The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary to London & Edinburgh

You are going to love this 10-day itinerary for London and Edinburgh!

I planned it all myself for our family trip in June . . . no travel agent, just tons of research, lists, and Google Maps tabs open at all times. London instantly became my favorite city, and we managed to squeeze in a weekend in Edinburgh and a few amazing day trips, too.

Between me being a royal history buff, my husband loving pubs and beer, and our daughter wanting shopping and exploration, this itinerary truly covers it all – castles, museums, gardens, palaces, shopping, fish & chips, and even a proper pub crawl!

If you’re planning your own 10-day adventure in the UK and wondering how to fit it all in, this guide will help you maximize every day. It’s a full schedule, but totally doable – just don’t forget to pack comfy walking shoes (These Dr. Scholls Tennis Shoes from Amazon are my absolute favorite – I actually have two pairs!).

Start this 10 Day Itinerary in London as soon as your morning flight touches down in the UK! Store your bags at your hotel, make sure you Timeshifted with the app and get going!

Day 1 — Arrival in London

• Arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick and head to your hotel in Mayfair (e.g., JW Marriott Grosvenor Square).
• Walk through St. James’s Park and view Buckingham Palace.
• Catch the Horse Guards Parade and Changing of the Guard.
• Tour Westminster Abbey and explore Big Ben, Parliament Square, and 10 Downing Street.
• Finish the day with dinner and your first pint at a traditional London pub (e.g., St. Stephen’s Tavern).

Day 2 — Kensington & Museums

• Start with a walk through Hyde Park and a morning tour of Kensington Palace.
• Visit the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.
• Enjoy afternoon tea at The Kensington Hotel (themed experience).
• Head to The Shard for sunset views and a charcuterie board at Bar 31.

Day 3 — Day Trip to Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath

• Join a Golden Tours coach from London.
• Explore Windsor’s charming streets (castle access may vary).
• Visit the prehistoric wonder of Stonehenge.
• Tour the Roman Baths and historic city of Bath.
• Return to London in the evening.

Day 4 — South Bank & Tower of London

• Begin at the Tower of London (get there by 9am to avoid lines for Crown Jewels).
• Walk across Tower Bridge to Borough Market for lunch.
• Stroll past Southwark Cathedral, Tate Modern, and the Globe Theatre.
• Cross Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Optional drink at Sky Garden or visit Leadenhall Market.

Day 5 — Covent Garden & Pub Crawl

• Breakfast at Sketch in Mayfair (book ahead).
• Shop Covent Garden, explore Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials.
• Visit the British Museum or Charles Dickens Museum.
• Snap a photo at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross.
• Evening self-guided historic pub crawl: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Cittie of Yorke, The George Inn, and more.

Day 6 — Royal Ascot Day Trip

• Dress up for a full day at Royal Ascot (Queen Anne Enclosure recommended).
• Enjoy the royal carriage arrival, races, and dining.
• Return to London for a late dinner at your hotel or a nearby pub.

Day 7 — Arrive in Edinburgh

• Fly from London to Edinburgh in the morning.
• Check in near the Royal Mile (e.g., Radisson Blu or Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood).
• Tour Edinburgh Castle and visit the Scotch Whisky Experience.
• Walk the Royal Mile, visit St. Giles Cathedral, and browse shops.
• Dinner at The Dome; stop at Greyfriars Bobby for a drink and Harry Potter lore.

Day 8 — West Highlands Day Tour

• Take a full-day tour with Rabbie’s Tours.
• Stops include: Loch Lomond National Park, the village of Luss, Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle ruins, and Highland cow sightings.
• Return to Edinburgh for a quiet evening.

Day 9 — Holyrood, Arthur’s Seat & Dean Village

• Morning tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Queen’s Gallery.
• Lunch at Piemaker.
• Afternoon hike to Arthur’s Seat via Holyrood Park (optional ruins: St. Anthony’s Chapel).
• Evening stroll through Dean Village and Circus Lane.
• Dinner at Howie’s Waterloo; sunset at Calton Hill.

Day 10 — Return to London + Explore Neighborhoods

• Fly back to London in the morning. Check into and/or drop bags at London Heathrow Marriott Hotel.
• Stroll through Notting Hill and shop Portobello Road.
• Explore Camden Market and try international street food.
• Finish in Shoreditch & Brick Lane with street art, record shops, and a curry.
• Final quiet walk through Kew Gardens & Kew Palace.

Bonus: Day 11 — Fly Home

Depart from Heathrow or Gatwick.

Wrap-Up: The Trip of a Lifetime

Ten days, two iconic cities, and a hundred unforgettable moments. Planning this full 10 Day Itinerary on my own took time, but it was worth every spreadsheet and booking confirmation. From royal landmarks and ancient castles to cozy pubs and cobblestone alleys, London and Edinburgh completely lived up to, and surpassed, all of our expectations.

Whether you’re a royal history fan, a foodie, a museum lover, or just looking for the best mix of big city vibes and historic charm, this itinerary hits it all. I hope this guide helps you fall in love with these places just like we did.

If you’re looking for what to pack, my favorite travel staples, or how to plan the self-guided pub crawl route – I’ve got you covered! If you loved this getaway, browse more travel destinations here.

Want More Details, Packing Lists & Booking Tips for the Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary to the UK?

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