Coach / Bus Tours & Trips in England, Ireland and Scotland
Could you picture yourself touring the British Isles by comfortable coach, visiting England's historic cities, Ireland's ridiculously green landscapes, and Scotland's dramatic Highlands? You'll go from London's famous landmarks up to Edinburgh's castle, Dublin's brilliant pubs over to the Giant's Causeway. It's Celtic culture, stunning coastlines and literally centuries of history, all done comfortably.
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Julian • traveled in April, 2025
The tour was good I wished we had more time to see Manchester and Londonderry. The itinerary was good but didn’t like the ghost tour extra a lot of people didn’t enjoy the person giving it. The guy giving the ghost tour was not the regular person contiki uses though.
Great Britain and Ireland (Age 27-35) - C
Constance • traveled in October, 2025
Seeing all of the amazing sites in the UK and Ireland was incredible. Rob, our driver, always made me feel in safe hands as we traveled throughout our tour. The schedule was rough on everyone. Many people got sick during the tour. I know that there was a need to get on the road to ensure we saw everything on the itinerary. Possibly more sleep-in options would be a good idea. I know that everyone I talked to was exhausted by the end of the first week. Additionally, some empathy from the tour leader would have been beneficial. Definitely not an option for anyone with a mobility disability! So much walking is involved. Should be better stated in the advertisements. I don't think it's necessary for the tour leader to tell us the exact same information during the coach ride that we are going to be told at the excursion. There were so many wonderful things we got to see and people we got to meet! I am extremely happy that I went on this tour, but there will definitely never be another tour in my future. I truly did not think I was going to make it to the end with the level of sleep deprivation.
Best of UK & Ireland - S
Steven • traveled in September
Our tour guide was excellent. She has an amazing grasp of the history, customs, and sites we visited. Our only criticism is that we were rushed through the best sites because of the bus/coach schedule and there was not enough time to visit the site, grab lunch, and/or visit souvenir shops or local vendors. We had barely enough time to quickly hit the highlights and skip some of the more interesting aspects of the location before having to board the coach.
The Best of Britain & Ireland
10 best Coach / Bus England, Ireland and Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEngland, Ireland and Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Great Britain and Ireland (Age 27-35)
- Great Britain and Ireland 35 to 45 (35 To 45)
- London, Scotland, Ireland, and Southern England
- Great British and Irish Route with London
- Leisurely United Kingdom and Ireland
- Great British Route and Ireland from North to South with London, Ending in Dublin
- Great British and Irish Route from North to South, Ending in Dublin
- Scotland, Ireland, and Southern England
- London, the Highlands, Ireland, and Southern England
- Great British and Irish Route
Great Britain and Ireland (Age 27-35)
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Exploring the streets of Edinburgh and partying the night away in Dublin and Belfast.”
Bridie, traveled in March
Luxury coach connects Britain and Ireland, stopping at Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and Giant's Causeway. Ferry crossings span the Irish Sea while scenic drives wind through the Scottish Highlands and Lake District. Expert guides lead city tours throughout.
Duration 18 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland Age Range Ages 27-35 Operator Contiki From
- US$3,405
Travel by coach from London to Windsor Castle, then head to the UNESCO Roman Baths in Bath, with stops at Oxford's historic university grounds and Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Head north to Liverpool for a guided Beatles tour before continuing to York's medieval Shambles and UNESCO Hadrian's Wall.
Duration 18 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 35-45 Operator Contiki From $3,187
10% Off- US$2,868You save $319
This coach connects London to Edinburgh with stops at York's cathedral and Durham's medieval center before heading through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness and Fort Augustus on Loch Ness. You'll cross to Belfast, then see Ireland's Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Moher, and Celtic ruins at Clonmacnoise.
Duration 17 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$4,244
See UNESCO Giant's Causeway with its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, tour Bushmills Distillery (the world's oldest licensed one), and visit 18th-century Hillsborough Castle. Check out Donegal's medieval castle and ancient Monasterboice with its 5th-century Celtic crosses, then walk Liverpool's waterfront.
Duration 14 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$3,650
The coach takes you from London through Cambridge's colleges to York's great cathedral and Roman walls, then into Scotland via Alnwick Castle from the Harry Potter films. You'll see Edinburgh's UNESCO Old Town, visit Stirling Castle, and cruise Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle before heading to Glasgow, then ferry to Belfast.
Duration 16 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$4,026
Travel by coach from London through Cambridge's colleges to York's medieval walls and cathedral, then Durham's castle. The tour goes to Edinburgh's Old Town before heading through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness and Loch Ness, where you'll check out Urquhart Castle and take a boat cruise.
Duration 16 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$4,174
Comfortable coach travel with an English-speaking guide covers 25 destinations over 13 days, including ferry crossings from Scotland to Northern Ireland. The route goes through the Scottish Highlands past Ben Nevis and Loch Lomond, then along the Antrim Coast to reach the Giant's Causeway. Burren National Park's limestone landscapes and Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way lead to the Cliffs of Moher.
Duration 13 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$3,396
What our customers ask about Coach / Bus Tours & Trips in England, Ireland and Scotland
What are the key attractions covered on most bus tours in England Ireland and Scotland?
Most bus tours through Britain and Ireland include stops at celebrated historical landmarks and natural wonders. Visitors explore Edinburgh's medieval streets and castle climb the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and walk along the volcanic Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The routes often wind through York to see its Gothic Minster cathedral and The Shambles' tilting medieval houses then continue to Oxford's prestigious university grounds. In Dublin the Guinness Storehouse offers hands-on lessons in pouring the perfect pint. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide was very knowledgeable and we saw amazing things. The Roman Baths Edinburgh Castle and Cliffs of Moher were absolute highlights." The journeys traverse the rugged Scottish Highlands scenic Ring of Kerry and picturesque Lake District with overnight stays at historic properties like York's Grand Hotel & Spa and Ireland's Ashford Castle.
How do bus tours in England Ireland and Scotland accommodate stops for sightseeing and relaxation?
The tours follow thoughtfully planned schedules with rest stops every 2-3 hours at significant sites and viewpoints. Itineraries usually include extended 2-night stays in major cities like Edinburgh Dublin and London. Stop durations range from 30-minute photo opportunities at places like Eilean Donan Castle to comprehensive half-day visits at major attractions like The Roman Baths and Edinburgh Castle. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The pace was good with a nice mix of sightseeing and free time. Loved having two nights in Edinburgh to really explore the Royal Mile." Accommodations often include centrally located properties such as The Rubens at the Palace in London or The Dunloe Hotel in Killarney.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a coach tour through England Ireland and Scotland?
Most tours select 3-4 star hotels near city centers such as the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry and Clayton Hotel in Cardiff. Many properties showcase historical architecture. The MacDonald Swan's Nest Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon for example dates to the 17th century. According to a TourRadar reviewer: "Most hotels were well-located near attractions and restaurants. The Killarney Plaza Hotel overlooking the National Park was a highlight with its perfect location for exploring the town." While amenities differ between properties all rooms provide private bathrooms and essential modern conveniences.
What are the typical daily driving times and distances covered on coach tours through England Ireland and Scotland?
Most journey segments last 2-3 hours between major destinations with longer scenic routes through areas like the Scottish Highlands and Ring of Kerry. Regular stops occur at key sites including Edinburgh Castle Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The pace was comfortable with regular breaks - our guide Emma and driver Phil were great at keeping us on schedule while ensuring we had enough time at each stop." Overnight stays at properties like the Ballachulish Hotel in the Highlands and Clayton Hotel in Dublin help break up extended travel days.
What is the optimal time of year for a coach tour through England Ireland and Scotland?
Peak tourist season runs May through September when temperatures are mild and daylight extends into late evening particularly in Scotland where summer sun sets around 10 PM. Spring months (April-May) bring flowering landscapes and smaller crowds at popular sites like the Giant's Causeway and Edinburgh Castle. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in June and had mostly sunny days around 65-70°F (18-21°C) perfect for exploring Cornwall's coastal villages and the Scottish Highlands." Properties like the Killarnley Plaza Hotel and The Dunloe maintain comfortable environments throughout all seasons.
What unique scenic experiences can travelers enjoy from the comfort of a bus tour in England Ireland and Scotland?
Modern coaches with panoramic windows provide clear views of Britain and Ireland's diverse landscapes. Routes pass through the granite peaks of the Scottish Highlands past the serene waters of the Lake District along Cornwall's rocky shores and around Ireland's Ring of Kerry. Many itineraries include drives on the Wild Atlantic Way and through the historic Glen Coe Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The scenery through the Scottish Highlands was breathtaking - our driver knew all the best viewpoints to stop at. The Ring of Kerry drive was absolutely magical." Selected hotels like the Columba Hotel in Inverness and Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin offer prime locations for enjoying these scenic settings.