Hi. I am traveling for 3 months (May in Ireland, 2 wks. June in Kent, July in Edinburgh...these are written in stone). Where to go for 2 weeks between Kent & Edinburgh? I’m mid 50’s woman traveling alone, first time overseas, budget conscious, will not have a vehicle, enjoy wandering local towns, hiking, cycling and prefer to settle in at a home base with easy day trips/occasional overnights if needed. Not sure if I want to just explore Scotland before settling in Edinburgh (I’m there for a month & able to do day trips) or maybe head south ie: Portugal/Croatia/?...or both.
I am completely open to any suggestions on where/how to spend my two “open” weeks.
Much appreciated, Suzanne
Posted by
3123 posts
Lucky you, to have that much time to travel! I'm pleased as punch to imagine myself in your shoes and think what I'd choose to do with a spare two weeks in Great Britain.
Coming from Kent, you'll no doubt pass through London, so that would be a logical place to spend a few days, but London lodging tends to be expensive. Let's say you skip London. Cambridge would be a nice alternative.
Or, heading north, York is popular, but Durham may be more suited to your tastes. From Durham via Newcastle you'd have access by public transport to Northumberland (Alnwick, for example -- there was recently a post on this forum about cool places to visit in Northumberland) and Haltwhistle/Hexham for Hadrian's Wall.
Or, if you're a Bronte sisters fan, you could make your way to Haworth in West Yorkshire. It's not on the main corridor, but that might make it all the more intriguing for you.
Then head for Scotland and spend a week in, say, Pitlochry http://scotlandrailways.com/destinations/pitlochry
or lose yourself in the Cairngorms someplace near Aviemore https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g186536-Aviemore_and_the_Cairngorms_Scottish_Highlands_Scotland-Vacations.html After that, Edinburgh will seem awfully congested and civilized by comparison.
Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be wonderful!
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Thanx for the ideas...so many amazing choices!! I may just wing it when I’m there...talk to the locals and figure it out from there.
S:)
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
You can easily spend 2 weeks in the UK or you could head anywhere in Europe at that time of year, flying out of London and back into Edinburgh. However, June is a popular month for travel for those not tied to school holidays, but who want some sunshine in Southern Europe and many coastal places and cheap flights will already have been booked.
Lisbon may suit for a week or 10 days with day trips to Sintra and Cascais and Evora. Unless you want a beach holiday, Croatia is best seen touring round, as the sites are spread further apart. Look at Easyjet and Ryanair to see which destinations would work out of London and into Edinburgh.
In the UK, South Wales would be a good budget option, as accommodation is cheaper than in many other parts and the scenery is stunning, particularly between St David’s and the Gower peninsular. The coastal path is a great walk. Northumberland would be another great location for walking en route to Scotland. Visit Holy Island and explore castles and rugged beaches and the Cheviot hills.
If you want to go abroad, the one thing you don’t want to do is “wing it” when you are there, as flights will be more expensive the closer to the travel date you get, plus accommodation will be booked.