| Important Information about London to Edinburgh Trip | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 5-7 Days |
| Best Time to visit | Apr-Oct |
| Type of Trip | Road Trip |
| Total Distance | 652 KM |
| What is Edinburgh Famous for | Art, Culture & Café |
Traveling in the UK is a perfect combination of freedom, exploration, and relaxation. There is so much to visit within the country, and there is no better way to do this on a road trip from London to Edinburgh, which is two of the biggest cities in the UK. There are so many places to see along the way, that sometimes it can be overwhelming. On your London to Edinburgh road trip, you can see the country’s villages and popular sights at your own pace. And I bet this beautiful UK road trip itinerary will make up for the mild terror of driving on narrow country lanes!
Whether you’re in for the chocolate box cottages in the Cotswolds or a refreshing hike in the Lake District feels, this trip has everything, which is sure to please every traveler.
The Best Time for London to Edinburgh Trip
With these amazing destinations in mind, one can take a UK road trip throughout the year. However, due to the snowy road conditions it’s best to avoid from December to February. Planning a trip between April to October would be ideal for the same reasons.
Duration of London to Edinburgh Road trip by Car Rental
The distance between London to Edinburgh is 405 miles, which can be easily covered in one day. One can plan this itinerary for a small weekend getaway or can take up to 5-7 days to see all the amazing destinations in between.
London
- Recommended days: 1-2
- Famous for: Architecture, History, Art, Food & Cafes
It would be insane to start your journey without spending a couple of days in London. The Big Smoke is a magnificent city filled with great history, food, and classic British culture. Before starting your trip, get on to your tourist mode and hop on to do some of the most cliche things in London to check off your bucket list.
From breathtaking museums and historic landmarks to some hidden treasures that continue to reveal themselves makes exploring London more interesting. With a world-famous arts scene and almost countless options for theatre, music, and film, London is certainly not lacking on any front.
Places to Visit in London – Things to Do
- Buckingham Palace: Home of the British queen
- The Tower of London: Medieval castle
- The British Museum: Historian’s treasure trove
- The London Eye: Iconic wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames
Best Places to Stay in London
- Notting Hill: quiet place with colourful neighborhood
- South Kensington: luxury stay near Heathrow Airport and central London
- Landmark London: 5 Star hotel with British elegance
Best Places to Eat in London
- Saint Aymes: Coffee shop with instagram worthy interiors
- Landmark London: Extensive breakfast, great buffet
- Trader Vics: Rum cocktails and mai tais with tropical setting
London to Manchester Road Trip by Car Rental
- London-Oxford-Cambridge On your way from London to Manchester, you can make several spots in between. Take M40 and visit Oxford, which is located an hour west of London. You can visit Oxford University, which is the oldest in the world. Also, world-famous films like the Harry Potter series have been filmed here. If you have extra time, you can also visit the nation’s renowned education institution- the University of Cambridge.
- Chester- Liverpool Almost halfway between your London to Edinburgh road trip, lies a beautiful city named Chester, which is worth exploring. Chester is also home to the oldest racecourse, largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, and a 1000-year-old Cathedral along with a 700-year-old Rows galleries for double delight shopping. You can also explore the famous Chester Zoo situated just outside the city center. If you are a fan of the Beatles and Liverpool football club, then you have to spend some time in Liverpool on your road trip. The city has many tourist sites like the Royal Albert Dock Area and William Brown Street, which are UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Other highlights in the city include the Museum of Liverpool, the hipster area Baltic Triangle.
Things to Explore in Manchester City
- Recommended days: 2-3
- London to Manchester: Best Route: via M6 | Distance: 199.7 mile
For many good reasons, Manchester is a favorite city for many travelers. The city has produced renowned bands like Oasis, The Smiths, and not to forget the Stone Roses, which is known for more than just rock and roll. With historical sights, art galleries, and museums, there’s plenty of things to keep you busy during your trip. Manchester must be experienced at least once, as this vibrant city is full of creativity, eye-catching architecture, award-winning restaurants, and as we all know home to the most famous football clubs in the world. Let us be your guide to Manchester and all that it has to offer.
Best Places to Visit in Manchester
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Affleck’s Palace
Home to jewelry, trinkets, craft stores, and even a cereal café
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National Football Museum
Exhibits collections of football memorabilia
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Old Trafford
Football stadium, home of Manchester United
Best Places to Stay in Manchester City
- King Street Townhouse Hotel: Highly recommended, within walking distance from shopping, restaurants and coffee shops
- Princess St. Hotel: for luxury travelers, close to main tourist attractions
- Giants Seat Scout Campsite: Located in the outer city, offers remote camping
Best Places to Eat in Manchester City
- Wood: Fancy elegant dining with full of flavors
- Evelyn’s Cafe Bar: Perfect place to satisfy your coffee cravings
- The Refuge: For brunch, lunch, and dinner
- The Mackie Mayor: The restaurant has the coolest interiors and serves vegetarian, vegan, meat, Italian, cocktails, etc.
Manchester to Edinburgh Road Trip by Car Rental
- York Drive on route M62 to reach York, which is one of the most popular spots on a trip from London to Edinburgh. The city is only about four hours from London by car, and it makes for an excellent spot to make a stop and explore. The city has The Shambles, York Minster, England’s biggest railway station, and many places that are worth visiting.
- Lake District The Lake District is a go-to destination for hikers and climbers. It is one of the most popular escapes in the UK, and a beautiful place to stop on the London to Edinburgh drive via M61. The national park is famous for its peaks and namesake lakes. The Lake District isn’t all about outdoor adventure activities. However, there are many options for luxury escapism and food lovers
Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Recommended days: 2-3
- London to Manchester: Best Route: via M6 | Distance: 217 miles
The last destination of your road trip is Edinburgh, which is so much more than the Fringe Festival and Harry Potter locations. The city’s magnificent scenery, Gothic architecture, and a hilltop Castle–combine to create a serene atmosphere. Edinburgh is a beautiful city to explore. You can even climb a volcano, see where JK Rowling got her inspiration for the world-renowned Harry Potter series, and learn all about whisky. Spend 2-3 days in Edinburgh, so that you get enough time to visit all the best places in the city. Whether you’re a history buff, or love castles, you’re sure to be delighted by this Scottish wonderland.
Places to Visit in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Historic fortress with castle rock
- The Royal Miles: Succession of street
- Holyrood Palace: Official residence of the British monarch
Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh
- Cityroomz Edinburgh: budget hotel, close to chic Princes Street
- Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket: luxury hotel in central Haymarket area
Best Places to Eat in Edinburgh
- Spoon: Famous Harry Potter cafe
- Mum’s Great Comfort Food: amazing food with a vintage setting
- El Cartel: mouth-watering Mexican cuisine with great ambiance
- Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar: historic Scottish pub with a great atmosphere