We spent three full weeks in the UK, and we packed those three weeks with as much adventure, history, and fun as possible!

When we travel, we like to make sure there’s something for everyone. We talk about what each of us most wants to see and do, and then build our itinerary around those priorities so that everyone has activities they’re genuinely excited about.

For my children, it was simple: as many Harry Potter filming locations as possible! This was a bonus for me, since I wanted to see them all too 🙂 You can read my separate blog post dedicated entirely to the Harry Potter filming sites here.

For my husband, the must-see experiences included the Churchill War Rooms in London, visiting a battlefield in Scotland, and touring a traditional Scottish distillery.

As for me, I wanted to see the Harry Potter filming sites, visit Stonehenge, and explore the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Below is our three-week itinerary!

In England…

Day 1

Tower Bridge – Climb to the Top

What trip to London is complete without seeing the iconic Tower Bridge? It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. While some people mistakenly think this famous bridge is called London Bridge, Tower Bridge is the one with the grand towers, and it’s an absolute must-see.

The best part? You can climb to the top and walk across the high-level glass walkway, where you can look straight down at the road, and the River Thames flowing beneath your feet. Make sure to Book your tickets in advance!

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is simply lovely, with its ornate Victorian architecture, colorful roof, and charming alleyways. The market is home to a variety of shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants, making it a great place to wander and grab a bite.

For us Harry Potter fans, In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry and Hagrid walk through this market on their way to the Leaky Cauldron during Harry’s very first trip to Diagon Alley. (The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron was filmed at a nearby optician’s shop)

The Shard

The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, and the seventh-tallest building in Europe. This skyscraper is home to several restaurants, a hotel, offices, and an observation deck at the top offering panoramic views across London.

We went up to the viewing deck, and the view was amazing. However, I wouldn’t necessarily consider it a must-do attraction when visiting London.

King’s Cross Station & Platform 9¾

King’s Cross Station is worth a visit even without its Harry Potter fame. The station boasts beautiful architecture and serves as a major hub for London’s underground and rail travel. But of course, for Harry Potter fans, the real draw is Platform 9¾, home to the famous luggage trolley disappearing halfway through the wall.

Depending on the time of day, there can be a fairly long line to get your photo taken. Be patient, it’s absolutely worth it! When it’s your turn, the staff let you choose a Hogwart’s house scarf, and then they will hold it behind you so it looks like you’re running straight through the wall. It’s a small touch that makes the experience feel extra magical.

After your photos, you’re (naturally) guided straight into the Harry Potter shop next door, and I have zero complaints about that!

Day 2

We explored the Cotswolds with Dave from Cotswold Tours & Travel, he was an amazing guide, fellow Harry Potter fan, and he was fantastic with our girls! The goal for the day was to see Harry Potter filming locations, but we also stopped a few times for photos or short walks in the charming towns full of homes that look like they belong in a fairy-tales.

Gloucester Cathedral

Our first stop was Gloucester Cathedral. This breathtaking cathedral is steeped in history, but for us Potter fans, the real magic was in the cloisters (covered walkways surrounding the courtyard, traditionally designed for quiet reflection). These cloisters served as the hallways of Hogwarts, most notably in Chamber of Secrets. I quickly became obsessed with cloisters after this visit! You can find cloisters in multiple cathedrals around the UK, and they are always stunning. I could have stayed there all day.

Oxford

Oxford is charming, with lots of historic architecture. Oxford University is where you can find inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall, the grand staircase, and you can even peek into the windows of the Hogwarts hospital wing.

Aside from Harry Potter, you can also see the famous door and lamppost that are said to have inspired C. S. Lewis while writing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Many believe these sights helped spark the magical ideas that became part of Narnia.

Day 3

The London Eye

The iconic London Eye is a must-do when visiting London. I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. The wheel rotates slowly, giving you plenty of time to take in the views from your spacious glass capsule.

Thames Cruise

We chose to go on the Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Cruise, and it was both entertaining and informative. The actors on board brought history to life, singing and storytelling their way through London’s gruesome past in a way that made all the “horrible” bits fun and manageable for kids to hear. It was engaging, educational, and full of laughs, we absolutely loved it!

Photo Op - Phone Booths with Big Ben in the Background

The iconic red telephone booths with Big Ben in the background are located on along Parliament Street and Whitehall. From these spots, you’ll get that classic London photo with Big Ben perfectly framed behind the bright red booth. Be prepared for long lines — this is one of the most popular photo locations in the city. If you’re hoping for a similar shot with fewer crowds, try the pair of phone boxes along Victoria Embankment, opposite the London Eye. The view is just as charming, but often much quieter.

Day 4

Stonehenge and Windsor

Visiting Stonehenge was high on my must-see list, and I was especially eager to walk among the stones themselves. During regular visiting hours, you’re limited to a paved path that circles the monument at a distance.

If you book a special after-hours tour, however, you’re allowed inside the inner circle to walk among the stones — and for me, that made all the difference. It was absolutely worth it.

I don’t usually love large bus tours, but that was the only way I could find to access the after-hours visit. In the end, I’m so glad we did it. We booked with Even Evens Tour, it was excellent and even included a few hours in Windsor to explore the town, which was a wonderful bonus to the day.

Day 5

Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour

What London vacation would be complete without sitting on the upper deck of a classic double-decker bus tour? There’s nothing quite like taking in the city’s iconic landmarks from the top level!

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a free, 45-minute ceremony that dates back over 300 years. During this long-standing tradition, the Old Guard formally hands over responsibility for protecting the Royal Palaces to the New Guard. The ceremony typically takes place at 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and features marching soldiers in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, accompanied by a military band. Be sure to check the official schedule in advance, as dates and times can occasionally change.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a lively public square located at the opposite end of The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace. With its beautiful fountains and statues, it’s a wonderful spot to pause, relax, and enjoy a snack.

What truly caught my eye in Trafalgar Square, though, were the traffic lights. Strange, right? But look closely! They feature symbols representing all kinds of love, and seeing them instantly made me smile. Traffic lights reminding everyone that they belong 🌈 💜

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is high on the must-see list in London. The church is beautiful and full of history.

We climbed to the top of the dome and we found the staircase used for the Divination classroom scenes in Harry Potter!

Climbing to the top of St Paul's Cathedral involves ascending 528 steps for 360-degree views of London. The climb is challenging, featuring narrow, steep, and spiral staircases, and takes roughly 20 minutes.

To read about finding the stairs filmed in Harry Potter, check out my Harry Potter Filming Locations in the UK blog!

Day 6

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

The Warner Brothers Studio is an easy train trip from London to Watford Junction. We spent the better part of a day at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. This was a true highlight of our trip. From walking through the Great Hall to strolling down Diagon Alley and seeing the Hogwarts Express up close, every corner felt magical. The level of detail in the sets, costumes, and props was incredible, and we easily could have stayed even longer. If you’re traveling with Harry Potter fans, plan for at least half a day, and be sure to book tickets well in advance.

Abbey Road

On our way home from Warner Bros. Studio, we decided to stop at the famous Abbey Road crosswalk and try to imitate the Beatles’ iconic crossing. We weren’t the only ones with that idea!

It’s not only a popular spot for tourists to take photos walking across, but it’s also a well-traveled road, and drivers can get frustrated with all the visitors attempting to cross. We waited our turn, made sure to follow traffic rules, and asked a kind stranger to snap a photo of us crossing.

Day 7

Westminster Abbey

As Joey from Friends famously said, “Hands down, best abbey!” Westminster Abbey is another must-see attraction in London. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, and I highly recommend arriving early. Even with tickets in hand, we found ourselves waiting in a long line that snaked around the church before it was our turn to enter.

Churchill’s War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms is a museum in London and one of the five branches of the Imperial War Museums. The museum includes the Cabinet War Rooms, a historic underground complex that served as a British government command center throughout the Second World War, as well as the Churchill Museum, a biographical exhibit exploring the life and legacy of British statesman Winston Churchill.

Now, off to Scotland!

Day 8 and Day 9

We took the train up to Edinburgh, checked into our Airbnb and explored the Royal Mile. The next morning, we boarded the train again and went back into England to visit Alnwick Castle for the day. (about a 2 hour train ride)

Alnwick Castle - Alnwick, England

This stop easily makes my list of the best Harry Potter filming locations we’ve visited. It served as a set for several scenes in the first few films, but it’s most famous for the iconic moment in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone where Harry and his classmates first learn to ride broomsticks. You can take broomstick lessons, tour the castle itself (which is still a lived-in home), and participate in other hands-on activities. My girls even made a bar of soap during our visit! Alnwick Castle perfectly blends history, magic, and family fun.

Day 10

Next, we rented a car, held our breath as we got on the left side of the road and we were off to the Scottish Highlands!

Glasgow

We stopped in Glasgow to stretch our legs, grab some lunch and visit my new found obsession, cloisters! I had seen the University of Glasgow’s cloisters on a TV show and I just had to se them myself!

Wee White House - Glencoe, Scotland

The Wee White House was a lucky stumble-upon gem for us. I spotted it while we were driving by and quickly told my husband to turn around! It’s a small white cottage in Glencoe, set against a towering mountain, surrounded by gorgeous scenery.

I’ve since learned that it’s now a very popular attraction in Glencoe. There’s no official parking area, but a small dirt lay-by that can hold a few cars. When we visited, there were only a handful of other people there. The girls ran around, we enjoyed the fresh air, and captured some truly stunning photos!

Day 11 - fort William

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct was such a fun experience! The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the combination of the viaduct and the train (or Hogwarts Express for us Harry Potter Fans) feels truly magical. I looked up the train times to make sure we would be there when the train passed. (Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before the scheduled train time to secure a good spot, especially in peak summer.) If you know me, you know I’m always on time, usually a little early, so we arrived with plenty of time to spare, and I’m so glad we did!

After figuring out parking, we walked a short path to a spot with a perfect view of the viaduct. Soon, the area was bustling with people. We were lucky to find a good seat on a rock, though many others had to stand or you can sit on the grass if its not too muddy. Looking back, I think being slightly lower on the hillside might have made for an even better photo.

But the moment the train went by and the conductor puffed out the smoke—it was incredible. I couldn’t help imagining all the kids aboard, heading off to Hogwarts! Afterward, we wandered along the surrounding paths a bit more, soaking in the breathtaking views.

Eilean Na Moine

Just a 20 min drive from Glenfinnan is the little island of Eilean Na Moine on Loch Eilt, that is featured as Dumbledore’s gravesite in the Harry Potter movies.

When we visited, this spot was still something of a hidden gem. There’s a small pull-off along the road, big enough for only a couple of cars. From there, a short muddy path leads to the lake, revealing a breathtaking view, including the island where Dumbledore’s grave was filmed.

If your timing is right, you can even see the train pass on the far side of the lake. When we arrived, we had the place entirely to ourselves! It felt like stepping into a secret, magical corner of the Scottish Highlands.

Hagrid’s Hut

This short hike was beautiful even if you are not a Harry Potter Fan! Park just outside the Clachaig Inn and take a short, walk up to the Torran Lochan viewpoint. This trail leads to where the set of Hagrid’s Hut once stood. While the hut itself is no longer there, the view makes it easy to imagine exactly where it used to be.

The girls had a blast running through the ferns, playing hide-and-seek, and exploring the magical surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot that combines a touch of Harry Potter nostalgia with the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands—a perfect place for kids to burn off some energy while soaking in the scenery.

Use the postcode PH49 4HX for the Clachaig Inn. Or, there is a helpful Google Pin to follow. This is in Glencoe, so it would be smart to visit here and the Wee White House on the same day!

Day 12

Steall Waterfall

This hike was absolutely worth it! The trail itself is fun—complete with tiny rivers to cross, large stepping stones along the path, and stunning scenery. It’s the kind of hike that feels adventurous without being too strenuous, making it perfect for families.

When you reach the open field at the end, the view opens up to Steall Waterfall that served as the backdrop for the Quidditch pitch in the Harry Potter films. We were lucky to have the place mostly to ourselves, which made it even better. The girls had fun exploring, hopping across rocks and trying to skip rocks on the water.

Eli Donan Castle

I was immediately drawn to this castle, the way it sits on its own island, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and, of course, just being a castle! It’s one of the most iconic images of Scotland and has become one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

We did tour the inside of the castle, but our favorite part was simply walking around and taking in the breathtaking views outside. One thing we learned about touring Scottish castles (and there are many!) most of them offer a scavenger hunt for kids. Children are tasked with finding certain items throughout the castle and counting how many they see. If they get the correct number, they receive a prize at the end — a fun way to keep the kids engaged during the visit!

Day 13 - Isle of Skye

A few important things to know about the Isle of Skye:

The weather on Skye is famously unpredictable. It can be raining one moment and clear the next, or raining on one side of the island while the other side enjoys blue skies. On our first hike, we got caught in some bad weather, and I wished we had waited to go at a different time so we could have enjoyed the views the island is famous for. The more days you have on the island, the easier it is to adjust your plans to accommodate the unpredictable weather.
The roads on Skye are very narrow, and many are single-lane, with lay-bys for oncoming cars to pull over and wait their turn. Because of this, traveling anywhere on the island often takes longer than you might expect, much longer than Google Maps predicts!
Lastly, on our first night, we went into town for dinner, only to find that every restaurant was fully booked with long wait times. We couldn’t get a table anywhere! So we made reservations for later nights and stopped at a grocery store to prepare our own dinner at the Airbnb that evening. Make reservations ahead of time!

Old Man of Storr

This is the hike we probably should have postponed for better weather, but didn’t. The Old Man of Storr is a popular 2.4–2.75 mile out-and-back trail, typically taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It is rated moderate, as it features steep, rocky terrain with a 276–288 m elevation gain. And in good weather, the you are rewarded with iconic, dramatic views at the top!

We attempted it in light rain and thick mist, thinking it would clear up by the time we got to the top, spoiler, it didn’t! The girls were miserable, and when we reached the top, you could barely make out the famous rock formations, let alone any views! I tried to convince them to hike it again on a sunnier day, but the hike was challenging, and they weren’t having it.

Skye Museum of Island Life

The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time to an old Highland village, providing a genuine glimpse into island life as it was 100 years ago.

Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is a unique and unusual landscape, a geological wonder on the Isle of Skye. It was formed by an ancient landslip, leaving plateaus, cliffs and small, steep hills. The often photographed stone spiral does not naturally belong here; it was first created by visitors in 2013. Although it shouldn’t be there, it does make for a magical, fairly like feeling. Local caretakers ask that you help preserve the natural beauty of the Glen and resist altering anything during your visit.

Day 14

Fairy Bridge

The Fairy Bridge is a historic stone bridge near Dunvegan, known for the local legend of a Clan MacLeod chief saying goodbye to his fairy wife. It’s a quick, picturesque, and super easy stop, perfect for a brief visit.

Fairy Pools

From the car park, it’s about a 20-minute walk to a series of natural pools and waterfalls. The path can be muddy, but the scenery along the way is absolutely beautiful!

Nest Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse sits at the end of a long path on a point of land that makes the whole scene incredibly picturesque. When we visited, it was foggy and windy, so we decided to admire the lighthouse from a distance instead.

Dunvegan Castle

This castle was a quick stop for us—we were just passing by and had a bit of extra time. The scavenger hunt there was all about finding keys, and we managed to find every single one!

Day 15

Mealt falls

This waterfall is really impressive, it seems to appear out of nowhere, falling straight down the cliffs into the ocean below. You do have to lean over the railing a bit to get a good view, but it was a fun, quick stop. Bonus: there was a man playing bagpipes in the car park, which added to the overall ambiance!

Brother’s Point

The search for dinosaur footprints was such an incredible experience! If you want to see the dinosaur footprints, you have to go at low tide, so planning ahead is essential.

As we walked down the path toward the beach, we passed a man who said he’d never been able to find the famous print, but we didn’t let that stop us!

We walked along the beach for what felt like forever, you can see Mealt Falls off to the left, but you need to head to the right. I was avbout ready to give up, but my husband wasn’t having it. Eventually, we found the famous print far to the right, very close to the ocean’s edge. It sits on a flat expanse that also holds multiple other prints that look like rock pools. It was so exciting, and even better—we were the only ones there!

Carran Beach

We were feeling so thrilled after finding the dinosaur prints at Brother’s Point that we decided to continue our dino hunt at Carran Beach. These prints were much easier to spot, pretty much right at the bottom of the stairs onto the beach, but they are just as cool. We spent some time relaxing on the beach while the girls ran and played, making it a perfect, fun-filled stop.

Day 16

Quiring Hike

This hike was easily one of the best hikes I’ve ever done, and also one of the craziest! I had read that it was an easy “loop walk,” and maybe we took a wrong turn, but we ended up on a narrow ridge where the wind was so strong it felt like it could blow our girls right off! We decided to turn back at that point.

The views, though, were absolutely unbelievable, and the photos we captured that day are still some of my favorites. So, just a heads-up: you might feel like you’re almost getting blown away, but you’ll come away with some truly stunning memories and photos!

An amazing fire from the Quailing Hike on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Day 17 - Drive to Inverness

Urquart Castle Ruins on Loch Ness

This was a really fun stop! We’re used to seeing intact castles, so it was beautiful in a completely different way to explore the ruins of one. On top of that, my youngest daughter was on the lookout for the Loch Ness Monster the whole time!

Loch Ness museum

This museum was quirky and definitely touristy, but at the same time so much fun! My youngest couldn’t get enough of the legends and mysteries surrounding the Loch Ness Monster.

Day 18 - Inverness

We spent most of the day wandering around Inverness, popping in and out of souvenir shops. The girls fell in love with kilts and simply had to bring one home! We treated ourselves to some ice cream, explored a fun local bookstore, and strolled through a beautiful church. It was the perfect relaxed day of exploring and soaking in the town’s atmosphere.

Battle of Culloden

The Battle of Culloden took place on 16 April 1746, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. A Jacobite army was defeated by British government forces, bringing the Jacobite Rising of 1745 to an end. Today, there is a museum on site, as well as the battlefield itself. The museum was closed on the day we went, so instead we spent time wandering the grounds, reading the marked signs and visiting the clan grave sites. Once there, I realized I knew a little about this battle from watching Outlander 🫣—which made the experience more interesting for me!

A Male Highland's Cow, also called a "coo"

Lastly, we finally found some Highland cows today! I knew I had to see a “coo” while in Scotland, but we hadn’t spotted any yet. We ended up asking our very kind Airbnb host where we might find some, and he went above and beyond. He actually drove us to a nearby farmer’s field where he knew there were a few. It was such a sweet and unexpected highlight of the day!

Day 19 - Drive to Edinburgh

Tomiton Distillery

One of My husbands top things to do was to visit a distillery, so 25 minute south of Inverness is the Tomatin distillery. It is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery from the Highland region. We took a tour and he got to try a few samples.

Day 20 - Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a walkable city, we took the city train a couple of times, but if you stay near the Royal Mile, you can walk almost everywhere!

Elephant House

The Elephant House café is famously where J.K. Rowling wrote large portions of the Harry Potter books. It’s a must-see for any fan hoping to step into the place where so much magic began. Unfortunately, when we visited, the café was closed due to a fire that had occurred earlier in the year.

Victoria Street

Just a short walk away is Victoria Street, said to have inspired Diagon Alley. It’s easy to see why—with its curved layout, colorful storefronts, and charming old-world architecture. Strolling along the street, there are lots of restaurants and shops.

Edinburgh Castle

No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without seeing Edinburgh Castle. It is worth it to walk around inside, but get your tickets in advance! The view of the castle, perched dramatically above the city, it’s not hard to imagine how J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from this fortress when creating Hogwarts.

Day 21

Arthur’s Seat Hike

Panoramic view from Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh Scotland in 2022

Arthur’s Seat is a 251-meter (823 ft) high extinct volcano right in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s the city’s highest point and offers 360-degree panoramic views. The hike is popular and relatively easy, and it’s just a short walk from the Royal Mile. Along the way, you pass Holyrood Palace, and from the trail you can even see into the palace gardens. When we visited, the Queen was hosting a garden party, and we got a glimpse of the setup! It’s a fun hike with amazing views and a bit of royal scenery along the way.

On our last evening in the UK, after dinner, we were walking back to our Airbnb when, unbelievably… Queen Elizabeth II drove by, waving! We were completely stunned, and so excited! Who knows, maybe while you’re in the UK, you’ll catch a glimpse of Charles III!

Queen Elizabeth II driving by in Edinburgh Scotland in 2022

Our trip to the United Kingdom ranks among our all-time favorites. Everyone found something that made them happy—plenty of Harry Potter magic, unimaginably beautiful scenery, a dose of history, a few memorable hikes, and, of course, lots and lots of sheep!

girl reading custom photo book of a vacation to the UK

Planning a vacation to the UK? When you return home with all your incredible memories and photos, I can transform them into a beautifully curated photo book.

Vacations go by so quickly, but the memories deserve to last. We want those moments preserved in a way we can hold in our hands, revisit often, and cherish for years to come.

Instead of letting your photos sit on your phone, let’s turn them into something tangible—something that tells the story of your adventure for generations. Contact me for more information, or learn more here!

Exploring the UK, From London to the Highlands