The Explorer’s Road
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Spanning from London to the northern border with Scotland, this road trip traces some of England’s historic routes and cities. Be immersed in the world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hertfordshire, before discovering the university of Cambridge and the vibrant cultural scenes of Leeds and Newcastle. Venture north for the outdoor delights of Northumberland and make an additional stop in the Scottish capital Edinburgh if time allows.
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Recommended trip length: 7-8 days
The route:
London – Hertfordshire – Leeds – York – Durham – Newcastle – Northumberland – Edinburgh
London – Hertford: 30.2 miles (48.6km)
Hertford – Cambridge: 34.3 miles (55.2km)
Leeds – York: 30 miles (48.3km)
York – Durham: 76.3 miles (122.7km)
Durham – Newcastle: 18.9 miles (30.4km)
Newcastle – Alnwick: 34.4 miles (55.4km)
Alnwick – Berwick-upon-Tweed: 30 miles (48.3km)
Berwick-upon-Tweed – Edinburgh: 56.8 miles (91.4km)
Getting around
- The Explorer’s Road covers around 300 miles (483km), spanning the length of easterly England from Hertfordshire to the Scottish borders.
- Hire a car or take the train for a more sustainable journey.
- The route is flanked by major airports at both ends: Edinburgh Airport in the north and London Luton and London Stansted in the south.
- If time allows, spend a few extra days exploring Scotland.
Route highlights
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
- Fitzwilliam Museum
- Cambridge Gin Laboratory
- Harewood House
- JORVIK Centre
- Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
- Alnwick Castle
- Edinburgh Castle (if extending the trip)
Stop 1: Hertfordshire
Morning: Delve into wizard world
Discover the world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and explore iconic film sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest.
Afternoon: Explore history and mixology in Cambridge
Punt along the river Cam to enjoy views of the historic college buildings, see world-class art at the Fitzwilliam Museum or join a mixology workshop at the Cambridge Gin Laboratory.
Evening: Catch a show.
Dine at Michelin-starred Restaurant 22 before heading to Cambridge Junction for live entertainment.
Stop 2: Leeds
Morning: See Leeds differently
Explore the city on a Street Art Trail, then go shopping in Leeds’s Victoria Quarter or hunt for bargains in Europe’s biggest indoor market, the Grade I listed Kirkgate Market.
Afternoon: Go film set jetting
Explore Harewood House, an 18th-century country home which doubled as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film.
Evening: Live at Leeds.
Enjoy an avant-garde dining experience at Psycho Sandbar or head to the Brudenell Social Club for live music.
Stop 3: York
Morning: Get hands-on with history
Bask in the grandeur of York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and explore The Shambles, a cobbled street lined with shops and cafes.
Afternoon: Indulge in chocolate
Create a bespoke chocolate bar at York’s Chocolate Story, or delve into York’s Viking heritage at the JORVIK Viking Centre.
Evening: Go on a night-time cruise
Explore the city at night on an atmospheric York Floodlit Evening Cruise along the River Ouse.
Stop 4: Durham
Morning: Discover castles and cathedrals
Visit Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the picturesque riverside paths around the medieval Durham Castle.
Afternoon: Plan the great escape
After experience the charm of the historic city centre, go on a thrilling adventure at Escape Rooms Durham.
Evening: Be dazzled by magic
Catch an immersive magic show at The Magic Corner, a custom-built magic room and bar packed with tricks and illusions.
Stop 5: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Morning: Explore Newcastle on wheels
Discover hidden sights on a guided Newcastle cycling tour, then spy cutting-edge art at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a landmark industrial building.
Afternoon: Go on a thrilling adventure
Thrill-seekers can try white-water rafting or paddleboarding. Why not hire a classic car to explore the surrounding countryside in style.
Evening: Dive into the city’s buzzing nightlife scene
Catch a show at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music or enjoy the lively nightlife along Bigg Market and Collingwood Street.
Stop 6: Northumberland
Morning: Enter a wizarding world at Alnwick Castle
Join the Broomstick Training at Alnwick Castle, which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, and marvel at the Grand Cascade in Alnwick Garden, featuring 120 water jets.
Afternoon: Follow in the footsteps of L.S. Lowry
Follow the Lowry Trail around Berwick to see the locations that inspired the famous artist or stop off at the imposing fortress of Bamburgh Castle.
Evening: Relax in a hot tub with countryside views
Stay in a luxury pod with hot tub in the grounds of the Marshall Meadows Manor House, an award-winning luxury hotel and restaurant located just outside Berwick.
Stop 7: Edinburgh
Morning: Go on a trike adventure
Discover the city on the back of a chauffeur-driven 1600cc trike, then hike up to Arthur’s Seat to take in the spectacular views across the city.
Afternoon: See the world from a whole new perspective
Visit the Camera Obscura and World of Illusion, a surreal museum full of interactive fun, or venture into Colinton Tunnel, a Victorian railway tunnel transformed into an art space.
Evening: End the trip in style
For a memorable end to the trip, stay at The Witchery, an opulent 5-star hotel located in a historic sixteenth-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle.
