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Quiraing range in Isle of Skye

Express Road Trip of England & Scotland

London, York, Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands

(12 days / 11 nights)

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The Highlights of England and Scotland

Enjoy a whistlestop tour of England and Scotland on this 12-day self-drive adventure. From London to the Scottish Highlands, you’ll discover the huge variety of attractions that Britain has to offer. Stroll through fascinating museums in London. Marvel at Georgian architecture in Bath. Discover ancient Roman ruins in the north of England. Sample traditional delicacies in Glasgow and Edinburgh. And admire the spellbinding beauty of Scotland’s Highlands and west coast. All in less than 2 weeks.

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 Wonders of Britain tour?

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 2231 GBP

Find your price
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— 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 2 countries in one trip: England and Scotland
  • See royal palaces and historic castles in London, the UK’s capital
  • Explore the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and its highlights
  • Admire the Georgian grandeur and Roman buildings of Bath
  • Discover the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge
  • Marvel at the picture-perfect villages of the Cotswolds
  • Explore some of Scotland’s top sights on the famous and breathtaking Isle of Skye
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands from the banks of Loch Ness
  • 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, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Heritage i

Season

Apr-Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

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

Driving distance

1875/1165 km/mi

Itinerary

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

  • Day 1: Arrival in England

    Welcome to England! Once you’ve made your way to your accommodation in London, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the lively capital city.

    You could visit the Buckingham Palace, which is the London residence of the UK’s Royal Family. This grand palace is one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks.

    For a dose of history, head to one of the many museums that are on your doorstep. Top picks include the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum.

    Board the famous London Eye to admire the city from above. The birds-eye view you get from this Ferris wheel is remarkable.

    Spend the night in London.

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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

    This morning, you’ll pick up your rental car and hit the road. Your day’s first stop will be at Windsor, where you can visit the ancient Windsor Castle. Admire the intricate architectural details and mesmerising Georgian décor as you walk through the royal residence’s corridors.

    Once you’ve explored Windsor, you could head to Stonehenge. Delve into the history of these mysterious stone pillars and come up with your own theory of how the structure was formed.

    You’ll then continue your journey towards today’s destination, the beautiful city of Bath. Explore the ancient city of Bath, named after its Roman Baths which date back as far as 60 CE.

    Don’t miss the magnificent Bath Abbey, a monumental cathedral and haven of tranquillity.

    Spend the night in the Bath area.

    Average driving distance: 127 mi / 205 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 3: The Cotswolds, Oxford & Stratford

    You’ll begin your journey north today, driving through the picture-perfect Cotswolds region. Stop off in the quaint village of Castle Combe to soak up the idyllic atmosphere.

    Hit the road again to head to 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 Oxford to your heart’s content, continue your journey to the charming Tudor town of Stratford-upon-Avon. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you’ll love strolling around the town he once lived in

    Spend the night in the North Cotswolds area.

    Average driving distance: 135 mi / 218 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Journey to York

    After breakfast, hop in your car and journey to the Peak District. This national park is packed with things to see and do.

    Take a relaxing walk along the riverside in the spa town of Matlock Bath or visit the market town of Bakewell. And make sure to sample a local Bakewell tart! Nearby you’ll also find the breathtaking Chatsworth House that Jane Austen fans might recognise as “Pemberley” from Pride and Prejudice.

    Later, continue to the ancient city of York. If you have time, enjoy a stroll around the cobblestone streets.

    Spend the night in York.

    Average driving distance: 170 mi / 275 km

    Attractions Attractions 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 Scotland

    Today, you’ll continue your travels north. You could make a stop at Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Roman fortification was built in 122 CE, and significant sections are still standing today.

    You’ll cross the border at the world-famous Gretna Green and can drive through the historic spa town of Moffat.

    Then, it’s onto your day’s destination, Glasgow. You can soak up the city’s lively nighttime atmosphere at a local restaurant or bar. You’ll notice how friendly the locals are wherever you go.

    Spend the night in Glasgow.

    Average driving distance: 176 mi / 284 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: Into the Highlands

    After breakfast you’ll begin your road trip north into the Highlands.

    On the way you’ll have many possible stops, such as the picturesque village of Dunkeld, the 13th-century Blair Castle and the Highland Folk Museum.

    Upon arrival near Inverness, you can visit some interesting sights. The Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, is just a short drive away. There’s also the Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years.

    Spend the night in the Inverness area.

    Average driving distance: 155 miles / 251 km 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: Loch Ness, Castles & Isle of Skye

    You’ll drive along the shores of Loch Ness this morning, where you can visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition or explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins.

    From here, you’ll head west toward the breathtaking Isle of Skye. On the way, you may want to make a photo stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which you may recognise from countless films and TV shows.

    You’ll visit the scenic village of Portree on Skye, where you can admire colourful buildings and dine on Scottish fare at a local restaurant.

    Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

    Average driving distance: 115 mi / 185 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 9: The Isle of Skye

    Today take advantage of having a full day on Skye. The island is a haven for nature lovers, with breathtaking landscapes all around.

    We recommend driving north and visiting the Trotternish Peninsula. Here you can enjoy a walk up to the “Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle and marvel at the beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall.

    Other highlights include the Quiraing rock face, the An Corran Beach at Staffin (where you may spot ancient dinosaur footprints) and the mystical Fairy Glen.

    Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

    Average driving distance: 45 mi / 70 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 10: Sleat Peninsula & Glenfinnan

    Head south to the Sleat Peninsula. You may wish to stop on the way to enjoy a walk to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills. Or you could sample single malt whisky at the Talisker Distillery.

    In the afternoon, catch a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on the mainland. On your way to Fort William, why not stop at Camusdarach Beach? The white sand beaches here will take your breath away.

    You could also stop at Glenfinnan and spot the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you might recognise from the Harry Potter movies.

    Spend the night in the west coast area.

    Ferry duration: 30 minutes

    Average driving distance: 80 mi / 135 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 11: Glen Coe, Stirling & Edinburgh

    You’ll drive through the magnificent Glen Coe valley, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park regions today. Make sure you pull into one of the many parking spots along your route to snap some photos.

    Fans of Game of Thrones and Outlander will also want to stop at the imposing Doune Castle. Upon arrival in Stirling, you could pay a visit to Stirling Castle, to learn about Scotland’s storied past.

    Your journey will end in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where you’ll spend your final night. Spend the evening strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh.

    Average driving distance: 162 mi / 261 km

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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 12: Departure From Scotland

    It’s time to say goodbye to Scotland. When you need to head to the airport, take the Airlink bus, the tram or a taxi. If you would like to add any additional nights to your trip or to arrange a private transfer, you can do so during the booking process.

    If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, to visit one of Edinburgh’s museums, or to take one last stroll through the charming city centre.

    See Activities for this day
View full itinerary

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

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 2231 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

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. 

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

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in London’s city centre.

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.

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
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Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
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Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
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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
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Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Ford Mondeo Estate (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x5
  • A
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Ford Mondeo Estate (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard Estate
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 520 (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A
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BMW 520 (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • Limited availability between 18 September 2024 - 31 December 2025
  • Description: Premium
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
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Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x8
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Price per person from

GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 2231 GBP

Request info

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