Discover Scotland, Ireland, And England’s Best In One Trip – TNT Magazine

These three dynamic nations offer centuries of history; three weeks will only give you a flavour of what you can discover. The amazing thing about a trip like this is that it should give you a teaser that’ll have you exploring more of the UK every year.

We’ve attempted to condense the highlights of these countries into a three-week itinerary. Feel free to edit and extend if you have more time, but here are a few great ways to explore the region.

Week 1: Scotland

Day 1–3: Edinburgh

Kick off your tour of the British Isles with the Scottish capital. You’ll instantly be mesmerised by its unique landscapes across the lowlands and the dramatic Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock. Wander along the Royal Mile, a historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. If you’re lucky, you might be here for The Fringe, an annual comedy festival that takes over the whole city.

On Day 2, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering sweeping views of the city. On your final day in the city, explore Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Top off your stay in the city with dinner at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Where To Stay: The Balmoral is an Edinburgh icon. It’s steeped in Edinburgh’s history and guests can wake up to views of Edinburgh Castle in some rooms. It’s also the location where JK Rowling completed “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Day 4–5: The Scottish Highlands

Head north to the Scottish Highlands. We recommend hiring a car and driving this 3.5-hour route along the A9 to truly appreciate its scenic landscapes. Base yourself in Inverness, known as the gateway to the Highlands. Visit Loch Ness and keep an eye out for the mythical Nessie. Explore Urquhart Castle and take a drive to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous bridge used to film scenes aboard the Hogwarts Express for the Harry Potter series.

Where to Stay: Just seven miles from Inverness, Achnagairn Estate offers a quintessentially Scottish country retreat. You’ll be in more than capable hands at this 5-star-rated resort.

Day 6–7: Isle of Skye

After a few nights in the highlands, hop back in your hired car and make the 2.5-hour drive from Inverness to the Isle of Skye. Famous for its history of fairy lore and the rugged landscapes that create its moody atmosphere, Skye is a real highlight on this trip. Hike to the Fairy Pools, a series of mesmerisingly clear waterfalls, and close your day with a visit to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

Where To Stay: The Three Chimneys, an award-winning restaurant on the shores of Lake Dunvegan with boutique accommodation on-site.

Now, as week one comes to a close, we recommend leaving your hired car and opting for a private plane charter from Inverness to Dublin, which takes just one hour. This saves a whole day of travelling south to cross the Irish Sea by ferry. You’ll also be treated to aerial views of the Highlands, which is another feast for the eyes.

Week 2: Ireland

Day 8–10: Dublin

Week two begins in Dublin, Ireland’s lively, Guinness-soaked capital. Visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and tour the historic Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland’s iconic beer, and don’t miss out on your complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views.

Spend Day 9 exploring the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar and visiting the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison steeped in violent Irish history. If the Guinness Storehouse wasn’t enough, you can also experience the Jameson’s Distillery.

Where To Stay: The Merrion Hotel combines history and luxury in the heart of Dublin. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can visit 2-Michelin Star restaurant (and critics’ favourite) Patrick Guilbaud next door.

Day 11–12: Galway and Cliffs of Moher

Just as we recommended in Scotland, you should hire a car and drive west to Galway, a vibrant city known for its burgeoning arts scene and traditional music. Explore Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter before heading to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, just an hour’s drive away. Even on bleak days, the deep blues of the sea and the shimmering green of fields are enough to take your breath away.

Where To Stay: Stay at Glenlo Abbey Hotel, a five-star property near Galway, featuring a one-of-a-kind dining experience aboard one of two original carriages from the Orient Express.

Day 13–14: Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park

Wake up early and head on down to the Ring of Kerry, a 179km scenic road that unravels along the best of the Irish coastline. Driving through small towns like Kenmare and Cahersiveen showcases the ‘real’ Ireland that you simply won’t find in Dublin. Stop for a refreshing Guinness in these small towns and maybe even catch some live music. If you’re a nature enthusiast, visit the Killarney National Park, explore Muckross House, and hike to Torc Waterfall to experience the very best this environment can offer.

Where To Stay: The Lake Hotel in Killarney is set among mountains, islands, woodlands, and the 12th-century McCarthy Mór castle ruins. You might want to stay here forever, but there’s still a third of the itinerary to go!

Week 3: England

Day 15–17: London

Fly directly from Dublin to London on a 90-minute flight that can be done either privately or commercially, depending on your budget.

Begin your exploration with iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Spend time at the British Museum and Tate Modern. Each of these could be a day in itself, so don’t worry if you have to skip over some of them.

Where To Stay: Stay at The Savoy, an iconic luxury hotel — and the first in Britain to be lit entirely by electricity. Since its opening in 1889, it has hosted the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, and the Queen.

Day 18–19: Bath (or Bristol) and Stonehenge

Take a 1.5-hour train journey to Bath, a city renowned for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. Alternatively, you could stop just short of Bath and visit Bristol, a trendy city with a vibrant harbourside and some of Banksy’s most iconic pieces.

On your way back to London, stop at Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient stone circle remains one of the world’s greatest architectural mysteries.

Where To Stay: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath or the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. The latter is located just a two-minute walk from Banksy’s famous piece, “Well Hung Lover.”

Day 20–21: Lake District

End your trip with a visit to the Lake District, just a 3-hour train ride from London. If you only have one day here, spend it in either Keswick or Windermere, wandering around the local shops and the beautiful lakes. If you have the chance to spend more than just a night here, then hike up either Catbells or Helvellyn.

Where To Stay: The Forest Side in Grasmere offers luxurious accommodations and an exceptional dining experience. Risen like a phoenix from the ashes, this old manor had fallen into disrepair before undergoing an extensive renovation in 2014.

The Wonderful British Isles Await

This jam-packed itinerary can seem overwhelming, but you can always swap out some activities to stay longer in one place if it calls to you. So long as you prepare for inclement weather and stick to your schedule, you won’t go wrong on this adventure of a lifetime.