The Best of London, England & Scotland! (May 2026)

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1132
9 or 10 days
Availability : May 2026
Min Age : 21+ (or 16+ with parent)

May 2026 (dates TBA) Explore England & Scotland with Spike!

EARLY ACCESS: CLICK HERE to be notified before it goes on sale to the public!

This 9 day tour through London, the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Scotland offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic and picturesque destinations in the UK. Starting in London, you’ll experience world-renowned landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace while enjoying quintessential British activities such as afternoon tea and West End shows. The tour then ventures into the charming countryside of the Cotswolds, with its cozy villages and rolling hills, as well as the historic city of Oxford, home to one of the world’s oldest universities. Finally, our small group will head to Scotland to explore Edinburgh’s majestic castle, the Royal Mile, and breathtaking landscapes on a day trip to the Highlands. This itinerary combines rich history, stunning natural beauty, and cultural highlights, making it perfect for first-time visitors seeking a well-rounded UK experience. Solo travelers are welcome for this once in a lifetime small-group tour!

Tour Details

This itinerary offers a mix of London highlights, cultural experiences, and charming English towns for a memorable first-time visit! We visit in May to enjoy the sites with far fewer tourists compared to summer but still great weather for travelers. The “shoulder season” also provides lower prices. It’s also whisky month for those who enjoy Scotch Whisky 🙂

EARLY ACCESS: CLICK HERE to be notified before it goes on sale to the public!

The itinerary below is an early draft and may be adjusted to give you the best opportunities to see as much as possible:

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival and Introduction to London

• Morning: Arrive in London and check into accommodations near Central London (Covent Garden, Westminster, or South Kensington).
• Afternoon: Stroll through Hyde Park and visit Kensington Palace.
• Evening: Enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a classic British pub like The Churchill Arms.

Day 2Iconic London Landmarks

• Morning: Visit Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Afternoon: Tour the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels.
• Evening: Take a sunset Thames River Cruise for stunning views of the city.

Day 3Museums, Markets and Free Time (Stonehenge?)

• Morning: Explore the British Museum or Natural History Museum. Or head up to Abbey Road if you’re a Beatles fan!
• Afternoon: Wander through Borough Market for lunch, then visit Tower Bridge.
• Evening: Watch a West End show (e.g., Les Misérables or The Phantom of the Opera) or have free time to explore on your own.
• *OR* if you choose, I can help you arrange a day tour to visit Stonehenge.

Day 4Day Trip to Windsor and Oxford

• Morning: We will take a train to Windsor (30 minutes) and tour Windsor Castle.
• Afternoon: Continue by train to Oxford (1 hour) to explore Oxford University, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College. Lots of Harry Potter sites here too.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Oxford.

Day 5The Cotswolds

• Morning: Join a guided tour or drive to explore picturesque Cotswolds villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, or Stow-on-the-Wold… some of those most beautiful tiny towns you’ll ever visit!
• Afternoon: Enjoy a pub lunch or traditional “high tea” and explore more villages.
• Evening: Return to London or stay overnight in the Cotswolds.

Day 6Train to Edinburgh, Scotland

• Morning: Take a direct train from London (or Oxford) to Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Edinburgh and check into accommodations near the Old Town. Stroll along Princes Street and enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle.
• Evening: Dine at a traditional Scottish restaurant.

Day 7Explore Edinburgh

• Morning: Visit Edinburgh Castle and walk down the Royal Mile.
• Afternoon: Explore Holyrood Palace or Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Enjoy Scottish music or storytelling at a local pub.

Day 8Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands

• Take a guided day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands, visiting destinations like Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Stirling Castle.
• Return to Edinburgh in the evening.

Day 9Departure (or extend your stay)

• Spend your final morning revisiting favorite spots in Edinburgh or shopping for souvenirs on Princes Street before departing for your flight. *OR* stay one extra day (see below).

Day 10-11Optional Days to the Isle of Skye and Glasgow

If enough people are interested, I may offer an optional extension of the trip for those who wish to see more! If you choose to extend your stay for an additional cost, we may take a guided tour to the Isle of Skye, known for its dramatic landscapes. We’ll visit highlights like the Fairy Pools, Kilt Rock, or the Old Man of Storr. We would also explore Portree, the island’s charming main town, and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant and then conclude our trip in Glasgow. See the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis for stunning views. Explore the vibrant West End and enjoy some of the oldest pubs. And fly out of Glasgow instead of Edinburgh.

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