10 Day Travel Itinerary UK: Explore the Best of England and Scotlan

Planning your first trip to the UK and wondering how to fit the best sights into just 10 days? This 10 day travel itinerary UK is perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore historic cities, world-famous landmarks, and stunning natural beauty across England and Scotland. We’ll guide you through each day and help you prepare—including how to apply for your UK ETA visa.

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Is 10 Days Enough to See the UK?

Yes! With a smart plan, 10 days is enough to visit the highlights of London, explore the charm of Edinburgh, and even enjoy a scenic day trip to Northumberland. This itinerary blends iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and local experiences into one unforgettable journey.

UK Itinerary: Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1–2: Welcome to London

• Arrive in London early morning
• Visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London & Tower Bridge
• Explore British Museum, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus
• Optional: Covent Garden, Portobello Market, Camden Market

Day 3: Day Trip to Cambridge

• Take a morning train to Cambridge (1h)
• Explore King’s College, the River Cam, and city centre
• Return to London in the evening

Day 4–5: More of London + Flight to Edinburgh

• Discover Hampstead Heath & Bathing Ponds or Little Venice
• Enjoy more museums, shopping, or hidden gems
• Evening flight to Edinburgh on Day 5

Day 6–7: Edinburgh & Day Trip to Northumberland

• Explore Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Victoria Street
• Visit Calton Hill, Dean Village, Scott Monument
• Day trip to Northumberland (Alnwick Castle, Holy Island)

Day 8–9: Discover More of Edinburgh

• Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens
• Relax at Portobello Beach
• Tour Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh University

Day 10: Return to London & Fly Home

• Take a scenic train ride from Edinburgh to London (approx. 4.5 hours)
• Fly out from London in the evening

Do I Need a Visa or ETA to Visit the UK?

If you’re not a UK or Irish citizen, you may need to apply for an Elektroniskt reseförordnande (ETA) before entering the UK—even for tourism. The ETA is quick and simple to obtain.

Apply for your ETA here: https://form.visaeta.uk/form/

Travel Tips for Your 10-Day UK Itinerary

• Use an Oyster Card or contactless card for public transport in London
• Take advantage of the UK’s rail system for fast travel between cities
• Pack for varied weather—UK weather can change quickly!
• Book popular attractions (like the London Eye or Edinburgh Castle) in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10 days enough to visit both London and Edinburgh?

Yes, with direct flights or trains, you can easily explore both cities and even fit in day trips.

Can I use one ETA for the whole trip?

Yes. One valid ETA covers all entries into the UK during its validity period.

Is it better to fly or take the train between London and Edinburgh?

The train offers beautiful scenery and city-centre to city-centre travel. Flights are faster but require airport transfers.

Do I need to book everything in advance?

Hotels, trains, and popular attractions should be booked in advance, especially in peak season (May–September).

How much should I budget for a 10-day UK trip?

It depends on your travel style, but mid-range travellers should budget around £1500–£2000 including accommodation, food, and transport.

Ready to Travel?

Your dream 10-day UK itinerary awaits! Don’t forget to apply for your ETA visa here before you go and enjoy everything the UK has to offer.