30 day female solo trip to the British Isles

What are your dates - how long is your trip?

Where are you arriving/departing? That’ll help folks to offer assistance. Let’s get your next chapter going!

Having your passport and flights booked is a start. Can we assume that you just booked a RT to/from London, since you don't have an itinerary?

First thing I would do is make a list of the places you want to visit and then add what you want to see and do in each place. That will give you an idea of how many days and nights you need in each place. Dont make the beginners mistake of trying to see too much in one trip. Realize that you can't see everything, and plan instead to do some things on your NEXT trip. Once you've got that figured out, you can put those places into some kind of logical order so that we can help you figure out transportation. And remember that changing locations will take up at least half a day per change.

You are all so wonderful!

I am flying in and out of Heathrow. April 11-May 9.

I've dreamt of and saved for this trip for my whole life, as far back as I can remember, so maybe I am being a little over zealous with my expectations. I am also trying to remind myself that instagram isn't always "real".

I am feeling a little overwhelmed, but deciding where I want to go THEN putting things in order makes so much sense. I am also thinking of suitcases, insurance, safety, airbnb versus hotels and bed and breakfasts...I know I will make mistakes but the fewer surprises the better!

Thank you all!

Since you haven't been abroad before, get a copy of Rick's Europe Through the Back Door. Lots of info in there for travel tips, dos and donts, for new travellers. Then, since you don't have a firm handle on here you want to go, get his Great Britain guidebook. Between England, Scotland and Ireland (plus a side trip to France???) I'd pick 2 of the 3- England and Scotland for ease of transport and proximity, unless there is a compelling reason to see Ireland instead.

For France as a short side trip, I'd stick with Paris via the Eurostar from London for at least 3 nights.

Thank you! I will do all of that :)

I think I'll take Ireland out of the equation and perhaps do another trip for that. My adult daughters were going to meet me there but we can do that another time.

I don't know when you bought your airline tickets, but get your travel insurance ASAP, if you haven't yet. There is a time limit to that so "pre-existing" conditions are not excluded.

Get yourself some travel books for the UK and Ireland and Paris, and make a list of places you want to visit. Count the number of nights you have, and then you can start figuring out how many nights to give to each place. Your last night you will want to be someplace close to Heathrow.

And most important - relax! The planning is a big part of the fun!

You have gotten good advice so far. And it may help to think that this can just be the “first of many”. :)

I would add: don’t try to do all the things at once. First decide where you’d like to go. You have a good list - but the more stops you add, the more you have to think and plan. London, the Cotswolds, and the Yorkshire Dales are definitely not too much for a month. You could add in Scotland by train or Ireland by flight - but to add both will be hurrying (but it can be done if all you want is a quick peek). You might look at about a week in London, about a week in the Cotswolds, and about a week in the Dales. Then split a week between Edinburgh and a quick trip to Paris. It’s still a lot to plan for - but really you just need airfare, lodging, and train tickets before going (and obviously a passport). More is nice but not absolutely necessary if you are short on time and can plan as you go.

It will be amazing!

Wow, fantastic and good for you for stretching your wings with first trip to Europe, and solo as well! First, congrats and welcome. I agree with everything TTM just above says. Hey, you might like to be aware there are some UK national holidays while you're there - Good Friday, Easter Monday, April 18-21 (and the KIDS all have off that week, so museums and Westminster, for example, will be jammed.) And May 5th is a 'bank holiday'.

Personally, I would start at the library - RS guides as mentioned above, DK Guides because they show PICTURES, HA, others to review places you might like to visit. Had you considered a RS tour? (We don't work for RS, just saying it might take a load off to let someone else do the planning to get your feet wet. Here's an example - https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/england/best-england-tour)

You mentioned that transport is your biggest concern - Trains are SO easy in the UK, and things like a day or longer tours to see the Cotswolds are easy to arrange, I really liked Rabbies for day trips while I was in Scotland, here's one of their day tours to the Cotswolds. https://www.rabbies.com/en/england-tours/from-london/day-tours/oxford-traditional-cotswold-villages-day-tour. Also a great way to meet people and get settled into a new country.

Let's use a smaller word than suitcase, LOL, like backpack or roller bag, you're going to be on lots of public transport! It's a big subject, has it's own category here https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing. About insurance - The Search toolbar above is your new BFF, just type in 'insurance', then choose Forum, search last 6 months & you will find a lot about the subject. As you might be over 65, medicare has a supplement for international travel, $50,000 max for reimbursement, I would call your provider to check details. https://www.google.com/search?q=medicare+international+supplement&oq=medicare+international+supplement&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIICAQQABgWGB4yCAgFEAAYFhgeMggIBhAAGBYYHjIICAcQABgWGB4yDQgIEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgJEAAYhgMYgAQYigXSAQg1NDUyajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
(This is NOT evacuation insurance, many forum members carry separate evacuation insurance as well.)

If you're really set on seeing 'France', which I'm just going to assume you mean Paris? Again, Search bar, Paris, Eurostar perhaps, and lots about that too. Personally, if it were me doing a UK trip of a lifetime, I would consider fewer places, as you mentioned stay a week in one place, and perhaps leave Paris for a completely separate trip? I would hate to just go there for a few days, it takes most of a day to travel each way, just my opinion! Hope this is helpful, bon voyage!

Good on you! This is an amazing gift you're giving yourself.

I agree with most of the advice mentioned above, but it's so fast and easy to get to Paris via Eurostar that I would absolutely add that to your trip. Get a nice, central hotel room (loads of recs on this site) and just get out and walk, eat, take it all in. Don't worry about getting advance tickets for the Louvre or prioritizing among the museums. There is so much to see that doesn't require admission fees or even going indoors. Think of it as a vacation from your vacation. You'll love it. Everyone does.

One idea, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, would be to combine your independent travel with an organized tour for a portion of the trip. For instance, you could take the Rick Steves 7-day London tour or the 8-day Scotland tour at some point during the 30 days. This would relieve you of the need to plan every single moment of the trip, and provide companions for part of the trip (I’ve met many friendly and interesting people on tours.). Rick Steves guides are especially knowledgeable and fun, and they teach a lot of travel skills that will serve you when on your own.

I would encourage you to consider moderately priced hotels vs Airbnb. Premier Inn is a UK chain that is fairly basic but consistent. When I travel as a solo female, I find having that hotel front desk makes things a bit easier.

The company London Walks offers dozens of walking tours, most of them lasting about two hours. The cost is very reasonable, and the licensed guides will introduce you to corners of the city you would be unlikely to uncover for yourself, providing useful historical snippets. Walking tours are an opportunity to connect a bit with other folks. I take long trips myself, and I enjoy some human contact from time to time. https://www.walks.com/

The Yorkshire Dales are a frequent topic here on the forum, so you may find answers by reviewing past discussions:

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=1y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Yorkshire+dales&utf8=%E2%9C%93

Is this a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a first-of-many trip? I am not sure after reading your comments.

This is important as it will influence how long you should stay in each place. Are you creating memories to keep you company for the rest of your life or are you finding places you would go back to to experience in deeper depth?

Here are some random comments:

the KIDS all have off that week, so museums and Westminster, for
example, will be jammed

My personal experience is that children in museums with their parents or grandparnts are NOT a big problem. Children in large school groups are much more of a nuisance, so I would avoid the last week before and first week of school after a holiday.

Packing: RS' info (linked above) is excellent, but I also like https://www.onebag.com/. Plan to do laundry, in the hotel room, in a launderette, by the hotel (expensive). My wife and I (67F and 69M) travel with an RS Classic bag and a personal item. It's big enough for all we need, small enough for the over seat bin - but after we retired and have more time, we usually check it - at least on the trip home. The personal item has camera, computer, prescription medicine, etc.

If you get near Newcastle I recommend a trip to https://www.beamish.org.uk/.

Hi allie -

Anything specific you want to see in the Yorkshire Dales (thinking ACGAS)? If you could advise I could maybe zero in a bit on that particular aspect. Other than that it would be just a general “oh, it’s all marvellous!” gushing!

Ian

Everyone is going to have their own approach, but here is mine to help select places to stay. Make a list of things you want to see and do. Get a paper map (photocopy fine) of the areas you want to go and put a red pen dot on the places on your list. It becomes easy to see the outliers that need to wait for another trip. Also you can see what can be easily groups for a single accommodation. It also helps determine how long you need to be in a particular area.

As for accommodation, I am a 60 year old that travels single particularly in the UK. I have done many of the areas you are considering. My suggestion is an Airbnb for places you are staying for 3 or more nights. It allow access to a kitchen since eating out all the time is not always fun. Also many will have a washer which helps when you are travelling for 4 weeks with a carry on suitcase. Most will not have dryers since they are not common in Europe. Many will have a clothesline or drying racks.

Another alternative is a private room in a YHA hostel (https://www.yha.org.uk/). They can be ensuite. Most have kitchens and laundry facilities. Beds are not as comfortable as most Airbnbs, but you get people to talk to and to socialize with. I have had great conversations in the lounge, but the kitchen is the best place to start a conversion. You can also get some good advice on what to see in the area.

Both the Cotswolds and Yorkshire Dales will require the use of buses to get around. Trains will get you to the area. With no car, I would recommend staying in the south of the Dales (Skipton, Settle, Ingleton). I stayed in Hawes for 5 days, which I loved, but needed a car to get around. I will aim for the south side next time even with a car, and there will be a next time! For walks, don't skip Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.

While in Yorkshire don't skip York for the town itself and places around.

There is so much to see and do that the challenge is always to pare the list down.

Hi, allietoner, you have gotten lots of good advice. As others have said, you could easily spend the whole month in England and have a wonderful time. I am a solo female traveler and spent 5 1/2 weeks in England earlier this year, and didn't leave the country (except for one quick afternoon trip to Wales with friends). Here is my itinerary if that's helpful to you:

London 5 nights
Cornwall and Devon 9 nights
Liverpool 3 nights
The Peak District (Castleton) 5 nights
Yorkshire 7 nights
Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall 6 nights
Oxford 1 nights

Scotland is easily doable for you, but if you really want to squeeze in a trip to Paris, I would leave Ireland off, as it takes some time to get there and would cost you time. You could always visit Wales if you would like to get in another country and Wales is beautiful.

FWIW, I used both train travel and car rentals to get around. England can be tricky with car rentals. Driving on the left is not difficult and you will probably pick that up right away, but there are lots of narrow single track roads in the UK that can be difficult to maneuver. And since you are solo, you will need to do both navigation and driving. Car Play (which many cars have) does help, though. I used Google maps the whole time to navigate and rarely had problems.

In my case, I used train travel for long distances. For example, I took the train from London to Cornwall, then rented a car for 7 days while I was there. Then I took the train to Liverpool and spent 3 nights there (stayed with friends) using trains to get around. I then rented another car in Liverpool and continued the rest of my trip via car until the end when I turned the car in at Carlisle and took the train to Oxford.

If you're interested in reading more, here is a link to my trip report from then: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/wandering-around-england-in-38-days-march-to-april-2024

FWIW, I'm heading back to England in late March with two grandkids, and will be spending 10 nights in London and 3 nights in Paris (which I sort of tacked on). So we will be taking the Eurostar over to Paris and then flying home from there. I would suggest figuring out your Paris portion as soon as possible, date-wise, as the Eurostar tickets get more expensive the closer you get to departure dates. You can check out schedules and prices here: https://www.eurostar.com/us-en

Without a car, your best way to get quick glimpses of the Cotswolds is by a Mad Max day trip from Bath Spa. (I think there's another Bath, so you want the train from London to Bath Spa). You would need to spend at least one night in Bath Spa if you did that. Also look at Mountain Goat tours and Rabbies tours for day tours. You may want to wash and drip dry the clothes you are planning to take to see which ones dry quickly and also maybe weigh them and take the ones that will add the least weight. Since you will be lifting your luggage up the train steps, get the lightest bag possible-many of us like the Travel Pro MaxLite which you can get at Amazon.

GoCotswolds also offers one-day small-group (van) tours of the Cotswolds. Those depart from the Moreton-in-Marsh train station. It is possible sleep in Oxford and take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh to catch the tour.

Bravo!

Few thoughts:

Down load the ETA App. Fill it out. This is a new requirement for traveling to London

Premier Inn chain is perfectly fine. Definitely peruse the website.

Even for a lengthy trip I travel with a carry on. It can be done. Have done on all my London visits. Matter of impatience. Don’t want to wait for my luggage.

Once I’m through immigration I’m either taking the Elizabeth Line or the Heathrow Express ( if HEX ticket should be purchased 3 months out)

Make list of “ must “ sees. Review Google maps to see travel proximity between places. Know most places open at 9am or 10am. Plan accordingly.

I’m old school and use an Oyster Card to use on busses and the tube and for some trains ( used it for the train to Hampton Court)

Understand that besides having liquor pubs are meeting places for families so don’t be surprised if grandma is in the pub with a grand baby in a pram. Same goes for pub dogs and cats. Personally I’m fine with pub grub.

This past trip ( 6 weeks ) discovered the General at the Seven Stars pub which is near the Royal Courts of Justice. Google The Seven Stars pub and you’ll see a picture of the General.

Make sure your Credit Cards are tap ones. I prefer using an Oyster Card only because getting a CC out of a wallet in the hustle and bustle of the Underground is untimely. Oyster can go in a pocket.
Also if I lost a CC I’d be very upset. Loosing an Oyster would be loosing £ 7 …i could live with that. Annoying but not agonizing loosing a Credit Card.

Look at an underground map. Note that the tube lines are designated by color . Look at Timeout London website. In the description of events, sites to see , etc Timeout directions will mention tube line(s) in the directions.

Little bit of translation helps:

Ask for loo or toilet not rest or wash room.
Crisps are potato chips
Sweaters are jumpers
Jeans are perfectly fine to wear
Not all hospitals have ERs.
Most Museums are free ( I always leave a donation)
Lots of wonderful ethnic cafes and restaurants : Malaysian, Indian, Indian, French, Spanish to name a few. Have noticed within the past 6-7 years hamburger and pizza restaurants have gained popularity. Same with coffee. Besides the evil
Starbucks empire, you’ll find Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero Research and Redemption Roasters. Can also find coffee at some Pret a Managers. Learn what is an Americano or a Flat White. Asking for a black coffee still generates a questioning look.

See Theatre. Nothing better than theatre. Check both Whats on Stage and London Theatre websites.
Over the years been privileged to see Judi Dench, Mark Ryland, Brenda Blythen and Maggie Smith.

If a walker the Thames River path can be followed for miles. Same with the Regent Canal patheay.

The Queens Garden in Regents Park should be in bloom ….same with the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park.

London is a great city.

Train travel most enjoyable.

Really great parks to explore. Pretty sure Ian will offer intel about the Lake District.

Lastly, I think the best view of London is from the Royal Observatory.

I always recommend 63 Bayswater as a place to stay for first time visitors. 15 minute walk from Paddington Station. Across the road from the Lancaster Gate Entrance into Hyde Park/KensingtonGardens. Lancaster Gate Underground Station 1/2 block away. Charming Mitre pub block away.

You’ll have a great first solo sojourn.

EDIT: for architecture: travel to Blackfriars station and have a meal at the gorgeous Blackfriar Art Deco pub which is across the road. OR visit The Gherkin ( St Marys Axe ) then the adjacent Ledenhall Market OR head to Canary Wharf or visit Kyoto Gardens and then the Design Museum or Holland House in Holland Park

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice! This may be a one-time trip depending on how things work out for me when I return home (need to get back in the workforce after being a SAHM for decades) I have woken up the past two nights in the wee hours with buyers remorse (everything is worse at night) thinking "what have I done? what am I doing here?! But then I read all your replies and I find so much comfort! Also, my faith in humanity has received quite a boost as well! I think I'll print all of these replies and make my notes. Again, thank you all! I am so appreciative and feel so much more confident regarding my Journey.

I would encourage you to consider moderately priced hotels vs Airbnb. Premier Inn is a UK chain that is fairly basic but consistent. When I travel as a solo female, I find having that hotel front desk makes things a bit easier.

I totally agree with Carol Recently Retired, particularly where this is your first solo international trip. People at the front desks are so helpful, you know what you are getting, and I feel hotels are safer as well.

Don't allow your panic to win, and you likely will panic again before you get on the plane or to your first hotel. Just try to let it go and take one step at a time. On Facebook, look at Solo Travel Society and Journey Women groups for encouragement. I know you will have a wonderful time.

I vote for Paris via the Eurostar...closer than much of England. Also, for Yorkshire, I'm partial to Grassington. It would be a nice place to just relax for a few days. Trains to Skipton and then an easy bus (or taxi if you prefer) to Grassington.

I posted above, but here’s another post that agrees with the recommendations for Premier Inn. I’ve stayed at Premier Inns throughout England and Scotland, and I’ve always had a good experience. They are reasonably priced, and always clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. And as Carol NR noted, they have a front desk that provides services. You really can’t go wrong with one.

Hey Allison, don't worry about those dark night wake-ups worrying you've made a mistake, you'll have a great trip! And the more planning you do ahead of time, the easier it will be. Acraven's idea about a day trip to the Cotswolds after staying in Oxford is a great one. I've taken the 'Oxford Tube', which is a bus, from Oxford to LHR a few times, so that's doable at the end of your stay in the UK. And if you're there during school holidays, you can stay at a Oxford college, with breakfast, a fun break from hotels. Here's where to book a university room - https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/. BEST high tea ever is at the Old Parsonage in Oxford.... ah so much fun!!

Allison - congrats on living your dream! You’ll never regret it !

I myself I’m spending 3 months in the UK starting in April - this could literally change my life. The only time I’m truly independent is when I travel, so a part of me is nervous - but I think about all the people on House Hunters International, and others, who move to Europe temporarily …and I ask, “if they can do it, why can’t I?” Why not me? And why not you?

I have 3 bases - Tunbridge Wells (Kent) and Skipton & Knaresborough (Yorkshire)

While in Skipton, I’m taking a few days to spend in Conwy, Wales…At the end of my trip, I’m spending a few days in Paris.

It CAN be done

I would just say - and it’s something I need to think of - don’t forget practicalities. I love Rick, but I can barely pack light (never, really) for a week, never mind 3 months. But I’m going to have to do laundry or send clothes to cleaners or else I'm going to need multiple suitcases ….which is a no go,

You’re away for one month - you’ll have similar issues as I will. Just consider…

Have an amazing time!

The advice here is great! London and Edinburgh are two great base locations for day trips. The small group bus tours are fantastic and affordable. You can easily reach Bath, Windsor, Hampton Court on your own by train from London. Bath is a bit sprawling so consider the hop on hop off bus to see the villas in the hills. Google British Rail passes for Americans. These rail passes are a great bargain if you take several trips. York is a longer trip and it is worth a few days on your way to Edinburgh. Oxford is best reached by coach from London because it takes you into the city, although we once took a tour there that was very good. Don’t skip the themed walking tours in London. My favorite was the legal walk. A tour of parliament with Westminster Abbey is also very worthwhile. You can buy a metro pass to get around London, called an oyster card (needs picture), at the airport or at any tourist center. These cards are reusable on future visits.

In Edinburg you can take small group tours to the highlands, northern England and Hadrians Wall. I think you will like a tour that includes Lindisfarne.

You have gotten such good advice. All I wanted to add is if you like farms, consider a farm stay. I've stayed on a farm in Eastern Wales (Offa's Dyke runs through the property.) We had a car that trip, but I bet many of them are near a town with public transport and would come pick you up or be able to suggest a local taxi. Our farm stay provided breakfast and the evening meal. It was so restful and we could hike on Offa's Dyke.

I also wanted to add that embedding an organized tour during your trip, especially near the beginning is a great suggestion. I have been traveling to the UK for 40 years, mostly as a solo traveler. I try to always include an organized tour mostly to have someone else be responsible for travel, accommodations, meals, etc for a few days, but also because it's nice to have company for a few days. Starting with the 7 Day London tour would be a great way to get acclimated to the country. The tour guides are always full of great suggestions to make understanding the differences in customs, culture, etc. And, you usually meet great folks on Rick's tours. I've also done London Walks for short tours in London & surrounding area and Rabbies for a day tour when I was in Scotland, but I know they do multi day tours also.

Don’t forget to check that any electrical equipment (eg laptop) will be ok with 220/240 volt power in Europe and the Uk. And, that you will need socket adaptors for eg your phone charger - the ones for the UK are different from those in continental Europe.

Couldn't read through all the comments, but here are mine:

Good for you and it sounds like a great trip. Since your primary question seems to be about getting around, I suggest you mix it up. For instance, you really don't want a car in London proper, but it is extremely helpful to have one in the Cotswold (many of the prettiest villages simply are not served by any public transportation). To get to Edinburgh you could take a train (I have both driven and taken the train), and possibly fly to Ireland (I have never been). You could fly or train to Paris, but the Eurostar sounds like the simplest route. Enjoy whatever you do!