I've posted several threads in the last few months trying to determine an itinerary for a trip to the UK with my mom in May 2016 and received great feedback. I'm happy to report back that we finally nailed down our plans, and ended up coming full circle to our original idea - Scotland (Edinburgh plus a few day trips) and Cornwall. At first I thought that was a slightly daft plan - too much distance between - but I believe we've arrived at a very relaxed, doable itinerary.
12 May: Fly to Edinburgh (from Newark, where we'll meet from our respective home airports)
13 - 20 May: Stay at this perfectly located Royal Mile apartment; spend a couple of days sightseeing in Edinburgh, 2-3 Rabbie's day tours to the W. Highlands, St. Andrew's and Borders, possibly train to York for a day
20 May: Fly to Exeter airport, pick up hire car and drive to Marazion, where we are staying in a cozy Cornish cottage by the beach.
20-27 May: No set plans, just enjoy West Cornwall - scenic drives, visit gardens and fishing villages, soak in the atmosphere.
27 May: Return car to Penzance station and take the train to Exeter (this seems out of sequence considering we'll have flown into Exeter airport a week earlier, but the cottage dates dictated this part of the journey). Spend the night at Abode Exeter and visit the Cathedral.
28 May: Train to Newbury, spend two nights at Carnarvon Arms.
29 May: Visit Highclere Castle (date to purchase tickets is in red on my calendar!)
30 May: Private driver to Heathrow for flight home.
Any feedback is welcome, but I will say that we don't plan to make major changes at this point. We've already booked the accommodations - just waiting until we can book train, Flybe flight and tours. More than anything, I really just wanted to thank all who've responded on earlier threads and share that we made our decision!