Imagine exploring historic cities, rugged coastlines and green countryside all in one unforgettable trip.
To help you get inspired, our local experts have handpicked 5 amazing England, Scotland and Ireland itinerary ideas showcasing the region's highlights. Whether you picture yourself wandering castle ruins or enjoying live folk music in a cosy pub, there’s a route for you.
- Let these expert-curated England, Scotland and Ireland tours shape your next getaway
1. London, Edinburgh and Dublin
Duration: 7–9 days
Best for: Culture, history and a taste of city life across 3 capitals.
Start your trip with 3 days soaking up the buzz of London. Walk through Hyde Park, catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and step inside the soaring halls of Westminster Abbey. In the evening, settle in a cosy pub or head to the West End for a show.
Local tip: Hop on a red double-decker bus for the best views of London's top sights without the walking.
Next, travel north to Edinburgh. Spend 2 or 3 days exploring the cobbled Royal Mile, touring Edinburgh Castle, and savouring a whisky in one of the Old Town’s tucked-away bars.
Then, cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. Spend your final 2 days discovering the city’s blend of old and new. Walk through the grounds of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Then, head to the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery. In the evening, join locals for live music in the Temple Bar.
Local tip: Visit Temple Bar District early in the day to wander through the colourful streets before the evening crowds.
- Discover Celtic heritage on a self-drive tour of Scotland and Ireland
- Related: Best Ireland road trips – A local expert’s view
2. London, York and Edinburgh
Duration: 9–11 days
Best for: Scenic drives, historic sites and places off the tourist trail.
Spend your first 3 days in London, ticking off icons like the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, and the London Eye. Take a break in one of the city’s leafy parks or indulge in a slow afternoon tea. For a peek outside the city centre, join a day trip to Windsor Castle.
Next, hit the road west to the Cotswolds. Picture-perfect villages, honey-coloured cottages, and rolling fields await. Spend a night here to enjoy the slower pace.
Local tip: Stop by Bourton-on-the-Water, a postcard-worthy village with charming footbridges and riverside cafés.
From there, drive north to York and spend an evening wandering through this historic city. Explore The Shambles, walk the medieval city walls, and admire stained glass at York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
Continue into Scotland, passing through the Scottish Borders on your way to Edinburgh. Plan for 2 or 3 days in the capital to hike Arthur’s Seat, tour Holyrood Palace, and pause to take in the views from Calton Hill. You’ll end your trip with a head full of stories and a camera full of castles.
- Tuck into British classics on an England and Scotland tour
- Related: Best places to visit in the UK
3. Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin
Duration: 9–11 days
Best for: Nature lovers and fans of dramatic scenery.
Start your trip with 2 nights in Edinburgh. Next, head north into the Scottish Highlands. Spend 2 or 3 days road-tripping through glens and past lochs, stopping at iconic spots like Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. You could even take a boat tour and try your luck at spotting the Loch Ness Monster.
From the west coast, board a ferry to Northern Ireland – the journey from Cairnryan to Belfast takes less than 3 hours. Once across, drive the Antrim Coast, where the cliffs rise high and the sea crashes below.
Stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can cross a swaying path once used by salmon fishermen. Take in the views at Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on the edge of a basalt cliff. Another unmissable stop along this stretch is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO-listed site famed for its unique hexagonal rock formations.
Local tip: Wear sturdy shoes when visiting the Giant’s Causeway to make the most of clambering over the stones.
Wrap up your journey in Ireland’s capital, where you’ll want at least 2 days to take in the sights and sounds. Spend a full day in Dublin visiting St Patrick’s Cathedral, explore local markets, and end your adventure with a classic fish supper or roast in a traditional pub.
4. London, Bath, York, Edinburgh and Dublin
Duration: 13–15 days
Best for: Taking your time to see iconic landmarks and dramatic landscapes.
With 2 weeks to explore, an Ireland, Scotland and England travel itinerary lets you dive a little deeper into each country’s highlights.
Start with 3 days in London, where you can tick off landmarks like The British Museum.
Continue to Stonehenge, where you can puzzle over the mystery of these ancient stones standing alone on the Salisbury Plain. Next, travel to Bath to explore grand Georgian architecture and soak in the city’s namesake Roman baths.
Drive north to York, a medieval city rich with Viking history and gothic charm. Then journey through the Lake District National Park, England’s outdoor playground. Stay overnight and treat yourself to a lake cruise or a walk through peaceful valleys.
Local tip: Try a traditional Cumberland sausage in the Lake District.
Cross into Scotland for a few nights in Edinburgh. Venture into the Highlands, where winding roads lead past lochs, castles, and towering peaks.
Next, head west and cross the sea to Ireland. Spend a night or 2 in County Kerry, where you can drive the famous Ring of Kerry. End your journey in Dublin, with 2 nights to dive into local history, music, and food.
- Discover historic cities and scenic landscapes on a multi-country UK and Ireland tour
- Related: Top things to see and do in the UK
5. Guided tour from Edinburgh to Dublin
Duration: 12–14 days
Best for: Storybook towns and historic landmarks with a local expert.
If you like the idea of sitting back while someone else handles the details, a small group tour is a brilliant way to explore. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the stories behind each landmark and get a deeper sense of place.
Start in Edinburgh and wind your way north to Inverness, stopping for forest walks, lochside views, and tales of Jacobites and standing stones. Roam the Isle of Skye, where the landscapes have a mythical feel about them.
Then it's on to Glenfinnan, where you'll follow the road to the ferry crossing. Take the ferry across to Mallaig, and journey through Glencoe and the Trossachs to Glasgow. Expect misty mountains, whisky tastings, and castles perched above valleys.
From there, you'll continue to Belfast. A black cab tour gives insight into the city's complex past, while the Titanic Experience tells the story of Belfast’s industrial heart.
Further along the Antrim Coast, you’ll walk across ancient basalt at the Giant’s Causeway, hear legends of giants and sea battles, and explore the walled city of Derry.
On the final stretch, you'll take in the Cliffs of Moher, stroll through the Burren, and and find out why you might want to kiss the Blarney Stone. The journey ends in Dublin, where you can raise a final toast in a cosy pub or unwind with a walk along O’Connell Street.
- See iconic landmarks with a local guide on a small group tour of Scotland and Ireland
- Related: Best things to do in Dublin
How to travel between England, Scotland and Ireland
Exploring England, Scotland and Ireland in one trip is easier than you might think. You’ve got a few ways to travel between destinations, depending on your pace, your route, and how much planning you want to take on yourself.
If you want the freedom to stop where you like, driving is a great option. The UK and Ireland have a well-connected road network, so you can visit small towns, rural landscapes, and famous sights at your own pace.
To travel between Great Britain and Ireland, most people either fly or take a ferry. Flights between major cities are short and frequent. Ferries are a convenient choice if you're driving, as you can take your car with you. Take the Cairnryan to Belfast route to travel between Scotland and Northern Ireland in around 2 hours, with some services taking up to 3 hours depending on the operator.
The United Kingdom’s road and rail networks make getting around smooth and scenic. Trains run between major cities like London and Edinburgh, but also stop in smaller towns and villages. You can use them for both one-way and return journeys. In the UK rail travel is a convenient way to explore.
That said, planning the details can take time. If you’d prefer a seamless experience, a Nordic Visitor tour might suit you better. We’ll arrange all your local transport, including car hire, transfers, and ferries, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Explore England, Scotland and Ireland with Nordic Visitor
Whether you’re drawn to castle-studded road trips, buzzing city breaks or coastal drives through wild landscapes, there’s something here for you. These are just a few ideas to inspire your UK and Ireland itinerary.
Let Nordic Visitor take care of the details, so you can make the most every moment. Our travel experts will arrange your accommodation and local transport, with 24/7 support throughout your trip. You’ll also get a detailed itinerary with personalised recommendations for your trip.
Browse our England, Scotland and Ireland tours to get started, and choose an itinerary that matches your pace and interests.
Set off on a UK and Ireland self-drive tour with a planned route and handpicked stays, or join like-minded travellers on a guided small group tour of the UK led by a local guide.
Get in touch and let our UK-based experts help you plan your dream getaway.
