10 days in United Kingdom UK Itinerary | England, Wales & Scotland

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Planning to spend 10 days in United Kingdom? No worries – our comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know for your upcoming UK itinerary. This is a jam-packed sightseeing itinerary and it can be done with or without a rental car. 

Through this 10 itinerary for the United Kingdom, you will be able to explore Scotland’s rugged Highlands and majestic castles, England’s charming villages and picturesque countryside, and a day trip to Cardiff, Wales. 

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you are returning to old favorites, you will find our UK itinerary super useful! 

10 days in United Kingdom UK Itinerary

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When you visit the UK you will be checking off the following – England, Wales, and Scotland with the possibility of extending the trip to Northern Ireland. 

United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days | At a glance

Here is a snapshot of what you will be exploring in 10 days

• Day 1 – 3: London and Windsor
• Day 4: Wales day trip
• Day 5 – 6: Cotswolds
• Day 7: Edinburgh 
• Day 8 – 10: Scottish Highlands and Beyond

Getting to the United Kingdom

London is the largest city and the best point of entry to the United Kingdom from North America. We flew from Toronto Canada to London Gatwick and the flights were non-stop and comfortable! 

Wherever you are located, getting to London is easy, thanks to the United Kingdom’s excellent transportation network. By air, Heathrow Airport is the main gateway for international travelers and offers direct flights from many destinations around the world. 

From Heathrow or Gatwick, you can take a bus, taxi, or train into central London and explore the city quickly and easily. We booked a coach ride with National Express, and it was super convenient with our luggage. 

If you’re coming from Europe, the Eurostar Train service offers direct access to London from Paris and Brussels. This comfortable train ride takes just over two hours and arrives at St Pancras International Station in central London. 

Alternatively, you can drive to London in your own car or hire a rental vehicle. 

If you are not renting a car, coach rides are very affordable and comfortable to get you to various destinations in the UK. And train travel, of course. 

Once you arrive in the city of London, you can use the excellent public transport network — buses, trains, and the famous Tube that provides fast access to all areas of the capital.

Accommodation and sightseeing

For the purposes of this 10-day UK itinerary, you will stay overnight in a few places. Starting with London – exploring the city, Windsor, taking a day trip to Cardiff, followed by a stay in the Cotswolds. 

You can also keep London as a base and instead of staying overnight in the Cotswolds, you can visit 3 villages in one day, and spend another day in the English city of Bath.

From London, make your way to Scotland. You can take an overnight coach from London Victoria to Edinburgh, and keep Edinburgh as a base for the remainder of your trip. Additionally, you can explore the Scottish Highlands and nearby. 

From vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh, and Bath to picturesque landscapes in the Cotswolds and the Scottish Highlands, here is the perfect 10-day UK itinerary for you. 

Day 1 – 3 of United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days: London and Windsor

Start your 10 day United Kingdom itinerary with a bang by exploring the vibrant city of London. Take in top attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey. 

Where to stay in London for the next 3 days: 

• Sidney Hotel Victoria: Stay at this no-frills but wonderful hotel in the heart of London, near the Victoria Coach and train station. The location is perfect to get to various attractions such as Buckingham Palace, James Park, and restaurants. Click to view hotel room availability here
• Club Quarters Hotel Trafalgar Square: This is a nice 4-star property located near Trafalgar Square. It is perfect as you are in the midst of tons of shopping, and fun dining options. You can also walk to many museums as well as Buckingham Palace. Click to view photos and availability
• JW Marriott Grosvenor Square: This luxury Marriott property is only a few minutes away from many tube stations and Bond Street. It is located in the Mayfair area with great access to sightseeing and restaurants. Book your stay here

Day 1 of UK Itinerary: London and around

Start your London adventure with a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarchy. 

First off, set aside 45 minutes to view the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It is perfect to do so in the morning, or after the crowds disperse, as it is a little calmer and quieter.  

Note that the Changing of the Guard takes place daily in the summer but only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in winter. 

It gets called off on occasion so check the timings before you go. You can book a Changing of the Guard tour here

Saint James Park

From the Buckingham Palace, make your way to Saint James Park. This green oasis in the heart of the city is perfect for a nice stroll. 

In the warmer months, you can see flowers blooming everywhere. There is a cafe on-site where you can enjoy some drinks or a break for a quick bite before moving on to the next attraction. 

Kensington Palace and Gardens

In the afternoon, head to the area around Kensington Gardens. Located in Kensington Gardens is the palace of the same name that has been a royal residence since the 17th century. 

Today, it is open to the public and houses a number of historic artifacts and works of art. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. 

We recommend buying a ticket to visit the state rooms. They are open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Although entry is £20 for adults, it is free for London Pass holders.

Royal Albert Hall

A walk across the palace gardens will bring you to the Royal Albert Hall, inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1871 in memory of her husband Albert. 

From movie screenings and the annual Proms to tennis matches, there is always something going on here. Plus entry is free for London Pass holders.

You can book a show for the evening, and then call it a day. Or head to Hyde Park for a sunset stroll. 

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London and one of the Royal Parks of England. It covers an area of 342 hectares (843 acres) and is the largest of four parks that form a continuous chain along the north side of the River Thames.

It is located next to the Kensington Gardens, and the access is free. The gardens are always busy with visitors and locals enjoying a walk, picnic, or jog almost all the time. 

You can also enjoy the Serpentine Gallery, a contemporary art gallery housed in a converted tea pavilion; the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain; the Albert Memorial; and the Serpentine Lake, located at Hyde Park.

Boating is also possible at The Serpentine. It is open from April until October 31st, from 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m. (during the winter) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (during the summer).

Day 2 of UK Itinerary: London and around

Set aside day 2 of the United Kingdom itinerary for museum hopping. If you are not into history and museums, you can combine 1 museum visit + shopping + casual attractions.

We recommend opting for a hop on and hop off tour so that you can check off all the spots with ease. 

If walking from London Victoria, you can make your way to the south bank of the River Thames from the National Gallery to see three of the most iconic landmarks of the city –  Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the Gothic building of the Westminster Abbey, the site of the country’s coronation church since 1066.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is an iconic London landmark that you won’t want to miss. On our trip, we were able to see it, in all its glory without any scaffolding. 

Take a walk around the clock tower and marvel at its beauty. It makes for a nice photo spot in London as well. 

The Houses of Parliament is the seat of the British government, and it’s definitely worth a visit. You can take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, or simply admire the architecture from the outside. 

Read: 4 days in London itinerary

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the world, and it’s only a 3-minute walk from the Houses of Parliament. 

The abbey is a Gothic church and a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site in London. Take the time to visit the interiors and admire the beautiful architecture including the stained glass windows. 

You will need to book an entrance ticket for Westminster Abbey, and it is free with the London Pass.

Did you know that Westminister Abbey has been the coronation church of the British monarchy since the 11th century? And this is where Kate and William got married! 🙂 

Churchill War Rooms

After sightseeing here, make your way to Churchill War Rooms. It was an easy visit as the museum is on the way from here to Big Ben and back. 

The War Rooms had been on my bucket list for a while. Both Salil and I loved WWI and WWII history, and if you do too, then you must visit this museum. 

Here is a walking tour of the area, along with the entrance ticket for the Churchill War Rooms. 10 Downing Street is also located nearby.

From the War Rooms, make your way to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (for history buffs)

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum is one of the must-see attractions in London, and it is completely free to explore. The museum is home to over 80 million specimens, including dinosaurs, animals, rocks, and minerals. 

Victoria and Albert Museum

Next, visit the Victoria and Albert Museum nearby. 

Victoria and Albert Museum is the United Kingdom’s popular art museum, with one of the world’s most comprehensive and significant collections of Chinese art, as well as one of the West’s largest. 

They are open every day from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm, with late opening on Fridays until 10:00 pm. Admission is free, although there may be charges for special exhibitions.

After museums, stop at a cute and Instagrammable cafe – EL&N. It is all pretty in pink, and they serve brunch, light lunch, and coffee! The nearest tube is South Kensington. 

If you wish to shop, this area has a lot of options. Or you can make your way to Piccadilly Circus and then to Leicester Square for some retail therapy. 

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, a vibrant square is always buzzing with activity, day or night. You can catch a show at the world-famous theater (for evening activity), do some shopping at one of the many nearby stores, or just hang out. 

Leicester Square

A short walk from Piccadilly is Leicester Square, the area noted for movie premiers in London. It is not only known for its theater shows but also for food joints and shopping. 

This area is also close to Chinatown and Covent Garden (see London is very walkable), and you can take your pick for dining! 

Day 3 of UK Itinerary: Windsor and London

Take a journey outside of London to Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Explore its grounds, marvel at the architecture, and learn about its rich history. 

Afterward, take a peaceful stroll in Windsor Great Park before returning to London in the afternoon. 

Tower Bridge

Get to the Tower Bridge as soon as you arrive in London. Walk across the bridge to get stunning photos and views of HMS Belfast (a WWII ship now converted into a museum). 

There are a lot of places to take photos of the Bridge – from either side of the river, near the Shard, outside where cruises leave, or from the Tower of London entrance areas. 

Note that you can access the top of the Tower Bridge, and even walk on the glass floor and enjoy an exhibition after. These exhibits will provide an insight into the fascinating history of this impressive structure. 

Tower of London

Near the bridge is the Tower of London, the place where many infamous prisoners were publicly executed. The tower is home to the Crown Jewels and a vast variety of other gemstones. 

Remember to book tickets in advance, (included in the London Pass) and keep at least two hours in the afternoon to see all the main sights. 

Try to get all the sightseeing done before 6:00 pm so that you can enjoy a lovely Thames cruise after. 

Sky Garden

Another option is to head to the Sky Garden instead of the cruise. A 10 minute walk from the Tower will bring you to Sky Garden. Entry is free (but you have to book a slot beforehand) and this landmark structure offers epic views of the city. 

Other attractions in London

We did skip a few spots from this itinerary to accommodate iconic landmarks in London. However, here are some more ideas for you to consider. 

• London Eye: Across River Thames is the London Eye or the Millennium Wheel. This is a great spot to soak in 360° views of London. Buy your fast-track tickets for the London Eye here
• Afternoon tea cruise on River Thames: We really enjoyed our afternoon tea cruise on River Thames. It was a great way to check out all the city highlights. The tour lasts 2 hours and includes tea and snacks. You can book a spot online here
• Imperial War Museum: This is a free museum, and has permanent exhibitions from the World Wars and other present-day conflict exhibits
• The National Gallery: The National Gallery is home to many masterpieces of art from the 13th to the 19th centuries
• Borough Market: London’s most renowned food market, Borough Market is a must-visit for any foodie. With over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisan cheese and meats, you’ll be spoilt for choice. It is located near the London Tower
• Covent Garden
• Oxford Street shopping

Day 4 of United Kingdom 10 day itinerary: Cardiff Wales day trip from London

Spend your fourth day of your 10 day United Kingdom itinerary exploring the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. Located just two hours from London by train, this vibrant city is full of life and has something for everyone to enjoy.

You can also drive to Cardiff, or ride a coach, however, it will take longer – about 3.50 hours by bus. Once you arrive in Cardiff, start exploring!

Cardiff Castle

First, take a journey back in time to Cardiff Castle. This is a medieval castle that dates back over 2000 years. It is believed that the was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort.

With a ticket, you can visit the Interpretation Centre, and enjoy a tour of the Castle Apartments and the Norman Keep. At the complex, you can also walk the pathways around the Castle Battlements, see the Wartime Shelters, and the Firing Line/Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier. 

Cardiff Castle is a big complex, and you can also enjoy a lovely walk in and around the site and/or picnic on the grounds. 

Read: One Day in Cardiff Itinerary

Cardiff Arcades

When ready for a break, you can stop at a cafe right outside the Castle, or hit the Cardiff Arcades. 

Here you can sample traditional Welsh cuisines such as Welsh Rarebit, cawl, and bara brith. Or try some authentic dishes from around the world like Indian curry and Chinese dim sum.

We enjoyed our beer and snacks before moving on. 

National Museum Cardiff

Next, visit the National Museum Cardiff. You can see exhibits from evolution like meteorites, moon rocks, dinosaurs, and wooly mammoths. There are also natural history galleries that showcase animals, birds, and insects from Wales and beyond. 

Cardiff Parks

There are amazing parks and gardens where you can hang out and enjoy the weather! Our favorites include – Sophia Gardens, Alexandra Gardens, and the Gorsedd Gardens (located near the National Museum). 

Cardiff Bay

In the late afternoon, take a ride on the iconic Millennium Water Taxi from Mermaid Quay to Penarth Marina to enjoy the Bay of Cardiff. 

If you are in town for longer, you can also enjoy a walk around the city centre at night to marvel at its illuminated buildings and streets. Cardiff is alive with energy as locals enjoy late-night drinks at pubs and bars. 

To complete your trip to Cardiff, grab a craft beer from one of the many popular breweries and explore the vibrant nightlife that this Welsh capital has to offer.

Day 5 – 6 of United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days: Cotswolds

Spend two days of your 10 day United Kingdom itinerary exploring the picturesque Cotswolds region. This beautiful area of England is made up of charming towns and villages, rolling hills, and exquisite country estates. 

Also visit the nearby charming towns of Bath, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon. In our experience you can easily spend half a day to a full day in each, but for the purposes of this fast paced itinerary consider quick sightseeing here, except for the Roman Baths (in Bath) and/or Blenheim Palace (if you stop here) – where you will need atleast an hour each.

Tip: If you prefer to keep London as a base, you can book a day tour to the Cotswolds (covering 3 villages), and set aside a second day to visit Stonehenge

Bath

Start in the city of Bath where you can explore its unique Roman-era baths and take a stroll around its charming streets. 

Visit the famous Circus and the Royal Crescent, then take a boat tour (if time permits – 1 hour) along the River Avon to admire views of this stunning city.

Oxford

Next, head to Oxford and visit some of its iconic colleges including Christ Church College and The University Church of St Mary the Virgin. 

Take a walking tour around the city centre and explore its cobbled streets, bookshops, and quirky cafes. 

If interested you can skip the next stop, and instead visit Blenheim Palace near Oxfordshire. 

Stratford-upon-Avon

In the afternoon, visit Stratford-upon-Avon to explore its many historic attractions including Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Bancoft’s Gardens. 

Bourton-on-the-Water

Continue on to Bourton-on-the-Water which is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. Enjoy a peaceful stroll in the evening around its quaint canals and catch a glimpse of its impressive bridges.

Stay here overnight and then continue sightseeing in the Cotswolds the next day.

Hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water

• Old Manse Hotel: This is a cozy hotel in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water to sleep for 1-2 nights. They offer free parking if you are road tripping, and are pet friendly. If you are not driving, the hotel is near public transit. Book your room here
• Chestnut Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy a good location, free breakfast, and parking at the Chestnut Bed and Breakfast. This hotel is housed in a 300 year old building, with many suites offering river views. Click to view availability here

Day 6 of UK itinerary: More of the Cotswolds 

Spend one more day exploring the charming villages of the Cotswolds on your 10 day United Kingdom itinerary. From castle ruins and churches to quaint cobbled streets and beautiful gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to visit.

Read: Cotswolds itinerary 3 days

Castle Combe

Start your day with a visit to Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in England. Once a fortified castle and later a thriving wool trading centre, today it is best known for its picturesque streets lined with thatched cottages and historic buildings.

Bibury

Next, head to the village of Bibury where you can admire some fine examples of traditional Cotswold architecture as well as some of the prettiest cottages in the area. 

Visit Arlington Row, a terrace of weavers’ cottages dating back to the 14th century, and take a stroll around its beautiful village green.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Continue on to Stow-on-the-Wold where you can explore St Edward’s church with its impressive spire and many monuments. Take a stroll around the village square where you can find some unique shops and cafes.

Burford

End your day with a visit to Burford, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. Admire the beautiful buildings such as St John’s church which dates back to the 13th century. 

Take a stroll along the river Windrush and admire views of the surrounding countryside before heading back to London with a break in Oxford, for an overnight stay.

Tip: Start for Edinburgh overnight by coach, or drive there the next day. You can be quite flexible for the remainder of your 4 days in Scotland itinerary. 

Day 7 of United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days: Edinburgh

Head up to Scotland and explore the city of Edinburgh for 1 day. Soak in the stunning architecture, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, and visit attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and St Giles’ Cathedral.  

Depending on your day and time of arrival you can use the 8th day to explore Edinburgh. 

We traveled by overnight bus and arrived in the morning, and spend 3 days in Edinburgh, on one of our extended trips! It rained on the first day when we arrived, so we were lucky to have extra time to catch up on sightseeing. 

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Here are some of our favorites in Edinburgh, 

• 4 star Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge: This classy and cool hotel is located just 15 minutes walk away from Edinburgh Castle. Our room was lovely and spacious. We particularly enjoyed hanging out at the lobby area and the rooftop bar in the evening! Click to check availability here

• The Balmoral Hotel: This super luxury hotel is located right outside Edinburgh railway station. The high-end rooms at the Balmoral Hotel offer unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Click to book a stay here
• Radisson Blu Hotel (Edinburgh City Center): Another city center favorite, the Radisson is located along the Royal Mile, and it is a mid-range hotel. Inside you will find spacious rooms with all modern amenities like a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and an in-house bar on-site. Book a stay here

Explore the Edinburgh Castle 

In one day in Edinburgh, start sightseeing in the Old Town by visiting the impressive Edinburgh Castle. 

Explore its ramparts and take in spectacular views of the city from its battlements. Then, take a tour of the castle and admire its many grand halls and rooms.

St Giles’ Cathedral

Next, make your way to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral where you can admire its stunning stained glass windows and ancient stone carvings before heading to the nearby National Museum of Scotland (5-minute walk).

Explore this fascinating museum which houses a range of artifacts from all over the world.

Walk the Royal Mile

Continue on to the Royal Mile and take a leisurely stroll along this cobbled street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries. 

Stop for lunch at one of the many traditional pubs before heading to nearby Holyrood Palace where you can admire its impressive architecture and gardens.

Stroll the Princess Street Gardens 

Head to Princes Street Gardens and take a stroll around its lush gardens and admire views of the city skyline. Admire the iconic monuments such as Scott’s Monument, and National Scottish Gallery, if you have time. 

Then, visit nearby Calton Hill for some of the best views in Edinburgh (10 minute walk). 

Continue on to the New Town and explore its elegant Georgian streets. Stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes. 

Arthur’s Seat

End your day with a visit to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park. Admire stunning views of the city before heading back down for a well-deserved dinner.

Day 8 – 10 of United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days: Glasgow and Scottish Highlands

Spend your last 3 days exploring the Scottish Highlands and Glasglow. Drive along beautiful glens, lochs, mountains, and villages. 

Day 8 of the United Kingdom Itinerary: Day tour to Loch Ness

Keeping Edinburgh as a base, you can embark on a guided tour of Loch Ness and other stunning sites within the Scottish Highlands. 

Or if you prefer you can also drive there and stay overnight at Fort William. 

Loch Ness is an impressive body of water and is home to a variety of wildlife, including its most famous inhabitant – the elusive monster known as ‘Nessie’.

As you travel from Edinburgh, you will get to enjoy the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, meet Hairy the Moo, cruise on Loch Ness, visit Urquhart Castle, and explore charming towns like Inverness.

When road-tripping, you can stop at Fort William and visit Ben Nevis Distillery. This will allow you to take a glimpse into the traditional whisky-making process. From stills to barrels to bottling, each step of the whisky-making process is showcased when you book a guided tour!

Tip: When you join a day tour, you will stop at Fort William for lunch and then finish in Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh.

Day 9 of the United Kingdom Itinerary: Glasgow 

You can still keep Edinburgh as a base and visit Glasgow on a day trip. When driving from Fort Williams, it will take about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Glasgow. 

Once in the city, enjoy a nice breakfast, and then go sightseeing. Start with the Glasgow Cathedral. 

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is a historic landmark and is well known for its stained glass windows and beautiful architecture. 

The exterior of the cathedral features traditional Gothic architecture from pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and flying buttresses, to two tall spires that make for an amazing photo background. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Next, make time to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It is completely free to visit, and the museum is considered to be one of the most visited in Scotland. 

Botanical Gardens

After time at the museum, head to the Glasgow Botanical Gardens and admire the beautiful floral displays including some of Scotland’s most iconic species. 

The complex is also home to an array of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, ducks, and even frogs.

Clydeside Distillery

Before signing off for the day, visit the Clydeside Distillery, and learn about the whisky-making process from start to finish. After the distillery tour, have some dinner and get rest!

Day 10 of the United Kingdom itinerary: Stirling and back to Edinburgh

Take a short drive or train ride from Glasgow to Stirling before heading back to Edinburgh to catch your flight home. 

If you are keeping Edinburgh as a base, the ride from the Scottish capital to Stirling is just over an hour. 

Stirling has a rich history, dating back to the 11th century when King Malcolm III built a castle on this site. So the first item to check out in this historic city is the Stirling Castle.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is the largest and most impressive of Scotland’s Renaissance castles. We recommend spending 1-2 hours here and taking a self-guided tour of the castle complex. 

Afterward, you can stop by the Church of the Holy Rude to see where King James VI was crowned in 1567.

Doune Castle

Next visit the Doune Castle, which was used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones and Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Explore the grounds and admire the 14th-century architecture before heading back into town. 

Baker Street

Spend the remainder of the day, wandering and exploring Stirling’s main street, Baker Street. Buy some souvenirs, and grab a bite to eat and drink before returning to Edinburgh. 

Other attractions Scotland

If you are a Harry Potter fan and wish to add the Hogwarts Express to your UK 10 itinerary, then consider booking this tour: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

This tour takes off from Edinburgh, so we recommend setting aside 1 day in Edinburgh, 1 day in Glasgow (or 2 days in Edinburgh), and then adding this 2 day tour.

The 2-day tour from Edinburgh includes the following,

• Round trip transportation 
• Bed and breakfast accommodation
• Highlands at Dunkeld
• A ride on the famous Jacobite Steam Train
• Visit Glen Coe
• Book this tour here

United Kingdom Itinerary 10 to 14 days Map

UK Itinerary 10 days with Ireland & Northern Ireland 2 weeks

Okay, so in 10 days you can surely cover England, Scotland, and Wales. To explore Northern Ireland such as visiting Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and other landscapes you will have to fly to Belfast – which extends your trip by a few more days. 

If you wish to modify the 10 day trip above, you can surely skip the Cotswolds (gain 2 days), and cut short your trip in Scotland by a day or two (gain 2 days), and then add that to explore Northern Ireland. 

With 2 weeks you can use the extra 4 days in Ireland, and here is how you can maximise the trip, 

Day 11 of the 2 weeks in United Kingdom and Ireland:

Fly to Dublin from Edinburgh. This is what we did and we entered the Schengen zone in Ireland and crossed the land border to Belfast. 

You can find RyanAir flights from Edinburgh to Dublin or Belfast. 

On day one in Dublin, spend time exploring the city’s highlights from the Dublin Castle, Temple Bar district, Guinness Storehouse, and a museum visit. 

Stay in Dublin for 2 nights. 

Where to stay in Dublin? We recommend staying at the Hendrick Smithfield, the best property for not breaking the bank while having every luxury you need. 

They got a lovely bar and lobby, and the suites are comfy for a short trip. Check out availability here

Day 12 of the 2 weeks in United Kingdom and Ireland:

Enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. You can drive there yourself or book a day tour such as this one that includes Burren, and the monastic ruins of Kilmacduagh. 

Day 13 of the 2 weeks in United Kingdom and Ireland:

This is the day you will arrive in Belfast. It will take less than a 2-hour drive or a 2.50-hour train ride to get there from Dublin. 

In one day in Belfast, visit Saint George’s Market, and Belfast City Hall and set aside time to go on a Black Taxi City Tour, where you will learn about Belfast’s troubled past. 

The tour lasts 4 hours, and it also includes mural stops. Our guide shared so many stories of the troubles, political turmoil, and the events leading up to Bloody Sunday, and its aftermath. 

If you are not interested in this tour, then visit the Titanic Quarter. But ensure you have your tickets booked in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Stay in Belfast for the night.

Where to stay in Belfast? We recommend an overnight stay in Belfast for days 3-4. The Clayton Hotel is a great place to call home for 1-2 days. 

It is located within walking distance of the Titanic Quarter and other sightseeing spots. 

Day 14 of the 2 weeks in United Kingdom and Ireland:

End your itinerary with a visit to Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site – the Giant’s Causeway, and then explore the Dark Hedges, and walk over the Atlantic Ocean at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. 

You can drive there yourself or choose this Northern Coast day tour from Belfast that covers all of the places including the ruins of Dunluce Castle whilst enjoying a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road. Check it out here

UK Travel Tips and Travel Advice | United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days

When planning to visit the United Kingdom, it is important to pay attention to some important factors such as visa requirements, main attractions & sightseeing spots, and budget.

Firstly, make sure that you check if you need a visa before traveling. Citizens of the United States and Canada do not need a visa to enter the UK and stay there for up to 6 months. 

But depending on your nationality, you may need a special visa for entering the UK. This is not the Schengen Visa, instead, it is a UK tourist visa which one has to apply for prior to flying there.

Once you’ve sorted out the visa, it is time to decide where you want to travel in the UK. London is a great place for tourists and has a wealth of attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.

There are also plenty of other cities worth visiting such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Manchester.

Our 10-day to 14 day UK itinerary is a great place to start your trip planning. If you are adding Dublin or Ireland to the mix, keep in mind that the latter is a European Union and Schengen member state – visa requirements and currency changes when you enter the Republic. 

If you’re visiting the UK on a budget then there are plenty of ways to save money. 

• There are lots of free museums and parks and gardens dotted across England and the UK
• Book your accommodation ahead of time to save money, and avoid disappointment
• Off-season travel is also a good idea for a trip 
• Eating out can be expensive in the UK so try to find local supermarkets where you can shop for groceries and prepare meals in your accommodations

Ensure you purchase travel insurance before traveling to the UK. This will cover you in case of any unexpected medical bills or cancellations and will help to put your mind at ease.

More UK Travel Tips

How many days are enough to visit UK?

10 days are great to explore some of the iconic destinations in the United Kingdom. You can visit 2-3 cities, spending 2 days each, and then spend some time in the countryside or nature parks. 

For those who want a comprehensive experience, two weeks is usually enough time to cover most of the country. This way you can also cover Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural attractions. 

Shorter trips of a few days can still be enjoyable if planned carefully. If you only have one week in England then we recommend focusing on London, and nearby areas and squeezing in Cardiff and Snowdonia National Park in Wales.  

Like this post? Read more of our 10 days in Europe trip itineraries

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