Day 1 : Arrive at London
We explored the charming streets of Ealing and capped off our day with delicious sourdough pizza at Franco Manca.
Day 2 : London Darshan
As one of the world’s most iconic cities, London weaves a captivating tapestry of experiences, blending grand historical landmarks with vibrant contemporary districts. Our adventure began with a visit to the majestic Tower Bridge, followed by a feast of delectable delights at Borough Market. Energized, we hopped on a LIME bike and pedaled our way past the London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, ultimately arriving in the lively district of Soho.
Tower bridge tour : You can buy the ticket at the information centre.
LIME bike : Download the app—it’s so convenient!
Day 3 : Canterbury and White Cliffs
Canterbury, a cathedral city in southeast England, was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. In Canterbury you will come across timbered houses, ancient churches and stunning architecture. Take a walking tour across the town and a Punting cruise on river Stour. Take a small detour to the White Cliffs of Dover. These cliffs have witnessed many historical moments spanning multiple millenia due to their strategic defensive position.
Punting : https://www.canterburypunting.co.uk/
Day 4 : Roman Bath
Bath is a breathtakingly beautiful city nestled in between the beautiful hills. With its stunning Georgian architecture and rich history, Bath is an absolute joy to visit. Starting with the Roman Baths, a well-preserved thermae, the Pulteney Bridge is just behind the Bath Abbey worth checking out while you’re there. As you walk through the Bath City towards the Circus – lined with Georgian townhouses, you can just wander and admire the architecture.
Roman Bath Tour : Tickets
Day 5-7 : Lake District
Known for its magnificent lakes, breathtaking hikes, you could easily spend 3-4 days here. If you are on tight schedule like us, here are a few must see places –
Buttermere Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Buttermere Lake offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks and tranquil walking paths.
Ullswater Lake – Hellin Fell Hike: The hike to Hellin from Ullswater Lake delivers breathtaking views and a rewarding challenge, showcasing the beauty of the Lake District. It’s a short but steep hike!
On Day 2, we set out for a kayaking adventure on Ullswater Lake. The weather was beautifully misty with a light drizzle, adding a touch of magic as we navigated between charming small islands.
Day 8-9 : Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, effortlessly blends its medieval Old Town with the elegant New Town, offering a captivating journey through history and architecture. For a Harry Potter fan, visiting Edinburgh is like stepping into a cherished fantasy.
Begin your adventure on Princes Street, where stunning views of the Old Town set the stage for exploration. Wander through the vibrant Victoria Street and the historic Royal Mile to fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm.
Venture into Dean Village and stroll along the picturesque Water of Leith, a 15-mile trail that invites you to explore its scenic stops. Edinburgh Castle, Britain’s oldest continually inhabited fortress, boasts over 25 historic buildings, including the Crown Jewels, the National War Museum, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the iconic Mons Meg.
For a taste of local flavor, head to the Johnny Walker Terrace on Princes Street for a rooftop whiskey experience with panoramic views of the castle. Finally, climb Calton Hill for the most breathtaking vistas of Edinburgh, capturing the city in all its glory.
Vegetarian/Indian food spots – Dishoom , Mother India’s Cafe, Kalpana, Rishi’s Indian Aroma
Edinburgh Castle Tour – https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/plan-your-visit/tickets
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most enchanting and picturesque locations, known for its dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and stunning natural beauty.
Glencoe – Explore the majestic Three Sisters of Glencoe, a trio of towering peaks offering breathtaking views and not-so challenging yet rewarding hike through one of Scotland’s most iconic valleys. Jacobite train– Experience a magical journey on the Jacobite Train, famously known as the Hogwarts Express, as it chugs through Scotland’s stunning landscapes, including the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Elgol – Elgol is a picturesque coastal village on the Isle of Skye, known for its dramatic sea views and rugged scenery, providing a gateway to boat trips exploring the surrounding pristine waters. We had time for only one view point which was stunning – Elgol Beach.
Neist Point – Neist Point, located on the western tip of Skye, offers spectacular cliffside views and a dramatic lighthouse, perfect for capturing breathtaking sunsets and observing seabirds.
Old man of Storr – The Old Man of Storr is a striking rock formation on the Isle of Skye, renowned for its distinctive silhouette and panoramic vistas over the island and the surrounding landscape. Although it was foggy when we went, the hike was worth it.
Brother’s point – Brother’s Point (also known as Rubha nam Brathairean) features stunning sea cliffs and rock formations on the Isle of Skye, offering scenic coastal walks and picturesque views
Kealt Falls – Kealt Falls is a serene waterfall on the Isle of Skye, cascading into a deep gorge with lush surroundings, perfect for a peaceful and picturesque stop on your Skye adventure
Fairy Pools – The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are a series of enchanting, crystal-clear pools and waterfalls nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains, renowned for their breathtaking beauty and ideal for both scenic hikes and invigorating dips
Quiraing -The Quiraing is a dramatic landslip on the Isle of Skye, known for its surreal rock formations and sweeping landscapes, making it a must-visit for hikers and photographers alike.
Day 14 -15 : Return to London, Cambridge University
London: As an Indian, cricket holds a special place in our hearts. Our visit to Lord’s Cricket Ground was a thrilling experience, especially with a county match in play. We enjoyed exploring the media room, museum, and hearing captivating stories from our tour guide.
Cambridge University: One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, Cambridge University is celebrated for its stunning medieval architecture, historic colleges, and academic excellence. Key highlights include King’s Chapel and Trinity College, many of which can be explored via a delightful punting tour.
Punting tour – https://www.viator.com/tours/Cambridge/Shared-Punting-Tour/d22327-14229P4
Embark on a Magical Journey: Explore the World of Harry Potter
Are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of Harry Potter? Here’s a curated list of must-visit locations that inspired the beloved series and bring the magic to life:
- Hogwarts Express: Glenfinnan Viaduct
Marvel at the iconic viaduct where the Hogwarts Express makes its scenic journey across the Scottish Highlands. A stunning spot for photos and a true fan favorite! - Diagon Alley: Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Stroll through Edinburgh’s Victoria Street and discover the vibrant alley that echoes the charm of Diagon Alley. Its colorful shops and cobbled streets make it feel like you’ve stepped into J.K. Rowling’s magical world. - Inspiration for the Dining Hall: Christ Church, Oxford
Experience the grandeur of Christ Church College, whose Great Hall inspired the iconic dining scenes at Hogwarts. Wander through its historic halls and imagine dining among witches and wizards. - Birthplace of Harry Potter: The Elephant House Café, Edinburgh
Visit the cozy café where J.K. Rowling penned the early chapters of the Harry Potter series. Enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the literary atmosphere that sparked the creation of Harry’s magical adventures. - Platform 9¾: King’s Cross Station, London
Step into the magical world at King’s Cross Station and find the famous Platform 9¾. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the luggage trolley disappearing into the wall—an unforgettable moment for every Potter fan!