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

On day 2 of your European tour in England and Scotland, you’ll start and end your day in Kensington, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to London for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Kensington in England to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Something that makes London the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding museum, British Museum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 151,665 visitors and gets around 5,906,716 visits every year.

The famous Borough Market is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of London's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 99,307 travelers have rated this incredible food market and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

London is also home to the extraordinary Tower Of London, which boasts a 4.6 out of 5 star rating in 104,392 traveler reviews. This stunning castle and local feature draws more than 2,741,126 visitors on an annual basis, captivating the hearts of travelers with its unique charm.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Tower Bridge. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 156,250 reviews, a visit to this wonderful monument and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

London’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Kensington behind. This drive usually takes around 20 min. London welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A tour of Kensington is not complete without a visit to the famous Victoria And Albert Museum. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,963 travelers, and is visited by 3,932,738 people every year.

Set your GPS to London and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. London beckons with new experiences!

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in London by securing a reservation at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern french cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, celebrated for its delectable french menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 3-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Lyaness, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Polski offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Buckingham Arms provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the night falls in London, 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.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of London in England. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Leeds, your home for 1 night.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable London Eye. This outstanding observation deck and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 175,315 travelers, a visit to the remarkable London Eye is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Buckingham 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,513 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing park, Hyde Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 128,167 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kensington.

Something that makes Kensington the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding museum, Science Museum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 66,659 visitors and gets around 2,989,000 visits every year.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Leeds. 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 HOME, a top-rated dining spot in Leeds. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Leeds.

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

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

On day 4 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.

When you’ve had your share of Leeds, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of York. Your travel time is around 45 min.

Something that makes York the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding market, Shambles Market. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,363 visitors.

The famous York Minster is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of York's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 19,508 travelers have rated this incredible church and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Set your GPS to Wigginton and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 14 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Wigginton beckons with new experiences!

In Wigginton, the extraordinary Moorlands Woodland Nature Reserve awaits. This attraction is a valued nature reserve that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 304 travelers' reviews.

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

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

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 enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Nightcap - Cocktail Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Juniper Edinburgh offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Panda & Sons provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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!

On day 5, 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.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Edinburgh is the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Around 20,765 visitors have rated this excellent botanical garden and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Dean Village on this leg of your adventure in Scotland. This attraction is a well-known historical landmark that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 13,727 travelers.

The remarkable Scottish National Gallery is known to be one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,079 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 660,741 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Scottish National Gallery is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Edinburgh by exploring the captivating Camera Obscura. With a stellar average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Edinburgh exploration list!

As the sun sets on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Edinburgh's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Scotland to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Edinburgh has them.

Make sure to reserve a table at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, an iconic dining spot in Edinburgh. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Novotel Edinburgh Centre, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Tigerlily, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Cafe Royal. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Ensign Ewart offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Tonic, another top-rated bar in the area.

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!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across England and Scotland. Today's main destinations are Edinburgh in Scotland, 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 Preston. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Something that makes Edinburgh the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding street, Royal Mile. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,405 visitors.

The famous National Museum Of Scotland is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Edinburgh's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 45,476 travelers have rated this incredible museum and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Edinburgh is also home to the extraordinary Holyrood Palace, which boasts a 4.6 out of 5 star rating in 17,746 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Holyrood Park. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 12,119 reviews, a visit to this wonderful park and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Preston, 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 Edinburgh to Preston may take around 3 hours 52 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Preston, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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 Preston. 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.

As the sun sets on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Preston's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of England to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Preston has them.

Make sure to reserve a table at We Don't Give a Fork, an iconic dining spot in Preston. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Tea House, a popular restaurant in Preston. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Turtle Bay Preston, a hidden gem nestled in Preston. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Ships And Giggles, known for its inviting atmosphere. Black Horse is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Plug & Taps provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in England and Scotland! Enjoy your evening in Preston to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 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 - Stafford in England. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to London where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Stafford and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Stafford beckons with new experiences!

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated botanical garden and attraction in Stafford — Trentham Gardens. About 10,597 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking in Stafford’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Alrewas. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 48 min. When you arrive in Alrewas, it's time to take a break from the road.

A tour of Alrewas is not complete without a visit to the famous National Memorial Arboretum. This incredible war memorial and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 12,319 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Leavesden. This car ride takes around 2 hours 9 min.

A tour of Leavesden is not complete without a visit to the famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 84,358 travelers.

Make the most of your Leavesden travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Diagon Alley. This sightseeing destination and unique destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 608 travelers.

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.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of London boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of England.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Palomar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Clermont London, Victoria offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Berners Tavern. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Merchant House London, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Artesian is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Jin Bo Law is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the night falls in London, 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.