Ultimate 7-Day United Kingdom Travel Itinerary: Explore London, Edinburgh, and the Lake District

Day 1: Arrival and Explore London

London, United Kingdom on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho

Start your day with a hearty traditional English breakfast at this popular spot open from 8am, ideal for fueling your London adventures.
GBP20, 1h

9:30am

Visit The British Museum

Explore thousands of years of art and history at the British Museum, free to enter and open from 10am to 5:30pm.
GBP0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dishoom Covent Garden

Enjoy Bombay-style cuisine in a stylish setting; open 12pm-10pm, perfect for a flavorful midday break.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along the South Bank & London Eye

Take a scenic stroll by the River Thames to the iconic London Eye; the Eye is open until 6pm for breathtaking city views.
GBP30, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hawksmoor Seven Dials

Delight in some of the best steaks London offers, with opening hours till 11pm providing a great spot to end day one.
GBP40, 1h30m

Day 2: London Highlights

London, United Kingdom on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gail’s Bakery

Grab some artisanal pastries and coffee at Gail’s, open from 7:30am, to start your day well energized.
GBP15, 45m

9:00am

Tour of Tower of London

Explore this historic castle and see the Crown Jewels on a tour available from 9am to 5:30pm.
GBP35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Savor diverse street food options at this vibrant market, open 10am-5pm, perfect for tasting local and global delicacies.
GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tate Modern Gallery

Discover contemporary art at this free museum open from 10am to 6pm, located along the South Bank.
GBP0, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Covent Garden

Enjoy street performances, shops, and cafes in this lively district. Open all day for walking and browsing.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sketch London

Experience fine dining in an artistic and unique setting; reservations recommended for this Michelin-starred restaurant open until 11pm.
GBP70, 2h

Day 3: Travel to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe London

Enjoy a classic English breakfast before departure; open from 7am for early diners.
GBP15, 1h

8:30am

Train to Edinburgh

Take the direct train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (approx. 4.5 hours), enjoying the scenic route north.
GBP70, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ondine Seafood Restaurant

Relish fresh Scottish seafood in the heart of Edinburgh; open for lunch from 12pm to 3pm.
GBP35, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Visit this iconic fortress with panoramic views of the city, open from 9:30am to 5pm.
GBP20, 2h

5:00pm

Walk the Royal Mile

Stroll through Edinburgh’s historic main street, enjoying shops, historic sites, and street performers.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Dine in an atmospheric and elegant setting near the castle; open until 10:30pm.
GBP60, 2h

Day 4: Edinburgh Cultural Day

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Pantry

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced breakfast dishes, open daily from 8am.
GBP20, 1h

10:00am

Arthur’s Seat Hike

Climb this extinct volcano for spectacular views over Edinburgh; the hike takes about 2 hours round trip.
GBP0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at David Bann

Enjoy creative vegetarian cuisine in this stylish restaurant, open 12pm to 3pm.
GBP25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit National Museum of Scotland

Explore fascinating Scottish history, science and culture; open 10am to 5pm with free entry.
GBP0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Howies Victoria

Savor traditional Scottish dishes in a cozy setting; open until 10pm.
GBP35, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Lake District

Lake District, England on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fortitude Coffee, Edinburgh

Light breakfast with excellent coffee before departure, open from 7am.
GBP12, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Lake District

Travel by train and bus from Edinburgh to Windermere, the gateway to the Lake District (approx. 3.5 - 4 hours).
GBP50, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Flying Pig, Bowness

Enjoy classic pub fare in a lively atmosphere; open for lunch 12pm-3pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Lake Windermere Cruise

Take a relaxing boat cruise across the largest lake in England, cruises run from 10am until 6pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Ambleside town

Stroll around this charming town with lakeside views and quaint shops, open all day for leisure walking.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Old Stamp House

Experience fine dining with local Cumbrian flavors in an award-winning restaurant; open till 9pm.
GBP50, 2h

Day 6: Lake District Outdoor Day

Lake District, England on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Homeground Coffee + Kitchen

Start your day with fresh coffee and breakfast; open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h

9:00am

Hiking in Catbells

Enjoy a moderate hike with stunning views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, typically taking 3 hours return.
GBP0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Drunken Duck Inn

A renowned gastropub serving quality local dishes, open 12pm to 2pm for lunch.
GBP25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top House

Explore the former home of the famous author and the inspiration for her stories, open 10am to 5pm.
GBP13, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at L’Enclume

Award-winning fine dining experience offering innovative dishes made with local ingredients; reservations essential, open until 9pm.
GBP110, 2h

Day 7: Return to London & Departure

London, United Kingdom on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast near Windermere before departure.
GBP0, 30m

8:00am

Travel from Lake District to London

Return by train to London from Windermere, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours travel time.
GBP70, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dishoom King's Cross

Final meal in London with excellent Indian cuisine, open 12pm to 11pm.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Last minute shopping or sightseeing

Explore nearby King's Cross or Regent Street for souvenirs and final sightseeing before departure.
GBP0, 2h