1.5 Weeks from Cotswolds to Edinbugh

Forget Edinburgh, the Festival will be on; all accommodation in the city will be booked and you will not be able to take a car anywhere near the centre.

We are flying out of Edinburgh. We are dropping off the car when we get there and staying with cousins, so that part is sorted :)

If York takes your attention, why not? I'm sure you can google the attractions in the city -It will be busy with tourists in August, but the central area is flat and very walkable, so if the historic aspects suit you it could be a good centre. Depending where you end up in North Wales you could be around a 4 hour drive from York, and allow at least 4 hours driving time York -Edinburgh. Make sure your hotel has parking, although there is a good Park&Ride system parking round the city and in the centre is expensive and not easy.
Day trips - Castle Howard, Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey, and for a longer day trip, either visit the North York Moors , the North York Moors steam railway, or go over the Moors to Whitby.

If York takes your attention, why not? I'm sure you can google the attractions in the city -It will be busy with tourists in August, but the central area is flat and very walkable, so if the historic aspects suit you it could be a good centre. Depending where you end up in North Wales you could be around a 4 hour drive from York, and allow at least 4 hours driving time York -Edinburgh. Make sure your hotel has parking, although there is a good Park&Ride system parking round the city and in the centre is expensive and not easy.
Day trips - Castle Howard, Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey, and for a longer day trip, either visit the North York Moors , the North York Moors steam railway, or go over the Moors to Whitby.

Thank you! Do you think York is the way to go? I am definitely somewhat interested in history (particularly the Roman side of it), though admittedly don't know a lot about it. There are so many places that constantly come up, like the Lake District that we'd either be skipping all together or driving right through... so much to see and so little time!

Any suggestions for Wales? Brecon Beacons vs Wye Valley vs Cardiff vs Gower Peninsula vs Pembrokeshire in the south? Caernarfon vs Conwy vs Anglesey vs Snowdonia in the north

There isn't really anything left from Roman times in York, though the Roman Emperor Constantine was born in the city. There are still some exhibits from Viking times, and the Viking museum is worth a visit, though I'm not sure whether they allow really young children. I guess you can find more detail on line. Note between York and Edinburgh you will pass Hadrian's Wall, so you may want to allow some time for that.

York has excellent city walls begun in Roman times, although very little of what remains dates from that period ... still impressive though. And there is a famous Roman Gate still standing (and functioning).

We stayed in the YHA Hostel in York, and it was very good indeed. Walkable to the city centre along the river. York Minster is impressive, and The Shambles market precinct is too.

Castle Howard was indeed worthwhile; and the most impressive destination in the broad region is Durham - a beautiful university town, with one of the best Romanesque (11th Century) Cathedrals in Europe ... I urge you to visit it on your way north.

Also north of York is Ripon Cathedral - beautiful ancient place in quite a small town - great for history.

I think you're well-advised to bypass the Lake District in August ... even in early June when we visited, it was very crowded on the roads, trying to park, etc. It's nice enough, but not that spectacular.

Can't assist with Wales.

Note the York Ebor race meeting commences on Wednesday 22 August. This is the biggest horse race event in the north of England, lasting 4 days, the city will be crowded and hotel prices high. If you're into horse racing this is the place to be - if not, make sure you leave by the Wednesday morning.

Note my name has changed - I used to be mike9. Don't know why this has happened.

Just who have you upset, Mike?