Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

20‑Day UK Itinerary: London & Edinburgh

Viewed by 106 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in London & Meet Friends

Morning: Arrive at Heathrow, clear customs and take the Heathrow Express to Paddington. Meet your friends for a quick coffee at Gail’s Bakery and settle into your hotel.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the South Bank, taking in views of the Thames, the London Eye, and the iconic skyline.

Evening: Dine together at a traditional pub in Covent Garden and perhaps catch a West End theatre show.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Classic London Landmarks

Morning: Visit the historic Westminster Abbey and watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Afternoon: Explore the treasures of the British Museum, then wander through the nearby Bloomsbury literary quarter.

Evening: Enjoy sunset views from the Shard followed by dinner at a riverside restaurant on the Thames.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Royal Parks & Markets

Morning: Walk through Hyde Park, rent a paddle boat on the Serpentine, and visit the Kensington Palace gardens.

Afternoon: Browse the vibrant stalls of Borough Market for lunch, then explore the historic streets of Southwark.

Evening: Meet friends for a night out in Shoreditch, enjoying street art, bars, and live music.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Art & Culture

Morning: Discover modern art at the Tate Modern and enjoy its riverside terrace.

Afternoon: Cross the Millennium Bridge to the St Paul’s Cathedral, climbing to the Whispering Gallery.

Evening: Attend a classical concert at the Royal Albert Hall or a jazz session in Soho.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor

Morning: Take a train to Windsor and tour the magnificent Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favourite residence.

Afternoon: Stroll through the historic town centre, shop for souvenirs, and have lunch by the River Thames.

Evening: Return to London, relax at your hotel, and enjoy a low‑key dinner with friends.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Greenwich & River Cruise

Morning: Board a riverboat to Greenwich, visiting the Royal Observatory and standing on the Prime Meridian.

Afternoon: Explore the National Maritime Museum and the historic Cutty Sark ship.

Evening: Take a sunset cruise back to central London, ending with a nightcap at a rooftop bar.

Find Hotels

Day 6: (continued) Optional Day Trip to Oxford

Morning: Catch a fast train to Oxford and tour the world‑famous University of Oxford colleges.

Afternoon: Punter for a punting ride on the River Cherwell and explore the Bodleian Library.

Evening: Return to London for dinner with friends.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Leisure Day in London

Morning: Sleep in, then enjoy brunch at Duck & Waffle with panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Shop along Oxford Street and visit the quirky shops of Carnaby.

Evening: Meet friends for a farewell dinner in Notting Hill, followed by a night walk through the illuminated streets.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Travel to Edinburgh

Morning: Take an early high‑speed train from King’s Cross to Edinburgh, enjoying scenic countryside views.

Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation, then begin exploring the historic Royal Mile.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Scottish restaurant and sample local whisky at The Scotch Whisky Experience.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Edinburgh Castle & Old Town

Morning: Tour the iconic Edinburgh Castle, exploring the Crown Jewels and the National War Museum.

Afternoon: Wander through the winding alleys of the Old Town, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral and the hidden Mary King’s Close.

Evening: Join a ghost tour that delves into Edinburgh’s dark past, followed by dinner at a nearby tavern.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood

Morning: Hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.

Afternoon: Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the adjoining Holyrood Abbey ruins.

Evening: Relax at a cosy café on Leith Shore, enjoying fresh seafood and sunset over the harbor.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Day Trip to St Andrews

Morning: Take a train to the historic town of St Andrews, famed for its university and golf heritage.

Afternoon: Explore the medieval St Andrews Cathedral ruins and walk the famous Old Course grounds.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh and enjoy a relaxed dinner with friends.

Find Hotels

Day 12: National Museums

Morning: Discover Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland, including the impressive Grand Gallery.

Afternoon: Visit the Scottish National Gallery to admire works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Scottish artists.

Evening: Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Playhouse or a live music session in the Grassmarket.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Highlands Adventure – Loch Ness

Morning: Join a guided day tour heading north to the legendary Loch Ness, with a stop at Urquhart Castle.

Afternoon: Cruise on the loch, keeping an eye out for the elusive Nessie, and enjoy a scenic drive through the Highlands.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh, unwind with a hot drink at a local café.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Day Trip to Stirling

Morning: Travel to Stirling and tour the imposing Stirling Castle, a key site in Scottish history.

Afternoon: Walk the Wallace Monument for sweeping views and learn about the hero William Wallace.

Evening: Back in Edinburgh, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the New Town Georgian squares.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Edinburgh’s Gardens & Shopping

Morning: Stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, admiring exotic plant collections.

Afternoon: Shop for Scottish tartans, whisky, and crafts on Princes Street and in the Grassmarket boutiques.

Evening: Dine at a modern Scottish restaurant, sampling locally sourced dishes.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Day Trip to the Isle of Skye (Fly)

Morning: Fly to Isle of Skye (via Inverness) and begin a whirlwind tour of the island’s dramatic landscapes.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Old Man of Storr and the fairy‑tale Fairy Pools for unforgettable photo ops.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh late evening, reflecting on the natural wonders.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Free Day & Optional Activities

Morning: Choose a relaxed brunch at The Elephant House, famed as the “birthplace of Harry Potter”.

Afternoon: Optional activities: a whisky tasting tour, a cooking class, or a bike ride along the Water of Leith.

Evening: Gather with friends for a farewell dinner at a rooftop venue overlooking the city skyline.

Find Hotels

Day 18: Departure from Edinburgh to London

Morning: Take a quick train back to London, using the time to rest or read.

Afternoon: Arrive in London, store luggage at the station, and enjoy a final walk through Regent’s Park.

Evening: Have a light dinner near your accommodation and pack for the return journey.

Find Hotels

Day 19: Last‑Minute London Exploration

Morning: Visit the vibrant Camden Market for unique souvenirs and street food.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely boat ride on the Regent’s Canal and explore Little Venice.

Evening: Enjoy a final night out in Mayfair, perhaps at a jazz club or a fine‑dining restaurant.

Find Hotels

Day 20: Return to India

Morning: Transfer to Heathrow, allowing ample time for security and check‑in.

Afternoon: Flight departure back to India, carrying memories of the UK adventure.

Evening: Arrive home, unwind, and begin sharing photos and stories with loved ones.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Heathrow Express (Round‑trip) – 1 hour total – £60
  • London Underground (weekly travel card) – 7 days – £40
  • Westminster Abbey & Buckingham Palace – 2 hrs – £30
  • British Museum – 3 hrs – Free (donations optional)
  • The Shard Observation Deck – 1.5 hrs – £35
  • Windsor Castle – 3 hrs – £28
  • River Thames Cruise – 1 hr – £20
  • High‑speed train London‑Edinburgh – 4.5 hrs – £120
  • Edinburgh Castle – 2 hrs – £19
  • Arthur’s Seat hike – 2 hrs – Free
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse – 1.5 hrs – £16
  • St Andrews day trip – 8 hrs – £70
  • National Museum of Scotland – 2 hrs – Free
  • Loch Ness & Highlands tour – 12 hrs – £110
  • Stirling Castle & Wallace Monument – 6 hrs – £45
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – 2 hrs – £7
  • Isle of Skye day tour (flight + coach) – 15 hrs – £180
  • Whisky tasting experience – 2 hrs – £30
  • Accommodations (London 7 nights, Edinburgh 10 nights) – – £1,400
  • Meals (average £35 per day) – 20 days – £700
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips, transport) – – £250
  • Total Estimated Cost – – £2,990

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Isle of Skye day tour and one of the Highland excursions; the itinerary can be comfortably reduced to 14 days while still covering London’s highlights and Edinburgh’s core attractions. To extend your stay, add extra days in the Scottish Highlands for trekking around Glencoe or a longer visit to the Isle of Arran, and consider a weekend in the historic city of York or the coastal charm of Brighton as a final UK stop before heading home.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version