Road Trip & Self-Drive Tours & Trips in UK and Great Britain
Imagine driving Scotland's legendary NC500 coastal route or exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. The UK brings everything from London's Tower Bridge to Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Giant's Causeway's columns to the Cliffs of Moher's windswept heights. Find whisky distilleries and medieval castles. Britain and Ireland are a true breath of fresh air.
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Tracy • traveled in November, 2025
We can highly recommend EPIKDRIVES for luxury touring around Scotland. We had an amazing time in the Highlands. The routes chosen took us through magnificent scenery, the accomodation was superb and our Range Rover Defender was perfect for the conditions. Stephan was very attentive and kept in touch everyday.
Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Luxury Car, pre-set sat-nav guided
10 best Road Trip & Self-Drive UK and Great Britain tour packages
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
- England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
- Grand Tour of Scotland – 14-Day Journey through History and Beauty (24 destinations)
- Emerald Escape: Uncover Ireland’s National Parks
- NC500 Road Trip - Self Drive Tour
- Dublin, Galway and surroundings
- Schottland: Wilde Küstenlandschaften und mystische Inselwelten
- Irish Legends Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights
- Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Luxury Car, pre-set sat-nav guided
- Adventurous Ireland | 14 Days
- 4 Day Inverness Tour With Car Rental
A self-guided British road trip winds from London's historic streets to Scotland's Highland roads, offering visits to Eilean Donan Castle, Giant's Causeway, and Cliffs of Moher. Pre-booked accommodations and detailed route plans included.
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$3,990
Grand Tour of Scotland – 14-Day Journey through History and Beauty (24 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was very well planned and the accommodations were very good. The hospitality was very much appreciated.”
Judith, traveled in August
Duration 14 days Destinations Edinburgh, Leith, St Andrews, Glamis, Balmoral Castle, Aberdeen, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, DornieSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
- US$5,343
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Limerick, Killarney, Burren, Cliffs of Moher Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$981
Britain's ultimate coastal route runs from Inverness through John O'Groats and back. Historic castles, remote beaches, and the famous Bealach na Bà pass await, with carefully planned overnight stays.
Duration 8 days Destinations Inverness, Culloden, Beauly, Muir of Ord, Dornoch, Dunrobin, Wick, John O'Groats, Thurso, DurnessSee all destinations Age Range Ages 17+ Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
- US$2,003
Duration 6 days Destinations Athlone, Galway, Kinvarra, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dublin Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$613
Duration 12 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Luss, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, Portree, DornieSee all destinations Age Range Ages 23+ Operator Oasis Travel From
- US$2,803
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford, New Ross, Midleton, Blarney, Killarney, Tralee, DingleSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
- US$2,195
What our customers ask about Road Trip & Self-Drive Tours & Trips in UK and Great Britain
When is the best time to go on a Self Drive tour in UK and Great Britain?
The most favorable period for UK and Great Britain Self Drive tours spans from May to September offering mild temperatures and optimal driving conditions. Scotland's Highlands draw visitors in July and August with extended daylight hours that stretch past 10 PM while England's gardens reach their peak beauty during May and June. A recent TourRadar traveler on the Taste of Scotland tour shared: "The summer weather was perfect for exploring the Highland landscapes and coastal routes making every drive absolutely spectacular."
What are the must-see highlights on a UK and Great Britain Self Drive tour?
The essential stops include Edinburgh Castle the Royal Mile in Scotland Lake District National Park in England and the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. Self Drive routes typically feature visits to Loch Ness the Isle of Skye and the charming villages of the Cotswolds. One TourRadar traveler described their experience at Dunrobin Castle: "The fairy-tale castle with its magnificent gardens sitting majestically above the North Sea was unforgettable."
How far in advance should I book a Self Drive tour in UK and Great Britain?
Booking windows of 3-6 months are advisable particularly for summer travel between June and August. Tour data shows popular routes like the "Taste of Scotland" have average booking times of 26-30 days before departure. Accommodations in sought-after locations such as the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands fill up quickly from April through September. Some premium properties like Ashford Castle need reservations up to 6 months ahead.
What type of accommodation is included in UK and Great Britain Self Drive tours?
The accommodations typically blend 3-4 star hotels historic guesthouses and family-run B&Bs. The "Taste of Scotland" tour features stays at traditional properties like the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe and select B&Bs in Edinburgh's New Town. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The mix of accommodation was perfect - from cozy guesthouses in the Highlands to elegant hotels in Edinburgh each place had its own unique character."
What kind of driving conditions should I expect in UK and Great Britain?
Road conditions range from modern highways connecting major cities to narrow winding roads in the Highlands. The North Coast 500 features single-track roads while routes to popular attractions like Eilean Donan Castle offer wider easier driving paths. Drivers should note left-side driving and plan for limited fuel stations in remote Highland and Island areas. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The roads were very manageable once we got used to driving on the left and the route through the Highlands was well-marked with plenty of spots to stop and take photos."
How long should I plan for a Self Drive tour in UK and Great Britain?
The most effective Self Drive tours range from 7-12 days. An 8-day route like CIE Tours' Irish Spirit covers key destinations including Dublin Killarney and Galway with stays at established properties like Clayton Whites Hotel Wexford. Scotland requires minimum 7 days to explore the Highlands and NC500 route properly. Extended 12-day tours such as the Irish Odyssey allow time for both popular attractions and lesser-known spots. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We found 8 days perfect for exploring Ireland's south at our own pace without feeling rushed."