London to Edinburgh - 8 days Tour by On The Go Tours

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

London, England

Ends

Edinburgh, Scotland

Highlights

Stratford-upon-Avon - Enjoy free time to take in the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre

Conwy Castle - Explore this medieval castle in North Wales, founded by King Edward I in the 13th Century after he conquered the area

Snowdonia National Park - Take in the dramatic mountains and valleys of North Wales, including Mount Snowdon, the country's highest peak

York - Spend three nights in this historic town, an important Roman settlement and also conquered by the Vikings and Normans

Yorkshire Dales - Take in this vast national park, filled with stunning scenery, wildlife and a rich cultural heritage

Castlerigg - See this 5,000-year-old stone circle, believed to have been the site for many ancient rituals and ceremonies

Windermere - Enjoy a 45-minute cruise on England's largest lake, soaking up the scenery of the Lake District

Hadrian's Wall - Follow in the footsteps of Roman centurions along this ancient wall which once protected the Roman Empire from Scottish tribes

Castlerigg - See this 5,000-year-old stone circle, believed to have been the site for many ancient rituals and ceremonies

Windermere - Enjoy a 45-minute cruise on England's largest lake, soaking up the scenery of the Lake District

Hadrian's Wall - Follow in the footsteps of Roman centurions along this ancient wall which once protected the Roman Empire from Scottish tribes

Itinerary

From London’s bustling streets to the historic charm of Edinburgh, this "London to Edinburgh - 8 Days" small group journey is a celebration of Britain’s cultural and natural wonders. With a gentle, easy-paced itinerary, it’s ideal for seasoned travelers and seniors looking to enjoy iconic sites without the rush.

Delve into history at Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and take a day trip into Wales to admire Conwy Castle and the wild beauty of Snowdonia National Park. Traverse the scenic Peak District, visit the grandeur of Chatsworth House, and wander the medieval streets of York. The rolling landscapes of the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, and the famed Lake District offer plenty of photo-worthy moments, including an included cruise on Lake Windermere and a visit to the ancient Castlerigg stone circle.

Follow in Roman footsteps at Hadrian’s Wall before concluding your adventure in the cultural capital of Scotland. The tour package includes all accommodations, transport, and meals, offering a seamless blend of comfort and enrichment. The unique selling point? A thoughtfully designed route that connects England’s and Scotland’s must-see destinations, combining history, literature, and natural beauty—all at a pace that encourages true appreciation.

day 1 - Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge & Shrewsbury

London - Stratford-upon-Avon - Ironbridge - Shrewsbury. Departing London, we drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, best known as the birthplace of legendary playwright William Shakespeare. During free time here, you can see the bard's Tudor birthplace, and the Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried. Stratford is also home to the riverside Royal Shakespeare Company, made up of several theatres. Perhaps pop into the adjacent Dirty Duck pub for a pint, a popular haunt for actors and theatregoers alike. Famous guests in the Actors Bar here have included Dame Judi Dench, David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren - their photos are all on the walls!

Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, home to the world's first ever iron bridge (clue is in the name!). Learn about this marvel of engineering and admire views of the flowing River Severn from above.

We arrive in Shrewsbury, where the historic town centre is almost entirely encircled by the River Severn, and is dominated by black and white Tudor buildings. Charles Darwin was born in this market town, which is our home for the next two nights (please note that on rare occasions we will stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury).

Please note: Check-in closes at 09:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.

Accommodation: Abbots Mead B&B, Darwin's Townhouse B&B or similar

OverNight:Shrewsbury

day 2 - Conwy Castle & Snowdonia

Shrewsbury - Conwy Castle - Snowdonia National Park - Shrewsbury. Today we enjoy a day trip to north Wales. Our first stop is Conwy and its medieval castle. Constructed by conquering King Edward I following his successful invasion of Wales in the 13th century, it offers majestic views and well-preserved battlements.

We then drive into the vast Snowdonia National Park. Cross the dramatic Pass of Llanberis and catch a glimpse of Snowdon, the tallest peak in Wales. We take in the picturesque scenery before making our way back to Shrewsbury, your guide will be able to share tales of the rebellious Owain Glyndwr as we make our way back into England.

Accommodation: Abbots Mead B&B, Darwin's Townhouse B&B or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Shrewsbury

day 3 - Peak District to York

Shrewsbury - Peak District National Park - Buxton - Chatsworth House - York. Leaving Shrewsbury, we drive through the scenic countryside and pretty villages of the Peak District, arriving in the spa town of Buxton. The thermal springs here date back to Roman times, and you can fill your water bottle up with crystal clear water directly from the spring.

Next up is an included visit to one of England's most famous stately homes, the Duke of Devonshire's Chatsworth House (included on departures from April 2026 onwards). Known for its ornate gardens, immense collection of furniture and famous paintings, it's quintessentially English!

We complete our drive through England's former northern industrial heartlands to York, an ancient walled city known for its Roman and Viking history.

Accommodation: Trevellion B&B, Bishop & Bison or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:York

day 4 - York free time

Today you have a choice! You can spend the day independently roaming the city of York, home to a chequered history dating back to the Romans, Vikings and Normans. There are plenty of great museums and historic city walls to discover, as well as an array of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Alternatively, you can set out with our guide for a half-day trip across the Yorkshire Dales to the market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon. You will also take in some of the scenery and villages of the more remote Eastern Dales. The evening is at leisure in York.

Accommodation: Trevellion B&B, Bishop & Bison or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:York

day 5 - North York Moors & Whitby

York - North Yorkshire Moors National Park - Whitby - Robin Hood's Bay - York. This morning we will be picked up by a new driver. Some of the group may leave the tour here and return to London. After a free morning, we head towards the North Sea coast, passing through the magnificent scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

We stop in the fishing town of Whitby, where we recommend you enjoy some traditional fish and chips for lunch! See the Royal Hotel, where Bram Stoker came up with the idea for his blood-curdling tale 'Dracula'. There's also a stop in the charming seaside village of Robin Hood's Bay, where you can explore the steep lanes and enjoy the coastal views. We then return to York for the evening.

Please note: The minibus cannot access Robin Hood's Bay village, and you must be able to walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the village centre.

Accommodation: Trevellion B&B, Bishop & Bison or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:York

day 6 - The scenic Yorkshire Dales

York - Yorkshire Dales National Park - Keswick. Departing York and heading west, we journey into the vast expanse of the Yorkshire Dales, brimming with wildlife, excellent scenery and a rich cultural heritage. We also pass through the scenic Northern Dales, an area of outstanding natural beauty and rolling hills. Our destination is the market town of Keswick in the Lake District, surrounded by shimmering lakes and rugged peaks.

Accommodation: The Edwardene, Elm Tree Lodge or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Keswick

day 7 - Castlerigg, Windermere & Wordsworth

Keswick - Castlerigg - Windermere - Hawkshead - Grasmere - Keswick. On today's excursion, our first stop is the standing stone circle of Castelrigg. Dating back more than 5,000 years, it was believed to be the site of many strange and ancient rituals.

Our next visit is to Ullswater, one of the UK's prettiest lakes. We can enjoy a walk along the shore and take photos before reaching the Aira Force Waterfall, the most famous of the Lake District's cascades.

Heading over the Kirkstone Pass, we make a lunch stop at Windermere, on the shore of the UK's largest lake - there is time for an included lake cruise. We then head to Hawkshead, where renowned poet William Wordsworth went to school. After spending some time in this charming village, we navigate narrow country lanes to Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. You can visit his home at Dove Cottage and the Daffodil Garden before we return to Keswick for the evening.

Accommodation: The Edwardene, Elm Tree Lodge or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Keswick

day 8 - Hadrian's Wall

Keswick - Hadrian's Wall - Edinburgh. Today we climb the Hartside Pass, enjoy unrivalled views of the Lake District and the rolling hills of Scotland from more than 1,900 feet. We then visit Hadrian's Wall, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep the marauding Scottish tribes out of the Roman Empire in 122 AD. Walk the same trails as Roman centurions many centuries ago and visit the Roman Army Museum.

We then cross into Scotland and stop for refreshments in Jedburgh, home to a magnificent ruined abbey. Our last stop is the viewpoint at Scott's View, from where you can gaze out over the River Tweed and Cheviot Hills, marking the border between England and Scotland. We then complete our drive to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioningAll road tolls

Guide

Escorted by a local driver-guide

Others

Cruise on Lake WindermereAdmission to Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum at Hadrian's Wall20kg luggage allowance - This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal itemsNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Entrance

Entrance to Conwy CastleEntrance to Chatsworth House & Gardens (included on departures from April 2026)

What's Excluded

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Highlights

Itinerary