"Also the local tourist offices will find a place for you on short notice for a small fee but note their closing hours."

This is what I was hoping to do. Is it like on the continent, a spot in town with the big I?

Trish: I *am* planning on reservations in the cities (London, Edinburgh) and if I find specific hotels or inns that I really want to experience. I found on my first European trip that sometimes the places you don't plan to see, but somehow find are often the most memorable.

indy: My expectations are going down every moment! ;-)

This is what I was hoping to do. Is it like on the continent, a spot in town with the big I? >>

generally, it's just that. Big blue and white signs with a red rose in the middle.

Okay, you all have properly scared me into making more reservations and flying less by the seat of my pants...

I would like some feedback on my rough itinerary:

Arrive London- 4 nights. I am pretty sure about the main attraction each day. Staying in Bloomsbury so I can sneak into the British Museum when DH decides to nap or go to a pub...

Train to Edinburgh- possibly stop overnight in York to walk the walls.

Edinburgh 2-3 nights. Again, I have a pretty good idea of what I want to see.

This is where it gets sketchy: Get a car. Drive. ;-) 10 nights Scotland and north Wales. For Scotland, I am wrestling with stopping for 2-3 days with day trips vs short drives daily to see more different places. North Wales, could use a suggestion for a central spot to stay see the Iron Ring, Portmeirion (sorry indy!), the railways on day trips.

1 night somewhere on the way to Salisbury.

1 night Salisbury- Avebury, Stonehenge, Old Sarum, Salisbury.

Last night turn in car. Hotel close to Heathrow for early morning flight.

Thank you all for your help!