London to Edinburgh by Chauffeur

There are good reasons to drive it. Luggage that would cost a fortune in the hold, dogs, a family who would rather stay together, a schedule that does not fit the airline timetable, or simply a preference for arriving on your own terms with the car available at the other end. When those apply, the road is the better answer. When they do not, we will say so before you book rather than afterwards.

The route usually runs north on the A1 through Peterborough, Doncaster and Newcastle, then along the Northumberland coast past Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed before crossing the border. The M1 and M6 alternative through Cumbria is sometimes quicker and considerably emptier, and the choice is made on the day. Either way it takes the best part of a day, typically eight to nine hours with proper stops.

The last two hours are the reward. The A1 runs close to the North Sea past Bamburgh and Holy Island, and the border country beyond is as good as long-distance driving gets anywhere in Britain. Guests who split the journey often stay near York or in Northumberland, which turns one hard day into two easy ones and adds a genuinely good evening in the middle.

We plan Edinburgh journeys with at least two stops and, where timing allows, a proper lunch rather than a service station sandwich. A second chauffeur can be arranged for very long days. The car can then stay with you in Scotland for touring, since the Highlands, St Andrews and Loch Lomond are all within reach, or return south and collect you later in the week.