2 weeks in the UK: what to do?

Regarding castle hotels - Lumley Castle? Only four stars, but has fantastic views and is conveniently located on the train line between Edinburgh and London. Also located pretty close to Northumberland, which is full of beautiful coastline and little country towns. And, of course, the historic city of Durham.

You are aware that Ireland is not in the UK?

"What to do?"

Well, why do you want to visit the UK/Ireland? Staying in a castle and eating at fancy restaurants is something you can do in many places. What is it about the UK/Ireland that has made you decide you want to go there?

You mention "starred" hotels & restaurants. What type of budget are you working with?

History (any particular era?)? Gardens? Museums? Hiking? WWI or II interests? Shopping?

Give us something to work with.

There is so MUCH to see!

I would stick to one island which should generally keep transportation faster, simpler, and more flexible. England itself has many beautiful scenic and small town areas, such as popular choices around the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, and the Lake District, before you even get up to Scotland. You can see Rick's Great Britain itinerary priorities that are supported by his Great Britain book. (The separate England and Scotland books cover some additional destinations.)

If you went to Ireland, probably more of the countryside you want to see is in the west, closer to Shannon airport than Dublin. But I would simply save Ireland for another two-week (or longer) trip.

My fiance and I are in the process of planning our honeymoon - also 2-2.5 weeks - probably just England and Scotland and also May 2018, largely looking to do a lot of what you mentioned! Just wondering if you'd found any more details since we sort of want to copy your trip :) Also posting to follow any other advice.

You are aware that Ireland is not in the UK?

Well, part of it is.

"Well, part of it is."

Yes, the part that isn't "Ireland".

Yes, the part that isn't "Ireland".

On which island would you find the fine city of Belfast?

According to my UK Passport the place where Belfast is located is Northern Ireland

sorry, not just here for the agrument, the phone rang.

back to the plan. You say "small town", how about large town with all the interest packed into a walkable centre? If heading from London to Scotland then York would fit that description. And by a staggering coincedence this was published whilst i was on the phone! https://www.yorkmix.com/food-drink/york-restaurant-relaunches-chef-gunning-michelin-star/

it's part of this hotel https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/ which by another coincedence used to be an office building where I occasionally worked (by that I mean I visited every few weeks......). The hotel is only a couple of minutes walk from the railway station (it used to be the railway HQ building). York also has an array of B&Bs of varying quality, the important thing is to ignore reviews more than 2 years old because they can change owners quite frequently.

According to my UK Passport the place where Belfast is located is Northern Ireland.

And on which Island would you be finding the fine city of Belfast?

(Hint: this question is much easier than you think).

Devils advocate.......are Wales and Scotland on the same island as England?

Castle of Park in Banff, Aberdeenshire would fit the bill for a castle hotel.

Ludlow in Shropshire is renowned for its cuisine and there are a number of good places to stay. Check out Sawdays for upmarket B&B suggestions in the UK. You don't say what you want to do other than eat! In Shropshire, you could visit Ironbridge.

There are a couple of Bank Holidays in May, so places will be busier.

Watch the 2010 movie "The Trip". Steve Coogen and a pal visit the "starred" restaurants in the British Countryside. In general, traveling in the countryside tends not to be "posh". Most country side travelers are looking for rustic adventures. Check the National Trust UK web site for accommodations; many are on great estates or lovely self- catered cottages. You would have to book these in advance; you usually have to let for more than one day. There are some resorts with fine dining. B & Bs are plentiful and many are lovely...just look on line. In more rural villages you may be able to book in person. A TV show that shows what country living is really like is "Escape to the Country"...I've watched it on Netflix.

Ashford Castle in Republic of Ireland is supposed to be one of the top hotels in the world(with prices to match).

We absolutely loved staying at the Ashford Castle (Ireland) for just two nights though. Our TAUCK tour group enjoyed every minute we were there. My husband and I plan on going back there and staying there for five nights. It is the former summer home of the Guinness Beer Family. The grounds are mesmerizing. Some people on line say it was the highlight of their trips to Ireland. My husband and I agree with that statement. It is rated one of the top 10 castles in the world.