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 50 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 Thameslink Train (~£12-£15) - Spot booking
[ alternate option : Southern Train (~£15-£18) /Gatwick Express (£20-£25) ]
Departure Time (01 00 hrs) - London Victoria - SDG - National Express - https://www.omio.com
Arrival Time (05 40 hrs) - Cardiff - SDG
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dn81yj3yKyppFJbf8 - Cardiff Tour
Departure Time (09 15 hrs) - Cardiff - SDG - Flix Bus
Arrival Time (10 40 hrs) - Bristol - SDG
.......................x.............................
Departure Time (20 00 hrs) - Bristol (All) - National Express
Arrival Time (22 45 hrs) - Londn (All)
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) 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 (20 05 hrs)
02.10.25 (Thu) 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)
2. Create an Id & Fill in the Application
-
Complete the online visa application form (e.g., Visa Application Form VAF).
-
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.
-
Pay the visa fee online by card (for a standard 6-month tourist visa, approx. GBP 115).
3. Submit the Application Form
4. Redirect to VFS Global for Appointment
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
-
Premium Lounge. For this you have to pay Rs 5000 ~ extra.
-
SMS updates
-
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
-
Appointment letter (from VFS site)
-
Printed UK visa application form with barcode (PDF from gov.uk)
-
Passport (original + all old passports if available)
-
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.
-
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 )
-
Hotel bookings for the stay in UK
-
Bank statements (last 6 months, stamped preferably)
-
Income Tax Returns (last 2-3 years)
-
Salary slips (if applicable)
-
Employer NOC / Leave letter (if employed)
-
Property documents or financial proof (optional but helpful)
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.
-
GDP (UK): Around USD 3.4 trillion (2025 est.).
-
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:
-
England’s area: ~130,000 sq. km.
-
West Bengal’s area: ~89,000 sq. km. So, England is about 1.5 times larger than West Bengal.
-
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.
-
Key sectors: Finance (London), technology, manufacturing (automobiles, aerospace), education, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
-
Historic centres:
-
Birmingham & Manchester: heavy industry and innovation.
-
London: global financial capital.
-
Liverpool: maritime trade.
-
4. Religion:
-
Christianity is the major religion (mainly the Church of England, Protestant).
-
Small but growing communities of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, and Buddhists due to immigration.
5. Ethnicity:
Modern England is ethnically diverse.
-
Majority: White British (~75%).
-
Minorities: Asian British (mainly Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi), Black British, and people of mixed heritage.
-
Large immigrant populations from South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and Eastern Europe have shaped England’s cultural identity.
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
122 AD – Hadrian’s Wall
410 AD – Romans Leave, Darkness Falls
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
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
Think of union of Wales and England as a “merger and acquisition” rather than a friendly handshake.
1536 – Henry VIII vs. the Pope
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
1642–1660 – Civil War & Cromwell’s Republic
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
Why did this happen?
-
Scotland was not doing well financially (after a failed project to set up a colony in Panama called the Darien Scheme).
-
England wanted Scotland on its side, especially to stop Scotland from teaming up with France (England’s enemy).
-
By joining, Scotland got access to England’s trade and colonies (more money-making opportunities).
-
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
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
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
-
Since 1284, the heir apparent to the English throne has traditionally been styled the Prince of Wales.
-
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.
-
From then on, the monarch’s eldest son (and heir apparent) is almost always invested as Prince of Wales.
-
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.
-
Prince William (Charles & Diana’s elder son)
-
On his marriage in 2011, the Queen gave him:
-
Duke of Cambridge (main title, used with Catherine)
-
Also Earl of Strathearn (Scottish title)
-
Baron Carrickfergus (Northern Irish title)
-
-
After Charles became King in 2022, Prince William currently holds 5 titles, but the way he uses them depends on the context:
-
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.
-
Duke of Cambridge – the dukedom he received from Queen Elizabeth II on his wedding in 2011.
-
Duke of Rothesay – his traditional Scottish title (used in Scotland.William inherited his father’s Scottish title).
-
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)
-
On his marriage in 2018, the Queen gave him:
-
Duke of Sussex (main title, Meghan became Duchess of Sussex)
-
Also Earl of Dumbarton (Scottish title)
-
Baron Kilkeel (Northern Irish title)
Meghan – Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Edward (Charles’s brother) – Duke of Edinburgh.
-
Princess Anne – Princess Royal (a special lifelong title for the monarch’s eldest daughter).
The Logic Behind These Titles
-
Prince of Wales = reserved for the heir to the throne.
-
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.
-
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
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
|
|---|
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.
-
Change to the Victoria Line (northbound) and travel to Finsbury Park.
-
Journey time: ~20–25 minutes.
-
Trains are frequent (every few minutes).
Alternative route:
-
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.
