I did something for myself recently, I went off on a 20-day solo travel journey across England and Scotland. It was spontaneous, exciting, and absolutely worth it. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like travelling alone in the UK, here’s how it all unfolded.
Why I Did It
To be honest, I just needed time for myself. Life’s been full-on, and I hadn’t had a proper break in a long time a real one where I wasn’t rushing, planning, or worrying about what’s next.
Since the pandemic, I hadn’t been back to Europe. This was my first time embracing solo travel after the pandemic and I wanted a mix of familiar cities and fresh spots. So I picked places I’d been before and loved, like London and Oxford, but also added new destinations like the Bath, Cotswolds and Edinburgh.
This trip wasn’t about ticking off a list. It was about breathing, wandering, and just letting the days unfold however they wanted to. Sometimes, you just need to hit reset and this was mine.
London: The Familiar Rush and Quiet Corners
London feels like an old friend always buzzing, always busy. It’s the perfect starting point for any solo travel adventure in England. I spent a few days just wandering from the pastel-hued charm of Notting Hill to the scenic river walks along the South Bank.
Each morning began with strolls through the city’s stunning parks such as Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, and The Regent’s Park soaking up the greenery and spotting curious little wildlife along the way. I found comfort in hopping between cafés, sipping tea or coffee, and watching the world go by.
I stumbled upon corners of London I’d somehow missed before quiet lanes, tucked-away shops, and unexpected views. The museums and theatres? Absolutely brilliant, as always. And yes, I did treat myself to afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, followed by a bit of retail therapy along Regent Street and Oxford Street. No regrets at all!
Oxford: Brains, Bikes, and Bookshops
Oxford felt like stepping into a different world. The architecture was unreal those sandstone buildings, narrow lanes, and endless bikes! I loved the slower pace here. Got lost in Blackwell’s bookshop and didn’t even mind. For anyone planning a solo UK travel itinerary, Oxford is a lovely cultural stop.
Cotswolds: Storybook Vibes All the Way
This was a dream. The Cotswolds were everything I hoped for stone cottages, rolling green hills, and sheep (so many sheep). I stayed in a quiet little village where time felt like it had stopped. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in the UK, especially if you’re after peace and scenery.
Bath Spa: Healing Waters and Georgian Beauty
If you ever want a mix of spa day and stunning architecture, Bath is it. I visited the Roman Baths, had a soak at Thermae Bath Spa (rooftop views were awesome!), and just let myself slow down. It was a lovely blend of self-care and discovery the perfect addition to any 20-day UK itinerary.
Edinburgh: The Grand Finale
Scotland greeted me with misty mornings, dramatic skies, and strong coffee. Edinburgh felt majestic – a little moody, but in the best way. I spent half the day soaking up the stories of Edinburgh Castle and reflecting on the rich, often intense history between England and Scotland.
I took on the hike up Arthur’s Seat (a bit of a push, but totally worth it), strolled along the Royal Mile, and soaked in royal traditions at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Though I ended up stuck indoors for a day thanks to the severe Eowyn Storm that swept across Ireland, the UK, and Norway, solo travelling to Edinburgh, Scotland is an absolute must. The mix of nature, history, and culture hits different.
The Bits In Between
Trains. Journalling. Moments of doubt. Quiet joy. Solo travel isn’t just about sightseeing it’s about soaking in the in-betweens. The silence, the surprises, the growth. This trip gave me all of that.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.
Travelling alone in the UK gave me more than just views it gave me space to think, to feel, and to reconnect.
Sometimes, the best company really is your own.
The Kingdom, redefined 
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