Possible Itinerary layout – Events Around Britain

Proposed Itinerary for a Mother-Daughter Trip in October

I’m starting to plan a trip for my mother and me in October, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the itinerary. We’re traveling from the US, so longer drives (up to about four hours) between destinations are manageable for us.

2 Nights in London
– Planned activities: Hop-On/Hop-Off tour, possibly catching a West End show or joining a food tour. I’ve visited London once, but it was many years ago, and this will be my mom’s first time, so we want to hit all the major tourist attractions.

2 Nights in the Peak District
– Accommodation: Likely in Bakewell (or Buxton if hotel prices are better).
– Things to do: See Chatsworth House, hike Mam Tor, explore Stanage Edge, and visit one of the caves (either Peak Cavern or Speedwell Cavern).
– Question: Should we rent a car in London to drive to the Peak District, take the train, or fly into Manchester and rent a car there?

Lunch Stop:
– Any recommendations for a good lunch spot between the Peak District and Edinburgh, possibly in the Lake District?

2 Nights in Edinburgh
– We’ve been to Edinburgh briefly before but missed the castle, so that’s a priority this time.

2 Nights in Glasgow
– No specific plans yet, so suggestions are welcome!

5-Day Small Group Tour of Mull, Iona, and Skye
– I’ve visited the Highlands before for a quick trip that included Ft. William, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and the Jacobite train to Mallaig.
– Alternatively, would it be better to focus solely on Skye? I’d love to see Staffa, although I know it’s October and the puffins won’t be around.

We have a total of 14 days (excluding travel days), but I’m concerned that the travel time might limit our ability to explore each location before closing hours. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

One thought on “Possible Itinerary layout”

Your itinerary looks like a fantastic mother-daughter trip! Here are some thoughts and suggestions that might help refine your plans:

London (2 Nights)

Activities: The Hop On/Off tour is a good choice to cover the major sights. For a West End show, check what’s playing closer to your dates as some shows can get booked up quickly. A food tour is a great idea to taste different cuisines and explore local favorites!

Travel from London to Peak District

Transportation Options:
Car rental: Gives you flexibility, especially to explore the Peak District at your own pace. However, parking can be tricky in some areas, so ensure you factor that in.
Train: A direct train can be an easy way to travel with less hassle. You could take a train from London to Manchester and then rent a car from there to drive to the Peak District.
Flight: Generally not necessary unless you prefer speed, as the train journey is quite scenic and takes you right into the heart of England.

Lunch Stop Between Peak District and Edinburgh

The Lake District is perfect for a lunch stop! Grasmere is charming and has some lovely cafes and the famous Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread. Alternatively, Kendal has good options and is conveniently located on your route.

Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Activities: Visiting Edinburgh Castle is a must, and you might also consider exploring the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace if time permits. Since it’s October, check out any seasonal events or festivals happening during your visit.

Glasgow (2 Nights)

Spend time exploring the city’s art scene; places like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum are great. There are also wonderful parks and shopping areas.

Mull, Iona, and Skye Tour (5 Days)

Tour Considerations: A small group tour is a great way to see the islands without the stress of planning each day. If you also want to see Staffa, ensure the tour includes that; the boat trips can be weather-dependent in October, so be prepared for potential changes in the itinerary.
Just Skye: A focus solely on Skye can also be rewarding, as there’s so much to see and do (e.g., the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr) but if Mull and Iona are appealing, then go for the tour.

General Travel Time Concern

Given you have 14 days excluding travel days, your itinerary seems manageable. Just ensure you check the closing times of attractions you’re interested in, especially in October when days are shorter. Consider booking some tickets in advance for popular sites.

Adjustments

You might want to consider an extra night in the Peak District if you find your days too packed, especially since there’s a lot to explore.
Similarly, assess whether you’d prefer more time in Edinburgh or Glasgow based on your interests.

Overall, it sounds like an amazing trip filled with wonderful experiences for both you and your mom. Enjoy your planning!