Our UK adventure was one for the books! We spent 10 days exploring London, Cotswolds, York, and Edinburgh, and trust me, there’s so much to see and do. This family-friendly itinerary is packed with tips on where to stay, what to eat, and everything in between. Plus, I’m sharing the outfits I wore each day, because travel style matters too, right?
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Day 1-3 London
Where to Stay in London
For our time in London, we stayed at Bankside Hotel (Marriott) right on the south bank of the Thames. This spot was ideal—close enough to all the action but still a little away from the chaos of central London. We were within walking distance of iconic sights like Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, and just a short hop across the river to places like Big Ben and the London Eye. The Blackfriars tube station nearby made getting around super easy, and the views from our hotel were absolutely stunning.
Where to Eat in London
- Dinner: After checking in, we grabbed a cozy dinner at a local pub near the hotel. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of travel.
- Lunch: For a quick bite, we stopped by Pret A Manger in Trafalgar Square. Nothing fancy, just a delicious sandwich to keep us going while we explored.
- Dinner: If you’re in the mood for something a little more special, check out Colonel Saab in Trafalgar Square. The food was incredible, and it was a great spot to end our day.
What to Do in London
- Big Bus Tour: If you’re new to London (or just want a quick way to see everything), hop on the Big Bus Tour. It’s a hop-on, hop-off style tour that lets you explore at your own pace, plus it’s a great way to get your bearings.
- Pro Tip: Download the app beforehand and just show your QR code for tickets!
- Westminster Abbey & Church Service: We attended the Eucharist service at Westminster Abbey. It was such a peaceful, unforgettable experience.
- Churchill War Rooms: History buffs will love this one. We got tickets for the Churchill War Rooms, and it’s well worth the visit.
- National Gallery & London Eye: After grabbing some lunch, we headed to the National Gallery (don’t forget—it’s free!) and ended the day with a sunset ride on the London Eye. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
Day 4-5 Cotswolds: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore
Where to Stay in the Cotswolds
We took the train from London to Moreton-in-Marsh and checked into the sweetest Airbnb. It felt like a peaceful reset after the busy days in London. The town itself is charming and walkable, and our Airbnb even had a lovely backyard that we enjoyed in the evenings.
Pro Tip: Book your train tickets through the Great Western Railway website and reserve seats if possible. It’s worth asking someone to move if they’re in your assigned spot. Also, be prepared—British trains can get crowded and space for luggage is limited. It’s definitely a different experience than train travel in France or Italy!
Where to Eat in the Cotswolds
- Lunch in Stow-on-the-Wold: We took a taxi from Moreton to Stow-on-the-Wold and ate at The King’s Arms. The fish and chips were great, but we’d skip the burgers next time.
- Breakfast at Daylesford Farm: This is a must. Daylesford feels like the English countryside version of Magnolia—there’s a beautiful shop, café, bakery, garden, and so much more.
- Pizza Night: One evening, we grabbed pizza and relaxed in the Airbnb’s backyard. After full days of exploring, this was the perfect slow moment.
What to Do in the Cotswolds
- Explore Moreton-in-Marsh: We walked the High Street, did a little shopping, and soaked up the small-town charm.
- Day Trip to Chipping Campden: We took the bus to Chipping Campden and followed Rick Steves’ walking tour, stopping at St. James Church, local shops, and our favorite store—Mooch. Think linens, journals, cozy PJs, and thoughtful gifts.
- Daylesford Farm: Even if you don’t go for a meal, this place is worth a visit. It’s a destination all on its own.
- Bus Tips: To get around, we used the local bus. Just check the signs at each stop for updated schedules and don’t be afraid to ask a local! They were always kind and helpful!
Day 6–7 York
Where to Stay in York
We stayed at Headley House B&B, and it was perfect for our family. The location was super walkable, and the hosts were so kind and welcoming. After checking in, we were able to stroll to The Shambles, one of York’s most famous streets filled with shops, pubs, and a little bit of Harry Potter magic.
Where to Eat in York
- Coffee Stop: We kicked off our morning at Grouch Coffee, a cozy local spot.
- Cookies and Treats: At The Shambles, we loved Millie’s Cookies, and of course, we had to pop into the Harry Potter-themed shops too.
- Dinner at Mamma Mia: This Italian restaurant was a hit with our whole crew.
- Lunch at the National Railway Museum: Delicious and casual, with something for everyone.
- Dinner at The Star Inn The City: This spot is a must. It’s right on the river and absolutely beautiful—make a reservation through OpenTable ahead of time!
What to Do in York
- York Minster: We attended Evensong our first evening, and the next day, we explored more of the cathedral with advance tickets. Their free guided tours run every 30 minutes, but we also really liked using the Rick Steves audio guide.
- National Railway Museum: It’s free and seriously impressive. Great for all ages, especially kids and train lovers.
- Walking Tour of York: We booked a two-hour guided walking tour through the York Tour website, and our guide Sarah was fantastic. The Museum Gardens were one of our favorite stops.
- Ghost Tour: We wrapped up the night with the Mad Alice Bloody York Tour. It’s less scary and more theatrical—fun and full of personality. If you’re short on time or already did a walking tour, this one might feel a bit repetitive, but it’s definitely a fun option.
Day 8–10 Edinburgh
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
We booked a Marriott Homes & Villas property near the Royal Mile, and it ended up being such a good fit. Having extra space made the last few days of our trip more relaxing, and the location meant we could walk to just about everything we wanted to see.
Where to Eat in Edinburgh
- Dinner at Monteith’s: This moody, tucked-away spot felt special from the moment we walked in. We tried the haggis (when in Scotland!) and shared delicious fish and steak dishes.
- Breakfast at Mor Bakehouse: We came here more than once—think flaky pastries, rich coffee, and a local vibe.
- Other Recommendations: Our walking tour guide suggested Jolly Judge, Howie’s, and Oink if you’re looking for more options.
- Late-Night Treat: One night we grabbed Pizza Hut and McDonald’s for a taste of home. No shame—after a full day, it hit the spot.
What to Do in Edinburgh
- Royal Mile & St. Giles’ Cathedral: This area is so full of history. From street performers to centuries-old architecture, we loved wandering and exploring. St. Giles’ Cathedral was a beautiful and peaceful stop.
- Walking Tour with Little Fish Tours: We booked this on TripAdvisor, and our guide Angus was excellent. It was such a great way to dive into the city’s history and culture.
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Booked through Scotland City Tours, this was another highlight. Our guide Tommy was so knowledgeable, and the views were unreal.
- Pro Tip: Dress in layers—the weather can change by the minute!
- Evening at Calton Hill: This short hike led to some of the best views of the trip. Watching the sun set over the city from here was magical and such a great way to close out the day.
- Scottish Highlands Day Trip: We ended our UK adventure with a Highlands tour from Edinburgh. From lochs and castles to Highland cows and waterfalls, it was absolutely breathtaking.
Pro Tip: Request Jimmy as your tour guide, he made the day so special.
What to Pack + What I Wore
Packing for the UK can feel tricky, especially with the ever-changing weather. We visited in the summer, and the forecast ranged from sunny and warm to rainy and chilly, all in one day! Layers were key, and I found myself so grateful for versatile pieces I could mix and match throughout the trip.
Here are a few staples I packed and loved:
- Comfortable walking shoes: Between train stations, city tours, and cobblestone streets, you’ll want shoes that go the distance.
- Lightweight jackets: I brought a trench-style raincoat and a denim jacket—both got lots of use.
- Breathable tops & sweaters: I layered short sleeves under light sweaters or cardigans, depending on the day.
- Cute, casual dresses: Perfect for dinner out or sightseeing when I wanted to feel a little more dressed up.
- Backpack or crossbody bag: Easy to carry and ideal for keeping tickets, snacks, and water bottles close.
Throughout the post, you’ll find photos of the outfits I wore each day so you can get an idea of how I styled things for different parts of the trip. My goal was to be comfortable but still feel pulled together—especially for family photos and memorable moments like church services and castle tours!
Pro Tip: Always bring a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket. Even if it’s sunny when you leave the hotel, the clouds in the UK love to surprise you.
For more travel guides read: A Complete 30A Travel Guide for Families or take a look at these collages for more Europe travel inspo!
What I Packed for My Europe Trip
