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A view of still waters and hills in the Lake District

Classic Journey from Edinburgh to London

Lake District, York, Cotswolds & Bath

(10 days / 9 nights)

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Journeying from north to south

Hit the road for this unforgettable self-drive adventure. You’ll journey from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, through England to the UK’s capital city, London. Along the way you’ll have time to soak up the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District and the Cotswolds, explore the ancient cities of York and Bath, and more. With plenty to discover in every pocket of the country, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sightseeing.

Fancy some more time in London or Edinburgh? You can add extra nights in these magical cities during the booking process.

Or would you prefer to join a guided adventure with like-minded travellers on the Wonders of Britain tour?

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1650 GBP

Find your price
Request info

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with a trusted UK partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in the UK
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  •  Journey around the UK’s largest country, England
  • Admire the Georgian grandeur and Roman buildings of Bath
  • Experience the vivid land of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District
  • Stroll through the walled city of York where Vikings once ruled
  • Take in the atmosphere of the UK’s capital city, London
  • Marvel at the picture-perfect villages of the Cotswolds
  • Explore the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and its highlights
  • Discover the famous Stonehenge neolithic stone circle
  • Visit the royal residence of Windsor Castle
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Season

Apr - Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Driving distance

1330/825 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

    Make your way into Edinburgh city centre where your hotel will be located. Many travellers opt to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you.

    If you arrive early in the day, spend the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Journeying South

    It’s time to say goodbye to Scotland and begin your journey into England. If you’re up bright and early, you could take one last stroll through Edinburgh’s magical streets before you leave.

    You’ll drive through the historic spa town of Moffat before crossing the border at the world-famous Gretna Green. As you continue south, you could make a stop at Hadrian’s Wall. Here you can visit the ancient ruins of the Birdoswald Roman Fort.

    Then it’s on to today’s destination, the Lake District. You could visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle or take a stroll through nearby Keswick as you drive towards your hotel.

    Spend the night in the Windermere area.

    Average driving distance: 176 mi / 284 km.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Exploring the Lake District

    Today you have the opportunity to explore more of the Lake District. Around Lake Windermere there are a host of activities you could choose from to immerse yourself in this stunning English region.

    Go hiking on the mountains surrounding the sparkling lake. Or book a boat tour across the water to take in the sights from a different angle.

    Later, fans of the artist and author Beatrix Potter may want to visit Hill Top Cottage near Hawkshead. Her children’s stories were inspired by the nature and wildlife she saw every day while living here.

    Another writer who took inspiration from Windermere was William Wordsworth, and you can visit his former home, Dove Cottage.

    Spend another night in the Windermere area.

    Average driving distance: 65 mi / 104 km.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Discovering the Yorkshire Dales

    Keep heading south towards York, admiring the rolling hills and lush greenery of the region.

    If you’re a cheese lover, make sure you visit Hawes, the home of Wensleydale cheese!

    You could also stop at the nearby city of Ripon. Visit the medieval Ripon Cathedral, wander the Fountains Abbey ruins, or admire beautiful horticulture at one of the city’s many gardens.

    If you’re in the market for a souvenir from your trip, make sure you make a short detour to Harrogate. The charming town’s streets are lined with boutique shops selling locally crafted items.

    Spend the night in York.

    Average driving distance: 90 mi / 159 km.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: Explore York at Leisure

    Today you can explore every nook and cranny of the walled city of York. Take a walk past the medieval City Walls, the monumental York Minster cathedral and the historic Shambles shopping street.

    You could travel back in time with a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre. This museum displays artefacts from the Viking Age and offers an immersive experience for visitors.

    Or you could enjoy a scenic boat trip along the River Ouse. You’ll get to enjoy a new perspective of the city while gliding along the water’s surface.

    Spend another night in York. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: Journey to the Cotswolds

    After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll around York’s cobblestone streets before hopping in your car.

    The first stop on today’s road trip is the breathtaking Chatsworth House that Jane Austen fans might recognise as “Pemberley” from the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

    You could also take a relaxing walk along the riverside in the nearby spa town of Matlock Bath or visit the market town of Bakewell. And make sure to sample a local Bakewell tart while you’re in the area!

    Later, continue through the idyllic Peak District National Park before reaching the quaint Cotswolds region. You can stop off along the way to snap some photos as you drive through the park – it’s truly beautiful.

    Spend the night in the Cotswolds Area.

    Average driving distance: 170 mi / 275 km.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: Oxford, Stratford & Bath

    You’ll make your way to Bath today, making a couple of stops as you go.

    First, you’ll head to the charming Tudor town of Stratford-upon-Avon. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you’ll love strolling around the town he called home.  

    Then you’ll continue your journey to the iconic English city, Oxford. Walking among the world-renowned university’s buildings, you’ll soon see why authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis took inspiration from the area. 

    Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, hop back in the car and continue towards the day’s picturesque destination.

    Spend the night in Bath.

    Average driving distance: 135 mi / 218 km.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: Relax in Historic Bath

    Today, you have the whole day to explore the spectacular ancient city of Bath, named after its Roman Baths which date back as far as 60 CE.

    Stroll along the winding River Avon and admire the grand Pulteney Bridge. Bath’s streets are lined with incredible Georgian-era architecture, so make sure you look up as you explore.

    For a dose of culture, visit the Jane Austen Centre, where you can discover the experience of the Austen family in Regency-era Bath. Or head to the magnificent Bath Abbey. This monumental cathedral is a haven of tranquillity within the city.

    Spend another night in the Bath area.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 9: Stonehenge & London

    This morning, drive south to one of the most famous sites in the country, Stonehenge. It is an unmissable stop on your tour! You’ll soon see why it became part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

    With over 4,500 years of history, this site and stone circle is a true wonder to behold. You can also learn more at the exhibition centre nearby.

    From here, you complete your road trip by returning to London. You could take one last short detour to see the jaw-dropping royal residence of Windsor Castle, or simply head directly to London.

    Return your rental vehicle and then make your way to your accommodation in London. You have the rest of the day or evening at your leisure in the UK’s capital.

    Spend the night in London.

    Average driving distance: 103 mi / 166 km.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 10: Departure from England

    Today is the final day of your British adventure. Spend the morning at your leisure in bustling London before departing for the airport in time for your flight home.

    You could take public transport, like the tube or the Heathrow Express train. Or, for a convenient and comfortable ride, book a private transfer directly from your accommodation.

    If you’d like to explore more of this lively city, you can add an extra night in London during the booking process.

    See Activities for this day
View full itinerary

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Day One

Edinburgh Castle - Scotland
Service

Private Airport Transfer: Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh

Duration 25 minutes
Price p.p. from

76GBP

GBP

View
Edinburgh - Scotland
Service

Private Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh

Duration 1 hour 15 minutes
Price p.p. from

99GBP

GBP

View
Palm Court at the Balmoral Hotel © Rocco Forte Hotels
Activity

Classic Afternoon Tea

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

77GBP

GBP

View
Champagne afternoon tea at the Balmoral Hotel © Rocco Forte Hotels
Activity

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

94GBP

GBP

View
Royal Yacht Britannia ©The Royal Yacht Britannia
Activity

Admissions to the Royal Yacht Britannia

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

22GBP

GBP

View
Mercat Tours Ghostly Underground
Activity

Ghostly Underground Vaults Walking Tour

Duration 1 hour 15 minutes
Price p.p. from

22GBP

GBP

View
Mercat Tours Historical Walk
Activity

Underground Vaults Historical Walking Tour

Duration 1 hour 15 minutes
Price p.p. from

22GBP

GBP

View
johnnie walker journey flavour diageo
Activity

Johnnie Walker Distillery – The Journey of Flavour

Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

34GBP

GBP

View
johnnie walker whisky cellar diageo
Activity

Johnnie Walker Distillery – Whisky Makers’ Cellar

Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

102GBP

GBP

View
Edinburgh Food Tour © Eat Walk Edinburgh
Activity

Edinburgh Premium Food & Drink tour

Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

110GBP

GBP

View
scotch whisky experience whisky tasting
Activity

The Scotch Whisky Experience – Gold Tour

Duration 90 minutes
Price p.p. from

42GBP

GBP

View
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Activity

The Scotch Whisky Experience – Silver Tour

Duration 50 minutes
Price p.p. from

26GBP

GBP

View
The Royal Mile - ©VisitScotland
Activity

Secrets of the Royal Mile

Duration 2 hours 15 minutes
Price p.p. from

43GBP

GBP

View
View all extras
Edinburgh Castle - Scotland
Service

Private Airport Transfer: Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh

Duration 25 minutes
Price p.p. from

76GBP

GBP

View
Edinburgh - Scotland
Service

Private Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh

Duration 1 hour 15 minutes
Price p.p. from

99GBP

GBP

View
Palm Court at the Balmoral Hotel © Rocco Forte Hotels
Activity

Classic Afternoon Tea

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

77GBP

GBP

View
Champagne afternoon tea at the Balmoral Hotel © Rocco Forte Hotels
Activity

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

94GBP

GBP

View
View all extras

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1650 GBP

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in the UK. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here, so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online UK Travel Guide.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in the UK, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information including an itinerary, map and UK Travel Guide.

You’ll also have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

While there is no minimum age to hire a car in the UK, please note that if you are 25 or younger, extra conditions apply.

All drivers under 25 will be subject to a young driver surcharge. You'll pay this upon collection of your rental vehicle.

Anyone who wants to rent a car in the UK will need to present a full driving licence that has been valid for at least 1 year. If you are under 23, you will need to have held your licence for at least 4 years.

There are also some restrictions on the type of vehicle you can rent if you are under 25. Please get in touch with one of our travel consultants for more information.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

During your UK adventure, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and have chosen hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on ratings, comfort and our own personal experience.

In the UK, you can choose from single or double rooms. Twin, triple and family rooms are less commonly available. Please also note that UK room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double room often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, many of the rooms are only accessible by stairs. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not able to walk up stairs.

The roads in the UK are usually in good condition year-round and are renowned for their beauty.

You’ll be driving on the left side of the road and the right side of the car. If you are not used to driving on the left, we recommend choosing an automatic vehicle for your trip.

If you choose a manual vehicle, keep in mind that you will need to shift gears with your left hand (floor pedals are the same).

UK roads tend to be narrower than those in other countries, and you may encounter single-track roads in rural areas. If you meet another driver on one of these single-track roads, one of you needs to tuck into a passing place. In these areas, you should also be careful of animals on the road.

We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving, as rain and wind can cause adverse conditions.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around the UK ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

You could also use navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal on your journey.

For inexperienced drivers who still want to explore and discover what this country has to offer, we’d recommend one of our Scotland tours. This way you can take in the sights without quite so much driving.

On your UK road trip, you should budget around £1.60–£2 per litre of petrol.

As for meals, all your UK accommodation include breakfast. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between £15–£20 per person for each day’s lunch. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between £20–£25. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay £40–£50 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

Whether or not you need a visa to visit the UK depends on your nationality.

From 2025, you need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. This also applies to citizens from countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and the EU.

You can check if you need a visa or an ETA on the UK government website.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early, in case you need to renew it.

During your tour of the UK, you could experience a variety of different weather conditions. It’s often said that the UK gets all 4 seasons in a day!

The climate is relatively mild all year round, with the average temperature ranging between 13–19 °C (56–66 °F) across the country. It’s worth noting that it’s not unusual to experience rain in summer, especially as you go further north.

Please note that sightseeing and transport are dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered if conditions are not favourable. This includes ferries and drives. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24/7 helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

As the weather across the UK can be a little unpredictable, it’s a good idea to pack extra layers just in case. Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • Shorts and t-shirts
  • Sun cap and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Eye mask to sleep
  • Light gloves, hat and a scarf
  • Light waterproof layers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Good walking shoes or boots (especially if you plan to go on nature walks or hikes)

For more information, check this packing list suggestion.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the cities like London, Bath, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

In the UK tipping is not mandatory, but it is welcomed. It’s usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill. At self-service cafés (where you order at the counter) it’s not expected that you’ll tip.

In hotels it’s common to tip concierges for hiring a taxi or making dinner reservations. As for porters, about £1 per bag is standard.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be an Edinburgh-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

You can get in touch with our UK travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online UK Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

  • Which credit cards are widely accepted in the UK
  • What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
  • The native languages of the UK that you might hear alongside English
  • And so much more

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Scotland?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the Edinburgh city centre. If you’ve come from another airport, such as Glasgow, you can take the train or book a private transfer.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon your arrival in the UK, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor UK Travel Guide and more.

All UK bookings are billed in British Pounds (GBP).

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. This will be in combination with Superio..

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Rental car

Enjoy your road trip with 2 authorised drivers and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • M
View Info

Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
Close Info View

Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
View Info

Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A
View Info

Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Ford Mondeo Estate (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x5
  • A
View Info

Ford Mondeo Estate (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard Estate
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
View Info

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x8
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
View Info

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Price per person from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1650 GBP

Request info

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