Edinburgh or Bath

What about each City interests you? You must have something you want to see to make you choose thse two Cities. How many days have you set aside for London?

I haven't been to Bath, so can't make a side by side comparison. I would opt for Edinburgh because it would be quite different from Paris, Bruges, and London. It should really fire up the kids imaginations-big, dramatic castle, men in kilts, the little closes, etc.

Thank you for the quick replies! Brian, because of the kids, we were trying to make this leg easy transportation-wise, so we just looked at big points of interest with easy connections. Our reason for considering Edinburgh is that my husband and I have never been to Scotland, so we were thinking this could be a chance to see another country. For Bath, I have been there, but my husband has not, and since he's a Roman history buff, I knew he would love it. That being said, last night he brought up Dublin, because, a. it's new to us, b. he loves Irish music, and c. it's the land of "fairies", which will greatly appeal to my daughters. We have 5 days set aside for London (including departure day). Karen, we had planned to do a tour of Windsor Castle or Hampton Court, so we will get a chance there to do the castles. Have you been to Dublin? Thanks for your help! Laurie

If you were doing a British Isles itinerary and had to skip one or the other I'd probably skip Bath. I like both a lot. I see Bath as a quick side trip from London (you can also add Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral to Bath) while Edinburgh has more to see and do. Generally, however, I'm not a fan of adding long travel legs to itineraries just to see one place so, in your case, I'd probably choose Bath.

Laurie, we have been to Bath; one day is ample. Haven't been to Edinburgh, but will correct that in a couple of months. We have been to Paris, London, and Bruges. I would not recommend more than 2 to 3 at the absolute most days in Bruges. It is a very pretty town, but a day trip from Brussels was plenty. Unless one is visiting relatives or friends, I wouldn't spend so much time when Brussels and Amsterdam are available.

I would agree on Bruges, however, we do have plans to meet up there with the family that hosted me as an exchange student in France back in '89. Also, we are looking forward to a couple of days touring the countryside by bike, and "slowing down" after the more hectic days in Paris. We also found a gorgeous apartment in a restored 17 th century house, centrally located by one of the canals, for an incredibly reasonable rate, so I think it will be a lovely stay. We figured the flight to Scotland or Ireland will actually take the same or less time than the train to Bath from Brussels, when you consider all the connections, but please correct me if I'm wrong!

Have you considered Inverenss? There might be a blight there instead of Edinburgh. I love Scotland, but find Inverness and the surrounding area much more interesting than Edinburgh. Dublin is nice, but you won't feel like you're in the home of the farries there- you need to get out into the rural areas (Ring of Kerry, Dingle, etc.) for that.

Laurie - You mention Edinburgh, Bath, and Dublin. I have been to all three. With kids, I would rule out Bath right away - it's more of a grown-up city, with the architecture a big draw. Edinburgh has the castle, which is great for kids. It has more of a "royal" feel to it, much like you will also get in the touristy parts of London. But I would go with Dublin. In three days you can see most of the city sights, and Dublin is a very kid-friendly place. And especially since you mention a love of Irish music, I think you'd be happier there. You would also gain the opportunity to experience the different feel that Ireland has from England. If you'd like a diversion from Dublin city, there is a lovely beach town called Malahide, where I once went to a wedding, just about 10 minutes from the airport.

I've been to Bath three times, and was in Bath and Edinburgh in October. I'd opt for Edinburgh. First, I'm not sure what I'd do in Bath for three days. Second, Edinburgh is much, much larger: More to see, more to do, more options across the board. Besides, Bath may have the baths, but it doesn't have the Castle.

Ok, while everyone has very valid and illuminating points, I think I'm leaning toward Chris's way of mind. Dublin will truly feel like another country, with the added bonus of the music, which is something that my husband will really look forward to. I also found a story-teller/dinner that was highly rated on tripadvisor that I'm really excited about. He brings to life the history, including much on fairies! Chris, where did you guys stay in Dublin? We are planning to rent an apartment through vrbo "in the historic district of Kilmainham/Inchicore on the red brick and tree lined Tyrconnell Road, in a period Victorian property." Know anything about that area? Thanks, everyone! Laurie

My big suggestion would be a couple of days in York, nice compact walled City, with a great cathedral and mecdieval areas inside the walls (plus some interesting ruins dating back to the Vikings). More minor sights would be the Castle Museum, but more probably the railway Museum if that would be of interest to the kids. I was there in June a few years ago and they had a wonderful large carousel outside the castle and smaller kiddie amusement rides more in the center of town (owned by the same people). We also enjoy getting out into the York moors and the many ruined abbeys You could continue on to Edinburgh for maybe two days- castle is neat. to me though Edinburgh is more a gateway to the wilder parts of Scotland, inclduning Inverness, or possibly the steam train ride to the west coast. And the Scottish battle grounds (Culloden) Bath to me has limited appeal- possibly more for adults, the baths and the cathedral. I have never seen enough there to keep me for more than a day- could possibly be saved by adding on Avebury and Stonehenge- they are awe inspiring Dublin again to me has limited appeal on its own. Nothing more than one day and access to the rest of Ireland. The above is based on my experiences visiting all the above. Unless there is a really good reason, i would suggest just combining York and Edinburgh in one trip (maybe add hadrians wall), and then using any extra time to do day or overnight trips from London to Stonehenge/Avebury, Salisbury (the best cathedral)- can be combined with Stonehenge; Canterbury- cathedral (Becketts murder) and some interesting nearby medieval areas, including a canal boat tour and a ducking stool, and the more touristy Leeds castle (in Kent) or Warwick castle which should be of great appeal to your children.

Laurie, I've stayed at two extreme ends in Dublin - the Shelbourne, even though I could not afford it but because I stupidly arrived without a reservation and wandered around aimlessly and found every other place seemed to be fully booked (luckily I just needed one night), and a small B&B on the North Circular Road that was run by the parents of the girl whose wedding I was there for. It was OK but nothing special. I wouldn't say either of those places would be my first choice (unless cost is no object, in which case by all means stay at the Shelbourne). I would recommend finding a nice B&B. I have been to Ireland several times (usually the west, though) and I think the B&Bs in Ireland are the best in the world - they make you very comfortable, give you a real taste of Ireland (plus a fabulous breakfast), but always allow you your privacy - they are there for you if you need them, but allow you your space and solitude as well. I unfortunately do not have a specific recommendation for Dublin, but when I have researched B&Bs in Ireland on-line and then stayed in them in Dingle, Doolin, Glencolmcille, and Derry, I have never been disappointed. Much better than an impersonal hotel. So in general I think B&Bs are the way to go in Ireland, and hopefully someone else here can give you some specific recommendations for Dublin.

I love Bath, and think it would make a great trip, but not as fun as Edinburgh for the kids. Dublin pales in comparison to Edinburgh, in my opinion. Edinburgh much much prettier, has a dramatic castle high on a volcano, and is loaded with charm and character. While Dublin has a couple of good sites, it's not terribly attractive or charming. If you really want to see Ireland, you need to hit the south and west coast. Seriously consider Edinburgh. You could fly there and then take the high speed train down to London.

Laurie, I've spent the last week with my 7 and 9 year old niece and nephew and hands down it's Edinburgh. There are so many things that you can do right in the city and their are easy trips that you could make outside the city if you wanted to that would be no more than an hour away. Of course, there is the castle as already mentioned, but also, there is Dynamic Earth, which is a great children's museum. You can take them to the zoo. The Botanic Gardens might make a nice afternoon stop to get away from builidings. You can go for a hike along Leith Water. You climb Arthur's Seat, or maybe part of it if they get tired. There is the museum of childhood. The tours of underground Edinburgh would surely interest the 10 year-old. And, its an easy trip by train to Stirling to see that castle. Many of the castles in Scotland have family events. Go to and explore. Also http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/. Your 10-year-old can explore these sites before traveling and I bet he or she would be your guide. Go to http://www.edinburghvilla.com/ and click on child friendly pubs for some suggestions. They have other ideas too. (Don't know why I can't hot link this one, but I can't. Codes aren't working.) Google Children and Edinburgh and you'll get more . This is the capital city and so children come to visit it all the time. You could also do a day trip to Glagow and visit the Transportation Museum if you have a train buff. I am pretty sure that there is a steam engine railroad nearby too, but I need to consult the 9-year-old to research it. Let me know if you would be interested. Pam

If you go to Edinburgh then considering see Dolly who has been mounted and put on a rotating display. Kinda neat to see the first cloned animal. Edwin

Edinburgh over Bath or Dublin. Edinburgh is a much friendlier city, castles, colourful, great tourist walks that would be appealing to kids as well. As well, you have the opportunity for day trips, could visit another castle, or Loch Ness. Dublin has rich history, but I didn't find it a friendly city, it felt a bit cold and dirty. More of an adult place than one for kids. Be careful that any evening entertainment allows kids that young. I enjoyed my trip out of Dublin more than I enjoyed Dublin itself. The countryside is the real Ireland, land of the fairies. I would agree with others that Bath is more of an adult city, again steeped in history that would be more appealing to the older, or even teens.