12-Day England and Scotland Winter Tour: Castles, Museums & Christmas Markets by Public Transport

Day 1: Arrival London

London, England on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

Start the day with a traditional English breakfast at the iconic Regency Cafe, open from 8am, known for its classic ambiance and hearty meals.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:30am

British Museum

Explore world-class exhibits including Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, open until 5:30pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Enjoy diverse street food and festive Christmas market stalls at Borough Market, open 10am to 5pm, a lively spot for local and international flavors.
GBP20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tower of London

Visit this historic castle and former royal palace, home to the Crown Jewels, open until 4:30pm in December.
GBP32, 2h0m

5:00pm

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Experience the festive Christmas market atmosphere with rides, food stalls, and ice skating from 10am until 10pm.
GBP0 entry; activities vary, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Clos Maggiore

Dine in one of London’s most romantic restaurants, known for its fine French cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
GBP75, 2h0m
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Day 2: Cambridge Day

Cambridge, England on December 2, 2025

7:30am

Train to Cambridge

Take a direct train from London King’s Cross to Cambridge (about 1h), leaving early to maximize the day.
GBP25 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Fitzbillies

Enjoy famous Chelsea buns and a great breakfast at this Cambridge classic, open from 7am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:30am

King's College Chapel

Visit the stunning Gothic chapel known for its fan vaulting and choir, open until 5pm daily in December.
GBP12, 1h0m

12:00pm

Punting on the River Cam

Take a traditional guided punting tour to see the beautiful colleges from the river (tours available until dusk).
GBP20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Eagle

Historic pub known for its ties to science history and hearty British fare, open until 3pm.
GBP25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Fitzwilliam Museum

Explore art and antiquities from around the world in Cambridge’s leading museum, open until 5pm, free entry.
GBP0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to London by train

Take an evening train back to London for overnight stay (trains until approx. 11pm).
GBP25 per person, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom King’s Cross

Enjoy Indian cuisine with festive ambiance at this highly rated restaurant in central London.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic York

York, England on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Train to York

Catch a direct train from London Kings Cross to York taking about 2h, depart early to maximize sightseeing.
GBP40, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Famous for traditional English tea and pastries, a perfect start before exploring York’s medieval streets.
GBP20, 1h0m

11:30am

York Minster

Visit one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals, open daily with tours available until 4:30pm.
GBP12, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Star Inn The City

Enjoy modern British cuisine with views over the river, open for lunch until 3pm.
GBP30, 1h0m

3:00pm

York Castle Museum

Explore fascinating history and recreated Victorian streets, open until 4:30pm in December.
GBP14, 2h0m

5:30pm

York Christmas Market

Enjoy festive shopping at York’s charming Christmas market in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from late November through December.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Skosh

Tuck into innovative sharing plates in a cozy setting, serving until 10pm.
GBP50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Edinburgh Castle & Markets

Edinburgh, Scotland on December 4, 2025

7:00am

Train to Edinburgh

Depart early from York to Edinburgh by direct train, approx. 2h30m journey.
GBP60, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at The Milkman

Enjoy excellent coffee and pastries in this quaint spot just off the Royal Mile, open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h0m

11:00am

Edinburgh Castle

Explore Scotland’s historic fortress overlooking the city, open from 9:30am to 4pm in December.
GBP22, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Angels with Bagpipes

Eat locally sourced Scottish dishes on the Royal Mile, open for lunch until 3pm.
GBP30, 1h0m

3:00pm

National Museum of Scotland

Discover Scotland’s history, culture and natural sciences with free entry, open until 5pm.
GBP0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Enjoy the festive market’s rides, crafts, and food stalls in East Princes Street Gardens, open late November to early January.
GBP0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ondine

Savor fresh Scottish seafood at this contemporary restaurant, reservations recommended, open until 9:30pm.
GBP60, 1h30m
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Day 5: Stirling Castle

Stirling, Scotland on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Stirling

Catch a morning train from Edinburgh to Stirling (about 1h), to visit the famous castle and historic sites.
GBP15, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Smithy

Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast in this popular local café, open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:30am

Stirling Castle

Explore one of Scotland’s grandest castles, open from 9:30am to 4pm in December, with stunning views and rich history.
GBP18, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Bothy

Relax with traditional Scottish dishes in a warm, rustic setting in Stirling’s town centre.
GBP25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Church of the Holy Rude

Visit this historic church near the castle, notable for its medieval architecture and royal connections, usually open till late afternoon.
GBP5 donation suggested, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return train to Edinburgh

Travel back to Edinburgh for overnight stay, trains run frequently until late evening.
GBP15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Timberyard

Experience innovative Scottish cuisine in a stylish converted warehouse, open until 10pm.
GBP55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Inverness & Culture

Inverness, Scotland on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Train to Inverness

Depart Edinburgh early morning on a scenic 3.5-4 hour train journey north to Inverness.
GBP50, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Kitchen Brasserie

Enjoy modern Scottish cuisine in the heart of Inverness, open for lunch until 3pm.
GBP30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Inverness Castle and Riverside Walk

Although the castle itself is mostly offices, the viewpoint and nearby riverside walk provide beautiful scenery and insight into the city's history.
GBP0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ness Islands Walk

Take a peaceful stroll through the scenic Ness Islands with picturesque bridges and winter views.
GBP0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Victorian Market Christmas stalls

Browse charming seasonal stalls in this quaint market arcade open through December evenings.
GBP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Dine riverside with contemporary Scottish dishes in a former church building, open until 9pm.
GBP45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Aviemore Nature

Aviemore, Scotland on December 7, 2025

9:00am

Train to Aviemore

Short train ride (~40m) from Inverness to Aviemore, a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.
GBP15, 0h40m

10:00am

Breakfast at The Waffle Shack

Stop for a cozy breakfast featuring waffles and hot drinks, open from 9am.
GBP12, 1h0m

11:00am

Cairngorms National Park visit

Explore nearby scenic trails and perhaps the funicular railway if weather permits (check seasonal operation), open daylight hours.
GBP0; optional funicular GBP16, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Old Bridge Inn

Enjoy traditional Scottish pub fare with cozy interiors, open for lunch until 3pm.
GBP25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Aviemore Christmas Market

Visit the local winter market with artisan crafts and festive treats, typically open until early evening.
GBP0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return train to Edinburgh

Take evening train back to Edinburgh for overnight stay, trains available until around 9pm.
GBP35, 3h0m

9:00pm

Light dinner or snack at hotel

Relax after travel with light dining at your hotel or nearby café, options available until 10pm.
GBP15, 1h0m
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Day 8: Edinburgh Museums

Edinburgh, Scotland on December 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Kick off with locally-sourced breakfast in bright, relaxed setting, open from 8am.
GBP18, 1h0m

9:30am

Scottish National Gallery

See Scotland’s principal collection of fine art, open 10am-5pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Hendersons Vegan

Enjoy fresh, seasonal vegan food in historic surroundings, open until 4pm.
GBP25, 1h0m

12:45pm

Surgeons' Hall Museums

Explore fascinating medical history and anatomical exhibits, open from 10am to 5pm.
GBP12, 1h30m

2:30pm

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Visit the beautiful gardens, open daylight hours, peaceful in winter with seasonal displays.
GBP0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Experience atmospheric fine dining near Edinburgh Castle, renowned for Scottish specialties, open until 10pm.
GBP70, 2h0m
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Day 9: Durham Historic Sights

Durham, England on December 9, 2025

7:30am

Train to Durham

Depart Edinburgh early to reach Durham in about 2.5 hours, allowing time for sightseeing.
GBP50, 2h30m

10:15am

Breakfast at Flat White Kitchen

Enjoy quality British and continental breakfast dishes in the city center, open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h0m

11:30am

Durham Cathedral

Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of Norman architecture, open until 4pm.
GBP0 donation, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Cellar Door

A cozy restaurant with seasonal British cuisine, open for lunch until 2:30pm.
GBP30, 1h0m

2:45pm

Durham Castle Tour

Explore this historic castle which forms part of Durham University, tours typically run until mid-afternoon, check availability.
GBP12, 1h15m

4:15pm

Durham Christmas Market

Browse festive stalls in the Market Place from late November through December evenings.
GBP0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Overnight stay local hotel

Check in for overnight rest before next day travel.
Varies, N/A
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Day 10: Newcastle Explorations

Newcastle, England on December 10, 2025

8:30am

Train to Newcastle

A quick 15-minute train from Durham to Newcastle to start the day.
GBP6, 0h15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Olive & Bean

Enjoy a stylish café atmosphere with delicious breakfast options, open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

Discovery Museum

Explore science, technology, and local heritage exhibits; free entry, open until 4:30pm.
GBP0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Botanist

Enjoy creative cocktails and hearty food with views over the city, open for lunch until 3pm.
GBP30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Newcastle Christmas Market

Experience one of the region’s largest Christmas markets with stalls, rides, and seasonal treats, open until late December evenings.
GBP0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return train to London

Take an afternoon or early evening train back to London (about 3h15m), for last few days in England.
GBP60, 3h15m

8:00pm

Dinner at The Palomar

End the day with vibrant modern Jerusalem cuisine in London’s Soho, open until 10:30pm.
GBP50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Oxford & Museums

Oxford, England on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Train to Oxford

Depart London Paddington to Oxford, a journey of about 1h.
GBP25, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Vaults & Garden Café

Enjoy a delightful breakfast in an atmospheric setting near the university, open from 9am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:30am

Bodleian Library Tour

Take a fascinating guided tour of one of Europe’s oldest libraries, booking recommended, tours run until midday.
GBP12, 1h0m

12:00pm

Ashmolean Museum

Visit the world’s first university museum housing art and archaeology, free entry, open until 5pm.
GBP0, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Eagle and Child

Historic pub popular with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, serving classic pub fare, open until 3pm for lunch.
GBP25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Christchurch College

Explore the beautiful grounds including the cathedral and dining hall, open during daylight hours with small fee.
GBP10, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return train to London

Travel back to London for the final night, trains available until late evening.
GBP25, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sketch

Enjoy a unique Michelin-starred dining experience in London’s fashionable Mayfair, open until 10pm.
GBP100, 2h0m
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Day 12: London Farewell

London, England on December 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Wolseley

Treat yourselves to a refined breakfast in this grand café-restaurant, open from 8am.
GBP30, 1h0m

10:00am

Victoria and Albert Museum

Explore the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, free entry, open until 5:45pm.
GBP0, 2h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy authentic Taiwanese dumplings and dishes at this trendy London branch, open for lunch until 3pm.
GBP30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Leadenhall Market & Christmas Decorations

Stroll through this historic covered market adorned with beautiful Christmas decor, open daily.
GBP0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason

Enjoy a classic British afternoon tea experience in a luxurious setting, advance booking recommended, open until 7pm.
GBP50, 1h30m

5:30pm

Departure or relax at hotel

Depending on flight time, prepare for departure or enjoy a final evening in London.
Varies, N/A
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