6-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Scotland and England With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Stirling, 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 Edinburgh in Scotland. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stirling, where you will stay for 1 night.

Experience Edinburgh Castle, a widely recognized castle in the city.

When you’ve had your share of Edinburgh, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cambuskenneth. Your travel time is around 56 min.

Wallace Monument is a popular monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour to Stirling, Old Bridge, a historic historical landmark that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Causewayhead Park, an idyllic park.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cambuskenneth, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Stirling. This drive usually takes around 11 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Stirling Castle, a popular castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Stirling’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 Mint leaf Nepalese and indian restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hermanns? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Allan Park - pub, restaurant & coffee house as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Stirling.

Keep the evening going at Curly Coo Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Settle Inn, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is No 2 Baker Street, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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!

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Balmaha. This drive usually takes around 39 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village'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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Glasgow, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Balmaha to Glasgow may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Glasgow, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, a well-known museum in Glasgow. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Kelvingrove Park. This notable park is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Glasgow Cathedral is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most breathtaking church in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the popular George Square and discover what makes this public square unique.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Glasgow’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 Glasgow. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Scotland in a new light.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Piper Whisky Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Glasgow. If you're in the mood for something new, try The National Piping Centre, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Pasha Glasgow. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Glasgow.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Gallery Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Steps Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Bar 91 also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

As the night falls in Glasgow, 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 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Gretna Green in Scotland and Keswick in England. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Windermere, your home for 1 night.

Gretna Green’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Glasgow behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 29 min. Gretna Green welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Courtship Maze is an up-and-coming maze we recommend visiting today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Keswick, England. This car ride takes around 52 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Castlerigg Stone Circle. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Near Sawrey. This drive usually takes around 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Near Sawrey is National Trust - Hill Top, an up-and-coming museum that draws attention for its picture-perfect features.

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

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 Scotland and England by rewarding yourself with a taste of Windermere’s local cuisine.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Scotland and England! Enjoy your evening in Windermere to the fullest!

On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Scotland and England, you’ll soak in the magnificence York in England. 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.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Windermere, you’ll hit the road in the direction of York. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 21 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in York is National Railway Museum, a popular museum that draws attention for its heritage-rich features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Shambles Market, a photogenic market that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Red Tower, a locally appreciated historical landmark that offers a unique experience.

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.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Scotland's delectable cuisine at one of Edinburgh'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 lovely meal at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Novotel Edinburgh Centre is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Tigerlily. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Edinburgh tonight.

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.

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!