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

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful London. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Tower Of London. This outstanding castle and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year, with over 2,741,126 people visiting it annually. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 104,392 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Tower Of London is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Tower Bridge is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This monument and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 156,250 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing historical landmark, London Bridge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 51,315 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Borough Market, an outstanding castle, is one place you should visit while in London considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 99,307 travelers.

Explore the magnificent London Eye and discover what makes this local observation deck and wonder one of the best attractions in London. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 175,315 travelers.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Hawksmoor Guildhall, a popular restaurant in London. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of London at Bill's Soho Restaurant, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Estiatorio Milos. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in London tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Lyaness after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Polski for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Buckingham Arms is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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.

Wake up to day 3 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 London in England. With 1 night left in London, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in London — Hyde Park. About 128,167 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Set your GPS to Kensington and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kensington beckons with new experiences!

In Kensington, the extraordinary Royal Albert Hall awaits. This attraction is a valued concert hall that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 39,115 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Kensington, which gets around 3,932,738 annual visits, is the spectacular Victoria And Albert Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 56,963 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Science Museum. This local museum and wonder has an overall review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 66,659 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers. With up to 2,989,000 people visiting this popular attraction every year, this iconic city feature is one place you don't want to miss.

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

In Brentford, the extraordinary Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew awaits. This attraction is a valued botanical garden that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 46,237 travelers' reviews.

As the sun dips under the horizon, 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. 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 delightful dinner at The Palomar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The Clermont London, Victoria? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Berners Tavern as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in London.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Merchant House London after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Artesian for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Jin Bo Law is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take in the ambiance of London 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 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in England and Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, London in England. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Leeds, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in London is the magnificent Trafalgar Square. Around 123,506 visitors have rated this excellent public square and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing National Gallery on this leg of your adventure in England. This attraction is a well-known art gallery that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 49,550 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 6,011,007 people visit it every year.

The remarkable British Museum is known to be one of the best places to visit in London, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 151,665 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 5,906,716 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful British Museum is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into London by exploring the captivating Madame Tussauds London. With a stellar average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 73,606 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your London exploration list!

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

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.

Discover the culinary delights of Leeds by securing a reservation at Prashad. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of indian vegetarian cuisine. Alternatively, The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar beckons with its unique menu offerings.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Pixel Bar Leeds. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Wax Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook North Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of York in England. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, your home 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 48 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 York Minster. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,508 reviews, this fascinating church and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

York is also home to the captivating National Railway Museum, a local museum considered one of the highlights of the city. About 26,938 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity. Each year, up to 807,591 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel itineraries.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Wigginton. This car ride takes around 16 min.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Wigginton is the magnificent Moorlands Woodland Nature Reserve. Around 304 visitors have rated this excellent nature reserve and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Edinburgh. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across England and Scotland.

Start your culinary exploration in Edinburgh by securing a reservation at Heron. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Condita, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover The Kitchin, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Nightcap - Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Juniper Edinburgh, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Panda & Sons also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

Wake up and see what day 6 of your great European road trip in England and Scotland has in store for you! You will be staying in Edinburgh for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Edinburgh today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Holyrood Park. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Holyrood Palace. This incredible attraction and palace holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to 17,746 visitors.

According to travelers in Edinburgh, the extraordinary National Museum Of Scotland is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible art gallery, Scottish National Gallery. Up to 660,741 people visit this attraction every year, and around 13,079 visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you’re up for another attraction, check out the popular castle, Edinburgh Castle. This attraction is rated an average 4.6 out of 5 stars among 90,949 visitors.

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.

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Cafe Royal, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Ensign Ewart provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tonic offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Celebrate day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 7 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.

A tour of Edinburgh is not complete without a visit to the famous Royal Mile. This incredible street and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,405 travelers.

Make the most of your Edinburgh travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Dean Village for an experience worth remembering. This local historical landmark and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Edinburgh, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Skinflats may take around 42 min. Upon your arrival in Skinflats, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

In Skinflats, the extraordinary The Kelpies awaits. This attraction is a valued art installation that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,904 travelers' reviews.

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 day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Preston. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Enjoy a lovely meal at We Don't Give a Fork, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Tea House is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Turtle Bay Preston. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Preston tonight.

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

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 8 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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Preston and set your GPS to Stafford. 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 1 hour 20 min. Upon reaching Stafford, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Stafford is the fantastic Trentham Gardens. As an appreciated botanical garden and local gem in the area, Trentham Gardens has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,597 reviews.

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.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable National Memorial Arboretum. This outstanding war memorial and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 from 12,319 travelers, a visit to the remarkable National Memorial Arboretum is worth pages in your travel diary.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Alrewas and set your GPS to Leavesden. 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 2 hours 1 min. Upon reaching Leavesden, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Leavesden today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Diagon Alley. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 608 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter. This incredible attraction and museum holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to 84,358 visitors.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Goodman City, an iconic dining spot in London. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, a popular restaurant in London. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Wiltons Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your dinner by heading to American Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Old Shades is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Scarfes Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Celebrate day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!