12-Day Ultimate UK Journey: London, Edinburgh & the City of Lakes

Day 1: Exploring London

London, United Kingdom on April 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho

Start your day with a hearty English breakfast in a vibrant, quirky setting; open from 8am - 4pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit the British Museum

Explore one of the world's best museums housing art and antiquities from around the globe; open 10am - 5:30pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dishoom Covent Garden

Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine with British influences, a highly recommended spot close to major attractions; open 12pm - 10:30pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along the Thames River and visit the Tower of London

Stroll along the scenic Thames Path before exploring historic royal palace and fortress; Tower open 9am - 5:30pm.
GBP30, 2h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hawksmoor Seven Dials

Savor top-notch British steak and seafood in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere; open 5pm - 10:30pm.
GBP45, 1h30m
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Day 2: Royal London Highlights

London, United Kingdom on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

Experience a classic London cafe known for its vintage decor and hearty breakfasts; opens at 7am.
GBP10, 1h

9:30am

Tour Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park

See the iconic royal residence and then enjoy a peaceful walk through the picturesque park; outside viewing free, palace tours seasonal.
GBP30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Explore diverse food stalls offering everything from gourmet dishes to street food in this historic market; open 10am - 5pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit the Tate Modern

Discover modern and contemporary art in this world-renowned gallery housed in a former power station; open 10am - 6pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Sketch London

Dine in artistically designed rooms offering inventive European cuisine; advanced booking recommended; open 5:30pm - 11pm.
GBP60, 2h
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Day 3: Travel to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a quick breakfast preparing for your train journey to Edinburgh.
GBP10, 1h

8:00am

Train from London to Edinburgh

Take the direct train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley; approximately 4.5 hours journey.
GBP80, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Elephant House

Famous café where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter, serving Scottish dishes; open 9am - 6pm.
GBP18, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Visit Scotland’s historic fortress with spectacular views of the city; open 9:30am - 5pm.
GBP20, 2h

5:00pm

Walk down the Royal Mile

Stroll through Edinburgh’s famous historic street filled with shops, pubs, and landmarks.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Enjoy a luxurious Scottish dinner in a dramatic, historic setting; open 5pm - 11pm.
GBP50, 2h
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Day 4: Edinburgh Sights

Edinburgh, Scotland on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Loudons

Bright café offering excellent baked goods and modern Scottish breakfast; open 8am - 4pm.
GBP15, 1h

10:00am

Climb Arthur’s Seat

Hike up Edinburgh’s famous extinct volcano for breathtaking views; open all day, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Henderson's Vegan

Health-conscious and award-winning vegan restaurant serving hearty dishes; open 12pm - 3pm.
GBP15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Discover Scottish history, culture and science with engaging exhibits; open 10am - 5pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Outsider

Enjoy modern British cuisine with a view of the historic Old Town; open 5pm - 10pm.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to the City of Lakes

Lake District, United Kingdom on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Edinburgh

Have a hearty breakfast before your trip to the Lake District.
GBP12, 1h

8:30am

Train from Edinburgh to Windermere

Take the train to the heart of the Lake District, travel approx 3.5-4 hours with a transfer at Oxenholme.
GBP45, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Flying Pig

Casual pub offering locally sourced food, located in Ambleside near Windermere; open 12pm - 3pm and 5pm - 10pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Boat tour on Lake Windermere

Relax with a scenic boat cruise across England’s largest lake; boats run between 10am - 4pm.
GBP15, 1h

4:00pm

Walk around Ambleside town

Explore charming shops, galleries, and beautiful views in this picturesque town.
GBP0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Old Stamp House

Enjoy Michelin-starred Cumbrian cuisine highlighting local ingredients; open 6pm - 9pm, reservation recommended.
GBP60, 2h
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Day 6: Lake District Adventures

Lake District, United Kingdom on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Homeground Coffee + Kitchen

Start your day with specialty coffee and fresh breakfast dishes in Ambleside; open from 8am.
GBP12, 1h

9:30am

Hike to Orrest Head

Easy hike offering panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells; accessible all day, free.
GBP0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lucia’s

Italian-inspired restaurant serving fresh pasta and local produce; open 12pm - 3pm.
GBP20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top

Tour the beloved author’s quaint farmhouse and garden; open 10am - 4:30pm, closed Tuesdays.
GBP14, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Hawkshead Village

Discover traditional village life with history-packed streets and independent shops.
GBP0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Drunken Duck Inn

Cozy countryside inn offering seasonal British fare and craft ales; open 6pm - 9pm.
GBP35, 2h
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Day 7: Lake District to London

Travel Day, United Kingdom on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Quick breakfast before departure to London.
GBP10, 1h

8:30am

Train from Windermere to London

Travel back to London with approximately 3.5-4 hours journey, changing at Oxenholme and/or other hubs.
GBP45, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wahaca Southbank

Enjoy vibrant Mexican street food next to the Thames; open 12pm - 10pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax and shop at Southbank Centre and nearby areas

Explore arts venues, bookshops, and riverside stalls with great views of London.
GBP0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Ivy Tower Bridge

Enjoy classic British and international dishes with a view of Tower Bridge; open 5pm - 10pm.
GBP50, 2h
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Day 8: Iconic London Monuments

London, United Kingdom on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gail’s Bakery

Freshly baked breads and pastries to start a busy day; open 7am - 5pm.
GBP10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament

Explore British history and architecture in iconic political and religious sites; Abbey open 9:30am - 3:30pm.
GBP27, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Comptoir Libanais

Vibrant Middle Eastern dishes in a colorful setting; open 11:30am - 10pm.
GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

Ride London Eye

360-degree views of London’s skyline on the iconic Ferris wheel; operating hours 10am - 8:30pm.
GBP30, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Covent Garden

Shop, watch street performances, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
GBP0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rules Restaurant

Experience London’s oldest restaurant serving traditional British cuisine; open 5pm - 10:30pm.
GBP50, 2h
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Day 9: Day Trip to Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before departure for Oxford.
GBP10, 1h

8:30am

Train from London Paddington to Oxford

Quick train ride, approximately 1 hour.
GBP25, 1h

9:30am

Oxford walking tour

Visit famous colleges, Bodleian Library, and Radcliffe Camera with a guided walking tour lasting approximately 2 hours.
GBP15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Eagle and Child

Historic pub frequented by famous authors, serving classic British fare; open 12pm - 9pm.
GBP20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ashmolean Museum

Explore art and archaeology in the world’s first university museum; open 10am - 5pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

3:30pm

Return train to London

Head back to London for evening activities.
GBP25, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Flat Iron Soho

Enjoy quality steak at reasonable prices in a trendy setting; open 5pm - 10:30pm.
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Hidden London Gems

London, United Kingdom on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Duck & Waffle

Dining with skyline views atop a skyscraper, serving innovative breakfast dishes; open 24/7.
GBP20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Sky Garden

Free-access garden with spectacular views in the sky; open 10am - 6pm, book tickets in advance.
GBP0, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Leadenhall Market

Historic covered market perfect for photos, shopping and coffee breaks.
GBP0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Padella

Popular pasta bar known for handmade offerings; open 12pm - 3pm, arrive early for smaller wait time.
GBP18, 1h

2:00pm

Discover the Museum of London

Learn about London’s rich history through fascinating exhibits; open 10am - 6pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Shoreditch

Relaxed and stylish Indian restaurant paying homage to Bombay’s Irani cafés; open 5pm - 11pm.
GBP40, 2h
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Day 11: Day Trip to Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before taking the train to Cambridge.
GBP10, 1h

8:30am

Train from London King's Cross to Cambridge

Approximately 1 hour direct train.
GBP20, 1h

9:30am

Punting on the River Cam

Enjoy a guided boat ride along Cambridge’s famous river, passing university colleges; tours run 9am - 6pm.
GBP22, 1h30m

11:30am

Walking tour of Cambridge University

Visit historic colleges such as King’s College Chapel and Trinity College; business hours vary by college, general tour 2 hours.
GBP15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Fitzbillies

Known for Chelsea buns and classic British dishes; open 8am - 6pm.
GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Fitzwilliam Museum

Art and antiquities museum with free entry; open 10am - 5pm.
GBP0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return train to London

Head back to London for final evening.
GBP20, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at The Palomar

Savor vibrant flavors from modern-day Jerusalem in central London; open 6pm - 11pm.
GBP50, 2h
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Day 12: Departure Day

London, United Kingdom on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast reflecting on your trip before leaving.
GBP10, 1h

10:00am

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Visit nearby spots depending on your flight schedule, such as Hyde Park or Oxford Street for shopping.
GBP0, 2h

1:00pm

Head to London airport

Allow ample time for travel and airport security for your departure flight.
GBP30, 2h
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