Hi Everyone - I am new here but am hoping to get some advice. My sister an I are planning a trip to visit the UK from the US this year. We plan to be there around 8 days or so. Neither of us has been there before. We know we want to hit London, but should we plan to visit another location as well? If so, what would make sense for the amount of time we plan to be there? Scotland or Ireland, or are they too far? Is there another place in the UK we shouldn't miss? We are both 30 and want to have a blast while experiencing some amazing culture as well. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Rachel, I definitely would not plan to try to visit Ireland or Scotland wit so little time. Id stick to places I could day-trip from London.

Many will suggest that you spend all your time in London, but I personally would want to also venture outside London, especially to see York. It was one of my favorite places in Enland. It's two hours by fast train from London, and it's full of history and, of course, the fabulous York Minster, wich was quite unlike any church I ever visited. here's what Fodors has to say about it: http://www.fodors.com/wire/archives/001746.cfm

There are literally hundreds of places you might want to visit - but you simply don't have the time.

If you actually have 8 days "on the ground" (not including the 2 days you lose flying to/from the UK), then you could spend 5-6 days in London and maybe 2 in some village/town in England. But in 8 days you can only scratch the surface in London so staying the full time in the city is a good choice too.

If your 8 days is the entire trip's length - don't even consider leaving London - since you will really only have about 5.5 days free for sightseeing.

8 days is not long enough to see London plus anything in Ireland - if you want Ireland spend the whole time there.

Same for Scotland. 8 days is barely enough for Edinburgh and a few of the major sites in the Highlands - no way to do it plus London too.

oh meant to add -- You will get some help on this thread, but I do recommend you re-post w/ a better title. I know your sister traveling w/ you is important - but that has almost nothing to do w/ what you want to know.

Something like "help Planing first trip to London and?" And add what time of year your trip is - that can make a big difference re where you should/can go.

I wouldn't try going anywhere but London and maybe take some day trips. I had fun in Windsor and you can take the train there very easily. London is so wonderful that you will quickly use up all your days and still not do everything. Enjoy.

I'll bring this thread up again. So repost with a title that better describe what you're asking about. I would just stay in London, and research things to see and do within the city, and easy day trips you can reach without changing hotels or staying overnight. You don't have enough time to include Scorland or Ireland imo. kindly, Suze