>Thanks Craig,
>
>I'd like to get some insight before just jumping into this.

Not really much to see at Loch Ness except the countryside, but Scotland in general is nice. Edinburgh has some good music.

Personally, with limited time I'd pass on Liverpool for the same reason I wouldn't put Cleveland and the RR hall of fame on a short itinerary of the US.

Marcia's post just reminded me, York worth a visit.

If you're driving down and have young boys, Warwick Castle is the one that most looks like what they will think a castle should look like. The small villages in the midlands - particularly Castle Coomb - are pretty cool looking (thatched roofs and all that) http://www.castle-combe.com/

I'd blow off Stratford. There are some incredible country houses open to the public. In any case, check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Trust_for_Places_of_Historic_Interest_or_Natural_Beauty
and
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace.htm

for great ideas and see what appeals to you.

In Greenwich ( east of London, accessible on public trans, is the Cutty Sark in full rig. ( merchant marine museum in hold - look for the little plaque that says "This museum is dedicated with affection and thanks to the men in little boats who went to Dunkerque."

Boat rides on the Thames are cool.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/london/0055025166.html

I can't remember where the RAF museum is but I remember it was pretty moving.

The Templar Church in London is interesting if you're a history nut ( actually, pretty much everything in Britain is heaven if you're a history nut <s> )