If you’re enamored by Scottish history and architecture, you’ll absolutely love this day tour, which leaves from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. It takes approximately six hours, with visits to the famous Rosslyn Chapel, central to the Da Vinci Code’s story, as well as Melrose Abbey.
The tour departs from the city center early in the morning, with the first stop being the magnificent Scott’s View. This stunning vantage point overlooks the Eildon Hills, Tweed Valley and ancient Roman ruins. A short drive later, you’ll be in Melrose, an ancient settlement on the banks of the River Tweed. One of the highlights of the stop is the opportunity to explore the 12th-Century abbey, which has ties to the Knights Templar.
Setting off from Melrose, a further 45-minute drive will take you to Rosslyn Chapel. This Catholic chapel was constructed in the 15th Century. It’s said to have ties to the Knights Templar, as well as the Holy Grail and Freemasonry. Be sure to look closely when you’re exploring the chapel – you might just recognize a few things from The Da Vinci Code movie. The return leg back to Edinburgh takes you through some incredible Scottish landscapes.
5. Day Trip from London to Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury
London is perfect for taking a whole range of day trips, but one of the most interesting is undoubtedly the one that takes you to stops such as Leeds Castle, the white cliffs of Dover and the religiously-significant city of Canterbury. Along the way, you’ll see some of England’s most important historic sites, as well as some of its most beautiful scenery.
You’ll begin the day in London by boarding a private coach to Leeds Castle. The tour offers a running commentary as you travel, so you’ll get to learn about the amazing spots you’ll see along the way. Out of the window, you’ll be able to see views of Greenwich and the 18th-Century Royal Observatory. On your approach to Kent, Leeds Castle will come into view. Be sure to take a good look round when you stop – there’s an intact moat, incredible textiles and furnishings in the private rooms, and beautifully-manicured gardens.
Next up on the itinerary is Canterbury, which has been a religious hub for more than a millennium. During the day trip, you’ll be able to take a private guided tour of the cathedral, which was first erected in the 6th Century. A further short drive along the coast will take you to the beautiful white cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to France across the Strait of Dover. Another highlight of this day tour is a visit to the Battle of Britain memorial, which you’ll visit before heading back to London through the picturesque Kentish scenery.
4. Scottish Castles Day Trip from Edinburgh
If you enjoy movies, beautiful scenery or photography, then this day tour, which leaves from Edinburgh, is the one for you. The first part of the journey involves a drive through the Scottish Lowlands to Stirling Castle, where none other than Mary Queen of Scots was born. This castle was also stormed by William Wallace during the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The tour will also take you to Doune Castle, which appeared in scenes from Monty Python, The Holy Grail and the Outlanders television series.
You’ll also enjoy some spectacular scenery on the way to your next stop while learning about the history of the area, together with tales about Scottish myths and legends. Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle are two of the highlights along the way.
As you arrive on the shores of Lake Fyne, Inveraray Castle will come into view, where you’ll have the option of taking a seasonal tour, or exploring the grounds by yourself. The last few hours of the tour will take you to some of the best vantage points in all of Scotland, with views over Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.
3. Day Trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
Some of the most beautiful locations in Scotland can be discovered on this tour, which also departs from Edinburgh. At the start, you’ll depart for Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands. There is plenty to see on the journey, with landmarks such as Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument and Linlithgow Palace being located along the way. Glencoe is famous for its fantastic hiking trails, as well as its appearances in Hollywood movie franchises such as Harry Potter and James Bond.
This tour will also allow you to discover Fort William, which is located at the bases of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in all of the United Kingdom. The world-famous Loch Ness comes up next and, weather permitting, you can take a boat tour on the loch.
After you’ve explored the Loch Ness Monster’s so-called home, you’ll continue through Cairngorms National Park, taking in views of Craig Meagaidh and Loch Laggan. The day ends at Pitlochry, which is a charming Victorian town, prior to returning to Edinburgh.
2. Day Trip from London to Oxford, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle
The home of the world’s most famous playwright, the oldest university in the English-speaking world and an incredible castle can all be enjoyed on this tour. First stop is Oxford, a city that’s also referred to as the City of Dreaming Spires. One of the highlights is, of course, Oxford University, where many of the smartest people in English history lived, worked and studied.
Next, you’ll drive through the stunning Cotswolds and take in some of the most beautiful scenery in all of the United Kingdom. Before you know it, Stratford-upon-Avon will appear. The wonderful market town has streets lined with thatched-roof homes just like the one William Shakespeare lived in. You can choose whether to enjoy a traditional lunch in a thatched-roof café, or take a stroll through the town at this point.
Last but not least is a stop at Warwick Castle. This magnificent fortress was originally fashioned out of wood, but it was rebuilt in stone during the 12th Century. An added bonus is that the castle is completely open to the public, so you can explore it on your own terms. This includes climbing towers and turrets, as well as the castle’s dungeons!
1. Day Trip from London to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath
How does visiting Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath in a single day sound? If it sounds great, then this tour is the one for you. At the start of the tour, you’ll head off on a one-hour drive to Windsor Castle, where British royals have resided for more than 1,000 years. You’ll also have a chance to see the interior. Other highlights include St. George’s Chapel and the luxurious State Apartments.
The landscape of the county Wiltshire can be enjoyed on the way to your next stop, which is the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. The enormous prehistoric monoliths, arranged in a circular shape, have significant religious, cultural and historical significance, representing an iconic part of British heritage.
Bath is a famous spa town that has both Roman and Georgian roots, and you’ll be able to see various important cultural sites on the last stop of this tour. The impressive Bath Abbey and the Roman baths themselves are particularly special, as is the scenic Pulteney Bridge.
