mlisa2

We are a family of 4 (kids 10 and 6) and are contemplating a holiday in the UK in August 2009. We are members of RCI timeshare and would like to make use of this accommodation.

We are considering 2 regions in the UK:
Lake District
Devon and Cornwall

I would like to know if it is possible to cover substantial part of Devon and Cornwall in a week if we will be based in Cornwall. We will be staying in London and will drive down.

As beautiful as the Lake District is it seems very laid back and might be a bit boring for young kids.

What about other areas like Cotswolds or Wales?

Any suggestions to get the maximum out of this week

Thanks
Lisa

janisj

The first thing you need to do is find a property you can trade for. In high season it is sometimes very (VERY) difficult to get a trade in any specific property or even in a whole region.

Yes - a week in Devon/Cornwall would be fine. I've traded for small resorts (hardly can be called "resorts" since they are very few units) in south Devon a couple of times and used it as a base for large parts of both counties. (I have been to the SW many times but only twice in time shares)

Other places you might consider would be Elmers Court in Lymington. It is on the south coast near Southampton - so great for the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, the south coast, the maritime museums in Portsmouth, etc.

Or Barnedale Country Club up in Rutland. On Rutland Water (not "on" the lake w/ beach access but w/ views across the lake just across the road)

But honestly - no matter where you end up - most RCI properties will be in good areas to base a week's stay. The main exception would be a few in Scotland that are more remote than might be preferred. But even in Scotland most are in very convenient areas.

Nail down your week first -

janisj

Or another RCI affiliated property that seems to be a bit easier to book is Walton Hall near Stratford-upon-Avon / Warwick / the Cotswolds / Oxford.

traveller1959

This summer we had been both to North Devon and the Cotswolds.

We found North Devon much more attractive than the Cotswolds. North Devon is a kind of hidden gem. Devon and Cornwall are neighboring regions. It is certainly possible to explore both regions if you are based in either one.

You might be interested in our trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35148574

AtlTravelr

We were in the SW of England for 6 nights in 2001 with kids ages 10 & 12. It was great. We stayed 3 nights in a self catering cottage with 2 bedrooms in a VERY small town in Somerset from which we explored Dorset & Devon. We rode bikes, saw the fossils at Lyme Regis, etc.

We then spent 3 nights in Cornwall, near Penzance. We were in a B&B that happened to have an English family with kids who were the same age as ours. They directed us to surfing lessons at Sennen Beach, Mt. St. Michaels, and exploring Lands End & Penzance. We are still friends with this family today!

It was a very long drive back from Penzance to Bath where we did our next 3 night stay - with a stop off at Tintagel - but it was really worth it. We loved being outdoors a lot of the time and "discovering" smaller museums & castles.

We also enjoyed North Wales for the castles there. We like "ruined castles" more than palaces and so there was quite a lot to see in that area.

janisj

The OP is talking about RCI trades - meaning staying a specific week (starting on a specific day - usually Saturday) in very specific resorts/properties. Not a choice of this village or that town for 3 nights.

So after we know <i>which</i> place they have success trading - then we can help w/ an itinerary.