Itinerary Extras for London, Edinburgh & Dublin

Seeing the major cities of the world is amazing—but some of the best travel memories happen when you step just beyond the city limits. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite “extras” from each stop along my 10-day trip around England, Scotland, and Ireland:

The Three Sisters, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

LONDON: Oxford Day Trip

One of the absolute highlights of our time in London was a half-day trip to Oxford. Just about an hour outside the city by train, this charming, historic university town is the perfect blend of storybook architecture and dark-academia energy. Seeing Oxford is a dream-come-true for my fellow Potterheads, since some of the most iconic Harry Potter scenes were filmed here (like entrance to the Great Hall and various corridor encounters).

We wandered the ivy-covered colleges (notably Christ Church), explored the Bodleian Library, and had a pint poured in some pubs where centuries of students have debated over drinks. It was the ideal change of pace from London’s buzz, but still offered tons to do, see, and snap photos of.

Stairwell to the Great Hall in Harry Potter

Other London "Extras" we considered:

• Stonehenge & Bath – A longer day trip but well worth it for the history buffs or anyone who wants to stand in the presence of ancient mystery. We opted out of this option since my sister's boyfriend wanted to see more than "just a bunch of rocks" (his words, not mine).

• The Cotswolds – Quaint villages, rolling green hills, and classic English cottages—ideal for a slow, scenic getaway. A lot of people see the Cotswolds and Oxford in the same day.

• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour – Another must-do for Potterheads. I'm sad we didn't get to see this studio since tickets were already sold out by the time we looked into booking. So purchase tickets far in advance—it sells out fast!

• Seven Sisters Cliffs – A breathtaking coastal hike known for its white chalk cliffs and wild English Channel views. Great for nature lovers or anyone craving a less touristy day. We were too short on time for this, as it's a bit of a journey from London.

Christ Church dining hall

EDINBURGH: The Highlands with Rabbie’s Tours

Our 12-hour Scottish Highlands day-trip from Edinburgh with Rabbie’s Tours was one of the most unforgettable experiences I had during my entire time abroad. With a small group and a storytelling guide, we journeyed deep into the Scottish countryside—through grassy glens and glassy lochs.

We made it to Glencoe, a beautiful valley full of myth and history (and Hagrid's hut!), snapped some shots near Ben Nevis (the UK’s tallest mountain) and the Three Sisters, and took a boat-tour across Loch Ness (where we found Nessie!). The ride itself was part of the charm: bagpipes in the background, tales of clan rivalries, and lots of sheep. It’s a long day, but completely worth it. If you want to understand the heart of bonnie Scotland, then this is how.

Other Edinburgh "Extras" we considered:

• Outlander Filming Locations Tour – Another option with Rabbie's Tours, this is an incredible way to see castles like Doune Castle (aka Castle Leoch), Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison), and Blackness Castle (Fort William) all in one day.

• Glasgow Day Trip – Less than an hour by train, Glasgow offers edgier art, live music, and great vintage shopping—plus beautiful architecture and museums like Kelvingrove.

• Holyrood Palace & Edinburgh Castle (which we did!) – Both inside the city limits, but each deserve its own time slot. History, royalty, and city views.

Edinburgh Castle

DUBLIN: Glendalough & the Wicklow Mountains

While my sister and her boyfriend recovered from the Guinness gallies, I took a half-day trip to Glendalough with Paddywagon Tours, and it was the perfect way to see the Irish countryside without spending the entire day in a bus.

Located in the whimsical Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough is home to a 6th-century monastic settlement and two sparkling lakes surrounded by hiking trails and forest paths. If you want to feel like you've teleported to the Shire, then this is where you should spend your extra time. It’s close enough to fit into a packed schedule, but rural enough to feel like a totally new adventure.

Glendalough, Ireland

Other Dublin "Extras" we considered:

• Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s most well-known natural wonder. It’s a full day trip, so sadly we didn't have the time to fit in the drive, but I've heard it's a must-do.

• Guinness Storehouse (which we did!) – A must-do within the city itself. We toured, we learned, we drank our perfect pint with our portraits painted in the foam.

• Howth – A seaside village just 30 minutes from Dublin with a beautiful cliff walk and cozy harbor restaurants.

• Belfast & the Giant’s Causeway – A longer day, but bucket list–worthy, especially if you’re interested in Game of Thrones filming sites.

Our faces on a Guinness

Enjoy wishing you were a wizard, hiking the Highlands, and gulping down Guinness!