Coach and Minibus Hire in the United Kingdom

Day trips by minibus, from honey-stone villages to Highland glens

Some of Britain's best days out sit an hour or two from a city: the Cotswold villages, the lakes around Windermere, the lochs and glens beyond Inverness. Book a minibus and driver, and everybody sees them, with nobody missing the view because they're watching the road.

Three favourite directions

Burford is about 20 miles from Oxford and Castle Combe about 13 from Bath, so a Cotswolds loop fits easily into a day with time for lunch and a wander. From Birmingham, Bourton-on-the-Water is about 55 miles.

Windermere is about 85 miles from Manchester, around an hour and three-quarters each way when the roads are clear, which leaves a generous middle to the day by the lake.

From Inverness, Loch Ness at Drumnadrochit is about 16 miles. Skye is a far bigger outing: think 220 miles or so there and back, and five and a half hours of driving time before you add a single photo stop.

Setra high-capacity coach, exterior
Setra high-capacity coach, exterior

Small roads, smaller vehicles

Off the main A87, Skye's roads are mostly single-track with passing places, and the lane and car park at the Fairy Pools don't suit large coaches. A minibus or midi coach can reach stops that a full-size coach would have to skip.

At popular sights, check the parking first. Urquhart Castle keeps its coach spaces for trade partners who book ahead, and entry isn't assured without one.

Rules worth knowing

  • In London's ULEZ, minibuses must meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel)
  • In Edinburgh, coaches may stop on yellow lines for up to two minutes only to drop off or pick up

How far one driver can go

Long scenic days run into drivers' hours. Anything with nine or more passenger seats on a private hire outing usually runs under the assimilated (formerly EU) rules: a daily driving limit of 9 hours, which may stretch to 10 twice a week, and 45 minutes off after every 4.5 hours behind the wheel. A Skye round trip from Inverness comes close once you add stops, so ask about a second driver or a night away. The GB domestic rules shown above cover some other journeys; the operator can tell you which set fits your trip.

Your questions

Can we change the route on the day?

Small changes usually work if the driver's hours and the roads allow. A bigger detour is better agreed beforehand so it's in the quote.

What about a day out from London?

Windsor Castle is about 25 miles away and Stonehenge about 90. London's emission zones cover every borough, so the vehicle you're offered must be up to their standard.

Will the driver act as a tour guide?

The driver drives. Some know an area well, but guiding isn't part of the booking unless it's arranged, and many groups book a guide separately.

Cities

Vehicles