12-Day Historic and Scenic Great Britain Tour Ending in London

Day 1: Edinburgh Arrival

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 3, 2025

10:00am

Edinburgh Castle

Start your trip by exploring Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views over the city and a deep dive into Scotland’s history. Open 9:30am-6pm.
GBP19, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Elephant House

Enjoy a casual lunch at The Elephant House, the famous café where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter. Open 9am-6pm.
GBP15, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Mile Walk

Stroll the historic Royal Mile, from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace, soaking in medieval architecture and lively street scenes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

Try traditional Scottish dishes focusing on mashed potatoes and local ingredients in a relaxed setting. Open 5pm-10pm.
GBP25, 1.5h
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Day 2: Edinburgh to York

Edinburgh to York, England on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Edinburgh to York

Take a morning train from Edinburgh to York, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours journey.
GBP40 per person, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Enjoy a quintessential Yorkshire lunch at Bettys, famous for its traditional teas and pastries. Open 9am-5:30pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

York Minster

Visit York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP12, 1.5h

4:00pm

City Walls Walk

Walk the medieval city walls for historical insights and scenic views of York.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Whippet Inn

Relax with hearty British fare at a historic pub in the city. Open 5pm-11pm.
GBP22, 1.5h
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Day 3: York to Lake District

York to Lake District, England on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Lake District

Board a train from York to Oxenholme (Lake District gateway), approximately 2 hours, then a short bus or taxi to Windermere.
GBP30 per person, 2.5h

11:00am

Lake Windermere Cruise

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and peaceful water views. Cruises run 10am-5pm.
GBP15, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Boathouse

Eat lakeside with views of Windermere, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Open 11am-9pm.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Hiking in Orrest Head

An accessible hike offering breathtaking views of the Lake District’s fells and lakes. Free to explore, available anytime.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Drunken Duck Inn

Dine at this countryside pub famed for traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Open 6pm-9:30pm.
GBP30, 1.5h
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Day 4: Lake District to Stratford-upon-Avon

Lake District to Stratford-upon-Avon, England on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon

Take early train from Windermere to Stratford-upon-Avon, around 4.5 hours with transfers.
GBP50 per person, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hathaway Tea Rooms

A historic café near Shakespeare’s birthplace offering light British lunches and teas. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP15, 1h

2:00pm

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Visit the house where William Shakespeare was born, showcasing his life and times. Open 9am-5pm.
GBP18, 1.5h

4:00pm

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Explore the beautiful thatched cottage and gardens where Shakespeare’s wife lived. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP12, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Loxley’s Restaurant & Bar

Savor modern British cuisine in a cosy setting. Open 6pm-9:30pm.
GBP28, 1.5h
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Day 5: Stratford to Oxford

Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford, England on August 7, 2025

9:00am

Travel to Oxford

A direct train from Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
GBP20 per person, 1h15m

10:30am

Christ Church College Tour

Tour one of Oxford’s largest and most famous colleges, known for its architecture and Harry Potter filming locations. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP15, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Vaults & Garden Café

Enjoy fresh, local dishes in a cafe set in historic university vaults. Open 9am-5pm.
GBP18, 1h

2:00pm

Bodleian Library Tour

Explore the historic Bodleian Library, a treasure trove of manuscripts and beautiful architecture. Tours start every hour, 10am-4pm.
GBP14, 1h

4:00pm

Punting on the River Cherwell

Relax with a scenic punting trip down Oxford’s beautiful river. Punts available until 6pm.
GBP20, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Eagle and Child

Historic pub famous for literary patrons like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Open 5pm-10:30pm.
GBP22, 1.5h
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Day 6: Oxford to London

Oxford to London, England on August 8, 2025

9:00am

Travel to London

Take a morning train from Oxford to London Paddington, approximately 1 hour.
GBP25 per person, 1h

11:00am

British Museum

Discover vast and diverse collections spanning human history and culture. Open 10am-5:30pm.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Great Court Restaurant

Located inside the British Museum, offering light British cuisine in a grand setting. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

Westminster Abbey

Visit the iconic Gothic abbey with centuries of royal history. Open 9:30am-3:30pm.
GBP27, 1.5h

5:00pm

Walk along the Thames Path to London Eye

Enjoy scenic riverside views and iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden

While food is not a priority, Dishoom offers excellent casual dining inspired by Bombay’s old Irani cafés. Open till 10pm.
GBP30, 1.5h
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Day 7: London Historic Sights

London, England on August 9, 2025

9:00am

Tower of London

Explore the historic fortress, home to the Crown Jewels and rich British history. Open 9am-5:30pm.
GBP30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Browse and sample from London’s famous market stalls offering diverse options. Open 10am-5pm.
Approx. GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Visit one of London's most iconic churches with its impressive dome and crypts. Open 8:30am-4pm.
GBP23, 1.5h

3:30pm

Walk across Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern

Enjoy views of the city and explore modern art in the Tate Modern gallery. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Flat Iron

Quality steakhouse with good prices, perfect for a satisfying dinner. Open till 10:30pm.
GBP30, 1.5h
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Day 8: Day Trip to Windsor

Windsor, England on August 10, 2025

9:00am

Travel to Windsor

Take a train from London Paddington or Waterloo to Windsor, approximately 30-50 minutes.
GBP15 per person, 1h

10:00am

Windsor Castle

Tour the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, an official residence of the Queen. Open 10am-5:15pm.
GBP28, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Duchess of Cambridge Pub

Traditional British pub food in a historic setting. Open 12pm-9pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Walk in Windsor Great Park

Explore the expansive park with lovely gardens and scenic views, perfect for relaxing and sightseeing. Open daily.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to London

Train back to London for evening rest.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Honest Burgers

Enjoy quality British beef burgers before wrapping up your day. Open till 10pm.
GBP20, 1h
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Day 9: London Museums & Parks

London, England on August 11, 2025

9:00am

Natural History Museum

Explore impressive exhibits on natural world history including dinosaurs and minerals. Open 10am-5:30pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Comptoir Libanais

Casual Lebanese eatery near museum district. Open 11:30am-9pm.
GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

Victoria and Albert Museum

Renowned museum of art and design with broad collections. Open 10am-5:45pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Walk in Hyde Park

Relax with a stroll around one of London’s largest parks, visiting the Serpentine lake. Open until dusk.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Builder's Arms

Traditional British pub perfect for a laid-back evening. Open 6pm-11pm.
GBP25, 1.5h
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Day 10: Historic London & Markets

London, England on August 12, 2025

9:00am

The British Library

Visit the UK's national library with some of the most important historical documents. Open 9:30am-6pm.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Camden Market

Explore this eclectic market with unique crafts, antiques, and food stalls. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Poppies Fish & Chips

Iconic London fish and chips shop, open daily 12pm-10pm.
GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition

Discover the engineering marvel of Tower Bridge with walkways offering scenic views. Open 9:30am-6pm.
GBP12, 1.5h

5:00pm

Leisure walk along Southbank

Enjoy the riverside atmosphere with views of the city and street performers.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Caravan King's Cross

Trendy restaurant offering international dishes in a spacious venue. Open till 10pm.
GBP30, 1.5h
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Day 11: Last Full Day London

London, England on August 13, 2025

9:00am

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Ceremony times vary, often 11am.
Free, 1h

10:30am

St. James's Park stroll

Relax by the lake and enjoy views surrounding Buckingham Palace. Open dawn to dusk.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Wolseley

Iconic London restaurant known for classic dishes and elegant atmosphere. Open 7:30am-10:30pm.
GBP35, 1.5h

2:00pm

National Gallery

Admire masterpieces of Western European art in Trafalgar Square. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening river cruise on Thames

Enjoy a relaxing cruise past London’s landmarks as the city lights up. Cruises typically run until 7pm.
GBP20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rules Restaurant

Finish your trip with dinner at one of London’s oldest restaurants, specializing in game and traditional British food. Open 12pm-10:30pm.
GBP40, 1.5h
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Day 12: Departure Day

London, England on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Regency Café

Classic London café famous for its art deco style and traditional English breakfast. Open 7am-3pm.
GBP15, 1h

9:30am

Pack and transfer to airport

Prepare for your journey home and take a transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Varies, Varies
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