Three weeks in the UK: Where to visit

The United Kingdom welcomes around 40 million tourists every year. Comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, our spectacular group of countries is a popular holiday destination thanks to its rich history and natural beauty. With efficient transport links, it’s easy to explore multiple regions in one trip. So you can visit remarkable cities like London, York, Edinburgh and Glasgow. See iconic landmarks from Buckingham Palace to Edinburgh Castle, and visit world-class museums and galleries that offer something for every interest. Outside of the cities and towns, the UK boasts green and beautiful countryside, with amazing walks and gorgeous views. Food lovers can enjoy everything from traditional pub fare and vibrant street food to elegant afternoon teas and Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re coming over here soon, take a look at our guide to places to visit in the UK…

Places to visit in the UK

This is our whistle-stop tour. Because time is limited, we’ve focused on England and Scotland, which are the two largest of the four UK nations. But we highly recommend visiting Wales and Northern Ireland too. The whole of the UK is stunningly beautiful and each of the nations is so different, with its own unique culture and set of attractions. Whether you are hiring a car or using the train, this three-week itinerary is easy to navigate.

Scotland road trip steps

• Days 1-3: London – London is a good place to start your trip, as it is easy to get there. It has several major airports and large train stations, connecting you to the rest of the world. London is the capital of England and the most visited city in the UK. Major sights include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and British Museum.
• Days 4-5: York – Then onto York in the north of England. Once a Roman and Viking stronghold, its attractions include York Minster, medieval city walls and the narrow, cobbled street of The Shambles.
• Days 6-8: Edinburgh – Up to Edinburgh, the beautiful capital of Scotland. Explore the city’s Old Town and New Town, visit Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the National Museum of Scotland. Climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views. And if you’re looking for a fantastic wee Scottish hotel to stay at, a lovely historic Edinburgh hotel is the Parliament House Hotel on Edinburghs Calton Hill.

• Days 9-11: Inverness & The Highlands – Next it’s up to the Scottish Highlands. Based in Inverness, you can explore the city and breathtaking surrounding landscapes. Visit iconic sites like Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns. You could also take a day trip to the Isle of Skye. A great accommodation location to stay at on Loch Ness, perfect for exploring the Highlands and day trips to Glenfinnan and Skye is Fort Augustus. And where better to stay than in the Historic Fort Augustus Abbey with Abbey Holidays Loch Ness appartments and cottages.
• Days 12–13: Exploring The North Coast 500 – The north coast of Scotland offers some of the most spectacular scenery and experiences. From the Dunrobin Castle, and the Whaligoe Steps, to John O’ Groats nature boat trips, lighthouses and the Duncansby Stacks and explore the North Coast 500. One of the best places to stay on the North Coast 500 is the stunning historic Ulbster Arms Hotel. Plus they serve some of the best food in the Higlands!
• Days 14-16: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – A short trip from Glasgow, but a completely different experience. This is where you’ll find us at Loch Lomond Waterfront. Our closest train station is Balloch and our nearest village is Balmaha. With scenic walks, watersports, fishing and peaceful surroundings, this is a must on your UK itinerary!

• Days 17-18: Manchester – Then, as you head back down through England, stop in Manchester (via Glasgow) for a couple of days. You can explore the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery and the lively Northern Quarter, packed with street art, indie shops and cafes.
• Days 19-21: Back to London – Allow a few days back in London for any last-minute shopping and a bit of relaxation, before heading home.

Make sure Loch Lomond is on your list!

We may be biased, but we believe Loch Lomond is one of the greatest places to visit in the UK. It has stunning natural beauty and a wonderful array of outdoor activities. Located within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, this is a haven for walkers, cyclists and all nature lovers. We have plenty of walks with panoramic views and peaceful boat cruises on the loch. Charming villages, such as Balmaha and Luss are on the doorstep. The Loch Lomond area is also full of wildlife, and you may spot osprey, golden eagles, deer, red squirrels, and even whales and dolphins!

So, come and stay with us at Loch Lomond Waterfront and experience Scotland at its best, with luxury accommodation and 18 acres of tranquil grounds to explore, including our private beach and access to the loch. We can’t wait to welcome you! Take a look at our special offers and add us to your itinerary today.