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10-Day Festive UK Adventure: Christmas in London and New Year in Scotland

Viewed by 721 travelers

Day 1: Christmas Eve in London

London, England

9:00AM

Breakfast at Dishoom

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Dishoom, famous for its hearty Indian-inspired dishes.
Walk to Dishoom from your hotel.
GBP20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Winter Wonderland

Kick off your Christmas celebrations by visiting Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, a festive market filled with rides and festive treats.
Take the Tube to Hyde Park.
GBP0 (entry free), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Eagle, Pub

Grab a traditional English lunch at The Eagle, known for its friendly atmosphere and classic dishes.
Short walk from Winter Wonderland.
GBP15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Christmas Shopping at Bond Street

Wander down Bond Street for some last-minute Christmas shopping in luxury shops.
Take the Tube to Bond Street.
GBP0 (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Trafalgar Square

See the magnificent Christmas Tree and enjoy the festive lights in one of London's most iconic squares.
Short walk from Bond Street.
GBP0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Ivy

Savor a festive meal at The Ivy, known for its Christmas decor and beautiful ambiance.
Take a short walk from Trafalgar Square.
GBP40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

See a Christmas Show

Experience the magic of a holiday-themed show in the West End.
Walk to nearby theatres.
GBP50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Christmas Day in London

London, England

10:00AM

Brunch at The Breakfast Club

Enjoy a festive brunch at The Breakfast Club, offering a cozy atmosphere and hearty options.
Use the Tube to branch out to a nearby location.
GBP25, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral

Experience the beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral, perhaps catching a Christmas service if you like.
Walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
GBP20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Christmas Lunch at a Local Pub

Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at a local pub such as The Mayflower.
Short walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral.
GBP35, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk along the River Thames

Stroll along the River Thames enjoying views of the iconic bridges and landmarks.
Short walk from The Mayflower.
GBP0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Cozy Bistro

End Christmas Day with dinner at a cozy bistro such as GAIL's Bakery with seasonal treats.
Use the Tube or walk.
GBP30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring London

London, England

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Hashery

Fuel up for the day with inventive breakfasts at The Hashery, a local favorite.
Use the Tube to travel.
GBP18, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Tower of London

Tour the historic Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and captivating stories.
Take the Tube to Tower Hill.
GBP35, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Borough Market

Explore the vibrant Borough Market and try a variety of street foods for lunch.
Take the Tube to London Bridge.
GBP15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the British Museum

Spend the afternoon exploring the vast collections at the British Museum.
Take the Tube to Holborn.
GBP0 (entry free), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Delaunay

Dine at The Delaunay, a grand European café serving traditional dishes.
Short walk from the museum.
GBP50, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Visit Covent Garden Christmas Market

End the day with a visit to the Covent Garden Market to soak up the last of the holiday spirit.
Short walk from The Delaunay.
GBP0, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to the train station.
Use public transport to reach the train station.
GBP0, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train to Edinburgh

Travel by train to Edinburgh and enjoy the scenic views.
Board the train at King's Cross Station.
GBP40, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Elephant House

Rejuvenate with lunch at The Elephant House, a lovely café known as the birthplace of Harry Potter.
Short walk from the train station.
GBP20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Visit Edinburgh Castle perched on Castle Rock, offering stunning views and significant Scottish history.
Take a short walk from the café.
GBP20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Check-in at 'The Budget Backpackers' in Edinburgh, a friendly and affordable place to stay.
Short walk from the castle.
GBP70 per night, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Maison Bleue

Indulge in a delicious Scottish dinner at Maison Bleue, known for its rustic charm and local ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant from your hotel.
GBP35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Edinburgh Celebrations

Edinburgh, Scotland

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to kickstart your day.
N/A
GBP0 (included in your stay), 1 hour

10:00AM

Scottish Parliament Visit

Visit the Scottish Parliament to learn about Scotland's political history.
Take a short bus from your hotel.
GBP0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Royal McGregor

Feast on traditional haggis or other Scottish cuisine at The Royal McGregor.
Short walk from the Parliament.
GBP20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore The Royal Mile

Spend your afternoon wandering the historic Royal Mile, visiting shops and cafes.
Walk along the Royal Mile.
GBP0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Scotch Whisky Experience Tour

Join a guided tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience for some tasting and insights into Scotland’s national drink.
Walk to the experience.
GBP25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Early Dinner at The Bongo Club

Try eclectic cuisine at the artsy Bongo Club before heading out for New Year’s celebrations.
Use public transport to the club.
GBP30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a relaxing breakfast at your hotel amidst the New Year’s excitement.
N/A
GBP0 (included in your stay), 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Arthur's Seat

Hike up to Arthur's Seat for spectacular views of the city and the hills beyond.
Take a bus to Holyrood Park.
GBP0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Deacon's House Café

Enjoy a cozy lunch while appreciating the traditional atmosphere of this café.
Return via bus to the city center.
GBP18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Join New Year's Eve Festivities

Prepare for a day of festivities at the Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival, which showcases various celebrations throughout the city.
Walk to the celebrations.
GBP30 (entry fee for the main event), 5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Dome

Enjoy a fancy dinner at The Dome, beautifully decorated for the New Year gala evening.
Walk to the restaurant.
GBP60, 2 hours

11:00PM

Fireworks Display

Find a good spot to witness the stunning fireworks at midnight over Edinburgh Castle.
Walk to a nearby viewing area.
GBP0, 1 hour
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Day 7: New Year’s Day Exploration

Glasgow, Scotland

10:00AM

Brunch at Café Strange Brew

Recover from New Year’s celebrations with a delicious brunch at Café Strange Brew, known for its creative dishes.
Take a train to Glasgow.
GBP15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Glasgow Cathedral

Explore the striking architecture of Glasgow Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic design.
Take a short walk from the café.
GBP0, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at The Ubiquitous Chip

Savor a meal at The Ubiquitous Chip, a renowned eatery serving local skewers and haggis.
Short walk from the cathedral.
GBP30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Art Gallery Visit

Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, offering a vast collection of art and historical artifacts.
Take a bus to Kelvingrove.
GBP0 (entry free), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Finnieston

Dine at The Finnieston, known for its seafood and vibrant atmosphere overlooking the River Clyde.
Use local public transport.
GBP40, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Adventure to the Highlands

Inverness, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on your journey to the Highlands.
N/A
GBP0 (included in your stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Inverness

Take a scenic train ride to Inverness as you transition into the Highland scenery.
Board at Glasgow Central Station.
GBP25, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mustard Seed

Delight in a meal at The Mustard Seed, a restaurant set in an old church with remarkable views over the river.
Short walk from the train station.
GBP35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Loch Ness Tour

Embark on an entertaining tour of Loch Ness and hopefully catch a glimpse of Nessie!
Book a local tour from the station.
GBP40, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Black Isle Bar

Unwind with dinner and local craft beers at The Black Isle Bar.
Return from the tour to the bar.
GBP30, 2 hours
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Day 9: Journey to Fort William

Fort William, Scotland

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with breakfast before your travel to Fort William.
N/A
GBP0 (included in your stay), 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Fort William

Take a scenic bus ride through the Highlands to Fort William.
Board a bus from the local station.
GBP15, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ben Nevis

Arrive at Fort William and prepare for stunning views of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.
Short walk from the bus drop-off.
GBP0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Grog & Gruel

Enjoy a warm lunch with local specialties at The Grog & Gruel.
Short walk from the mountain.
GBP25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Fort William

Take your time exploring Fort William, visiting the shops and enjoying the local culture.
Walk around town.
GBP0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Silver Sands

Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at The Silver Sands overlooking the loch.
Short walk from town center.
GBP35, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel in Fort William.
N/A
GBP0 (included in your stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Edinburgh

Travel back to Edinburgh with reflections of your magical journey.
Board at the local train station.
GBP30, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Café Royal Circle Bar

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Café Royal Circle Bar, famous for its seafood and character.
Take the bus from the station.
GBP30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Holyrood Palace

Explore the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, soaking in the rich history.
Short walk to the Palace.
GBP20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Kitchin

Celebrate your last evening with a gourmet dinner at Michelin-starred The Kitchin.
Short taxi ride from the Palace.
GBP75, 2 hours

8:00PM

Final Night at a Local Pub

Enjoy your last night with drinks and live music at a cozy local pub, reflecting on your trip.
Take a taxi or walk.
GBP20, 3 hours
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