Two nights in London at the Kimpton Fitzroy, a Victorian landmark on Russell Square. The days were built on access: the Churchill War Rooms before the doors opened – the standout, and a different place without the crowds – a Thames cruise on a small wooden boat, an East End street-art walk with a local artist, and a Black Taxi tour of the city.
The train north to Edinburgh, two nights at the InterContinental The George in the Georgian New Town. Edinburgh Castle before opening hours is worth arranging once you have seen the queue that builds by mid-morning; a guided walk through the Old Town filled the rest.
The last night moved to Glasgow – Kimpton Blythswood Square, with a private tour and tasting at Glenturret Distillery on the way. The bus between the cities wasted the time. The night belonged in Edinburgh, where there is more than enough to fill it.
