Day
1: Friday, September 26 – Arrival in London
13:25 – ✈️ Arrive at Gatwick Airport
1️⃣Cheapest Option: 🚌 National Express Coach (~£10-£15)
- Time: ~1.5-2 hours (depends on traffic).
- Route: Gatwick North/South Terminal → Victoria Coach Station.
- Tickets: Book in advance for lower fares.
- Pros: Cheapest, comfortable seats, luggage storage.
https://book.nationalexpress.com
2️⃣ Budget-Friendly & Faster: 🚆 Thameslink Train (~£12-£15)
- Time: ~30-40 minutes.
- Route: Gatwick → London Bridge / Blackfriars / St. Pancras.
- Tickets: Buy online or at the station (cheaper with Railcard).
- Pros: Direct, frequent trains, cheaper than Gatwick Express and runs whole night
3️⃣ Mid-Range Speed & Cost: 🚆 Southern Train (~£15-£18)
- Time: ~35-45 minutes.
- Route: Gatwick → London Victoria.
- Tickets: Slightly cheaper than Gatwick Express.
- Pros: Decent speed, more frequent than coaches.
4️⃣ Fastest but Expensive: 🚆 Gatwick Express (£20-£25)
- Time: ~30 minutes.
- Route: Non-stop Gatwick → London Victoria.
- Tickets: Book online for discounts.
- Pros: Fast, comfortable.
- Cons: Expensive!
- 14:00 – 🚆 Transfer to Central London
(Paddington)
Airbnb - Eerke - 21 Stapleton Hall Road,N4 3QE - https://goo.gl/maps/HWMZKnDWieKkqSr46
Tube
Victorian terraced house - it is 8-10 minutes walk from Zone 2 transport hub (Finsbury Park - next stop is Arsenal). It has easy direct access to the Victoria Stn at the centre by Tube (Victorai line/ light blue line - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MkUSTXwepxuFF3Rn7 ) in 23 minutes
or to Victoria Stn by Blue line/Piccadilly line Tube - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGNWsuchfaKCfPLXA
Bus
There is also Finsbury Park Station (Stop C - Bus Stop - W3/W/210) - from where take bus 73 and Alight at Marble Arch Station / Park Lane (Stop 14). From Marble Arch, walk (~10 mins) to Victoria Station : Total time: 50–60 minutes
Airport
There is direct trains to Heathrow / Gatwick airports and also to Stansted airport /Luton airport with one change.
To Luton and Stansted there is also a coach option to Golders Green.
- 15:30 – 🏨 Check-in at accommodation.
- 16:00 – 🚶 Visit Notting Hill &
Portobello Market (Great for a relaxed walk & iconic sights. shuts down at 6pm)
- 18:00 – 🚶 Explore
Camden Market (Unique
shops, street food, & nightlife vibes - shuts down at 6pm. So can enjoy the vibes and the eateries around the Camden Lock after 6pm and not bother about shops. Would suggest ending the day at Camden).
- 19:30 – 🍽️ Dinner in
Soho or Camden
- 21:00 – 🌇 Visit Sky Garden (Pre-book free
ticket) OR London Outernet (Space Show, Free & Indoors)
- 22:30 – 🏡 Return to accommodation
Day
2: Saturday, September 27 Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds >Night Bus to Edinburgh from London
In order to enter the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge, it is necessary to purchase tickets. As it will be the start of the new academic year, this will be a very busy time. Age theke arrange korte hobe judi kono specific college dekhte Chai
https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-london/day-tours/oxford-traditional-cotswold-villages-day-tour?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Oxford University & Cotswolds & Windsor Castle - (Book with Rabbis Tour Co.)
07:00 – 🚆 Train from London to Oxford (~1 hour, ~£6-£15 with advance booking).
08:00 – 🚶 Meet Kitty Jethima & Novo, quick Oxford visit (Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church).
10:00 – 🚐 Join a Cotswolds small-group tour from Oxford (e.g., Cotswold Exploring / Go Cotswolds, ~£60-£80).
16:30 – 🚆 Train from Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon (~1 hour).
17:30 – 🚶 Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace (quick visit, optional entry ~£20).
19:00 – 🚆 Train from Stratford / Oxford to London (~2 hours).
Skipping Windsor Castle – It’s expensive (£30) and logistically difficult.
https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-london/day-tours/oxford-traditional-cotswold-villages-day-tour?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Day
3: Sunday, September 28 – Cardiff Tour & Bath Visit
| 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 at Borough Market...from there walk towards more London places and then walk over the Tower Bridge - 13:30 – 🏰 Tower of London (£29.90) & Tower Bridge....worth entering. It closes at 5.30 pm.
- 15:00 – 🚶 Houses of Parliament (Outside Only) & London Eye (Optional Ride : London Eye not worth a ride and can be seen from Westminster Bridge)
- 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
09:00 – 🚶 Walk along the Royal Mile, explore historic
streets.
09:30 – 🏰 Visit Edinburgh Castle (£19.50, ~1.5 hours).
11:00 – 🥃 Scotch Whisky Experience (optional tasting)
11:30 – 🌉 Walk down Princes Street (shopping &
views)
12:00 – 🌿 Visit Dean Village via Johnnie Walker
Building & Stockbridge
13:00 – ⛪ Explore St. Giles’ Cathedral & Greyfriars
Kirkyard
14:00 – 🎨 Visit the Scottish National Gallery (free,
~1 hour)
15:30 – ⛰️ Walk up Arthur’s Seat (optional) or visit Holyrood
Palace.
17:00 – 🛍️ Explore Grassmarket & Victoria Street
(Harry Potter inspiration)
19:00 – 🍽️ Dinner at a Scottish pub near Waverley
Station
21:00 – 🏡 Return to accommodation.
Optional Tour
If the walking tour ends before 2 pm, take a train to go to Glasgow (50 min by Train)
Day 6: October 1 – Day Tour of Scotland Tour : Explore Highlands, Glencoe, Loch Ness
Timberbush Tours: Departure Time: 8:00 AM Return Time: Approximately 8:30 PM Price: From £56.00
The three tours—Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands / St
Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife / and Rosslyn Chapel & the
Scottish Borders — cover different regions of Scotland, so there is minimal
overlap.
Rosslyn
Chapel kintu made famous by Dan Brown. It is very close to Edinburgh, most
likely taxi koreo jao jai. St Paul’s Ba Westminster Abby dekha pore kintu kichu impressive
lagbe na. Rosslyn
Chapel was built over a century after the destruction of the Templar Order
(jeta Dan Brown book ta connection dekhai)
Here’s how they compare:
|
Tour
|
Key Destinations
|
Region
|
Overlap
|
|
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
|
Loch Ness, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Great Glen, Highland
villages
|
Scottish Highlands – quite dramatic
|
No overlap with the other two
|
|
St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife
|
St Andrews, Anstruther, Falkland, East Neuk fishing
villages
|
Kingdom of Fife - highlights coastal fishing villages and historic St Andrews
|
No overlap with the other two
|
|
| | |
|
Conclusion: Each tour explores a distinct part of
Scotland:
Suggestion:
- If
you only have time for one, go for Loch Ness & Glencoe
for a classic Scottish experience.
- If
you have two days, add St Andrews & Fife for a contrast
between the Highlands and the coast.
Drop Isle of Skye is very far and a day trip won’t really allow you to see anything.
Go for Rabbie's Tours (rabbies.com) or Timberbush Tour (timberbush-tours.co.uk). Timberbush is slightly cheaper than Rabbies in all these tours.
Day
7: October 2 – Day Tour of Scotland Tour-
II : St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife > Manchester
- Timberbush Tours: Departure Time: 9:00 AM Return Time: Approximately 6:00 PM
- Price: From £53.00
- 22:00 – 04:00🚍 Overnight bus to Manchester by bus by National express from Edinburgh Bus Station
These buses are comfortable and equipped with amenities like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and charging points.
# Megabus - Megabus also offers budget-friendly overnight services
Day
8: Friday, October 3 : Manchester > York >Manchester
| Time | Activity | Duration | Notes
|
|---|
| 06:00 | 🚆 Train from Liverpool Lime Street to York | ~2 hrs | First train around 05:20-06:00 | | 08:00 | 🚶 Arrive in York, walk to York Minster | ~10 min | Quick refreshment stop if needed | | 08:15 | ⛪ Visit York Minster | ~1 hr | Entry: ~£11, explore stunning Gothic architecture | | 09:15 | 🚶 Explore The Shambles & Medieval York | ~45 min | Walk through historic streets, visit Shambles Market | | 10:00 | 🚶 Walk a section of York City Walls | ~45 min | Start near Bootham Bar for best views | | 10:45 | 🏛️ Visit York Castle Museum | ~1.5 hrs | Immersive exhibits on York’s history | | 12:15 | 🏰 Explore Clifford’s Tower | ~30 min | Climb up for panoramic city views | | 12:45 | 🍽️ Lunch at a Local Pub or Tea Room | ~1 hr | Try Betty’s Tea Room or The Golden Fleece | | 13:45 | 🚶 Relaxing Walk Along the River Ouse | ~1 hr | Enjoy the scenic riverfront | | 14:45 | 🚂 Visit the National Railway Museum | ~1.5 hrs | Free entry, see famous locomotives | | 16:15 | ☕ Final tea/coffee break & wrap-up | ~30 min | Optional based on time left | | 16:45 | 🚆 Train back to Manchester | ~2 hrs | Adjust timing based on preference | | 19:00 | 🏡 Arrive back in Manchester & Rest |
|
|
| | |
|
|---|
If possible visit the Railway Museum as well.
Day 9: Saturday, October 4 – Day Tour to Lake district from Macnhester
https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-manchester/day-tours/windermere-lake-district-1-day-tour
- 07:30 – 🚐 Full-day Lake District tour (Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere)(Rabbie’s, £50-£70)
- 17:00 – 🚆 Return to Manchester
https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-manchester/day-tours/windermere-lake-district-1-day-tour?utm_source=chatgpt.com
When planning a visit to the Lake District, selecting the right base can significantly enhance your experience. Ambleside and Keswick are two of the most recommended towns for visitors, each offering unique advantages.
Ambleside:
- Central Location: Situated at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside provides easy access to various parts of the Lake District.
- Transportation: Well-connected by bus services, making it convenient for travelers without a car.
Keswick:
- Scenic Beauty: Located near Derwentwater, Keswick is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, ideal for nature lovers
Both towns are excellent choices, but Ambleside slightly edges out due to its central location and accessibility, especially for first-time visitors.
Tour Options in the Lake District: The Lake District offers a variety of tours catering to different interests:
- Scenic Tours: Highlights: Explore multiple lakes, picturesque villages, and panoramic viewpoints e.g. "Ten Lakes Spectacular" by Mountain Goat Tours.
- Literary Tours: Highlights: Visit sites associated with literary figures like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter e.g. "Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside" by English Lakes Tours.
Value-for-Money Tour Companies:
- Mountain Goat Tours : Established in 1972; Competitive rates, with half-day tours starting around £29 and full-day tours around £45. Mountain Goat Tours is often highlighted for its affordability and quality service.
- English Lakes Tours: Slightly higher priced with half-day tours approximately £60.
## I’m saying they drop the Lake District. A day trip anyway doesn’t do it justice and Highlands is a bit of the same, esp. on a short trip.
23:59-0625 - Take a night bus from Machester Shudehill Interchange to London (Victoria) by Flix bus
The night buses are primarily operated by National Express and FlixBus.
For a comprehensive comparison of schedules, prices, and booking options, platforms like CheckMyBus can be useful.
Day 10: Sunday, October 5 – Canterbury Tour
Option 1: Self-Guided (By
Train)
05:00 – 🚆 Bus / Train from Liverpool to London xxxxx Station
06:00 – 🚆 Keep luggage at London Hotel
07:30 – 🚆 Train from London St.
Pancras → Canterbury West (~55 min)
08:30 – ☕ Breakfast in Canterbury
09:00 – ⛪ Visit Canterbury Cathedral (~1.5 hours, £17)
10:30 – 🚶 Explore the Canterbury Historic Riverfront
& Westgate Gardens
11:30 – 🏛️ Canterbury Roman Museum (optional, ~45
min)
12:30 – 🍽️ Lunch at a traditional pub (try The Old
Weavers or The Parrot)
13:30 – 🏰 Optional side trip: Train to Dover (30 min)
for Dover Castle & White Cliffs
17:00 – 🚆 Return to London (1 hour)
18:00 – 🏡 Arrive in London.
Option 2: 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.
Day
11: Monday, October 6 – Final Sightseeing in London
| 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 |
| 22:00 | Pinsbury | - Victoria Coach Station | |
| 23:59-01:45 |
| Victoria Coach Station-London Gatwick Airport. | |
Day
12: Tuesday, October 7 – Departure from London
- 09:00
– ✈️ Flight back home.
Budget Hotel – Premier Inn , Travelogue and
YMCA
Cheap Budget Tour operator –
1. Rabbie’s , Timberbush
rabbies.com / timberbush-tours.co.uk
- Value:
Known for knowledgeable guides and well-crafted itineraries, providing
excellent value for the price.
2. MacBackpackers:
- Overview:
Caters to the 18-39 age group, focusing on budget-friendly multi-day tours
with hostel accommodations.
- Pricing:
Tours average around (approximately £70) per day.
tourradar.com
3. Heart of Scotland Tours:
- Overview:
A smaller company offering intimate group sizes for a more personalized
touch.
- Pricing:
Competitive rates, with day tours typically starting around £50.
- Value:
Praised for engaging guides and comprehensive itineraries.
Recommendations: For
Budget-Conscious Travelers, Timberbush Tours offers some of the
most affordable day tours without compromising on quality.
