Castles, countryside, world-class museums, and a coast you can drive in a week. London + one regional base (Edinburgh / Bath / Lake District) makes a perfect first trip.
Tower of London, British Museum, West End theatre, Camden Market, day-trips to Windsor.
Castle on the volcanic rock, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat hike, Fringe Festival in August.
Georgian crescents, Roman baths, then villages of honey-coloured stone (Bibury, Castle Combe).
England’s national park — Windermere, Beatrix Potter country, fell walking.
Mediaeval walls, York Minster, the Shambles. Two hours from London on the LNER.
Glen Coe, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye. Best by hire car from Inverness or Glasgow.