7 days around London - include Edinburgh or not?

I would save Scotland for another trip as you'll lose precious time on a 6 day trip traveling to/from Edinburgh; I am not including the dates of arrival and departure. I loved York and it's only a 2 hour train trip from King's Cross. If you really want to do another trip outside of London, this is a fascinating option.

That said, you will already be spending quite a bit of time outside of London with Bath, Avebury, & Stonehenge. Why not spend the rest of the time in London; there is so much to see that takes TIME to see.

Slow down!

Save Scotland for another trip.

If you must train somewhere try Whitstable or Oxford or Canterbury. All easy train rides from London.

In you other post you’ve expressed your interest in beer.

Visiting breweries and pubs will consume alot of your time:

So with that in mind:
The Blackfriar
The Dove
The Mayflower
The Citi Of York
Camden Town Brewery
The Old Red Crow
Cock Tavern
The Prince
South Hampton Arms
The Horseshoe

Are a few pubs you might wish to visit.

York is fabulous, but I would use the time you have left after Bath for London. We spent a week and there is still more to see. Leave Edinburgh and Scotland for a separate trip as it deserves its' own time.

If this your first trip, do day trips around the south. Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, etc. Edinburgh or York are way too far away.

Agree with other posters that Scotland really does warrant its own trip, otherwise you are in danger of meeting yourself coming back as well as merely scratching the surface.

And while I admit heavy bias, York and Yorkshire also deserve more in depth investigation. I’m sure othe forum members will point out what wonders you’ll miss by not going, but that will just mean you’ll need to return and do a north heavy trip!

Good call to visit Avebury though!

Have a great trip!

Ian

"We're pretty set on Bath to go once we arrive, as suggested" Suggested by whom?

But if you only have 7 days and plan to spend 3 or 4 in London, I can't see how you could include Bath and also consider Edinburgh or York. It just doesn't seem feasible. I'd do London + York, or, less good, London + Bath/Salisbury.

Some of these places might look like being "around London" in a global sense, but in terms of on the ground travel they aren't. And with your limited time you cannot travel too much.

Thanks for all of the recommendations! It's great to know the proper timeframe and considerations. As far as the suggested priorities for a trip, they came from the Steves' book (if you have 5 days, add x, if 7, add x).

For the breweries, I certainly want to visit all of them, but know I'll have to focus on the best. Bars that serve a good assortment are sometimes better, too - beer brewing isn't always a novel task. I've heard good things about The Rake, Kill the Cat, Euston Tap, Verdant and DEYA. Fuller's is supposed to be a fun experience as well.

You would be short changing London if you go to Edinburgh. See Scotland on a separate trip.

We went to both Edinburgh and York last year-I have been to London 7 times. York really requires more than a day, but it was one of my favorite places in England. Walking the wall is interesting and if you like museums, the York Castle Museum has the best WW I exhibit I've seen. Edinburgh is too far for a day trip from London. You haven't described your interests, but Salisbury is an easy trip from Bath. Cambridge is an easy and interesting day trip from London. If you're not renting a car, you could see Avebury and Stonehenge on a Mad Max tour from Bath and maybe see some of the Cotswolds as well( however, I'm in the "Cotswolds are not that great" camp). Or you could go to Stonehenge on a bus from Salisbury.

Why go to London to not go to London?

Are you thinking Bath, Avebury and Stonehenge as a day trip? Everything in one day?

If you want a day trip from London, take the ferry to Greenwich. It's a perfect day's worth of activity. The ride there and back is pleasant and a great way to see London.

If you are set on doing Bath, I'd plan one other day trip. How long did your wife spend in London on her prior visit? I'd be willing to bet there's a ton of stuff she didn't see/do last time.

I have to agree with other posters- Although Scotland has my heart, I would encourage you to spend your time in London on this trip. A day trip to Windsor would not be amiss, as it is awesome!!! We have been to London more than 40 times and I'd go again tomorrow, if I could. I really miss it!! If you like gardens at all, take a day (or 1/2 day if you are pressed for time) and go out to Kew Gardens. It is definitely one of our favorite places in London and its shop it a great place to shop for quality, well priced souvenirs. Kew village is also a fun/interesting place to wander around.

Hi FivePointPack -- We are doing an ALL DAY trip to Oxford while there in June/July and might try to figure out a way to go to this gin and vodka distillery: https://www.spiritoftoad.com/. Also, Blenheim Palace (Churchill home), walking tour in town, The Head of the River for a meal and to watch the punters. More Oxford places below ;) just food for thought!

Combibos Coffee for pancakes
Lunch at Turf Tavern
Sunday Roast at The Cherwell Boathouse or Head of the River
Christ Church tour
Wig and Pen
Holywell Cemetery
Alice’s House
Jericho Coffee Traders
Climb tour at University Church
Botanics Gardens
The Grand Cafe for cake and tea (Claim is first coffee house in England from 1650)

It's a minimum 4.5 hours each way from London to Edinburgh. For one night? No thanks.

As others have mentioned, lots of good day trips from London:

Cambridge
Oxford
York
Canterbury
Winchester
Hampton Court

If you are staying in Bath, check out Mad Max Tours. They offer van tours to Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, the Cotswolds, and more. No more than 15-16 people. You leave the driving to them and get to pack in a lot more than doing it on your own. As an example, they offer a one day tour that includes both Stonehenge and Avebury. I've taken two with them and enjoy the tours.

After Bath, you could consider Oxford on your way back to London.

With only six days on the ground for your trip (plus part of your arrival day for a partial 7th), stick to London and surrounds.