UK roadtrip, London -> Scotland and back

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UK Road Trip: London to Scotland and Back

Hi everyone,

I just found out that I’ll be attending a work conference in London in early April, and my wife, baby, and I are turning it into a spontaneous family holiday! As we scramble to put together plans, we’d love any advice you could share.

We’ll arrive in London around 2 PM on March 27th and stay in Central London until April 8th, during which time I’ll be at the conference. After that, we’ve rented a car for a road trip to Scotland and back. While returning to London isn’t ideal, our flights were covered by work, and we chose to rent a car to provide more flexibility with our 4-month-old.

Here’s our rough itinerary (only the London portion is booked):

  • London (4 nights)
  • Conference in London (5 nights)
  • London (3 nights, picking up rental car at 10 AM)
  • London → Liverpool (2 nights)
  • Liverpool → Glasgow (2 nights)
  • Glasgow → Isle of Skye (3 nights, traveling through Glencoe)
  • Isle of Skye → Edinburgh (3 nights)
  • Edinburgh → York (3 nights)
  • York → Oxford (1 night)
  • Oxford → London (returning the car at Heathrow by 5 PM for an 8 PM flight)

What we’re into:

Food, nature, and baby carrier-friendly hikes. We’re open to seeing some major attractions but are skipping places like Stonehenge.

I have a few questions:

  1. What would you suggest adjusting in our plans? (while staying within our constraints)
  2. Are there any day trips from London you’d recommend? We feel we might have too much time in London right now. Bath and Windsor are currently on our radar.
  3. I’m not sure Liverpool is the best first stop since we’re not particularly interested in the Beatles or football. Watching a match would be great, but I haven’t figured out ticketing yet.

Thanks so much for any tips you can provide!

One thought on “UK roadtrip, London -> Scotland and back”

  1. Sounds like a fantastic adventure you have planned! Here are some thoughts and suggestions to help you refine your itinerary.

    1. What Would You Change?

    • Liverpool: If you’re not keen on Beatles or football, consider skipping Liverpool in favor of Chester or Manchester. Chester has beautiful historic architecture and a lovely riverfront, plus it’s close to some great countryside for walks. Manchester has a vibrant food scene and plenty of cultural spots.

    • Isle of Skye: Three nights on the Isle of Skye is great for soaking up the scenery. Just bear in mind that there’s a lot to see on the island, so plan out hikes and walks that are baby-friendly (e.g., Fairy Pools, Elgol).

    • York: York is lovely, but it can be tight if you’re planning three nights there. If you only need one full day for the sights, consider cutting it down to two nights.

    2. Day Trips from London

    • Bath: Definitely a strong choice! The Roman Baths and the stunning Georgian architecture are worthwhile. It’s also a lovely city for a baby-friendly stroll.

    • Windsor: Windsor and Eton are picturesque and have nice parks. Windsor Castle is a highlight, but you can still enjoy the area without entering.

    • Oxford: Since you’re going there later, consider spending more of your London time exploring local neighborhoods or going to Richmond Park for beautiful nature right in the city—a great place for a baby carrier hike!

    • Canterbury: If you want something off the typical path, Canterbury is picturesque and has historical significance.

    3. Alternative to Liverpool

    • Nottingham: This place has a lovely castle and is rich in Robin Hood folklore. It’s also very walkable, which could be easier with a baby.

    • North Wales: Consider visiting Snowdonia National Park if you feel adventurous. It’s beautiful, with lots of nature walks and kid-friendly trails. You could explore towns like Betws-y-Coed.

    Additional Tips

    1. Comfort Stops: Ensure you have a list of toddler-friendly eateries and places to stop for rest or feeding during the road trip.

    2. Hiking Gear: Check out baby carriers that can be comfortable for longer hikes, as some trails might be less accessible.

    3. Plan for Flexibility: With a baby, stay flexible with your plans. Factor in downtime for rest or finding baby-friendly attractions.

    4. Book Accommodations: Make sure your hotel or rental options are baby-friendly. Look for places that offer cribs or high chairs if needed.

    I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip and the beautiful sights of the UK!

    Reply

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