We are planning to go on a tour with a group (soccer team ) in summer 2010. We will spend about 10 days on the tour in London and surrounding areas. Our family will likely extend the trip for another 4-5 days separate from the group.
Where would you go? We have been to Paris. Although I would go back in a second, my DH is the type that would like to see something new. He was thinking Ireland. I also was thinking of Scotland. Or would you hop a flight to the beaches somewhere? The ten day trip will be go-go-go. I would like a more relaxed 4-5 days and stay in one hotel or one place with some sights to see.

You could hop over to Amsterdam, and head to the North Sea beaches at Friesland.

How about a Greek Island or two??

I never thought of Amsterdam. Greek Islands would probably need more time than 4-5 days. Although my DH would love to go there!
The whole fun is picking the place. More ideas?

Take the Eurostar from London to Brussels. Maybe do a day trip to Ghent and/or Bruges.

Ireland would be great. With 4-5 days I'd stick to one or maaaaybe two places there. My time there was great - lots of things to see, but a really relaxing vibe all the same.

London is well connected by cheap air to sunny places with a different culture and cuisine. Although I am a huge fan of Scotland, the best bits are hard to get to. Brussels is a pretty ugly city, so if you go to Belgium, consider basing in Antwerpen or by the sea. I love Amsterdam, and it could be relaxing.

For relaxation, consider taking a flight to the Italian Riviera (fly to Genoa) or San Sebastian, Spain (fly to Bilbao). Or the French riviera (fly to Nice). Another great destination (although hot in summer) is Girona, where you could pick up a car and head to the seaside.

Personally, I would go to Amsterdam, Scotland, or somewhere in Ireland. Easy transit, plenty to see and do, etc.

If you want to do a beach trip, then your options are pretty wide open, flight schedules permitting. I don't understand the statement that "Greek Islands would probably need more time than 4-5 days." Sure, you won't see all of them, but you won't see all of Scotland or Ireland either.

If you primarily want to relax on a beach, I don't see the problem with just going to Santorini or someplace for 4-5 days. Zeppole mentioned some other options that would work. Heck, even someplace like Bodrum, Turkey or Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt can be reached in 4 hours or so.

FYI - for a beach holiday, you might want to look into somebody like Thomas Cook (http://www.thomascook.com/) or Thomson (http://www.thomson.co.uk/) and see if there is a package for the dates you need. The flight experience will be pretty cramped, but you can save a fair amount of money and often be able to fly non-stop to destinations not frequently served by the major airlines.

Thanks for all of your replies. I will look into the different ideas. Ireland or Scotland would be an easy trip. I would probably base in Dublin if we went to Ireland.
Oh and we are traveling as a family of four. Two of our kids are teens and will be 16-17 years old when we go. They are the soccer players .

Fly into Inverness, hire a car and spend a few days based in Gairloch or Poolewe., or in Applecross. Bet you love it.