Suggestions on my Itinerary – Events Around Britain

Itinerary Suggestions Wanted!

I’m looking for feedback and potential tweaks to my travel plans as we gear up for our trip to the UK at the end of May!

We’re a family of four and here’s our current itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at London Heathrow (LHR) at 3 PM, then head to our Airbnb near Vauxhall Bridge, aiming to arrive by 7 PM. We’ll take it easy in the evening and have dinner.

Days 2 & 3: We’ll explore various sights in London, including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, among others.

Day 4: We plan to set off early at 7 AM, rent a car from LHR, and drive to Edinburgh. We’ll make a stop in York along the way, expecting to arrive in Edinburgh by 7 PM. We’ll unwind and have dinner upon arrival.

Days 5 & 6: We’ll spend these days discovering Edinburgh. I have a few attractions in mind, but I would love recommendations for must-see spots!

Day 7: We’ll hit the road by 6 AM, drive to Manchester (about a 5-hour journey), and arrive by 10:30 AM. We’re planning to take the Old Trafford stadium tour at 11:30 AM. Then, we will drive south to Birmingham (about a 2-hour drive), aiming to get there around 6 PM for an overnight stay.

Day 8: We’ll start our day at 7 AM and drive back to London, expecting to arrive around noon for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 9: We depart from LHR at 9 AM.

I’d greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice for this itinerary, especially since we’re traveling from the USA. Do you think it’s too packed?

P.S. Huge thanks to everyone for your help! You’re all amazing!

One thought on “Suggestions on my Itinerary”

Your itinerary looks like a great start for a family trip to the UK! Here are some suggestions and tweaks to consider:

Day 1:

Arrival: Sounds good, though you might want to factor in some time for customs and immigration, especially if you land on a busy day. Consider grabbing a quick bite somewhere near your Airbnb if you’re up for it after checking in.

Day 2 and Day 3:

Sightseeing:
For the Changing of the Guard, check the timings. It typically happens at 11:00 AM, so plan your morning accordingly.
Consider visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral and the British Museum if time allows. Both have incredible history and are family-friendly.
If the weather allows, take a stroll in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park as a breather from the city sights.

Day 4:

Travel to Edinburgh:
The drive from London to Edinburgh will be long. Stopping in York is a great idea!
In York, visit the York Minster and maybe take a walk around the Shambles, a historic street with shops and cafes.
Make sure to check traffic conditions as it can slow you down especially with potential roadworks.

Day 5 and Day 6:

Edinburgh:
Must-visits:
- Edinburgh Castle: A must-see with stunning views of the city.
- Arthur’s Seat: A little hike that offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh.
- The Royal Mile: Walk it and explore shops, street performances, and historic sites.
- If you have time, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is worth visiting.
- Consider a ghost tour in the evening for some spooky fun!

Day 7:

Manchester:
The drive is manageable, but the tour will take some time. You might want to leave more wiggle room for traffic or delays.
If you get to Manchester early, perhaps explore the Science and Industry Museum or visit MediaCityUK if time allows.

Day 8:

Return to London:
Consider spending your last day in some lesser-known spots like Camden Market or Borough Market for food.
If you haven’t yet, you could schedule a short visit to Covent Garden or check out a West End show for a fantastic ending to your trip.

Day 9:

Departure:
Arriving at LHR by 7 AM should give you enough time for a 9 AM flight, but double-check with your airline for suggested arrival times.

General Tips:

Pack light as you will be moving around a lot.
Have flexibility in your schedule to account for travel delays or extra stops that may come up.
Download local transportation apps (like Citymapper for London) to make navigating the city easier.

Feel free to adjust based on your family’s pace and preferences, and enjoy your trip! The UK has so much to offer. Safe travels!