12-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in England and Scotland With Itinerary from London to Stratford-on-Avon, York, Edinburgh, Fort William, and Windermere

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in England and Scotland has in store for you! You will be staying in London for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Set aside time today to explore South Bank, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

British Museum is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This visually striking museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is St Paul's Cathedral, another must-visit landmark and notable church renowned for its stunning features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of London by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Tower Of London. This UNESCO world heritage-designated castle is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full London experience. We also recommend visiting Tower Bridge, a world-famous monument. Nearby, you'll also find London Eye, ready to add charm to your journey.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by London’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in England and Scotland.

Savor the flavors at Hawksmoor Guildhall, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bill's Soho Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Estiatorio Milos. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in London tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Lyaness is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Bar Polski, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Buckingham Arms. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in England and Scotland! Enjoy your evening in London to the fullest!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across England and Scotland. Today's main destinations are Oxford in England, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Stratford-on-Avon. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Oxford, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from London to Oxford may take around 1 hour 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Oxford, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Oxford University Museum Of Natural History is a notable museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’ve had your share of Oxford, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Stratford-on-Avon. Your travel time is around 1 hour 4 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Stratford Butterfly Farm and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Shakespeare's Birthplace, another highlight in Stratford-on-Avon.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Stratford-on-Avon of your choice.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of England's delectable cuisine at one of Stratford-on-Avon's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the town’s most recommended bars.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Garrick, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 4 of your European tour in England and Scotland, you’ll start and end your day in Bourton-on-the-Water, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the village, including Bourton-on-the-Water in England. Stratford-on-Avon remains your base for 1 night more.

Bourton-on-the-Water is brimming with adventures.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bourton-on-the-Water, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rendcomb. This drive usually takes around 9 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Rendcomb is Cotswolds Aonb, an interesting nature reserve that draws attention for its romantic features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bibury. This car ride takes around 15 min.

National Trust - Bibury is a locally appreciated historical landmark we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Stratford-on-Avon. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in England in a new light.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in England and Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence York in England. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in York, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to York and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 50 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. York beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Clifford's Tower, York, an intriguing castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Shambles Market and admire its eye-catching features.

When you’re ready, continue to York Minster, a well-known church beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on York City Walls, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in York. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in England and Scotland, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in York.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Yakamoz, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? House Of The Trembling Madness offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Turtle Bay York. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in York.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Habit Cafe Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Shambles Tavern is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pivní York is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

On day 7, you will wake up in Edinburgh with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Edinburgh before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across England and Scotland.

Edinburgh is brimming with adventures.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is an ideal stop early in the day. This popular botanical garden is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Edinburgh Castle, which may be one of the most picture-perfect places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Edinburgh on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to National Museum Of Scotland, a well-known museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for St Giles' Cathedral and Royal Mile.

As the sun sets on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Edinburgh's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Dine in style at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Novotel Edinburgh Centre boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Tigerlily. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Cafe Royal after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Ensign Ewart for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tonic is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Wake up to day 9 of your extraordinary road trip through England and Scotland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of the Scottish Highlands in Scotland. With 1 night left in Fort William, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Fort William and set your GPS to the Scottish Highlands. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 20 min. Upon reaching the Scottish Highlands, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the region's best attractions, visit Nevis Range Gondola Top, a locally appreciated observation deck that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Banavie, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from the Scottish Highlands to Banavie may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Banavie, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Neptune's Staircase. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Glenfinnan and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 22 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Glenfinnan beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Glenfinnan Viaduct, a curiosity-inducing heritage railway in Glenfinnan. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Fort William. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the town’s most popular bars.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across England and Scotland. Today's main destinations are Chester in England, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in London. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Chester. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 57 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Chester Cathedral, an increasingly popular church known for its stunning features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Eastgate And Eastgate Clock, a worthwhile monument.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Chester City Walls and uncover the details of this picture-perfect historical landmark.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in London. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across England and Scotland by rewarding yourself with a taste of London’s local cuisine.

Dine in style at Premier Inn London Blackfriars (Fleet Street) hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Palomar boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Cabotte. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in London.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Merchant House London, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Artesian offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in London. Jin Bo Law is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Celebrate day 11 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!