England,Scotland and Ireland trip 2026

There is a big difference in what you can see is 14 vs 20 days. So you do need to figure that out. If you have two weeks, I would stick to highlights of England and Scotland and save Ireland for another time.

We went to York for 3 nights on the way to Edinburgh. We really liked it there.

I have planned two trips with 7 people (one to Greece and the other to Italy). We rented cars part of the time in Greece (had two cars) but relied on the train and bus in Italy. You don't want to move around too much with that large of a group. I would not do stops of less than 3 nights. Everything takes longer. And make sure you are centrally located so people can do different things if they want.

I agree with Beth. If you only have 14 days, I'd stick to England and Scotland. IF you have another week then it might be reasonable to add Ireland although from the sites you've listed you'd really need 2 weeks to see them alone.

Also are you talking 14 nights on the ground...so that excludes the day you leave from home and from your destination. Otherwise if you are counting days that is only 12 days for touring. Your first day may be less than idea with people adjusting to the local time and travel tiredness.

Here is one suggestion of many ways to split things up:

Day 1: Depart your home airport
Nights 2/3/4/5 which just gives you 3 full days in London
Nights 6/7 Salisbury with the full day being given over to visiting Stonehenge by public transit (shuttle bus from the City center)
Nights 8/9 Bath (so 1 full day in Bath)
Night 10 York
Nights 11/12/13 Edinburgh with just gives you 2 full days there
Day 14: Depart for home from Edinburgh

We love all the countries in the British Isles and have driven in the countryside to take in smaller towns and cities.

Now, in our late 70s we usually take group tours where every thing is taken care of, lodging, most meals, admissions, transport, etc.
Consider what Rabbies Tours has to offer.
We just did one in July of Devon and Cornwall for 5 days. It was great, the guide knew how to avoid the heavy traffic and save time.

We also did a Gate 1 Travel tour of Ireland for 10 days that visited all the places you listed in Ireland, except Belfast. It was great.
If you do those scenic places in Western Ireland, you will need to rent a car and drive yourself.

As far as England is concerned, there is so much to see in the countryside. Driving in England is not so bad once you are out of Southern England and around London.
Stonehenge you can do on your way to Bath. Also consider stopping at Avebury on your way to Bath. It has huge stones that you can walk up to and touch.
In Bath, consider staying at The Brooks Guesthouse, which is at a great location and has a great breakfast.
York is amazing, I recommend spending a couple of days there. Consider The Minster Hotel that is walking distance from the north gate and has parking. Don't miss The National Railway Museum in York. The main site is The Minster (Cathedral). Walk the ancient walls.

Also, stop at Hadrian's Wall on the way to Scotland.
Edinburgh is way better than Glasgow. Also, consider stopping in St. Andrews, Loch Ness and Inverness.