Dreaming of a trip that packs royal palaces, ancient castles, and lively pubs into one unforgettable journey? A 10-day tour of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin is a classic for a reason. It’s a whirlwind, yes, but with the right plan, you can experience the iconic highlights of England, Scotland, and Ireland without feeling like you’re just checking boxes.
This isn’t about seeing everything; it’s about experiencing the best of each city. We’ve crafted a realistic itinerary that balances must-see sights with time to simply wander and soak in the unique vibe of each place. Let’s get you packed!
Starting in London: A Royal and Regal Welcome (3 Nights)
Touch down in the bustling heart of England. With three nights here, you have time to dive into its historic core.
Your first day is about getting your bearings. After dropping your bags, head straight to Westminster. Seeing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in person never fails to impress. Walk across Westminster Bridge for a classic photo op, and consider a tour of Westminster Abbey, where centuries of coronations and royal weddings have taken place.
Dedicate your second day to a deep dive into history and culture. The British Museum is a must, home to the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles. It’s vast, so pick a couple of galleries that intrigue you most. In the afternoon, fulfill your royal fantasies with a visit to Buckingham Palace. If you time it right, you can watch the famous Changing of the Guard.
On your third day, choose your own adventure. Are you a shopaholic? Explore the elegant boutiques of Covent Garden and the flagship stores on Regent Street. A history buff? The Tower of London awaits, with its Crown Jewels and tales of beheaded queens. In the evening, catch a world-class show in the West End or simply find a cozy pub for a pint and a pie.
Whisking Away to Edinburgh: Where History Meets Drama (3 Nights)
Catch a morning train or a short flight from London to Scotland’s captivating capital. The journey itself is part of the experience, especially by train. Edinburgh doesn’t just have history; it wears it on its sleeve, with a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town.
Start your exploration with the unmissable Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano. Give yourself a good half-day here to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and enjoy the staggering views over the city. Afterwards, wander down the Royal Mile, the historic artery of the Old Town, popping into closes (narrow alleyways) and shops selling tartan and whisky.
Your second day is for atmosphere and exploration. Hike up Arthur’s Seat for a panoramic view that will take your breath away—it’s an ancient volcano right in the middle of the city! In the afternoon, explore the beautiful streets of the New Town or visit the Scottish National Gallery. As evening falls, commit to the Scottish experience: find a traditional pub for some live folk music and, if you’re brave, a taste of haggis.
Crossing the Sea to Dublin: Charm, Craic, and Culture (3 Nights)
A short flight from Edinburgh brings you to the warm and welcoming heart of Ireland. Dublin is a city of literature, laughter, and a rich, often turbulent, history.
Begin at the beginning with a tour of Trinity College to see the magnificent Book of Kells and the stunning Long Room library—a paradise for book lovers. From there, immerse yourself in Ireland’s story at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, a brilliantly interactive experience, or explore the hallowed grounds of Dublin Castle.
No trip to Dublin is complete without understanding the story of its most famous brew. A tour of the Guinness Storehouse is a rite of passage, culminating in a perfect pint with a 360-degree view of the city at the Gravity Bar. For a more literary afternoon, pay your respects at St. Patrick’s Cathedral or wander through the creative Temple Bar area (but maybe grab a drink on a quieter side street for better value and conversation).
Making Your 10-Day Tour a Reality: Essential Tips
A trip like this requires a bit of logistics. Here’s how to make it smooth sailing.
- Book Flights and Trains in Advance: For the best prices on travel between cities, book your train tickets or regional flights early. The London to Edinburgh train is a pleasure and often faster than flying when you consider airport transit times.
- Consider a Base: Instead of changing hotels every three days, some travelers prefer to use London as a base and take a day trip to Edinburgh, but this is a very long day. Staying in each city immerses you fully in the local culture.
- Pack for All Weather: The weather in the UK and Ireland is famously changeable. The key is layers. A waterproof jacket is your best friend, even in summer.
- Embrace the Pace: This is a fast-paced trip. You won’t see every single thing, and that’s okay. The goal is to get a fantastic taste of three incredible capitals, leaving you with memories—and a reason to come back for more.
This 10-day adventure through London, Edinburgh, and Dublin is more than a vacation; it’s a story you’ll be telling for years to come. From the royal pomp of London to the dramatic history of Edinburgh and the infectious charm of Dublin, you’re in for a treat. Sláinte and cheers to your next great adventure.
Conclusion
And just like that, your whirlwind ten-day tour comes to a close. It may seem like a fast-paced journey, but the beauty of visiting London, Edinburgh, and Dublin is that each city leaves you with a distinctly different feeling. You’ll carry the royal grandeur of London, the dramatic, storybook atmosphere of Edinburgh, and the warm, lively charm of Dublin long after you’ve returned home.
This itinerary is designed not to exhaust you, but to ignite your passion for these incredible destinations. It’s a tasting menu of British and Irish culture, giving you a profound sense of each place’s history, heart, and soul. You’ll have seen the crown jewels, walked ancient volcanic hills, and pulled up a stool in a classic pub.
The true success of this trip isn’t about ticking every single sight off a list. It’s about the moments in between—the unexpected conversation, the quiet corner you discovered, the taste of a perfect pint in its homeland. You’ll return not just with photos, but with a piece of each city’s spirit. So pack your bags (and that rain jacket!), embrace the adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Your Questions, Answered: FAQs for the 10-Day Tour
Is 10 days really enough for London, Edinburgh, and Dublin?
It’s a packed itinerary, but absolutely doable! The key is to see it as a fantastic “introduction” to these three capitals, not an in-depth exploration of each country. You’ll get a powerful taste of each city’s unique culture and highlights, which is perfect for helping you decide where you might want to return for a longer visit someday.
What’s the best way to travel between these cities?
- London to Edinburgh: The train is highly recommended. It’s scenic, comfortable, and takes you directly from city center to city center in about 4.5 hours. Booking advance tickets saves money.
- Edinburgh to Dublin: Flying is your only practical option. It’s a short, frequent flight (about 1 hour). Be sure to compare airlines flying from both Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA), as sometimes Glasgow offers better deals.
Should I get a rail pass or book individual tickets?
For this specific trip with only one major train journey, booking an individual advance ticket for the London to Edinburgh route is almost always cheaper than a rail pass.
What’s the number one packing essential?
A waterproof and windproof layer. The weather in the UK and Ireland is famously changeable. A packable rain jacket and layers (like a sweater and a t-shirt) will let you adapt to sunshine, rain, and a chilly breeze all in the same afternoon.
Is it better to base myself in one city and do day trips?
While it’s possible to day trip to Edinburgh from London by train, it makes for an extremely long day (over 9 hours of travel). To truly soak in the unique atmosphere of each capital—especially the pub culture in Edinburgh and Dublin—staying overnight in each city is a much richer and less exhausting experience.
How do I handle different currencies?
You’ll need two: British Pounds (£) in both London and Edinburgh, and Euros (€) in Dublin. It’s best to get a small amount of cash before you leave or upon arrival, but primarily use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for most purchases, as it offers the best exchange rate.