Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip in the U.K.

Arrive in London and hop into your rental car. Your first destination is Bath, but consider making a quick stop at Stonehenge along the way. While it's brief, it’s worth seeing this iconic landmark.

The drive from London to Bath takes about three hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and start your exploration!

First on the list is the Roman Baths. Pro tip: Opt for the tour with the audiobook for a more immersive experience. This remarkably preserved thermal bath complex features thousands of archaeological discoveries from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Afterward, visit the stunning Bath Abbey right next door. For dinner, head to The Raven for delicious meat pies and local ales or ciders. My personal favorite is the Raven Ale Pie!

Today, you’ll set out on a walking tour of Bath to discover more about the city and its history. You can join one of the free walking tours led by the Mayor of Bath guides or arrange a private tour if you prefer.

After the tour, stop by Sally Lunn's to enjoy a traditional Bath Bun, made using the same recipe since the 1680s or stop by Royal Fudge to grab a sweet treat. For lunch, grab a classic pasty at the Cornish Bake House.

In the afternoon, visit #1 Royal Crescent, a museum furnished to reflect how a home would have looked between 1776 and 1796.

To conclude your day, relax at the thermal spa and soak in the famous naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago. Dinner is at Clayton's Kitchen.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then hop in the car for a one-hour drive to one of the most special stops on your journey: spending the night at a castle! We chose Thornbury Castle, which shares our family name and has always felt significant to us. Set on 15 acres, it’s a stunning example of Tudor architecture. Each room is named after a queen; we stayed in the Anne Boleyn room. With its lavish interiors and beautiful gardens, you'll want to spend the day soaking it all in. I particularly enjoyed having tea in the parlor while reading my book.

After you freshen up for dinner, relax with drinks and games by the fireplace before indulging in a multi-course meal. End the night lounging in your cozy robes, drifting off to sleep like royalty!

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Blenheim Palace, a stunning Baroque-style palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, you can enjoy wandering through the gardens, delving into centuries of British history and exploring the beautiful rooms. It’s also the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Next, visit some charming Cotswold towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden. Strolling through the downtown areas and admiring the architecture is a delight. Choose a Cotswold town to spend the night in, such as Broadway or Upper or Lower Slaughter, or opt for a stay at a country estate! Enjoy a local dinner and get some rest for the night.

Spend the morning enjoying the amenities at your hotel and exploring the surrounding area. You can go horseback riding, try your hand at archery or falconry, hike to the Broadway Tower or visit local farms—there are plenty of options! The choice is yours, and there’s so much to experience in the English countryside.

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on the three-hour drive to York. After checking into your hotel, it's time to explore!

You can join a guided or private walking tour to learn about the city's rich history or venture out on your own. I highly recommend visiting York Minster and its gardens, as well as walking along the iconic city walls. If you're a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss Shambles Street; it bears a resemblance to Diagon Alley! You can also visit St. Mary’s Abbey and its gardens. For dinner, head to Café No. 8 Bistro, a charming local restaurant, and be sure to try some Yorkshire rhubarb!

Start your day with breakfast in York before hopping in the car for your final drive—it's a four-hour journey to the legendary city of Edinburgh. Once you arrive, drop off the car, as you won’t need it anymore, and check into your hotel.

Your first stop is traditional Scottish afternoon tea at the Witchery. This historic venue offers delicious tea, scones and even a haggis pastry, all in a stunning setting. Afterward, explore the Royal Mile, taking in the historical sights, cathedrals and beautiful architecture.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, start seeking out the famous locations! Your first stop should be the graveyard, where you can find names like Potter, Moodie and Thomas Riddle—rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Don’t miss the Elephant House, said to be where she wrote part of the series, along with numerous Harry Potter-themed shops. Be sure to wear comfy shoes for the hike up Arthur’s Seat, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Edinburgh.

Today is dedicated to exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands. I recommend taking a full-day guided tour, whether you prefer a group or private experience. If you're a fan of the TV show Outlander, you might enjoy an Outlander-themed tour, or you can explore beautiful lakes, hiking trails and even search for the Loch Ness Monster! Honestly, I thought Loch Ness would be just another tourist trap, but the boat ride turned out to be fascinating, with discussions on the scientific explanations for Nessie and the various fish that inhabit the lake. Alternatively, you could spend the day visiting castles, distilleries or even consider extending your stay to explore the area further.

Make the most of your last full day in Edinburgh! Start by visiting the iconic and historic Edinburgh Castle—be sure to grab an audio guide. After exploring the castle, stroll down the Royal Mile, stopping at St. Giles Cathedral and indulging in some shopping. Spend the afternoon at Holyrood House, the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. Rich in history, you can explore the stunning state apartments. To wrap up your day, enjoy meat pies and whiskey at The Mitre on the Mile; it was the best meal of the entire trip! Get a good night's sleep before heading to the airport in the morning.