When friends ask me for help planning their UK trips, the two places that always come up are London and Edinburgh. These two cities are popular for a reason, but it can be a challenge to visit both on one trip. That’s why I came up with this 7-day London and Edinburgh itinerary to help you experience two UK icons on a single trip.
Know before you go
✈️ Closest airport: London Heathrow (LHR) is the largest London airport, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) for Edinburgh
💷 Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.
🕰️ Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST).
🔌 Plugging in electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. If you are visiting from outside the UK, you will likely need this universal travel adaptor.
📱 Using your smartphone: If you want to use your phone data while visiting, the easiest and cheapest solution is to purchase an e-sim for your trip.
🚘 Car rentals: Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. Driving in the UK is not for the faint of heart, and I recommend checking out my guide to driving in the UK before you set out!
🚊 Train booking: All major UK cities, and many other destinations in between, can be reached by train. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly through Trainline.
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Why Visit London and Edinburgh
London and Edinburgh are the best known cities in the United Kingdom, and are well worth your time to visit. London is my favorite city in the whole world, and Edinburgh is the type of unique destination that’s like nowhere else on earth. If you’re planning a first trip to the UK, or want to see the top highlights in these two cities, then this itinerary is the shortcut you need for travel planning an ideal trip.
London and Edinburgh 7 day Itinerary
Time to get exploring! Here’s our plan.
Day 1: Arrive in London
The most common airport for international arrivals is London Heathrow, so we are starting from there. If you are flying into a different airport, look at my London Travel Tips for getting into London advice.
Travel into central London from Heathrow
Follow signs for the Underground and make your way to the purple Elizabeth Line. Ignore the signs for the Heathrow Express – the Elizabeth line will be less expensive and more convenient for our hotel.
Exit at Tottenham Court Road and take the less than 3 minute walk to The Bloomsbury Hotel.
Travel Tip: The easiest way to pay your way on any London Underground line is to bring a contactless credit card or ApplePay that you can tap to pay. Simply tap the card or your device on the yellow pad on the entrance gate, then again at the exit gate. Be sure to tap at both ends even if gates are open so you aren’t accidentally charged the maximum daily rate.
Where to stay in London
The Bloomsbury Hotel is one of my top picks for places to stay on your first visit to London because it is easy to get to with luggage in hand. It is also a lovely hotel that is remarkably quiet considering its central location.
“The staff was very friendly and professional from the front desk to housekeeping. Everyone made you feel welcome and all were eager to assist. The atmosphere was so inviting and relaxing. The room was spacious and well appointed. The beds and linens were exceptionally comfortable. The toiletries smelled so good I didn’t bother to unpack mine.”
Debra from United States of America (see more reviews)
Day 1 in London options for things to do
If you’ve arrived early in the day, then drop off your luggage and let’s go beat back the jet lag! If you arrive late enough to check directly into your room, then resist the urge to nap. Our goal today is to stay up as late as we can to adjust to the time change.
Once you’re ready to explore, you can head straight to the nearby British Museum to see its massive collections. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
Entrance to the British Museum is free for the standard exhibits, and you can usually go without making advance bookings. There is a booking system online to secure a timed entry slot, which is useful if you’ll be visiting during peak times when admission numbers rise.
Need something to eat first? Go past the British Museum and cross Russell Square to find Fortitude Bakehouse. Whether you want a savoury sausage roll or a creme-filled pastry, they’ll get you sorted. Coffee is also great here if you need a pick me up.
In the late afternoon or evening, walk into Covent Garden and explore the Seven Dials District. Don’t miss stepping into Neal’s Yard to see one of the prettiest colorful courtyards in London.
The Seven Dials Market makes for a great casual dinner destination with food stalls catering to all tastes. There is even a cheese-based restaurant that serves dishes along a conveyor belt, like a very British take on sushi restaurants.
Day 1 locations map
Day 2: London exploring
It’s time to go see what makes London so special!
Borough Market
We are going to start our day at one of London’s most famous markets – the Borough Market. I recommend pre-booking a guided tour of the Borough Market to get the most out of exploring this massive space. Tours typically start at 10 or 10:30am, so you won’t need to jump from bed at dawn.
“The tour have a very good affordable price, and was absolutely amazing! The guide was super friendly and helpful, and told all the stories very well! The places he showed us were fantastic, and the food was delicious. Super recommended!”
Mattia from Italy (see more reviews)
You can get to Borough Market easily by heading to Tottenham Court Station and taking the Northern Line to Waterloo, where you will change to the Jubilee Line to London Bridge. From London Bridge station, it’s a short walk to Borough Market. Give yourself 30 minutes to get there in case of wrong turns or interesting distractions along the way.
Walk across Tower Bridge
After exploring Borough Market, we are going to walk to the Tower of London. Go back out of the market to Tooley Street. When you reach London Bridge station again, you will see More London Place. Turn left and follow this path to the river.
I really love this path because you’ll have tall buildings to either side which force your view either ahead to the Victoria era Tower Bridge, or behind you to modern skyscraper The Shard. It’s a great little visual stretch between the past and present.
When you reach the river, turn right into Potters Fields Park. This grassy stretch is the perfect place to get That Picture of Tower Bridge.
Once you’re done snapping photos, take the stairs up to Tower Bridge and walk across the river. The Tower of London is directly opposite Potters Fields Park, so you’ll just head back down to the river path and walk along to the Tower entrance.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a treasure trove of British history. It is also a literal treasure trove since it is home to the British Crown Jewels. Don’t skip the free Beefeater tour while you’re there to get an insider’s view on Tower life and history. I really like the White Tower section for exploring on your own. It is home to a parade of armor (including a dubious set owned by Henry VIII) and a disarming dragon.
Travel Tip: You do need to book your entry tickets for the Tower of London in advance. As one of London’s most popular attractions, tickets regularly sell out. If you went on a Borough Market tour, then a 2:00 or 2:30pm entrance time for the Tower is ideal.
River trip along the Thames
Back out on the riverside, head to the Tower pier with signs for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. We are going to combine our transportation needs with some more sightseeing!
The Thames Clipper boats operate on the same payment system as the Tube and London buses. Simply tap your card on the payment pad at the pier and catch a westbound boat.
You will stay onboard until you reach Westminster Pier. Along the way, you’ll have river views of more London icons. Look for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. As you approach Westminster Pier, you’ll see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Travel Tip: Thames Clippers run every 30 minutes from Tower Pier for most of the day. The trip from Tower Pier to Westminster takes about 30 minutes.
Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
You can’t miss Big Ben from the river, so just head in its direction to find our next stop. We are only admiring from the outside here, but there’s lots to see. Across from Westminster Tube station is a whole stretch of red phone boxes to help you get your perfect London photo.
There is a green space directly across from Parliament, and Westminster Abbey is just over the road. Admire the beautiful exterior of Westminster Abbey (you’ll need to skip some of my earlier recommendations if you want time to tour the interior).
Double decker bus
When you’re ready to move on from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, head for the Westminster Abbey bus stop on Victoria Street. You want to be on the side of the road where traffic is headed back toward Parliament. Catch the number 24 bus for a scenic ride back toward the hotel.
The bus ride will take around 30 minutes (traffic dependent), and along the way you will pass 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and Chinatown. Head upstairs for the best views (I prefer to sit as close to the front as possible and pick a seat on the right side when you’re facing forward). Exit the bus at Tottenham Court Road Station and take the short walk back to the Bloomsbury Hotel to recuperate a bit.
Day 2 evening options
This is a great night to book theatre tickets on the West End. London Theatre Direct often has the best prices for shows. I’ve never had a bad time at a show in London.
If a leisurely dinner is more your speed, then look to Soho for some of the best restaurants in London. Meatlovers should try Blacklock, while Inko Nito is a great bet for Japanese deliciousness with a hint of Korea and California.
Prefer a British pub evening? Bloomsbury Tavern is a short walk from the hotel and is every inch the pub experience you’re picturing.
Day 2 locations map
Day 3: Day trip to Hampton Court Palace
Today we are going to head outside of central London to visit a palace that has seen more than its fair share of royal drama. Henry VIII spent time here, along with each of his six wives. You can still spy Anne Boleyn’s initials carved into the Banqueting Hall design. Meanwhile, the Tudor kitchens give an interactive look at how the palace functioned during Henry’s time.
The palace is massive and shows off architecture and trends across centuries. There is plenty here to please everyone, including:
- Royal history
- Architecture trends spanning centuries
- Film locations from Bridgerton, Cinderella, and more
- Elaborate natural beauty in the gardens
- Hedge maze and play area for kids
You’re going to love it! It’s also a nice palate cleanser after the bustle of central London.
How to book travel from London to Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is in Zone 6 of the London transportation network. This means that you can tap to pay for tickets just as you have been for travel on the Tube. However, tap to pay won’t give you access to discount fares that become more common as you head out of the central zones.
I recommend booking ahead with Trainline, for these reasons:
- Trainline will automatically check for available discounts on your ticket and compare prices with daily travelcards – no need to stand confused at the ticket machine as you wonder what ticket to purchase
- You will get email notifications if there are disruptions, like rail strikes or engineering work, that might put a wrench in your travels – making it easier to pivot plans if necessary
- Tickets from Trainline are delivered by email with easy to use QR codes, or you receive a redemption code to print your ticket at the train station
Here’s exactly how to book your tickets to Hampton Court Palace:
1. Find available trains on Trainline
Open the Trainline website, and input your travel dates and preferred travel times. Note that most tickets will give you flexibility on which train you take, so it is unlikely you will be stuck with only one departure or return time.
2. Choose your tickets
Trainline will display train times for your journey to and from Hampton Court that match your preferences. It will also show the standard price for each trip, as well as any discount rates that apply.
In this example, tapping to pay at the ticket barriers would buy single anytime tickets for a total price of £18. Trainline found that an off-peak travelcard works for your travel times and also offers unlimited Tube rides when you get back to London – at a total cost of £16.79. Discounts especially add up for groups of three or more, and when you are traveling with children since they are eligible for reduced fares.
3. Pick up your tickets
Standard tickets come directly to your email and provide you with a QR code to scan at the ticket gates. If you purchase a travelcard, you will instead get a redemption code to pick up your tickets at the station. Just follow the prompts on one of the ticketing machines at the train station, or head to a station window for human assistance.
How to get to Hampton Court Palace
From your hotel, walk to Tottenham Court Road Underground station and grab the Northern Line southbound to Waterloo.
Travel Tip: Waterloo is one of London’s most bustling train stations, and it’s really common to stumble into promotions and events here. From free ice cream samples to Jurassic Park movie statues, I’ve seen a lot here. No promises because it varies by the day, but keep your eyes peeled just in case something interesting is on.
At Waterloo, pick up your train tickets if necessary and refer to the arrival and departure boards to find the train platform for your journey. Then just head through the gates and go find a spot on the train. You’re more likely to find open seats and less crowding the further you walk down the platform before getting on the train.
Depart the train at Hampton Court station. When you walk out of the station, turn right and walk across the bridge spanning the Thames. You can’t miss the massive form of Hampton Court Palace just across the river.
Tickets and tours for Hampton Court Palace
You can secure tickets for Hampton Court Palace in advance, which I recommend just in case. If you are visiting outside of peak times like school holidays, then tickets may be available at the entrance.
Touring on your own is the most common choice for visitors and is perfectly fine. If you really want to dive into the tales of ghosts, executions, and secret history that make this place special, then I recommend booking an expert-led tour.
“Ms. Clarke exceeded all expectations! I enjoyed the private tour and the information she shared. This tour was absolutely worth every penny and made my visit to Hampton Court all that more enjoyable and informative! Highly recommended. – Clifton from United States”
Clifton from United States of America (see more reviews)
On-site cafes will have you sorted for lunch at Hampton Court Palace. If you prefer heading out for a bit to a local restaurant, I recommend The Six in The King’s Arms hotel for delicious seasonal menus.
Day 3 evening options
Hampton Court can easily keep you busy for the day, but you can make it back into London in time for dinner and a night out. If you haven’t visited the West End yet, now is your chance.
Make sure you rest up this evening because tomorrow we are off to Scotland!
Day 4: Travel to Edinburgh
Today we are checking out of our London hotel and taking the train to Edinburgh. Trains run pretty regularly throughout the day, so you can either start your day in London and arrive late in Edinburgh or set off early for more Edinburgh exploring time.
Train times vary, but it typically takes about 5 hours to travel from London to Edinburgh by train. When you consider that you’re starting and ending in the city center and don’t need to set aside hours for security screening, it can be just as fast as flying.
Whichever departure time you prefer, you do need to book your train tickets early. Booking at least 30 days out gives you the best choice of train times and you’re much more likely to get a good price on your ticket. Tickets start at £34.90 on Trainline.
Travel Tip: Combine hotel and transportation costs with a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper service. Running six nights a week, you board in the evening at London Euston, then arrive in Edinburgh just after 7am the following morning. Ticketing opens up to 12 months in advance, and booking early is recommended as this popular service does sell out. Be sure to book a sleeper car, not a standard seat (unless you’re happy to sleep sitting up)!
Morning in London ideas
If you opt for an afternoon departure to Edinburgh, consider checking out one of these smaller London highlights in the morning:
- The Wallace Collection. Artwork and armory housed in a historic townhouse with a gorgeous on-site cafe. Nearest Tube station: Bond Street
- Sir John Soane’s Museum. Eccentric cabinet of curiosities type museum made up of the belongings of a 19th century collector. Nearest Tube station: Holborn
- Churchill War Rooms. Peek into the secret underground headquarters of the British war effort from WWII. Some rooms exactly as they were left when the war ended. Nearest Tube station: Westminster
- Camden Market. Slightly alternative edge market great for artsy finds. A great pick if you are traveling with a picky teenager. Nearest Tube station: Camden Town
What to expect on the train from London to Edinburgh
Your train reservation should tell you where to find your seat on the train. Each train coach is assigned a letter, then individual seats have a number. For instance, this booking would have had me in Coach D, seat 45:
The coach letters will be displayed on the outside of the train and there are often markers on the platform that shows where each coach usually stops. Once onboard, the seat numbers are displayed just below the overhead storage racks.
If you don’t like your assigned seat on the train, you can sit in any seat that is not reserved. There’s typically a digital sign at each seat indicating whether the seat is reserved or open.
The train ride itself is relaxing, and there is a lovely stretch along the coast as you get closer to Scotland. Trains usually have a cafe car where you can pick up snacks, or you are welcome to bring food with you when you board.
Arriving in Edinburgh and where to stay
Trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station, which is conveniently in the heart of central Edinburgh.
We are going to check in at the Radisson Blu Edinburgh City Centre. This hotel is only a five minute walk from the train station right on the Royal Mile. The exterior of the building even looks like a castle (though it actually only dates to 1990).
“The location was perfect for our first visit to Edinburgh: central on the Royal Mile. Easy to access key sites and Waverly Train Station on foot. The staff was very friendly. Our room was large by European standards. Room amenities were much appreciated: kettle, tea/coffee fixings, fridge, USB ports, Euro outlet (not just UK), large counter in the bathroom. Access to the spa pool and steam room (this was a nice surprise for us). Breakfast was expansive and plentiful with lots of hot and cold items. I don’t usually like to stay at US chain hotels when I travel to Europe, but this place was fantastic and I would stay here again. Since it was our first visit to Edinburgh, I was willing to pay a bit more money than I usually would for accommodations.”
Kimberly from United States of America (see more reviews)
Day 4 Edinburgh evening ideas
Whenever you arrive in Edinburgh, I recommend sticking to the Old Town, and especially the Royal Mile on your first day. For the evening, meet up with a guide to learn about Edinburgh’s dark side on a nighttime walking tour.
“ What a brilliant evening! Our guide, Alasdair Gourlay, was really excellent – knew his stuff inside out, spoke very clearly, was approachable, friendly and funny, and had ready answers to every weird and wonderful question we could think of. The tour itself was a good mix of walking and talking and gave us plenty to talk about and to Google afterwards – a fascinating introduction to some of Edinburgh’s darker history. Can’t recommend it enough, worth every penny and then some.”
Ioana from United Kingdom (see more reviews)
Day 5: Explore Edinburgh’s Highlights
Today we are discovering the best of Edinburgh! Start the day with a walk down historic Cockburn Street and pick up a coffee and pastry from The Milkman coffee shop.
Travel Tip: Walking in Edinburgh is a lot of up and down hills. Wear your comfiest walking shoes and give yourself some extra time to catch your breath along the way.
Edinburgh Castle
Next, let’s head up to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This spectacular fortress sits above the city, keeping watch even now. Visiting inside the castle is well worth your time to learn about its military history and enjoy some of the best views in the city.
Book your entrance tickets for Edinburgh Castle in advance, as it does sometimes sell out. For not much more, you can take a guided tour around the castle to make sure you don’t miss any of the best parts.
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
After leaving the castle, make your way down the winding alleys to Grassmarket for a scenic view of the castle from below. This area has lots of restaurants, so makes for a good lunch spot. Mary’s Milk Bar has delicious gelato if you’re more in a snack mood.
Walk back up the curving Victoria Street, window shopping as you go. This is one of Edinburgh’s picture perfect areas that looks made for Instagram.
When you get to the end of Victoria Street, turn left and head to the Royal Mile.
Royal Mile and Princes Street
The Royal Mile refers to the road between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You’ve already been along some of this stretch, but I recommend taking a stroll over to St. Giles Cathedral to see its beautiful interior.
After visiting St. Giles Cathedral, make your way down to Princes Street for a close up look at Scott Monument. This gothic Victorian memorial to Sir Walter Scott is another Edinburgh icon.
After visiting the Scott Monument, walk back down Princes Street into the Princes Street Gardens. This lovely greenspace is perfect for resting your weary legs or getting even more photos of Edinburgh Castle as it looms high above you.
If you haven’t run out of energy yet, the National Galleries of Scotland is nearby and offers beautiful collections of European and Scottish artwork.
Day 5 Edinburgh evening ideas
You’ve probably worked up an appetite today, so try out one of these great spots for dinner:
- Cannonball Restaurant – historic building with a view of Edinburgh Castle
- Howie’s Restaurant – delicious seasonal food on Victoria Street
- Makars Mash Bar – casual eats with a serious focus on mashed potatoes
After dinner, consider heading back out to enjoy one of Scotland’s most famous treats – whisky! Take a History of Whisky small group tour with tasting to learn about whisky’s history in Edinburgh and have a taste of four samples in a unique tasting room.
“The tour starts at the Royal Mile. Fred was our guide. During the one hour tour through the old town she gave us a lot of information about the whisky production and the importance for the inhabitants. Fred also did the tasting afterwards. We got a lot of exciting information about the different whiskys. I enjoyed the tour very much, especially in the beautiful and cosy room where the tasting took place.”
Maria from Switzerland (see more reviews)
Day 5 locations map
Day 6: Day trip to Scottish Highlands
We are going to get an early start today and go explore the Scottish Highlands! While it’s possible to rent a car and go explore on your own, the roads around Scotland are very narrow by American standards and take a confident driver to navigate. I recommend leaving the driving to a pro and listening to stories of this magical region along the way.
🚘 I recommend and use Discover Cars for finding the best rates and convenient pick up points for rental cars in the UK.
For a fantastic day trip tour, join The Hairy Coo on their Highlands tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and more. The tour meets outside Deacon’s House Cafe, which is just a short walk up the Royal Mile from your hotel.
Note that Deacon’s House Cafe may not be open before your tour departs, so I instead recommend a quick stop at Black Sheep Coffee on North Bridge for a pastry and coffee on your way.
“Can’t believe how much ground -both physical and informational- we covered in the span of a single day with Craig. Super entertaining tour and, despite the mileage, time will end up flying by!”
Giulia from Italy (see more reviews)
Day 7: Edinburgh and departure plans
Sadly, it’s time to wrap up this UK trip. If you have time before your departure for a little more exploring in Edinburgh, then I recommend a visit to picturesque Dean’s Village. This former mill district looks like a fairytale village stuck into Edinburgh.
Departure plans from Edinburgh from train station or airport
If you are returning to London by train, you’ll depart from Waverley station where we arrived. If you are instead starting your journey home from Edinburgh airport, then I recommend either taking a taxi or city tram to the airport. A taxi can be arranged to pick you up from the hotel (estimated taxi fare to Edinburgh Airport: £29-35).
The nearest tram stop will be at St. Andrews Square, a little past the Scott Monument. Tickets for the tram can be purchased from machines at the tram stop and cost £7.50 per adult.
London and Edinburgh Itinerary FAQs
Can I drive from London to Edinburgh?
It is certainly possible to drive from London to Edinburgh, but it takes about eight hours of driving to get there. I don’t recommend driving on this itinerary because it will take away from your time in London and Edinburgh.
If you have more days available, then driving with stops near York or Newcastle will break up the journey and let you see sights like York Minster or Hadrian’s Wall.
Travel Tip: Read my guide to driving in the UK for what to expect on the left side of the road!
Can I take a day trip from London to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has too much to offer, and is too far away, to make a good day trip from London. Trains take at least 4.5 hours to make the journey, and even a flight takes 1.5 hours plus time spent traveling to the airport and getting through security.
For a better day trip from London, consider heading to Bath to see how the ancient Romans did spa days or go to Oxford to walk in the footsteps of literary greats.
Is it faster to fly or take the train between London and Edinburgh?
From airport to airport, it is faster to fly between London and Edinburgh in approximately 1.5 hours. However, flying requires travel from the city center to the airport plus flight security screening. Add 30 minutes on both ends for travel to/from the airport, plus at least an hour for security, and now that flight time looks more like 4.5+ hours of travel time.
Trains from London city center to Edinburgh city center take between 4.5 and 6 hours, depending on stops. I prefer the train because I don’t have to navigate airport security and generally find the whole experience a lot more pleasant.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the train between London and Edinburgh?
Cost is where flights sometimes take an edge over train travel between London and Edinburgh. If you pack light and take a budget airline like EasyJet, then you can find discount flights from £30.
Trains between London and Edinburgh start from £34.90 and don’t require you to navigate airline baggage fees! The cheapest fares are only available if you book well in advance.
Is there a sleeper train between London and Edinburgh?
Yes! The Caledonian Sleeper runs six nights a week from London Euston up to Scotland, including a stop in Edinburgh. Trains depart at 11:30pm from London and arrive in Edinburgh just after 7am the following morning.
A classic room with a twin bunk starts from £205, not bad for combining your hotel and transport needs in one price. Upgrade to a Club Room or Caledonian Double for an en-suite bathroom. Caledonian Doubles offer a double bed instead of bunks and includes your breakfast.
Ticketing opens up to 12 months in advance, and booking early is recommended as this popular service does sell out. Be sure to book a sleeper car, not a standard seat (unless you’re happy to sleep sitting up)!
Where can I stop between London and Edinburgh?
If you’d like to break up your train journey from England to Scotland, then I recommend a stop in York. From the York train station, it’s a short walk to visit the huge 13th-century York Minster or wander the crooked medieval streets in the York Shambles.
How many days are enough to visit London and Scotland?
The ideal trip to London and Scotland is between 7 and 10 days. This gives you enough time to appreciate each place you visit.
I think this seven-day itinerary is the perfect blend of seeing highlights in London and Scotland, while not being too rushed. Anything less than seven days may leave you feeling frazzled, or like you spent more time traveling than sightseeing. If you must limit yourself to fewer than 7 days, then I recommend picking either London or Edinburgh as your focus this time and plan a future trip to visit the other.
How many days do you need to see Edinburgh?
You need at least one full day to explore only in Edinburgh. That’s enough time to wander the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle. To explore the city more fully, then extending to two or three days will give you time to explore the New City and take a hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over the city.
