England , Wales and Scotland Tour - 2025
26.09.25 (Fri) Kolkata > Doha : Doha > Gatwick ✈️ >Pinsbury Park (Rs 61,591 with return fare per person)
Departure Time (03 15 hrs) CCU - Qatar Airways
Arrival Time (06 35 hrs) DOH
Departure Time (08 15 hrs) DOH - Terminal N - Qatar Airways
Arrival Time (13 25 hrs) Gatwick Airport London North (LGW) - By National Express (~£10-£15)/ Thameslink Train (~£12-£15) / Southern Train (~£15-£18) /Gatwick Express (£20-£25) - Spot booking
Departure Time (01 00 hrs) - London Victoria - SDG - National Express
Arrival Time (05 40 hrs) - Cardiff - SDG
Departure Time (07 00 hrs) - London Victoria - MDG - National Express
Arrival Time (10 00 hrs) Bath - MDG
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dn81yj3yKyppFJbf8 - Cardiff Tour
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Departure Time (09 15 hrs) - Cardiff - SDG - Flix Bus
Arrival Time (10 40 hrs) - Bristol - SDG
AND
Departure Time (13 50 hrs) - Bath - MDG
Arrival Time (14 15 hrs) - Bristol - MDG
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Departure Time (20 00 hrs) - Bristol (All) - National Express
Arrival Time (22 45 hrs) - Londn (All)
29.09.25 (Mon) London - Big Ben>West Minster Abbey>House of Parliament (meet Mita) - Night Bus to Edinburgh (from London Victoria Coach Staiton)
Departure Time (23 59 hrs) London Victoria Coach Stn - Flix Bus
Arrival Time (08 15 hrs - 30.9) Edinburgh Bus Stn
30.09.25 (Tue) Edinburgh (from Edinburg Bus Station - St Andrew Square) > Walking tour - Night Halt at Edinburgh
01.10.25 (Wed) Edinburgh > Day Tour of Scotland : Loch Ness , Highlands, Glencoe - Night Halt at Edinburgh
Departure Time (07 30 hrs) Castle Terrace outside NCP Park, Edinburgh EH1 2EW (Timberbush)
Arrival Time (08 05 hrs)
02.10.25 (Th) Edinburgh > Day Tour of Scotland Tour : St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife >Edinburgh
Departure Time (0930 hrs) Gate J & GateK, Edinburg Bus Station,St Andrews Sq EH1 3DQ (Rabbie's)
Arrival Time (00 00 hrs)
Night Bus to Machester (from Edinburg Bus Station - St Andrew Square)
Departure Time (22 00 hrs) Edinburg Bus Station, Elder Street - National Express
Arrival Time (04 00 hrs) Manchester Coach Stn, Chorlton Street
03.10.25 (Fri) Manchester>York>Manchester - Day Tour to York (Flix bus with return tkt) - Night Halt at Manchester
Departure Time (06 50 hrs) Manchester Shudehill Interchange - Flix Bus
Arrival Time (09 00 hrs) York Memorial Gardens - Leeman Road
Departure Time (18 24 hrs) York Stop RJ, Opposite Rail Station Road - National Express
Arrival Time (21 30 hrs) Manchester Coach Stn, Chorlton Street
04.10.25(Sat) Manchester>Windermere & Lake Distric tour > Manchester
Departure Time (08 15 hrs) Coach Parking Bays, Store Street,Manchester M1 2WD (Rabbie's)
Arrival Time (00 00 hrs)
05.10.25 (Sun) London>City tour of Baker Street, Greenwich >London - Night Halt
London (meet Mita)
Night Bus to London on 5.10.25
Departure Time (02 50 hrs) Manchester Shudehill Interchange -Flix Bus Arrival Time (07 10 hrs) London Finchley Road
City tour of Baker Street, Greenwich etc
06.10.25 (Mon) London>Canterbury Tour >London - Night Halt London
Departure Time (08 30 hrs) Victoria Coach Station (Evan Evans Tours)
Arrival Time (19 00 hrs) Victoria Coach Station
Night Bus to Gatwick
Arrival Time (01 45 hrs-7/10) Gatwick Airport London North (LGW)
07.10.25 (Tue) London Victoria (National Express)>Gatwick >Doha : Doha CCU
Departure Time (09 00 hrs) LGW - Qatar Airways
Arrival Time (19 00 hrs) DOH
Departure Time (18 40 hrs) DOH - Qatar Airways
Arrival Time (02 20 hrs) CCU
Step-by-Step: From UK Visa Website to VFS for Biometric Appointment
1. Start on the official UK Government Visa Website (unlike Schengen, where you need to go VFS website first - at least, that was the case till 2024)
Go to: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
Choose the appropriate visa type — e.g., Standard Visitor Visa
2. Create an Id & Fill in the Application
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Complete the online visa application form (e.g., Visa Application Form VAF).
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Upload basic information, travel history, employment, accommodation in UK, etc. You can change it n number of times, but once submitted, you cannot change it. If you wait too long, then you will be logged out. In that case you have to log in again, but your data will be saved till the last entry made. So in other words you fill up in multiple days.
You have to upload the documents online. If you opt for lounge facility, by paying Rs 5000 ~ more, then you dont have to upload it.
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Pay the visa fee online by card (for a standard 6-month tourist visa, approx. GBP 115).
3. Submit the Application Form
Once done, submit the form. You'll receive a confirmation email with a GWF number (your reference number).
4. Redirect to VFS Global for Appointment
After submission, check the email and the system automatically redirects you to the VFS Global website.
6. Choose Appointment Centre
Select Kolkata as your Visa Application Centre (located at: VFS Global Services, Rene Tower, Kasba, Rajdanga Main Road, Kolkata 700107)
7. Choose a Time Slot and Optional Services
Here’s where it gets tricky. You will be offered optional services like:
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Premium Lounge. For this you have to pay Rs 5000 ~ extra.
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SMS updates
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Document scanning at the centre
Often, available time slots are shown only for lounge customers, making it feel like a subtle push toward paying extra. I forced to apply for lounge, since the time slot for free service was not readily available. As a result I did not upload the scanned documents.
8. Pay for Optional Services (if selected) : You’ll be asked to pay for any selected services in INR. This is separate from the visa fee already paid.
9. Print the Appointment Letter : After confirming your slot, download and print your appointment letter. This is mandatory for entry into the VFS office.
📌 Documents to Carry to VFS Kolkata for UK Tourist Visa
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Appointment letter (from VFS site)
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Printed UK visa application form with barcode (PDF from gov.uk)
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Passport (original + all old passports if available)
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Photograph (as per UKVI specs; though they usually take biometric photo at VFS). It was not required for me, since I opted for Lounge facility.
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Cover letter explaining your travel plan and personal background (to The High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, 1A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata - 700071, West Bengal, India )
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Hotel bookings for the stay in UK
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Bank statements (last 6 months, stamped preferably)
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Income Tax Returns (last 2-3 years)
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Salary slips (if applicable)
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Employer NOC / Leave letter (if employed)
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Property documents or financial proof (optional but helpful)
Know England
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.
Into this vacuum came the Anglo-Saxons, Germanic tribes who settled and gradually shaped the beginnings of English identity.
Meanwhile, Wales and Scotland developed their own distinct identities.
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.
1066 AD – The Norman Takeover
In 1066, the King of England, Edward the Confessor, died without children. Several men wanted to be the next king. One of them was Harold Godwinson (an English noble), and another was William, 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 (you may know him from the movie Braveheart) 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.
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.
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Prince William (Charles & Diana’s elder son)
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On his marriage in 2011, the Queen gave him:
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Duke of Cambridge (main title, used with Catherine)
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Also Earl of Strathearn (Scottish title)
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Baron Carrickfergus (Northern Irish title)
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After Charles became King in 2022, Prince William currently holds 5 titles, but the way he uses them depends on the context:
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Prince of Wales – his main title as heir apparent (since Charles became King in 2022). Catherine is now Princess of Wales.
So today, he is best known as Prince of Wales.
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Duke of Cambridge – the dukedom he received from Queen Elizabeth II on his wedding in 2011.
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Duke of Rothesay – his traditional Scottish title (used in Scotland.William inherited his father’s Scottish title).
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Baron Carrickfergus – a Northern Irish title, bundled in with Cambridge when he married.
He also holds Earl of Strathearn (another Scottish title given at marriage).
Princess Catherine – Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge
Prince Harry (younger son)
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On his marriage in 2018, the Queen gave him:
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Duke of Sussex (main title, Meghan became Duchess of Sussex)
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Also Earl of Dumbarton (Scottish title)
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Baron Kilkeel (Northern Irish title)
Meghan – Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Edward (Charles’s brother) – Duke of Edinburgh.
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Princess Anne – Princess Royal (a special lifelong title for the monarch’s eldest daughter).
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 1: Friday, September 26 – Arrival in London
13:25 – ✈️ Arrive at Gatwick Airport
1️⃣Cheapest Option: 🚌 National Express Coach (~£10-£15)
- Time: ~1.5-2 hours (depends on traffic).
- Route: Gatwick North/South Terminal → Victoria Coach Station.
- Tickets: Book in advance for lower fares.
- Pros: Cheapest, comfortable seats, luggage storage.
https://book.nationalexpress.com
2️⃣ Budget-Friendly & Faster: 🚆 Thameslink Train (~£12-£15)
- Time: ~30-40 minutes.
- Route: Gatwick → London Bridge / Blackfriars / St. Pancras.
- Tickets: Buy online or at the station (cheaper with Railcard).
- Pros: Direct, frequent trains, cheaper than Gatwick Express and runs whole night
3️⃣ Mid-Range Speed & Cost: 🚆 Southern Train (~£15-£18)
- Time: ~35-45 minutes.
- Route: Gatwick → London Victoria.
- Tickets: Slightly cheaper than Gatwick Express.
- Pros: Decent speed, more frequent than coaches.
4️⃣ Fastest but Expensive: 🚆 Gatwick Express (£20-£25)
- Time: ~30 minutes.
- Route: Non-stop Gatwick → London Victoria.
- Tickets: Book online for discounts.
- Pros: Fast, comfortable.
- Cons: Expensive!
- 14:00 – 🚆 Transfer to Central London (Paddington)
Airbnb - Eerke - 21 Stapleton Hall Road,N4 3QE - https://goo.gl/maps/HWMZKnDWieKkqSr46
Tube
Victorian terraced house - it is 8-10 minutes walk from Zone 2 transport hub (Finsbury Park - next stop is Arsenal). It has easy direct access to the Victoria Stn at the centre by Tube (Victorai line/ light blue line - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MkUSTXwepxuFF3Rn7 ) in 23 minutes
or to Victoria Stn by Blue line/Piccadilly line Tube - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGNWsuchfaKCfPLXA
Bus
There is also Finsbury Park Station (Stop C - Bus Stop - W3/W/210) - from where take bus 73 and alight at Marble Arch Station / Park Lane (Stop 14). From Marble Arch, walk (~10 mins) to Victoria Station : Total time: 50–60 minutes
Airport - There are 4 airports - Heathrow, Gatwick,Stansted and Luton
There is direct trains to Heathrow / Gatwick airports and also to Stansted airport /Luton airport with one change.
To Luton and Stansted there is also a coach option to Golders Green.
- 15:30 – 🏨 Check-in at accommodation.
- 16:00 – 🚶 Visit Notting Hill &
Portobello Market(Great for a relaxed walk & iconic sights. shuts down at 6pm)
- 18:00 – 🚶 Explore
Camden Market(Unique shops, street food, & nightlife vibes - shuts down at 6pm. So can enjoy the vibes and the eateries around the Camden Lock after 6pm and not bother about shops. Would suggest ending the day at Camden).
- 19:30 – 🍽️ Dinner in
Soho orCamden
- 21:00 – 🌇 Visit Sky Garden (Pre-book free ticket) OR London Outernet (Space Show, Free & Indoors)
- 22:30 – 🏡 Return to accommodation
Day 2: Saturday, September 27 Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds >Night Bus to Edinburgh from London
In order to enter the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge, it is necessary to purchase tickets. As it will be the start of the new academic year, this will be a very busy time. Age theke arrange korte hobe judi kono specific college dekhte Chai
Oxford University & Cotswolds & Windsor Castle - (Book with Rabbis Tour Co.)
07:00 – 🚆 Train from London to Oxford (~1 hour, ~£6-£15 with advance booking).
08:00 – 🚶 Meet Kitty Jethima & Novo, quick Oxford visit (Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church).
10:00 – 🚐 Join a Cotswolds small-group tour from Oxford (e.g., Cotswold Exploring / Go Cotswolds, ~£60-£80).
16:30 – 🚆 Train from Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon (~1 hour).
17:30 – 🚶 Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace (quick visit, optional entry ~£20).
19:00 – 🚆 Train from Stratford / Oxford to London (~2 hours).
Skipping Windsor Castle – It’s expensive (£30) and logistically difficult.
Day 3: Sunday, September 28 – Cardiff Tour & Bath Visit
https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Cardiff-Day-Trip-from-London/d737-8754P12?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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!
https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Cardiff-Day-Trip-from-London/d737-8754P12?utm_source=chatgpt.com
| 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)
- 10:00 – 🚶 Walk to Buckingham Palace for Changing of the Guard (10:45 AM)
- 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 atBorough 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)
- 16:00 – 🚶 Trafalgar Square → Leicester Square → Piccadilly Circus → Covent Garden (Then enter Fortnum and Mason. Then either walk through Old and New Bond Street to Oxford Street or back up to Regent Street and on towards Oxford Street)
- 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
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
- 21:00 – 🏨 Freshen up.
- 22:00 – 04:00🚍 Overnight bus to Manchester by bus by National express from Edinburgh Bus Station
# Megabus - Megabus also offers budget-friendly overnight services
Day 8: Friday, October 3 : Manchester > York >Manchester
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If possible visit the Railway Museum as well.
Day 9: Saturday, October 4 – Day Tour to Lake district from Macnhester
- 07:30 – 🚐 Full-day Lake District tour (Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere)(Rabbie’s, £50-£70)
- 17:00 – 🚆 Return to Manchester
- 23:59 – Night bus
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
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.
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Change to the Victoria Line (northbound) and travel to Finsbury Park.
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Journey time: ~20–25 minutes.
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Trains are frequent (every few minutes).
Alternative route:
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Take the Metropolitan Line eastbound to King’s Cross St Pancras, then switch to the Piccadilly Line (northbound) to Finsbury Park.
| 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 Cathedral
- Leeds Castle OR White Cliffs of Dover
- Greenwich (sometimes included)
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.
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.
