Our family of 6 (2 grandparents, 2 parents, 2 kids ages 6 and 9) will be visiting England and Scotland for two weeks in July. We have the first half of the trip planned: London, Bath, Cotswolds. I won't go into detail as that is pretty much set. We will leave the Cotswolds with a rental car, and drive north. From there, we have 6 days. We would like to visit Hadrian's Wall, get a taste of the Highlands, and we will end with 2 days/nights in Edinburgh. Perhaps we could drive north from the Cotswolds and stop overnight along the way to the Highlands, and then continue on for 2 nights in the Highlands and finally on to Edinburgh? Itinerary recommendations would be appreciated! Thank you!
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
I can't help with your itinerary but can I ask you a question? We have been talking with friends about a trip around the U.K. With a car. There would be six of us, counting their two children. Our kids are in college and would not go, or they might meet us there by train. My friend is very concerned because she has read confusing things about U.K. Car-seat regulations for children. Things like this:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/what-are-cat-seat-laws-11353287
So my question is, have you found a car rental company that has six-passenger cars (and luggage space) and will provide legal car seats for the children? Can you estimate the cost? I am beginning to think we have an unrealistic plan and maybe the kids and other parents should travel by train. But if you have found a rental company that is reasonable I will pass it on to her and be very grateful. Thanks.
Posted by
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
503 posts
Could you do this itinerary by car in 6 days? Yes. Should you however, is an entirely other matter. Given what you've outlined, you be spend the majority of each day in the car - with a multiple changes of location which requires additional time.
I recommend that you spend some time researching travel times by car to the areas you are interested in seeing and then adjust from there. Personally, with only 6 days, I would recommend taking the train from the Cotwolds to to Edinburgh. Base yourself there and then plan two or 3 day trips . There are a number of organized day trips that visit portions of Hadrian's Wall as well as Inverness - the gateway to the Highlands. This will maximize the time you have and eliminate the need to change lodgings every day or so.
Good luck!!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8879 posts
Hadrians Wall deserves at least two days, so I am going to disagree with the just take day trips from Edinburgh proposal. If you do go to Hadrians Wall, there is a local guide, Peter Carney, about whom I can't say enough positive things. If you do only have one day there, spend it with him. He is a retired history teacher and knows the area, the history, and the sights. I would also suggest Ashcroft Band B in Haltwhistle. You won't be disappointed with either.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the replies! I'm thinking maybe we should just spend two nights in the Lake District and spend an extra night in Edinburgh for a day trip. Just to clarify: we aren't doing any major trekking and would prefer to be viewing scenery from a train or car due to the ages and physical abilities of those in our group.
As to the van question, we are only bringing 2 large suitcases for all 6 of us, and renting a 7-seater van through Costco Travel. We plan on buying booster seats at Tesco.
Posted by
3123 posts
Frankly I find the Lake District a bit overrated, unless you are a serious walker (hiker in US parlance) -- which, from your description, it sounds like you are not. If you stayed instead near Hadrian's Wall you would have more interesting sights to see, IMO. You could also make a stop along Loch Lomond, and take a short cruise on the loch, before heading eastward toward Edinburgh.
You have 6 nights: sleep 2 nights near Carlisle / Hadrian's Wall, next day see Loch Lomond (e.g., Balloch or Luss) and sleep 2 nights somewhere to the east of the loch like north of Perth to get a taste of the highlands, and sleep 2 nights in Edinburgh.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
Our favorite area in Scotland was Skye (by far), which would be a nice contrast to Edinburgh, though a farther drive north. We also enjoyed the Oban/Glencoe area for the scenery and you can take tours to the Inner Hebrides islands. The scenery is different on the West Coast vs. the East.
Posted by
21 posts
We rented a seven passenger van for our Scotland road trip. Luggage was tight in the back so the younger ones had back packs around their feet. We had a great trip that we still talk about. Some of our night stops were planned ahead but some were not. No hotels available in Inverness due to a rock concert so we stayed in Aviemore. Just give yourself time in the late afternoon to start looking for a hotel/BnB.