From Edinburgh: 5 Day Best of Northern England Tour

Exploring Northern England on a 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

If you’re thinking about venturing north from Edinburgh to see some of England’s most scenic and culturally rich spots, this 5-day Best of Northern England Tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a well-rounded trip that combines historic castles, stunning landscapes, charming villages, and a touch of Roman history—all in a manageable, well-organized package.

We love how this tour offers a balance of guided insights and free time for exploration, plus the small-group setting promises a more personal experience. The tour’s highlights—like Bamburgh Castle, the Yorkshire Dales, and Lake Ullswater—are real standouts that appeal to those wanting a taste of both nature and history.

One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary involves quite a bit of riding between locations, so it’s not ideal if you prefer slow, relaxed days. Also, some stops, like Robin Hood’s Bay, involve walking down steep hills, which might be a challenge if you have mobility concerns.

This trip suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, historic sites, and picturesque villages but don’t mind a packed schedule. It’s especially good for those looking for a rundown of Northern England in one well-organized package.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized, intimate experience.
• Diverse highlights include castles, lakes, and ancient Roman sites.
• Leisurely but active with nature walks and sightseeing, so bring suitable clothing.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with knowledge and humor, making the journey more engaging.
• Value for money considering the included admissions, cruises, and transportation.
• Comfortable transport in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach allows for easy, scenic travel between sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: From Edinburgh to Northumberland and York

Starting your adventure just outside Edinburgh, the tour takes you along the East Lothian coast to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The city’s impressive fortifications are worth a quick look before heading to Bamburgh Castle, one of the most iconic and photogenic castles in Northumberland. We loved the way the guide highlights the castle’s history, making each stone story-rich and vivid.

By mid-afternoon, you’re on the historic Great North Road, a route once traveled by Roman legions, leading you toward York. Arriving in this medieval city allows for late afternoon exploration, and you’ll spend two nights here. It’s a great base for wandering through the Shambles, walking the city walls, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this historic city.

Exploring York and Whitby

The next day opens up a leisurely schedule in York. You’ll have the late morning to explore at your own pace, which makes it easy to visit landmarks like York Minster or the ancient city walls. The tour then takes you to North Yorkshire Moors National Park, a place that’s especially breathtaking with its sweeping moorlands and wild landscapes.

Lunch in Whitby is a highlight, offering the chance to taste fresh fish and chips in a lively fishing port that’s famously linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Afterward, you get to wander Robin Hood’s Bay, a village with winding lanes and narrow alleys. Be prepared for a steep walk down and back up—something several reviewers mention as a challenge but also part of the charm.

A fellow traveler noted, “Robin Hoods Bay has a steep road. Very tough getting back up,” but suggested that having fish and chips midway might be a good plan. If you’re up for a bit of a walk, you’ll find this village’s preserved charm and history worth the effort.

The Yorkshire Dales: Nature and Culture

On day three, your route moves west into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, known for its rolling hills, stone walls, and sheep-filled pastures. We loved how the landscape’s natural beauty is both calming and awe-inspiring. The Northern Dales, in particular, are described as an area of outstanding natural beauty and a hub for the Dales cattle trade—cultural tidbits that bring the scenery to life.

Your drive takes you through this scenic area to Keswick, a lively market town that serves as a base for exploring the Lake District. The town’s old shops and inviting cafes will likely tempt you to linger.

Lake Ullswater and the Lake District

Day four is arguably the highlight for nature lovers. You’ll visit Castlerigg standing stones, believed to be over 5,000 years old, which makes for a fascinating stop with a sense of ancient history. Then it’s time for the stunning Ullswater, often called England’s most beautiful lake. Here, a forest walk leads you to the Aira Force waterfall, a sight that’s truly picture-perfect.

Next, you’ll cross Kirkstone Pass—an exhilarating drive through narrow, winding roads—and arrive at Windermere for a boat cruise. Some travelers, like the reviewer who said “the Windermere boat ride was ok but took time away from the town,” might choose to skip it in favor of more time on land. Still, the boat ride offers a relaxing way to take in the scenery from the water.

From Windermere, the route continues to Coniston Water and Hawkeshead, a conservation village with charming old shops. Visiting Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or just relaxing in the Daffodil Garden gives a peaceful end to the day.

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The Final Leg: From the Lakes to Scotland

Day five starts with a climb over Hartside Pass, offering panoramic views of the Scottish hills and Lake District. Following the route of ancient sheep drovers, the tour makes a stop at Hadrian’s Wall—an incredible site that blends natural beauty with historical intrigue.

The journey then takes you to Jedburgh for a quick look at Jedburgh Abbey, before crossing into Scotland and stopping at Scott’s View, renowned for its stunning river and hill views. Finally, the tour heads back to Edinburgh, completing a journey packed with diverse sights and experiences.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of around $1,130 per person covers a lot: transportation on a comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, a driver-guide, four nights in cozy B&Bs, and key admissions such as Bamburgh Castle, Vindolanda, and the Roman Army Museum. You also get a lovely 45-minute cruise on Windermere—not bad for the price.

What’s not included are meals, refreshments, and other visitor attractions—so plan to budget extra for food and souvenirs. Several reviews mention enjoying local food, especially in Keswick or Whitby, which helps show the trip’s value.

How the Experience Feels

Thanks to the small group size, many reviews describe the tour guides as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Kevin and Adam are singled out for their helpfulness and ability to keep things fun and informative. One reviewer said, “His guidance made the trip so much more,” highlighting how a good guide can elevate the experience.

The itinerary balances busy sightseeing with enough free time to explore independently—a key feature for travelers who want some flexibility. The mixture of scheduled visits and optional walks allows you to tailor your day to your pace.

Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is perfect for those comfortable with a fair amount of travel and walking. The itinerary involves some steep hills, especially in Robin Hood’s Bay, and the days are full, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are a must.

Accommodation is in small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs, often on the outskirts of towns, so you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local pubs or restaurants. Ask for assistance if stairs are a concern, as lifts are not available in these properties.

Children over five are welcome, making it a family-friendly option, but the focus on historical and scenic sites might be better suited to older kids and adults.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day tour from Edinburgh offers a solid mix of history, landscape, and charming villages. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate well-organized trips that balance guided insights with free exploration. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and scenic routes make it a comfortable way to see some of northern England’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

While it’s a pretty active schedule, the variety of stops—from castles to lakes to ancient stones—keeps things engaging. If you’re looking for a visually stunning trip that’s rich in history and culture and you enjoy a bit of travel comfort, this could be a memorable choice.

In summary, it’s a trip best suited for curious travelers who want a rundown of the region without sacrificing intimacy or personal attention. The price reflects the inclusions and quality of experience, and many past travelers have been delighted with what they’ve seen and learned.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, children over 5 years old are welcome, but keep in mind that the schedule is packed and involves some walking and outdoor activities.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group is limited to 16 participants, which helps create a more personal, friendly atmosphere.

What should I bring for the nature walks?
Bring suitable clothing and footwear for walking, especially since there are some hikes and walks around attractions like Ullswater and Castlerigg.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so you should budget for food and drinks during the trip.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs, all with en suite rooms. Most are located on the outskirts of towns, so plan for short walks to local amenities.

Is there any free time during the trip?
Yes, there are opportunities to explore on your own during the free periods, such as in York, Keswick, and Windermere.

How physically demanding is this tour?
While generally suitable for most travelers, be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain and steep hills, especially in Robin Hood’s Bay.

If scenic drives, historic sights, and charming villages sound like your kind of adventure, this tour is a fantastic way to get a taste of Northern England’s highlights—without the stress of organizing it all yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: