This summer, we’re doing something a little different, and honestly, we couldn’t be more excited.

Our youngest is heading to London for a study abroad/internship program, which means we have the perfect excuse to spend a month exploring one of our favorite parts of the world: the UK.

So while he’s working and studying, we’ll be doing what we do best - wandering charming villages, hopping trains, finding scenic hikes, and making the most of every free weekend.

Our summer route includes:

🇬🇧 London​
🏡 The Cotswolds​
🏰 Edinburgh​
🌿 The Isle of Skye​
⛰️ The Lake District

And if you’ve never considered the UK as a summer vacation destination, this is your sign.

Why the UK Works So Well for Families

Summer in the UK means long daylight hours, mild temperatures, easy transportation, and endless variety. You can spend one week in a city, the next in the countryside, and the next on the coast - all without long travel days.

There’s also so much built-in history and culture that kids and teens actually enjoy: castles, Harry Potter filming locations, football stadiums, Roman ruins, boat rides, famous universities, and afternoon tea stops in between.

England: Easy, Iconic, and Full of Variety

England is perfect for first-time UK visitors because it offers a little bit of everything.

Don’t miss:

• ​London museums (most of them are free), West End shows, and royal landmarks
• The Cotswolds for village hopping and countryside stays
• Bath for Roman history and Georgian beauty (and Bridgerton!)
• The Lake District for outdoor adventures

Scotland: Epic Scenery + Incredible Cities

Scotland feels adventurous in the best possible way.

Highlights include:

• ​Edinburgh for history, festivals, and castle views
• ​The Highlands for road trips and jaw-dropping scenery
• Isle of Skye for waterfalls, hikes, and dramatic coastlines
• Loch Lomond and national parks for families who love the outdoors

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Wales: The Underrated Summer Star

Wales doesn’t get nearly enough attention, but we love it.

Highlights we recommend:

• More castles per square mile than almost anywhere - Check out Caernarfon and Caerphilly
• National parks like Snowdonia (Eryri) for hiking and scenery
• Adventure activities like ziplining (check out ZipWorld Velocity), biking, and surfing
• Friendly towns and a more relaxed pace

This summer gives us a chance to support our son while he starts an exciting new chapter and it gives us a chance to keep doing what we’ve always loved as a family: exploring the world together.

We’ll be sharing our favorite finds, best places to stay, family-friendly experiences, and everything we learn along the way. Be sure to follow along on Instagram at @travelswithkirsten​

Cheers to saying yes to new adventures (and using your kids as an excuse to travel),

Kirsten