My family and I are planning a trip October 2025 for 5 weeks. We want to visit Ireland, Scotland & England. We’ve stayed in London for a few days and so that won’t be our main focus of England, however we may fly in or out of London.
I’m looking for a trip that allows us to see “the best of” in each country but remain relaxing (not hectic).
My kids are studying the Middle Ages & Shakespeare this year so sights for early teens would be appreciated. Also, the best place in Ireland for Halloween?
Any thoughts, tips, & itinerary suggestions would be appreciated!
Posted by
Land of La
9123 posts
Have you read any of the Rick Steves guidebooks?
Lots a great intel that could help you define an itinerary.
Same with looking at Conde Nast and National Geographic Traveler websites.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2224 posts
That is an impossible brief as there are so many diferent possibilities - especially as you are thinking about five weeks What are your objectives and what do you want to achieve from the trip.
I'd echo Claudia's advice - start reading some guide books and get the kids involved in deciding what areas attract you. DK Eyewitness guides are also good - they do one for Great Britain and another for Ireland - they have lots of pictures and cover areas ignored by some of the other guides. Maps are sufficiently detailed to help with initial planning.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for the reply and suggestions! Yes, I have Rick Steves books and started heavily researching.
I guess my first question to the forum should have been:
If you had 5 weeks to travel these 3 countries how many days/weeks would you assign to each?
I’ve heard there’s never enough time in Ireland and to spend 3 weeks there is ideal, however my husband is hesitant. He thinks Scotland and Wales should get equal amount of time. :)
For those that are local to the region how would you break it up?
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2224 posts
Again this is impossible to answer - it all depends on what your priorities are and what you want to achieve. What might suit me may not be right for you!
You mention Wales in you second post - is that being added to the equation too now?
I think I'd agree with husband and to devote equal time to all three places for a first visit. You could easily say that three weeks isn't long enough for Scotland!
Also remember to factor in time for getting between places - Ireland is completely separate from UK (it also uses € not £) and you would need to check about taking a hire car there from UK. You will probably have to hire separately
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
328 posts
I haven't been there on Halloween, but I think Newgrange and the Boyne Valley would be pretty cool then.
https://www.newgrange.com/samhain.htm
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
927 posts
Along with looking at lists of the top sights in each country, I would also be looking at flights to and from your home to determine where you start and finish before you begin planning your route. Also look at the possibility of taking short flights from one country to the next to save yourself some time, and not backtrack to places you have already been. There will be places you won’t need or want a car such as Dublin, Edinburgh or Glasgow so these may be places you might fly into or out of. There are many tour companies that do tours that include all three countries so I would also look at their itineraries to get an idea of what can be done in the time you have. You could easily spend three weeks in each country and never see all you want to see, so don’t get stuck on dividing your time equally. Make up your must see list, and plan to spend enough time to see those.