15-Day UK Excursion: London, York, Edinburgh & Manchester Itinerary with Coronation Street Visit - Budget Friendly

Day 1: Arrival & London Introduction

London, UK on September 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at this popular spot known for its British classics and cozy vibe, offering great value.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:30am

Tower of London

Explore historic royal palace and fortress, home to the Crown Jewels. A must-see for history buffs.
GBP30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Wide selection of gourmet street food showcasing British and international cuisines in a lively market setting, perfect for budget-conscious diners.
GBP20, 1h0m

3:00pm

London Eye

Enjoy panoramic views of London from this iconic observation wheel along the River Thames.
GBP35, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Southbank

Stroll past cultural venues, street performers, and scenic river views as the city lights start to glow.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Brick Lane Beigel Bake

Enjoy delicious and affordable traditional salt beef bagels at this iconic 24-hour bakery.
GBP10, 1h0m

Day 2: Historic London Day

London, UK on September 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

A classic London cafe known for its traditional full English breakfast at reasonable prices.
GBP10, 1h0m

9:30am

Westminster Abbey & Big Ben Viewing

Visit this magnificent church where British monarchs are crowned and see the iconic Big Ben nearby.
GBP27, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ben’s Canteen

Casual spot for wholesome, affordable British meals with a focus on fresh ingredients.
GBP15, 1h15m

2:00pm

British Museum

Explore one of the world’s best museums featuring human history, culture, and art—free entry.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden (takeaway option)

Enjoy flavorsome Indian street food with takeaway options to keep costs down.
GBP25, 1h0m

Day 3: Museum & Theater

London, UK on September 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gail's Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and speciality coffee at this popular London bakery chain at affordable prices.
GBP10, 1h0m

10:00am

Victoria and Albert Museum

Discover art and design spanning 5,000 years in this renowned museum with free entry.
Free, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Poppies Fish & Chips

Classic British fish and chips served with value and quality in East London.
GBP15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Natural History Museum

A family favorite with fascinating exhibitions on dinosaurs, human biology, and the environment.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

West End Show - discounted last-minute tickets

Book affordable tickets through TKTS booth or apps to see a popular West End show without splurging.
GBP50, 2h30m

Day 4: Royal & Gardens

London, UK on September 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pret A Manger

Grab a quick, affordable breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee available throughout the city.
GBP7, 0h45m

10:00am

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Witness the famous ceremony outside the Queen’s official residence (free, check timing schedule).
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wasabi Sushi & Bento

Affordable and tasty Japanese takeaway-style meals, perfect for a quick lunch.
GBP12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Kew Gardens

Explore vast botanical gardens with diverse plant collections and glasshouses (open 10am-7pm).
GBP20, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Wahaca Southbank

Enjoy affordable and fresh Mexican street food in a lively market environment.
GBP25, 1h0m

Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor

London & Windsor, UK on September 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for day trip outside London.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Windsor

Take the train to Windsor (approx 1h), famous for Windsor Castle.
GBP25, 1h0m

10:15am

Windsor Castle

Visit the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and a royal residence.
GBP30, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Duchess of Cambridge Pub

Traditional British pub food with a cozy and friendly atmosphere, offering good value.
GBP20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll in Windsor Great Park

Relax with a scenic walk in the beautiful parklands surrounding the castle.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to London

Train back to London for last evening in the city.
Included in earlier ticket, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Leon Covent Garden

Fast, fresh, and affordable Mediterranean-inspired food ideal for a light dinner.
GBP15, 1h0m

Day 6: Travel to York

York, UK on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your train to York.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Train London to York

High-speed train journey north to historic York, about 2 hours.
GBP60, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Betty's Café Tea Rooms

Famous for Yorkshire tea and reasonably priced classic British food in a charming setting.
GBP25, 1h0m

2:00pm

York Minster

Visit one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
GBP13, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk The Shambles

Explore the narrow, medieval street filled with quirky shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Piano

Popular vegetarian café offering affordable, tasty meals with generous portions.
GBP20, 1h30m

Day 7: York Highlights

York, UK on September 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brew & Brownie

Local favorite café offering great coffee and homemade treats at affordable prices.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

Jorvik Viking Centre

Experience interactive exhibits and archaeological finds on York’s Viking past.
GBP13, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Bicycle

Budget-friendly gastropub with hearty, tasty British dishes in a relaxed setting.
GBP20, 1h0m

2:00pm

York Castle Museum

Explore exhibitions showcasing social history and Victorian streetscapes.
GBP13, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk city walls

Enjoy a scenic walk along the well-preserved medieval city walls.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Humpit

Serve fresh and affordable Middle Eastern hummus-based meals, perfect for a light dinner.
GBP15, 1h0m

Day 8: Day trip to Castle Howard

York, UK on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin early with breakfast before your day trip to Castle Howard.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Castle Howard

Bus or taxi to stunning stately home north of York, open 10am–5pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

10:00am

Castle Howard visit

Explore magnificent architecture, art collections, and extensive gardens.
GBP18, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Castle Howard Orangery Café

Enjoy a reasonably priced café lunch in a beautiful setting with locally sourced food.
GBP15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to York and relax

Free time to explore or rest back in York city center.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café No.8

Simple, hearty meals with international flavors in a comfortable café setting.
GBP20, 1h30m

Day 9: Travel to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, UK on September 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Morning meal before traveling north to Scotland’s capital.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train York to Edinburgh

Scenic journey to Edinburgh, approximately 2.5 hours.
GBP70, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mosque Kitchen

Highly recommended budget spot for generous portions of ethnic, flavorful curries and vegetarian dishes.
GBP10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Edinburgh Castle

Explore Scotland’s iconic fortress with royal history and panoramic city views.
GBP22, 2h0m

5:00pm

Royal Mile stroll

Walk this famous historic street filled with shops, landmarks, and quaint mysteries.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Oink

Affordable and tasty Scottish hog roast sandwiches popular among locals and tourists.
GBP10, 1h0m

Day 10: Edinburgh Culture

Edinburgh, UK on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Local favorite for fresh, healthy options and affordable prices.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

National Museum of Scotland

Discover Scotland’s history, culture, science, and art - free entry.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mosque Kitchen

Return for second visit to this popular no-frills, great-value curry spot.
GBP10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arthur’s Seat hike

Climb this extinct volcano for amazing views of Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mums Great Comfort Food

Home-style British dishes at budget-friendly prices in a cozy spot.
GBP20, 1h30m

Day 11: Day trip to Scottish Highlands

Edinburgh & Highlands, UK on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early start breakfast before full-day Highland tour.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Highlands Guided Bus Tour

Full day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and other scenic Highland sites.
GBP80, 10h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby casual eatery

Relax and unwind after a long day exploring Scotland’s nature with an affordable meal.
GBP20, 1h0m

Day 12: Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh, UK on September 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Loudons

Trendy spot known for healthy dishes and affordable artisan coffee.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

Scottish National Gallery

World-class art collection featuring Old Masters and Scottish works, free entry.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Milkman

Casual and affordable pizza and pasta spot close to the city center.
GBP15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dean Village & Water of Leith Walkway

Scenic historic village and relaxing riverside walk not far from city center.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

Highly rated affordable Thai street food in a casual environment.
GBP20, 1h0m

Day 13: Travel to Manchester

Manchester, UK on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a substantial breakfast before train to Manchester.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Train Edinburgh to Manchester

Travel approximately 3.5 hours to Manchester city center.
GBP75, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Triple B

Popular spot for affordable, well-reviewed burgers and sides.
GBP20, 1h0m

3:30pm

John Rylands Library

Stunning neo-Gothic architecture housing rare manuscripts and books.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Manchester Art Gallery

Extensive collection of art from classic to contemporary pieces.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza

Enjoy some of Manchester’s best authentic, affordable pizzas.
GBP25, 1h30m

Day 14: Coronation Street Visit

Manchester, UK on September 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Café & Bar

Trendy breakfast spot with Australian-style coffee and affordable brunch options.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Coronation Street Set Tour

Explore the famous Emmerdale Road set and behind-the-scenes of the iconic soap opera. Tours require advance booking.
GBP45, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bundobust

Vegetarian Indian street food with excellent value and casual atmosphere.
GBP20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Science and Industry Museum

Discover Manchester’s industrial heritage and technological achievements.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tampopo

Affordable pan-Asian dishes with friendly service in a casual setting.
GBP25, 1h30m

Day 15: Departure Day

Manchester, UK on September 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in the UK before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to Manchester Airport

Take taxi or train to airport for flight back to Toronto.
GBP20, 1h0m