7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in England and Scotland With Itinerary from London to Leeds, Edinburgh, and Preston

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your multi-country journey across England and Scotland. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - London in England. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Leeds where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

One place travelers keep coming back to in London is the magnificent London Eye. Around 175,315 visitors have rated this excellent observation deck and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Tower Bridge on this leg of your adventure in England. This attraction is a well-known monument that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 156,250 travelers.

The remarkable Tower Of London is known to be one of the best places to visit in London, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 104,392 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 2,741,126 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Tower Of London is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into London by exploring the captivating British Museum, which draws the attention of nearly 5,906,716 visitors annually. With a stellar average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 151,665 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your London exploration list!

Set your GPS to Leeds and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Leeds beckons with new experiences!

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Leeds. 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 Leeds’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Prashad in Leeds by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Prashad delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious indian vegetarian cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Pixel Bar Leeds, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Wax Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. North Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable 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 3 of your multi-country road trip across England and Scotland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in York in England. In the evening, you’ll end up in Edinburgh, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. York, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Leeds to York may take around 46 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in York, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in York, including the outstanding National Railway Museum. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 26,938 reviews and welcoming more than 807,591 visitors each year, this fascinating museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

York is also home to the captivating York Museum Gardens, a local botanical garden considered one of the highlights of the city. About 8,052 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of York, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Wigginton may take around 13 min. Upon your arrival in Wigginton, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Wigginton today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Moorlands Woodland Nature Reserve. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 304 visitors.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Edinburgh.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Edinburgh’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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Condita, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Edinburgh is The Kitchin, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious modern menu.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Nightcap - Cocktail Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Juniper Edinburgh is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Panda & Sons provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Take in the ambiance of Edinburgh as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Day 4 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Edinburgh. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Holyrood Park. This outstanding park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 12,119 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Holyrood Park is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Holyrood Palace is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This palace and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing art gallery, Scottish National Gallery, which hosts approximately 660,741 visitors per year. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,079 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Camera Obscura, an outstanding park, is one place you should visit while in Edinburgh considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 travelers.

Explore the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and discover what makes this local castle and wonder one of the best attractions in Edinburgh. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 90,949 travelers.

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 Edinburgh’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a highly-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're eager to try something different, consider Novotel Edinburgh Centre, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tigerlily. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Cafe Royal, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Ensign Ewart is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Tonic provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Edinburgh is the fantastic Royal Mile. As an appreciated street and local gem in the area, Royal Mile has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary National Museum Of Scotland. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a standout botanical garden and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Dean Village. This historical landmark is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,727 visitor reviews.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Preston’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Preston. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in England in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at We Don't Give a Fork, a top-rated dining spot in Preston. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Tea House, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Turtle Bay Preston. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Preston.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Ships And Giggles after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Black Horse, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Plug & Taps also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the night falls in Preston, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across England and Scotland. Today's main destinations are Leavesden 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.

When you’ve had your share of Preston, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Leavesden. Your travel time is around 3 hours 50 min.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Leavesden is the fantastic Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter. As an appreciated museum and local gem in the area, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 84,358 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. London, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Leavesden to London may take around 1 hour without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in London, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in London, including the outstanding St Paul's Cathedral. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 43,466 reviews, this fascinating church and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the village.

London is also home to the captivating Museum Of London, a local museum considered one of the highlights of the village. About 15,335 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in London. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

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 London. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Dine in style at Hawksmoor Guildhall, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bill's Soho Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Estiatorio Milos. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in London.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Lyaness offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Polski is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Buckingham Arms 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!