London to Scotland Road Trip: Drive Between the Capitals

London skyline

There’s any number of reasons to plan a London to Edinburgh road trip. From the cosmopolitan culture, world-class restaurants and dynamic nightlife of London through to Edinburgh’s combination of Georgian and medieval architecture, scene-stealing castle, and the sweeping views from Arthur’s Seat, the two capitals offer so much to see and do.

With that said, it’s also worth plotting in some more rural spots along your London to Scotland road trip. Whether it’s quaint architecture, hiking opportunities, or northern city breaks that you’re after, we’ve packed them all in.

What to do on a London to Scotland road trip

Driving from London to Scotland in one go would likely take you eight hours (traffic permitting). Break the journey up by taking in the sites, scenery and cities along the way.

London

Start your London to Scotland road trip in England’s capital city. Take the well-trodden tourist path by jumping around highlights like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Science, British, and Natural History Museums, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye.

Alternatively, dig deep into one of London’s many boroughs – Islington, Hackney, Camden, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea will offer you a flavour of the capital city’s diversity.

The Cotswolds, via Oxford

Head to the Cotswolds next, via Oxford. Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, this city has plenty to offer. Tour the university’s hallowed halls, visit the Ashmolean or Pitt Rivers Museum, go punting on the river Cherwell, or head slightly out of the city to visit Blenheim Palace.

From Oxford, drive to the picturesque country charm of the Cotswolds. Take in the idyllic villages and dine out at some exceptional country pubs. You could always walk a section of the Cotswold Way to stimulate your appetite.

Peak District National Park

Once you’ve had your fill of pretty villages, get your walking boots ready for an adventurous few days in the Peak District. Hiking, mountain biking, trail running – choose a trail that suits you and off you go. You can even go canoeing and fishing at Carsington Water.

If the weather’s poor and you’re not feeling adventurous, you can tour the stunning Chatsworth House or medieval Haddon Hall.

Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool

Next, head north to Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

Each of these cities has a vibrant history and pulsing seam of culture. Excellent eateries, thought-provoking galleries, lively nightlife, and an energetic live music scene – you’ll find any number of ways to fill your days.

Don’t miss Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Royal Albert Dock and William Brown Street, or Tate Liverpool. Head to Kirkstall Abbey near Leeds and be sure to visit Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Yorkshire Dales or Lake District National Park

Get outdoors again at either the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District National Parks.

Famed for the lakes and held in international esteem by hikers everywhere, the Lake District will afford endlessly stunning vistas. Alternatively, head to the Yorkshire Dales – also known as ‘God’s own country’ – for your fill of all things wild and windswept.

If you choose to visit the Dales, you can also divert to the east for a trip to either York or Whitby. Admire the resplendent York Minster and amble around the Shambles or discover why Bram Stoker took inspiration for Dracula from Whitby Abbey.

Edinburgh

Next, you’re headed across the border. Don’t forget to admire the scenery as you take the winding route into Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy the culture, art, entertainment, and food on offer.

Stroll through Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat, or feed your brain at the National Museum of Scotland. If you plan your London to Edinburgh road trip to coincide with the Edinburgh International Festival or Fringe Festival, you can take in some of the incredible comedy and theatre on show. Finish the day by watching the sun set from Calton Hill whilst clutching a dram of whiskey (or two!) – once the car is parked up, of course.

Glasgow

No London to Scotland road trip is complete without a Glasgow visit. Famous for its architecture, music scene, nightlife and culture, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city which offers something for everyone.

Wander the Botanic Gardens, admire the Cathedral and visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Catch a show from either the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet or National Theatre of Scotland. Attend a gig at one of the city’s many live music venues, including The Glad Café, Cathouse Rock Club, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and more. Enjoy a spot of shopping and take in the architecture of Buchanan Street. You could even head out of the city for a tour of Glengoyne Distillery.

Argyll Coastal Route

Take the Argyll Coastal Route from Glasgow up to Inverness. You’ll take in exceptional coastal landscapes and can also enjoy some of the excellent walking around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Stop off at Loch Fyne Restaurant for exemplary seafood before following the A816 up Argyll’s stunning west coast. Finish your route in Fort William, the UK’s outdoor capital, and discover the Nevis Range Mountain Experience.

Isle of Skye

From Fort William, head to the Isle of Skye. Dramatic, rugged landscapes will take your breath away as you travel around the island’s various peninsulas. You’ll likely face rain, but the crystal blue fairy pools, imposing peaks of the Black Cuilins, and Old Man of Storr provide ample distraction. Don’t miss the Talisker Distillery, which offers particularly peaty whiskey.

Finance a car to see you through your London to Scotland drive

If you’ve got your heart set on a London to Scotland road trip but don’t think your current vehicle could hack the distance, upgrade to another. Get a car loan quote for a spacious, safe, and weatherproof vehicle and start planning your journey today.

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Top 9 Best Cars for London Driving

Tower Bridge in London

From traffic-choked streets to sky-high congestion charges, driving in London can be a headache. That is, unless you’re behind the wheel of one of the best cars for London. Designed to zip around cities, these eco-friendly models are perfect for driving in the capital. From the ultra-compact Smart Fortwo Coupe to the all-electric Peugeot e-208, read on for our roundup of the best cars for London driving.

1. Audi A1 Sportback

Forget Chelsea Tractors. The latest Audi A1 Sportback packs style, luxury and space into a small package. This sleek model looks right at home driving around posh neighbourhoods like Kensington and Notting Hill. Light up the London night with powerful LED headlights and stay safe with the latest pedestrian and cyclist detection technology. The engine is small and highly efficient, a big draw for eco-conscious Londoners. 

2. Renault Twingo

A French-inspired silhouette isn’t the only feature to love about the Renault Twingo. The model swaps a standard front engine for rear placement, which unlocks extra cabin space and delivers an impressive turning circle. If you’ve ever pulled off a U-turn in London or manoeuvred into an ultra-tight parallel parking spot, you’ll know why this feature makes the Twingo one of the best cars for London. 

3. Tesla Model 3

You don’t need to look hard to spot a Tesla Model 3 in the capital. This coveted car is a staple on London streets and for good reason. It’s packed with next-generation technology and delivers a huge range of up to 374 miles. Unlike other EVs, Tesla drivers enjoy access to London’s ultra-fast Supercharger network.

4. Peugeot e-208

Teslas are no longer the only EVs on London streets. Models like the Peugeot e-208 are turning heads for all the right reasons. Under the hood is an all-electric powertrain capable of delivering more than 215 miles on a single charge. This is enough to complete an entire lap of the M25 – three times! Best of all? You’ll beat the London Congestion Charge.

Charging infrastructure in London is always improving, making the Peugeot e-208 a clever choice for motorists. Looking to hot tail it out of the city on a Friday afternoon? Switch into sport mode for heightened speed and performance. You’ll be off the motorway and into the countryside in no time. This makes the e-208 one of the best cars for London motorists who love to escape the city.

5. Smart Fortwo Coupe

This picket-sized model shares the same base as the Renault Twingo, which means you’ll enjoy an excellent turning circle. Once again, a huge bonus for navigating the highly congested streets of London.

The spacious boot of the Smart Fortwo Coupe is ideal for transporting groceries from A to B or packing in luggage for a weekend escape to the country. Unlock even more room by folding down the passenger seat. The standard engine is more than capable of city driving, though we recommend upgrading to the turbocharged engine if you plan to hit the motorway regularly. 

6. Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

The Mini Countryman PHEV is an eco-conscious take on the best-selling model. It’s not fully electric, but with CO2 emissions of between 40 and 46g/km, it sidesteps the London Congestion Charge. Electric range is approximately 30 miles – enough to get you from Wimbledon to Wembley and back. If you’re looking for a PHEV for short commutes, the Mini Countryman is one of the best cars for London. Safety is front of mind in this model. For example, the acoustic pedestrian protection projects an external noise when you’re driving in whisper-quiet EV mode.

7. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Get behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, one of the most popular hybrids in the UK. Enjoy all the benefits of an SUV, including an elevated driving position for superior visibility. The 13.8kWh battery promises almost 30 miles of all-electric range, perfect for London commuters. You have the petrol engine as a backup, so no need to worry about covering longer distances. Low CO2 emissions make the model exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

8. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe

Looking for a MPV that sidesteps the London Congestion Charge? The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe is one of the best large cars for London driving. This hybrid people carrier isn’t just spacious. It’s packed with city-friendly features like lane departure warnings, speed limit information and, best of all, parking assist technology. Whether you’re squeezing into a parallel spot in Chiswick or attempting a tight reverse park in Paddington, you’ll be glad you’re driving one of the best cars for London.

Heading to the M25? The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe takes you from zero to 62 mph in just under seven seconds. Drive in all-electric mode and you’ll get between 25 and 32 miles of emission-free miles. You’re free to enter London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), making it ideal for commuters.

9. Mini Electric

Small and zippy, the Mini Electric is purpose-built for London life. It captures the fun and free-spirited vibe of the original 1959 model, with an eco-conscious spin. Behind the wheel you’ll enjoy a bright digital display and loads of clever driver-assist features. The 32kWh battery offers up to 145 miles on a single charge. Not ideal for longer road trips but perfect for driving around town. And yes, the electric engine means you’re exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

Find the right car loan for London driving

Want to secure the keys to one of the best cars for London? Use our purpose-built algorithm to calculate your car loan and find out how much you can borrow. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new Mini Electric or a used Audi A1 Sportback, our tailored car finance solutions can help you get behind the wheel of the best cars for London drivers.

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Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

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Should I Buy a Car in London?

Bridge in London

Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for new ways to escape the city or a nine-to-fiver wanting to streamline your commute, “should I buy a car in London?” is a question asked by all kinds of people. If you live in the capital and are thinking about investing in a car, this article is for you. Read on as we cover all the practical and financial factors to consider when deciding whether you should buy a car in London.

The pros and cons of public transport

One of the biggest reasons people choose not to buy a car in London is the tube. The London Underground is one of the most iconic urban public transport networks in the world – and for good reason. Around two million passengers per day ‘mind the gap’ and often combine their journey with overland trains, buses, trams, riverboat services and sometimes even a set of wheels via London’s public bicycle hire scheme.

While public transport is incredibly efficient at getting people from A to B, it can be stressful with the average Londoner enduring a commute of 74 minutes. This gets many people thinking, should I buy a car in London?

While this can be a pretty straightforward question in other cities, the capital is unique and there are some special considerations you’ll need to factor in when asking if you should buy a car in London.

Parking in the capital

Whether you squeeze into a street space drawing on your best parallel parking skills, resign to the exorbitant prices of ticketed car parks or splurge on renting or buying a private parking space, there’s no denying parking in London is a headache. And an expensive headache at that. The average standard space costs more than £1,730 per square foot, on par with homes in upscale neighbourhoods like Chelsea and Kensington. This puts private parking well out of reach for the average London motorist.  

Consider ‘park and ride’ options

Should I buy a car in London is a question asked by many people who live outside of London and commute into the city. It’s a great question, especially if your commute involves taking a bus from your house to the nearest train or Tubs station. Often, this step can add 30 minutes or more to a daily commute.

If you live near an official Transport for London car park, driving to a station and completing the final leg of your journey using public transport can be a great way to save on parking and petrol, not to mention reducing your eco-footprint. Season tickets offer great value for money and with car parks located across Greater London and beyond, chances are you’re within easy driving distance.

ULEZ charges

The capital has been struggling with air pollution since the Great Smog of London in the 1950s. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been introduced across the city to keep air pollution in check, with most vehicles hit with a £12.50 daily charge for travelling within the zone. This is definitely something to factor into your budget when researching the pros and cons of buying a car in London.

The EV revolution

When it comes to sidestepping the ULEZ charge in London and minimising your environmental footprint, electric vehicles (EVs) are the answer. Fully electric cars emit no CO2 or NOx from the tailpipe, making them 100% exempt from ULEZ charges. The average small petrol car churns out 120 g/km of CO2, meaning EVs are also a fantastic way to slash your personal emissions.

EV charge points in London

If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, it’s worth considering your driving habits and what charging infrastructure is available to you in London.

Hammersmith & Fulham is spearheading the movement, with Leader of the Council Stephen Cowan recently channelling more than £5 million into the installation of hundreds more lamppost chargers. By March 2023, the borough will offer more than 3000 EV charge points to London motorists.

“We’ve led Britain by installing these charge points as we encourage the shift to electric vehicles, cleaner air and a greener environment”, says Cowan. “If you buy a new car, please make it an electric one.”

Opt for a shorter range vehicle

Range is one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership, with many motorists worried their battery-powered car won’t be able to keep up with their driving habits. Thankfully, this isn’t usually an issue for London motorists using their car primarily for commuting. Low range EVs are more affordable than their high range counterparts, making them a great option for motorists on a budget. Models like the Smart EQ Fortwo and entry-level Fiat 500 Electric offer incredible value for money and more than enough range for you to zip around the city, then recharge when you’re back home.

Of course, if you plan to use your car to escape the city on weekend road trips and countryside adventures, it’s worth upgrading to an EV with higher range. The latest Mercedes EQS boasts an impressive range of 450+ miles, though it comes with a luxury price tag to match. The new Tesla Model S is also up there, with a range of around 400 miles. It can easily take you from London to popular holiday destinations like Cornwall.

Upgrade to a second-hand ZEC vehicle

In London, three types of vehicles meet ULEZ standards. They’re known as Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) vehicles and include the following:

  • 100% electric vehicles with battery-powered motors.
  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that feature zero-emission technology backed with a standard petrol or diesel engine to boost range.
  • Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen to generate electricity and run the car.

Buying a car in London: The next step

If you’ve weighed up your options, crunched the numbers and decided you’re ready to get behind the wheel in London, we’re here to help. Whether you’re in the market for a second-hand EV or a brand-new ZEC vehicle, our team has the experience and expertise to track down the best tailored car finance solutions in the capital.

Our service is backed by Evolution Funding, the largest motor finance broker in the UK. This means your application will gain exposure to a broad panel of lenders, which ultimately translates to a better car loan quote.

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

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*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.
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