3-Week England, Scotland and Wales Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week England, Scotland And Wales itineraries

Compiled by

NadineEngland, Scotland and Wales travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day British Isles Itinerary, incl. London and Edinburgh

  

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  • Days 1-3

    London

    Your journey starts with three full days in London. Visit Westminster and Parliament before exploring the City financial district. Book the Thames Valley tour to Windsor Castle for the afternoon of Day 2 when traffic is lighter. You'll want comfortable shoes for the Soho evening walk since cobblestones get slippery in the rain. Day 3 is for museums. Get to the British Museum right when it opens at 10 AM to beat the crowds that build up by 11:30.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Northern England to Edinburgh

    Drive north through Cambridge (2 hours from London) and York (4 hours more). Visit York's Shambles streets before 10 AM to avoid the midday crowds. If you're up for climbing 325 steep steps Durham Cathedral's central tower rewards you with stunning views. At Alnwick Castle book the broomstick training session ahead if you're a Harry Potter fan.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Edinburgh & Scottish Highlands

    Take a city tour then spend a free day on the Royal Mile. A traveler wrote: "Walk down Victoria Street early morning before the shops open - it's the perfect time for photos without crowds." Head into the Highlands on Day 7 via Stirling Castle. Bring a jacket for the Kelpies photo stop it gets windy.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Scottish Highlands

    Take a boat ride on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle. The castle paths can be slippery so wear shoes with good grip. You'll learn all about Scotland's national drink at the whisky distillery tour. Travel to Glasgow the next day stopping for lunch in Inveraray.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Ireland

    Take the ferry to Belfast (winter crossings can be rough) before going to Dublin. Book the Book of Kells exhibition at Trinity College early to skip long lines. Travel to Cork through Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel which involves some uphill walking on uneven ground.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Western Ireland

    See Kinsale's harbor and ride a jaunting car in Killarney National Park. Visit the Cliffs of Moher in the morning for better visibility before afternoon mist. Explore Galway and Clonmacnoise's monastery ruins before returning to Dublin.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Wales & England

    Take the ferry to Wales (pack motion sickness medicine if needed). Visit Liverpool and Chester where you can walk the Roman walls early to avoid crowds. Spend the evening around Birmingham's lively canal area.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Southern England

    Travel through Shakespeare's Stratford and the Cotswolds to Bath. A recent visitor noted: "Bath's Roman Baths get extremely busy - book the first entry time at 9 AM." End your trip at Stonehenge (bring warm clothes for this exposed site) and Salisbury Cathedral before returning to London.

    

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• 18 Days in British Isles, incl. London and Edinburgh

  The grand tour showcases Wales' Cardiff Castle, England's Roman Bath ruins, and Scotland's Edinburgh Castle. Travelers cross Severn Bridge to Cardiff, wander Lake District National Park's UNESCO landscapes, and visit Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, staying at hotels like Jurys Inn Liverpool.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    London

    Start your journey in London exploring major landmarks. Visit Westminster Abbey right when it opens to avoid long wait times. The Tower of London is less crowded during afternoon tours.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Southern England & Wales

    Get to Stonehenge by 9 AM before the tour buses arrive. Visit the charming village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor in Dartmoor and stay overnight in Plymouth near the historic Barbican area. The next day takes you to Bath's Roman ruins before entering Wales. Want great photos? Head to Cardiff Castle's western wall during golden hour for the best city views.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Ireland

    Take the 4-hour morning ferry from Pembroke to Rosslare. Visit Tramore before exploring Cork and Blarney Castle. "The Blarney Stone queue can take 2+ hours midday - either go first thing or skip it and explore the gorgeous gardens instead." Use Killarney as your base to drive the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. If you get motion sickness, bring medication for the winding Slea Head route.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Dublin

    Stop at the Cliffs of Moher but bring a windproof jacket. Spend two nights in Dublin exploring the city. "Skip the long Temple Bar pub queues and head to The Cobblestone in Smithfield for authentic Irish music." Book your Guinness Storehouse tickets online to avoid waiting in line.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Northern England & Glasgow

    Morning ferries across the Irish Sea are usually calmer. Explore North Wales and Liverpool on your way to the Lake District. Get a seat on the right side of the bus for the best views. Stay in Glasgow's West End where you'll find excellent restaurants.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Scottish Highlands & Edinburgh

    Travel through Glen Coe to Fort William and along Loch Ness to Inverness. Pack warm layers even for summer visits. Plan 2-3 hours for Edinburgh Castle. "Book Edinburgh Military Tattoo tickets months ahead for August departures - they sell out fast."

    
  • Days 16-18

    York & Return to London

    Give yourself time to see York's stunning Minster and walk the medieval city walls. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon on your way back to London. Planning an early August trip? You'll catch the Edinburgh Festival but expect higher accommodation prices.

    

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• 19 Days in Britain and Ireland, incl. London and Edinburgh

  This 19-day British adventure showcases Edinburgh Castle, Roman Baths, and Cardiff's Principality Stadium. The package includes 18 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and comfortable 4-star accommodations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    London

    Start in London while adjusting to the time zone. Visit the Tower of London early at 9 AM to avoid crowds, then explore the City of London. A recent visitor shared: "The Tower Bridge area gets extremely busy by midday - do this early and save Westminster for afternoon when crowds thin out."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Stratford & York

    Take a 4-hour coach ride through Shakespeare country to York. Visit the medieval Shambles before 10 AM to beat crowds. Plan your York Minster visit in late afternoon to see sunlight filtering through the stained glass. Book accommodation inside the city walls for easy access to sites.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Edinburgh

    Drive through Northumberland to reach Edinburgh. Get your Edinburgh Castle tickets online before arriving to skip long peak-season lines. Walk the Royal Mile in early evening after day-trippers leave. A traveler notes: "The castle esplanade offers incredible city views at sunset, but bring a warm layer as Edinburgh evenings get chilly even in summer."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

    The 5-hour journey to Skye includes scenic stops. Pack waterproof clothes and good shoes. Have backup plans for rainy days when viewpoints are cloudy. Visit Eilean Donan Castle before 10 AM to avoid tour groups.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Glasgow to Dublin

    Take the 3-hour ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. Sit on the port side for the best views. Pick a hotel near Trinity College for easy walking access. Book Guinness Storehouse tickets for early morning visits.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Ireland West & South

    The Ring of Kerry takes 6-7 hours with stops. Start early before coach tours crowd the narrow roads. Stay in central Killarney since taxis are limited. Visit Blarney Castle right when it opens to avoid long waits for the stone.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Waterford to Cardiff

    Cross to Wales on a 4-hour ferry ride. Visit Cardiff Castle later in the day after tour groups leave. One visitor suggests: "The Cardiff Bay area restaurants get fully booked - make dinner reservations in advance."

    
  • Days 16-19

    Bath, Stonehenge & London

    Set aside 3 hours for the Stonehenge trip from Bath. Book the earliest entry time for the Roman Baths and see the main pool first. Use your final London day for shopping or missed attractions. Book high tea weeks ahead to secure a spot.

    

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