This is a sample plan for 14 days in the United Kingdom. It runs from London to Bath, then north to York and Edinburgh. Swap days around to suit your flights and interests.
At a glance
- Who it suits: one traveller or a couple, on a first or second trip to the UK.
- Pace: steady. Most days have one main area, with time to rest in the evening.
- Route: London, Bath, the Cotswolds, York, Edinburgh, then home.
- Before you book: check entry rules in MFA's travel advice on the United Kingdom price page.
Day 1: Arrive in London
- Morning: land after the long flight from Changi. Take the train or Underground into central London.
- Afternoon: check in, then take a slow walk around your area. Stay awake until evening to beat jet lag.
- Evening: an early dinner and an early night.
Tip: pack a light jacket in your hand luggage. UK weather changes quickly.
Day 2: Westminster and the royal parks
- Morning: see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from the outside.
- Afternoon: walk through St James's Park to Buckingham Palace, then on to Green Park.
- Evening: head to Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden for dinner.
Tip: opening times for the Abbey and Palace vary. Check before you go.
Day 3: Museums in South Kensington
- Morning: spend a few hours at the Natural History Museum.
- Afternoon: choose the Science Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum next door.
- Evening: walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Tip: many big London museums are free to enter. Some exhibitions charge, so check ahead.
Day 4: The Tower and the South Bank
- Morning: visit the Tower of London. Then cross Tower Bridge on foot.
- Afternoon: walk west along the South Bank past Borough Market and Tate Modern.
- Evening: cross the Millennium Bridge to see St Paul's Cathedral lit up.
Tip: go to the Tower early. Queues grow through the day.
Day 5: Greenwich and the river
- Morning: take a river boat east to Greenwich.
- Afternoon: see the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark.
- Evening: return to central London and pack for tomorrow's train.
Tip: the hill in Greenwich Park gives a wide view of the city skyline.
Day 6: Train to Bath
- Morning: take a train west from London to Bath.
- Afternoon: visit the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
- Evening: walk along the River Avon to Pulteney Bridge.
Tip: train fares vary a lot by time. Book early for cheaper seats.
Day 7: Bath and Stonehenge
- Morning: join a day trip to Stonehenge from Bath.
- Afternoon: back in Bath, see the Royal Crescent and the Circus.
- Evening: a quiet dinner in the old town.
Tip: Stonehenge is open ground. Bring a windproof layer even in summer.
Day 8: The Cotswolds
- Morning: take a day trip into the Cotswolds. Bibury and Castle Combe are good stops.
- Afternoon: walk the streets of Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold.
- Evening: return to Bath and rest.
Tip: buses between villages are not frequent. A small group tour or a rented car saves time.
Day 9: Train to York
- Morning: travel north by train to York.
- Afternoon: walk part of the old city walls.
- Evening: wander the Shambles, a narrow medieval street.
Tip: pack snacks for the train. It is a long day of travel.
Day 10: A full day in York
- Morning: visit York Minster. Climb the tower if you are steady on stairs.
- Afternoon: choose the National Railway Museum or Clifford's Tower.
- Evening: walk along the River Ouse.
Tip: York is small and flat. You can walk almost everywhere.
Day 11: Train to Edinburgh
- Morning: take the train north along the coast to Edinburgh.
- Afternoon: walk the Royal Mile from top to bottom.
- Evening: climb Calton Hill for a view over the city.
Tip: sit on the right side of the train heading north for sea views.
Day 12: Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town
- Morning: visit Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile.
- Afternoon: see the National Museum of Scotland, then Greyfriars Kirkyard.
- Evening: walk down to Princes Street Gardens.
Tip: Edinburgh is hilly with cobbled streets. Wear comfortable shoes.
Day 13: Arthur's Seat or the Highlands
- Morning: hike up Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. Or join a day trip to the Highlands.
- Afternoon: if you stayed in town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Dean Village.
- Evening: a last dinner and time to pack.
Tip: Highland day trips are long. Choose one only if you are rested.
Day 14: Fly home
- Morning: a final walk around the New Town.
- Afternoon: fly home from Edinburgh, or take the train back to London for your flight.
- Evening: settle in for the overnight journey to Changi.
Tip: leave plenty of time to reach the airport. Check your flight route before you book.
Getting around and when to go
Getting around
- In London: the Underground and buses are the easiest way around, much like the MRT at home. Tap a contactless card to pay.
- Between cities: trains link London, Bath, York and Edinburgh. Book ahead for the best fares.
- Countryside: day tours or a rented car help in the Cotswolds and the Highlands. Cars drive on the left, as in Singapore.
- Emergencies: call 999 for police, ambulance, fire or coastguard. 112 also works.
- Help from home: the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore is at 9 Wilton Crescent, Belgravia, London SW1X 8SP. Call +44 20 7235 8315, or +44 (0) 77 1034 8335 in an emergency.
- Healthcare: A&E is free to everyone. Visitors who must pay for NHS hospital care are charged 150% of the national NHS rate.
When to go
- Late spring and summer: long days and the busiest season. The June school holidays fall here, so book early.
- Autumn: fewer crowds and changing leaves in the parks and countryside.
- Winter: short days and cold weather. The December school holidays bring festive markets in many cities.
- Any season: expect rain at some point. Weather varies, so check the forecast before you go.
Before you go: travel insurance for the United Kingdom
Before you fly, get your travel insurance through Shenton Brokers for your trip. Compare travel insurance for the United Kingdom to see today's prices from every insurer we compare, with the destination's travel notes and MFA's latest advice. Or get a quote for your own dates.
Buy it as soon as you book: trip cancellation pays only for events after the policy starts.