bilboburgler

The Cliffs are just tourist bait, how can you turn say https://www.thisisdurham.com/ this down for some cliffs? The British Islands are surrounded by cliffs

or this if you like a good cliff https://lulworth.com/visit/places-to...lulworth-cove/

or this

https://www.aol.co.uk/2012/04/14/vid...00ft-off-cliff

or this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant%27s_Causeway

KTtravel

I wouldn't add Ireland just to see the Cliffs of Moher. My then 17 year old son was very disappointed in them when my he and my husband saw them. Given your interests, perhaps just focus on a Scotland trip this time or a Scotland/Ireland trip.

ChgoGal

This is the issue I face: wanting to see so much in different regions of the UK, and not having enough time. I've learned, though, that wherever I go, I end up spoilt for choice. I think you have the right idea centering your trip around Edinburgh, and including a Rabbies tour. But beginning or ending in London will absolutely not disappoint, and I think you'd regret not seeing a little of that great city.

If it were my nephew (same age as your son), this would be my plan:

FLIGHTS:

1. Fly into EDI, out of LHR, or...
2. Fly roundtrip in/out of LHR
   • Nonstop is always so much better for a relatively easy flight; easy meaning leaving at early evening, hopefully sleeping a bit on plane, and waking in the morning in London, and...
   • If flights are cheaper RT to London (rather than open-jaw/multi-city), and if you save more than, say $125-150/flight by flying RT to LHR, I might fly in/out of LHR just b/c that first travel day is a wash, anyway. You can fly to London, take the tube to Kings Cross station, have a quick coffee, and catch the train to Edinburgh. BUT... I've made the mistake of buying a fixed train time to save money, thinking to give myself time for border control, a nice lunch, etc. Try to buy a semi-flexible train ticket so you can hop on the first convenient train at Kings Cross. Waiting an hour or more for a train, while jet lagged, can be awful.
   • Also, as massive as London is, it's also a city, so really convenient for anything you want to do, see, eat. So I like to end my trips in London to relax. Mentally taxing stuff at the beginning, more relaxing at the end.

HOTELS
Less familiar with Edinburgh, but for London, brace yourself for the prices. Try to resign yourself to the most painful part of travel planning--pricey hotels. However, also look at Premier Inns. They're well-located all around the country, and you can search for a twin room/family room (for two beds). The PI (premier inn) County Hall is convenient and a thrilling location (for views) for a first time visitor. If you and your son want privacy in the evenings, the Hubs by Premier Inn are great for solo travellers. I use them a lot, and the Hub by Westminster Alley is very convenient. The Hubs in Russell Square, Soho, and Covent Garden are also easy. My favorite hotels are the Resident Hotels, but prices have climbed.

Whichever hotel you choose, check reviews on TripAdvisor. Note that booking.com does not feature Premier Inns.

GLASTONBURY TOR
This is a beautiful part of the country, but unfortunately, visiting and doing that hike eats up so much to/from time, and wouldn't be my choice for a first time visit to the UK. This would be, like, a 2nd or 3rd trip. If this is a must, and you and your son like hiking/coasts, I'd commit to that region (Dorset/North Cornwall) and skip Scotland entirely. You could visit Tintagel Castle and that gorgeous King Arthur statue. The hikes and landscapes around there look breathtaking, and I'm sure there are other castle ruins about.

Other things I do when planning...

• Take a look at the National Trust sight, which features stately homes/castles, gardens, and beautiful landscapes. It's a great resource to see what's of interest in the region you choose. Certainly, google maps will also show them if you select a town, and then search for National Trust. English Heritage also has stately homes.
• My nephew likes a designer, BAPE/a bathing ape, and when I was last in London, they had London-exclusive clothes I bought for him. Not sure what your son enjoys (clothes, soccer, anime, books, theater, comedy clubs, history), but have him think about things he can only buy in the UK. It's harder and harder, but sometimes finding that one special thing really enhances a trip. I like making note of books at the bookstores that I can request from my library to purchase, and recently discovered Seasalt Cornwall for clothes. You can buy online, but it's less in the UK.
• England has great specialty museums, so you never know if they have one that caters just to your interest.
• Pack light, and leave room in your suitcase to bring back shopping, even if it's just chocolates or teas.
• Bookmark Londonist and TimeOut London for things to do as your trip approaches.

It's always hard to commit to 1-2 cities/regions when you feel pressure to make the most of your trip. I feel the same, but remember you'll only see a fraction of what you want. I've lost track of how many times I've visited England, but there're scores of places I still have on my wish list. But, the good thing is you'll find amazing things wherever you go. Good luck planning.

ChgoGal

Also, in London, look at London Walks' website. Great, guided tours for a variety of interest. Low-commitment and cheap. https://www.walks.com/

Madam397

Sorry for the one long paragraph that I had posted yesterday. I was in a hurry and wanted to get done quickly.

With that, I thought I would add some of our favorite restaurants in/around St Andrews Square:

Fishers in the City - excellent dinner, make a reservation

Dusit - Thai and right across from Fishers in the City, lovely atmosphere and the best Thai food that I have ever had

Contini- lovely atmosphere and decor in a former bank, excellent dinner

We also had dinner one night in one of the pub restaurants on Rose Street

Tried to get into Harvey Nichols but could never get a reservation

coral22

Congratulations on your upcoming trip! You will have a wonderful time with your son.
I agree with Gardyloo, to fly into Edinburgh first and out of London. I also, agree with going in June.

I think heading to the Cliffs of Moher would be a mistake, it is such a time sink and if you have rainy or foggy weather, it would be a total bust.
I think a lot of "touristy" sites are so worthwhile, they are popular because they are unique, historical or beautiful. Timing just needs to be managed. We visited the Cliffs in May 2022 and loved it! But, we were in western Ireland already and had a car and it was on our way to visit relatives. We went at about 5p.m. and there were 0 buses and only about 10 cars. Unless you change your trip to Scotland/Ireland, I would put it on "next time" list. Western Ireland is worth so much more time and best visited in a car.

I have never been to Scotland, so others on here can direct you to some striking, dramatic, vistas there. A one day, small group tour, would be a great idea!
I think sticking with London would be great! There is so much history and so many different areas, you can compose a visit customized to your interests. You could also do a one day, small group tour from there, Stonehenge, Bath or the Cotswolds, among others, are possibilities. Enjoy!