5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Scotland and England With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Glasgow and Windermere

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Scotland and England, 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 Stirling in Scotland. In the evening, you’ll end up in Glasgow, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

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

Stirling Castle is a captivating castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its culturally significant features before continuing your self-guided tour.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Balmaha may take around 40 min. Upon your arrival in Balmaha, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Tom Weir Statue, an up-and-coming monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glasgow. This car ride takes around 49 min.

Glasgow Cathedral is an intriguing church we recommend visiting today. Discover its monumental features before continuing your self-guided tour to Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, a picture-perfect museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by George Square, a culturally significant public square.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Glasgow’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 Scotland and England.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Piper Whisky Bar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The National Piping Centre? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Pasha Glasgow as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Glasgow.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Gallery Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Steps Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar 91 offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Celebrate day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Scotland and England. Today's main destinations are Rydal 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 Windermere. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Rydal’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Glasgow behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 32 min. Rydal welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Rydal Cave, a frequently visited cave known for its enchanting features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Near Sawrey, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Grasmere to Near Sawrey may take around 32 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Near Sawrey, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to National Trust - Hill Top, an intriguing museum that everyone visiting Near Sawrey should see.

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

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Windermere. 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.

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

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

Set your GPS to Eastriggs, Scotland and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Eastriggs beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to The Devils Porridge, a curiosity-inducing museum in Eastriggs. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Set your GPS to Melrose and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Melrose beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Melrose is Melrose Abbey, an underrated monastery that draws attention for its majestic features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Melrose and set your GPS to Roslin. 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 53 min. Upon reaching Roslin, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Roslin Castle, an increasingly popular castle that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Roslin Glen Country Park, where you can soak in the serene surroundings.

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

As the sun sets, 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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Edinburgh at Novotel Edinburgh Centre, 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 Tigerlily. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Edinburgh tonight.

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.

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!