England or Scotland

in 2007 I spent 7 days in London and then flew up to Edinburgh for 5 days. I thought stationing myself in London and taking the train around on day trips would be a great idea but once I got there London was just so overwhelming I really wish I would have stayed for a few days and then headed up to some of he smaller villages in England on my way to Scotland. Bath and Oxford were places that I wish I would have stayed in instead of having to take the train back to London. The Cotswold's are something that shouldn't be missed and are accessible from Bath. The lowlands of Scotland and Hadrian's wall in the upper portion of England were so beautiful and the pace was so nice after London. I stationed myself in Edinburgh for the full five days, taking day trips up to the highlands and down to the lowlands. I wish I would have spent about 4 days in Edinburgh (an amazing city and so easy to navigate) and then spent a few days elsewhere in Scotland to get a better idea of what Scotland is like.

I think that no matter what you'll want more time. Can you think of this as your first trip with a plan to return? ; ) You could easily spend the whole 12 days in either country. So, do you have ties that pull you in one direction over another? If not, then I would take this trip as one where you work your way up to Edinburgh. I am not a fan of seeing the Highlands from Edinburgh. I would advise going back to Scotland on a separate trip where you revisit Edinburgh for a day and then head for the countryside and the islands. If you feel the pull of Scotland then head quickly to Edinburgh after getting your London fix. Spend a couple of days in Edinburgh and then head for the countryside. Even if you just go north and spend sometime in Aberdeenshire, Inverness or on Skye you'll have a better view of Scotland than day trips out of Edinburgh. Pam

Definately meander up to Edinburgh slowly. It is beautiful and should not be missed. Cotswolds, Cambridge or Oxford, and lake district (Keswick then to Edinburgh. Figure you will return someday to go N , E, W of Edinburgh also worth another 12 days.

I agree with JS and I would definitely stop in York as well. It is a great town with lots of history and a beautiful cathedral.

Besure to leave 1-3 days for Edinburgh though because it is an extremely beautiful, historic city with lots of things to see. It is my favorite city in the entire world.

Consider this- Days 1-4 London- Day 5-9:00 train to York- late morning and afternoon exploring York. Day 6 Train to Aviemore- 2 nights. Day 8 train to Inverness- 2 nights. Day 10 Train to Edinburgh Days 11-12 Edinburgh. Gives you a taste of the Highlands.