London to Edinburgh: The Ultimate History Buff’s Tour of the UK

In total, leg one of this motorhome itinerary will take less than seven hours. In reality, it could take you weeks. The southern region of the country is synonymous with some of the most important and fascinating turning points, events, structures, and personas in the UK. Your starting point in London is so rich with history that you’ll find new gems at every turn. Prepare to explore ruins, castles, museums, historic quarters and more as you weave your way from town to town to discover all of the large and small attractions in this fascinating section of England.
 
What better way to start a historical tour of the United Kingdom than in London? You could easily spend weeks in this single city trying to see the endless list of sights and attractions. Many of them are major points of interest whether you’re into history specifically or not, such as the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, Ben Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. Once you’ve picked up your motorhome, you’ll also be able to visit some of the hotspots further outside of the city, such as Windsor Castle, which is not just the queen’s favourite weekend residence, but also the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. While you’re at it, don’t forget to make a stop at the Hampton Court Palace, which was once owned by King Henry VIII and now features a fantastic maze and a massive grapevine. But it’s not all castles and abbeys - the Churchill War Rooms and Museum offers an incredible insight into WW2, the life of the man himself, and the secret underground bunker. What about lesser-known sites? The Brunel Tunnel (now the Thames Tunnel) is the oldest underwater tunnel in the world, and was described as the Eighth Wonder of the World at the time it was built in 1843. You can also visit the Ferryman’s Seat, a spot on the south side of the Thames where you’ll find a Middle Ages ‘taxi stand’ of sorts - the place where a ferryman would sit while waiting for passengers. There truly are endless well-known and lesser-known sites all over the city, so allow plenty of time in London before setting out.
 
When you are ready to leave, get behind the wheel of your motorhome and head west, taking the A13 out of the city to make your way to Canterbury.
 
Canterbury
Much like London, Canterbury is a treasure trove of historic sights both large and small, with a section of the city even designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its variety of significant attractions. The most well known is easily the Canterbury Cathedral, which is the mother church of the worldwide Anglican communion and was originally founded in 597 before being rebuilt in 1174. You also have the option of visiting two museums; the Canterbury Roman Museum, and the Kent Museum of Freemasonry, which together offer a rich and vast insight into the region’s past. Another of the city’s major historic attractions is the St Augustine Abbey, which was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England. The abbey was then later used as a royal palace, a poorhouse, and even a school, all before becoming the fascinating tourist site it is today.
 
Next, take the short drive along the A2 to the coast.
 
Dover
Dover is one of England’s most prized natural attractions, and there’s no doubt that a stop at the White Cliffs of Dover is a must when you arrive. The town also has its own castle, and it’s a particularly good one if you love secret underground tunnels. The Dover Castle has seen centuries of conflict, from the Romans to the Cold War, and the tower, the tunnels, and the medieval architecture all make it one of England’s most interesting structures. The Roman Painted House might not be as famous as the cliffs or the castle, but it does offer a fascinating look into the past. It’s the first Roman house on show in Britain, and has undergone 40 years of excavation that has uncovered 50 major structures. It’s believed to have been built in AD 200 and was part of a large hotel or mansion that would welcome travellers from across the channel.
 
Next up - Brighton. You can either make your way along the coastline or take the M20 for the inland route.
 
Brighton
Almost every single attraction in Brighton is a testament to the city’s history. The Royal Pavilion is not just an exquisite work of architecture, it’s also a structure with more than 200 years of rich history, from being built as a pleasure palace for King George IV, to being used as a World War hospital, and now as a main icon and museum of Brighton. The Brighton Palace Pier dates back to 1899, and is now a place of family fun, rides, and entertainment, while the Clock Tower, the Booth Museum of Natural History, and the historic district known as The Lanes all add their own touch of intrigue to an already-mesmerising city.
 
Continue along the A27 and M27 eastwards for roughly 1.5 hours, and you’ll arrive in your next major destination.
 
Southampton
Southampton is largely known for one major historical event from 1912 - the departure of the ‘unsinkable’ ship, the Titanic. Make a beeline for the Southampton SeaCity Museum for an in-depth look at the story behind the Titanic, as well as artifacts, a Titanic Trail walking map of the city, and more stories on Southampton’s long history with the ocean. And because it’s England, there’s a lot more history to be found all over the city. The Solent Sky exhibition offers 18 vintage aircraft for you to inspect, the 14th-century Medieval Merchant’s House is open April to September, and the Tudor House and Garden is a gorgeous spot to spend strolling in the outdoors and nibbling on delicious treats at the on-site cafe.
 
Just 30 minutes north lies another city known for at least one significant historical event - or in this case, person.
 
Winchester
Legend has it that Winchester was once the home of King Arthur, a British leader of the 5th and 6th centuries AD whose existence is hotly contested amongst historians, but whose legacy is still world famous all the same. King Arthur’s ties to Winchester are most prevalent in Winchester Castle, which was built in the 13th century by William the Conqueror. Here, you can visit the Great Hall and the iconic Round Table, which was supposedly invented by King Arthur to ensure none of his knight’s were of greater or lesser status than the others. Right next door you’ll also find the ruins of the Wolvesey Castle, so be sure to stop by before you leave.
 
From here, it’s just 45 minutes to arguably the most iconic historical attraction in the United Kingdom - Stonehenge.

No history buff’s tour of the UK will be complete without a visit to Stonehenge, so it’s first up on this leg of the itinerary. You’ll spend this section of the trip exploring the southwest peninsula of England, checking out one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country, a tiny island historically accessed by foot only at low tide, and a Cornish relic from the Bronze Age. It won’t take more than four or five days for this leg in total, but if you know you’re the type to take little detours along the way, give yourself a little wiggle room on that timeframe.
 
 
Stonehenge
It’s the attraction that needs no introduction. Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world, and archeologists believe it was built sometime around 2,000BC to 3,000BC. This prehistoric monument is largely focused on the circle of standing stones, each of which weighs approximately 2.5 tons and measures more than 13 feet high. However, there’s a lot more to the site than just the stones. You can also visit the neolithic village and chat with volunteers about how the houses were built, explore the museum and exhibition to see many of the 250 objects that have been excavated from around the site, and you can of course visit the shop and cafe. The Stonehenge Campsite is just down the road, so you can camp nearby and be there to watch the sunset and sunrise.
 
From Stonehenge, take the A303 down to the A30, and in less than two hours you’ll arrive at the Exeter Cathedral.
 
Exeter
The Exeter Cathedral is the kind of place you can simply sit for hours admiring the structure, constantly noting and appreciating new details in every nook and cranny. It features the longest vaulted ceiling in England, and even features an astronomical clock. It’s one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world, and it’s all the more impressive when you learn it was completed by 1400. There are free tours included in your visit so you can learn more with a guide, or you can book in for a special roof or tower tour to gain extra access. Another of the city’s best historic attractions is the Underground Passages, which were once used to bring clean drinking water to the locals, and now offer an awesome tour opportunity and a look into medieval plumbing.
 
Next, head back to the A38 and continue south all the way to the coast.
 
Plymouth
With its seaside position, Plymouth needed something that would help defend the town and keep an eye on the Dutch. An earlier fort already existed on the site, so when King Charles II decided it was time for an upgrade, a new fort was built around the old one. The Royal Citadel is a fortress of epic (and strange) proportions, and has been a bastion of English defence since its creation. The fort is still in military use today, but you can drop by for a guided tour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Be sure to book ahead as there are not many spots available and they tend to sell out reasonably quickly.
 
Have you ever wondered where you’ll end up if you just keep following the A30? Well, you’ll make it almost to the very southernmost point of England, and to a wonderful little historic site off the coast.
 
Cornwall
St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is a tiny tidal island just off the coast, and taking the walk across the pathway at low tide is akin to taking steps back in time. Buildings on the island date back to the 12th century, while the St Aubyn family have lived in the awe-inspiring castle since the 17th century. There are just 30 people who live on the island full time, and all of them live by the tides. You’ll wander through cobblestone streets and explore the beautiful gardens, and you can take a guided tour to hear about some of the legends and stories behind this magical island, its inhabitants and its history.
 
Don’t be tempted to stop and turn around at Cornwall however, as another 20-minute drive will bring you to an unbelievable Bronze Age relic.
 
Men-an-Tol is Cornish for ‘holed-stone’, but it only offers a very basic explanation for what you’ll find when you arrive at this rugged site. It’s believed that the stone is roughly 3,500 years old and belongs to the Bronze Age, although very little is known about it. In all, Men-an-Tol is a collection of four stones, one of which is circular with a large hole through the middle, while the others more closely resemble the usual standing stones. One theory is that the stones were once a tomb, although local folklore suggests passing through the circled stone for its mystical healing powers.
 
After the stones, enjoy a scenic drive northwards via the M5 to begin the next leg of your adventure - and end this one - in Bristol.

From two of the best and oldest universities in the world to castles, galleries, historic villages, and even the home of the world’s most famous playwright, this leg of your itinerary truly has it all. You’ll zig-zag your way across England, visiting many of the country’s top attractions and a handful of its lesser known ones as well. You’ll likely need a week or more to make your way through this leg of your motorhome road trip.
 
Bristol
For all its modernity, Bristol is another of England’s unapologetically historic cities. The SS Great Britain adds a marine interest to your campervan itinerary, as it was once the longest ship in the world and the first steamer to cross the Atlantic ocean. Today, the ship has been converted into a museum.
 
It wouldn’t be England without a smattering of castles and towers, so set aside some time to visit sites such as Bristol Cathedral, Cabot Tower, and the Blaise Castle Estate. To head even further back in time, take a tour of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which has 19 galleries featuring collections in archeology, natural history and geology, all found in a gorgeous old Edwardian building.
 
From here, it’s only a short drive along the A4 to Bath.
 
Bath
The town of Bath isn’t just famous for its most well-loved attraction, it’s even named after it. The Roman Baths are an exceptionally well-preserved Roman site, where water comes up from the ground and the geothermal activity in the area brings it up to a luxurious temperature of 69-96 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to bathe in these natural hot pools, but the temple, bath house, museum, sacred spring and grand pump room all make for a fascinating attraction nonetheless. Make sure you pick up an audio guide or join in on a guided tour for all the background information and local legends while you’re there.
 
The Cotswolds
To the north of Bath, The Cotswolds isn’t so much a singular attraction, but rather a quaint area so thick with history that you’ll see and feel it all around you the second you drive into town. Technically speaking, The Cotswolds covers almost 800 square miles, including markets, villages, cafes, food stores, a home farm, and even a distillery. There are a number of motorhome parks dotted around the area, such as Cotswolds Camping, where you can make your home base for a few days as you explore the area.
 
From the Cotswolds, it’s an easy drive west along the A40 to your next destination.
 
Oxford
Oxford is the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’, and at the heart of it all lies one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Oxford University isn’t one central campus area, but rather the buildings and halls are dotted about the centre of the city, so you may often walk past a stately structure and not even realise that it’s part of the college. You can either pick up a leaflet and stroll through the grounds yourself, or book in for a tour at the Visitor’s Centre for a guide to help show you around and teach you about the site’s rich history and its status as the oldest university in the English-speaking world. As well as this place of learning, don’t miss the Blenheim Palace while you’re in town (or just as you head out of it). It’s a place of such flawless beauty that you don’t necessarily need to hear about its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and status as one of the country’s largest houses to appreciate it - although it certainly helps.
 
Stratford-Upon-Avon
It’s hard to love history and not be a lifelong fan of the work of one of the world’s greatest poets and playwrights. Naturally, Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare, is your next stop. Here you can visit Shakespeare’s House, tour Anne Hathaway’s House, watch a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Swan Theatre, and finally pay your respects at the Holy Trinity Church where his body was laid to rest. The draw of Shakespeare and the various attractions associated with his name does mean that other sites are sometimes overlooked. Charlecote Park, a 16th-century Tudor house and landscaped deer park, is one of those spots. This stately home is just what you’d expect from a grand English manor, and a walk in the gardens offers a perfect glorious afternoon of relaxation away from the roads and the crowds.
 
Next, head north on the A46 and turn west onto the A14 after passing by Coventry.
 
Cambridge
There really is no passing by Cambridge, which happens to be the second oldest university in the English-speaking world. It’s known around the world as a mecca for higher education, and it’s also home to a number of exceptional museums and collections that feature earth sciences, zoology, archeology, anthropology, and much more. It will come as no surprise to many that it has been recently listed as the second-best university in the world (after Oxford, of course). Many of Cambridge’s structure’s are famous in their own right, such as the dining hall in King’s College, and the Emmanuel College Chapel. The nine museums and collections are open to the public year-round, and there are official tours leaving the Visitor’s Centre seven days a week.
 
Finally, take the A11 north-east to Norwich.

Turn around, and make your way back across England and cross into Wales. But of course, don’t forget to make a few historic stops along the way. This leg of your route will take you from Norwich into the lush Snowdonia National Park, but not before you visit a City of Caves, a town built upon Roman ruins, and a few more epic castles. To keep a relaxed pace, allow five or so days for this leg of your UK campervan road trip.
 
Norwich
Norwich is another little English city that’s brimming with historic points of interest and landmarks. You won’t need too much time here to explore some of the best sites, the most prominent of which is Norwich Castle. This castle was built more than 900 years ago as a royal palace, and today operates as a museum and art gallery. Another spot is Stranger’s Hall, a surreal old merchant’s house tucked away in the heart of the city. It’s where merchants and mayors once lived, and today operates as a museum. You can step back in time as you explore the maze of rooms left just as they once were. And for something truly unique on your history tour, pay a visit to the Old Skating Rink Gallery, a structure that was once the first skating rink in the city in 1876 - but only lasted a year before spending various periods as a warehouse, a Vaudeville theatre, a Salvation Army base, and more.
 
Next, continue your zig-zagging route across England as you turn back eastwards and follow the A47 to Nottingham.
 
Nottingham
Nottingham is a gorgeous historic old city with an array of sites such as the Old Market Square (the largest surviving market square in the UK), the 17th-century Nottingham Castle, and The National Justice Museum. While these attractions are all worthy of a visit, it’s what lies beneath the city that truly makes this stop memorable. The City of Caves is a labyrinth of limestone caves underneath Nottingham (entry is included on your National Justice Museum ticket). This network consists of hundreds of tunnels, and has been used throughout the ages as an air raid shelter, dwellings, public house cellars, a tannery, and more. Take a tour to learn more about the history of this hidden world, or opt for something spookier and take a tour with a medium.
 
After Nottingham, continue west via the A50 to Chester.
 
Chester
The entire city of Chester is just one amazing old site after another. When you first arrive, jump out of your motorhome and stretch those legs with a walk around the City Walls. These pathways follow the old Roman walls and are mostly made of red sandstone. In total, it’s a two-mile stroll that takes you to the four gates around the city, where you’ll find various attractions such as a clock from 1897 at Eastgate, Roman ruins at Northgate, and the King Charles’ Tower. The Chester Rows are some of the city’s most iconic sights, as these old stone and timber buildings date back to the 14th century and were built on top of or in front of old Roman ruins. Adding to the Roman history, the Chester Roman Amphitheatre is the largest of its kind in Britain, and one of the recently excavated sites is similar to those found in Pompeii.
 
Next, take the A55 and make your way into Wales.
 
Conwy
Conwy Town is a world-heritage site, and at the heart of it all lies the imposing and magnificent Conwy Castle. Together with its seaside location, lush mountains in the background, and fairytale-like fortress, Conwy is the perfect introduction to Wales. The castle itself was built between 1283 and 1289, and much of its strength and fortification comes from the rock it sits on. This means it has a much simpler design than other castles found around the UK, as it didn’t need the usual walls-within-walls layout for added defense. There are however walls around Conwy the town, and they are best viewed from the top of the castle walls when you visit for a tour.
 
Conwy sits on the doorstep of the Snowdonia National Park, so find a spot in the Snowdonia Park and Pub Campsite for your next stop.

From wild and scenic parkland of Wales to a university city built around a river in northern England, this leg of your journey offers a little of everything and plenty in between. You’ll have endless opportunities to explore fantastic museums in particular, and of course there’s never any shortage of castles and churches when you’re on a history road trip in the UK. Give yourself a week or so to complete this leg.
 
Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park is a scenic getaway from the villages, towns and cities you’ve been visiting so far. Much of the park is an incredible national playground where you can surf, zipline, hike, bike and more, so take a look at some of the activities on offer if you’re interested in getting your adrenalin pumping. All that said, there are a few wonderful historic sites in the park as well. The Cymer Abbey is a surreal ruins you can stroll through, but it’s the Snowdonia Mountain Railway that’s an absolute must-do. The trip will take you to the top of Snowdon Mountain, which is the highest in England and Wales and offers phenomenal views of the park. This railway has been operating for more than 100 years, although keep in mind that the track is only open from March to October to avoid running in inclement weather.
 
Leaving the park, head northeast once again via the M56.
 
The Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in Europe, and it has recently opened a new museum to showcase thousands of items and artifacts from throughout the centuries. Take a walk through the undercroft building from the 12th century, and explore the priory ruins. You can also take some time out during a meander through the woodlands around the priory, where you’ll find summer houses, glades, and a 2.5-acre 18th-century Georgian walled garden.
 
Once you’ve toured the priory grounds, make your way back to the main road and take the M56 to Manchester.
 
Manchester
Manchester is a large modern city with hundreds of attractions and sites worth visiting, but it all began in much the same way as many contemporary English cities - with a Roman settlement. If you’re something of a bookworm, the John Rylands Library (the Manchester University library) will quickly become a favourite place in the world, as it’s not just filled with thousands of books, it’s also one of the most stunning buildings you’ll ever set foot in. Another neo-Gothic building is the Manchester Town Hall, which was completed in 1877 and features a massive clock tower that overlooks the city. Shambles Square is the place to go for a bite to eat and a drink in a historic setting, and the lesser-known Pankhurst Centre - once home to Emily Pankhurst - is the home of the suffragette movement. You needn’t look far for history in Manchester, so allow for a day to simply wander through the central city and see what you can discover on foot.
 
Next, take the M62 out of the city and make a beeline for The Piece Hall just outside of Halifax.
 
Piece Hall was initially built in 1779 as a cloth hall for handloom weavers. It was extremely functional, with 315 separate rooms and a large central open courtyard. At the same time, it always was, and remains to be, an incredibly attractive structure. It’s the only surviving building of its kind in the area, and a visit today will help you get a feel for just how important the cloth trade was in the 18th and 19th centuries. When you arrive, take a look at the Piece Hall Story, the Map Room, and the Trader’s Room, which together weave a history of the site and those who have worked in it over the years. You can also visit the shop and grab a bite to eat while you’re there.
 
From Piece Hall, it’s a short drive to your next destination, Leeds.
 
Leeds
Even though Leeds has plenty of the usual priories, churches and castles, this city is really all about its museums. There is no place quite like the Royal Armouries Museum, which is home to England’s national collection of arms and armour. You’ll find experimental weaponry, Henry VIII’s armour, war histories, and more across its six themed galleries. The National Coal Mining Museum for England sits on a 45-acre site and covers centuries of coal history, including an underground section and a nature trail. Then there’s the Leeds City Museum, the Thackray Medical Museum, the Abbey House Museum, and the Leeds Industrial Museum at what was once the world’s largest wool mill. Between them, you can time travel back hundreds of years for a closer look at many facets of the country’s history.
 
From here, it’s a short and enjoyable drive to York via the A64.
 
York
There’s no two ways about it, York is a city of history, and almost all of its major (and minor) attractions are centred around the past. The main gem in town is the York Minster, one of the world’s oldest and most spectacular cathedrals, which is a vision of stained glassed windows, high ceilings and more than 800 years of history. Be sure not to miss the Jorvik Viking Centre, a reconstructed viking village where you can walk around learning about these fearsome figures and interacting with the scenery around you. The amusingly-named Big Shambles and Little Shambles are picture-perfect streets of slightly askew Tudor buildings, a fantastic place to wander. York is also where you’ll find the National Railway Museum, and of course, there is the 13th-century York Castle to explore.
 
For the last drive on this leg, make your way north via the A1 to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

It’s the final leg of the trip, but there’s still a smorgasbord of fascinating sights to see. From a modern city bursting with historic attractions and the largest Roman relic on the planet, to the scene of an epic battle and the castle the battle was fought for, this section of your itinerary will be as varied as it is memorable. When you arrive in Edinburgh, you may wish to hold onto your campervan for just a few more days as you travel around the attractions, so be sure to allow for a little extra time when planning your route!
 
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is a gorgeous city built around a river, and was once a major shipbuilding hub. Today it’s known as a student city with a strong business culture and plenty of attractive bridges and architecture. The Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge are both well worth visiting, and the Newcastle Cathedral is an incredible structure dating back to the 11th century. On the outskirts of the city you can visit the Beamish Museum, which is a fun and interactive outdoor village you can explore to truly get a feel of what life was like in northern England throughout the 1800s.
 
Leaving Newcastle, take the A69 westwards to one of the coolest Roman relics in the country.
 
In England’s wild north lies the largest Roman artefact anywhere in the world. It’s Hadrian’s Wall, and it’s 73 miles of stone base and stone walls, with milecastles and forts dotted along its length. The wall was originally built from the banks of the River Tyne and ran to the Solway Firth on the Irish Sea, and it marked the northern border of the Roman Empire. Historians believe it took three legions of 5,000 infantrymen roughly six years to complete. On the other side of the wall lay the Britons, so this was a vital defensive structure from the time it was built in AD 122 until it was abandoned for a new wall just 25 years later. The wall was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and today offers a wonderful opportunity to walk alongside it and discover its many ruined forts and castles. One of the best-preserved forts is Housesteads, where you can still see the foundations of multiple structures.
 
After the wall, you’ll head north via the A74 and cross over into Scotland, continuing North and bypassing Glasgow to head to Bannockburn.
 
Bannockburn
Scottish history doesn’t get much more significant than this - the Battle of Bannockburn was the first victory in the country’s war of independence in 1314. During the battle, King of Scots Robert Bruce faced down the English, led by Edward II in a fight to remove the Scots from nearby Stirling Castle (more on that shortly), but the English were defeated, and the Scots remained. Today, there are few physical traces of the battle, but the site offers an interactive and immersive experience thanks to the tireless work of historians and 3D technology. You’ll stand next to these medieval knights as you learn more about the battle, its significance, and what happened next.
 
Of course, the only reasonable next stop would be Stirling Castle itself, so continue a little farther north on Burghmuir Road.
 
Stirling Castle is one of the largest castles in the country, and has been instrumental in the history of Scotland. It’s surrounded by cliff faces on three sides, and is filled with intriguing stories. You can meet characters dressed in period costumes, and explore the structure and grounds. A guided tour with a member of the knowledgeable staff will give you the best experience and will help you learn a few extra facts and myths that you won’t find in the guide books.
 
Reverse course just a little: from here it’s a short and scenic drive along the M9 to your final destination of your UK motorhome road trip.
 
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, lovingly known as Auld Reekie, is the final stop on your UK history tour, and will no doubt be a memorable one. Edinburgh Castle is both the leading attraction for the city and the main gem for history fans. This imposing structure towers over the city skyline, and you can pay a visit to see the crown jewels of Scotland, watch the firing of the one o’clock gun, and explore the luxurious royal palace. Of course, there’s more to this city than its castle. Mary King’s Close offers a hidden history of Edinburgh, as this undergound close is right beneath the historic old town of the city, and is filled with unbelievable tales of murder, mystery, and urban legends. And for something a little different, pay visit to the Writer’s Museum, where you’ll find a celebration of the lives of three of the country’s best wordsmiths - Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott.
 
It’s certainly not the quickest route around the UK, but it could well be the most fascinating. Few places in the world offer such a rich tapestry of time in such a small space, making the UK an ideal location for a history buff’s motorhome tour. By the end of it, you’ll likely have a camera filled with photos, a notebook overflowing with scribbles, and a uniquely informed perspective of one of the most influential nations in history.