10-Day Scenic and Historic Tour of England and Scotland with Train Travel

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring London

London, England on June 26, 2025

9:00am

Arrive at London Heathrow/Gatwick

Arrive in London and check into your hotel in central London near King's Cross or Paddington for convenient train access.

GBP0, 1h0m

10:30am

Walk along the South Bank

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Thames from Tower Bridge to the London Eye, taking in historical landmarks like the Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe from outside, focusing on architecture and views.

GBP0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Savor diverse British and international street food at Borough Market, open from 10am to 5pm.

GBP10-15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace

A scenic, historical park leading to the iconic Buckingham Palace, the official royal residence with beautiful gardens visible from the outside.

GBP0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Westminster Abbey surroundings and Houses of Parliament

Admire historic architecture and famous landmarks from the outside on the Thames riverside walk.

GBP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden

Enjoy Indian cuisine with a British twist in a stylish setting, open until 11pm.

GBP20-30, 1h30m

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Day 2: Windsor and Oxford Day Trip

London, England on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Train to Windsor

Catch a 30 minute train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central via Slough.

GBP15, 0h30m

8:15am

Visit Windsor Great Park and Windsor Castle exterior

Walk through Windsor Great Park for scenic views and explore the town around Windsor Castle to appreciate its medieval history externally.

GBP0, 2h0m

10:30am

Train to Oxford

Train from Windsor to Oxford via Slough and Didcot Parkway, approx 1h15m total.

GBP20, 1h15m

11:45am

Lunch at The Eagle and Child

Historic pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met, serving traditional British fare, open from 11:30am.

GBP15-20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking tour of Oxford colleges and Botanic Garden

Explore iconic colleges like Christ Church and Magdalen from outside, plus the beautiful University Botanic Gardens.

GBP0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Return train to London

Travel back to London Paddington, about 1h.

GBP20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Flat Iron Soho

Enjoy affordable and excellent steak dinner, open till 10:30pm.

GBP25, 1h30m

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Day 3: London Parks and Iconic Views

London, England on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho

Popular spot for a hearty British breakfast, opens 8am.

GBP12-15, 1h0m

9:30am

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Walk

Enjoy one of London’s most famous parks with the Serpentine lake and the Kensington Palace gardens, open all day.

GBP0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ottolenghi in Notting Hill

Famous for Mediterranean-inspired fresh dishes and pastries, open 9am to 6pm.

GBP15-20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk around Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market

Scenic, historic neighborhood with colorful houses and market stalls (market busiest 9am to 4pm).

GBP0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Sky Garden

A free public garden atop a skyscraper offering lovely city views; must book entry in advance, open until 6pm weekdays.

GBP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hawksmoor Seven Dials

A highly rated British steakhouse close to central London, open till 10:30pm.

GBP30-40, 1h30m

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Day 4: Bath and Stonehenge Day Trip

London, England on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Train to Bath

Take a direct train from London Paddington to Bath Spa, approximately 1h30m.

GBP35, 1h30m

8:45am

Walk the historic Bath city center

Explore Bath’s Georgian architecture, Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge, appreciating scenic views without entering museums.

GBP0, 2h0m

11:00am

Lunch at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

Try the famous Bath Bun and light lunch options, open 9am to 5pm.

GBP12-15, 1h0m

12:30pm

Bus tour to Stonehenge

Take the regular Stonehenge Tour Bus from Bath to Stonehenge, a 1h each way journey, time at the stones about 1h.

GBP35, 3h0m

4:00pm

Return train to London

Train from Bath Spa to London Paddington, 1h30m.

GBP35, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Palomar

Modern Jerusalem cuisine in Soho, open until 10:30pm.

GBP25-35, 1h30m

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Day 5: Travel to York

London to York, England on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Train London Kings Cross to York

Take the direct train to York, about 2h from London.

GBP50, 2h0m

10:15am

Walk around York city walls and historic center

Enjoy the medieval city walls walk with views across the city and scenic streets famous for their old charm.

GBP0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Famous for traditional English tea and light lunches, open from 9am.

GBP15-20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll the Shambles

Walk this iconic historic street with old timber-framed buildings and small shops, very atmospheric.

GBP0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Clifford’s Tower and Museum gardens (outdoors)

Explore scenic gardens and the hilltop tower for great views over York.

GBP8, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Guy Fawkes Inn

Historic riverside pub serving British classics, open till 10pm.

GBP20-25, 1h30m

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Day 6: York to Edinburgh

York, England to Edinburgh, Scotland on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Train York to Edinburgh

Travel north via direct train, approximately 2h30m journey into Scotland’s capital.

GBP55, 2h30m

10:45am

Walk up to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade (external viewing)

Enjoy spectacular views of the historic castle from outside and panoramic views over Edinburgh.

GBP0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle

Cozy atmospheric setting near the castle; reservation recommended, open 12pm onwards.

GBP30-40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk down the Royal Mile

Historic main street with beautiful architecture and Scottish atmosphere, excellent for photos and sightseeing.

GBP0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Enjoy sunset views from Calton Hill

A short walk east of the city center offering iconic skyline views especially at sunset.

GBP0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ondine Seafood Restaurant

Fresh Scottish seafood just off the Royal Mile, open till 10pm.

GBP30-40, 1h30m

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Day 7: Scottish Highlands Day Trip

Edinburgh, Scotland on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Guided Day Tour to Scottish Highlands

Join a full-day guided coach tour visiting Loch Ness, Glencoe, and scenic Highland landscapes, departing early and returning around 8pm.

GBP60-80, 12h0m

8:00pm

Dinner nearby hotel

Light dinner or snacks near your hotel to relax after a long day, such as local pub or casual eatery.

GBP15-20, 1h0m

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Day 8: Lake District Exploration

Edinburgh to Lake District, England on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Train from Edinburgh to Windermere (Lake District)

Take train south via Carlisle to Windermere, about 3h30m journey.

GBP40-50, 3h30m

11:15am

Walk around Lake Windermere and Bowness

Enjoy scenic lakeside views, boat rides available (check seasonal opening), and quaint towns.

GBP0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Old Stamp House

Fine dining using local produce, open from 12pm; advance booking advised.

GBP30-40, 1h30m

4:15pm

Short hike or bus to Orrest Head viewpoint

Accessible walk offering panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the fells.

GBP0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

Comfortable and quality English cuisine in Bowness, open till 9pm.

GBP20-30, 1h30m

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Day 9: Cotswolds Scenic Day

Lake District to Cotswolds (Return to London evening) on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Train and Bus to Cotswolds (Moreton-in-Marsh)

Early train from Windermere to London Euston, then transfer to train to Moreton-in-Marsh, total approx 4.5 hours.

GBP60-70, 4h30m

11:30am

Explore Moreton-in-Marsh and nearby villages

Visit classic Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold by local buses or taxi; enjoy quintessential English countryside charm.

GBP0, 4h0m