Best Road Trip From London To Scotland

First-time visitors to the UK would mostly settle in England and often overlook the tourism value of road trips. But in reality, the entire United Kingdom has much more to offer to avid travellers. One of the uprising trends that is taking the tourism scene by storm in the UK is the road trip from London to Scotland. Travelling across the country provides a breathtaking experience with exposure to the rich culture of the UK. 

Whether you are visiting the UK for the first time or you are an expert traveller, a trip from London to Scotland can provide a highly rewarding experience. A road trip allows travellers to see the stunning attractions at their own pace without being restricted to a specific destination, as in a traditional tour. All you need to do is to find a reliable vehicle that will support your trip throughout the miles. 

You can hire our efficient long-distance minibuses and MPVs to hit the road with style and unmatched comfort. Unlike public transport, all of our vehicles are equipped with innovative amenities that will aid in less stressful trips and maximum sightseeing experience. 

With the transport out of the way, we bring you the ultimate itinerary from London To Scotland. 

Note: A road trip from London to Scotland is almost 418 miles if your final destination is the capital, Edinburgh. It means this will be a multi-day itinerary that will focus on major attractions throughout the route. You still have the flexibility to skip different attractions to save the day for your final destination in Scotland. 

1. London - Oxford

Distance: 62.5 miles (~1 hour 33 minutes)

You can spend a warm-up day in London with the local attractions of Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery and more. Once you have explored these attractions, you can move ahead and set your first stop in Oxford. 

With ancient museums, diverse culture and diverse parks, Oxford is a must-visit for first-time travellers in the UK. The city is also home to the oldest universities that further reflect the deep roots in the history of the UK. 

As an alternative to Oxford, you can also visit the Cotswolds to admire the beautiful Blenheim Palace. From the lush expansive green landscapes to the cobblestone streets surrounded with marvellous mediaeval architecture, Cotswolds is a trip to rich history. 

2. Oxford - York

Distance: 184 miles (~3 hours 38 minutes)

If you are in Oxford or Cotswolds, your next stop should be in York. As said above, you have the flexibility to make multiple stops along the way in Sheffield, Leicester or Sheffield. However, for this itinerary, we recommend saving all the energy for York exploration since Oxford to York will involve significant travel over 189 miles. 

York is another quaint city in England that welcomes tourists to indulge in the mediaeval architecture and all the stories behind it. Apart from London, York also has a great cultural influence on UK history, thanks to the train museums, stroll around cobblestone streets and ghost hunting. 

Despite being a small city, a complete exploration of York requires a whole day to really feel the pulse of the vibrant city. Some of the major attractions that you must visit in York include the York Minster, the National Railway Museum, and the Jorvik Viking Centre. 

3. York - Lake District

Distance: 122 miles (2 hours 35 minutes)

After a cultural extravaganza in Oxford and York, it is about time to set the destination for the outskirts of England. Leaving York behind, you can set the destination for the Lake District to absorb the sprawling natural landscape. We recommend spending more time in the Lake District to enjoy the surrounding towns and engage with the local activities. 

Being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of England, Lake District is a perfect destination that is preserved for posterity. Not to mention, the Lake District boasts magnificent sceneries and wildlife that encourage tourists to take a break from long-distance travel and stroll around the quaint trails. Or if you are seeking a high-productivity activity, you can plan a hike in the mountains. 

4. Lake District - Edinburgh

Distance: 123 miles (~2 hours 38 minutes)

After the stunning outdoor exploration in the Lake District and proper sleep, it is about time to hit the road towards the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Edinburgh invites tourists with its hilly landscapes, picturesque villages and a plethora of activities for everyone. Unlike the Lake District, Edinburgh stands out for offering a mix of nature and urban attractions that are deeply connected to the history of Scotland. 

Plus, Edinburgh prides itself on cultural diversity, thanks to the year-long festivals, beautiful streets and historical castles. On top of that, the curving roads, old towns and peaking grassy hills make Edinburgh a perfect destination for a road trip. 

Final Words

The route from London to Scotland is certainly lengthy and might feel overwhelming at the start. But with multiple stops and a relaxing exploration of the UK’s narrative culture, the stretching road trip is definitely worth each mile. 

You can rely on our premium minibus hire with a driver to travel all the long-distance routes and soak up all the adventurous attractions across England and Scotland. Just make sure to plan everything ahead for your destination, pack snacks, and essentials to steer clear of any uncertainties.