One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Scotland and England With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Windermere and York

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in Scotland and England has in store for you! You will be staying in Edinburgh for 2 nights before continuing your journey to the next destination.

A top thing to do today is to explore Leith, a must-see neighborhood in Edinburgh. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area. You can also visit Old Town, an ideal neighborhood for continued sightseeing.

Catch Holyrood Palace before the crowds roll in. This instagrammable palace is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the heritage-rich features of National Museum Of Scotland, a must-visit museum in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Edinburgh Castle, an astonishing castle. For a change of scene, check out Dean Village, known for its romantic features.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Edinburgh boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Savor the flavors at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Novotel Edinburgh Centre beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Tigerlily. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Edinburgh tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Cafe Royal, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Ensign Ewart offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Edinburgh. Tonic is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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!

On day 3 of your European tour in Scotland and England, you’ll start and end your day in Cambuskenneth, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the village, including Cambuskenneth in Scotland. Edinburgh remains your base for 1 night more.

Cambuskenneth’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Edinburgh behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. Cambuskenneth welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Wallace Monument and explore the historic features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stirling may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Stirling, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Stirling is Stirling Castle, a well-known castle that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

Set your GPS to Balmaha and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Balmaha beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Tom Weir Statue. Spend some time admiring the symbolic features of the monument before you continue to your next stop.

As the sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Edinburgh's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Angels with Bagpipes, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Rabble Taphouse and Grill offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Black Ivy. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Hoot The Redeemer, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Albanach is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Thistle Street Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Greet day 5 of your multi-country road trip across Scotland and England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Grasmere in England. You will return to Windermere for your remaining 1 night in the town later today.

After soaking in Windermere’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Grasmere. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 25 min. When you arrive in Grasmere, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is National Trust - Allan Bank And Grasmere.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grasmere and set your GPS to Keswick. 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 23 min. Upon reaching Keswick, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Keswick Museum, an up-and-coming museum that everyone visiting Keswick should see. Next, head to Castlerigg Stone Circle. This culturally significant archeological site is one of the most increasingly popular attractions in the region.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of England's delectable cuisine at one of Windermere's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the town’s most recommended bars.

As the night falls in Windermere, 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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your multi-country journey across Scotland and England. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in York in England. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to York where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Windermere’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: York. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 26 min. When you arrive in York, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering York Minster, an interesting church known for its respected features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Shambles Market, a notable market.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Clifford's Tower, York and uncover the details of this picture-perfect castle. Make sure to also explore Jorvik Viking Centre, a well-known museum.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by York’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 delicious dinner at Yakamoz, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? House Of The Trembling Madness offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Turtle Bay York. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in York.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Habit Cafe Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Shambles Tavern, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Pivní York provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 7 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 Alnwick in England. In the evening, you’ll end up in Edinburgh, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Alnwick. This car ride takes around 2 hours 18 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to The Alnwick Garden, an intriguing botanical garden that everyone visiting Alnwick should see. Next, head to Alnwick Castle. This awe-inspiring castle is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Grace Darling Museum, a curiosity-inducing museum known for its historic features.

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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Waverley Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Royal Oak, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Oxford Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night 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!