A Perfectly Crafted Two Week UK Itinerary
Lucky you, with two weeks to spend in the UK. Here's what you should see.
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If you’re lucky enough to have two weeks to spend exploring England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, we have a perfect UK itinerary for you. A fortnight is enough time to truly get a sense of the British Isles, rather than just taking a flying visit in and out. From shopping in London to hiking the hills of the Peak District, eating welshcakes in Wales to climbing Arthur’s Seat in Scotland, by the time you leave the country, you’ll probably be wondering if you can get away with talking in a British accent from now on. Here’s the Plum Guide way for a two week UK itinerary.
Days 1 - 3: London
As most lucky people travelling to the UK will arrive in the English capital, it makes sense to start our trip with London. Once you’ve touched down, make your way into the city and take up residence in one of the many fabulous properties Plum Guide has to offer.
Once you’ve settled in, London is your oyster. Spend your first day getting the measure of the city by exploring Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square and doing a spot of shopping on Oxford Street. Then go for dinner at a swish place in Mayfair – our suggestion would be Park Chinois or Nobu. You deserve the best, after all.
For day two, try heading to east London for something a little different. Hackney is a buzzing, vibrant area filled with street markets, pop up shops and bright young things working hard to make their dreams happen. Grab a bagel from the open-24-hours iconic shop Beigel Bake and wander around Brick Lane. You never know what you might find in a vintage shop around here.
Brick Lane Street Art, East London
Spend your last day exploring some of the many museums in Kensington. They’re world famous and even better, free. The Science Museum and Natural History Museum are so fascinating you won’t want to leave.
The Olive Branch, Plum Guide home in Notting Hill
As for where to stay in London, how about a dream house in Notting Hill, full of stylish features and clean lines? Or for the quintessential London experience, choose a classically British home in the heart of Mayfair that used to be a vicarage.
Rock Oferta, Plum Guide home in Mayfair
Days 4 - 5: Oxford, Bath and Bristol
Once you’ve got the measure of London (anyone who feels like a Londoner can call themselves one, just so you know), it’s time to get going on the next stop of your UK itinerary. You simply can’t leave the UK without seeing Oxford. A few hours from London, it’s the epitome of grandeur, knowledge and tradition. Take a tour of the university and then spend the afternoon perfecting your punting skills on the river (no, we’re not being rude. A punt is a type of flat bottomed boat. The more you know).
Clifton Suspension Bridge at sunset, Bristol, England, UK
After spending the day enjoying all of Oxford's best things to do, hop on the train to Bath, around an hour away, where you’ll be spending the night. Relax in the standalone circular bathtub at this stylish property to decompress after your busy day.
The Wax Seal, Plum Guide home in Bath, Somerset
The next day, have a Bath Bun at the famous Sally Lunn tea house before a quick hop over to Bristol. Here, you can spend the day checking out the museums by the harbourside, walking up the famous Park Street hill, admiring the university’s impressive Wills Memorial building and enjoying dinner in chi chi Clifton. Enjoy a nightcap on your private patio before getting a good night’s rest in the Austen-esque bedrooms.
A Right Royal Stay, Plum Guide home in Bristol
Days 6 - 8: Wales
It’s time to rise and shine early, no matter how creaky your knees are, because today you’re heading across the Bristol channel to Wales. After a surprisingly brief car ride, before you know it all of the road signs will be in Welsh.
Strawberry Wood, Plum Guide Home in South Wales
This gorgeous house in Monmouthshire, right next to national park the Brecon Beacons, is the ideal spot to spend a couple of days relaxing and wondering how the Welsh hills get so green (hint: it rains. A lot. Bring your wellies). Enjoy your morning coffee at the huge outdoor wooden table on the patio which looks over a landscape so bucolic you’ll feel as though you’ve fallen into a novel.
Days 9 - 11: Manchester and the Peak District
Next up, it’s time for a three and a half hour drive out of Wales and up to Manchester. Known as England’s second city, it’s a powerhouse of industry and is famous for its sporting ability, so if you’re a football fan, now’s your time to shine.
The Peak District, England, UK
Spend your morning here walking the stacks of Chetham’s Library, the oldest free public library in the English-speaking world. The foundations were poured around 1080 and it’s still going strong, which should comfort you when you find your next grey hair. In the afternoon, head to the Northern Quarter for boutique shops and a trendy atmosphere. For dinner, you simply must try a curry – the city is famous for them. Any of the restaurants within the famous Curry Mile will deliver, but we recommend the Indian Tiffin Room as one of our favourites. Wear loose trousers – you’ll need them.
The next day, it’s time to visit the Peak District. This protected area consists of rolling green hills, impressively craggy landscapes and plenty of opportunity for hiking.
Wuthering Heights, Plum Guide home in Cumbria, UK
This classically British country estate is a great place to base yourself from to explore this area. The beautifully well maintained gardens alone are worth the trip.
Days 12 - 14: Edinburgh
It’s time to head north. It’s practically illegal to have a two week UK itinerary without a trip to Scotland, and that’s what’s next on your agenda. It’s the perfect place to conclude your trip, and as a bonus, you can take tins of Scotland’s world famous shortbread home as gifts for hard-to-please relatives and colleagues - if you don’t eat it all on the plane home, that is.
There's lots of incredible places to visit in Scotland, but Edinburgh is unbeatable. Once you’ve settled in to your exceptionally luxurious pad for the next few days (this flat has ceilings so high you can barely see them, as well as sofas that are so well-designed you’ll want to take them home), take your time wandering the narrow cobblestoned streets of the Scottish capital. There are almost too many cute coffee shops and adorable restaurants to count.
Single Malt, Plum Guide home in Edinburgh
On your last day, a fitting end to the trip is to climb Arthur’s Seat, an ancient extinct volcano which has the best view of the city. As the wind plays across your face at the summit, you’ll know that you’ll be back. The UK is just too mesmerising to stay away.
