Two Weeks Around the UK

Last Updated on 11th May 2025

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I had two goals for this trip; to finally venture into the Scottish Highlands (somewhere I’d never explored despite living in Glasgow for 10 years) and to visit Cornwall, with its famed beaches that reminded me of home in New Zealand. I ruled out southern and middle England this time around, having already visited many towns in those regions through day trips and work travel. Wales? That was the hardest cut to make, but with only two weeks, I had to make some tough decisions.

The rest of the route came together with the help of a trusty rail map and a bit of old-fashioned guidebook inspiration. While my well-worn copy of Time Out’s 1000 Things to Do in Britain is now a charming relic, I highly recommended checking out more current guides like the National Trust’s The Great British Bucket List: Utterly Unmissable Britain and Lonely Planet’s Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist, for a bit of wanderlust and itinerary ideas.

Planning the Journey: Tickets, Passes, and Practicalities

I don’t drive, so my only option was public transport, mainly by train. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love train travel. There’s something special about sitting back and watching the scenery roll by, wandering through carriages to stretch your legs, and simply enjoying the journey itself rather than just the destination.

If you’re visiting from overseas, the Britrail Pass remains one of the most flexible and cost-effective ways to explore the UK by train. It offers a range of options to suit different trip lengths and must be purchased before you arrive in the UK. If you’re planning to cover a lot of ground, it’s often cheaper than buying individual tickets.

When I took this trip, I used the All Line Rover ticket, which gave me 14 days of unlimited travel. Back then, It was excellent value and the freedom to take spontaneous side trips. Today, however, prices have increased significantly, and unless you’re constantly on the move, it’s often far cheaper to book individual tickets in advance. If I repeated this journey now, I could have made huge savings by planning and booking individual tickets ahead.

If you like to travel without a fixed schedule, the All Line Rover still offers that freedom, but it comes at a premium. For those who don’t mind a bit of pre-planning, individual tickets booked early will stretch your budget further. Just keep in mind that Off-Peak and Fixed-Time tickets are strict, miss your train, and you’ll likely need to purchase a new ticket at full price.

💡Top Tip: Try splitting your tickets for additional savings. For example, on my journey from Oxenholme to Exeter, it worked out cheaper to book separate tickets for each leg of the journey. The train must stop at the split station, but you don’t have to disembark. Tools like TrainSplit can help calculate savings, but I recommend booking directly with train companies to avoid extra booking fees.

Important Note: Some tickets do allow you to break your journey, but Advance tickets do not. If you are planning to to hop off and explore along the way, make sure to check the fare conditions before you travel. The restrictions are can be found when purchasing the ticket or on the National Rail website.

If you’re planning a trip like this now, my advice would be:

• Plan and book early – The earlier you book, the better the fares, especially for long-distance routes.
• Use railcards – If eligible, a railcard (26-30, Two Together, Senior etc) will save you up to 1/3 on fares. If often pays for itself in just one trip. I personally have a Network Rail card which I use to save money when travelling for my weekend hikes.
• Check out SeatFrog – If you love a bit of travel luxury, SeatFrog is brilliant for last-minute upgrade auctions. I’ve personally won several upgrades through them and it makes the journey extra special!
• Passes for flexibility – If you’re visiting from abroad, consider a BritRail Pass. For UK residents exploring one region, look a regional Rover or Ranger tickets for unlimited travel in specific areas.
• Use trusted booking platforms – I recommend checking ticket prices directly on the train operator website or using platforms like Trainline, and National Rail Enquires. TrainSplit is also great for finding split-ticket savings.
• Watch out for price fluctuations – UK train prices can feel like the stock market! They rise dramatically closer to departure, so booking in advance is really key to grabbing the best deals.

My Itinerary

York

The walled city of York would have been the perfect way to start my UK trip, if only I hadn’t decided to attend a Lord of the Rings all-nighter at the IMAX the night before. (Top tip: don’t plan an epic movie marathon right before an epic journey!)

The original plan was to catch a quick nap, hop on the 1pm train, and arrive in York by 3pm. Instead, I slept through my alarm, caught the 3pm train, and didn’t arrive until 5pm. Despite the late start and sever lack of sleep. I still managed to wander the charming streets, stumbling across historical gems like Dick Turpin’s grave, Clifford’s Tower, and the magnificent York Minster, before finally collapsing into bed, completely exhausted.

🧳 My mini guide to York is available here.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a classic seaside resort in North Yorkshire, offering two very different beach experiences. Head to the lively South Bay for traditional seaside fun; amusement arcades, ice creams, and cheerful cafés. Or wander over to the peaceful North Bay for a quiet stroll along the shore.

I stored my luggage at York station and hopped on the train for a 50 minute journey, planning to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Along with soaking up the sea air, I visited the historic Scarborough Castle and paid my respects at Anne Brontë’s grave; a poignant and peaceful moment in an otherwise lively day by the sea.

🧳 My mini guide to Scarborough is available here.

Berwick-Upon-Tweed (Holy Island of Lindisfarne)

The main reason for my stay in Berwick-Upon-Tweed was to visit the enchanting Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a tidal island just off the northeast coast of England. Once a major centre of Celtic Christianity, the island is steeped in history. You can wander through the ruin of the medieval priory and explore Lindisfarne Castle, a more “modern” addition dating from 1550.

It’s possible to visit Holy Island as a day trip, but if you want to experience its peaceful isolation when the tide cuts it off from the mainland (something that’s now firmly on my bucket list!), you can stay overnight. Bus services from Berwick to Holy Island operate according to the tides, so be sure to check the timetable carefully.

🚂 The journey from Durham to Berwick-upon-Tweed is a treat in itself. The train winds through rolling green fields before skirting the dramatic coastline, offering views of castles perched above the seas and even a glimpse of the WWII airfield at Acklington.

📸 My photo diary of my day on the Holy Island is available here.

Fort Augustus

The journey from Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Fort Augustus was long but absolutely worth it. I chose Fort Augustus as my base for exploring Loch Ness because it offered something Inverness didn’t, peace, charm, and stunning views right on the lock. Drumnadrochit, while closer to Inverness, felt a little too geared toward tourists for my liking.

Fort Augustus turned out to be the perfect choice; breathtaking views, a relaxing atmosphere, fantastic activities on and around the loch, and (best of all) plenty of whisky! I couldn’t have asked for a better base. (The above photo is the view from my hotel room!)

🧳 My guide to Fort Augustus is available here.

Isle of Skye

I only had half a day to explore Skye, and it wasn’t enough. I wandered along the Broadford coastline, but the weather was having its own adventure, blue skies one minute, torrential rain the next, before clearing again. Eventually, I admitted defeat and headed for the hotel bar, where I discovered the joy of Drambuie cocktails (the Broadford Hotel is the home of Drambuie) and made some new travel friends.

If I was to plan this trip again, I’d visit Skye, and the surrounding islands, as a dedicated journey. It’s a place that deserves far more time than I gave it.

🚂 A friend recommended the Kyle line from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh, and I’m so glad I took their advice. This scenic journey winds through stunning Highland landscapes, dramatic mountains, and charming fishing villages. At the journey’s end, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Skye from the shores of Lochalsh.

Glasgow

Glasgow is amazing! I’ll admit I’m a little biased (I used to live in Glasgow), but I much prefer it over Edinburgh. It’s a vibrant city full of character, known for its world-class shopping, rich cultural scene, and beautiful green spaces.

Head to Byres Road in the West End for boutique shopping and trendy cafés, or lose yourself in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, surrounded by the peaceful greenery of Kelvingrove Park. And that’s just the West End – there’s so much to explore across the city. I could write an entire post on Glasgow along … and one day, I just might!

🚂 The journey from Mallaig to Glasgow is one of the most spectacular train journeys in the UK. Travelling the West Highland Line, it crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, known to Harry Potter fans as the famous Hogwarts Express bridge, winds through dramatic mountains, and glides alongside the stunning home of Loch Lomond. This is one for the bucket list.

Grasmere

The Lake District had been on my bucket list for a while, so I was excited to finally visit. Grasmere, the former home of poet William Wordsworth (who famously called it “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”) absolutely lives up to the description… when it’s not being drowned by torrential rain. That summer was one of the wettest of record, and even the hotel staff admitted they’d never seen anything like it.

I spent my first afternoon tucked away in the hotel bar, reading a book and watching the relentless rain. But by the second day, I couldn’t resist getting out to explore. A wander through the village meant stocking up on Grasmere’s famous gingerbread and visiting Wordsworth’s old haunts. I ended my day with a peaceful (but rather soggy) walk along the White Moss trail. A long, hot bath and a well-earned glass of elderberry wine were waiting for me when I returned; both very necessary!

Exeter

Exeter was never meant to be a destination on its own; it was a practical stop to break up the long journey from Grasmere to Penzance. That trip would have taken 9-10 hours by train, and I just wasn’t up for that marathon. I originally considered stopping in Shrewsbury, but that still would have left me with a 7-8 hour journey the next day. Bristol was another option, an amazing, vibrant city, but I’d been there many times before.

The plan had been to explore Exeter that afternoon, but sheer exhaustion took over. I grabbed a sandwich from the supermarket across from the hotel and collapsed into bed for an early night. I did return to Exeter the following year and, while it’s a nice enough city, I don’t regret choosing sleep over sightseeing that day!

Penzance

Penzance was the perfect finale to my UK rail adventure. One of the things I miss most about New Zealand is the beaches, so I made sure to spend the most time here, using Penzance as a base to explore the surrounding coastline. While in Cornwall, I soaked up the beauty of Kynance Cove and Sennan Cove, visited a historic tin mine, and walked along the dramatic coastal path to Land’s End.

🚂 The journey along the Devon and Cornish coasts is hands down my favourite train ride in the UK. The train snakes right along the coastline, with waves crashing over the tracks between Exeter and Newton Abbot. After winding through the countryside, the line rejoins the sea at the Polperro Heritage Coast before continuing to Penzance.

🏖 My guide to Penzance and Beyond is available here

Final Thoughts and Travel Tools

Writing this post I reminded me just how incredible this trip was, even if I barely scratched the surface of each destination. Despite the short stays, I wouldn’t hesitate to visit every single one again, there is something special about each place. Sometimes, when you live in the UK, you forget just how beautiful and varied this country really is.

If I were to do this journey again, I’d skip the expensive All Line Rover ticket and plan my route in advance using a combination Off-Peak and Anytime tickets. That way, I’d have more flexibility and keep costs down. And as much as I loved the glimpse of Skye, it truly deserves its won dedicated trip, once where you can slow down and soak it all in. The same goes for Wales, which I didn’t have time for but would definitely add next time.

Key Tools for Planning Your UK Rail Adventure

• National Rail Journey Planner and Network Map – Essential for checking routes, train times, and finding the cheapest fares.
• Railcard – If you’re eligible, a railcard can save you up to 1/3 on most fares. Well worth the investment!
• TrainSplit – Great for checking if splitting your tickets will save you money. Just remember, sometimes it’s cheaper to find the split and book directly via the train company.
• BritRail – Perfect for overseas visitors planning to cover a lot of ground
• SeatFrog – Love a bit of affordable luxury? Bid on last-minute First Class upgrades and snag a bargain (I’ve won several times!).

If you’re thinking about a UK rail adventure, I hope this post has given you some ideas, and the confidence to plan your own unforgettable journey.

Happy & safe travels!

L x🩴