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2019
18
February
Can I See England and Scotland in 9 Days on a Self-Driving Tour?
18
February
Question:
Humans say...
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Billie Rae Reid
We spent 5 weeks traveling through England, Scotland and Ireland. My hubby drove in each country, but we didn’t drive in London. 9 days was great in Scotland but I think you might want longer in England or Ireland there’s a fair bit more to travel through. All in all, 9 days in any one of the 3 would be great. The driving was fine as long as you figure out to watch the painted lanes going into their traffic circles before you enter them. We also put Canadian flags in our car windows so they knew we were tourists. Lol! Enjoy!
Barbara
We spent about 18 days to do a driving tour of Ireland and then flee to Edinburgh and spend 3 nights & 4 days there.
We still missed some areas of Ireland but we really enjoyed a taste of Scotland that Edinburgh gave us.
Sandy
We did 21 days in Scotland & Ireland... saw everything & travelled by train & bus.
It was fabulous
Kari-Lyn
Sandy would you mind terribly sharing a loose variation of your itinerary with me via pm? My mum and I are leaving on Saturday for 21 days in Scotland and Ireland (2 weeks in Scotland and 1 in Ireland because we have more family in Scotland) and while we have some plans made, I’m already having serious FOMO....lol.
Sarah
We just did 14 days around England (south and north lake district) i would pick one country (england or scotland) and one area (south/north) to get the most of your trip. There is a LOT to see and do no matter whAt area you decide.
Traffic around london is crazy and the train system is fab, so i would stick to trains and the underground rather than drive near london.
MG
I wouldn't self drive in England
unless you want to add some 'spice' to your vacation. Italy - you can sure see some country side and it will be 'safer' to drive in the parts north to Rome. Europe is actually pretty easy to travel by public transport, and I would consider doing that instead...
Liz
9 days would be a reasonable length of time to circle around Ireland. Tip: get a smaller car and if not comfortable with standard transmission, get an auto!
Janice
Do Italy and spend at least 4 of those days in the Almafi coast. the exchange rate on the euro is way better than the pound
Molly
Takes a few years to see Endland and then you still find out that you missed many places of hictorical interest , beauty spots and lots of lovely wlking paths. You have some hard choices to make as to what you want to see as there is no way to see it all
Tina
I spent 5 days just around Edinburgh, with a day to Stirling.
I would recommend the train. I wanted to drive, until i got there. No way! Lol
Doug
No is the simple answer...don't try and see 'everything' - History? Remote locations Skipton and the Dales, The Lake District, York, Bath, London, Football ? London, Manchester, Liverpool. Canals...Birmingham area has more miles of canals than Venice...
Rachelle
If you can do longer, definitely consider it. So much to see and do, I would personally only go for 2 weeks minimum.
Joan
I would start with England and stick around London. You could take the train up to Scotland as well. Or chedknout ryan air and fet a cheap flight over to Dublin. If in London and area a car isnt really needed. Trains are great and car might even be a hassle.
Chris
Don’t worry after you see the prices with converted Canadian dollar, 9 days will be plenty!
But the pound is worth a lot less than when I was there.
Leah
We bought a train pass that was like 4 or 5 trips within a week. We went from London to Cornwall to Edinburgh back to London.
Leah
Unless you are familiar with driving on the other side of the road I would shy awake from driving there. Very narrow roads, some roads allow cars to go either way but only have room for one, traffic circles coming off other traffic circles.
Laurie
We landed at Gatwick, visited High Wycombe, drove north to Hadrian's Wall area (Newcastle), Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle ofSkye, Fort William, Lake District, back to Gatwick. That was about 9 days. It was timed that way for visiting relatives on weekends.
It gave us some highlights, but we could have easily spent much more time on those destinations.
So yes, you can do it, but plan a return trip later to visit places that pique your interest!
Laurie
Make sure you have a navigation system with the car. It helped a lot. Roads were narrower than here, and some roundabouts are crazy with all the exits and traffic lights. You night find some small country roads which are only one lane, but there are lots of pullouts if there is oncoming traffic.
Trish
10 days in Ireland is good. We did 2 weeks in Scotland and not nearly enough
Angie
9 days would defiantly be enough for Ireland!
A.I. says...
Is 9 Days Enough for a Self-Driving Road Tour of England, Scotland, or Ireland?
Planning a self-driving road trip to the UK or Ireland can be an exciting adventure, but the time you have available plays a crucial role in determining the scope of your journey. With only 9 days at your disposal, it's essential to manage your expectations and plan wisely to make the most of your time.
Self-Driving Road Tour of England or Scotland
For a self-driving road tour of England or Scotland, 9 days can be a tight squeeze. Both countries boast stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and charming villages that demand time to fully appreciate. However, with careful planning and a focus on specific regions, a half-decent road trip is achievable.
If you choose England, you might consider exploring the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds, visiting iconic cities like Bath and Oxford, and venturing to the Lake District for breathtaking natural scenery. Alternatively, you could concentrate on the southern regions, taking in the sights of London, Brighton, and the stunning coastal towns along the English Riviera.
In Scotland, you could focus on the Highlands, marveling at the rugged landscapes, lochs, and centuries-old castles. A route from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, with stops in Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Cairngorms National Park, would provide a memorable Scottish experience.
Self-Driving Road Tour of Ireland
If you opt for a self-driving road tour of Ireland, 9 days might be a more manageable timeframe. Ireland's compact size and well-connected road network make it easier to cover a significant portion of the country within a limited period.
You could start your journey in Dublin, exploring the vibrant capital city, before heading west to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and the rugged landscapes of the Burren. Continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the picturesque towns of Galway, Dingle, and Killarney. Don't miss the Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive that showcases Ireland's breathtaking coastal beauty.
Alternatively, you could venture north to the Giant's Causeway, a remarkable geological formation, and explore the charming towns of Donegal and Sligo. The Antrim Coast and the Causeway Coastal Route offer some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the region.
9 Days in Italy?
While Italy is an enchanting destination, attempting to cover the entire country in just 9 days would be an ambitious and potentially overwhelming endeavor. Italy is rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes, making it challenging to do justice to all its highlights in such a short timeframe.
Instead, consider focusing on a specific region or a few key cities during your 9-day Italian adventure. For instance, you could explore the iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice, savoring their artistic treasures, culinary delights, and Renaissance charm. Alternatively, you might choose to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany, Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast, soaking in the local ambiance and indulging in the regional cuisine.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your travel preferences and priorities. While 9 days may not be enough to fully explore the vast offerings of these destinations, careful planning and a focused itinerary can ensure a memorable and enjoyable self-driving road trip experience.
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Mike
Is 9 days enough to do a half decent self-driving road tour of England or Scotland? Or should I just spend the same amount of time self driving Ireland. Never been to Ireland or the UK. (Or Europe, for that matter,...9 days in Italy??)