Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to York
Start by leaving Edinburgh and heading toward the coast along East Lothian. You'll pass through some nice scenery before reaching Berwick-upon-Tweed, where the old fortifications are worth a look. From there, continue south to Bamburgh Castle, which sits right on the Northumberland coast and has been there for over 1400 years. It's a solid day of driving, but by evening you'll reach York where you'll be staying for the next two nights.
Included Activities
- Admission to Bamburgh Castle
- Stop at Berwick-upon-Tweed fortifications
Landmarks/POIs Bamburgh Castle Berwick-upon-Tweed - Day 2
York
Today you get to choose what works for you. York has a lot of medieval history layered in - Roman stuff, Viking remains, Norman architecture - and you can walk the old walls or visit the chocolate museum if that interests you. Alternatively, there's a half-day guided tour heading into North York Moors National Park where you'll stop at Whitby (the fishing port that inspired Dracula) and Robin Hood's Bay with its harbor and history of smuggling. Either way, you're back in York by evening with time to yourself.
Optional Activities
- Chocolate Museum visit in York
- Viking museum visit in York
- Walking tour of York ancient walls
- Half-day excursion to North York Moors National Park with guide
- Visit to Whitby fishing port
- Visit to Robin Hood's Bay
- Lunch in Whitby
- Free time exploration in Robin Hood's Bay
Landmarks/POIs York Medieval City North York Moors National Park Whitby Robin Hood's Bay - Day 3
York to Keswick
After breakfast, head west into Yorkshire Dales National Park. The drive takes you through the Northern Dales where cattle trading was historically big business. As you move higher into the hills, the landscape gets more remote and dramatic before dropping down to Keswick. This is a scenic drive with plenty to take in, and you'll have the evening free to wander around Keswick once you arrive.
Included Activities
- Travel through Yorkshire Dales National Park
Landmarks/POIs Yorkshire Dales National Park Keswick - Day 4
Keswick
After eating, visit Castlerigg standing stones which date back roughly 5000 years and were likely used for ancient rituals. Then go to Ullswater and walk through the forest to see Aira Force waterfall. Kirkstone Pass comes next - it's narrow but the views are good - and brings you to Lake Windermere where you can either take a cruise or grab lunch overlooking the water and mountains. Stop at Hawkshead where Wordsworth went to school, then head through quiet lanes to Grasmere. There you'll see Dove Cottage (Wordsworth's home), find the famous gingerbread shop, and visit the Daffodil Garden before heading back to Keswick.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Castlerigg standing stones
- Forest walk to Aira Force waterfall at Ullswater
- Cruise on Lake Windermere (45 minutes)
- Free time in Hawkshead village
- Free time in Grasmere
Optional Activities
- Visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage in Grasmere
- Taste legendary gingerbread in Grasmere
- Visit Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by River Rothy in Grasmere
- Lunch at Lake Windermere
Landmarks/POIs Castlerigg Stone Circle Ullswater Aira Force Kirkstone Pass Lake Windermere Hawkshead Grasmere Dove Cottage, Grasmere - Day 5
Keswick to Edinburgh
Start climbing toward Hartside Pass which sits above 1900ft. On clear days you can see into Scotland and across to the Lake District from up there. Then follow the old sheep drovers' route that connected England and Scotland historically. Stop at Hadrian's Wall to walk around the Roman ruins and get a sense of how the Centurions lived here centuries ago. Continue along Dere Street (an ancient Roman road) and cross into Scotland, stopping at Jedburgh for a break near the abbey ruins. Before the final stretch to Edinburgh, visit Scott's View which overlooks the River Tweed and Cheviot Hills. You'll arrive back in Edinburgh by evening.
Included Activities
- Entrance to Vindolanda Roman Army Museum
- Stop and exploration at Hadrian's Wall
- Visit Jedburgh Abbey ruins
- Stop at Scott's View
Landmarks/POIs Hartside Pass Hadrian's Wall Vindolanda Roman Army Museum Dere Street Jedburgh Jedburgh Abbey Scott's View River Tweed Cheviot Hills
