Ask for Advice on Route Planning for a 2-week Trip (have been to a few regions in UK)
Seeking Advice for Route Planning on a 2-Week UK Adventure
Hello everyone!
I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out for some advice as I plan a 2-week family trip to the UK at the end of May.
Last September, my parents and I had a wonderful time exploring London and some parts of Wales (Eryri, Conwy, and the Pembrokeshire Coast). We were truly captivated by the stunning natural landscapes. Personally, I’ve also visited Bath, York, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. This time, we’re eager to discover a new region that differs from our previous experiences—while still incorporating the elements we loved!
Since I’m not entirely familiar with other areas of the UK, I would greatly appreciate your recommendations for route planning. I’m considering Northern Ireland, but I wonder if two weeks there might be too long.
A bit more about us:
- Nature: We love hiking and are drawn to beautiful landscapes, and wildlife spotting is a delightful bonus (we saw seals on our last trip). However, highly challenging tracks and camping aren’t feasible for us. Our outdoor skills are at a level where we can comfortably manage paths like Llanberis/Snowdon Ranger and the Pembrokeshire Coast Paths.
- Culture: We’re interested in visiting historical sites, unique architectures, and museums. Our favorites include Westminster Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.
- Transport: We prefer using public transportation and trains rather than renting a car, as only one of us is able to drive.
- Budget: Approximately £1100 per person.
- What to Avoid: We’re not particularly interested in pubs or drinking, shopping, overly touristy places, or solely photo ops. While we appreciate farms and villages, they may feel repetitive based on our past trips.
Thank you so much for your time and assistance! I’ve looked at tourist websites, but I’m uncertain about which regions would offer new and exciting experiences. Any advice would be immensely appreciated!
Hi there!
Your upcoming trip sounds fantastic, and it’s great that you have a clear idea of what you’re hoping to experience! Given that you’ve already visited some popular areas, here are a few suggestions that could offer you a fresh perspective on the UK while catering to your interests in nature, culture, and history.
Potential Itinerary:
Week 1: Northern Ireland
Belfast (2-3 days): Start your trip in Belfast. Visit the Titanic Belfast museum for a unique cultural experience, and explore the political murals in the Falls Road and Shankill Road areas. You could also take a day tour to the nearby Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for stunning landscapes and some gentle hikes.
Derry (1-2 days): From Belfast, take a bus or train to Derry. Walk along the historic city walls, and explore the Museum of Free Derry. Derry is a great place to experience both urban and natural charm with access to the nearby Donegal coastline for more scenic views.
Week 2: Explore Scotland
Glasgow (2 days): After Derry, head back to Belfast and fly or take a ferry to Scotland, landing in Glasgow. This vibrant city has fantastic museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and plenty of historical architecture. Don’t forget to stroll through the beautiful Glasgow Green park.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (2 days): From Glasgow, you could take a day trip to Loch Lomond. There are various walking routes suitable for different skill levels, with pathways that allow you to enjoy stunning views of the loch and surrounding mountains.
Edinburgh (3-4 days): Finally, make your way to Edinburgh. Even though you’ve been there, the city has a lot to offer! Explore the historic Royal Mile, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and take a hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city. If time allows, a day trip to the Scottish Borders could provide some intriguing history and landscape variety.
Travel and Logistics
Public Transport: The train and bus services in Northern Ireland and Scotland are efficient, so you should be able to get around without much hassle. Websites like ScotRail and Translink are useful for planning your journey.
Accommodation: Look for budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or well-reviewed Airbnbs that cater to families.
Tips
Conclusion
This itinerary balances your love for nature with rich cultural experiences without revisiting someplace you’ve already been. I hope these recommendations help you make the most of your trip, and wish you a wonderful time exploring new regions of the UK!
Safe travels!