Low-key 3 days before London

What about Brighton? She can walk along the beach, or sit and read. There are plenty of things to do- or not do. And it is easy to reach by train from London.
The other place I'd consider is Cardiff Wales. Again, easy train ride. While it is a bustling city, it is also a NICE place. Lots of good shopping, including some markets. Good restaurants, a harbor, etc.

Hmm,she's in Edinburgh. What about heading up to the highlands? She could go to Dunkeld/Birnam or Pitlochry and have a lovely relaxing time. Or, head to Aviemore, and do some walking. Another idea would be to go to Inverness and spend some time in the town and take a few tours, or just the city bus out to Culloden and another bus to Fortrose. It can be very relaxing and still have the shopping in Inverness. Another idea would be to take the train to Oban and then go to Mull. She can take the ferry and bus to Tobermory and enjoy the town. And take make boat tour to enjoy the ocean wildlife. Pam

The recommendation for the Chilterns looks spot-on, as is the possible return to the Cotswolds. She may be back in September for a year so she would certainly have time for more far-flung journeys. Thanks for your help!

No distance from London, but worth considering is the Chilterns: http://www.chilternsaonb.org/ It's designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', which is a notch or two down from National Park.

She has 9 days in the UK before leaving out of London. Her plan was a circuit of Cardiff, Lake District, Edinburgh/Highlands before returning to London and leaving but an appointment at her grad school in London came up smack-dab in the middle of her stay (June 12). She's been to Brighton already. I've not heard of the Chilterns. We'll look into that. We thought Isle of Wight but the time she's looking at has a music festival...not the peace and quiet she was looking for. Kevin, I see you are from Ringwood...that was an area we were looking at. Any top secret B&Bs in your area we may not have stumbled across using the usual search engines?

Hi Christine, I actually live a bit to the east of Ringwood, in a small village in the New Forest itself. June is not school holiday time, and the area is packed with B&Bs, so I'm sure there will be somewhere. The most convenient villages would be Brockenhurst (direct trains from London in 1 hour 30 minutes, choice of places to eat in the evening, easy to get straight from the village into open forest for walking, bike hire next to the station) and Lyndhurst (10 minute cab ride from Brockenhurst, similar facilities, but I prefer Brockenhurst). Lymington is a small yachting town on the edge of the forest, by the coast, and also has a train connection (change at Brockenhurst). Try the accommodation search on here: http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/accommodation/new-forest-bed-and-breakfast.aspx Send me a private message if you find anything you like and I'll let you know about the specific location.

Even though you said she has already been to the Cotswolds, I would suggest the Cotswolds again for peace and quiet. Lots of B&B's there, and great walking paths.