Thursday, September 11, 2025

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) ]



27.09.25 (Sat) London > Oxford > Stratford - upon - Avon & Cotswolds > Cotswold > Oxford  (with Samrat) - Night Halt at London



28.09.25 (Sun) London (Victoria) > Cardiff > Bristol > Bath>Bristol>London (Victoria) - Night Halt at London 

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                            

 ............................................................................................................................ 

 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>10 Downing Street>Buckingham Palace>St James Park>Trafalgar Square (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) - 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 (Timberbush) 

 Arrival Time (20 05 hrs) 


02.10.25 (Thu) Day Tour of Scotland : St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife >Edinburgh 

Departure Time (0930 hrs) Gate J & Gate K, Edinburg Bus Station,St Andrews Sq  (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 - Night bus to London

Departure Time (08 15 hrs) Coach Parking Bays, Store Street,Manchester  (Rabbie's) 

  Departure Time (02 50 hrs) Manchester Shudehill Interchange -Flix Bus                      Arrival Time (07 10 hrs) London Finchley Road 


 05.10.25 (Sun) London>City tour of Baker Street>Regent Park>Lords>Picadally Circus>St Paul's Cathedral>Tower Bridge  - Night Halt London (meet Mita) 


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 

Departure Time (23 59 hrs) Victoria Coach Station - National Express 

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)


Choose the appropriate visa type — e.g., Standard Visitor Visa

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


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:

  • 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  )

  • Flight booking 

  • 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)

  • Travel insurance 

NB: Unlike Schengen visa, the the UK visa form was filled up at https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk.

Youtube link on how to apply UK Visa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBBVATB8nuc

                                                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QrL2_aeim4
                                                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4u7Ef9ZKrw


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.


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?

  • 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


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

  • 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:

        1. Prince of Wales – his main title as heir apparent (since Charles became King in 2022). Catherine is now Princess of Wales.

        2. So today, he is best known as Prince of Wales.

        3. Duke of Cambridge – the dukedom he received from Queen Elizabeth II on his wedding in 2011.

        4. Duke of Rothesay – his traditional Scottish title (used in Scotland.William inherited his father’s Scottish title).

        5. Baron Carrickfergus – a Northern Irish title, bundled in with Cambridge when he married.

        6. He also holds Earl of Strathearn (another Scottish title given at marriage). 

        7. 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, and 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 big queue. 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, 2025, 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 rail 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 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/Victoria Station. 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 !We were aquainted with Tudor Architecture by Samrat.

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


 1 AM: The Great Escape from London Victoria

I left London Victoria Coach Station at 1:00 AM by National Express, half-asleep and fully confident that I would reach Cardiff smoothly. Of course, life had other plans. The bus first dropped me at Bristol, where I had to change into another bus to reach Cardiff. By the time I reached Cardiff at 5:40 AM, Wales seemed to have vanished. There was not a single soul on the streets — not even a stray dog to guide me on this Sunday morning. When I reached it was still dark.

My mobile data also decided to take rest, making it a perfect combination of empty roads + no map + no people. A true traveller’s nightmare. 


Cardiff: Where Even the Signboards Speak Welsh Before You

Everything in Cardiff — signboards, announcements, and even the silence — had a Welsh accent. The signboards were written in English and Welsh. And yes, Welsh is a completely different language, nothing like English. Their English pronunciation too is so “musical” that I understood roughly 30% of what was being said. I roamed around for almost 3 hours like a lost pilgrim, unable to reach the Harbour Area.

Historical Note – Cardiff

  • Became capital of Wales in 1955

  • Cardiff Castle dates back to Roman times (around 50 AD)

  • The city saw huge growth in the 19th century as a major coal-exporting port.

Cardiff Castle opens at 9:00 AM, and since my Flixbus to Bristol left at 9:15 from Cardiff Castle, all I could do was admire the outside walls and tell myself, “Next time.” I went to see nice places near the Cardiff Castle.

Back to Bristol: A Warm Welcome from Belen

I reached Bristol where Belen (our Spanish friend whom I met in Kolkata) and her friend Raul came to receive me at the bus stop. Their timing was perfect.

They took me straight to the cemetery where Raja Ram Mohan Roy is buried. To my surprise, his birth anniversary was just 2-3 days earlier. Many Indians had come from London and Bristol to celebrate it on a weekend, and even BBC had covered the event.

Historical Note – Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Bristol

  • Died in 1833 in Bristol

  • Buried at Arnos Vale Cemetery

  • His memorial was financed by Dwarakanath Tagore

  • Considered the “Father of Indian Renaissance”

I met a few people, exchanged greetings, and then rushed again — because rushing was the theme of the day.

Exploring Bristol at Lightning Speed

Before heading to Bath, Belen insisted on giving me a brief tour of Bristol.

We visited the Harbour Area, walked quite a bit, and even had paella by the harbour — a Spanish touch in an English city, guided by Spanish friends. Perfect! It was my turn to give them a treat.

Historical Note – BRISTOL

  • One of England’s oldest port cities (mentioned in records as early as 1020s)

  • Major trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries

  • Birthplace of the famous pirate Blackbeard (Edward Teach)

  • Brunel’s SS Great Britain, launched in 1843, was the world’s largest ship then

Bristol’s Dark Past: The Slave Trade

From the 17th to early 19th century, Bristol was one of the three major slave-trading ports in Britain (along with Liverpool and London).
Here’s what happened:

  • Between 1698 and 1807, Bristol ships transported an estimated half a million enslaved Africans across the Atlantic.

  • Bristol merchants profited enormously from the Triangular Trade:
    (1) Manufactured goods → Africa
    (2) Enslaved Africans → Caribbean & Americas
    (3) Sugar, rum, tobacco → Bristol

  • The wealth from this trade financed many of Bristol’s grand buildings and the rise of powerful merchant families.

Edward Colston

One of Bristol’s most famous figures, Edward Colston, was a major slave trader.

  • He was involved with the Royal African Company, which transported more enslaved Africans than any other British company.

  • Many buildings, schools, and streets in Bristol were once named after him.

In June 2020, his statue was famously pulled down during Black Lives Matter protests and thrown into the harbour — a moment of global attention.

Bath: A Roman Spa Town Trying To Keep Up With My Schedule

Bath is just 15 minutes from Bristol by train, though we went by car. Mohua and Arindam were supposed to reach at 9:30 AM, but in true Indian style, they missed their bus and arrived late.

Bath is absolutely charming — small, historic, beautifully preserved, and very walkable.

Historical Note – BATH

  • Established as a Roman spa town in 60–70 AD

  • Known to Romans as Aquae Sulis (“Waters of Sulis”)

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987

  • Famous for the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge

We explored the town centre with Belen and Raul, grabbed a coffee, and then Belen dragged us forward because, as usual, we were getting late again.

She also drove us to a lesser-known but incredibly beautiful spot — almost like the Cotswolds.

The Great Race Back to Bristol

Time was running out. We had to reach the Bristol bus station to catch our bus back to London.

Belen drove like a Formula 1 driver. Raul literally ran toward the bus so that it wouldn’t leave without us. Thankfully, we made it just in time. Mohua and Arindam's family was waiting for us. We kept them informed about the whereabouts from Raul's phone.

Unfortunately, Belen later received a £200 speeding penalty, and since all this drama was partly because of me, I paid 50% of the fine.

Return to London: The Final Crawl

We reached London Victoria around 11 PM, exhausted. Then we took the Tube to Finsbury Park.

https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Cardiff-Day-Trip-from-London/d737-8754P12?utm_source=chatgpt.com


Day 4: Monday, September 29 – – Walking Tour of Central London 

A Very British Day Out — Royal Sightings & Running Between Squares

Our day began, with Mohua waiting for Sonali to pick her up from our Airbnb, while we navigated the London Tube and reached Victoria Station, the gateway to our grand walking adventure.

Westminster: Where History, Politics & Our Photography Skills Met

Our first stop was Westminster Cathedral — not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, though 99% of tourists do.

  • Westminster Cathedral (opened 1903) is the mother church of Roman Catholics in England and Wales.

Next, we walked to

  • Westminster Abbey — coronation church since 1066, resting place of monarchs, poets and the occasional troublemaker

  • Big Ben — actually the bell, not the tower (1859)

  • Houses of Parliament — where British politicians argue politely since 1870s

We went to the Westminster Bridge, for a perfect photo-op of the red double-decker buses, West Minster Abbey and Big Ben in the background .We skipped going inside Westminster Abbey when we heard the ticket price: £27 for 1 hour. (Our legs said yes, but our wallets said absolutely not.)

A Gaza demonstration was going on nearby, adding a touch of global tension to our cheerful tourist agenda.

The Cruise That Never Happened

A friendly Bangladeshi gentleman tried to sell us a Thames cruise just beside the Thames river. We had a long discussion, asked many questions, nodded seriously — and then told him we will do it later. (Tourist tradition since time immemorial.)

10 Downing Street & Kings Life Guard: Royal Horses, Serious Faces

We walked to 10 Downing Street, from the Thames river , home of British Prime Ministers since 1735, though you can only see the street through railings and armed police. Then we saw the King’s Life Guard — very dramatic uniforms, very serious horses, and absolutely no smiling.

We passed Trafalgar Square (built 1845) and marched towards Buckingham Palace (1703).

The Royal Sight Without the Royal Drama

For the famous Changing of the Guard, one must come at 10:45 AM. We arrived at 3.30 pm, not at 10:45 AM. So naturally, we missed it.

But we did see King Charles leaving Buckingham Palace — without any of the drama we normally associate with VIP movements in India. No sirens, no shouting, no running policemen — just a quiet royal exit.

Mohua and Sonali joined us there.While we waited for Mita, we received her message through Sonali:
“Come to Trafalgar Square.”

St James’s Park to Trafalgar Square: A Beautiful Detour

We walked through St James’s Park — one of London’s oldest royal parks, created in the 1500s by Henry VIII, who probably hunted more ducks than he fed.

Trafalgar Square was lively as usual. Right next to it stands the National Gallery (opened 1824).
I enjoyed some music being played outside the gallery while waiting for Mita. Mita joined us there, and after some chatting, we caught Bus No. 29 which took us to Finsbury Park.

(We could have visited Leicester Square too — it was just a stone’s throw away.)

The Great Scottish Escape — FlixBus to Edinburgh

After spending time with Mita in our Airbnb, we left for Victoria Bus Station to catch our FlixBus to Edinburgh. FlixBus, offers free Wi-Fi and onboard toilets — luxuries that almost deserve a travel award. Trains in the UK are 3–6 times more expensive, so we joined the sensible travellers who choose buses.

Some people keep Scotland for the end of their trip because they fly out of Edinburgh instead of London. 


Day 5: Tuesday, September 30 – Scotland : Edinburgh Walking Tour

A Mistaken Route, Medieval Streets & A Whisky Experience We Avoided

— Our Edinburgh Adventure Begins

We reached the Edinburgh Bus Station at 8:15 AM, alive but not fully functioning after the night bus.
From there, we walked to our hostel which was supposedly “just beside the Royal Mile.”

Of course, guided by destiny (and no mobile data), we took the longest possible route, wandering into Princes Street first. Later we discovered this “mistake” was actually a blessing for Mohua and Rumi  — Princes Street is one of the most iconic streets in Edinburgh. (Sometimes being lost is a sightseeing technique.). At one point of time, the Jute Mills along river Hooghly used to compete with Jute Mills of Dundee, Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle — The Fortress We Admired Only From Outside

After dumping our luggage, we began our Lonely Planet–approved walking tour of the Royal Mile, starting at:

Edinburgh Castle

  • Built from the 12th century onward

  • Home of Scottish kings and queens

  • Sits on an extinct volcano

  • Ticket: £19.50

  • Time needed: 1.5 hours

  • We admired it from outside, because our wallet and energy level both said, “Not today.”

The Royal Mile — 1 Mile of History, Legends & Tourists with Selfie Sticks

The Royal Mile is the historic spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town, running downhill from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.

A typical Royal Mile walking tour includes:

📌 1. Lawnmarket

Medieval market street dating back to the 1500s.

📌 2. The Hub (1845)

A striking Gothic building once used as a church, now the Edinburgh Festival Centre.

📌 3. St Giles’ Cathedral (1124)

Founded during the reign of King David I — the spiritual heart of Scotland.
(We passed it but did not enter — time is money.)

📌 4. Parliament Square

Beside the old Parliament building; Scotland’s Parliament sat here until 1707.

📌 5. The Heart of Midlothian

A mosaic heart on the pavement — locals spit on it for luck.
(We respectfully avoided spitting.)

📌 6. Real Mary King’s Close (1600s)

Underground preserved streets from plague-era Edinburgh.

📌 7. Canongate & Canongate Kirk (built 1691)

The royal parish church, where many historical figures are buried.

📌 8. The Scottish Parliament (opened 2004)

A very modern building at the very end of medieval history.

📌 9. Holyrood Palace (12th century origins)

Official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland.
(We did not reach this far — our legs politely refused.)

The Whisky Experience We Absolutely Did Not Need

We passed the Scotch Whisky Experience, where a barrel ride teaches you all things whisky.
We skipped it because:

  • we are not whisky connoisseurs

  • and also we feared being turned into whisky connoisseurs

Grassmarket & Victoria Street — Harry Potter Lives Here

We reached the charming Grassmarket, a lively square with a dark past — executions were held here until the 18th century. Nearby is the famous Victoria Street, said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. We walked, clicked photos, and resisted buying wizard hats.

Mohua and Rumi then left for the hotel.

Calton Hill — Edinburgh from the Clouds 

We walked toward Princes Street, then climbed Calton Hill — one of the best viewpoints in Europe.

Historical Fun Facts

  • Became a public park in 1724

  • Home to the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon

  • Locals call it “Edinburgh’s Disgrace” because it was never completed
    (Architectural optimism gone wrong.)

The 360-degree view of Edinburgh was worth every step.

The Things We Missed

Due to time constraints (and the night-bus exhaustion), we missed:

  • Dean Village (12th century riverside village)

  • Scottish National Gallery (1859)

  • Arthur’s Seat (extinct volcano from 350 million years ago)

  • Greyfriars Kirkyard (home of the famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby)

  • Stockbridge and the Johnnie Walker building .

  • Rosslyn Chapel - made famous by Dan Brown. Rosslyn Chapel was built over a century after the destruction of the Templar Order .



Day 6:October 1- Scotland Tour : Highlands, Glencoe, Loch Ness 


Timberbush Tours: Departure Time: 8:00 AM   
Return Time: Approximately 8:30 PM  
Price: £56.00

Go for Rabbie's Tours (rabbies.com) or Timberbush Tour (timberbush-tours.co.uk). Timberbush is slightly cheaper than Rabbies in all these tours.

Epic Day Trip: A Journey Through Rain, Ruins, Monsters, and Ice Cream

1. Departure: The Pilgrimage Begins (with an Unexpected Celebrity)

Our grand expedition into the Scottish Highlands began early in the morning, when the weather was doing what Scotland does best — threatening rain with deep personal commitment.

At our first tea break, we met the tour’s most important resident celebrity:

🐮 Hamish Dubh — The Highland Cow Superstar

With his majestic fringe (which clearly cost more than your whole haircut budget), Hamish Dubh stood there like a furry philosopher of the mountains.


We clicked a thousand pictures, of course — because in Scotland, you must take at least one photo of a Highland Cow or you are deported at the border.

2. Glencoe — Scotland’s Most Photographed Depression-Inducing Beauty

After tea and cow-influencer time, we rolled into Glencoe, one of the most dramatic, cinematic, heartbreakingly beautiful valleys in Scotland.

Naturally, as per tradition, it started raining the moment we got down from the bus.

Why Glencoe Is Famous

  • One of the most photographed spots in Scotland.

  • Volcanic in origin, carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

  • Site of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe (1692) where the MacDonalds were killed by the Campbells — one of Scottish history’s biggest betrayals.

  • Appears in films like Skyfall and Harry Potter.

Despite the rain, the view was spectacular — moody, misty, and perfect for wondering if you accidentally stepped into a fantasy novel.

3. Loch Ness — Searching for the Monster

Next stop: the legendary Loch Ness, home of Nessie, the world-famous sea monster .

But our adventure was more historical than monstrous — because we visited the iconic Urquhart Castle.

4. Urquhart Castle — Drama, Battles & A Cinematic Curtain Reveal

A Castle That Has Seen Everything. Urquhart Castle sits dramatically on the banks of Loch Ness. Historically:

  • First recorded around 6th century, associated with St. Columba.

  • Fought over repeatedly during the Wars of Scottish Independence (13th–14th centuries).

  • Controlled by both English and Scottish forces at different times.

  • Blown up in 1692 to prevent Jacobites from using it. The Jacobites were political supporters and rebel groups in the 17th–18th centuries who wanted to restore the Stuart kings to the throne after James II was removed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688.Jacobite" comes from Jacobus, the Latin form of James — meaning supporters of King James II and later his heirs. James II (1633–1701) was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1685 to 1688.

    He was the last Catholic king to rule these kingdoms.

  • Today: spectacular ruins, mood included for free.

The Slide-Show Surprise

Inside the visitor centre, we watched a short presentation about the castle’s chaotic past — battles, kings, clans, treasons, more battles. When the show ended, the curtain rose dramatically, revealing the actual castle ruins outside. This was perhaps the most cinematic, goosebump-worthy reveal we have ever seen. 

The Exhibition

A very educational gallery explained:

  • How medieval people lived in the castle

  • Their professions

  • And how surnames like:

    • Smith (blacksmith)

    • Steward (keeper of the household)

    • Marshall (horse caretaker)                                                                                           originated — much like Indian surnames derived from professions.

We came out feeling smarter and impressed at how well-explained everything was.

5. Boat Ride Across Loch Ness — Optional but Fantastic

After exploring the castle, we boarded a boat to cross Loch Ness, gliding over the deep, mysterious waters where Nessie may or may not pay rent.

Important Note: This castle entry + boat ride ticket must be purchased separately.

Arindam and his family, wiser and less enthusiastic about boats, skipped this part and waited on the other side for us.


We bought a souvenir photograph after the boat ride, because that is how these tours make their real money.

6. Pitlochry — Ice Cream Therapy

After surviving history, rain, and fictional monsters, we arrived at the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry. We rewarded ourselves with their famous Pitlochry ice cream — because after so much historical trauma, only dairy products can heal the soul.

7. Return Journey — Back to Civilization

With bellies full of ice cream and phone galleries full of misty mountains, we drove back home through rolling Highland landscapes.

It was the perfect ending to a day packed with:

  • Weather mood swings

  • Ancient tragedies

  • Cow celebrities

  • Castle ruins

  • Boat rides

Suggestion:

  • If you only have time for one, go for St Andrews & Fife .
  • If you have two days, add Loch Ness & Glencoe 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.


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

The Fishing Village of Fife — 45 Minutes of Pure Panic Walking

Our first stop was one of the postcard-perfect Fishing Villages of Fife (likely Anstruther, Crail, or Pittenweem — all equally pretty and equally difficult to pronounce). The guide gave us 45 minutes — which in tourist time means:

  • 10 minutes for bathroom

  • 10 minutes for photos

  • 15 minutes for walking

  • 10 minutes for regretting we didn’t get more time

But the village was charming. Small harbours, colourful boats, cobbled lanes, and I learned something important:

From this one little village, you can go to half of Scotland. Literally — all signboards show routes to every scenic place in Fife.

Historically, these villages were major medieval herring hubs, and by the 16th century, they supplied fish to most of Scotland. Today they supply Instagram content.

 Stop 2: St Andrews — The Vatican of Golf

Next, we reached St Andrews, the place where golf was not just invented…but worshipped.

Alfred Dunhill 

The legendary Old Course at St Andrews is to golf what FIFA World Cup is to football — the ultimate shrine. Some call it the “Home of Golf”, because:

  • Golf was first played here in the early 1400s

  • The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, wrote the earliest rules

We strolled around the picturesque green patches, watched golfers and enjoyed the iconic view of the course next to the North Sea.

Lunch & Wandering

We had lunch here — the peaceful kind of lunch only possible in a university town .

We walked to the dramatic ruins of St Andrews Castle, originally built around 1200 AD. It has had a long CV:

  • Residence of bishops

  • Prison

  • Battlefield

  • And finally: the most scenic pile of stones in Scotland

Destroyed multiple times (the Scots call this “minor renovation”), the castle still stands proudly by the sea.

St Andrews Cathedral — Scotland’s Largest Church

The massive St Andrews Cathedral, consecrated in 1318, was once:

  • The largest cathedral in Scotland

  • The spiritual heart of the nation

  • The centre of medieval pilgrimage

Then, during the Protestant Reformation in 1559, people got enthusiastic with hammers, and today only its hauntingly beautiful skeleton remains.

Walking through the grounds felt like being inside a history book… one that had been left in the rain.

Falkland — A Village Frozen in Time

Then our bus took us to Falkland, a small, dreamy, cobblestone village where everything looks like a movie set.

Falkland Parish Church

We visited the quaint Falkland Parish Church, built in the 19th century, quietly beautiful and standing near the famous Falkland Palace, which was once a favourite retreat of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The village is so pretty that parts of the Netflix series Outlander were filmed here.

Forth Bridge — Scotland’s Engineering Pride

On the return journey, we admired the world-famous Forth Bridge (opened 1890), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest railway bridges ever built.

Its bright red iron structure is so iconic that it appears on Scottish banknotes.

Final Stroll: Scottish Parliament & Holyrood Palace

After reaching the Royal Mile, we walked down to see the Scottish Parliament, a modern building so simple and accessible that:

  • It has less security than an average Indian apartment complex, and

  • You can practically walk into the lobby

Just across the road is the historic Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Sadly, it was closed — apparently the King doesn’t care about our itinerary.


We took an overnight National Express bus at 2200 hours from Edinburgh Bus Station to Manchester. The bus went via Carlisle and reached Manchester at 0400 hours.

Day 8: Friday, October 3 : Manchester > York  >Manchester

A Rain-Soaked, Wall-Hugging, Train-Chasing Day Trip to York

After an overnight bus journey, Arindam and his family bravely declared themselves “officially exhausted.” So, they skipped the York trip and decided to recover in Manchester and see the Manchester United Stadium. Sensible people.

We, on the other hand, are not sensible — so we continued.

The Great FlixBus Betrayal

After keeping our luggage in the hotel lobby (because check-in is always hours later when you badly need it), we walked to the Manchester coach station for our FlixBus to York. We waited for almost one full hour, only to learn that the bus had been quietly cancelled. No drama. No announcement. Just FlixBus being FlixBus.

Then came our guardian angel: 
An elderly gentleman advised Mohua: “Don’t waste your time in Manchester. Take a train. The station is close.” So, we marched to the station like disciplined soldiers who had been betrayed by the bus kingdom.

The 20-Pound Escape to York

Although we were late, trains travel much faster than buses — so we reached York perfectly on time. Train fare: approx. £20.

Peace of mind: priceless.

York: A Medieval Gem 

York is a small but enchanting city, instantly reminding us of Dubrovnik’s famous city walls — just without the Adriatic Sea, Croatian sunshine, or the Game of Thrones drama.

🛡️ Historical Note: York’s City Walls

  • Built originally by the Romans around AD 71

  • Improved by the Danes (Vikings)

  • Expanded and fortified by the Normans in the 11th–13th centuries

  • Today, they form the longest medieval town walls in England

We walked along the walls, taking in lovely views of the old town. True, the scenery isn’t as spectacular as Dubrovnik, but York makes up for it with charm and history.

After the wall walk, we descended into the town to explore it from ground level — “not from an ivory tower” !

Just as we admired the architecture, the skies did what British skies do best — it started raining. But since we had a poncho and raincoat, we carried on heroically, drenched yet determined.

 Lebanese Lunch in the Rain

We ducked into a Lebanese restaurant for hummus — perhaps the most historically inaccurate food to eat inside a medieval British city. But hunger has no respect for geography and economy. We paid 7 Pound , which is the cheapest food available there.

The Old City on Foot

Rain or no rain, York’s entire old city is walkable and delightful — crooked lanes, Gothic towers, ancient walls, and the smell of history everywhere.

York Minster: The Heart of the City

We visited the outside of York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.

Historical Notes:

  • Foundations date back to 627 AD

  • Current structure mostly completed by 1472

  • Took over 250 years to build

  • Famous for its Great East Window (1405–1408) — the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world


Back to Manchester: Football Dreams and Museum Reality

We returned to Manchester by train and had dinner (which I had thoughtfully bought from York). Arindam and family tried to visit the legendary Manchester City and Manchester United stadiums.But without a prior booking, the guards treated them like paparazzi — “no entry.” So they went to the National Football Museum, which is a good consolation prize, and explored the city area near the hotel.


Day 9: Saturday, October 4 – Day Tour to Lake district from Macnhester


A Windy Windermere & Lakeside Tour: 

On 4th October 2025, we joined the famous Rabbie’s 1-day Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester . The guide very nicely informed us about the history of Manchester.

Manchester, often called the “world’s first industrial city,” holds a unique place in global history. Its story is a dramatic arc—from booming industrial powerhouse to post-industrial decline, and then to a modern renaissance.

Rise: The Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution (Late 18th – 19th Century)

Manchester became world-famous during the Industrial Revolution.

Why Manchester became iconic:

  • It grew as the centre of cotton spinning and textile manufacturing, earning the nickname “Cottonopolis.”

  • By the early 1800s, Manchester was one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

  • Introduction of machinery (spinning jenny, steam engine) transformed it into the heart of global textile trade.

  • It pioneered major social and political movements, including:

    • The 1819 Peterloo Massacre, a landmark event in British democratic reforms.

    • The 1830 Liverpool–Manchester Railway, the world’s first inter-city passenger railway.

  • By the mid-19th century, it had become a symbol of industry, innovation, and urban development.

Downhill: Deindustrialisation & Struggle (1960s–1990s)

By mid-20th century, Manchester’s fortunes declined dramatically.

Reasons for the decline:

  • Collapse of manufacturing as textile mills shut down.

  • Global competition from Asia and Europe.

  • Rise of unemployment, poverty, and urban decay.

  • The city became known for crime, abandoned factories, and social unrest.

  • The 1996 IRA bombing in the city centre caused massive destruction, further worsening its condition.

Manchester—once a global industrial giant—looked exhausted.

Revival: Reinvention as a Modern City (2000s–Present)

Manchester rose from the ashes through bold urban planning, world-class education, and cultural reinvention.

Key pillars of recovery:

  • Massive city centre redevelopment after the 1996 bombing.

  • Transformation into a hub for:

    • Finance and banking

    • Media and broadcasting (BBC moved major offices to Salford Quays)

    • Education (University of Manchester is a global powerhouse)

    • Sports (Manchester United and Manchester City put the city on the global map)

  • Restoration of historical areas like:

    • Northern Quarter

    • Castlefield

    • Salford Quays

  • Growth of a booming nightlife, arts, and music culture

    • Birthplace of Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division.

By 2020s, Manchester became one of the fastest growing urban economies in the UK, often called “London of the North.”

The Rabbie’s Tour Begins – Small Bus, Big Expectations

Rabbie’s tours use cute little minibuses that look modest from outside but have a PhD in climbing hills. Our driver-guide was cheerful enough to make even the sheep look motivated. 

Following Rabbie’s official route, our day unfolded like a perfect English novel — with landscapes straight out of Pride and Prejudice, weather straight out of British reality.

Stop 1: Windermere — Where the Wind Nearly Blew Us to Scotland

Next came Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, formed during the last Ice Age nearly 13,000 years ago. We had planned a serene boat ride…But nature said: “No boating today. Wind speed exceeds human tolerance limit.” Honestly, the lake was so windy that even the ducks were walking sideways. So instead of boating, we enjoyed the view — which was dramatic, moody, and very Instagrammable. We spent some time in Winderere and saw an Royal Windermere Yacht club. But it was raining throughout , making our walking tour quite difficult.

Stop 2:  Grasmere 

We passed through adorable villages like Ambleside and got down at Grasmere, with stone cottages, bakeries, and scenery that would make a painter quit and become a philosopher instead. Grasmere is also associated with Wordsworth, who called it “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”  

In Grasmere, at the Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth lived from 1799 to 1808, the most productive years of his literary life. Wordsworth composed some of his greatest poems here, including Daffodil. We saw his grave also. William Wordsworth is buried in St. Oswald's Churchyard in Grasmere, in the heart of England's Lake District. We had some free time in the Wordsworth's village. Grasmere is famous for Gingerbread. We bought some Gingerbread. But it is more of a cookies.


Stop 3: Derwentwater — The Postcard Lake

We then stopped at Derwentwater, one of the most photographed lakes in the UK, near Keswick.

Historical Notes:

  • The lake sits in a glacial valley and was shaped around 10,000–12,000 years ago.

  • It is famous for its “Derwentwater Islands,” privately owned in medieval times.

  • The surrounding fells inspired many scenes in Beatrix Potter’s stories.

Here we finally got down, breathed fresh air, and felt like characters in a British nature documentary.

https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-manchester/day-tours/windermere-lake-district-1-day-tour

Evening: Manchester by Night — Because We Still Had Energy

Surprisingly, the tour ended early enough for us to return to Manchester with daylight to spare.
So we hopped on a Manchester tram and explored the city at night — the streets shining, the buildings glowing, and the wind no longer trying to murder us.

Dinner: Vietnamese Comfort Food in a Food Court

To end the day, we had dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant inside a Manchester food court, a place where Arindam had already dined — meaning it was certified safe for Bengali stomachs.


Day 10: Sunday, October 5 – Final Sightseeing in London 


A Night Bus, Fake Detective, Ancient Mummies & A Long Walk Across London

The Great Escape from Manchester (02:50 – 07:15)

Our London adventure began at the very respectable hour of 2:50 a.m., when most sane people are asleep and only travellers, ghosts, and National Express drivers roam the streets.

We boarded a FlixBus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to London Finchley Road.
Fun fact: Night buses in the UK are dominated by National Express and FlixBus, the two vanguard of sleepy transportation. For comparing routes, timings, and prices, the website CheckMyBus (checkmybus.com) is actually quite helpful—especially for those with midnight wanderlust.

By 07:15 a.m., we reached Finchley Road, feeling victorious yet mildly zombified. From there, we hopped onto the Metropolitan Line to King’s Cross St Pancras, then shifted to the Piccadilly Line for Finsbury.

Our Airbnb host, a true angel of hospitality, allowed us to check in early and keep our luggage. After freshening up, the London marathon began.

Baker Street: Meeting a Detective Who Never Lived There

Our first stop: 221B Baker Street – The Sherlock Holmes Museum. We took the tube to get down at Baker Street.

Here’s the truth, they don’t tell you in the movies:
👉 Sherlock Holmes never lived here.
👉 Arthur Conan Doyle never lived here either.
👉 The house is an imaginary address for an imaginary detective, curated into a museum for very real tourists like us.

Still, it was fun to see the Victorian setup—and more importantly, to tell everyone we visited Sherlock’s home, even though the man himself might have said, “Elementary, my dear tourist, this is all make-believe.”

Walking Through Regent’s Park to Lord’s Cricket Ground

We strolled through the lush Regent’s Park, one of London’s royal parks created in 1811 under the direction of architect John Nash.

We then reached Lord’s Cricket Ground, proudly called the “Home of Cricket.” Founded in 1814, it is sacred soil for cricket lovers.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside. From outside, it didn’t look particularly impressive—certainly not for a place that has witnessed cricketing history for 211 years. But we clicked our photos and moved ahead like true tourists with no time to waste.

We took a bus to reach British Museum near Lords Cricket ground.

British Museum: Time Travel for Free

Next stop: the legendary British Museum (founded 1753, opened 1759), which charges exactly £0 for entry but charges heavy emotional damage because you can’t finish it in one lifetime. With our limited time , we decided to see some special items.

We admired only the following :

1. The Rosetta Stone (196 BC) – Room 4

This trilingual decree (Greek, Demotic, Hieroglyphic) became the key to decoding Egyptian hieroglyphs when Jean-François Champollion cracked it in 1822.

Also in Room 4: Bust of Ramesses II

Ramesses II (1279–1213 BC) – the Pharaoh with the strongest PR team in history. You’ll recognise him because half the statues in Egypt look like him.

2. Egyptian Mummies – Rooms 62 & 63

These mummies represent Egypt’s obsession with the afterlife. The Egyptians perfected the art of preserving bodies around 2600 BC. 

3. Parthenon Sculptures – Room 18

Aka the Elgin Marbles, collected during the “Empire Shopping Era” of Britain (early 1800s).
These are the original friezes and statues from Athens’ Parthenon temple, showcasing classical Greek art - largely taken during the “I like this, I’ll take it” era of the British Empire(447 BC).

4. Crouching Venus – Room 23

A Roman sculpture from the 2nd century AD, is a Roman version of a much earlier Greek statue of the goddess Aphrodite, or Venus to the Romans. 

5. Hoa Haka-nanai’a (Easter Island ) – Room 24

A massive basalt Moai statue from Easter Islandcarved around 1200 AD 

6. Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs – Room 10

Carved around 645 BC from the palace of King Ashurbanipal in Nineveh (modern Iraq), these reliefs depict the king heroically hunting lions. They are considered the greatest masterpieces of Neo-Assyrian sculpture.

This museum is proof that if history had a lost-and-found department, most nations would file claims here.

Other Major London Museums You Should NOT Miss

Even though we didn’t go this time, every traveller must keep these on their list:

1. The National Gallery (Founded 1824, Trafalgar Square)

Home to masterpieces by Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, and nearly every artist whose works could bankrupt an entire country today.

2. Natural History Museum (Opened 1881)

Famous for dinosaurs—especially Dippy the Diplodocus and the blue whale skeleton.

3. Victoria & Albert Museum (Founded 1852)

The world’s largest museum of art, design, and fashion. 5,000 years of global creativity under one roof. 

4. Tate Modern (Opened 2000)

Housed in a former power station. Home to modern and contemporary art 

❌ Skipped Attractions, for want of time

We did NOT go to:

  • Greenwich (Prime Meridian, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark)

  • Kew Gardens

  • Harrods

  • Little Venice

  • Brick Lane

  • The Shard

  • Soho (London’s red-light district)

At this point, we were skipping more places than a truant schoolboy skipping classes.

🌟 Piccadilly Circus → St Paul’s Cathedral

We reached Piccadilly Circus (from British Museum walking), the Times Square of London—minus the chaos, plus some sophistication.

Rumi got tired here, so we parted ways. They could not see St Paul’s Cathedral, while I marched on like a historically curious soldier.

St Paul’s Cathedral (Completed 1710)

Entry fee: £20, but unless you are extremely interested, you can admire it from the outside.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this cathedral survived:

  • The Great Fire of London (well, the previous version didn’t survive)

  • World War II bombs (this version did survive)

From here, I crossed over to the Millennium Bridge (opened 2000, famously wobbly on opening day). The view of St. Paul’s from the bridge is stunning—worth every “tourist step” taken.

Tate Modern & Globe Theatre

On the other side, I saw from outside :

  • Tate Modern (opened 2000) – modern art inside a converted power station

  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – a faithful 1997 reconstruction of the 1599 original

London requires legs of steel and a calendar of 10 days to finish properly.

I passed by Borough Market (operational since the 12th century!) and continued walking till Tower Bridge—where London finally turned gold under the evening sky.

Return Journey

Finally, I took the tube and came back to our Airbnb at around 7.45 pm, ending a day so long it felt like two. Mita has already arrived in our Airbnb. We chatted for quite some time before she left for her home.

Day 11: Monday, October 6 – Canterbury Tour-Our Grand Finale: The Canterbury–Dover–Leeds Castle Adventure -Powered by Evan Evans Tours & our last remaining tourist energy.

After several days of heroic walking, countless tube rides, and a lifelong supply of British weather mood swings, we embarked on our final UK tour — a full-day escape to the green countryside of Kent, affectionately known as the “Garden of England”. 

Before the tour even began, Mohua had to drop out at Victoria Station because she was running late and she had problem with escalator. Arindam and Rumi had already reached the Coach Station. I reached just in time, when bus has come out of the Victoria coach Station.

Stop 1: Leeds Castle — The “Loveliest Castle in the World” 

Built: Originally in 1119, later transformed by Henry VIII in the 1500s for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. This has nothing to do with the city of Leeds, which is in the middle of England and this one is in South West.  Surrounded by a moat, manicured gardens, and swans who behave like they own the place, this medieval beauty has served as:

  • A Norman stronghold

  • A royal palace

  • A private residence

  • And finally… a tourist magnet

We wandered through the lavishly decorated rooms, admiring antique furnishings and wondering how medieval people managed this kind of interior design. Beyond the grand rooms and royal history, the grounds offer several delightful attractions, all of which I explored:

  • The Falconry Centre: Home to daily bird-of-prey demonstrations featuring hawks, owls, and falcons.

  • The Princess Alexandra Gardens: Seasonal flowers lining the River Len — perfect for slow scenic walks.

  • The Black Swan Ponds: Photogenic swans drifting like they’re posing for a Victorian painting.

Leeds Castle wasn’t just a castle — it was practically a theme park for history lovers, and I made sure to see as much as possible.

Stop 2: Dover Seafront — Home of the Legendary White Cliffs

Age of the cliffs: Around 70 million years old

Our tour took us to Dover’s seafront, where we caught a majestic glimpse of the White Cliffs of Dover—that iconic chalky coastline that has welcomed soldiers, kings, poets, and now... us.

During World War II, these cliffs were a major symbol of British resistance. You can see the shore of France from here.

Sadly, we didn’t have time to climb the cliffs or storm the Dover Castle like a Viking, but the panoramic view was worth every minute.

Stop 3: Canterbury Cathedral — England’s Spiritual Heartbeat

Founded: 597 AD
Rebuilt: 1070–1077 (Norman style)
Famous for: The 1170 martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket

Our final stop was Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most important Christian sites in the world and the headquarters of the Archbishop of Canterbury. What Vatican is to Roman Catholics, this one is to the Protestants.

Inside, we admired:

  • The stunning stained-glass windows (some dating back to the 12th century)

  • The crypt, one of the oldest parts of the building

  • The exact spot where Thomas Becket was murdered by knights who misunderstood King Henry II’s rant (“Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” led to a very bloody literal interpretation.)

Becket’s shrine became one of Europe’s most popular pilgrim sites, inspiring Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in the 14th century.

Our guide narrated all of this with such passion that even our tired legs renewed their faith.

Driving Through Kent — England’s Countryside at Its Best

Between stops, we enjoyed the rolling hills, medieval villages, and scenery that looked like someone left the “Saturation” slider on full blast. Evan Evans Tour commentary was informative, entertaining, and sprinkled with British humour—the perfect blend for the last adventure of our UK trip.


Why We Skipped Cornwall ?

Cornwall, the land of dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves is a minimum 4+ hour train ride from London. And if you choose the bus (or “coach,” as the British insist on calling it), you can expect to spend around 8 hours wondering why you ever left your comfortable Airbnb. So, after a quick reality check — and looking at our extremely tight itinerary — we realised: Cornwall was simply not doable.

Instead of chasing seagulls in Cornwall, we opted for a lovely and far more realistic day tour to Canterbury and Kent. It saved time, saved energy, and most importantly, saved us from turning the entire trip into a National Express residency. 

But make no mistake — Cornwall is very special. One day, Cornwall — one day.


Day 12: Tuesday, October 7 – Departure from London

The Great Gatwick Sleepover: How We Accidentally Spent 24 Hours at an Airport

Our National Express bus from Victoria to Gatwick was scheduled to leave at 23:59 hrs on 6 October, and at just £3.50, it felt like the travel bargain of the century — especially when trains to Gatwick cost as much as a small inheritance ! We reached Gatwick financially responsible…only to discover that our flight was delayed by 24 hours.

Yes. Twenty. Four. Hours.

At that moment, Gatwick Airport became our surprise Airbnb.

The Left-Luggage Robbery 

We thought of keeping our luggage in the storage area, until the staff said:

“£15 per bag, please for 6 hours .” which is roughly ₹1,800 per suitcase.

Our bags were not Louis Vuitton. They were not worth £15 of resting time. So we kept everything with us.

Airport Hotel? No, Thank You

I walked all the way to the airport hotel - which itslef was an adventure. The airport hotel quoted nearly £100 per room. So the decision was unanimous: We will survive 24 hours inside the airport.

Sonali to the Rescue  

Thankfully, Sonali came after office hours with snacks, moral support, and proof that good friends exist even during airline-induced suffering. We chatted, laughed at our situation, and tried not to cry in the corner like other stranded passengers.

Qatar Airways? 

Sadly, Qatar Airways made no arrangements for food, hotel, accommodation, blankets, nothing.

Finally… Home!

The next day, after several philosophical discussions about life, airlines and overpriced sandwiches, we finally boarded the flight to Kolkata.

Of course, I had to miss office for one day, but after spending a full day living inside Gatwick Airport, I think I earned it.

Tips : Cheap Budget Tour operator –  rabbies.com  /   timberbush-tours.co.uk



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