England To Scotland: A 9-Day Self-Drive Tour

Interactive Map For Our 9 Day Self-Drive Tour Route

Day 1: Travel to Cambridge & Imperial War Museum Duxford

• Pick up the Car Hire and Travel to Cambridge
• Imperial War Museum Duxford – Tickets Included
• Arrive in Cambridge
• Check-in at Cambridge accommodation

Total Driving Distance: ~75 miles (120 km)

Total Driving Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Day 1 Detailed Tour Description

Your journey begins with collecting your rental car from London’s airport, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Drive towards Cambridge, but first, make a fascinating stop at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of historic aircraft. Walk through hangars filled with legendary Spitfires, Concorde, and Cold War jets, and watch live airfield demonstrations (on select days). For aviation enthusiasts, an optional private guided tour offers deeper insights into the museum’s vast collection.

After immersing yourself in aviation history, continue your drive into Cambridge, a city famed for its elite university, stunning architecture, and historic colleges. Check into your centrally located accommodation, then take the evening to stroll along the city’s charming streets, discovering quaint pubs and riverside walks.

Day 2: Exploring the University City of Cambridge

• Spend the Day in Cambridge
• Kings College Chapel (Group Guided Tour or Self-Guided)
• Cambridge Walking Tour (Group or Private Tours available)
• Optional Inclusion: Cambridge Chauffeured Punting Experience

Day 2 Detailed Tour Description

Start your day with a visit to King’s College Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Choose between a self-guided audio tour or a guided experience led by university experts, offering fascinating insights into student life and the traditions of this historic institution.

Next, continue your exploration with a walking tour of Cambridge. Join a group or private tour, led by an alumni guide, who will share hidden stories, anecdotes, and the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Mathematical Bridge, Trinity College, and The Backs—a picturesque area with stunning views of the River Cam.

For an iconic Cambridge experience, opt for a chauffeured punting tour along the River Cam. Glide past the colleges and historic bridges, while your guide shares fascinating stories of famous alumni and university traditions. In the afternoon, explore the Fitzwilliam Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and antiquities, from Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by Titian and Monet.

In the evening, dine at a traditional pub or riverside restaurant, soaking in the timeless atmosphere of this beautiful university city.

Day 3: Journey to Lincoln via Burghley House

• Check out of your Cambridge Accommodation & travel to Lincoln
• Burghley House and Gardens – Tickets Included
• Arrive in Lincoln
• Lincoln Cathedral – Tickets Included
• Check-in at Lincoln accommodation

Total Driving Distance: ~80 miles (129 km)

Total Driving Time: ~2 hours

Day 3 Detailed Tour Description

Set off towards Lincoln, but not before stopping at Burghley House & Gardens, one of England’s grandest Elizabethan estates. Step inside this 16th-century stately home, where opulent rooms, intricate wood carvings, and lavish murals showcase the power and wealth of its former inhabitants. Wander through the stunning gardens, featuring fountains, sculptures, and hidden follies.

Continuing to Lincoln, you’ll arrive in a city rich with medieval charm and historic landmarks. Head to Lincoln Cathedral, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece once considered the tallest building in the world. Explore its soaring vaulted ceilings, exquisite stained glass, and medieval carvings, or opt for a guided tour to uncover the stories behind this magnificent structure.

Afterward, check in to your accommodation in Lincoln, ideally located to explore the city’s medieval streets. In the evening, stroll up Steep Hill, a cobbled street lined with independent shops, historic pubs, and traditional tea rooms, offering stunning views over the city. Enjoy a relaxing night before the next leg of your adventure.

Day 4: Travel to York & Evening Exploration

• Check out of your Lincoln accommodation and travel to York
• York
• Option 1: York Group Food Walking Tour
• Option 2: York Evening Ghost Walk (Group or Private Tours available)
• Check into your York accommodation

Total Driving Distance: ~45 miles (72 km)

Total Driving Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Day 4 Detailed Tour Plan

Leave Lincoln behind as you embark on a scenic drive towards the historic city of York, one of England’s most well-preserved medieval cities. With ancient city walls, Viking heritage, and striking Gothic architecture, York is a captivating stop on your journey north.

Upon arrival, check in to your centrally located accommodation, then take the afternoon to explore at your leisure. Wander through the city’s charming streets, stopping at independent boutiques, tea rooms, and historic pubs.

As evening falls, choose between two immersive experiences:

York Group Food Walking Tour: Indulge in local delicacies as you sample traditional Yorkshire pudding, artisan cheeses, and craft ales while learning about the city’s rich culinary heritage.

York Evening Ghost Walk: Step into the city’s darker past with a spine-tingling ghost tour through medieval alleyways, haunted taverns, and eerie landmarks, led by an expert storyteller.

After a night of history and discovery, return to your accommodation and prepare for a full day of exploration.

Day 5: Full Day in York – Castles, Cathedrals & Cobbled Streets

• Spend the Day in York
• York Castle & Museum – Tickets Included
• York Minster Church – Tickets Included
• Shambles, York

Day 5 Detailed Tour Plan

Wake up in York, a city overflowing with history, mystery, and architectural marvels. Start your day at York Castle & Museum, where you can explore the remnants of the historic Clifford’s Tower, once part of York’s Norman fortress. The museum offers an immersive journey through time, with exhibits ranging from Victorian street scenes to Viking artifacts.

Next, visit the majestic York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Marvel at its towering stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and awe-inspiring architecture. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb to the top for panoramic views over the city.

Afterward, stroll down The Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. Its narrow, overhanging timber-framed buildings create a truly magical atmosphere, with hidden bookshops, chocolate boutiques, and quirky cafés tucked along its winding path.

Spend the evening exploring more of York’s vibrant nightlife, from historic ale houses to live music venues, or unwind at your accommodation before continuing your journey tomorrow.

Day 6: Journey to Whitby via Goathland & Robin Hood’s Bay

• Check out of your York accommodation and travel to Whitby
• Goathland Train Station
• Robin Hood’s Bay
• Arrive in Whitby
• Check-in at your Whitby accommodation

Total Driving Distance: ~47 miles (75 km)

Total Driving Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Day 6 Detailed Tour Plan

After checking out of your accommodation, head towards Whitby, a picturesque coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs, maritime history, and literary connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Your first stop is Goathland Train Station, a charming, historic stop along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway—and instantly recognizable as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. Take in the vintage railway charm, explore the nearby moors, or enjoy a cup of tea in this quaint village setting.

Next, travel to Robin Hood’s Bay, a hidden gem on the Yorkshire coast. With its steep, winding streets and breathtaking sea views, this smuggler’s village is perfect for a leisurely coastal walk or a stop at one of its seaside cafés.

Arriving in Whitby, check in to your accommodation before exploring the harborfront, independent shops, and charming old town. For dinner, sample fresh seafood at a traditional fish and chip shop—Whitby is famous for having some of the best in England!

As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful evening by the harbor or beach, soaking in the charm of this coastal retreat before another exciting day of exploration.

Day 7: Exploring Whitby – Abbey, Coastline & Maritime Heritage

• Spend the Day in Whitby
• Whitby Abbey – Tickets Included
• Whitby Coastal Cruise – Tickets Included (Subject to availability and time of year)

Day 7 Detailed Tour Plan

Wake up in Whitby, a town brimming with seafaring history, Gothic architecture, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Start your day at Whitby Abbey, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Perched dramatically on the East Cliff, these ancient ruins offer panoramic views over the town and the North Sea. Explore the interactive visitor center, which delves into the abbey’s monastic past and literary connections.

After descending the famous 199 steps into the old town, browse independent shops, bookstores, and quirky boutiques. Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire lunch, perhaps opting for Whitby’s renowned fish and chips, before heading to the harbor for a scenic cruise.

The Whitby Coastal Cruise provides stunning coastline views, offering the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and even dolphins in the right season. As you sail past rugged cliffs and sandy bays, soak in the beauty of the Yorkshire coastline from a new perspective.

Wrap up your day with a relaxed evening walk along Whitby’s picturesque harbor, or visit one of the town’s charming pubs for a warming pint of local ale before returning to your accommodation.

Day 8: Journey to Newcastle via Staithes & Beamish Museum

• Check-out of Whitby accommodation & travel to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• Staithes
• Beamish Museum – Tickets Included
• Arrive in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Check-in at your Newcastle accommodation

Total Driving Distance: ~70 miles (113 km)

Total Driving Time: ~2 hours

Day 8 Detailed Tour Plan

Leaving Whitby behind, your first stop is Staithes, one of Yorkshire’s prettiest fishing villages. With its narrow cobbled streets, colorful cottages, and dramatic cliffs, Staithes is a hidden gem perfect for a morning stroll. Discover the Captain Cook Museum, celebrating the famous explorer who once lived here, or simply enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere.

Continuing north, stop at Beamish Museum, an open-air living history museum that transports you back to North East England’s past. Explore the Victorian and Edwardian streets, ride a heritage tram, and visit an authentic 1900s pit village, offering an immersive glimpse into life in the region’s industrial era.

Arriving in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, check in to your accommodation and spend the evening exploring the city’s lively quayside, historic bridges, and buzzing restaurants. Newcastle is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and rich history, making it a great place to unwind before the final leg of your journey.

Day 9: Final Drive to Scotland – Castles & Coastal Scenery

• Check-out of your Newcastle accommodation & Travel to Edinburgh
• Option 1: Alnwick Castle – Tickets Included
• Option 2: Bamburgh Castle – Tickets Included
• Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland (Drop off the Car or Keep to explore Scotland)

Total Driving Distance: ~120 miles (193 km)

Total Driving Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes

Day 9 Detailed Tour Plan

On your final day, journey north along the stunning Northumberland coastline, where you can visit one of two magnificent castles before reaching Edinburgh.

Alnwick Castle: A breathtaking medieval fortress, famous as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Explore its stately interiors, wander the lush gardens, or even try a broomstick flying lesson in the castle’s courtyard!

Bamburgh Castle: Perched on a dramatic rocky outcrop, Bamburgh Castle offers sweeping sea views and a rich Anglo-Saxon and Norman history. Discover its impressive collections of weaponry, artwork, and royal artifacts.

After a scenic drive over the Scottish border, arrive in Edinburgh, where you can either drop off your rental car or keep it for further exploration in Scotland. Whether you choose to extend your adventure or conclude it here, this self-drive journey through Eastern England and the Scottish Borders has delivered an unforgettable mix of history, landscapes, and cultural treasures.