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

41 hrs, 30 minsEst Driving Tim e

2834 kmTo tal Distance

http://www.m o to rho m erepublic.co m /itineraries/united-kingdo m /lo ndo n-to -edinburgh-uk

Overview

Forget the zoos, skip the

modern marvels, drive right

by the latest theme parks and

city-sized shopping malls - this

United Kingdom motorhome

road trip itinerary will be all

about the nation’s

foundations. T he UK is

brimming with every kind of

historic site imaginable, so

your journey will include visits

to castles and cathedrals,

Roman ruins and royal palaces,

museums and merchant’s

homes. It may even be worthwhile signing up for a membership to English Heritage, as this pass will

give you free or cheaper access to more than 400 attractions around the UK. Exploring all of these

relics of ancient and modern history is best done by campervan, as you can go at your own pace

with everything you need right there with you. Spend days picking over the finer details of the

destinations you adore and really get to know this country, once a fierce global power. You’ve got

more than 1,700 miles to cover and every stop will be as fascinating as the next. Buckle up, it’s

Leg 1 London to Stonehenge

06:30:00Est Driving Tim e

488 kmTo tal Distance

going to be an incredible ride.

In total, leg one of this

motorhome itinerary will take

less than seven hours. In

reality, it could take you

weeks. T he 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 T ower of

London, the T ower Bridge, Ben Ben, T rafalgar 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? T he Brunel T unnel (now the

T hames T unnel) 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 T hames where you’ll find a Middle Ages ‘taxi stand’ of sorts - the

place where a ferryman would sit while waiting for passengers. T here 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. T he 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. T he

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. T he town also has its own castle, and it’s a

particularly good one if you love secret underground tunnels. T he 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. T he 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. T he 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. T he Brighton Palace Pier dates back to

1899, and is now a place of family fun, rides, and entertainment, while the Clock T ower, the Booth

Museum of Natural History, and the historic district known as T he 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

London Canterbury Cathedral Brighton Pier

Leg 2 Stonehenge to Bristol

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major destination.

Southampton

Southampton is largely known for one major historical event from 1912 - the departure of the

‘unsinkable’ ship, the T itanic. Make a beeline for the Southampton SeaCity Museum for an in-

depth look at the story behind the T itanic, as well as artifacts, a T itanic T rail 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. T he 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 T udor 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 T able, 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.

Leg 1 Highlights

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. T his 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. T he 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

T he 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. T here 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. T he Royal Citadel is a fortress of

epic (and strange) proportions, and has been a bastion of English defence since its creation. T he

fort is still in military use today, but you can drop by for a guided tour on Mondays, T uesdays,

T hursdays 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. T here 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-T ol 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-T ol 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.

Stonehenge Exeter Cathedral St. Michael’s Mount

Leg 3 Bristol to Norwich

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Leg 2 Highlights

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. T he 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. T oday, 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 T ower, and the Blaise Castle Estate. T o 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

T he town of Bath isn’t just famous for its most well-loved attraction, it’s even named after it. T he

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

T o the north of Bath, T he 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.

T echnically speaking, T he Cotswolds covers almost 800 square miles, including markets, villages,

cafes, food stores, a home farm, and even a distillery. T here 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 T heatre, and finally pay your respects at the Holy

T rinity Church where his body was laid to rest. T he draw of Shakespeare and the various

attractions associated with his name does mean that other sites are sometimes overlooked.

Charlecote Park, a 16th-century T udor house and landscaped deer park, is one of those spots.

T his stately home is just what you’d expect from a grand English manor, and a walk in the gardens

Roman Baths Oxford University Shakespeare’s House

Leg 4 Norwich to Snowdonia National Park

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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

T here 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. T he 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.

Leg 3 Highlights

T urn 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. T his 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. T o 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. T his 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 T he

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. T he City of Caves is a labyrinth of limestone caves

underneath Nottingham (entry is included on your National Justice Museum ticket). T his 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. T ake 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

T he 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 . T hese 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’ T ower. T he 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.

Norwich Chester Rows Conwy Castle

Leg 5 Snowdonia National Park to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

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402 kmTo tal Distance

Next, take the A55 and make your way into Wales.

Conwy

Conwy T own is a world-heritage site, and at the heart of it all lies the imposing and magnificent

Conwy Castle. T ogether with its seaside location, lush mountains in the background, and fairytale-

like fortress, Conwy is the perfect introduction to Wales. T he castle itself was built between 1283

and 1289, and much of its strength and fortification comes from the rock it sits on. T his 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. T here 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.

Leg 4 Highlights

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. T he

Cymer Abbey is a surreal ruins you can stroll through, but it’s the Snowdonia Mountain Railway

that’s an absolute must-do. T he 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. T his 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.

T he 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. T ake 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 T own 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 T he 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

Snowdon Mountain Manchester Shambles of York

the 18th and 19th centuries. When you arrive, take a look at the Piece Hall Story, the Map Room,

and the T rader’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. T here 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. T he 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. T hen there’s the Leeds City Museum, the T hackray 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

T here’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. T he 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. T he amusingly-named Big Shambles and Little

Shambles are picture-perfect streets of slightly askew T udor 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-T yne

Leg 5 Highlights

Leg 6 Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to Edinburgh

05:00:00Est Driving Tim e

338 kmTo tal Distance

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-T yne is a gorgeous city built around a river, and was once a major shipbuilding

hub. T oday it’s known as a student city with a strong business culture and plenty of attractive

bridges and architecture. T he T yne 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.

T he wall was originally built from the banks of the River T yne 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. T he 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. T oday,

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. T his 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

Hadrian’s Wall Stirling Castle Edinburgh

photos, a notebook overflowing with scribbles, and a uniquely informed perspective of one of the

most influential nations in history.

Leg 6 Highlights