.

Scotland gets busier in June, July and August, and these are the busiest months for tourists. That being said, Edinburgh is really fun during August because five of the Edinburgh festivals are on. The streets are swarmed with people attending the festivities, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Bear in mind this may not be the best time for you to visit if you hate crowds, and accommodation prices also triple during August making Edinburgh an expensive option!

Kinlochbervie in the northwestern highlands in summer

I also love travelling around Scotland during September and October. The autumn colours are gorgeous and the weather is still warm (particularly in September). If you’re looking for autumn breaks in Scotland , I’ve written a guide on my favourite places to see the golden foliage.

Another thing to be aware of when you’re planning a trip to Scotland is that most attractions are only open from April to around mid-October. If you’re visiting outside this time, you may be unable to visit all the castles, palaces and other historical attractions you want to see. Make sure you check the opening dates on the websites of the places you’d like to visit. Historic Scotland and the National Trust For Scotland are two of the main organisations that look after Scotland’s ancient attractions and are a good place to check opening dates.

During winter in Scotland , there is very little daylight. The sun will usually rise at around 8.30am and it will be pitch black by 3-4 pm. Keep this in mind when planning your trip to Scotland- you will need to squeeze in a lot with short daylight hours.

Average temperature guide:

• Spring: 7°C (45°F) to 13 °C (55°F)
• Summer: 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F)
• Autumn/Fall: 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F)
• Winter: -5°C (23°F) to 11 °C (51.8°F)

Please note the above is a guide; Scotland has very changeable weather and we can sometimes get snow or 25°C (77°F) days in spring!

Times to avoid visiting Scotland

When planning a trip to Scotland it is best to visit outside our school holiday and public holiday periods. Scotland can be busy during these times! You can search school holiday dates for each region here and public and bank holidays here .

Read my complete guide: When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Plan a trip to Scotland in the spring or autumn for the pretty colours

Where should you visit in Scotland?

Are you a nature lover or city slicker? Are you adventurous or do you like a relaxing spa weekend? Do you prefer whisky distilleries and bustling pubs or going off the beaten path?

Scotland may be a small country, but each of her regions are unique and different. There is something for everyone in Scotland!

I’ve written an in-depth guide on the regions in Scotland – so make sure you give that a read. It will give you a good idea about what there is to do in each region, and what each region in Scotland is known for. I’ve also given my top accommodation recommendations for each region.

Here’s a brief overview of each region:

Join my Scotland Travel Tips Facebook group for help planning your trip -it’s free!

• Aberdeenshire & Moray – Aberdeenshire is home to some of Scotland’s most famous castles on The Castle Trail. Moray is also home to the Speyside whisky region and the Malt Whisky Trail. Read my posts on Aberdeenshire and Moray
• Argyll & the Isles – Known as ‘Scotland’s Adventure Coast’, this region is known for its cute seaside villages, delicious seafood, and the islands making up the Inner Hebrides. It’s one of the most beautiful regions in Scotland and a personal favourite! Read my posts on Argyll and the Isles
• Ayrshire & Arran – Ayrshire is home to rolling farmland and over 50 golf courses! Arran is known as ‘Scotland in miniature’ and is an island that offers a little bit of everything. Read my posts on Ayrshire and Arran.
• Dumfries & Galloway – D&G is home to Scotland’s largest Dark Sky Park, Scotland’s National Book Town and Gretna Green, the marriage capital of Scotland where English couples would elope during the 18th century. Read my posts on Dumfries and Galloway
• Dundee & Angus – Known for its outstanding glens, innovation in design, museums and Arbroath Smokies [smoked haddock].
• Edinburgh & the Lothians – Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and is known for its beautiful gothic architecture. This region is also home to Linlithgow in West Lothian, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots (I also call West Lothian home!) Read my posts on Edinburgh & the Lothians
• Fife – Nicknamed the ‘Kingdom of Fife’ by locals, Fife was once home to Scotland’s biggest cathedral, St Andrews Cathedral. Today it is known for its pretty fishing villages in the East Neuk of Fife and for being a popular Outlander filming location. Read my posts on Fife
• Glasgow & the Clyde Valley – Glasgow and The Clyde Valley is known for its parks and green spaces, colourful and quirky locals, entertaining nightlife and thriving music scene. Glasgow is a great city for foodies, shopping and a night out! Read my posts on Glasgow & the Clyde Valley
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park [and Stirlingshire] – Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is Scotland’s first national park and is the perfect place for a nature escape. Stirling is famous for the almost-impregnable Stirling Castle and the world’s largest equine sculpture, The Kelpies. Read my posts on Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
• Orkney & Shetland – Orkney is made up of more than 70 islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It’s home to a variety of 5000-year-old Neolithic sites, towering sandstone cliffs and seal colonies. Shetland is located even further north of Orkney and is known for its ancient standing stones, Iron Age brochs and Viking heritage. Read my posts on Orkney & Shetland
• Outer Hebrides – An archipelago chain of over 100 islands spanning 150 miles and surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, the Outer Hebrides are one of Europe’s last untouched natural habitats. It’s the perfect place in Scotland to get off the beaten path. Read my posts on the Outer Hebrides
• Perthshire – Perthshire is the colourful beating heart of Scotland made up of cosy villages, tranquil walking trails, and bubbling brooks. Perthshire is the best place to visit in Scotland during autumn! Read my posts on Perthshire
• Scottish Borders – In the Scottish Borders you will find rolling hills and farmland, ancient abbey ruins and Roman roads that were once walked regularly by Scottish and English armies. It’s a region filled with history, and is popular for hill walking and horse riding. Read my posts on the Scottish Borders
• Scottish Highlands – Home to misty mountains, enormous lochs, cosy cabins, craggy castles and rugged coastline- the Highlands is a playground for outdoor lovers. Combined with it’s romantic clan history, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Scotland. Read my posts on the Scottish Highlands
• Scottish Islands – The Scottish Islands are primarily located in the Western Isles, however, there are some located on the north and east coast of Scotland. Each island is special in its own way and you’ll find an abundance of unique culture, cuisine and friendly hospitality second to none. Read my posts on the Scottish Islands

Read more: 34 books about Scotland you’ll love

The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Things to do in Scotland

There are SO many things to do in Scotland, but I won’t overwhelm you. If you have a week in Scotland, I recommend ticking the following off your bucket list:

• At least 1-2 castles
• A whisky distillery
• A traditional Scottish pub
• At least one city, one town and one village
• At least one island
• Go on 1-2 hikes
• Visit a loch
• Visit at least one place in Scotland off the beaten path

If you need inspiration or ideas on things to do in Scotland, you can read all my Scotland blog posts here .

I also recommend using the Historic Scotland and National Trust for Scotland websites to find interesting historic sites to visit!

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

Hiking in the Northwestern Highlands

Booking flights to Scotland

The key to finding the cheapest and most direct flights is patience and knowing where to search. I predominantly use Skyscanner to search for flights, and I also check Google Flights .

This is my four step process for finding cheap flights:

First of all, I do a quick search in Skyscanner to get a rough idea of price and the different flight paths available.

I always search in Incognito mode. Most commercial websites use Cookies to keep track of what you are searching on their website. Let’s say you’re flying from San Francisco to Edinburgh and you search for these flights in Google Flights or Skyscanner; now that website knows you are planning a trip there. Do you think they’re going to show you the cheapest prices anymore? Nope!

If you search while in Incognito, however, you are able to browse the web without these Cookies tracking what flights you’re searching for, so you’ll always see the cheapest flights!

Once I have an idea of what airlines fly the route I am wanting to go, I get out a notepad and write down the different flight options I can think of. I will write down the closest airport to me, and any other large airports nearby. For example, if I’m searching for flights from California to Edinburgh the major airports I’d write down would be Los Angeles and San Francisco. I would then search flights departing Los Angeles to Edinburgh, and San Francisco to Edinburgh. I also do the same for my end destination. The major airports in Scotland are Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness- search for flights to all of these airports!

For example, the flights I would search would be something like this:

• Los Angeles to Edinburgh
• Los Angeles to Inverness
• Los Angeles to Glasgow
• San Francisco to Edinburgh
• San Francisco to Inverness
• San Francisco to Glasgow

If you do all of the above searches, you’ll eventually find the cheapest and most direct route. You could also try flying into an airport in London; flights to London are often cheaper than flying into Scotland. You could then spend a few days in London and catch the LNER train or fly to Edinburgh.

Please note you can only book trains 3 months in advance- but there are regular trains from London to Scotland.

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney

Step 3 [optional]

You can even take the above a step further and add a stopover in halfway. Do a search and write down where airlines seem to stopover.

Most airlines tend to have stopovers in their ‘hub city’. For example, Air France’s hub city is- you guessed it, France. KLM is a Dutch airline so it will often stop in Amsterdam.

Using the KLM example, you could search for a flight from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, and then have a stopover here for a couple of nights, and then book a separate ticket from Amsterdam to Edinburgh. I did this when I moved to the UK from Canada, I booked two one-way tickets (Kelowna to Toronto with Canada Air, and Toronto to London with West Jet). Doing it this way saved me $300. Just ensure you allow plenty of layover time in between your flights [at least 8 hours or spend a couple of nights]. If your first flight is delayed and you miss your second flight, you may not get rebooked on another flight.

You will also need to weigh up the costs of accommodation and activities for your stopover too. When I fly long haul I like this process because it means I get to see another country and it’s cheaper than booking two separate trips!

Once I find a price I’m happy with, I search the exact flights directly with the airline. I always book direct with the airline now in case of any problems that arise. When you book via a third party, you have a whole other set of terms and conditions to adhere to. Cut out the middle man and book direct!

More helpful tips for booking flights

• Flights come out 9-10 months in advance. Flights are sometimes cheaper at this time.
• Sign up for airline email lists that fly to your destination so you are aware when they are having a sale.
• Aer Lingus is known for having cheap flights from America to Scotland (if that’s where you’re flying from).
• WestJet often has cheap flights from Canada to London.
• As soon as you book your flights, you should purchase your travel insurance in case the airline you are booking with collapses [for example when Thomas Cook went bankrupt in 2019, many people without travel insurance didn’t receive a refund- and don’t get me started on Covid!].
• For flights within Scotland [for example to the Orkney and Shetland] check the airline Loganair .

Read more: How to travel Scotland on a budget

Highlands dancers at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh

Finding the best accommodation in Scotland

When looking for accommodation in Scotland I use Booking.com . I like Booking.com because they have a large range of accommodation and offer free cancellation. Once I find a place I’m happy with, I’ll also compare prices booking directly with the property to see which has the cheapest price.

If I’m looking for a self-catering property or a house, I use VRBO and Airbnb. When I’m travelling with a group, these websites are my go-tos.

In my experience, the cheapest and most reliable third-party platforms are Booking.com , VRBO and Airbnb.

For pods, eco-huts, glamping and luxury camping I recommend Canopy & Stars and Huts and Cabins .

Read more: The best hostels in Scotland

A Scottish mansion

Booking tours and attractions in Scotland

I book most of my tours and attractions with Get Your Guide .

Get Your Guide is great because once you’ve purchased your tickets and booked your tours you can download their app, and all your tickets are in one place. They have a QR code system in the app so when you arrive the tour operators just scan your phone. It’s also super easy to make bookings on your mobile phone via the app or on their website.

Read more: 50 Travel Tips For Scotland

They also have free cancellation up to 24 hours before your activity in case your plans change, and 24/7 customer service.

I also like Get Your Guide because ticket prices are the same as purchasing direct but you can keep all your tours and activities in one place on the app.

Passes that will save you money

If you’re planning on visiting castles, cathedrals, abbeys and other Scotland attractions you might save money with an Explorer Pass from Historic Scotland.

Historic Scotland has the 7-Day Explorer Pass . With this pass, you can visit over 70 attractions in Scotland! All days must be consecutive and the cost is £44 per adult.

Entry into Edinburgh Castle alone is £19.50 online (£22 at the gate) and Stirling Castle is £17.50 online (£19.50 at the gate)- so all you have to do is visit these two attractions, plus one other, to make it worth buying the Explorer Pass.

I have an annual Historic Scotland membership and I love it! With this pass, you can purchase it for an entire year or pay monthly. If you live overseas you can purchase this pass too- but you have to pay more for postage if you wish to receive the quarterly magazine.

👉 Buy the Explorer Pass

The National Trust for Scotland also has a similar annual membership, which I also have. It’s particularly useful if you’re visiting Aberdeenshire, as many of their castles are owned by the National Trust.

You can purchase this membership online . It’s important to note that they do not have a pass similar to the 7-day Explorer Pass, so you will have to purchase the annual membership.

You can also visit other National Trust sites nationwide – including the National Trust for England attractions, which has over 500 sites.

👉 Purchase a membership with the National Trust

Edinburgh Castle

Car hire in Scotland

It is worth hiring a car if you’re visiting Scotland- you’ll get to see so much more! There are over 2000 castles in Scotland, so you won’t need to drive far to discover ancient castle ruins (with many being free to visit).

There are also many scenic drives in Scotland, including the North Coast 500 – Scotland’s answer to Route 66!

For car hire, I use Auto Europe , a car rental comparison site (similar to Skyscanner). I have my own car in Scotland, however, I used Auto Europe to hire a car on my recent trip to Ireland and they were fantastic. I was able to secure a great rate that included insurance, so all I had to do was pick up my car from the airport when I arrived.

Read more: 11 tips for driving in Scotland for the first time

One thing to always check in the fine print is the excess. In the UK and Ireland, the excess can be expensive- so ensure you have that amount on your credit card, as it will be blocked off when you pick up your rental car.

Something else to consider is the cost of fuel. If you’re visiting Scotland from Canada or the USA, you may be disappointed with the fuel costs here. As I write this in 2024, the cost for petrol/gas is sitting at around £1.50 per litre ($1.89USD).

I’ve found fuel to be a little cheaper in the bigger cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The cheapest place to buy fuel is usually at an ASDA or Morrisons supermarket (but please note not all stores have a fuelling station).

Other car hire companies in Scotland that I recommend include Celtic Legend and Arnold Clark Car Rental .

Don’t want to drive yourself around Scotland? My husband and I provide private driving tours in Scotland! We can take you on a day trip or multi-day tour departing Edinburgh. You can choose from our range of itineraries or we can take you wherever you want to go! Visit our website Kiwi and Haggis Tours for more information.

Motorhome hire in Scotland

Another popular way self-drive option is touring Scotland in a motorhome !

There are many fantastic campsites throughout Scotland, plus you can also wild camp in Scotland. Just be sure to follow the Outdoor Access Code , and dispose of your waste at a designated site if you plan on wild camping in a motorhome.

Driving the North Coast 500

Read more: The best bookshops in Scotland

Public transport in Scotland

Travel by train.

Scotrail is the main railway in Scotland. Their website is useful for researching train routes and prices.

I always compare prices with Scotrail and Trainline to find the cheapest train tickets. For long journeys, I recommend purchasing your tickets online. For short train journeys (Edinburgh to Glasgow and travel within the central belt) you can purchase your tickets at the train station using the machines there.

Tickets for trains are available to book 12 weeks in advance.

Travel by Bus

For travel within the UK, I recommend first looking at Megabus . They have some fantastic fares- some for just £1!

Stagecoach and Scottish Citylink are other popular bus companies in Scotland.

Tickets for buses are available to book 12 weeks in advance.

Read more: 25 tips for sustainable travel in Scotland

Each region has their own local bus system. The bus companies in Edinburgh and Glasgow are fantastic- it’s my favourite way to travel around the cities. To explore Edinburgh by bus you can purchase an all-day ticket with Lothian Buses for £5. In Glasgow, you can get a day pass with First Buses for £5.60-£7.50.

Tickets can be purchased on board and most buses in cities accept contactless payments (tap or Apple Pay). In smaller towns and villages they may not accept contactless payments, so make sure you bring the correct change.

You can also explore Scotland’s cities on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus (HOHO). You can grab a 24-hour tour in Edinburgh , Glasgow and Inverness. These are useful because they usually stop outside the main attractions, so you can use it like a normal bus pass, plus you learn about the city’s history via the audio guide!

Get your tickets in advance 👉 Buy the 24-hour HOHO tour in Edinburgh 👉 Buy the 24-hour HOHO tour in Glasgow 👉 Buy the 24-hour HOHO tour in Inverness

The Hop-on, Hop-off bus is a great way to get to know Scotland’s cities

Packing for a trip to Scotland

I have written a complete blog post on what to pack for a trip to Scotland , so make sure you give that a read. Here are a few essentials I recommend you bring to Scotland:

• Shoes that are waterproof. I love my Timberlands ‘- they’re perfect for navigating cobblestone paths in small towns and cities.
• Rain jacket. My Rab rain jacket is a godsend- plus it’s flattering!
• A hat and gloves. I love my Barts beanie and these gloves .
• Lots of layers for the changeable weather.
• A warm-down jacket. I love my one from The North Face .
• For hiking, I recommend these Scarpa Terra hiking boots for women. They also have a men’s version .

You can find all of the above in my Amazon store. Here is my USA Amazon store and here is my UK Amazon store.

Packing for a hiking adventure in Scotland

Recommended Scotland itineraries

I’ve written several itineraries for travel in Scotland. My itineraries cover all the must-sees in Scotland, and I’ve also included many off-the-beaten-track experiences too!

If you’re planning on going to any of these areas, make sure you give these itineraries a try.

• How to spend 4 days in Scotland
• How to spend 10 days in Scotland
• How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh
• How to spend 2 days in Inverness
• How to spend 2 days on the Isle of Skye
• How to spend 1 day in St Andrews
• Things to do in Glencoe
• An itinerary for the North Coast 500

Everyone has a different travel style, so if you’d like a personalised itinerary made for you, I’d love to help! Just check out my itinerary planning services page for all the information.

Read more: Common questions about visiting Scotland answered

Exploring the castle ruin of Elcho Castle in Perthshire

Planning a trip to Scotland course

Need help planning your trip to Scotland?

I highly recommend signing up for my  Planning A Trip to Scotland Course . Created by myself and Lonely Planet writer Kay (The Chaotic Scot), the course includes 70+ short videos that walk you through planning your itinerary step-by-step!

This course will help you save time, stress, and money- and help you plan your perfect trip. Kay and I walk you through the exact process we use for planning our own trips around Scotland- including hiring a car and using public transport, finding things to do, travelling to the islands, the map-building technology that we use, travel etiquette, and SO much more.

👉 Get the Planning A Trip to Scotland Course

Helpful Links

Historic Scotland – to research any castles or historic spaces you’d like to visit, and to check opening dates National Trust For Scotland – to research any castles or historic spaces you’d like to visit, and to check opening dates Skyscanner – to find cheap flights and compare prices with different airlines Google Flights – another flight comparison website Booking.com – for booking accommodation VRBO – for booking accommodation Canopy & Stars – for glamping and luxury camping Huts and Cabins – pods, huts, glamping, and camping accommodation WalkHighlands – for information on hiking in Scotland with over 2000 hiking routes Auto Europe – car hire comparison website I use for hire in the UK Celtic Legend – car hire in Scotland Scotrail – main train network in Scotland and for checking train routes Trainline – it’s sometimes works out cheaper booking trains here Megabus UK – for cheap bus fares in Scotland and the UK

>> Did this guide help you? Don’t forget to sign up to my monthly newsletter about my adventures in Scotland!

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Related posts

Sunday 18th of February 2024

Fabulous email! Thanks for all the info!

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

Hi! I am planning a trip to Scotland in September. This will not only be my first time to Scotland, but also my first time out of the United States! Thank you so much for this; it has been so helpful! I did have a question as far as spending money there. I plan on paying ahead of time for some attractions with the links you provided. But as far as restaurants, bars, and shopping, do most places accept credit cards? Will I need a lot of cash on me, that I'll need to switch over from US dollars?

Friday 27th of January 2023

Great site, so useful! I'm combining this with London/SW England. Do you have a good blogger to suggest for that area? Thanks

Chuck Schall

Friday 11th of November 2022

My wife and I are planning a trip to Scotland in early June. We are interested in hiring a driver/guide instead of driving ourselves. Do you have any recommendations?

Yvette Webster

I highly recommend Tom from Photo Walk Scotland - I've been on a few tous with him and he is fantastic! He can do day tours and multi-day tours. He has a degree in Scottish History too, so a very interesting chap! Plus if you mention that I referred you, he will give you 15% off too. His website is https://www.photowalkscotland.com/

Monday 17th of October 2022

Can you please create your own calendar? I would certainly purchase one!

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Europe , Scotland , Travel

Perfect scotland itinerary.

Scotland is an Incredible, Wild, Historic, Mystical Country that Just Begs to be Visited. If Scotland is Calling you, I’ve got the Perfect Scotland Itinerary for You.

The perfect scotland itinerary – discover the best things to do in scotland on this incredible road trip.

This post contains affiliate links

You’re Going to Scotland!!!

So you’ve been bitten by the “Scotland Bug” and you’re ready to plan your trip! Great choice! Scotland is an incredible country with a deep, rich history, culture, and loads of whisky distilleries! You’ll be able to see hundreds of historic sites, abbeys , castles, sheep, highland cows, and even more stunning scenery. Although a relatively small country, there are so many places to see in Scotland, that it can seem overwhelming. But fear not, I have broken down this Scotland itinerary into seven days of pure Scottish awesomeness! If you’re wondering what to see in Scotland, but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Half the fun of visiting somewhere new is planning what you’ll see, do, eat and wear. But it’s also overwhelming. Be sure to read through this itinerary and it’s accompanying posts on the Isle of Skye , Edinburgh , Inverness , and Glasgow to give you an idea of what you want to see, where your priorities are and a few options on what you want to include or exclude from your personal Scotland itinerary.

Scotland Itinerary – Wanderlust Guide

If you want to visit Scotland, but would rather take the work out of planning your trip, consider using my Wanderlust Guide Scotland Itinerary. It takes the stress out of planning and takes you day by day through the highlands and lowlands of Scotland, showing you as much of the country as possible while leaving plenty of time to enjoy your trip. 

Planning a Trip to Scotland

You’re ready to start planning your Scotland trip, great! Let’s talk about what to pack, where to go in Scotland, and where to stay. 

Packing for Scotland

Scotland is a gorgeous country…love it to death, but can we talk about the weather ? You’re not going to Hawaii ok, so plan accordingly!

The weather in Scotland can be…unpredictable, at best! I would pay no mind to any weather forecast you have previously looked at. The skies can change on a dime and surprise you for better or worse. Chances are, no matter what time of year you go to Scotland that you will have rain and it will be chilly during some part of your trip. Having layers and waterproof gear is essential.

Follow this   Scotland Packing List to be sure you have the best gear!

What to wear in Scotland:

• Waterproof Shoes
• Blanket Scarf

Planning Your Route

One of the best ways to see Scotland is by car or having your own vehicle. Taking a tour is great and stress-free, but Scotland self drive tours can be economical and a ton of fun. The country is easy to navigate, and it just takes a bit of planning and effort.  Try to stay organized when planning your Scotland Itinerary. I love using Google Maps, or Phone Apps like TripIt or Roadtrippers to plan out my itinerary and driving route before I leave. This is especially helpful if you won’t have cell service or have bad service, which is entirely likely in Scotland, especially as you get to the highlands. It’s great to have an offline option for keeping your trip organized. It helps to keep all your flight itineraries, rental car confirmation numbers, driving directions and hotel addresses all in one place and looking tidy. It’s great if you have to go back and log expenses as well!

Getting to Scotland

The cheapest flights into Scotland can usually be found to Edinburgh or Glasgow, but be sure to check other, smaller airports such as Aberdeen, where some budget airlines might fly into. Find out how I get insanely cheap flights to Europe ALL the time! 

Driving in Scotland

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

If you want to really see Scotland, you’ll have to rent a car. Coming from the US or mainland Europe, driving on the left can sound really scary, but it doesn’t have to be.  Here are a few tips:

• Think Left, Left, Left: Repeat the word “left” in your mind or out loud several times before you drive and while you’re starting out. Close your eyes and visualize yourself on the left. These seem kind of silly, but they will really help as you prepare to completely flip your usual driving autopilot brain backwards!
• When in doubt, follow the car in front of you.
• Roundabouts: Scotland and Europe, in general, is full of roundabouts. They are fantastic things that really help with the flow of traffic. In Scotland, they will curve to the left. Most of the time they consist of several lanes. be sure to follow the arrows or signs for which lane you need to be in. There can be anywhere from 2-6 or more exits on a roundabout and they can get pretty tricky. Just pay attention and you will be fine.
• Narrow Roads : Scotland is full of narrow roads with stone walls on either side. It’s an effort, but be sure to stay in your lane and not grazing the side of the wall or hedges.
• One Track Roads: You may come across quite a few one track roads, especially on the Isle of Skye. This means that there will be one lane shared by two directions of traffic. You will see “passing places” along all the roads where you must pull over and wait for cars to pass if you see them. Always pull over to the left. Never cross the road to pull into a passing place located on the right.
• Watch for animals: There’s nothing more magical than being in a sheep traffic jam! Just be sure to give them the right of way and pay attention. Also, look out for deer!
• Insurance: With all of the narrow roads, stone walls, hedges, small parking spaces and new left driving orientation, I always recommend that you get the full insurance on a rental car.Alternatively, look into your credit card as some cards, such as Chase Sapphire offer full rental car insurance in foreign countries. Be sure to bring along proof of this for the rental car company.

One Week in Scotland Itinerary

There’s never enough time to explore Scotland and it could honestly take you a lifetime, but most people who write to me asking for advice only have around one week in Scotland. I’ve configured this itinerary for you to be able to see the best of Scotland in a week. 

Now that you’ve done all you can to prepare for getting to, driving in and packing for Scotland, it’s time to talk about where you’ll be heading! I’ve arranged these 7 days in Scotland to begin and end in Edinburgh , where most flights will take you to in Scotland, but you can start this itinerary from anywhere on the map, or skip, add, change direction and alter to your heart’s content!

Map of the Perfect Scotland Itinerary for 7 days

I’ve created this interactive map of your 7 days in Scotland with directions between cities included.

Get your free Scotland Travel Planner

Day one: edinburgh.

Edinburgh will most likely be your starting point on your journey around Scotland, if it’s not, feel free to skip ahead! Edinburgh is a beautiful city full of rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food! What I think I love most about Edinburgh is that old-world feel mixed with a quirky vibe that’s hard to describe.

There are some amazing Airbnb apartments right in the historic center of Edinburgh. When we stayed there we booked a very affordable place which had a patio overlooking Edinburgh Castle. It was incredible and a highlight of our trip! My kids said they loved being able to look at “Hogwarts” haha! You can find that apartment here. 

Here is a list of affordable apartments in Edinburgh for families of 4-6! 

You could spend weeks wandering the streets of Edinburgh, but I’ve given you two days here, so get busy!

Here is a great detailed list of what to do in Edinburgh.   But here is a quick list to get you started:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Elephant House Cafe
• Victoria Street
• Calton Hill
• The Royal Mile
• St Giles Cathedral
• Scott Monument
• Grass Market
• Malt Whisky Trail

Day Two: Edinburgh & St. Andrews

Spend the night in Edinburgh, wake up and explore the city for about half a day. Finish up your Edinburgh list:

• Hike Arthur’s Seat for sunrise
• Holyrood Palace

Now that you’ve finished seeing Edinburgh, head to St. Andrews, it’s about an hour away from Edinburgh, known as a golf mecca and home to St. Andrews University which was founded in 1413, making it the 3rd oldest university in the UK, following only Oxford and Cambridge.

• St. Andrew’s Cathedral: Once the largest church in Scotland, St. Andrews Cathedral was a place of pilgrimage for Catholics during the medieval ages. It is in ruins now, but you can climb St. Rules tower and take in the views from the top.
• St. Andrews Links: Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast (I certainly am not), take a stroll along the cart paths and appreciate the famed course for its beauty and views.
• Blair Castle: This beautiful castle was just featured on an episode of Victoria and it’s right off the motorway, so stop if you have the time!

When you’ve had a taste for St. Andrews, begin your drive to Inverness. On your way, consider stopping at

Day Three: Inverness

Known as the capital of the highlands, Inverness is an ancient city with a long history. Home to Shakespeare’s infamous Macbeth and the stage for the Jacobite uprising and final defeat, Inverness will allow you to connect with the past like nowhere else.

I recommend stopping here for at least one night and giving yourself a full day to explore the surrounding areas. There are plenty of Airbnbs in the area, or you can even rent a camper van to hunt for Nessie yourself! 

Here is a list of affordable houses in the Inverness area

You should be able to see all of this in one day, but you can stay one more night here and finish in the morning, because you’ve got a big drive ahead of you tomorrow to the Isle of Skye . Read this in depth article about what to do in Inverness.   But here is a quick list:

• Culloden Battlefield
• Clava Cairns
• Urquhart Castle
• Cairngorms National Park

Day Four: Inverness and Drive to Isle of Skye

Finish up anything you missed in Inverness and begin the drive to the Isle of Skye . I prefer taking the northern route because it is the highest north that you will get in the highlands. If you’re there in the spring you will get a beautiful show from the purple heather blooming on the rolling hills. Just before you get to the Isle of Skye , stop at:

• Eilean Donan Castle

Take your time getting to Skye , but try to arrive before dark as you’ll be driving on one track roads at times, which can be tricky come nightfall, and riving over the Skye Bridge is something you’ll want to do in the daylight.

I recommend staying in Portree for the night as it is the capital of Skye and has great food and accommodations. This will be a great location for everything you’ll be doing tomorrow.

Day Five: Isle of Skye

Located on the west coast, The Isle of Skye, while becoming increasingly popular, is truly worth the drive! You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time once crossing the bridge onto the island life. While the island is small, there is much to see. I recommend staying here for at least two nights to give yourself a full day and maybe even two half days here. There are some fantastic Airbnbs on the Isle of Skye. Most of the homes are old shepherd cottages that are just adorable. We stayed in an old shepherd cottage near the Museum of Highland Life that had the most incredible sea view! I honestly didn’t want to leave. You can find our Airbnb here. 

Here is a list of affordable houses on the Isle of Skye

Wherever you stay, I HIGHLY recommend getting up at sunrise for your day on the Isle of Skye. The sunrise views just cannot be beat!  Read my Guide for Visiting the Isle of Skye . Here is a quick list of what to do:

• The Quiraing (catch the sunrise here!)
• Old Man of Storr
• Neist Point
• Dunvegan Castle
• Fairy Pools
• Flora MacDonald Memorial Grave

You’ll probably want to spend another night on the Isle of Skye, since you’ll have a really full day and you don’t want to drive out of here at night!

Day Six: Isle of Skye and Drive to Glasgow

Wake up and finish anything on the Isle of Skye that you missed yesterday and start your journey to Glasgow. On your way there, stop at Glencoe and take in the beautiful scenery.

Day Seven: Glasgow

Spend half the day exploring Glawgow. Follow this Glasgow Local’s Guide . Then head to Stirling Castle and back to Edinburgh! I hope you fall in love with Scotland as much as I have and I hope this perfect Scotland itinerary will help you plan the perfect day trip! I’m always happy to help with trip planning. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram if you need help! And check out The North Face on Zappos to get your Campshire gear ready for your trip of a lifetime to Scotland!

Scotland Itinerary FAQ

If you really want to explore Scotland, then anywhere between 7-10 days would be ideal. There are so many amazing places to visit and activities to do that you won’t want to miss out. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just someone looking for an amazing experience, Scotland has something for everyone.

7 days can give you enough time to see some of Scotland’s highlights, but if you have the opportunity to stay longer it is highly recommended. Some places in Scotland you may want to allocate more time for include: Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Edinburgh.

Scotland offers something different all throughout the year. However, May is the best time to go in terms of weather. But if you’re looking to experience festivals, then August and September are great times to visit.

Wanderlust Crew

16 thoughts on “ perfect scotland itinerary ”.

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Hello, Any accommodations you would recommend in Scotland? We are looking at a week in the summer and have just started looking. If we spend a few nights in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Isle Of Skye, and Inverness, did you book Airbnb’s in each place? Thanks, Kate

Hey Kate! We mostly stayed in Airbnbs but we stayed in an amazing hotel in Edinburgh. Our room was bigger than my house! There were two big bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a huge kitchen and living room. I booked it with my hotel points but it was only about $175/night in downtown Edinburgh which I thought was awesome. You can find it here: https://booki.ng/2H9IOqH

When we went to Edinburgh again, the hotel was booked so we stayed in this Airbnb which was also awesome https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23706638 a lot smaller though!

On the Isle of Skye, Airbnbs will be your best bet. There are quite a few. I’ve stayed in several and also several hotels there, but this is by far my favorite airbnb. We didn’t want to leave. the views were incredible! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21872504

We stayed here near Stirling Castle https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9815972

I hope this helps!

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

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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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134 Scotland Tours found.

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

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Your Question:

Loch Ness and the Highlands

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

Jacobite Steam Train Experience

Journey through the glorious scenery of the Highlands and travel on the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express.

Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and Highlands Tour

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

Edinburgh City Tour

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

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies

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

Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

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

Road to the Isles

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

Skye and the Scottish Highlands

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

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

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

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle

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

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands

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

Outlander Experience

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

The Jacobite Highlander

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

Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands

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

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

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

West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles

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

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glen Coe Adventure

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

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

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

Loch Ness Temptation - Afternoon Tour

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

Glasgow City Tour

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

Jacobite Steam Train Adventure

All aboard for a spellbinding day exploring dramatic Highland scenery - and a magical journey on a very special train, the real Hogwarts Express.

Loch Ness Experience

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

Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools

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

Scenic Skye

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

The Ultimate Skye Tour

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

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Loch Ness Discovery

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

Loch Ness Temptation - Morning Tour

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

Edinburgh by Train

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

Inverness City Tour

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

Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glen Coe Experience

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

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland

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

Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness

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

Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train

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

Heart of the Highlands

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

Isle of Skye Explorer

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

Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides

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

Loch Ness Explorer

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

Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500

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

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

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

Orkney Discovery

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

Hebridean Discovery Small Group Tour

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

Orkney Odyssey

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

Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital

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

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

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

Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands

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

Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands

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

Edinburgh, Skye and the Highlands

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

Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North

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

Amazing Britain

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

Best of Britain

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

Real Britain

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

Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands

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

Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander

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

Taste of Britain

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

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

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

A Classic Steam Break

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

A Scottish Journey

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

Alnwick Castle and The Border Country

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

Alnwick Castle and the Scottish Borders

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

Applecross Adventure

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

Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland

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

Best of Scotland

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

Best of the Scottish Highlands

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

Bonnie Scotland

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

Braemar Highland Gathering

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

British Escape with Return to London

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

British Highlights

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

British Royale

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

Castles and Kilts

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

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

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

Country Roads of Scotland

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

Edinburgh Tattoo Experience

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

Elegance of Great Britain

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

England and Scotland Heritage

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

Fort George, Culloden Moor and the Cairngorms National Park

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

Gems of Britain

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

Glasgow, The Cultural Capital

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

Glenfinnan, Eilean Donan Castle and the North West Highlands

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

Hebridean Explorer Small Group Tour

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

Highland Games Experience

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

Highlands and Islands

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

Highlights of Britain

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

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland by Air

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

Highlights of the Outer Hebrides

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

Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and the Northumberland Coast

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

In Quest of the Holy Grail

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

Islay and Jura

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

Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour

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

Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools and Highland Castles

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

Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan and The Highlands

Enjoy a spectacular tour through the picturesque Scottish Highlands and take a spectacular trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express.

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

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

Loch Ness Rambler

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

Magical Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

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

Majestic Edinburgh Tour

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

Majestic Scotland

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

Moray Coast, Puffins and Whisky

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

Oban and the Western Highlands

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

Oban, Glen Coe, West Highland Lochs and Castles

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

Orkney Explorer

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

Outlander Adventure with local pick-up

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

Outlander Film Locations

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

Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Whisky

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

Scenic Scottish Railways

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

Scotland inspired by Outlander

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

Scotland's Extreme North West

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

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

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

Scotland's Northern Edge

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

Scottish and Irish Dream

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

Scottish Clans and Castles

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

Scottish Dream

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

Scottish Escape

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

Scottish Highland Escape

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

Scottish Highland Fling

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

Scottish Highland Railways

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

Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities

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

Scottish Isles and Glens

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

Scottish Outland Adventure

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

Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

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

Skye, Orkney and the Highlands

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

Skye, The Highlands and Inverness

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

St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife

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

St Andrews, Falkland and the Fishing Villages of Fife

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

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

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

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky

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

Taste of Scotland

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

The Argyll Explorer

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

The Edinburgh Tour

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

The Essential Whisky Experience

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

The Highlands of Harry Potter Adventure

The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

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

The Original Loch Ness Tour

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

The Outlander Trail Small Group Tour

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

The Scots and the Irish

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

Whisky and Waterfalls

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

The Perfect Itinerary for 7 Days in London and Edinburgh

Isabelle Newcomb

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

International Travel

Arts & Culture

Couples Travel

City Travel

Group Travel

Road Trip Travel

Sightseeing

Multi-Destination

Curator’s statement

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

The Fora Difference

Book with Isabelle to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Vintry and mercer.

Luxury hotel with fashionable rooms in the heart of London.

$50 – 100 (resort / spa) credit.

Daily breakfast.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione

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

Andaz London Liverpool Street

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

20% food / beverage discount.

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

Guaranteed 2pm late check-out.

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

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

$100 food / beverage credit.

Breakfast daily.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

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

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Day 1: Arrive in London

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

My suggestions are:

The Grenadier .

Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn .

The Lamb & Flag .

Covent Garden .

Day 2: Sightseeing in London

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

Piccadilly Circus - The London version of Times Square.

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey - Whitehall.

St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Tower of London/London Bridge.

Buckingham Palace.

Oxford Street.

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

Day 3: Borough Market in London or travel to Edinburgh

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

Day 4: Visit Loch Ness & Glencoe

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

The Bow Bar.

Dirty Dick’s Pub

Sandy Bell’s.

Day 5: Visit Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile

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

The Grain Store .

Wedgwood The Restaurant .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Koya Soho .

Food House .

Day 7: Final day in London

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

E Pellicci .

Regency Cafe .

Lunch Suggestions:

Scarlett Garden .

Need to Know

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

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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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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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18 September 2023 at 05:50

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Scotland Road Trip: The ONLY itinerary you need (29 unmissable places)

Planning a Scotland road trip? Trying to figure out where to go and what to do during your visit? Here are the best Scotland itinerary ideas for variety of durations, including long weekends, 4-5 days, 7-10 days and 14+ days, although you can mix, match or extend as you wish!

Don’t forget to grab your free guide to the best places to see on a Scotland road trip below- to help you plan your perfect road trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

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Scotland Road Trip- why visit?

Put simply- Scotland is just magical.

It’s one of those incredible places where you turn corner after corner and each is more breathtaking than the last! (Exactly the same as  Norway ) .

You can expect to say ‘wow’ a lot and stop frequently to take a million photos of the scenery. And the Highland cows. And sheep.

Did I mention the scenery?

The problem is there is SO MUCH to see.

Planning a Scotland road trip can be DAUNTING. Trying to squeeze a visit to a country into just a few days is tough, but it IS possible to plan a Scotland travel itinerary with the best places to visit, as well as some places off the ‘beaten track’.

In this post, we’ll show you the best scenic routes & driving roads in Scotland , lochs, castles, towns you definitely should visit, plus how to visit the Scottish Highlands .

Whether you’re touring Scotland by car on a self-drive holiday, motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland or exploring by motorbike (or any other vehicle!), our map of our Scotland road trip will help you plan your own adventure.

How to plan a Scotland Road Trip

So, how DO you narrow down all the ‘must-visit’ places into a reasonable itinerary, especially if you only have a few days for your Scottish road trip? 

Do you focus on visiting beautiful cities like Edinburgh, seeing the history of Scotland, like Culloden, visiting HARRY POTTER sites , hiking in the Highlands, driving the North Coast 500 ? Or a bit of everything??

In this blog post of Scotland Itinerary ideas , we’ve included a bit of everything to allow you to create your perfect Scottish Road Trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.  

The Wandering Bird Scotland Road Trip Planner

Feel overwhelmed? Wish someone could do all the hard work for you?

You’re in luck!

If you want to enjoy a Scotland road trip without the weeks of planning and struggling to figure out where to visit first, consider using our Scotland Road Trip Planner.

Planning a trip to Scotland?

We’ve done the hard work for you!

Grab our complete Scotland travel planner and get:

• 80+ ideas for places to visit
• Maps and itinerary suggestions
• Routes and things to see along the way
• Tips, customs and much much more!

Complied after years of experience touring and exploring Scotland, it contains all the best things to see and do, plus everything you need for incredible Scottish road trips for years to come.

It helps you compile a day-day plan for your trip, removing the stress whilst leaving you plenty of time to enjoy yourself, both before and during your trip!

Where should I go on a road trip in Scotland?

As you’ll see below, there are many (many!) beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Your exact itinerary will be created from the things you enjoy. We plan our UK road trip itineraries like this and it’s not let us down yet!

For us, we prefer to stay away from big cities when we’re travelling in our motorhome and instead focus on areas like national parks, nature reserves, mountains, waterfalls… you get the idea.

‘Scenic Scotland’ does not disappoint- we’ve seen some of the most breathtaking places on our trips to Scotland, which I share with you in this itinerary.

Having said that, Edinburgh is an incredible city and well worth visiting if you can. So are several others. So don’t write off all towns and cities on your Scotland Road Trip itinerary just yet!

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What is the best road trip in Scotland?

The ‘best road trip in Scotland’ is going to be subjective based on what you enjoy and also what the weather is like!

Certainly, the most famous road trip in Scotland is now the NC500 (North Coast 500 route), which is 516 miles of pure magic around the north of Scotland.

I’ve driven the NC500 in my motorhome and it was fantastic- highly highly recommend it (although NOT in the school holidays as it gets very crowded.)

The NC500 also includes John o’Groats, which has to be one of the most famous points in Scotland. The 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary we’ve included below also includes this landmark.

However, there are several incredibly scenic roads in Scotland which we highly recommend you explore- some of them are perfect for just a few days, while some require a little more time to drive.

How long does it take to road trip Scotland?

Oh, that’s an open question! How long do you have?

Whether you have a weekend, 5 days, 7-10 days or longer, you can absolutely fill your time. I know people who’ve spent 3 months exploring the Scottish Highlands and STILL didn’t see everything they wanted to.

The Scotland road trip itinerary below took us 10 days, but there are some bits you can miss if you only have 7 days for your trip. See our alternative 7-10 day North Coast 500 itinerary here.

Likewise, if you have longer, you can either travel more scenic routes around Scotland (especially on the Highlands tourist route), see more incredible places,  do some more tours around Scotland, taste more whisky or just take your time and linger a while over your favourite places.

When I drove the North Coast 500, I took just under 14 days to do most of the loop. This was just the part in Scotland- it also took me a week to get up there!

TOP TIP for Scotland Road Trips: Be sure not to plan too much into your itinerary, as many of the roads are narrow and slower and you won’t be able to travel as far or as fast as you might expect.

How to travel around Scotland?

Scotland is very well connected to the rest of the UK; at least, the lowlands are. You can easily reach Glasgow and Edinburgh by road, train or air.

If you’re hiring a rental car or renting a motorhome , these are the two cities to aim for as there is so much choice.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Of course, if you’re driving your own vehicle up via England, there are plenty of motorways near the border, so it’s easy to travel around.

Of course, you can use public transport or even a guided tour if you prefer not to drive yourself, but for the purposes of this blog post, we’ll assume you have your own vehicle.

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

If you want to road trip Scotland and would like to increased your chances of enjoying good weather, then the best time to go is either late Spring/ early Summer (May or June) or in early Autumn (September/ October).

This way, you avoid the high crowds AND the midges, which are mostly around in July and August.  

I did my NC500 tour in September/ October and the roads were fairly quiet, I had some fantastic weather (plus a couple of storms) and there were only a few patches with really bad midges. All in all, Autumn is usually a wonderful time for a Scottish adventure!

Want some more ideas for places to see in Autumn? Here are 27 of the best places to experience Autumn in Europe .

Scotland Road Trip Map and Itinerary

The map below shows our 10-day driving route for our tour of Scotland.

We travelled from the Isle of Skye to John o’Groats using the main driving roads (which are quicker), but otherwise, we tried to take scenic roads where possible (although that’s not always easy in a Motorhome!)

Because we only had 10 days, our itinerary missed out the beautiful west coast of Scotland. If you have extra time, I highly recommend doing this coastline (part of the NC500 route) as it contains some of the prettiest views in Scotland.

Our Scotland Itinerary is around 800 miles (1300km), with around 23 hours of actual driving over a 10 day trip.

The map starts on the west coast of Scotland, but, of course, you can do the drive in reverse if you prefer. 

Our Scotland Itinerary planner:

Scotland itinerary ideas- day one.

Start your Scotland tour in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. Of the two, I much prefer Edinburgh…

(That sound you hear is me being skinned alive… one of my best friends comes from Glasgow. Sorry hon xx) 

Edinburgh is the perfect city to dip in and out of. There’s always something going on.

If you’re looking for a relaxing long weekend in the UK, you could fly up to Edinburgh. Similarly, if you only have 3 or 4 days in Scotland, it’s a wonderful start to get a taste of the country.

Don’t miss visiting Edinburgh Castle, which has spectacular views over the rest of the city and Arthur’s Seat.

I also recommend a visit to George Street (grab a cocktail from the Dome) and enjoy the atmosphere, especially around Christamas.

Rose Street and Cockburn Street have wonderful independent boutiques where you can find great gifts (for others or yourself!)

Driving in Edinburgh

Before we go any further… DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH.

No. Really.

Let me repeat that so it sinks in.

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH!!! 

We tried it. With a Motorbike trailer on the back.

It did not go well. There are NO Motorhome parking spaces near the City Centre. And the streets are narrow and not designed for lorries, let alone Motorhomes!

We stopped in Edinburgh for a few hours and, honestly, the only thing we did was see Edinburgh Castle- which is beautiful but left us wanting more. I was gutted as I’d already planned a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh – yes, really. 

We’re already planning a trip back up sometime… just not with the motorhome!! But from what we saw, there are at least 3 days worth of activities in Edinburgh if you have the time.

If you enjoy food- you’re in for a real treat- Edinburgh has some FANTASTIC eating places. Here are 10 vegan-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh for everyone to enjoy.

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Edinburgh. If you’re in a motorhome, stay outside the city and get public transport in. I recommend the Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome club site.

If you’re driving a car, book a hotel with parking, as it can be difficult to find in the city centre. The Sheraton Grand Hotel, which has rooms overlooking Edinburgh Castle, is a brilliant option if you want to treat yourself.

There is PLENTY of things to see and do in Glasgow and you can easily spend a couple of days enjoying the city before you set off on your driving holiday.

TOP TIP – If you’re not from the UK and you don’t really understand football (soccer!), don’t mention football in Glasgow.

The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers fans (both clubs are based in Glasgow) is HUGE and openly supporting the wrong one could end in tears- for you.  Different pubs support different teams and it frequently gets… heated!!

Scotland Road Trip DAY 2- LOCH LOMOND and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond National Park

Ok, now that you’ve enjoyed a couple of days in Glasgow or Edinburgh, let’s head up into the ‘real’ Scotland. Loch Lomond is one of my favourite spots,  and is definitely one of the must-visit places in Scotland.

Loch Lomond is actually part of the Trossachs National Park, which has 22 lochs! Loch Lomond is the biggest. You can kayak, paddleboard, canoe and even hire jet-skis in the summer. There are 30 islands on Loch Lomond alone to explore- plenty to keep you occupied if you want to stay for a few days.

The loch is absolutely breathtaking, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it on a sunny day.

Don’t believe me? See it for yourself:

WATCH VIDEO of us at Loch Lomond (and seeing the Harry Potter sites!)

Motorhome Tour Scotland - Wild Camping - Family tours Europe in a Motorhome

Wild camping in scotland.

Wild Camping is regulated within the Trossachs National Park, so be careful where you park up for the night if you’re in a camper. You need to have a permit between March and September and can only stay in approved areas.

Find out more about wild camping in Scotland here

Road Trip Scotland DAY 3- Oban and Fort William

If you have time while you’re touring Scotland, detour to Oban . I LOVE this town- it has the prettiest harbour and in Summer you can do a ferry tour out to some of the islands- well worth the trip on a calm day.

We stayed here in a log cabin a few years ago (before we got our motorhome) and the views were spectacular- especially at night.

I remember standing outside our log cabin and gazing up at the stars in absolute amazement- they were so bright and clear. Magical.

Another detour worth the effort is to Devil’s Pulpit – a hidden waterfall between the rocks. Full directions can be found here .

Fort William is known as ‘the gateway to Ben Nevis’ , which is the UK’s highest peak. It’s also close to Steall Falls – the second highest waterfall in Scotland at 120m and the waterfall in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in case you’re wondering!! (Check out these other beautiful waterfalls in Europe)

Getting there is about a 2.5 miles walk and takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on how often you stop. It’s suitable for kids, as you can read here.

Scotland Itinerary DAY 4- Harry Potter Time!

Scotland is full of places used in the Harry Potter films. We visited a few of them, all on the way to Mallaig (where the ferry is for the Isle of Skye. In one day we saw:

Glenfinnan Viaduct

This is the viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films. You can walk right up to the base of it.

You can also ride on the Jacobite Steam train, which is the one used for the film and which goes straight over the viaduct! The train goes from Fort William to Mallaig and does get booked up well in advance, so be sure to book early!

We got our favourite travel drone out and took some amazing shots of the viaduct and Loch Sheil, as you can see in the video above.

This is the loch used as Hogwarts Lake, along with Loch Morar. This is where Buckbeak dips a happy toe (claw?) in the waters in Prisoner of Azkaban.

We parked in the visitor centre on the shores of Loch Shiel, which also allowed a walk up the slope for incredible views of the viaduct, even in the rain!

Dumbledore’s Grave

Loch Eilt, along the same road as the viaduct and Loch Shiel, is where the little island of Eilean na Mòine lies, which played the starring role as the site of Dumbledore’s Grave.

We sent the drone up to get a picture of this beautiful island… but alas, Mr WB is NOT a die-hard Harry Potter fan (boo!) and therefore had no idea which island he was meant to be filming. Bless him, at least he tried!

It’s about an hour drive from the western end of Loch Ness to Mallaig, which is where the ferry to Skye goes from. You can also drive over the bridge to the Skye- but it’s much further north.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary DAY 5 & 6- Isle of Skye

Search “Isle of Skye” on Google and you’ll get pages and pages of blog posts and itineraries, all waxing lyrical about the beauty of Skye. And they’re right- it is beautiful. And there is loads to see and do.

As long as it’s not raining!!

Our Isle of Skye itinerary contains things to do in the sunshine, but also things to do in the rain- as it rained for 48 hours when we visited!

We are not ‘hike whatever the weather’ people and we really don’t enjoy getting sopping wet climbing a mountain when there’s no view anyway, so you might find that itinerary useful if the weather is looking… unpleasant. 

Having said that, Skye is beautiful and well worth a trip if you’re touring the west coast of Scotland. 

Driving Scotland Day 7- Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and up to Thurso

Eilean Donan

This was one of our longest driving days- about 5 hours and 350km. Leave Skye and head up towards Thurso, stopping at the incredible Eilean Donan Castle on the way.

We didn’t go inside, as we knew we had a long day ahead of us, but it’s beautiful from the outside. There’s also a little cafe at the carpark here which does a great coffee!

DECISION TIME

At Eilean Donan, you need to make a decision. Do you keep driving up to Loch Ness, or start on the NC500 route ? If you’re going up the western coast, this is where you turn off and start the slower (but probably prettier) roads. If you don’t have the extra time, stick to the faster roads via Loch Ness.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

You can’t come to Scotland and not stop to search for the Loch Ness monster-especially if you have young children.

Loch Ness village itself is VERY touristy. It’s ok for young kids, but it’s pretty expensive, so if you’re on a budget you might want to keep driving and stop at one of the many laybys alongside the loch.

You can also visit Urquhart castle , which are impressive ruins along the shore of Loch Ness. There is parking here, but it can be limited for Motorhomes, so be prepared to have to park some distance away in high season.

Alternatively, why not treat yourself to a boat trip on Loch Ness and be taken there in style!!

Driving Tips for Scotland

Be aware of your fuel levels on this part of the trip- we passed very few fuel stations.

We did debate going all around the western edge and completing the NC500 (there are some beautiful campsites on the North Coast 500 ), but we only had 10 days for touring Scotland, so we decided to cut across to save time, plus see Loch Ness and to escape the rain!

We used the A87, which passes down the side of Loch Clunie, a hydroelectric dam. It’s a beautiful place for a picnic if the weather is pleasant.

If you have time, Inverness is definitely worth a visit. Again, we made a compromise and chose to visit Orkney instead- we’ll get to that shortly!

Highlands Road Trip Day 8 – John o’Groats and Duncansby Stacks

John o’Groats

John o’Groats is one of those places which is a bit tacky but you need to go just to tick it off the list!

It was great to make it and see the famous post, but the place is a little underwhelming! There are a few tourist shops, a harbour and a snack shack- that’s about it!

We waited for the John o’Groats post to be empty so we could take photos with our motorbikes… and then we felt a little lost.

That’s the weirdest thing about travelling- when you finally get to your destination, it can sometimes feel a little hollow. But we were blessed with INCREDIBLE weather at John o’Groats- definitely made up for the misery of Skye!

Duncansby Stacks

Whilst we were at John o’Groats, we saw a postcard of the Duncansby stacks, which were apparently just down the road! We’d never heard of them before, but they looked pretty, so we decided to pay them a visit.

They’re a little tricky to find but well worth the effort! Basically, head for Duncansby lighthouse and park right next to the lighthouse. Then walk (with the lighthouse on your left) over the field and keep going- you’ll see them from the bottom of that field. PLEASE be careful with kids and dogs… it’s a sheer cliff and a long drop.

Here’s the first EVER video where we flew our drone over the sea… the views of the shoreline and the rocks are incredible.

NC500 - SCOTLAND road trip - Duncansby Stacks - DJI mavic pro drone

Dunnet head.

We stayed at Dunnet Bay campsite near John o’Groats for a couple of nights, which allowed us to ride our motorbikes and leave the motorhome somewhere safe. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to stay, we highly recommend this campsite- lovely wardens, great little shop and stunning location right on the beach!! Just look at this view!!

Day 9 – One day trip to Orkney

We didn’t plan to visit Orkney during our Scotland road trip- and we definitely didn’t plan to visit Orkney on our motorbikes.

However, the day after we visited John o’Groats, the weather was still beautiful and we learnt we could get to Orkney by ferry for just the day- so we did! It is a beautiful place, although VERY busy in July and full of tourists.

Still, if you have the time, you should try to add Orkney into your itinerary. If you don’t want to drive, there are guided tours by coach which go all day, so book yourself onto one of them. 

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Day 10- Dunrobin Castle and Aviemore

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is possibly one of our favourite castles . It’s about a 90-minute drive south from Thurso. It’s the largest castle in the Northern Highlands- and set in the most breathtaking scenery! You can pay to walk the gardens, but we decided to press on and head south before the rain closed in.

Aviemore & The Cairngorms

If you enjoy hiking and national parks, you need to put the Cairngorms onto your bucket list. It’s the largest National Park in the UK and was voted as one of the top 20 places to visit IN THE WORLD by National Geographic.

The park is 4500 square kms and contains a fantastic mixture of mountains, scenic views, castles, whiskey distilleries and outdoor pursuits.

One of the most popular reasons to visit is hiking.  There are multiple trails and walks within the park (you can purchase guidebooks at the tourist offices), or you can just turn up and wander wherever you fancy.

Dog walking is allowed, but the area is full of wildlife, so please be cautious and obey local signage. A word of caution – the weather can change VERY quickly in this area, so please carry appropriate equipment/ clothing.

If hiking isn’t for you, how about another sport? Within the Cairngorms you can enjoy cycling, skiing (in winter), golf, fishing, kayaking, rafting, swimming, windsurfing or gorgewalking. There are several watersports centres in the park and they offer lessons and gear hire.

Aviemore is in the Cairngorms National Park and is Scotland’s winter sports mecca, but there’s plenty to do in the summer too, including a visit to the famous Speyside Distilleries.

Restaurants and shops were open, as were many outdoor activities for all ages. The Aviemore website is a great place to find out more. 

If you’re not wild camping in Scotland in a motorhome or camper, there are plenty of places to stay within the park, including local B & Bs, hotels, hostels, campsites and log cabins.

The Perfect Scotland Itinerary idea

As you’ve seen, this Scotland driving itinerary can be adapted to suit all tastes, vehicles, abilities and durations.

If you’ve only got a few days in Scotland, don’t cram too much in- you’ll get overwhelmed and exhausted.

Conversely, if you’re retired and have no deadline, take your time to really explore the culture and heritage of this wonderful country.

Some things you need to know about Scotland before you go.

• Scotland is part of the UK, so they speak English * I really want to insert a bad Scottish joke here… but I’ll be good! ;)*
• British Pound is the currency. Don’t worry if you get notes saying ‘Bank of Scotland’ instead of Bank of England- they are all Pound Sterling (although some places in England get funny about taking Bank of Scotland notes- there’s no reason for this; it’s perfectly legal tender.) 
• There is another language in Scotland called Gaelic (pronounced GAH-LICK) which is technically the National language, but only 1% of the population speak it. You might see some signs in Gaelic around the country, but there will always be an English version too! (It’s the same in Wales- see our Wales road trip itinerary ideas here )
• Driving in Scotland isn’t any scarier than anywhere else with mountains. They drive on the left, just like the rest of the UK.
• There is no proper border between Scotland and England, so you can explore Scotland from England without taking a passport. We drove right up after our England Road Trip
• Scotland has an amazing law called Right to Roam. It allows you much more freedom to wild camp in your vehicle (with certain restrictions of course.)

Weather in Scotland- is it suitable for a driving holiday?

For us, it rained solidly for 3 days on the west coast- the Isle of Skye was a complete washout, even in July, but up at John o’Groats it was beautiful weather- so we detoured and went up there instead!

My suggestion is to plan your itinerary on Google Maps , and then be as flexible as possible to work around the weather. This is obviously easier if you are touring Scotland in a camper, instead of driving in a car and using hotels, but do the best you can.

The weather in Scotland can change very quickly, so please dress appropriately and take suitable clothing if hiking etc.

What is the best month to visit Scotland?

If you’re driving in Scotland, the best months to visit are April- October. Roads should be free of snow then and the temperature is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities. Our favourite time to visit Scotland is June or October. (Want more ideas for October travel? Here are 15 of the best places to enjoy Europe in October )

When is peak tourist season in Scotland?

UK school holidays are July and August. I would try to avoid these if you possibly can.

Where is the most beautiful place in Scotland?

There are too many to pick just one and a lot will depend on the weather. Personally, I love Loch Lomond and Glen Coe, Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan viaduct- but that was because I’m a Harry Potter nerd.

I also love the Cairngorms and the Scottish highlands are always breathtaking- you need to include them on your Scotland road trip!

But some of the most beautiful places on mainland Scotland have to be on the western coast- the beaches are stunning. So are the fairy pools on Skye if you get them on a sunny day.

Don’t forget to grab our free list of 57 best (and secret!) places in Scotland (which includes the pyramid in Scotland!

What is the best way to travel around Scotland?

In my opinion, a road trip holiday is the best way to see Scotland- and by that I mean a self-drive holiday, not a tour. Having your own vehicle allows you to set your own itinerary, plan your visits, pick the best roads in Scotland and generally be more in control.

Having a motorhome or campervan will further increase your flexibility and allow you to choose the scenic route based on weather or interest, not on hotels you’ve booked. 

How far are the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?

Did you know there is actually a place called Highland in the Scottish Highlands?? Driving time from Edinburgh to Highland is 3 hours and 15 minutes (157 miles)

How long does it take to drive to Scotland?

Well, this obviously depends on where you’re starting from (!) but driving to Scotland (from London to Edinburgh) takes about 7 and a half hours.

If you’ve been road tripping in Cornwall and want to drive from Lands End to John o’Groats, it will take you about 15 hours non-stop.

How long does it take to tour Scotland?

As long as you have- or as long as you let it!! 🙂 If you are lucky enough to have longer than a couple of weeks to explore Scotland, there are LOADS of places to visit you can add into your itinerary. 

Have you visited Scotland? Where was your favourite place? If you haven’t, where would you like to go first?

How else can I help you today??

Planning a Scotland road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to get to Orkney (and what to do when you’re there!)
• The PERFECT Isle of Skye Itinerary
• How to plan the perfect UK road trip
• Scotland- complete Travel Guide

See all our Scotland tips and ideas

See all our UK travel itineraries and tips

Want to save this list for later? Here’s the pin.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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28 comments.

Love love love this itinerary (and all the Harry Potter references). Scottland has been on my list for a while and this post just organizes everything beautifully. Love the pictures! That Isle of Skye does look amazing but I hear you, when it’s raining and miserable outside, just give me a hot bowl of soup or something and a cozy place to sit in and watch the rain… Great itinerary! hope I’ll get to explore Scottland soon.

Hi Maya- thanks for your lovely comments. And yes- having somewhere to hide away is so useful!! That’s why we love touring Scotland by motorhome or camper- you have your own cozy space to relax in. Hope you make it there soon! 🙂

Thanks for sharing an incredible amount of things to do and see in your Scotland driving itinerary. I would really love to get to the Isle of Skye, the Duncansby Stacks and Dunnet Head for those incredible coasts and views. Have added these to my list of “must-dos” for a future driving trip to Scotland!

Yes! Driving tours of Scotland are the best! 🙂 Let me know how it goes

Loved this post. A motorhome/motorbike combo sounds perfect for a trip like this. We keep meaning to go to Scotland (we only live in Manchester ? but never make it – this itinerary might just be the push we need to hire a camper and do it!

I know- we were the same!! It’s almost too close… but totally worth the effort.

Wow that’s a very comprehensive post! I’ve done a similar trip to Scotland so can relate. Thanks for sharing!

This is a wonderful itinerary— especially intrigued by Dunrabie Castle which I’ll aim to see next time I’m in scotland. Even though I don’t ride a motorcycle this itinerary is clearly one to keep.

Hope you get to see it- it’s a beautiful castle. And any form of transport works- car, motorhome, campervan, cycle! 🙂

This is an epic trip! Scotland has been on our list for too long, and this post may just be the thing that finally gets things moving.

Awesome! I hope you make it to Scotland one day 🙂

Wow I had no idea Scotland was this beautiful ! I am doing some Europe travel next year – I’ve never been ! Your pics are amazing ! Valetie

WOW. You have just skyrocketed Scotland up to the top of my bucket list! What a beautiful country and your photos are just divine. I’m now trying to see if I can squeeze it into my 2019 travel plans 🙂

I knew Scotland was gorgeous but WOW is it gorgeous. Sadly I’ve only ever been to Glasgow and Edinburgh (like you I prefer Edinburgh) but haven’t had the opportunity to explore the countryside. But, it’s something I would love very much to do. thank you for such a wonderful guide. I’ll certainly be referencing it when I finally have time to explore.

What would be an expected rental rate for a Motor home for two weeks?

What would be a rental rate for a Motor home for two weeks?

Hi Mike, that will depend on a lot of things, like time of year, destination, group size and driver experience.

So assume I would be there in the Summer months and would be there with a party of two. Little experience with an RV but have been driving for 40 + years. What would be a ball park number to use for the cost of the RV rental for a two week period?

That is easy enough to find on your own. Just search/google for “motor home rentals Scotland”. There are several vendors. Find one that will be near where you are arriving. Then search for the right size, etc, and enter your travel dates. You can easily get quotes.

I recently searched for the larger motor homes that sleep 5-6( or in my case, 4 adults/teens). For one week out of Edinburgh, it was going to run me about 1100 GBP before adding any extras (like insurance, bedding, etc).

I am seriously considering camping through Scotland. It would be one week out of a possible 3 week itinerary. Camping seemed like a great way to experience it.

Brilliant post! We’re off to Scotland in August so have already saved this pin to help us with our planning. Need to watch the Harry Potter films again I think! 🙂 Thanks for sharing Kat.

Fantastic! Have a wonderful time- let me know how it goes!

We drove much of the same itinerary and found Scotland to be more beautiful than any photos we have ever seen. I would like to go back and see more. One highlight of our tour was the Applecross Penninsula. No tourbuses fit onto those roads, so a large motor home would be a bit challenging. Bikers seemed to abound out at the Applecross Inn. We did spend a few days in Edinburgh. It is delightful. I returned for a few days the next year and spent all of my time without a car exploring the city centre. Warning. Parking spots are ridiculously difficult to find near Edinburgh Castle. Also, a mound is not like an ant hill as I thought. A mound is between the height of a hill and a mountain and steep for walking.

Really great Scotland itinerary covering all the highlights. We spent 7 days just covering the North, a kind of adapted NSC500. We had the most glorious weather. We even got sunburnt!! I have to say though, the photos just don’t look as good in bright sunlight! The only day we had a bit of mist and wain was the day we got the best photos. It actually looked like we were in Scotland!!

Thanks for sharing all the tips. We want to go back to continue adding to our Scottish photography portfolio and we’ve now got inspiration for extra places!

really awesome posts about Scotland travel

Thanks so much- glad you enjoyed it.

Brilliant Scotland guide!! If anyone ever gets the chance to pass through Gretna Green then the Famous Blacksmiths Shop is a brilliant stop-off point They’re a 5-star tourist attraction with a museum, shopping and food, plus their own hotels. Really handy to break up a journey if you’re travelling on the M6, especially with family. 🙂

Glad you liked it Lou. And thanks for the tip.

Great post! Thanks for the info, can’t wait to visit 🙂

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Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Scotland » Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide

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Dreaming of your first Scotland trip? Let me show you exactly how to plan a trip to Scotland like a pro!

This post about how to plan a trip to scotland for the first time was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Have you dreamed about visiting the land of tartan, shortbread, and Braveheart for years? It’s time to start planning a trip to Scotland to turn those dreams into a reality!

Whether you’re visiting on a city break in Edinburgh or a road trip through the Highlands, there’s so much to see. Scotland boasts over 1,500 castles, more than 30,000 lochs, and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

So, figuring out how to plan a trip to Scotland can be challenging!

This easy guide will take you through where to go in Scotland, the top attractions and activities, and everything else you need to know for a smooth trip.

Once you’ve ticked off all the steps of this Scotland planning guide, you can relax and enjoy your trip. Ideally, with a wee dram of whisky or a piece of Scottish tablet fudge!

15-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Scotland

Step 1: check your passport and visa requirements for scotland.

The last thing you want to do is go to the effort of meticulously planning a Scotland trip and realizing too late that one of your kids’ passports has expired!

Scotland is a country in the United Kingdom, so it’s not part of the European Union or the Schengen Zone. The UK’s rules for entry for US and Canadian citizens are more lax than in the EU.

Most tourists will not need a Visa and you only need two months validity left on your passport.

Step 2: Figure out the Length of Your Scotland Trip

If you’re traveling long haul, you’re probably not looking for tips on how to visit Scotland for less than three days! Four nights is the minimum for a city break to Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh, for example.

One week is enough to visit Edinburgh plus a couple of places in the Highlands and islands. You could book a multi-day tour to the Isle of Skye or Fort William and Loch Ness or rent a car.

Two weeks or more is ideal if this is your first time in Scotland and you want to take an epic road trip. You will probably need to set aside at least two weeks if you want to figure out how to plan a trip to Scotland and Ireland without spending your whole trip in the car!

Step 3: Research the Best Time to Travel to Scotland

For the ideal balance between pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation, the best times to travel to Scotland are the shoulder seasons of April – May and September – October.

Scotland in summer has the warmest weather with average temperatures of 59-63 °F/15-17°C with heatwaves growing more common. 

August is the festival season in Edinburgh. Some travelers will love the cultural experience, but others won’t love the crowds and expensive accommodations.

New Year (named ‘Hogmanay’ in Scotland) is an important holiday. You can also ski in the Cairngorms in winter.

Step 4: Choose Where to Visit in Scotland

There are so many amazing places to go in Scotland! Here is a breakdown of all the top travel destinations:

• Big Cities: Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Small Cities: St Andrews and Stirling
• National Parks: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms
• Road Trip Routes: North Coast 500, Southwest Coast 300, and North East 250
• Popular Islands: The Isle of Skye, Mull, Arran, Iona, Lewis and Harris, and Islay
• Popular Highland Areas: Loch Ness, Glen Coe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Fort William

Looking for Scotland vacation ideas off the beaten path? Stick to the Scottish Borders region or visit an island or city not listed like Jura, Tiree, or Aberdeen.

Step 5: Create a Budget for Your Vacation in Scotland

Your budget for your trip to Scotland will depend on many factors. When you’re planning to travel, how many people you are traveling will, and your travel style will all play a role.

Budget Your Trip has determined that two people traveling in Scotland for one week spend, on average, around $2,613 per person.

Planning a trip to Scotland is usually less expensive than in other Western European countries like Switzerland or Germany. However, it can be more expensive than Portugal or Italy.

Step 6: Book Your Flights to Scotland

The best way to travel to Scotland for most North American travelers is, of course, by plane!

Approximately 10 cities across the US and Canada offer direct flights to Edinburgh, mostly from the East Coast. There are also tons of flights from various London airports to Edinburgh, so that might be a good layover option.

Step 7: Plan the Best Itinerary for Scotland

The best itinerary for your Scotland trip will depend on what you like to do and where you’re going! Here are some Scotland itineraries to suit different types of travelers:

• How to plan a golf trip to Scotland – Visit Edinburgh (plenty of golf courses in the city!) and St. Andrews for the oldest golf course in the world
• How to plan a trip to Scotland with kids – Visit Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and ride the Jacobite steam train from Harry Potter across Glenfinnan Viaduct
• How to plan a whisky trip to Scotland – Take a small group tour to the Isle of Islay from Edinburgh or hire a car and drive up to Speyside
• How to plan a first-time trip to Scotland – Visit Edinburgh for three days and then rent a car and drive up to Fort William and Glenfinnan through Glen Coe. Visit the Isle of Skye for two or three days and then drive across to Loch Ness. Drive back down to Edinburgh through Stirling

Step 8: Book Accommodation in Scotland

Currently, Scotland does not charge a tourist tax when you book accommodation like Italy or Spain. However, there is a Visitor Levy bill in parliament so that may have changed by the time you visit!

The best places to stay in Scotland vary between the cities and the countryside. Edinburgh and Glasgow have a range of boutique and branded hotels and hostels. 

Looking for where to stay in Scotland on the islands or Highlands? Guesthouses and cute Bed and Breakfasts are usually the best options for price and experience.

On road trips, you often need to stop overnight somewhere with no town nearby. Short-term rentals and glamping are great places to stay.

RVs can also be cost-effective on road trips. Just remember to book a small vehicle (Scotland’s roads are narrow!) and stay overnight in campsites to help the local economy.

Step 9: Book a Rental Car and Ferries

While visiting Scotland’s cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, you definitely won’t need a car! Buses (Glasgow also has a metro) are super easy to use. Just use a contactless credit or debit card to pay the driver.

You can use trains to travel between towns in Scotland’s Lowlands and buses between larger towns in the Highlands. 

However, if you are traveling for a week or longer in the Scottish Highlands, it makes sense to book a group tour or rent a car. 

Book a small car to navigate Scotland’s very narrow roads! And pay a little extra for an automatic car if you’re not used to manual. They are the standard in Scotland, so that’s what you’ll get if you don’t request an automatic.

Organize ferry tickets as far in advance as possible. Especially during busy seasons! Sometimes, only one or two ferries travel between ports every day.

Step 10: Purchase Attraction Tickets and Plan Activities

It’s better to purchase some more popular attraction tickets like those to Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness tours in advance. 

Consider an Edinburgh City Pass if you plan on visiting lots of ticketed attractions during your trip. But keep in mind that many Edinburgh museums and galleries, like the National Museum of Scotland, are free to visit.

Check out the Historic Scotland or National Trust for Scotland memberships if you plan on visiting lots of castles and other historic sites.

Want to travel on the Jacobite steam train in the summer? Book your tickets in January! That’s not an exaggeration – this is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland.

Step 11: Buy Travel Insurance for Your Vacation to Scotland

The best time to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Scotland is right after you book your flights. This will ensure every penny you spend on your trip is protected.

But as long as you buy travel insurance before you step foot in the airport, your health and belongings are protected.

Check with your credit card provider as they often include travel insurance as a benefit!

Step 12: Figure out Phone, Credit Card, and Currency

Speaking of credit cards, make sure you have a travel-friendly Mastercard or Visa payment card. American Express isn’t accepted in many places across Scotland, but credit cards in general are widely accepted.

Since Scotland is part of the UK, the currency is Great British Pound (£). Bring some cash to make purchases when making small purchases in more remote parts of Scotland.

Make sure you can use your phone abroad too! Check your phone plan before traveling and if it doesn’t include international coverage, get an eSIM for the UK.

Step 13: Watch Movies and Read Books Set in Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland doesn’t stop once you’ve booked everything! Continue the excitement by watching movies or TV shows and reading books set in Scotland.

Of course, re-watching the Harry Potter movies with your kids is essential before a trip to Scotland. The book series or TV adaptation of Outlander is great for after they’ve gone to bed!

Step 14: Pack the Right Outfits for Traveling in Scotland

You should always prepare for rain no matter when you are visiting Scotland. Pack a light raincoat in summer and a warm parka in winter. 

Layers are a great idea because the weather can change dramatically from day to day.

Sturdy boots are essential for pounding the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. Hiking boots are a must in the Highlands or islands.

Step 15: Go To Scotland!

The only thing left to do is to board a plane and prepare yourself for a magical vacation in the lush, storied country of Scotland.

Save some space in your suitcase to pick up a wool sweater, tartan scarf, and lots of shortbread!

Planning a Trip to Scotland FAQs

What month is the best time to visit scotland.

The shoulder season is the best time to visit Scotland for the ideal balance of mild weather, cheaper accommodation, and fewer crowds. 

Winter nights are very long. Summer is extremely crowded, with roads in remote areas clogged with RVs and festivals in the cities.

How many days is enough for Scotland?

Three to four days is enough for Scotland if you just want to visit Edinburgh. This is enough time to explore the city and take a day trip.

If you want to explore parts of the Scottish countryside too, stay for at least one week. 10 days to two weeks is the ideal amount of time to visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, the national parks, the Highlands near Fort William, and the Isle of Skye.

How far in advance should I book a trip to Scotland?

Three to four months is far enough in advance to plan a trip to Scotland if you are not visiting in the summer. If you are visiting in the summer, six to nine months is preferable.

Planning a Trip to Scotland Wrap-Up

This step-by-step guide to planning a trip to Scotland is foolproof. 

There’s no way you will accidentally skip one of the best destinations in Scotland or make a common travel mistake. 

Your Scotland trip planning efforts will all feel worth it looking up at Edinburgh Castle from the Royal Mile or driving through Glen Coe!

Looking for more Scotland travel resources? Check out 9 Best Edinburgh Hotels for Families Worth Booking , 13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train , and 13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train !

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VisitScotland

Scotland's road trips.

Nothing beats the freedom of exploring a new place on your own personalised road trip. Stop off where you like, see what you like and enjoy the route at your own pace – the perfect holiday!

These spectacular driving routes are all scenic alternatives to the main roads, with a range of great attractions en route. Check out our suggestions for what to see and do on each of the routes and plan your ultimate Scottish road trip.

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VisitScotland have produced this information in good faith and have taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy. We recommend that all information is checked with the businesses prior to visiting/booking. These 13 suggested routes are intended as a guide to help you plan your Scottish road trip. Please check exact directions and traffic conditions before you begin your journey. You can find more information and advice on driving in Scotland . 

The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to England, Ireland and Scotland

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom and Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get Around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-Week London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

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

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

Week 1: England

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in London

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

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

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

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

Shoreditch: 

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

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

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

Week 2: Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Scotland

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

Edinburgh  

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

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

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

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

Isle of Skye 

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

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

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

Week 3: Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Ireland

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

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

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

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

Galway  

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Galway Itinerary

Visit Oxford or Cambridge: Choosing a London Day Trip

The Perfect 3 or 4 Days in the Lake District Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

Hello Maggie,

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

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

Thank you very much Seli

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please guide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there Maggie,

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

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

Thanks again! And best wishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards Sakkie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best regards, Pat

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

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

Hope this helps!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you again for the insightful advice.

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

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

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

Regards Amie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Scotland to London drive

Scotland to london road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Scotland 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 at Scotland drive for about 57 minutes

10:57 am   Glasgow stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:57 am drive for about 1 hour

12:57 pm   Scottish Highland Trails stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:57 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

3:34 pm   Lake District National Park stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:34 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Liverpool drive for about 1.5 hours

11:40 am   Wolverhampton stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:40 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

2:19 pm   Oxford stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 3:49 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

5:14 pm  arrive in London eat at Tayyabs stay at Kensington Rooms Hotel London

day 2 driving ≈ 4.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Glasgow   (34 answers)     Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum   (3 mentions)     The SSE Hydro   (2 mentions)     questions about Glasgow:         Storage in Glasgow         Moderately priced rustic hotels         Music scene in Glasgow Scottish Highland Trails Lake District National Park   (5 mentions) Liverpool   (13 answers)     questions about Liverpool:         Unusual things to do         Food recommendations in Liverpool?         Good cycle routes?         Recommended itinerary         Best places to eat (Fine Dining) in Liverpool? Up to £100 per head Wolverhampton   (2 answers) Oxford   (67 answers)     questions about Oxford:         What to do and where to eat in Oxford?

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Rail passengers face rolling strikes but London Underground action called off

Aslef members start three days of 24-hour strikes from Friday but tube driver action cancelled

Rail passengers are bracing for travel disruption as train drivers bring some routes on the national network to a halt in a wave of strikes, but two days of similar action on the London Underground have been called off.

On Friday, members of the union Aslef start the first of three 24-hour strikes that will affect 16 rail operating companies in England as part of its 20-month dispute over pay.

However, on Thursday Aslef called off two daylong tube strikes planned for the following Monday and Saturday 4 May after receiving a proposal from Transport for London that it said resolved the key issues in the dispute.

The run of single-day national network strikes starts on Friday with drivers working for Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, London Northwestern Railway and CrossCountry. All five operators will run no services on the day.

On Saturday, strikes will take place on Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine, while on Monday services on Greater Anglia, GTR’s Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern/Gatwick Express, Southeastern, South Western Railway and SWR Island Line will be cancelled.

Passengers have been warned by operators to expect significant disruption, with most trains cancelled on the strike days. Services on the days before and after the strikes could also be affected. Drivers in Scotland and Wales are not on strike but cross-border rail services will be disrupted.

The strikes coincide with an overtime ban by the union for all operators, which runs from 4 to 6 April, and then 8 to 9 April. It is expected that it will make short-notice cancellations and disruption more likely when travelling on these days.

Announcing the cancellation of the London Underground strikes, an Aslef official said: “Management have confirmed that they have disbanded their ‘trains modernisation’ team and will not be implementing their plans to change drivers’ working arrangements without agreement. They have also agreed to reinstate annual refresher training stopped during the pandemic.”

Train drivers have already held 13 one-day strikes since the dispute started in 2022.

Speaking after the vote last month , Aslef’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action.

“Those votes show – yet again – a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by [the train operators’ body] the Rail Delivery Group, which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.”

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Aslef has said it would continue to strike for a better pay deal after the union rejected an 8% offer last spring.

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “We are sorry that this round of strikes called by the Aslef leadership risks disrupting journeys.

“While we are doing all we can to keep trains running and we will work with our industry partners to keep as many trains running as possible, unfortunately there will be reduced services between Thursday 4 April to Tuesday 9 April. Our advice is to check before you travel and follow the latest travel information.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike … Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

• Rail strikes
• Rail industry
• London Underground
• Rail transport
• Trade unions

More on this story

Aslef’s final strike day disrupts rail services in south and east England

Aslef says more train strikes likely as drivers’ pay row continues

Network Rail to spend £2.8bn to cope with effects of climate crisis

New train services between London and Scotland get go-ahead

Train drivers at Northern and LNER to strike in March, Aslef union announces

Siemens to invest £100m in Chippenham rail factory site in Wiltshire

UK ministers look to install highly paid boss to spearhead rail reform plan

Weekend rail strikes: travel disrupted across Great Britain

£140m rail plan to tackle Elizabeth line and Great Western problems

Train drivers will keep striking to ‘raise profile’ of pay dispute, says Aslef boss

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This Interactive ‘Doctor Who’ Map of London Reveals All the Places the Time Lord Has Traveled

As the Tenth Doctor might say: “Allons-y!”

By Mike Rampton | Apr 8, 2024

A lot has happened in London over the past few centuries. Fires , blitzes, plagues , Jack the Ripper , political scandals, and endless royal goings-on . So it makes sense that Doctor Who , Britain’s foremost time-travel franchise (and the longest-running science fiction TV show ever), would feature it a lot.

Various incarnations of The Doctor —the two-hearted, century-straddling Time Lord—have made umpteen visits to the city from the very beginning, with the East London neighborhood of Shoreditch featuring heavily in the first episode, 1963’s “An Unearthly Child.”

While Doctor Who has been filmed in Cardiff since its 2005 relaunch, the Welsh capital is often called upon to double for the English one. Throughout the show’s run, a startling number of iconic London landmarks have been destroyed, revealed to be secret bases, or revealed to be secret bases and subsequently destroyed.

In 2013, the Londonist painstakingly compiled a map of every time the Doctor visited London, which it recently updated to account for Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Time Lord, as well as Ncuti Gatwa’s introduction as the Fifteenth Doctor. The website has promised to keep the map updated once Gatwa officially takes over the TARDIS in May.

Jonn Elledge, who created the original map, knows more about maps than most of us, as evidenced by his upcoming book, A History Of The World In 47 Borders . 

Mapping six decades of time travel onto a particular city provides any curious Whovian with answers to questions they didn’t know they wanted to ask. If you’ve ever laid awake at night pondering how many times we’ve seen the Doctor visit Heathrow Airport, for instance, the answer—surprisingly—is just once. In 1982, the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) went looking for a missing Concorde (which he found, 140 million years away—that’s time travel for you).

Only two of the Doctors’ adventures don’t appear at all. Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor was mainly seen in San Francisco, while Peter Cushing’s Dr. ( not Doctor) Who—the only time the character’s name has actually been Dr. Who—has long been deemed non-canon. 

When that first episode was broadcast back in 1963, nobody involved likely ever dreamed that, generations later, their goofy story of a grumpy time-traveler would still be inspiring people—but here we are.

The new season of Doctor Who , featuring Gatwa as the newest Doctor, will premiere on the BBC in the UK and on Disney+ in the U.S. on May 10, 2024.

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