England and Scotland: 8 Days Itinerary
There are several airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, Flybe, British Airways that has frequents flights from/to Belfast to England airports daily. Ryanair and Easyjet being the cheapest. When I found out that Ryanair released a low fare promo. I tried my luck, see if i can get one and I DID! I booked an early flight to London Stansted for only £9.99. SCORE!
Heres the breakdown of our 8 days holiday. 4 days in England (Stonehenge on day 2!) and 4 days in Scotland.
Day 01: Belfast to London
One thing about Ryanair - they operate at Belfast International Airport which mean it’s a bit far from the city centre (35 mins or so by bus). To make sure we will not miss our flight. We skipped breakfast at home and just grab some to go meals at the airport.
We are very much excited!
From London Stansted we took a train to Liverpool Street. The station is located directly under the airport. Takes about 2 mins walk from the terminal. You can buy your tickets online, at the ticket machines or at the rail information desks located at the station. Booking in advance and return ticket is always cheaper. Book online via
After 45 mins journey, we arrived in Liverpool Street Station. Stomach is rumbling. Since Airbnb check-in time is not until 2pm, we had 2 hours to spare.
First day and we are already lost. Holy molly.
London "Tube" is very complicated. Underground, Overground, National Rail Services to name a few. It can be overwhelming. It wasn't my first time in London but for some reason I was stupid enough to get on the wrong train.
Wasted 2 hours on and off the trains. Figuring out what's the best route to our Airbnb. It was almost dinner time when we checked in.
Capped the day with a pint at The Royal Oak, a local pub nearby.
A funny story - the manager approached me and asked for an ID. Apparently, he thought I'm a minor. He apologised immediately after i showed him my ID. The look on his face was hilarious!
A funny story - the manager approached me and asked for an ID. Apparently, he thought I'm a minor. He apologised immediately after i showed him my ID. The look on his face was hilarious!
Day 02: Stonehenge and Bath Tour.
I wasn't really excited for this tour but I know someone is! And he can't wait! Our tour meeting point hosted by Premier Tours was at Victoria Coach Station. We arrived early and grabbed a couple of sandwiches at the station for quick breakfast. The tour departed at exactly 8:15am.
It was cold and windy.
To be honest i was actually fascinated too. Believe it or not. I mean I only see this thing in Windows Wallpaper and now it is right in front of me. How can ancient people possibly lift and built a site like this. Stones are massive and it forms a perfect circle. How in the world? I guess this is one of the many mysteries of ancient history.
We headed to the City of Bath for second part of our tour. I like Bath! It's Roman roots and Gregorian architecture is amazing. We went inside the famous Roman Baths. It lies beneath the City and the presence of the stone remains felt like we're in Rome.
After the Baths, we went to a guided walking tour. Sightseeing and learning at the same time! This is the kind of tour we both like.
I have learned a lot from this tour, Bath has extremely rich history.
Day 03: London City Tour
I never like big Cities and that includes London. Don't get me wrong London is cool, very diverse, loads of shops and attractions, beautiful parks and not to mention the lovely Brit accent all around you. It's just that, it is a big City and like other big Cities, everybody seems to be rushing into something, bumping into each other on the subway, minding their own business. The sad part is nobody seems to care. Not even an apology.What I like about this City is it is easy to navigate. Everywhere is just a bus or train away. Public transportation is very efficient. If you grew up on a third world country like me you would certainly know what I am talking about.
First stop Tower of London and London Bridge. There is nothing to see at London bridge really. For me it is just a normal bridge. But the view is lovely though.
From there we just walked our way to the Tower Bridge. It was quite a walk I should warn you but the pathway is right by the edge of the river which gives you an amazing view so we didn't bother.
We wanted to visit the National and Science Museum but they close at 5pm so we have no choice but to pick one. Bebe is a scientist slash astronaut by heart so you would have an idea where we went.
Science Museum. Admission is fee but there is a donation box and everyone is encourage to donate.
Went for a little pre-holiday shopping at the Oxford Circuit. Dropped by at Westfield Shopping mall for dinner before we head back.
Day 04: York City
I wanted to visit a City outside London before we head to Scotland. York was not part of the plan. My initial plan is to visit Cambridge. After thorough research and pros and cons I picked York. Located north east of England and pretty much closer to Scotland. It is perfect for our itinerary.
If you are a Harry Potter fan or any witch craft for that matter, this City is perfect for you. It is a small walled City with Roman roots and Vikings past. For me it is more like Witch Craft and Viking past. I mean the houses and shops looks like there’s some witch craft going on inside.
Two days and 1 night is just perfect. We were able to explore most of it by foot in just a day and maybe more if it wasn’t raining when we arrived.
The Shambles is known to be the inspiration of the HP ‘Diagon Alley’.
Day 05 & 06: Christmas & Boxing Day in Edinburgh
Further north we found ourselves in Edinburgh after a 2 hours of scenic train journey along the east coast of England.
View from our Airbnb
It was my second time there and boy I am still madly in love. I couldn’t begin how to describe this enchanting City. Cobbled roads, old towns, narrow alleys, castle on the hill. To sum it up – Fairytale. I am not kidding, it really look at felt like a fairytale, especially in Old Town.
It is my favourite City in United Kingdom.
We ended up having Christmas dinner in our Airbnb. We didn't know shops and restaurants are close on Christmas over here. Luckily we passed by a grocery before we check in and bought a few items.
Christmas Dinner at home
On boxing day we explored the Old Town in the morning and had a little shopping at Princess Street in the afternoon.
Day 07 - Scottish Highlands
Be prepared for the Scottish weather. Its very unpredictable that you can experience 4 seasons in 1 day but one things for sure. It's COLD. You can always tell by the cold breeze when you're in Scotland. In the highlands expect to be much colder.
I booked a tour from The Hairy Coo. The tour includes, Lochness, Glencoe Highlands and Whiskey tour.
First stop is the whiskey tour, we get to see and learned whiskey making. We also got to try a shot of whisky for breakfast! It was awful. lol
We traversed the scenic route of the Scottish Highlands. It was a fogy day. Fortunately when we arrived at Glencoe it was clear. It was my second time up here but still couldn't believe my eyes.
We continued to Lochness, and get on a boat cruise (this is not part of the tour you have to buy the ticket separately) searching for Nessie.
It was a long day full of amazing scenery and a very interactive tour guide on the bus.
Day 08 - Edinburgh City Tour
All good things must come to an end. It was our last day. Checkout time is 11 am but our flight doesn't leave until 7PM. Our host did not allow us to leave our suitcase behind but there are lockers in St. Andrews Square Bus Station. It opens from 6am to 12am.
- 3 sizes: small (450mm/18"), medium (660m/26")and large (960mm/38"), all available up to 3, 12, 24 or 72 hours
- Prices range from £3 for a small locker used up to 3 hours to £24 for a large locker used up to 72 hours (use coins only)
After dropping our bags. We went to Clifton Hill, Queens Gallery, and Scotland National Museum.
We have learned so much about the Scottish rich-colourful-bloddy-brutal history.
It was our first Christmas away from home and we had an awesome time overall!
And that ends our 8 day Christmas holiday!
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| Newlook Puff Coat |
We have learned so much about the Scottish rich-colourful-bloddy-brutal history.
It was our first Christmas away from home and we had an awesome time overall!
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