One-Week Tour of the United Kingdom

Tailored Itineraries

Private Group Tours

Luxury Vehicles

Our one-week tour itinerary of the United Kingdom strikes just the right balance between spending enough time to enjoy essential sites such as The Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle and ensuring you can comfortably travel between our wonderful cities and attractions without beginning to tire of being on the road with your private driver.

Our 7 Day private tour from London includes:

Days 1 & 2: London

Image of Big Ben and houses of parliament from across the Thames river.
London, England

We begin our one-week UK itinerary in London, our capital and a city that combines Royal flair with Victorian heritage. London is of course home to many of the iconic sites that have come to symbolize England and Great Britain, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Palace.

Indeed, deciding which London sites you wish to include on your 7-day itinerary is one of the hardest tasks of preparing your vacation plan. Our tour planners will consult with you to understand your exact tastes and requirements before we provide your final itinerary, however, some of the most famous locations that our guests have loved while touring London are:

Private Tour of Buckingham Palace

Outside the gates of Buckingham palace on a tour.
Buckingham Palace, London

The focal point of national celebrations and State occasions in the UK, Buckingham Palace is the most important of the Queen’s Royal residences. If you reserve your skip-the-line tickets with us during the 10 weeks of the year that the Palace is open for guided tours then you can step inside to explore:

  • The Throne Room
  • Ballroom
  • Music Room
  • White Drawing Room
  • Grand Staircase
  • Treasures of the Palace
  • Changing of the guard ceremony

Tower of London

 A ‘must-see’ on any UK tour, the Tower of London resembles a medieval castle rather than a tower, and with a history stretching back to the 11th century, your guided tour provides a chronicle of England through the centuries, as marked by The Towers functions as a  Royal Palace, defensive Castle, Royal Mint, army barracks, and prison respectively.

A private guide of the Tower of London will enable you to visit:

  • The Crown Jewels
  • The Tower Ravens
  • Armory
  • Prison and execution rooms
  • Tower Exhibitions

 

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London
Tower Bridge in London

The most distinctive and visually impressive bridge in London, the Neo-Gothic architecture allied with the impressive sight of the two sections of the bridge raising and lowering to allow ships to cruise under the bridge along the Thames River make this an essential photo opportunity!

Guided tours of the Bridge are provided by the Queen’s Yeomen warders and allow you to visit the north and south towers, observation deck, and engine room

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

3 UNESCO World Heritage sites within 2-minute walking distance of each other, this should be an essential destination on any tour of London. 

These sites are a living history of the power structure, Royal Family, and governance in Britain, along with magnificent architecture and the imperious Big Ben Clocktower – which was nearly blown up in a foiled plot – but you will learn more about that on your private tour!

St Paul's Cathedral

dome of St Paul's Cathedral, London
St Paul's Cathedral, London

Designed in English Baroque style by acclaimed architect Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Alongside a guided tour of the art, architecture, and hidden histories of St Pauls you can climb the 528 steps to the top of the dome for a wonderful panoramic view of the city.

Tate Modern Gallery Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art. Spend time with your guide contemplating numerous works by Masters such as Pablo Picasso, Damian Hirst, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol to name but a few.

Our tour planning specialists will consult with you to choose your accommodation for the two nights we will spend in London. This can range from 5-star hotels in the center of London to boutique apartments in the chic Kensington & Chelsea area or anything else in between.

I booked 4 days in early May 2024, for me and my 3 sons, with Private Tours England as part of our trip to London, Kyri was our guide. We visited the Cotswold’s, various castles, Stonehenge, and other sites outside of London and couldn’t have asked for a better time or guide. Driving from London to the sites takes time but it never felt that way, we really enjoyed our travels with Keri, he was the best and when we return for another trip we’re definitely booking with Private Tours England and requesting Kyri. Highly recommend.

Day 3: Bath - Cotswolds - Stratford-Upon-Avon

Your driver guide will collect you from your London accommodation in the morning as you set off for Central SouthWest England. On today’s guided tour you will explore the city of Bath – wholly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its Ancient Roman heritage and gorgeous Georgian architecture.

You will take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside and stone-built cottages and cotton mills of the Cotswolds. Today’s tour will culminate in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare.

Bath

skyline of city of Bath and Roman style architecture.
Bath, England

In the center of Bath, your guide will take you to the magnificent Roman Baths – constructed between 60 – 70AD on the site of the only hot springs in the UK and perhaps the best preserved Roman Temple in Northern Europe.

Your private tour guide will take you to explore the four main sections of the baths: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman bathhouse and finds from Roman Bath.

Exploring the rest of the city will allow you to enjoy Bath Abbey – where Christians have worshiped for over a thousand years, and fans of Jane Austen will be interested to stop at the gallery dedicated to the author who lived here and set two of her novels partly in the city.

The Cotswolds

village houses in Cotswolds.
Cotswolds, England

The next step of your journey will be a relaxed drive through the dreamy villages of the Cotswolds officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. The thatched roof cottages, stately homes, and stone villages have a charm and soothing effect on guests who love this insight into idyllic rural life in England.

On your scenic drive, you may wish to stop and enjoy a lunch and explore points of interest such as Bibury which was labeled “The most beautiful village in England” by the poet William Morris and features a row of weaver’s cottages that date back to 1380. The riverside town of Bourton-on-the-water known affectionately as “The Venice of the Cotswolds” or Stow on the Wald is an ideal location to explore the boutique stores and typically quaint souvenir shops.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-avon, Shakespare, Cottage
Stratford-Upon-Avon, England

Discover the many surviving buildings and sights that would have been so familiar to Shakespeare throughout his life on your private tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon:

  • The house The Bard was born.
  • Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was christened and buried.
  • Stratford Grammar School attended by Shakespeare.
  • 16th century Tudor buildings including Anne Hathaway’s cottage and others of significance to the great playwright.

Your accommodation for the evening will be in Stratford-Upon-Avon. You have your choice between a luxurious hotel and spa, or you can choose a character property with handsome Georgian features.

Day 4: York

In the morning your driver-guide will collect you from your accommodation as you make the two-and-a-half-hour journey to the town of York which was founded back in 71 AD by the ancient Romans. The Duke of York would later be responsible for the State in America becoming known as New York after an English naval outfit sponsored by the Duke captured what was then called New Amsterdam in 1664.

York is famously home to some of the best preserved historical buildings in all of Europe, so your driver guide will have a busy day of activities planned for you as you seek to visit as many as possible, including:

York Minster

York Minster in North England
York Minster, England

The Gothic architecture on display alongside the Cathedral’s rich history which dates back to the 7th Century makes this an essential stop on your tour of York. For stunning panoramic views of the city, you can climb to the top of the tower, while the Undercroft museum section details York through the centuries beginning with its origin as a Roman fortress!

The City Walls

York is surrounded by ancient medieval defensive walls constructed by the Romans. Take the opportunity to walk on top of ancient Roman relics as you enjoy a guided walking tour of the city!

The Shambles

historic buildings in a street in York Old Town.
The Shambles, York

One of the narrowest streets in York, The Shambles is so popular with our guests because the storefronts have remained mostly unchanged for centuries. Certain to be a spot that will stand out amongst your vacation photos.

Mansion House

One of York’s great historic treasures, step back in time through 650 years of history at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, the most well-preserved guildhall in Europe.

Clifford’s Tower

The last intact part of York Castle, making your way up to the top is definitely worth it as the structure affords incredible scenic views looking out across the gorgeous city.

We will reserve your accommodation in York for your stay, but it is completely up to you if you would prefer a character property with Victorian or Georgian flavors, or an ultra-modern 5-star hotel and spa resort.

The day after our trip we realized one member of our party had lost their passport. I texted Calvin and he immediately went, found it, and then drove 2 hours into London to get it to us. This made it possible for us to complete our trip with only a slight delay and was completely above and beyond. Thank you!

Day 5: Newcastle - Edinburgh

2 bridges over the river tyne in newcastle
Newcastle, England

On day number five of our one-week UK itinerary, you will cross the border into Scotland as you make your way to Edinburgh, the capital of the North. Before arriving there though, your driver guide will take you past The Angel of the North, a huge 65×175 foot sculpture that marks your entry into Gateshead and Newcastle where you will enjoy a lunchtime stroll and walking tour of the city.

Newcastle is a town famous for its industrial past, immediately recognizable “Geordie” dialect, and is symbolic of a new wave of vibrancy and energy that has risen out of post-industrial town in England. Not to mention the famous Brown Ale that took its name from the town that you may wish to experience while we stop for lunch in a local bar or restaurant.

On your walking tour of the city, your guide will introduce you to highlights such as strolling along the banks of the River Tyne, being transported back to the 13th Century at Blackfriars Medieval Friary, and visiting the Norman fortress that is Newcastle castle.

Arrival in Edinburgh

city walking tour in edinburgh, scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland

The scenic journey from Newcastle into the heart of Scotland’s capital will take approximately two hours, so your late afternoon/evening tour of Edinburgh will be at a leisurely pace with a whisky tasting experience and then you will be taken below ground to the infamous Edinburgh Dungeon!

Scotch Whisky Experience

In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Scotch Whisky Experience opened in 1987 when the Scottish Whisky industry combined to fund this showcase celebrating the history and development of Scotch whisky.

Your tour features an interactive trip through the production of Scotch, a session exploring the regional variations in scent and flavor between the different Scotch regions, and of course a tasting experience within the walls of the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

Edinburgh Dungeon

The gruesome twosome Burke and Hare, infamous cannibal Sawney Bean, and The Witch of the Potterrow Port Agnes Finnie to name but a few, Edinburgh is a city with a dark and often bloody past and the Edinburgh Dungeon with its interactive live-action exhibitions is the most fun way to reveal this aspect of the city’s character.

 

Your accommodation for the evening will be in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the most picturesque area of the city, with centuries-old buildings lining the stone cobbled alleys.

Day 6: Iconic Edinburgh

Today you will find out why Edinburgh was voted the best city in the world in a 2022 TimeOut survey as we explore the iconic landmarks, gorgeous Medieval and Georgian architecture, and the most stunning vistas the city has to offer.

Arthur’s Seat

tour guide leading a group of people up arthurs seat in edinburgh
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Begin your Edinburgh city full-day tour with a trip to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, the peak of a group of hills formed by an extinct Volcano that provides the finest views across the city.

Edinburgh Castle

external view of edinburgh castle with fountain in focus in foreground
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

The most famous landmark in Edinburgh, discover the fascinating historical tales and stories of scandal and intrigue surrounding the many famous figures intrinsic to the history of the castle such as Mary Queen of Scots, the Child King James the 6th, Oliver Cromwell, and many more.

Exhibits on display here include the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain – the Honors of Scotland, and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy where rulers were crowned.

Holyrood Palace

The Queen’s Scottish Palace and official residence in Scotland, crowning the iconic Royal Mile thoroughfare which runs from the Castle to the Palace.

Exploring the best of Edinburgh’s Medieval Old Town & Georgian-inspired New Town

Including famous monuments to Greyfriars Bobby the Scottish Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave and the 200-foot high Walter Scott monument – decorated with 64 characters representing figures from his novels.

Mark was engaging so very knowledgeable and the most enjoyable person to be with He was attentive to our every need went above and beyond to insure that we were able to enjoy and experience every aspect of our itinerary. Mark is an exceptional guide and after one day we knew we had made a friend. Please know this that we wouldn’t have had the experience we did if it were not for Mark McQueen. Thank you for making it happen

Day 7: Day trip to Loch Lomond - Stirling - Transfer to Airport

Our one-week UK itinerary comes to a close in one of the most breathtaking spots of natural beauty in all of Britain as we visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and discover the monument to the Braveheart William Wallace before returning to Edinburgh for your flight home.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

boat sailing on Loch Lomond cruise
Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in the entirety of the UK by surface area, so we would highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience a boat cruise on the serene waters surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains of the Trossachs area of natural beauty.

The Trossachs Nature Walk

A relaxing way to see the park, a gentle trekking route is a sublime way to explore the various habitats in the area, forest, meadow wetlands, and the bonnie banks of the Loch. If you are wildlife spotting then look out for the wild otters, red deer, porpoises, squirrels, and a wide variety of bird species.

Visit Wallace monument

tour guide at the top of Wallace Monument in Stirling
Wallace Monument, Scotland

On your return journey to Edinburgh, we will stop at the Wallace Monument – a stunning historic structure that spikes up through the Stirling skyline like (quite fittingly) a sword. 

At the Wallace Monument, you will learn of the heroics and fascinating (albeit slightly gory) tales of the Guardian of Scotland: Sir William Wallace. You will see the two-handed sword believed to have actually belonged to Wallace and climb the 246 to the very top[ of the monument for incredible views over the Stirling skyline and Castle.

At the foot of the monument, you will rejoin your private driver for the day to make your way to the airport to conclude your 7-day UK tour.

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Request your Custom 7 day UK Itinerary

The above itinerary is just one route that we could suggest for your one-week UK vacation. If you have previously visited England and already seen the sights of London, or if you would like to find out how to include other cities or even Ireland or Wales into your plan, then contact our tour planning specialists and we will handcraft a complimentary tailored itinerary for you to be delivered to your email inbox.

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