Know England
Quick Profile
1. GDP and Per Capita Income:
England is part of the United Kingdom, which has one of the world’s largest economies.
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GDP (UK): Around USD 3.4 trillion (2025 est.).
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GDP per capita (UK): About USD 50,000, while India’s is roughly USD 2,700.
So, the average English person earns around 18–20 times more than the average Indian in GDP terms.
2. Area and Population:
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England’s area: ~130,000 sq. km.
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West Bengal’s area: ~89,000 sq. km. So, England is about 1.5 times larger than West Bengal.
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Population: ~57 million (2025 est.), while West Bengal has ~100 million.
3. Major Industries:
Historically, England was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is more service-oriented, though industry still matters.
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Key sectors: Finance (London), technology, manufacturing (automobiles, aerospace), education, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
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Historic centres:
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Birmingham & Manchester: heavy industry and innovation.
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London: global financial capital.
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Liverpool: maritime trade.
4. Religion:
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Christianity is the major religion (mainly the Church of England, Protestant).
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Small but growing communities of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, and Buddhists due to immigration.
5. Ethnicity:
Modern England is ethnically diverse.
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Majority: White British (~75%).
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Minorities: Asian British (mainly Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi), Black British, and people of mixed heritage.
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Large immigrant populations from South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and Eastern Europe have shaped England’s cultural identity.
History
Around 4000–2500 BC – Stonehenge and Early People
At first, people in Britain lived by hunting animals and gathering plants. Later, new people called Neolithic farmers arrived. They knew how to grow crops and keep animals, so they started living in permanent villages instead of moving around.
These farmers began to build Stonehenge. First (around 3100 BC), they dug a big circular ditch with holes. Later (around 2500 BC), they brought in huge stones — some from faraway Wales — and set them up in the circle we see today.
Nobody knows for sure why they built it. Some say it was a calendar to track the sun, others think it was a temple for ceremonies, and some even joke it could have been a giant meeting or feast place.
43 AD – Romans on the Scene
Emperor
Claudius sent his legions across the Channel and declared Britain part of the Roman Empire. The Romans built
roads, villas, baths, and towns (London began as Londinium). They also brought central heating, coins, and writing — not bad for invaders. While most of England and Wales fell under control,
Scotland resisted fiercely, forcing the Romans to rethink their northern expansion.
122 AD – Hadrian’s Wall
Emperor Hadrian decided, “Enough with these northern barbarians.” He ordered the construction of a 73-mile-long wall from coast to coast in northern England. It wasn’t just a wall but a massive defensive frontier with forts and garrisons. This became the famous Hadrian’s Wall, built to keep the unconquered tribes of Scotland {Picts (ancient Scotland)} out — much like Rome’s own version of a “No Entry” sign.The Scots were to Rome what the Gauls had been to Caesar — fierce tribal warriors who made conquest a nightmare. The difference is that, unlike the Gauls, the Scots never let Rome swallow them.
410 AD – Romans Leave, Darkness Falls
By 410 AD, Rome was under attack elsewhere, and Britain was abandoned. Roman troops marched back, leaving Britons without protection or central government. Roads crumbled, villas decayed, and literacy faded. This period is often called the Dark Ages, when small kingdoms rose and fell.
The Romans really withdrew from Britain around 410 AD, when the Western Roman Empire itself was weakening. The Emperor Honorius famously told the Britons to look to their own defense because Rome could no longer help.
After the Roman withdrawal, Britain went through a troubled period called the Sub-Roman period.
5th–6th centuries - Anglo-Saxons
Various groups raided or migrated: Picts (from Scotland), Scots (from Ireland), and eventually the Germanic tribes — the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
The Saxons were a Germanic people from what is today northern Germany and parts of the Netherlands.
Along with the Angles (from modern Denmark/northern Germany) and the Jutes (from Jutland in Denmark), they migrated to Britain in the 5th–6th centuries.
Over time, these groups merged into what we call the Anglo-Saxons, who became the dominant culture in England before the Norman Conquest (1066).
Meanwhile, Wales and Scotland developed their own distinct identities.
From the Roman perspective, the Anglo-Saxons were considered less civilized because they didn’t have Roman-style cities, roads, or centralized government. But they had their own laws, warrior traditions, and farming systems. In fact, their culture laid the groundwork for the English language and early English kingdoms.
8th–10th Century – The Vikings Arrive
Around the year 793 AD, men from Norway and Denmark (the Vikings) started coming to Britain in long ships. At first, they came as raiders — they attacked places like the monastery at Lindisfarne, stealing treasure and scaring people.
But after some time, the Vikings didn’t just raid — they began to settle and live in Britain. They took over large parts of northern and eastern England, an area that became known as the Danelaw.
In Scotland, Viking settlers made a big impact, especially in the islands (like the Orkneys and Shetlands). Over time, they mixed with the local people, so Viking culture and Scottish culture blended together.
So, the Vikings were not only fighters — they also became farmers, traders, and settlers, controlling big parts of Britain for many years.
In 851, the Danish Vikings attacked England. Saxon King Alfred spent 25 years fighting them, retaking lost land, and rebuilding the city. After his victory, the Saxons enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity.
However, the Vikings kept coming back. In 1016, they finally took control and made one of their own a king, with London as their capital. Later, in 1042, Edward the Confessor, a Saxon who was friendly with the Vikings, became king. He built Westminster Abbey, which is still famous today.
1066 AD – The Norman Takeover
In 1066, the King of England, Edward the Confessor, died without children. This created a international power struggle for the English throne. Several men wanted to be the next king. One of them was Harold Godwinson (an English noble), and another was William the conqueror, Duke of Normandy (from France).
Harold became king first, but William said: “No, I was promised the crown!” So William gathered an army, crossed the sea from France, and fought Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed in the battle (a story says he was shot in the eye with an arrow).
After winning, William became king. People called him William the Conqueror. He brought many changes: he built castles everywhere to control the land, he made the nobles speak French, and he set up a new system where the king owned the land and gave it to his followers (this is called feudalism).
This event changed England forever — it mixed French and English culture and shaped the country’s future.
1296 AD – Scotland Strikes Back
In the late 1200s, the kings of England tried to control Scotland. This started the Wars of Independence. The Scots did not want to be ruled by England.
Two famous leaders stood out: William Wallace ( Braveheart movie fame - which won Oscar) and later Robert the Bruce.
Wallace fought bravely but was captured and executed.
Then Robert the Bruce took charge.
In 1314, Robert the Bruce won a big victory against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. After more years of struggle, in 1328, Scotland’s independence was officially recognized, and Robert the Bruce was accepted as King of Scotland.
The lesson: Scotland might be small compared to England, but it was fiercely independent and very hard to conquer.
1536–1543 – Wales Joins the Club
King
Henry VIII, busy reshaping religion and wives, also passed laws
uniting Wales with England. Between 1536 and 1543, Wales was brought fully under English law and Parliament. Welsh identity remained strong, but politically they were absorbed.
Think of union of Wales and England as a “merger and acquisition” rather than a friendly handshake.
1536 – Henry VIII vs. the Pope
Henry VIII wanted a
divorce from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The Pope refused, so Henry split from the Catholic Church and declared
Henry VIII himself head of the Church of England. This set England on a Protestant path, dissolved monasteries, and caused centuries of religious conflict. Moral of the story: don’t annoy a king who wants a new wife.
1603 – Union of the Crowns
Elizabeth I died childless in 1603. The crown passed to James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England. For the first time, Scotland and England had the same monarch. However, the countries remained legally separate — it was more like a personal union, not a full political marriage. Still, the seeds of the United Kingdom were planted.
1642–1660 – Civil War & Cromwell’s Republic
England descended into civil war between Royalists (supporters of the king) and Parliamentarians.
Oliver Cromwell chopped off Charles I’s head, and Oliver Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector. Britain was briefly a republic — though Cromwell was basically a king without a crown. It is somewhat analogous to Caesar. Both rejected the formal crown/title at first, but wielded near-absolute authority.
After his death, the monarchy was restored in 1660 under Charles II, because, frankly, people were tired of Puritan bans on fun. Cromwell was so grumpy that people actually missed having a king.
1707 – Act of Union - Scotland and England
Before 1707, England and Scotland had the same king but were still two separate countries, each with its own parliament. In 1707, they signed an agreement called the Act of Union, which said: “From now on, we will join together and have one parliament in London.”
Why did this happen?
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Scotland was not doing well financially (after a failed project to set up a colony in Panama called the Darien Scheme).
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England wanted Scotland on its side, especially to stop Scotland from teaming up with France (England’s enemy).
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By joining, Scotland got access to England’s trade and colonies (more money-making opportunities).
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England, in return, got political security.
So, it was like a business merger: England provided wealth and protection, Scotland brought loyalty and unity — and together they became Great Britain.
Prosperous London increased in size and importance. It survived 1665 Plague and 1666 Great Fire..
1746 – The Last Hurrah of the Clans
In the 1700s, some people in Scotland (called
Jacobites) wanted to bring back the old royal family, the
Stuarts, who had lost the throne of Britain. Their leader was
Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as
Bonnie Prince Charlie.
He led an army of Highland clans (groups of families from northern Scotland) against the English government. At first, they won some battles, but in 1746 at the Battle of Culloden, they were totally defeated. Prince Charlie ran away, never to return.
After this, the British government wanted to stop the Highland clans from rebelling again. They banned traditional clothing like tartan kilts, took away their weapons, and weakened the clan leaders’ power. This was the end of the old Highland way of life.
Bagpipes and Scottish pride survived — but the clans as powerful groups were gone forever.
18th–19th Century – Prime Ministers & Empire
As monarchy
( Queen Victoria) faded into ceremony,
Prime Ministers became the real rulers. Britain launched the
Industrial Revolution, leading the world in machines, coal, and railways. The empire expanded globally. Scots, in particular, thrived as industrialists and traders — in India, many leading companies were owned by
Scottish merchants, not English ones.
Fun fact: Many of the great capitalists in India weren’t English but Scottish. So next time you sip a cup of Darjeeling tea, thank a Scot with deep pockets.
British royal traditions and titles
Prince of Wales
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Since 1284, the heir apparent to the English throne has traditionally been styled the Prince of Wales.
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It began when King Edward I conquered Wales and gave the title to his son, Edward of Caernarfon (later Edward II), as a way of cementing English dominance.
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From then on, the monarch’s eldest son (and heir apparent) is almost always invested as Prince of Wales.
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That’s why Charles was Prince of Wales, and when he married Diana, she became Princess of Wales.
After Elizbeth's death Charles who was Prince of Wales is now King Charles III
Why different titles for the sons (William & Harry)?
The monarch gives peerage titles (like Duke, Earl, Baron) to their children or grandchildren, especially on marriage. These titles carry history, land, and symbolism.
The Logic Behind These Titles
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Prince of Wales = reserved for the heir to the throne.
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Dukedoms = usually given to male members of the royal family when they marry. Other princes (not first in line) get a Duke title on marriage.
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Regional balance = often, a Duke title comes with linked Scottish and Irish peerages to reflect the UK’s four nations (England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland). Extra Scottish/Irish titles are bundled in to cover all of the UK.
Day 0 & 1: Thursday & Friday, September 25-26 : Arrival in London
From Pujo Pandals to Paddington: Our Journey Begins
After soaking up the Durga Puja madness (thank you, MassArt — and yes, it was free this year!), we had already done our fair share of pandal hopping — minus the crowds. South Kolkata on the 19th, North Kolkata on the 20th — we intentionally skipped the opening day, the 18th, assuming most pandals wouldn’t be ready yet.
By the way, the term pandal actually comes from the Tamil word pandal! They use the same term in Burma too — and we got that confirmed by Viji.
On the 21st, we even managed to squeeze in a Bonedi Bari Puja at Badan Chand Roy’s ancestral house at Colootala near Zakaria Street — the kind that smells of old-world charm. It’s also part of the MassArt circuit.
This year, we were joined by our special guests from the USA — Viji and her husband Sudeep — brave souls who agreed to follow us through the chaotic streets of Kolkata. Viji speaks fluent Bengali, though she’s from Tamil Nadu and has never lived in Kolkata!
We hired a car from 9 PM to 5 AM for a modest ₹3,000 per day. By the end of those nocturnal rides, our driver knew more about Durga Puja themes than the artists themselves!
Fast forward to 25th September 2025 (Chaturthi / চতুর্থী) — Departure Day.
We left home a little after 11 PM and, miracle of miracles, reached the airport within an hour! Clearly, the city’s traffic gods were in a generous mood that night.
When the Qatar Airways counter opened at 12:50 AM, there was already a queue that could give Tirupati a run for its money. We decided to wait it out, and sure enough — after 35 minutes, the crowd magically disappeared.
Moral of the story: when a counter opens, let the early birds tire themselves out. The patient traveler gets the smooth check-in!
13:25 – Arrival at Gatwick Airport - 26th September, Friday
Our flight left Kolkata at 3:50 AM and landed in Doha at 5:50 AM (local time). After a quick connection, we touched down at Gatwick around 1:15 PM. But alas, the real marathon had just begun — it took nearly 40 minutes just to exit the aerobridge, followed by a serpentine queue at immigration. We finally emerged, at about 2:50 PM. Gatwick is in the Southern Part of England (Heathrow is in North)
Fun fact: Gatwick has two terminals — North and South — connected by a free shuttle train. (It’s a bit like Rome, minus the gelato.).
From touchdown to exit, it took us roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Consider that your new rule of thumb for big airports!
To stay budget-friendly (because Pounds tend to disappear faster than sandesh at a Bengali wedding), we took the Thameslink Train — an overground line, not the Tube — departing at 15:46. We bought the tickets at the station (no counter is there) using our forex/credit card, and yes, the train had free Wi-Fi. A true blessing for WhatsApp updates and “we’ve landed safely” messages!
There is no tube/underground which links Gatwick to the City Centre (Victoria)
💷 Fare: Around £13.50
⏱️ Time: 60 minutes approx
🚉 Route: Gatwick → Victoria → Kings Cross & St. Pancras → Finsbury Park
🎫 Tip: Buy tickets at the station or online (cheaper with a Railcard).
https://ticket.thameslinkrailway.com
Pro tip: Skip the Gatwick Express train — it’s very expesive - faster , but so is losing money at a casino.
🏡 Airbnb Adventures
Our Airbnb was hosted by Eerke at 21 Stapleton Hall Road, N4 3QE — a charming Victorian terraced house about a 10–12 minute walk from the Finsbury Park transport hub (next stop, Arsenal — for football fans, that’s sacred ground).
The house itself was a three-storey delight meant for two/three families - 6 people can sleep. A lovely drawing-cum-dining room, three bedrooms, two shower rooms, and one bathroom .
Airbnb - Eerke - 21 Stapleton Hall Road,N4 3QE - https://goo.gl/maps/HWMZKnDWieKkqSr46
🚇 Getting Around
By Tube:
Finsbury Park has direct access to Victoria Station via the Victoria Line (light blue - named after the main station in this route) — just 23 minutes to Central London. Alternatively, the Piccadilly Line (dark blue) also takes you there.
Pro tip: Victoria Station, Piccadilly Station (and King's Cross, Paddington ) are some of the very important Stations
By Bus:
Bus No. 73 from Finsbury Park drops you at Marble Arch (Stop 14). From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Victoria Station. Total time: roughly 50–60 minutes. Bus no. 29 drops you at Trafalgar Square.
Airport Connections:
London has four major airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. Conveniently, Finsbury Park connects to all of them via direct or one-change train routes.
Evening Reconnaissance
17:30 – Checked into our accommodation.
19:00 – Arindam and I went on a reconnaissance mission. We mapped the area, located the Coach/Bus Station, Tube entrances, and — most importantly — supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl.
21:30 – Mission accomplished. We returned triumphantly with food from a nearby shop, proudly clutching our new £5 Vodafone SIM cards like trophies of war. (We had wanted a Tesco SIM, but alas, none were available. It turned out that Vodafone choice was a bad one) The food was delightfully cheap by London standards — I got a portion of biryani/herbed rice and five chicken wings for just £3.50!
Day
2: Saturday, September 27 Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds
Arindam and his family set off on a grand day trip covering Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford University, and the Cotswolds with Evan Evans Tours — which we learnt was spectacular!
Our day began around 8:00 a.m. as we left Finsbury Park for Ickenham to meet our childhood friend Samrat, a true London legend. We switched lines at Kings Cross & St Pancras — from the Victoria Line (light blue) to the Metropolitan Line (mauve). Samrat has now lived in London for 30 years, wearing more hats than most people ever will: actor (he played “Last Topse” opposite Soumitra Chatterjee’s Feluda in a TV series), NHS doctor, psychiatrist, and now barrister. As it turns out, a flair for drama works wonders both on stage and in court!
He was staying at a hotel on 26th September to meet a school friend who had come to London. Despite a 1.5-hour drive to Ickenham Tube Station, he arrived with characteristic enthusiasm.
Our first stop was Oxford to visit my cousin Nabo (or Novo), a primary reason for this UK trip. He lives in a wonderful care home under the attentive watch of mostly Indian nurses. Each resident has a private room, with communal dining and lounge spaces. Nabo didn’t speak , but he followed our poetry reading session intently, occasionally glancing at me. According to Samrat, he is in much better health than a few months ago.
Sadly, I couldn’t meet my Aunt Kitty, who also resides in Oxford, due to her health.
Next, we headed to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. This charming town, named after the River Avon (think “Gopalpur-on-Sea” style specificity.Referring to it as 'Gopalpur-on-Sea' avoids confusion with the other places named Gopalpur), feels like an English storybook — timbered houses, quaint shops, and a lingering scent of literature. We visited Shakespeare’s birthplace (entry: a dramatic £26) and caught a brief live performance. Interestingly, Shakespeare’s father was a successful glovemaker and eventually became a local bailiff. Nearby, his sister’s house is said to have witnessed some of his final days. We also explored the Royal Shakespeare Company building. The Shakespear Globe Company is at London, beside Thames. Stratford was dotted with statues of his iconic characters, and even glimpsed a bust of Rabindranath Tagore inside Shakespeare’s home — apparently a source of some friendly curation politics!
We indulged in classic Fish and Chips, which, to my Kolkata palate, felt more like Fish Batter Fry with potato wedges — still delicious, though quite different from home. Cod is the fish of choice, and the portions are impressively generous.
From Stratford, we journeyed to the Cotswolds, a region that looks like it was pulled straight from a postcard. Honey-colored stone cottages, rolling hills, limestone-tiled roofs, and a charming stream meandering through the villages made the scenery unforgettable. The nearby quarries supply the iconic stone.
Back in Oxford, little late, Samrat shared his insider knowledge. Apparently, Cambridge leans more towards science and technology (with Amartya Sen once heading Trinity College,Cambridge), while Oxford shines in the arts and humanities. Samrat, a theatre aficionado in his youth, knew Amartya Sen’s daughter and occasionally accompanied her to Oxford/Cambridge.
A dash of theatrical history: RD Bansal had approached Samrat's parents for an acting proposal during school, but his mother vetoed it because of an "drawing exam" — a decision Samrat claims he still hasn’t forgiven!
Oxford and Cambridge are collegiate systems with many individual colleges. To enter most of them, tickets are required. Given the start of the academic year, campuses were buzzing with freshers. Evening found us at Oxford’s historic centre, where we managed to visit the Bodleian Library — one of Europe’s oldest libraries. Nearby, we spotted a building where Shah Rukh Khan once acted, with North Indian students posing enthusiastically for photos.
Samrat kindly dropped us back at Ickenham by 7:30 p.m., and we reached Finsbury Park in roughly an hour.
We opted to skip Windsor Castle — £30 per head felt too princely for our tastes, and logistically, it didn’t fit our already royal-sized itinerary!
Since I had a 1:00 a.m. bus to Cardiff, I left for Victoria Station at 11:00 p.m. from our Airbnb. Arindam & his family, Mohua, and the others wisely decided to skip this leg — a decision my sleep-deprived self silently thanked them for!
Day
3: Sunday, September 28 – Cardiff Tour & Bath Visit >Night Bus to Cardiff from London
| Time | Activity | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| 07:00 | 🚆 Train from London Paddington to Bath Spa | ~1 hr 15 min |
Great Western Railway (GWR), first train at 05:23, frequent departures
|
| 08:15 | 🚶 Arrive in Bath, walk to Roman Baths | 10 min |
Short stroll from station
|
08:30 | 🏛️ Visit Roman Baths | ~1 hr | Entry: ~£25 |
09:30 |
🚶 Quick visit to Bath Abbey, Pump Room & Royal Crescent | ~1 hr | Self-guided exploration |
10:30 | 🚆 Train from Bath Spa to Cardiff Central | ~1 hr 5 min |
Direct train, book advance for best fare
|
| 11:45 | 🚶 Arrive in Cardiff, start sightseeing | 10 min walk from station
| |
12:00 | 🏰 Explore Cardiff Castle | ~1 hr | Rich history, Norman keep |
13:00 | 🚶 Walk to Cardiff Bay & The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) | ~30 min | Great waterfront views
|
13:45 | 🏛️ Optional: National Museum Cardiff | ~45 min | Free entry, skip if short on time |
14:30 | 🍽️ Quick meal to save time | ~30 min | Grab a bite before heading to Bristol |
15:00 | 🚆 Train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads | ~50 min | Book in advance (£7-£15) |
15:50 | 🚶 Arrive in Bristol, start sightseeing | Short walk from station | |
16:00 | 🖼️ Explore Bristol’s Street Art (Banksy Murals) OR Arnolfini Arts Centre | ~1 hr | Choose one |
17:15 | 🚶 Walk to Arnos Vale Cemetery (Raja Ram Mohan Roy's Tomb) | ~15 min | Closes at 5 PM |
18:00 |
🚆 Train from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington | ~1 hr 40 min | Direct GWR train |
21:00 - 22:00 | 🏡 Arrive back in London, rest | - | Long but rewarding day! |
Day
4: Monday, September 29 – – Walking Tour of Central London
- 08:00 – 🚶 Big Ben & Westminster Abbey (Opens at 9 AM) ; see the Houses of Parliament and walk the Westminster Bridge a bit. Then go inside the Abbey (ticketed - Visit inside for 1 hour, £27)
- 11:30 – ⛪ St. Paul’s Cathedral (£20) - need not enter unless absolutely want to. It’s nice but expensive. From the St. Paul’s Cathedral cross the road and walk over the Millennium Bridge to the other side. Views of Cathedral from the bridge are beautiful. See the Tate Modern and Globe Theatre from outside and then go to Borough Market.
- 12:15 – 🍽️
Lunch at Borough Market...from there walk towards more London places and then walk over the Tower Bridge - 13:30 – 🏰 Tower of London (£29.90) & Tower Bridge....worth entering. It closes at 5.30 pm.
- 15:00 – 🚶 Houses of Parliament (Outside Only) & London Eye (Optional Ride : London Eye not worth a ride and can be seen from Westminster Bridge)
- 18:00 – 🚶 Oxford Street
- 18: 30 - Soho (can be entered through Carnaby Street off Regent Street. See the facade of Liberty store, it’s beautiful)
- 19:30 – 🍽️ Dinner in Soho (Red Light area)
- 21:30 – 🌇 Visit The Shard ( Not worth going back towards Shard which is near London Bridge and Borough market. Will be able to see from there)
23:59 – 08: 15🚌 Overnight Flix bus to Edinburgh from Victorial Bus Station - flixbus.com
FlixBus coaches offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, and toilets onboard.
# nationalexpress.com is also a good option
## Alternative option - The time taken to reach Edinburgh from London
depends on the mode of transport:
- 1.
Train (Fastest & Comfortable)
- Duration:
~4 hours * Route:
London King's Cross → Edinburgh Waverley
- Cost:
Starts from £30 (advance booking), can go up to £150+
- Operator: LNER (London North Eastern Railway -booking via LNER website/app))
- 2.
Flight (Fastest but includes airport time)
- Airports:
London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton → Edinburgh Airport
- Cost:
£30–£150 (budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways)
- Several overnight bus services
from London to Edinburgh, primarily operated by National Express, FlixBus,
and Megabus. These services typically depart from London Victoria
Coach Station and arrive at Edinburgh Bus Station.
Day
5: Tuesday, September 30 – Scotland : Edinburgh Walking Tour
07:00 – 🏡
Check-in & freshen up
09:00 –
🚶 Walk along the
Royal Mile, explore historic
streets.
11:30 – 🌉 Walk down Princes Street (shopping &
views)
12:00 – 🌿 Visit Dean Village via Johnnie Walker
Building & Stockbridge
13:00 – ⛪ Explore St. Giles’ Cathedral & Greyfriars
Kirkyard
14:00 – 🎨 Visit the Scottish National Gallery (free,
~1 hour)
15:30 – ⛰️ Walk up Arthur’s Seat (optional) or visit Holyrood
Palace.
17:00 – 🛍️ Explore Grassmarket & Victoria Street
(Harry Potter inspiration)
19:00 – 🍽️ Dinner at a Scottish pub near Waverley
Station
21:00 – 🏡 Return to accommodation.
Optional Tour
If the walking tour ends before 2 pm, take a train to go to Glasgow (50 min by Train)
Timberbush Tours: Departure Time: 8:00 AM Return Time: Approximately 8:30 PM Price: From £56.00
The three tours—Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands / St
Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife / and Rosslyn Chapel & the
Scottish Borders — cover different regions of Scotland, so there is minimal
overlap.
Rosslyn
Chapel kintu made famous by Dan Brown. It is very close to Edinburgh, most
likely taxi koreo jao jai. St Paul’s Ba Westminster Abby dekha pore kintu kichu impressive
lagbe na. Rosslyn
Chapel was built over a century after the destruction of the Templar Order
(jeta Dan Brown book ta connection dekhai)
Here’s how they compare:
|
Tour
|
Key Destinations
|
Region
|
Overlap
|
|
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
|
Loch Ness, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Great Glen, Highland
villages
|
Scottish Highlands – quite dramatic
|
No overlap with the other two
|
|
St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife
|
St Andrews, Anstruther, Falkland, East Neuk fishing
villages
|
Kingdom of Fife - highlights coastal fishing villages and historic St Andrews
|
No overlap with the other two
|
|
| | |
|
Conclusion: Each tour explores a distinct part of
Scotland:
Suggestion:
- If
you only have time for one, go for Loch Ness & Glencoe
for a classic Scottish experience.
- If
you have two days, add St Andrews & Fife for a contrast
between the Highlands and the coast.
Drop Isle of Skye is very far and a day trip won’t really allow you to see anything.
Go for Rabbie's Tours (rabbies.com) or Timberbush Tour (timberbush-tours.co.uk). Timberbush is slightly cheaper than Rabbies in all these tours.
Day
7: October 2 – Day Tour of Scotland Tour-
II : St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife
- Timberbush Tours: Departure Time: 9:00 AM Return Time: Approximately 6:00 PM
- Price: From £53.00
- 22:00 – 04:00🚍 Overnight bus to Manchester by bus by National express from Edinburgh Bus Station
These buses are comfortable and equipped with amenities like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and charging points.
# Megabus - Megabus also offers budget-friendly overnight services
Day
8: Friday, October 3 : Manchester > York >Manchester
| Time | Activity | Duration |
Notes
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| 06:00 | 🚆 Train from Liverpool Lime Street to York | ~2 hrs | First train around 05:20-06:00 | | 08:00 | 🚶 Arrive in York, walk to York Minster | ~10 min | Quick refreshment stop if needed | | 08:15 | ⛪ Visit York Minster | ~1 hr | Entry: ~£11, explore stunning Gothic architecture | | 09:15 | 🚶 Explore The Shambles & Medieval York | ~45 min | Walk through historic streets, visit Shambles Market | | 10:00 | 🚶 Walk a section of York City Walls | ~45 min | Start near Bootham Bar for best views | | 10:45 | 🏛️ Visit York Castle Museum | ~1.5 hrs | Immersive exhibits on York’s history | | 12:15 | 🏰 Explore Clifford’s Tower | ~30 min | Climb up for panoramic city views | | 12:45 | 🍽️ Lunch at a Local Pub or Tea Room | ~1 hr | Try Betty’s Tea Room or The Golden Fleece | | 13:45 | 🚶 Relaxing Walk Along the River Ouse | ~1 hr | Enjoy the scenic riverfront | | 14:45 | 🚂 Visit the National Railway Museum | ~1.5 hrs | Free entry, see famous locomotives | | 16:15 | ☕ Final tea/coffee break & wrap-up | ~30 min | Optional based on time left | | 16:45 | 🚆 Train back to Manchester | ~2 hrs | Adjust timing based on preference | | 19:00 | 🏡 Arrive back in Manchester & Rest |
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If possible visit the Railway Museum as well.
Day 9: Saturday, October 4 – Day Tour to Lake district from Macnhester
https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-manchester/day-tours/windermere-lake-district-1-day-tour
- 17:00 – 🚆 Return to Manchester
https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-manchester/day-tours/windermere-lake-district-1-day-tour?utm_source=chatgpt.com
When planning a visit to the Lake District, selecting the right base can significantly enhance your experience. Ambleside and Keswick are two of the most recommended towns for visitors, each offering unique advantages.
Ambleside:
- Central Location: Situated at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside provides easy access to various parts of the Lake District.
- Transportation: Well-connected by bus services, making it convenient for travelers without a car.
Keswick:
- Scenic Beauty: Located near Derwentwater, Keswick is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, ideal for nature lovers
Both towns are excellent choices, but Ambleside slightly edges out due to its central location and accessibility, especially for first-time visitors.
Tour Options in the Lake District: The Lake District offers a variety of tours catering to different interests:
- Scenic Tours: Highlights: Explore multiple lakes, picturesque villages, and panoramic viewpoints e.g. "Ten Lakes Spectacular" by Mountain Goat Tours.
- Literary Tours: Highlights: Visit sites associated with literary figures like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter e.g. "Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside" by English Lakes Tours.
Value-for-Money Tour Companies:
- Mountain Goat Tours : Established in 1972; Competitive rates, with half-day tours starting around £29 and full-day tours around £45. Mountain Goat Tours is often highlighted for its affordability and quality service.
- English Lakes Tours: Slightly higher priced with half-day tours approximately £60.
## I’m saying they drop the Lake District. A day trip anyway doesn’t do it justice and Highlands is a bit of the same, esp. on a short trip.
Day 10: Sunday, October 5 – Final Sightseeing in London
02:50-0715 - Take a night bus from Machester Shudehill Interchange to London Finchley Road (Stop CL) 235 Finchley Road, NW3 6NN London, by Flix bus
The night buses are primarily operated by National Express and FlixBus.
For a comprehensive comparison of schedules, prices, and booking options, platforms like CheckMyBus can be useful.
From Finchley Road Underground Station (adjacent to Stop CL), take the Jubilee Line (southbound) to Green Park.
-
Change to the Victoria Line (northbound) and travel to Finsbury Park.
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Journey time: ~20–25 minutes.
-
Trains are frequent (every few minutes).
Alternative route:
| Time | Activity | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| 07:30 | 🚶 Visit Baker Street (221B Sherlock Holmes Museum)
from outside | ~15 min | Quick photo stop |
| 07:45 | 🚶 Walk to Lord’s Cricket Ground & Regent’s Park | ~45 min | Enjoy a morning stroll |
| 08:30 | 🚇 Take Tube to British Museum | ~30 min | Closest station: Tottenham Court Road |
| 09:00 | 🏛️ Explore British Museum (Free) | ~1.5 hrs | Must-see exhibits: Rosetta Stone, Egyptian Mummies |
| 10:30 | 🚶 Walk to Embankment Pier & Take a Ferry to Greenwich | ~45 min | Thames Clipper ferry for best views |
| 11:15 | ⏳ Explore Greenwich | ~1.5 hrs | Visit Royal Observatory, Prime Meridian Line, & Cutty Sark |
| 12:45 | 🚇 Take DLR & Tube to Kew Gardens | ~45 min | Greenwich → Kew Gardens Station |
| 13:30 | 🌿 Explore Kew Gardens | ~1.5 hrs | Famous for its glasshouses & treetop walkway |
| 15:00 | 🚇 Take Tube to Little Venice | ~40 min | Kew Gardens → Warwick Avenue Station |
| 15:40 | 🌊 Relax at Little Venice | ~1 hr | Enjoy the canals, cafes, and houseboats |
| 16:45 | 🚇 Take Tube to Harrods for Shopping | ~30 min | Warwick Avenue → Knightsbridge |
| 17:15 | 🛍️ Final Shopping at Harrods | ~1 hr | Luxury shopping & souvenirs |
| 18:30 | 🚇 Take Tube to Brick Lane for Dinner | ~30 min | Famous for Indian & Bangladeshi cuisine |
| 19:00 | 🍽️ Dinner at Brick Lane | ~1.5 hrs | Try Aladin or Dishoom |
| 20:30 | 🚇 Return to Accommodation | - | Well-paced, full day in London |
Day
11: Monday, October 6 – Canterbury Tour
Guided Tour (Includes Leeds Castle/Dover)
If you book a Rabbie’s or Evan Evans tour, they typically include:
Canterbury and Dover. Both make sense.
Once back in London, rest and go to Little Venice.
Btw Piu stays at Reading . They are quite hospitable.
Bath to that side of Cornwall is about 3 hours 15 minutes journey by train. Bus (or coach as they say here) o thakbe I’m sure. If they want, they could easily spend just a day in Cornwall - not do the Eden project but the other towns and then add half a day to London.
St Austell Truo Polperro Fowey (Cornwall) Plymouth
I think this (Cornwall) is not doable, instead of Cornwall, for lack of time, it is better to do this day tour to Canterbury.
| 22:00 | Pinsbury | - Victoria Coach Station | |
| 23:59-01:45 |
| Victoria Coach Station-London Gatwick Airport. | |
Day
12: Tuesday, October 7 – Departure from London
- 09:00
– ✈️ Flight back home.
Budget Hotel – Premier Inn , Travelogue and
YMCA
Cheap Budget Tour operator –
1. Rabbie’s , Timberbush
rabbies.com / timberbush-tours.co.uk
- Value:
Known for knowledgeable guides and well-crafted itineraries, providing
excellent value for the price.
2. MacBackpackers:
- Overview:
Caters to the 18-39 age group, focusing on budget-friendly multi-day tours
with hostel accommodations.
- Pricing:
Tours average around (approximately £70) per day.
tourradar.com
3. Heart of Scotland Tours:
- Overview:
A smaller company offering intimate group sizes for a more personalized
touch.
- Pricing:
Competitive rates, with day tours typically starting around £50.
- Value:
Praised for engaging guides and comprehensive itineraries.
Recommendations: For
Budget-Conscious Travelers, Timberbush Tours offers some of the
most affordable day tours without compromising on quality.
