First time trip to England

This sounds like a very sensible plan. You should look at London Walks for tours and make a reservation months in advance for the Warner Brothers Studio Harry Potter tour. I wasn't that impressed with Canterbury. You might want to go to Durham during the York part of your trip-the courtyard of the cathedral was used in Harry Potter movie and the cathedral itself is beautiful. If you go for 2 weeks, you could also spend a few nights in Bath. One of the Mad Max tours from Bath shows the house used as Harry Potter's house-it's the half-day one to Avebury, Lacock(which I think is where that house is), and Castle Combe.

If you want to do Harry Potter studio tours book your tickets now! They are sold out thru April and even my date in July that I wanted had all the “good times” booked already.

With two weeks, I suggest for this trip that you visit England and perhaps Wales.

We did a four week drive tour (didn't visit London) of S. Wales and England in 2017 that was great.

There is a lot to see outside of London. The British countryside is great, love the farms lined with either hedgerows or stone walls. Love the thatched roof houses and many Norman churches. Wonderful Cathedrals like Winchester, York, Durham, Salisbury, Westminister Abbey and St. Pauls.

York was one of our favorite places and we like Durham as well in the north. The Cotswolds and Stratford Upon Avon, Winchester, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Cambridge, Canterbury. Lots to see outside of London.

South Wales or North Wales have very scenic vistas and hundreds of castles.

How exciting! We did a day trip from London to Windsor and really enjoyed it. We took a horse drawn carriage ride through the grounds near Windsor Castle and had a great time. My 21 year old niece was with us and she loved it. Another hit was the Hop on Hop off busses, I think we did the Original Sightseeing one, but they are great for giving you an overview of the many different areas of London. Sitting on the top deck and watching the iconic views of London never gets old for me. Have a great trip!

If your daughter has an interest in the Beatles, you should prioritize a visit to Liverpool. This can either be done from York or London, but will be best as an overnight. That's because it's about 2 hours by train from either.

If you can make the days work, note that (barring special events) hotel rates in Liverpool go up on Fridays, go way up on Saturdays, and plummet down on Sundays. The Beatles sights are open every day. So, if you can arrange to do this over a Sunday night, you'll have a cheaper trip!

You will want to see the National Trust tour of John's and Paul's childhood homes. This is the only way to get inside, and there is very low capacity. So, you'll want to book it as soon as you're sure of your dates: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles-childhood-homes

As for your rail pass question, it's usually cheaper to buy Advance tickets. These aren't just any tickets bought in advance; they're specific tickets that go on sale about 11 weeks out, are limited in number, and you can only take the EXACT train you're ticketed for. But, in exchange for these restrictions, you can save a fortune; if you're sure of your plans, they're usually significantly cheaper than other options.

To find all train schedules and prices, use National Rail: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

My wife and I prefer to do a rental car (hirecar as it is called in Europe) as the mode of transportation. It provides us with personal flexibility of touring any country. We do not have to hassle with train schedules and the cost for that ride that may be a lot more than the cost of daily rental car expense. But I know that it is not the cup of tea (pun intended) for most travelers in England. Especially since Americans may not be comfortable driving on the "other" side of the road.

I assume that your air travel will be into London. I would suggest that you at least do Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Both are an all day event.

I would highly recommend a trip to York. The city has a Ho-Ho bus system that facilitates seeing all of York. I would also suggest that you look into the York Railway trip to Whitby. It is a steam engine railway that provides some antiquity into that past mode of transportation. Whitby is a neat, quaint seaport town.

I completely agree with geovagriffith that the British countryside is great. It's where you get to meet the wonderful locals who appreciate sharing their country with you and you being able to share thoughts about America with them. I lived in Northern VA for a few years. All the tourist things in D.C. are grand things to visit, but taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is what I call "local".

With respect to the Beatles thing in Liverpool, I wasn't impressed. But then my wife is a Beatles fan. Happy wife, happy life. LOL

Have a wonderful trip.

York is a great choice. It is easily reached from London and there is loads to do in York itself. Have a look here for ideas what to do and see.

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/york-a-medieval-walled-city-part-1.101/

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/york-a-medieval-walled-city-part-2.102/

You can also take the train to Scarborough for a day at the seaside.

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/scarborough-north-yorkshire.117/

Catch a train to Durham with its magnificent Norman cathedral and castle towering above a loop oof the River Wear. This is a university town and has a small compact city centre. Crook Hall House and Gardens are a short walk along the river bank and are delightful.

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/durham-city.46/

Catch a bus to Beverley, the county town of east Yorkshire with its wonderful Minster.

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/beverley-the-county-town-of-the-east-riding.127/

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/beverley-tourism.128/

Catch a bus to Pickering with its ruined castle

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/pickering.138/

This is the terminus for the North York Moors Steam Railway, a wonderful ride through the North York Moors to Whitby.

http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/presocialhistory/socialhistory/transport/rail/nymr/index.html

Whitby makes a wonderful destination with its ruibned abbey and Dracula connections.

https://www.sloweurope.com/community/resources/whitby-north-yorkshire.69/

There are two coach companies offering days out from York and both offer a day trip to Whitby. Bob Holidays also do day trips to the Yorkshire Dales, another fantastic place!

https://www.bobholidays.com/

https://bookings.acklamscoaches.co.uk/Tours/York-day-trips

There are so many interesting day trips reachable from London by public transportation. I suggest you pick a few and alternate days in and out of the city. Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle are both fabulous, but you can also scratch the "castle itch" by going to the Tower of London. If you like boats, go to Greenwich or Portsmouth. The RAF museum in Colindale might qualify as "lesser known" if you have a rainy day and like planes. On our next trip my husband and I are probably going to take a day trip to Cambridge. If I recall correctly, Rick Steves ignores that part of England, so look at other guidebooks.

Another idea is to visit the Lake District where there is lovely scenery as well as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth to enjoy. It is an easy train journey from London (about 3.5 hours).

You've received a lot of great ideas and feedback already, but I'll add a few thoughts.

If you're doing 10-14 days, there's plenty of time to hire a car and see some of the countryside to break up your city trip. I was there in June last year and the weather was perfect for biking, picnicking, and popping into pubs in the Cotswolds--this will, of course, depend on what pace you like to set and whether your family likes the outdoors and wandering or prefers a city stay. If you do decide to get your own car, you can stop at Windsor for a tour of the castle and lunch at the Windsor Farm Shop, stay a night or two in Oxford (there are some Potter sights there as well, and the university's campus is stunning in the late spring/summer), and then give the Cotswolds a few days before heading back to London.

Since you mentioned a preference for avoiding driving, note it's also possible to do this route by train, but the Cotswolds are probably harder to see without your own transport (you could stick to the main towns, however, and still enjoy the charm).

I agree with skipping Scotland on this trip. Savor England and come back to see other parts of the UK when you can do it justice.

I spent 8 days in London back in 1996 on a solo trip. Yes, A LOT has surely changed, but some of the sites there worth checking out then remain iconic staples, which include the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, Parliament buildings and the nightlife in and around Covent Garden/Soho.

But DEFINITELY take advantage of the Tube to explore the neighborhoods and meet the locals where they love. I was a big fan of Camden Town and its excellent open air markets; ditto Brixton in south London; wandering around the village streets of Hampstead and the expanse of Hampstead Heath are also terrific.

You won't be lacking for splendor and wonder in London. Happy travels!

Perhaps you should buy RSs England guidebook (you can download an electronic version from his app) and focus on his self-guided walking tours in London. If it rains, go to the British Museum and have a bite to eat at the cafe. I would also visit the Churchill War Rooms online before departing.
London has a pretty good hop on hop off bus tour that will take the whole day. I would only get off at the Tower of London because this tour lasts all day because of the traffic.
I would also go to the theater the same day I took RSs West End self- guided walk. You can buy cheap tickets at the TKTS booth.
You can also take direct trains to Bath one day (1h 30) and York another day (2h).

Lots can be accomplished in 2 weeks but it is in June so hordes will be present at all “ must see “ sights.

Your arrival and departure days don’t really count.

Forget Scotland this trip unless it’s an absolute must. If it’s the latter then train to and plan to stay in Edinburgh at least 2 nights.

Have a sit down and prioritize what each and all wish to see. Make a plan but be flexible.

Hampton Court is an easy train ride ( can use your Oyster card) and will be at least 1/2 a day if not more.

Given your daughters fascination with John, Paul, George and Ringo definitely research train tix to Liverpool. I’ve not been but given all the comments by other posters I’d stay at minimum of 2 nights.

Guess I have to ask why York? Is that someone’s preference?

London and surrounding environs could take up the entire trip. Been visiting there since the 70’s and am never bored. Find new and interesting places to explore each trip.

Besides the usual “ must sees” and based on your love of history consider:
Alexander Fleming Museum and afterwards walk over to the Victoria Pub on Strathearn Place for lunch. Gorgeous Fullers Pub.
Museum of London ( always a plus to learn about how the city you are visiting came to be)
Imperial War Museum
Dennis Sever House
Chiswick House and Gardens
The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich
The Guild Hall
Camden Lock Market
Spitifields Market and Brick Lane
Portobello Road Market ( go early 8am on a Saturday)
Wander about Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
The Serpentine ( lake ) spilts the 2.
Nice coffee spot at the Lido in Hyde Park. It’s near the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
Try to book to see something at the Royal Albert Hall or at the Globe Theatre.
Walk along the Thames Path
Tube to an outer suburb like Chiswick or Richmond. Both high streets are very attractive with shops, cafes, pubs.
Tube to Hammersmith and walk along the Thames path to have lunch at The Dove Pub. A very historic pub.
Try to book tickets for Highgate Cemetary, then meander about the Heath.

So much to see and do in London. Don’t shortchange it.