5-Day Road Trip in Scotland and England from Edinburgh to Carlisle and Manchester

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Scotland and England begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Edinburgh in Scotland. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Edinburgh for 1 night.

Catch an early flight to Scotland to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Edinburgh before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Royal Mile. This outstanding sightseeing destination and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 14,405 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Royal Mile is worth pages in your travel diary.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Edinburgh. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Edinburgh. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Scotland 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Edinburgh by booking a table at Heron. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Condita, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover The Kitchin, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Panda & Sons, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Cafe Royal is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Ensign Ewart also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Your multi-country road trip in Scotland and England has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Scotland and England. 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 Carlisle. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in Edinburgh’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Carlisle, England. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 16 min. When you arrive in Carlisle, it's time to take a break from the road.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated national museum and attraction in Edinburgh — National Museum of Scotland. About 45,476 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The popular Edinburgh Castle is another top sight in Edinburgh that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved castle in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a spectacular botanical garden and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Edinburgh, earning an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Holyrood Palace. Because of its allure and charm, around 17,746 visitors have rated this attraction and official residence an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Discover the allure of Holyrood Park. Echoing its popularity, 12,119 travelers have awarded this famous archaeological site and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

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 Carlisle. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

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

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Scotland and England, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. In the evening, you’ll end up in Manchester, where you will stay for 1 night.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Liverpool, including the outstanding Lake District National Park. Having an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 39,643 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Liverpool and set your GPS to Manchester. 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 57 min. Upon reaching Manchester, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

In Liverpool, the extraordinary Cavern Club awaits. This attraction is a valued bar that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,941 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Liverpool is the spectacular Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. This attraction is a sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,352 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carlisle and set your GPS to Greenholme. 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 43 min. Upon reaching Greenholme, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated sightseeing destination and attraction in Greenholme — Tebay Services (Southbound). About 20,093 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Manchester. 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 Scotland and England.

Don’t miss out on dining at Fazenda Manchester, a top-rated dining destination in Manchester. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Peaky Blinders Manchester, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Manchester this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Atlas Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Port Street Beer House provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Café Beermoth | Craft Beer Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your multi-country journey across Scotland and England. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Manchester in England. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Edinburgh where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Manchester and set your GPS to Lancaster. 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 56 min. Upon reaching Lancaster, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Something that makes Manchester the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding science museum, Science and Industry Museum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 17,320 visitors and gets around 830,000 visits every year.

The famous Heaton Park is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Manchester's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 14,059 travelers have rated this incredible english country house and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lancaster, 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 Manchester to Lancaster may take around 56 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lancaster, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Lancaster — Williamson Park. About 5,097 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Edinburgh, 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 Lancaster to Edinburgh may take around 3 hours 19 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

As the sun sets on day 4 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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Cafe Andaluz is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Edinburgh tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Hoot The Redeemer. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Albanach offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook The Bow 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!

On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Edinburgh before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Scotland and England. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Maximize your last day in Scotland and go on a shopping spree in Edinburgh’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Scotland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Scotland home with you through these charming souvenirs.

Get a last taste of Scotland’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Edinburgh and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Scotland and England.

If you're eager to try something different, consider The Witchery by the Castle, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

The time has come to say farewell to Edinburgh for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Scotland and England with fond memories. Safe travels!