2 Weeks in the United Kingdom - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of England & Scotland

Perfect for first-time travelers to the United Kingdom, this self-drive tour ticks off the must-see sights of England and Scotland. With two nights each in Oxford, York, and Edinburgh, you'll see firsthand the mix of Roman history and quirky modern shops and pubs that make each city so lovable. Then, with time in St Andrews, Ambleside, and Bath, it's easy to settle into the slower pace of life as you soak in ancient baths, play a round at the world's oldest golf course, and admire the rolling green hills in the Lake District.

Welcome to England! Your two-week trip starts with a transfer from London to Oxford. After picking up your rental car, you'll get a taste of the university city's impressive architecture through a visit to the Bodleian Library and a tour of Harry Potter filming sights. Next, head north to York, your home for two nights and the perfect place to learn about Roman and Viking history via a guided walking tour. Continuing north to Edinburgh, Scotland, enjoy a free day to explore Edinburgh Castle and roam Old Town, followed by a delicious day of discovering Edinburgh's top food shops and smokehouse. 

Your next stop brings you to the coastal town of St Andrews—the world's first golf course—where golfing enthusiasts will love playing at Carnoustie while those looking for a more relaxing experience can spend a day at the Old Course Hotel spa. Then, it's back on the road to Ambleside in Lake District National Park. Spend two days cruising and canoeing on Lake Windermere before driving south to Liverpool for a fascinating tour of the Beatles' favorite haunts. Finally, end your trip with two days soaking up Bath's history and Georgian architecture until it's time to catch your flight home from London. Learn more

Itinerary #2: England & Wales Road Trip: History, Culture & the Great Outdoors

Unlock the storied past of England and Wales on this well-rounded self-drive tour, complete with castle tours, a scenic train ride, and an afternoon tea at the impressive Blenheim Palace and Gardens. Each day is a fascinating reminder of the United Kingdom's deep history and fairytale-like countryside, and with stays in Oxford, London, and Llandudno, you'll also have plenty of time to experience the bustling yet charming cities of England and Wales.

Your two-week United Kingdom tour starts with exploring England's capital for two days. Cruise along the River Thames and join a "hidden gems" food tour; then, it's off to pick up your rental car and drive to Oxford. Make the most of your two days in this ancient university town, punting down the River Cherwell and treating yourself to a decadent Champagne afternoon tea in the Blenheim Palace and Gardens before continuing to Chipping Campden. You'll feel like you've landed in a storybook as you ride through picturesque hills on horseback seeking out a secret village along the Cotswold Discovery Trail North.

As the halfway mark of your trip nears, you'll drive to Bath for two days of soaking in thermal waters and discovering the legacy of Jane Austen. Refreshed, it's time to cross over the border into Wales, stopping at Brecon Beacons to explore the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle before spending two nights in Llandudno. It's easy to settle into a peaceful few days, riding the Snowdon Mountain Railway and roaming Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle until it's time to trade in the countryside for Manchester. Spend an evening dining in the Northern Quarter, then catch your flight home the following morning. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Road Trip Through England & Scotland: From London to Loch Lomond

This two-week road trip showcases England and Scotland's incredible nature and culture, ideal for those looking to split their time between stunning landscapes, picturesque castles, and enchanting villages. Let your imagination run wild as you tour historic Roman Baths, visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, and spend a day on the beautiful Isle of Mull. Plus, with food, garden, and distillery tours, you'll get a well-rounded peek into the cuisine and laid-back lifestyle of the United Kingdom.

After arriving in London, settle in for two days exploring the city's must-see highlights, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Borough Market; then, pick up your rental car and hit the road. Your first stop brings you to Bath, where any lingering jetlag will vanish during a soak in the Thermal Bath Spa and a visit to the Roman Baths complex. Next, get deeper into England's charming countryside as you drive to Broadway in the idyllic Cotswolds. With visits to Shakespeare's Birthplace, Blenheim Palace, and Cotswold Lavender, your days will fly by, and soon it'll be time to switch gears and fly to Scotland.

Start your Scotland tour with two days in Edinburgh, wandering its Old and New Towns and joining a food tour; then, it's back on the road to Pitlochry. Stretch your legs with a scenic walk in Cairngorms National Park and admire the Queen's View before another drive brings you to Inverness on the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness. You'll have plenty of time to take in the views of the Great Glen until it's time to continue to Oban for a trip to the Isle of Mull–famous for its colorful buildings. With just two days left on your trip, explore Trossachs National Park until it's time to catch your onward flight from Edinburgh. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Nature, Art, Food & History in the United Kingdom

For those looking to take a deep dive into the history and lesser-frequented gems of Scotland and England, this two-week itinerary will tick all the boxes. Through expert-guided food and walking tours, visits to quaint distilleries, and relaxing days on the Isle of Skye and the Ness Islands, you'll gain an intimate appreciation for the stories, art, and cuisine that makes each region unique. In addition, with optional hikes to Ben Nevis and around Loch Katrine, you'll see firsthand the immense beauty of the United Kingdom that's often overlooked.

Upon landing in Scotland, pick up your rental car and begin your trip in Glasgow, learning about the local cuisine on a food-themed walking tour, followed by an introduction to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's impressive architecture. Next, drive east to Edinburgh, where a guided tour unveils the medieval Old Town's hidden streets, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle brings to life an array of stories. Continuing north to Inverness, you'll soon find yourself walking along the banks of the River Ness before a stop in the highlands of Fort William gives you the challenging task of deciding between climbing Ben Nevis or exploring the Isle of Skye.

After crossing the border into England, you'll find yourself in Ambleside in the peaceful Lake District. With two days here, you can unwind and enjoy local attractions like Stock Ghyll Force waterfall and Stagshaw Gardens, and even experience a canoeing lesson before heading to Liverpool. First, head to the famous Royal Albert Dock to visit the Maritime Museum, then spend an afternoon walking in the footsteps of The Beatles before your final drive brings you to London. Squeeze in visits to the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and White Tower until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great United Kingdom Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the United Kingdom? Check out these other UK itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.