united kingdom self drive tours

Self-Drive Holidays in England

Discover rich history, picturesque villages & peaceful countryside.

Featuring majestic hills and shimmering lakes, glorious green landscapes and breathtaking beaches – a holiday in England can offer wonderful diversity. Roam the cobbled streets of picturesque villages and discover inspiring cities with splendid architecture. Or explore the peaceful countryside and magnificent coastline in this ancient land dotted with historic gems.

The holiday suggestions on our website are examples of the amazing trips we can offer , which are created uniquely for you by our award-winning specialists. Think of the itineraries below as inspiration for your specialised tailor-made escape. These can be customised to suit your preferences and individual requirements.

Our packages include hand-picked accommodation, a personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team. Discover the highlights of England at your own pace.

Great British Road Trip

Devon & cornwall road trip, highlights of south west england, highlights of england, from london to the scottish highlands, historic borders of scotland & england, classic yorkshire: whitby, york & the dales, quintessential english honeymoon, hadrian’s wall & northumberland, classic england: oxford & the cotswolds, highlights of the lake district, cornwall coastal honeymoon, discover cornwall’s classic coastline, lake district honeymoon, lake district, yorkshire & hadrian’s wall, devon explorer: exmoor, dartmoor & the coast, south of england road trip, east of england: cambridge, norfolk & suffolk, london & the heart of england, the best of london.

From £3230pp

• The breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye
• Discover picture-postcard English villages in The Cotswolds
• Explore endless attractions in the vibrant capital cities of London and Edinburgh

From £1440pp

• Discover Tintagel Castle - the reputed birthplace of King Arthur
• Explore quaint fishing villages and breathtaking beaches
• Spend time in the delightful artists’ town of St Ives

From £1750pp

• Visit quaint fishing villages and breathtaking beaches along one of Europe’s loveliest coastlines
• Explore the delightful artists’ town of St Ives in Cornwall
• Dorset’s awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 185 million years

From £2150pp

• Endless attractions in London, England’s energetic capital city
• The city of York, with its fascinating Roman and Viking history
• Explore the stunning Lake District National Park

From £2710pp

• The spectacular scenery of the Lake District National Park
• Discover Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & Holyrood Palace
• The magical Isle of Skye and the Cuillin Mountains

From £1080pp

• Discover medieval castles and abbeys in the Scottish Borders
• The wild and tranquil scenery of Northumberland National Park
• Dramatic castles and golden beaches on the sparkling Northumberland coast

From £1050pp

• Walking paradise in the Yorkshire Dales
• History and heritage, castles and steam trains

From £1590pp

• Oxford, home to the ‘dreaming spires’ of world-renowned Oxford University
• The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Roman-built baths and stunning architecture in the ancient city of Bath

From £940pp

• Unearth ancient Roman history along the Hadrian’s Wall
• Dramatic castles and golden beaches on the exquisite Northumberland coast
• Wild and unspoilt scenery in the Northumberland National Park

From £835pp

• Explore mountain country and England’s highest peak - Scafell Pike
• Discover charming villages and delightful market towns
• Boat trips on England’s famous Lake Windermere

From £1185pp

• Explore picture-postcard Cornish fishing villages with delightful harbours and cosy pubs
• Discover the delightful artists’ town of St Ives
• Feel the sea breeze and relax on Cornwall’s world-class beaches

From £1560pp

• Hadrian's Wall and surrounding ancient forts
• The stunning Lake District National Park

• Feel the sea breeze on some of England’s most beautiful beaches, including Woolacombe and Saunton Sands
• Discover Exmoor National Park - famous for its rugged coastline, sweeping moors and iconic Exmoor ponies
• Wander through magical fishing villages and historic harbour towns along Devon’s coastline

From £1480pp

• Visit the medieval cities of Oxford and Canterbury
• Discover the magnificent south coast, including the White Cliffs of Dover
• Explore the rolling countryside, picturesque villages and vineyards of England’s sunniest region

From £1420pp

• Discover the delightful city of Cambridge with its beautiful 13th-century university
• Visit unspoilt beaches and nature reserves on the Norfolk coast
• Travel back in time at awe-inspiring historic sites such as Sutton Hoo and Framlingham Castle

From £2235pp

• The Cotswolds - explore chocolate-box villages in the heart of England
• Endless attractions in England’s energetic capital city of London

From £885pp

• Discover historic attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey
• Wander the banks of the winding River Thames
• Eat and drink at world-class pubs, bars and restaurants

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Self-drive Tours in the UK

Experience the best of England, Scotland and Wales on these UK self-drive tours. Stay in towns and cities brimming with old-world charm and enjoy soaking up the sights along the way. Plus, you’ll have opportunities for afternoon tea, countryside strolls and pub visits. Your dedicated, local travel consultant will arrange your trip, which includes accommodation, car rental and 24/7 support.

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Classic Britain

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About British Self-drive Tours

Take the wheel on these carefully curated road trips and you’ll soon be making lifelong memories as you discover the UK. Explore ancient heritage sites, vibrant cities and stunning national parks on your getaway, with help from a UK-based travel consultant who will arrange it all for you.

When you book a driving tour of the UK with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:

• An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted local company • A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your trip • A detailed personal itinerary and hand-marked route map • Car rental with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 phone support during your travels for peace of mind

To begin your trip with Nordic Visitor, follow these simple steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor package 2. Confirm (or customise) your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why Book With Us

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Since 2002, Nordic Visitor has been crafting unforgettable trips in Northern Europe. As experienced British tour operators, you can be sure that we have carefully chosen every accommodation, route and attraction. Plus, your personal UK-based expert will have plenty of local knowledge to share with you.

Car insurance included

Your self-drive tour includes a rental car with our tried-and-tested partner. You also get Collision Damage Waiver insurance and unlimited mileage as standard. So with Nordic Visitor, you can take the wheel with confidence. Plus, you have the freedom to pick the type of rental car you want.

Great reviews

Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

You are in good hands

Embrace your independence on a self-drive tour, where assistance is just a call away. If something unexpected crops up during your trip, contact a travel consultant on our 24/7 helpline. Whether it's an unforeseen event or weather issue, we will update your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Handpicked hotels

Sleep soundly knowing that we have handpicked every hotel, guesthouse and B&B for its character and high standards of comfort and cleanliness. You’ll also find that each place you stay has easy access to parking and is in a convenient location for sightseeing. And, of course, you’ll get a warm welcome.

Flexible tour options

These self-drive tours are designed by our local travel experts, incorporating the best destinations and routes so you’ll get the most out of your time in the UK. And you can amend your itinerary online by adding optional activities or extra nights, and treat yourself by upgrading from Comfort Plus to Superior accommodation.

Reviews for UK Road Trips

These UK self-drive tours are brand new, but you can read feedback from our customers about their road trips in Scotland.

Laura United States

AMAZING. We stayed in hotels we probably would not have booked on our own and the host were fabulous and told us that... read more

AMAZING. We stayed in hotels we probably would not have booked on our own and the host were fabulous and told us that Annie was a pleasure to work with when booking our stay. All the hotels knew who we were and expected us. When our ferry got cancelled Annie made sure to call the hotel and notify us of a change of plans and gave us a very detailed route and got in contact with our next hotel to notify them that we would be late. We were very impressed!

Linda United States

We had a very successful trip and I attribute a lot of this to the preparations put into place by Nordic. It was nice... read more

We had a very successful trip and I attribute a lot of this to the preparations put into place by Nordic. It was nice to know everything was laid out for us and a map highlighted with our trip and hotels marked was a great thing to have.  Also, the suggestions of things we might like to see was great!! Once again, thanks for a great trip!

Highlights of Your UK Driving Tour

Get ready to discover the best of England, Scotland and Wales on a UK road trip. Embrace the freedom to travel at your own pace and soon you could…

• Visit the top attractions in and around London such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
• Meander the Georgian streets of Bath , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and old Roman spa town
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Lake District , much loved by famous poet William Wordsworth
• Admire the view from York ’s medieval walls and check out the city’s countless pubs and lively markets
• Look for Harry Potter filming locations in historic Edinburgh and the renowned university city of Oxford
• Venture to places like Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands for rugged peaks and heather-clad valleys
• Uncover Scottish history and folklore at iconic spots, including Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness
• Delve into Welsh heritage at Conwy Castle and spend time in the charming seaside town of Llandudno
• Soak up stunning scenery in British national parks, like the Peak District , Trossachs and Snowdonia (Eryri)

Advice For Your UK Road Trip

Read these handy travel guides to prepare for your self-drive tour.

Driving in the United Kingdom

Prepare to hit the road

Time & Daylight

When can you expect sunrises and sunsets?

Climate & Weather

What to expect from the weather on your UK tour

Health & Safety

How to find pharmacies, medical help and emergency assistance

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-drive UK Tour Packages

You might like to know more before booking your British self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor. Here we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about visiting the UK and travelling with us.

What’s more, choose Nordic Visitor and you can Book With Confidence , safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. If you want to learn more about our processes and payment details, check out these booking terms and FAQs .

1. Can you drive around the UK?

Yes! Thanks to an extensive road network, you’ll find that driving is one of the most convenient ways to explore the UK. Hire a car and you’ll be able to travel around the UK at your own pace, stopping whenever you like along the way.

Depending on where you’re going in the UK, you can expect different types of roads. Most major cities within the UK are connected by motorways or dual carriageways, which are often the quickest way to get from A to B. That said, you’ll usually enjoy a more picturesque journey by getting off these major routes.

When you book with Nordic Visitor, you can leave the route planning to us. Our local experts know the best roads to take around the country for both scenery and ease. You’ll even get a personalised road map that’s hand-marked with the recommended driving route for your trip.

For helpful information on driving in the UK, read our blog filled with travel tips from a local expert.  For more inspiration, check out these best road trips in Europe .

2. What side of the road do drivers use in the UK?

You drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK. This means your rental car will be right-hand drive and you’ll change gears with your left hand.

While many locals drive manual (stick shift) cars, you’ll find that rental companies offer automatic vehicles as well. In fact, if it’s your first time driving on the left-hand side – or if you feel more comfortable driving an automatic – we recommend this.

3. How long does it take to drive across the UK?

At its widest point, the UK is around 300 miles (500 kilometres) across. And it’s around 600 miles (1,000 kilometres) long. But you won’t necessarily be driving to all corners of the country, so it depends where exactly you plan on visiting.

While you can drive along motorways to arrive at your next destination more quickly, we suggest that you follow a more meandering route away from these major highways. This way, you’ll get to enjoy scenic views as you journey through the beautiful British countryside. Of course, this means the duration of your trip depends on what you’d like to see and do in the UK.

4. How many days do I need for my road trip?

For a driving tour of England and Scotland, with the chance to see Wales as well, you’ll need at least 7 days. This will give you time to take in some of the top highlights in a short space of time. We do suggest that you stay longer than this, if you can, to have more free days to explore.

With 10 days, you could spend more time at key stops along the way. And with even longer, such as 2-3 weeks, you could delve more deeply into the local culture, enjoy travelling at a leisurely pace, and venture to more destinations and attractions.

Nordic Visitor’s UK travel experts have used their local knowledge to curate a range of itineraries, with various stops and durations. So you can pick the tour package that suits your interests and preferred pace. You can also add extra nights to extend your road trip.

5. Where are the best places to go for a British road trip?

Despite its relatively small size, you’ll find the UK is brimming with variety. So if you want to explore the best highlights, don’t limit yourself to just one region or country.

With so many distinct landscapes, towns and cities to discover, you’ll want to tour around to make the most of your time here. And you don’t need to travel far to do so!

With a rich cultural heritage going back further than Neolithic times, you can visit historic sites through the ages. For instance, you could admire the view from York’s medieval city walls and stroll past elegant Georgian townhouses in Bath and Edinburgh. You’ll also uncover places where the Romans and Vikings left their mark.

You can also add some  top literary sites to your UK tour to see where famous authors got their inspiration from. 

The UK’s natural scenery is just as diverse. Venture to Scotland’s west coast and you’ll glimpse sparkling lakes and rugged mountains. Meanwhile, head to the English midlands for gorgeous countryside dotted with pretty market towns.  Then, be sure to venture north to visit the stunning Lake District, historic Northumberland and post-card perfect Yorkshire. For more inspiration, read these  top things to see and do in Northern England .

Here’s a round-up of the top places for you to check out on your UK trip :

Must-see cities: • London • Oxford • Bath • York • Edinburgh

Charming small towns: • Ambleside • Bakewell • Portree • Llandudno • Prestatyn

Beautiful national parks: • Lake District • Peak District • Yorkshire Dales • Trossachs • Snowdonia (Eryri)

Other top spots you won’t want to miss: • Stonehenge • Hadrian's Wall • Loch Ness • Isle of Skye • Portmeirion village

If you’re thinking about combining your British escape with an Irish self-drive tour , get inspired by these top spots and the best road trips in Ireland .

6. When is the best time to visit?

You can have an unforgettable British getaway at any time of year. But visit between April and October, and you’ll benefit from longer daylight hours and warmer weather compared to the winter. Plus, while some attractions are open year-round, you’ll find that others will close during the winter months.

So for the best sightseeing experience, we recommend travelling in spring, summer or autumn. Just pick the season that most appeals to you.

Spring – April to May – is often the driest time of year in the UK. But, don’t let this be the main reason you choose to visit in spring, as the weather can be changeable all year. Instead, come for the quieter attractions and blooming flowers.

Summer – June, July and August – is the most popular season for exploring the UK by car. This is because the days are long and temperatures tend to be warm. It’s also the school holidays during this time, so it’s peak time for family trips in the UK.

In British towns and cities, summer brings a vibrant atmosphere and outdoor festivals showcasing food, music and art. Meanwhile, the countryside and coastline come alive with visitors and locals, soaking up nature in the better weather.

Autumn – late September to October – is similar to spring, in that there tends to be fewer visitors around. And as the temperature drops, you’ll see forests turning from green to vibrant shades of yellow and orange.

To find out more about the seasons, read this blog on the best time to visit the UK .

7. How do I plan a UK road trip?

When it comes to planning your dream trip to the UK, you’ll want to consider a few things. For instance, where you’ll visit, what you’ll do along the way, and the route you’ll take around England, Scotland and Wales. You’ll also need to plan your accommodation and rental car.

Instead of doing all the work yourself, why not leave the planning to us? You’ll have a dedicated travel consultant, based here in the UK, to organise your itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

Their insider knowledge means that whatever trip you choose, you’ll get to experience the best the UK has to offer in the time you’ve got. Plus, no matter the itinerary you select, you’ll enjoy a mix of stunning landscapes and captivating towns and cities.

Your personal travel consultant will book your accommodation, car rental, and any excursions before you arrive. With your UK itinerary taken care of, all you need to do is look forward to your trip.

8. What is covered with car rental for my self-drive tour?

Go for a driving tour of Great Britain with Nordic Visitor and you’ll get car hire with our tried-and-tested partner as standard. What’s more, your car rental package comes with the following:

• • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• • Unlimited mileage
• • Authorisation for 2 drivers

If you have questions about hiring a car, you can also speak to one of our UK-based travel consultants.

9. Do I need an international driving licence in the UK?

If your national driving licence is valid, in date and recognised in the UK, you don’t need to get an international driving licence (IDP). This will let you drive any small vehicle listed on your licence, including our rental cars.

For England, Scotland and Wales, you can use your driving licence for up to 12 months from the day you enter the country.

Bear in mind that the rules are different in Northern Ireland. Find out more on the government website .

10. Are there any age limits regarding car rental in the UK?

Yes, there are some age requirements for car rental on these UK self-drive tours. And please bear in mind that no matter what age you are, you’ll need a driving licence that’s valid in the UK.

You can hire a vehicle from any of Nordic Visitor’s rental car categories if you’re aged between 25 and 79.

If you are 23 or 24 years old and have held your driving licence for at least 1 year, you can rent a car with a young driver surcharge of £25 per day. You’ll be able to choose from Nordic Visitor car rental categories A, B, C and F.

The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21. And you’ll find there are specific rental companies who can organise vehicle hire and insurance for you if you’re 21 or 22. In this case, we’d be happy to arrange the rest of your tour and advise you on where to book your rental car.

If you are aged 80 or over, you can pick a car from any of our rental categories. A doctor’s note is no longer required by our local car hire partner. But you’ll need to let them know of any medical conditions and confirm that you’re acting on your doctor’s guidance.

11. Can I make changes to my tour?

Yes, you can adjust your package online. Choose from a wide range of optional activities, upgrade your accommodation, and add extra nights in places along your route.

For instance, we recommend spending more time in Oxford at the start of your trip. There’s so much to discover – you could try out a punting boat trip on the River Cherwell and check out the fascinating Bodleian Library. Plus, there’s the pub that’s well-known for being one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s and C.S. Lewis’s favourite places to meet.

London – the iconic cosmopolitan capital – is bursting with things to do and sights to see. Add extra nights here at the end of your trip to soak up as much of it as you can. Use your extra time here to visit world-renowned museums and galleries, grand royal palaces and famous British shops.

What’s more, if you want to immerse yourself in nature, you could extend your stay in places such as Fort William or the Lake District.

Get inspired by these top things to see and do in the Lake District .

12. Can I choose the arrival date?

Absolutely! Begin your UK self-drive tour whenever you like between April and October. Each tour has an online calendar where you can see up-to-date availability for that trip. Simply choose the date that works best for you.

13. When should I organise my flights?

We recommend holding off on booking flights until you have received a tour confirmation email from your dedicated travel consultant. That said, it’s worth checking to see what flights are available before choosing your trip dates.

Once your tour is confirmed, you can go ahead with making travel arrangements for your UK getaway.

14. What should I pack for my road trip?

You’ll find that the weather in the UK can be changeable, and varies between different locations. It can be much warmer in the south of England than in the Scottish Highlands, for example. So it’s worth packing for a mix of conditions.

No matter what you’ve got planned for your trip, comfortable shoes are a must. And a combination of warm and light layers will be handy for exploring sights in the city and countryside.

We suggest bringing these key items:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Fleece or woollen jumper
• Light base layers
• Lightweight trousers or shorts
• Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream
• Reusable water bottle
• UK plug adapter

For evenings out, you might want to bring some smart outfits too.

Get in touch with us if you want to know more about these self-drive tours of England, Scotland and Wales. Our Edinburgh-based experts will be happy to answer your questions and help you plan your perfect UK road trip.

Our British phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

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