7-Day Road Trip in Scotland, and England from Edinburgh to Preston, London, and Leeds

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.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Edinburgh, including the outstanding Royal Mile. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews, this fascinating sightseeing destination and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Find your way to your hotel in Edinburgh. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Scotland, and England.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Newsroom Bar & Eatery. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Panda & Sons, known for its lively atmosphere. Cafe Royal is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Ensign Ewart offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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.

On day 2 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Scotland, and England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Edinburgh in Scotland. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Preston, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

In Edinburgh, the extraordinary National Museum Of Scotland awaits. This attraction is a valued national museum that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Edinburgh is the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. This attraction is a castle that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This local botanical garden and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Holyrood Palace is another attraction you might want to add to your Edinburgh exploration itinerary. This official residence is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Preston. 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 Preston’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 We Don't Give a Fork, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The Tea House? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Turtle Bay Preston as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Preston.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Ships And Giggles. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Black Horse, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Plug & Taps provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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 Leavesden 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 London. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Preston, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Leavesden. Your travel time is around 3 hours 50 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 exhibition room and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 84,358 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Leavesden, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Westminster may take around 49 min. Upon your arrival in Westminster, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

In Westminster, the extraordinary Hyde Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 128,167 travelers' reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Westminster and set your GPS to London. 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 17 min. Upon reaching London, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One place travelers keep coming back to in London is the magnificent Big Ben. Around 65,522 visitors have rated this excellent cultural icon and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, London’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of England's delectable cuisine at one of London's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The American Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Cahoots London offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bill's Soho Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in London.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Américain after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Connaught Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Bar Polski 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.

On day 4, you will wake up in London with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in London before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Scotland, and England.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated wax museum and attraction in London — Madame Tussauds London. About 73,606 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The popular British Museum is another top sight in London that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved national museum in the area, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,665 visitors.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by London’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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Estiatorio Milos, 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 The Palomar, 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 Berners Tavern, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Artesian, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of American Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Old Shades likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 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 - London in England. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Leeds where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated square and attraction in London — Trafalgar Square. About 123,506 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kensington. This drive usually takes around 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Westminster, including the outstanding St James's Park. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 56,264 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Westminster is also home to the captivating Buckingham Palace, a local royal palace considered one of the highlights of the city. About 168,513 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Westminster, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kensington. This drive usually takes around 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Kensington, including the outstanding Victoria And Albert Museum. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 56,963 reviews and welcoming more than 3,932,738 visitors each year, this fascinating museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

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

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, Cosy Club beckons with its unique menu offerings.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pixel Bar Leeds stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, North Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Brudenell Social Club is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Take in the ambiance of Leeds 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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Jedburgh in Scotland. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, your home for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Leeds, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Scotland! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Jedburgh may take around 3 hours 3 min. Upon your arrival in Jedburgh, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Jedburgh Abbey. This outstanding abbey and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 2,413 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Jedburgh Abbey is worth pages in your travel diary.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Newstead. This car ride takes around 19 min.

Something that makes Newstead the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding railway bridge, Leaderfoot Viaduct. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 535 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Newstead, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Penicuik may take around 51 min. Upon your arrival in Penicuik, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

In Penicuik, the extraordinary Pentland Hills Regional Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,398 travelers' reviews.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

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 Hoot The Redeemer after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Albanach, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Bow Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

On day 7 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.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Edinburgh’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Edinburgh is the fantastic Dean Village. As an appreciated village and local gem in the area, Dean Village has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,727 reviews.

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.

Savor the flavors at The Kitchin, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Witchery by the Castle beckons with its unique menu offerings.

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 7-day European road trip in Scotland, and England with fond memories. Safe travels!