Ask for Advice on Route Planning for a 2-week Trip (have been to a few regions in UK)

Seeking Route Planning Advice for a 2-Week Family Trip in the UK

Hi everyone!

I could use your help planning a two-week family trip to the UK at the end of May.

Last September, my parents and I had an amazing time exploring London and Wales (Eryri, Conwy, and the Pembrokeshire Coast). I’ve also visited Bath, York, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. This time, we’re keen to discover a new region that offers different experiences while still reflecting what we loved about our previous trips.

Since I’m not very familiar with other areas of the UK, I’d love to get your recommendations for route planning. I’m considering Northern Ireland, but two weeks there might feel a bit too long?

Here’s a bit about us:

Nature: We’re passionate about hiking and soaking in beautiful landscapes! We’d also love opportunities for wildlife sightings (we spotted seals last time). However, we’re not equipped for very challenging treks or camping. Our hiking skills are similar to what we experienced on the Llanberis/Snowdon Ranger Path and the Pembrokeshire Coast Paths.
Culture: We’re interested in historical sites, unique architecture, and museums. We particularly enjoyed visiting Westminster Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.
Transport: We prefer to use public transportation and trains instead of renting a car (only one of us can drive).
Budget: Around £1100 per person.
What to Avoid: We’re not looking for places that focus on pubs, shopping, tourist traps, or farms and villages (while we enjoy them, they might feel repetitive).

Thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions! I’ve looked at various tourist sites, but I’m uncertain which regions would offer us the best new adventures. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!

One thought on “Ask for Advice on Route Planning for a 2-week Trip (have been to a few regions in UK)”

Hi there!

Your trip sounds exciting, and it’s great that you’re looking to explore new regions of the UK! Based on your interests in nature, culture, and historical sites, I’d suggest considering the following route that includes Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic of Ireland, along with a short visit to the Lake District in England. This itinerary combines stunning landscapes with rich history, and you can comfortably navigate via public transport.

Suggested Itinerary

Week 1: Northern Ireland
– Days 1-3: Belfast
– Explore the Titanic Quarter and visit the Titanic Belfast museum.
– Walk around the Botanic Gardens and visit the Ulster Museum.

Days 4-5: Causeway Coast
Take a bus tour from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and explore the Antrim Coast.
You can do relatively easy hikes and walks in the area for stunning coastal views.

Week 2: Republic of Ireland
– Days 6-8: Dublin
– Take a train from Belfast to Dublin (about 2 hours).
– Visit historical sites like Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
– Explore Phoenix Park for a bit of nature within the city.

Days 9-10: County Wicklow
From Dublin, take a day trip to County Wicklow (you can join organized tours). The stunning landscapes in Wicklow Mountains National Park include Glendalough, with beautiful walking trails suitable for your level.

Optional: Additional Days (Day 11-14)
– Days 11-14: Lake District, England
– Travel to the Lake District (from Dublin, you can take a ferry to Holyhead, then a train to Windermere).
– Enjoy walks around Windermere or Ambleside, and soak in the beautiful scenery, lakes, and mountains.
– Consider visiting historical sites like Dove Cottage (home of William Wordsworth) and taking in local culture in charming towns.

Tips for Public Transport:

Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have good bus and train services. Consider purchasing a railpass for the trip across different regions.
In Northern Ireland, Translink operates buses and trains that can take you to major sights.

Budgeting:

With ~£1100 per person, you should be able to find comfortable accommodations and meals, especially if you book some things in advance and consider budget-friendly dining options.

This itinerary offers a good balance of nature and significant cultural experiences while keeping it fresh compared to your previous travels. Enjoy planning your trip, and feel free to ask if you have more specific questions! Safe travels!

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