Tour around Britain for 3 weeks - where shall we go?

[SherlockHolmes]

Thinking about this trip for next Summer. We live in East Anglia and are thinking of heading North; I'd like to visit Whitby, Northumberland and Scotland (as a very rough itinerary). What are you recommendations for "must see" things en route? Would love to hear about things that the guide books don't tell you! Thanks all.

I am surprised no-one has replied to this! I would see the Yorkshire Dales, biased as I am, including York and Harrogate - if you are a member of the National Trust there are lots of places to see around here - Beningbrough Hall, Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks etc.

Across the North York Moors via Pickering and some of the "heartbeat" country, then on to Whitby. Then up to Northumberland which is just beautiful - Bamburgh, Embleton, Craster, Alnwick Castle and GArdens, Alnmouth beach is stunning, Cragside, a National Trust place at Rothbury is great fun. Then you are into Scotland and someone else can recommend places!

yes, the Northumberland coast is fabulous.

What about then cutting across the pennines to the Lake District, staying somewhere like Side Farm which is right on the shore of Ullswater, or in the central mountains in Borrowdale? And doing a little fell walking. Haystacks from Gatesgarth by Crummock Water is an easy (as in not too long, but including great steep stuff) but spectactular fell walk with fab views for families.

Have a look at Wierdale, just west of Durham. Absolutely beautiful countryside. Also, if you're up in that area, you must visit at least one of the many Roman sites around Hadrian's Wall.

Another vote for Northumberland coast, it is truly beautiful.

Whitby is lovely. Sis was recentl in Northumberland and said it was wonderful - so not to be missed.

Northumberland every time for me!! The beaches and castles are fantastic.

If you can cope with the distance and luck out with the weather the NW Highlands are amazing. Glenelg, Applecross, Skye. Beware the midges, so camp where you can have a fire!

If you carried on up the Northumberland coast, you could stay at the caravan club site just outside of Edinburgh - it's on a bus route into the city centre, if you've tired of the countryside!

Northumberland Coast, Lindisfarne

Bamburgh in Northumberland has a brilliant family friendly (and very clean) sandy beach, plus a castle and decent number of shops/places to eat etc. I love Kielder Forest and reservoir, also in Northumberland, where there's lots of walks/bike rides, boat trip on the reservoir and other activities, but I wouldn't camp there mid summer as the midges are really bad.