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London - view from below Tower Bridge in the evening ©VisitBritain/George Johnson

Express Britain

England, Scotland & Wales

(10 days / 9 nights)

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History, culture and natural beauty in Britain

Discover the highlights of Britain on this fast-paced tour of 3 countries. Immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of the iconic cities of Oxford, York and Edinburgh. Take in the bright lights of London, Europe’s largest capital city. You’ll also experience the breathtaking nature and untouched beauty of national parks in England and Wales. Fascinating history and modern culture combine to make this an unmissable experience!

Experience these sights and more with like-minded travellers on a small guided group adventure.

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1718 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

  • Get a taste of 3 countries in 1 trip: England, Scotland and Wales
  • Spend days at your leisure in the UK’s capital and largest city, London
  • Explore the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and its highlights
  • Stroll through the walled city of York, feeling like you’ve gone back in time
  • Experience the picturesque world of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District
  • Walk the cobbled streets of Oxford and take in its collegiate atmosphere
  • Admire the Georgian grandeur and Roman buildings of Bath
  • Discover the famous Stonehenge neolithic stone circle
  • Visit historic sites and wander through charming towns
  • Enjoy a road trip with the peace of mind of your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Active i, Castles and Royalty i, Culture and History i

Season

Apr - Oct

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

1831/1138 km/mi

Itinerary

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

  • Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND – WINDSOR & OXFORD

    Today, you arrive in England and start your journey around Britain. Collect your rental vehicle from Heathrow Airport and set off! You could choose to stop a short drive away to visit Windsor Castle, home to royalty for nearly 1,000 years. Then, you could stop in Marlow, a beautiful town located by the River Thames with plenty of food options.

    Finally, arrive in Oxford, your destination of the day. It is famous for being home to the University of Oxford, one of the best institutions in the world. Walk through the charming city centre and take in the grand university buildings and historic colleges dotted around. You’ll soon see why so many authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, chose to live here and took inspiration from this beautiful city.

    Spend the night in the Oxford area.

    Average driving distance: 88 km / 55 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT

    Get an early start from Oxford as you head north to the Peak District. When you reach this national park, you have plenty of choices in terms of stops. We recommend wandering along the riverside in the spa town of Matlock Bath or through the market town of Bakewell. And don’t forget to taste a local Bakewell tart! Nearby you’ll also find the stunning Chatsworth House that Jane Austen fans might recognise as “Pemberley” from Pride and Prejudice.

    Later, continue to York, where you’ll spend the night. This is an incredible example of an ancient English walled city. If you have time, walk around the historic centre to see York Minster and the Shambles street.

    Spend the night in the York area.

    Average driving distance: 349 km / 217 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 3: HEADING NORTH TO SCOTLAND

    This morning you start the drive up to Scotland! Head north, passing cities like Durham and Newcastle. Then, you’ll reach the area along the famous Hadrian's Wall. We recommend making a stop in Vindolanda or Housesteads to uncover some of the ruins of this incredible Roman fortification. There are some picturesque towns in the area where you could stop for lunch, like Hexham or Corbridge.

    Later you continue north, travelling through the Northumberland National Park & Kielder Forest Park. Kielder is England’s largest forest and is full of local wildlife and impressive art installations.

    Finally, you cross into Scotland and drive through the lush region called the Scottish Borders all the way to the capital city, Edinburgh. On the way, we recommend a stop at the stately Abbotsford, the former home of writer Sir Walter Scott. You could also take a short detour to see the market town of Kelso.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh.

    Average driving distance: 362 km / 225 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 4: EXPLORING EDINBURGH

    You have a full day to relax in and explore Edinburgh. First, take a stroll through the New Town with its grand Georgian streets, lined with shops and restaurants. Then, on a sunny day, you could relax in the lush Princes Street Gardens under the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

    You can spend the afternoon immersed in the winding, cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is the historic heart of the city and where you’ll find the famous Royal Mile. Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and go to a traditional pub to try the local whisky, gin or beer.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: MAGICAL LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

    Today, you say goodbye to Scotland and head back south to England. First, you’ll travel through one of Scotland’s hidden gems, the region of Dumfries & Galloway. Even from the road, you’ll be able to admire the rolling hills and lush landscape. You can stop in the historic burgh of Moffat, famous for its toffee.

    Then get back on the road and drive to the Lake District in the north of England. Soak up the breathtaking natural scenery here. You could take a stroll through Keswick sitting on the shores of the Derwentwater. Or take a detour via Buttermere for more lake charms before reaching your accommodation.

    Spend the night in the Lake Windermere area.

    Average driving distance: 269 km / 167 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: NORTH ENGLAND TO WALES

    Today, you have the opportunity enjoy the morning in Lake Windermere and immerse yourself in this stunning English region. For peaceful views, go walking on one of the mountains surrounding the sparkling lake.

    Then, start heading south. Along the way, fans of the artist and author may want to visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. As you drive towards Wales, you’ll have the opportunity to stop in Liverpool if you have time. The city is famous for its music scene and for being the hometown of The Beatles.

    Later, carry on towards Llandudno, a seaside town in North Wales known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts”. The area here is rich with coastal beauty and rural Welsh charm. You could spend some time wandering the pristine beaches and strolling along the pier. Why not board an alpine cable car to the highest peak in Great Orme Country Park (Y Gogarth)?

    Spend the night in the Llandudno area.

    Average driving distance: 272 km / 169 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: ENGLISH & WELSH HIGHLIGHTS ON THE BORDER

    Ahead of you is a day driving along the border of England and Wales. That means you’ll see first-hand the beauty, differences and similarities between both nations. Start with a stop in the town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire. Spot the statues, half-timbered houses, stunning churches and the red-bricked Shrewsbury Castle.

    Further along, you could stop in Ludlow, a market town, for lunch. As you continue south, you’ll pass Herefordshire as well as the stunning Wye Valley, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Follow the meandering River Wye south, a natural border between England and Wales. Along the way, stop by charming Welsh towns like Tintern and Chepstow to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

    Later, you arrive in Bath, your stop for the night. This is the UK’s only city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. Spend the evening wandering the grand Georgian streets and spot the Roman ruins underneath. Then, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

    Spend the night in the Bath area.

    Average driving distance: 325 km / 202 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: 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 is 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 Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city, or head directly to Heathrow Airport. 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: 166 km / 103 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 9: DAY AT LEISURE IN LONDON

    You have a full day to explore London. There are so many museums and attractions to see, so you’ll want to pick a few of your favourites. Make sure not to miss Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. Then stroll down to the River Thames to spot Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye. Further east you could visit the famous Tower of London and see Tower Bridge.

    London is a vibrant city full of diverse cultures, so you could pop by one of its markets to sample the food scene. You might even like to go to the theatre tonight. Whether it's exploring the city's rich history, shopping on trendy streets, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, you’re sure to have a memorable experience of London.

    Spend another night in London.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions 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.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions 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

Skyline of London with the London Eye
Service

Pick your rental car up at London Gatwick
View
View all extras
Skyline of London with the London Eye
Service

Pick your rental car up at London Gatwick
View
Cable cars at the Heights of Abraham
Activity

Heights of Abraham - Cable Car and Cavern Tours

Duration 4 hours
Price p.p. from

24GBP

GBP

View
glenkinchie flavour cask experience diageo
Activity

Glenkinchie Distillery – Flavour & Cask Experience

Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

45GBP

GBP

View
glenkinchie flavour journey diageo
Activity

Glenkinchie Distillery – Flavour Journey

Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

19GBP

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 1718 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! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. 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

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.

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. 

After picking up your luggage and your rental car, make your way to your accommodation in Oxford.

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 if you are arriving earlier in the day. 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.

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.

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
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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 1718 GBP

Request info

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