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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Dan • traveled in August
A great way to see some of the most popular and beautiful destinations in this part of the country. The itinerary includes stops in London, Bournemouth/Southampton, Exeter/Torquay, and Cornwall. One of the things I liked most about this tour was that it gave me the flexibility to set my own pace. I could spend as much or as little time as I wanted in each place, and I could also choose to do some activities on my own. This made the tour feel 100% personal and tailored to my interests. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in seeing some of the best that this part of Britain has to offer.
Taste of South England and Wales
10 best Self Drive UK and Great Britain tour packages
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
- England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
- Taste of South England and Wales
- NC500 Road Trip - Self Drive Tour
- Irish Legends Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights
- Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
- Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Luxury Car, pre-set sat-nav guided
- Taste of Scotland
- Scotland Culinary
- London, Scotland & Ireland: Foggy Roads to Misty Highlands
- Irish Odyssey Self-Drive - 12 Days/11 Nights
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
Taste of South England and Wales
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary includes stops in London, Bournemouth/Southampton, Exeter/Torquay, and Cornwall. I could spend as much or as little time as I wanted in each place.”
Dan, traveled in June
An 845km road trip from London showcases southern Britain's finest sights. The Jurassic Coast leads to Lyme Regis, while Dartmoor National Park and Wells Cathedral offer historic charm. The route includes Cheddar Cheese Gorge before reaching Cardiff Castle. Total costs around $1,500.
Duration 7 days Destinations London, Winchester, Salisbury, Southampton, Bournemouth, Exeter, Torquay, Dartmoor National Park, Cardiff, Pembrokeshire Coast National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,440
20% Off- US$1,152You save $288
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, Dornoch, John O'Groats, Durness, Ullapool, Applecross Age Range Ages 17+ Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
20% Off- US$2,010
British landscapes unfold in your Hertz rental car from Dublin's Georgian streets to Galway's Atlantic coast. Carefully selected hotels include historic Dunboyne Castle, with traditional entertainment and dinners featured.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Dunboyne, Co Meath, Kilkenny, Waterford, New Ross, Wexford, Killarney, Cobh, BlarneySee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
20% Off- US$1,945
Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised, all accommodation booked for you. Excellent communication would use again.”
Martin, traveled in October
The British Isles open up from Dublin through Enniskillen to Donegal's dramatic coastline. Slieve League cliffs and Kerry's ring road beckon. Middle-class hotel stays and breakfast included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Enniskillen, Donegal, Sligo, Connemara National Park, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dingle, Ring of KerrySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,727
20% Off- US$1,381You save $345
Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Luxury Car, pre-set sat-nav guided
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had an amazing time in the Highlands. The routes chosen took us through magnificent scenery.”
Tracy, traveled in October
A V8 Jaguar carries you through Scotland's finest roads. Pre-set GPS guides through NC500, Cairngorms National Park, and Isle of Skye. Luxury awaits at The Roseate Edinburgh and Cameron House.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Gairlochy, Ullapool, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Ben NevisSee all destinations Age Range Ages 25+ Operator EPIKdrives From
20% Off- US$8,133
The road from Glasgow winds through stunning Glencoe Valley to historic Blair Castle and Edinburgh Castle. Loch Lomond, Glenfinnan Viaduct's Jacobite Steam Train, and Loch Ness cruise from Clansman Hotel feature prominently. Speyside's working cooperage and local whisky distilleries complete the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator BTOURS From $1,802
20% Off- US$1,442You save $360
Britain's northern beauty unfolds from Glasgow through Highlands to Edinburgh. Glencoe Valley, Cawdor Castle, and Highland Folk Museum offer enchanting stops along your route.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Age Range Ages 12+ Operator BTOURS From $2,185
20% Off- US$1,748You save $437
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Journaway 
Duration 12 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cashel, Killarney, Blarney, Kenmare, Dingle, Slea HeadSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
20% Off- US$2,445
What our customers ask about 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."