7 Days United Kingdom Itinerary
This 7-day UK itinerary balances iconic sights with local experiences. It starts in London, exploring historical landmarks and cultural attractions, before traveling to Edinburgh to discover Scottish history and charm. The itinerary provides a mix of structured activities and free time to explore at your own pace, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
May-September
Activities
39
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
United Kingdom (3d), Edinburgh (4d)
Pace
Fast
The United Kingdom offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From iconic landmarks in London to the rugged landscapes of Scotland, there's something to captivate every traveler. Its vibrant cities and charming villages provide a diverse and unforgettable experience.
Your itinerary covers 12 of 13 must-have experiences
A Royal Palace
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
A Historic Castle
Day 1: Tower of London
A World-Class Museum
Day 2: British Museum
A Traditional Pub
Day 1: Dinner at a Traditional Pub
A Scenic Hike
Day 5: Calton Hill
A Bustling Market
Day 1: Lunch at Borough Market
Afternoon Tea
e.g., The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason
A Ghost Tour
Day 3: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Live Scottish Music
Day 5: Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Harry Potter Experience
Day 3: Travel to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
A Cathedral
Day 1: Westminster Abbey
River Thames Experience
Day 1: Tower Bridge Exhibition
A Famous Park
Day 3: Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
British cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors, from hearty traditional dishes to modern culinary creations. Embrace the pub culture and explore local markets to truly experience the UK's food scene. Be prepared for substantial portions and a focus on savory flavors.
Must-Try Dishes
Deep-fried battered fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut fried potatoes. A quintessential British meal, best enjoyed with salt, vinegar, and mushy peas.
📍 Any pub or dedicated fish and chip shop ('chippy')
A hearty breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding. Perfect for starting the day with a filling and flavorful meal.
📍 Cafes, pubs, and hotels
Roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, chicken, or pork) served with roasted potatoes, vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, and broccoli), Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. A traditional Sunday lunch.
📍 Pubs and restaurants on Sundays
A ground meat pie (usually lamb) topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. A comforting and savory dish.
📍 Pubs and restaurants
Food Neighborhoods
known for its vibrant Bangladeshi curry houses
known for its diverse range of artisan foods and street food vendors
known for fresh seafood and Cornish pasties
known for Scottish cuisine, including haggis and seafood
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus. Halal options are prevalent in areas with significant Muslim populations. Always inform your server about any allergies or dietary requirements.
Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15% for good service). It's polite to say 'please' and 'thank you' when ordering. In pubs, it's common to order and pay at the bar. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The FringeWorld's largest arts festival with thousands of shows across comedy, theatre, and music.
Note: Book accommodation 2+ months ahead
Notting Hill Carnival
Europe's largest street carnival celebrating Caribbean culture with music and costumes.
Note: Book accommodation in advance
Wimbledon
The Championships, WimbledonThe world's most prestigious tennis tournament on grass courts.
Note: Enter ballot months ahead or queue on the day
Hogmanay
Scotland's legendary New Year celebration with street parties and fireworks.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in South Kensington, take the tube (Piccadilly Line) to Green Park station. Walk to Buckingham Palace.FREE
9:00 AM - Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
Visit Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen. Arrive early (around 8:45 AM) to secure a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Check the schedule online beforehand as it doesn't happen every day. Afterwards, stroll through St. James's Park.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey (approx. 10 minutes).$30
11:00 AM - Westminster Abbey
Explore Westminster Abbey, a magnificent Gothic church with a rich history. Pre-book tickets online to avoid queues. Allow at least 2 hours to fully appreciate its grandeur.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the tube (District or Circle Line) from Westminster station to Monument station. Walk to Borough Market.$15
1:30 PM - Lunch at Borough Market
Head to Borough Market for a diverse selection of street food. Try a traditional British pie or a gourmet sandwich. It's a great place to experience London's food scene.
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- 🚶Walk from Borough Market to London Bridge station. Take the tube (Jubilee Line) to Tower Hill station. Walk to the Tower of London.$35
3:00 PM - Tower of London
Visit the historic Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels. Take a tour with a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) for fascinating stories. Allow at least 3 hours.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Tower of London to the Tower Bridge Exhibition (approx. 5 minutes).$15
6:30 PM - Tower Bridge Exhibition
Walk across Tower Bridge and visit the exhibition inside to learn about its history and engineering. Enjoy panoramic views of London from the walkways.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the tube (District or Circle Line) from Tower Hill station to a station near your chosen pub.$20
8:00 PM - Dinner at a Traditional Pub
Enjoy a classic pub meal at The Churchill Arms (119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN), known for its flower displays and Thai food, or The Grenadier (18 Wilton Row, London SW1X 7NR) for a traditional pub experience.
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South Kensington
Excellent transport links, museums, and restaurants.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May-September. The weather is milder and there are more daylight hours for sightseeing.
The weather in the UK during this period is generally mild, with average highs around 20°C. Rainfall is possible at any time of year, so packing layers and waterproof clothing is recommended.
May-September is the peak tourist season in the UK due to the warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Bank holidays in May and August can affect opening hours and transport schedules. Check in advance.
Getting Around
Excellent rail and bus networks; London Underground is iconic
Oyster Card / Contactless payment
Use contactless or Oyster for London transport. Get a Railcard for train discounts.
Travel
$150-250 (including train ticket between cities)Accommodation
$350-700 (budget-friendly hotels or hostels)Food
$140-280Activities
$60-170Utilize London's many free world-class museums and galleries (e.g., British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern). Also, grab 'meal deals' from supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's) for affordable lunches.
Attend a West End show in London or enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at a grand hotel for a quintessential British experience.
Explore local markets (e.g., Borough Market for food, Portobello Road for antiques) for unique finds and often better value than tourist traps. Don't be shy to visit a Wetherspoons pub for surprisingly affordable food and drinks.
For London transport, use an Oyster card or contactless bank card to benefit from daily fare caps, making travel cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Consider a scenic train journey through the Scottish Highlands or a guided tour to unique historical sites like Stonehenge and Bath for an unforgettable experience.
Many pubs offer lunch specials or 'pub grub' which can be a delicious and more budget-friendly dining option than full-service restaurants.
- Purchase an Oyster card in London for easy and affordable travel on the Underground (Tube).
- Book train tickets between London and Edinburgh in advance for the best prices.
- Take advantage of free museums and galleries in both cities.
- Pack for all types of weather, as the UK can be unpredictable.
- Try local cuisine, such as fish and chips, haggis, and afternoon tea.
- Learn a few basic British phrases, such as 'cheers' and 'queue'.
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card for easy access to data and calls.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Waterproof jacket
- 3Layers of clothing
- 4Umbrella
- 5Travel adapter
- 6Reusable water bottle
- 7Small backpack
- 8Camera
- 9First-aid kit
- 10Copies of important documents
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season (summer, holidays), 1-3 months for off-peak.
Popular Attractions & Shows
Book 1-3 months ahead for timed entry (e.g., Tower of London, Warner Bros Studio Tour, West End shows) to guarantee spots and save time.
Advance Train Tickets
Purchase 'Advance' fares as soon as booking opens (typically 12 weeks out) for significant savings on inter-city travel.
Car Rental
Book 2-3 months ahead, especially if you require an automatic transmission or are traveling during peak times.
Visa Requirements
Check well in advance of travel if your nationality requires a visa for entry to the UK.
eSIM / Physical SIM
Purchase or order before departure or upon arrival to ensure immediate connectivity.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Obtain one before departure if your national driving license requires it to be valid in the UK.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 EE stores, airports, and some convenience stores
📍 Vodafone stores, airports, and some convenience stores
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pickup at the airport
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public areas, particularly in cities. However, the speed and reliability can vary.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a SIM card upon arrival for reliable data access. Check the coverage maps of different providers before choosing a SIM. Download offline maps for areas with potentially limited connectivity. Be aware of roaming charges if using your home country's SIM.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Three rectangular pins (UK style)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10–15% if no service charge; check the bill
Round up or 10%
£1–2 per bag for porters
Check if service is included. If not, 10–15% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
The UK is generally a safe country for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
999
999
999
999 or 112 for all emergencies. 111 for non-emergency medical.
Payments
Cash declining — many places are card-only
Universally accepted
Ubiquitous — tap payment is the norm
Contactless payment is king. Many places no longer accept cash.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is between May and September for milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, this is also peak season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Shoulder seasons (April and October) can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
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