G'day, Martin.
Michelle and I just have just returned from the UK ourselves. We spent our time in north Wales and Michelle was really upset about having to leave. If Michelle did move there there she would soon change her mind, though, the first time the temperature dropped below 10°C!

The A55 is a brilliant road and it will get you along the north coast to Caernarfon, in just three or four hours (even if you stick to the 70mph speed limit- which most drivers don't!). The people are really friendly, the scenery is beautiful and there's plenty of great places to eat (eg
Two the Square and
The Olde White House hotel at Conwy or the
Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon).
If you have a spare day on your trip to Scotland, you seeing Conwy and Bodnant Garden would be well worth your time- and get you some credit with the missus.
Cheers.
Dal.