One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in England and Scotland With Itinerary from London to Stratford-on-Avon, York, Edinburgh, and Windermere

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across England and Scotland, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Oxford in England. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stratford-on-Avon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

After soaking in London’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Oxford. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 28 min. When you arrive in Oxford, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Oxford University Museum Of Natural History, an interesting museum in Oxford. Explore its respected features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Stratford-on-Avon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Oxford behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 5 min. Stratford-on-Avon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Holy Trinity Church, another highlight in Stratford-on-Avon. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Hall's Croft, a photogenic museum.

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

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Stratford-on-Avon boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Garrick, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across England and Scotland. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in York in England. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to York where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, York. This car ride takes around 2 hours 53 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is National Railway Museum. Spend some time admiring the respected features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to York Minster. This interesting church is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Shambles Market. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the market. Next, take your journey to Clifford's Tower, York, a beloved castle.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Yakamoz, a highly-rated dining destination in York. If you're eager to try something different, consider House Of The Trembling Madness, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Turtle Bay York. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in York this evening.

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

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

Wake up to day 5 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 Inverness in Scotland. With 1 night left in Edinburgh, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Whether you decide to explore Inverness on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Set your GPS to Inverness and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 6 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Inverness beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, an often recommended church 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 Inverness Museum And Art Gallery and admire its photogenic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Clava Cairns, an intriguing archeological site beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Novotel Edinburgh Centre offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Tigerlily is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Edinburgh.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Cafe Royal, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, The Ensign Ewart offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Tonic. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Take in the ambiance of Edinburgh as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

On day 6 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in England and Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence Windermere in England. When you’re not exploring the town and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Windermere, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Edinburgh and set your GPS to Windermere, England. 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 3 hours 42 min. Upon reaching Windermere, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Windermere, an intriguing lake that everyone visiting Windermere should see.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Windermere, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rydal. This drive usually takes around 35 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Rydal Cave, an intriguing cave that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Keswick. This drive usually takes around 27 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Friars Crag, an often recommended park 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 Castlerigg Stone Circle and admire its instagrammable features.

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

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 Windermere’s local cuisine.

As the night falls in Windermere, 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 7 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.

As you explore Chester’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Set your GPS to Chester and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 57 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Chester beckons with new experiences!

Chester Cathedral is an often recommended church we recommend visiting today. Discover its historic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Chester Cross, a culturally significant public square that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Eastgate And Eastgate Clock, a historic monument. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Chester Roman Amphitheatre, an instagrammable and truly unique archeological site.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Hawksmoor Guildhall, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bill's Soho Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Estiatorio Milos as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in London.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Lyaness stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Polski offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Buckingham Arms is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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!