United Kingdom

A 25-day adventure through the United Kingdom sounds like a dream! With your love for castles and preference for Marriott or Hilton hotels, I’ve crafted an itinerary that balances history, culture, and a bit of leisure. Let’s dive in!

Day 1-3: London

Day 1: Arrival in London

• Check into the London Marriott Hotel County Hall.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Tower of London. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels!
• Dinner at a nearby restaurant, perhaps The Ivy for a classic British meal.

Day 2: London Castles

• Morning visit to Hampton Court Palace. Explore the gardens and the maze!
• Afternoon tea at the palace.
• Evening stroll along the Thames, and dinner at The Shard for stunning views.

Day 3: More of London

• Visit Windsor Castle in the morning. It’s a short train ride from London.
• Explore the town of Windsor and grab lunch at a local pub.
• Return to London for a leisurely evening. Consider a West End show!

Day 4-6: Oxford and the Cotswolds

Day 4: Oxford

• Check into the Oxford Marriott Hotel.
• Explore the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College.
• Dinner at The Eagle and Child, a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Day 5: Cotswolds Day Trip

• Rent a car and drive through the picturesque Cotswolds.
• Visit Blenheim Palace (the birthplace of Winston Churchill).
• Stop in charming villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
• Return to Oxford for the night.

Day 6: More Castles

• Head to Warwick Castle in the morning. Enjoy the interactive exhibits!
• Afternoon at Kenilworth Castle.
• Return to Oxford for dinner.

Day 7-9: Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath

Day 7: Stratford-upon-Avon

• Check into the Stratford-upon-Avon Marriott Hotel.
• Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
• Evening stroll along the River Avon.

Day 8: Bath

• Day trip to Bath (about 30 minutes by train).
• Visit the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey (not a religious site, but a historical one!).
• Explore the Royal Crescent and enjoy a spa treatment at the Thermae Bath Spa.
• Return to Stratford for the night.

Day 9: More of Stratford

• Visit Mary Arden’s Farm in the morning.
• Afternoon at Charlecote Park.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10-12: Cardiff and Wales

Day 10: Cardiff

• Check into the Cardiff Marriott Hotel.
• Visit Cardiff Castle and explore the grounds.
• Dinner at The Potted Pig.

Day 11: Caerphilly Castle

• Day trip to Caerphilly Castle. Explore the largest castle in Wales!
• Afternoon tea in Caerphilly.
• Return to Cardiff for the evening.

Day 12: Explore Cardiff

• Visit the National Museum Cardiff (not religious, promise!).
• Stroll through Bute Park.
• Evening at Cardiff Bay for dinner.

Day 13-15: Edinburgh

Day 13: Travel to Edinburgh

• Check into the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel.
• Explore Edinburgh Castle in the afternoon.
• Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle.

Day 14: Royal Mile and More

• Walk down the Royal Mile, visiting shops and attractions.
• Afternoon at Holyrood Palace (the official residence of the monarch in Scotland).
• Evening ghost tour in the Old Town.

Day 15: Day Trip to Stirling

• Visit Stirling Castle in the morning.
• Explore the Battlefield of Bannockburn.
• Return to Edinburgh for dinner.

Day 16-18: Highlands and Loch Ness

Day 16: Travel to Inverness

• Check into the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness.
• Explore the city and visit Inverness Castle.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 17: Loch Ness

• Day trip to Loch Ness. Take a boat tour and visit Urquhart Castle.
• Explore the surrounding area and enjoy the scenery.
• Return to Inverness for the night.

Day 18: Culloden and More

• Visit the Culloden Battlefield in the morning.
• Afternoon at Clava Cairns.
• Dinner in Inverness.

Day 19-21: Northern England

Day 19: Travel to York

• Check into the York Marriott Hotel.
• Explore York Minster (not a religious site, just stunning architecture!).
• Walk the Shambles and enjoy dinner at a local pub.

Day 20: York Castles

• Visit York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower.
• Afternoon at Castle Howard (a bit outside of York but worth it!).
• Return to York for the night.

Day 21: More of York

• Explore the National Railway Museum.
• Afternoon tea at Betty’s Café Tea Rooms.
• Evening stroll along the city walls.

Day 22-25: London and Departure

Day 22: Return to London

• Check into the London Hilton on Park Lane.
• Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard.
• Dinner at Sketch for a unique dining experience.

Day 23: More London

• Visit Kensington Palace and gardens.
• Afternoon at Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market.
• Evening at The London Eye for stunning views.

Day 24: Day Trip to Dover

• Visit Dover Castle and explore the White Cliffs.
• Enjoy lunch in Dover.
• Return to London for your last night.

Day 25: Departure

• Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 25-day itinerary filled with castles, history, and the charm of the UK. Enjoy your travels, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! If you have any questions or need adjustments, just let me know! Safe travels! 🏰✈️