Help with 12 day UK Itinerary!
Aug 4th, 2017, 07:00 AM
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Help with 12 day UK Itinerary!
Hello, First, let me apologize for my wordiness! I need some advice for a first time UK trip. My husband and I will be going to the first 2 weeks of June next year - that's 12 on the ground days and 12 nights. While I have a pretty good idea of what we'd like to see and do, I need some help setting up our itinerary to make travel plans make sense without a lot of back tracking or spending too much time crisscrossing around.
The biggest, and first decision I have to make is this - should we start or end our trip with London? On one hand it seems large and overwhelming, so maybe better at the end. On the other hand since we'll be tourists acclimating to our new surroundings perhaps London is a good place to start as we can jump right in with the throngs of other tourists before heading out to explore the countryside. We'll be flying out of Chicago and are thinking it makes more sense flying in and out of Manchester instead of London or possibly doing open jaw - which is why we need to decide where to place London on the itinerary as it will determine our flights as well as which leg of the trip we'll rent a car.
Here are some initial thoughts...
Flying into Manchester we could work our way south with a car visiting Chester, Powis castle, drive along Welsh border (we'd probably plan 2 days and 2 nights for this taking our time and visiting a few National Trust properties and whatever else catches our eye), then into the Cotswolds for 3 days & nights making a home base at a cottage or b&b and doing day trips around the area, after that drive south and visit Castle Combe, Lacock, Stourhead, Wells, Glastonbury and onto Salisbury (breaking this up over 2 days & nights). Then head to London to drop off the car, most likely at Heathrow, and spend last 5 days and nights in London before flying home.
We could also flip this completely around and fly into London and start there and then fly out of Manchester.
The other thing I feel we're really missing out on is York. to work this in we could fly into Manchester, train to York, spend a night there, train to London, do our 5 days, then drive and work our way West and fly back out of Manchester - but then I'm short a day because I've used a night in York and would have to cut out some portion of the Wells, Glastonbury, Salisbury, Stourhead portion of the trip etc. - which is fine - I'm just not sure where to make the cuts.
Also, I am aware that I do not have Stonehenge or Bath on this itinerary, neither are priorities on this trip.
The biggest, and first decision I have to make is this - should we start or end our trip with London? On one hand it seems large and overwhelming, so maybe better at the end. On the other hand since we'll be tourists acclimating to our new surroundings perhaps London is a good place to start as we can jump right in with the throngs of other tourists before heading out to explore the countryside. We'll be flying out of Chicago and are thinking it makes more sense flying in and out of Manchester instead of London or possibly doing open jaw - which is why we need to decide where to place London on the itinerary as it will determine our flights as well as which leg of the trip we'll rent a car.
Here are some initial thoughts...
Flying into Manchester we could work our way south with a car visiting Chester, Powis castle, drive along Welsh border (we'd probably plan 2 days and 2 nights for this taking our time and visiting a few National Trust properties and whatever else catches our eye), then into the Cotswolds for 3 days & nights making a home base at a cottage or b&b and doing day trips around the area, after that drive south and visit Castle Combe, Lacock, Stourhead, Wells, Glastonbury and onto Salisbury (breaking this up over 2 days & nights). Then head to London to drop off the car, most likely at Heathrow, and spend last 5 days and nights in London before flying home.
We could also flip this completely around and fly into London and start there and then fly out of Manchester.
The other thing I feel we're really missing out on is York. to work this in we could fly into Manchester, train to York, spend a night there, train to London, do our 5 days, then drive and work our way West and fly back out of Manchester - but then I'm short a day because I've used a night in York and would have to cut out some portion of the Wells, Glastonbury, Salisbury, Stourhead portion of the trip etc. - which is fine - I'm just not sure where to make the cuts.
Also, I am aware that I do not have Stonehenge or Bath on this itinerary, neither are priorities on this trip.
Aug 4th, 2017, 07:11 AM
#2
Ok, first it is best to lay it out by nights. Second only go to each place once, so you are right go to London first or last.
Then you have to choose a bit about transport mech. It is very easy to use the train so you could land at Manchester train to York and sleep there the first night. York is a great city to get used to the British, relatively small, it still wants to sell you stuff but without the crush that is London.
You could then hire a car and do a tour of Yorkshire for a few days, dump the car and get back on the train say to Cambridge or the Cotswolds stopping at Oxford along the way. Cambridge is just an alternaive to Oxford for a nights stop and pretty buildings.
In the Cotswolds you can visit by local train/bus but more likely to use a car, pick it up in Oxford and dump it back say in Salisbury, (catching up with Wells, Glasto etc as you go) then back on the trains into London. Don't forget the best bit of the Cotwolds is hiking from hotel room to pub etc rather than join the throngs gawping at more beautiful stone walls. (you can easily do this with luggage moved ahead instead of say using a central base, but up to you)
This last bit would allow you to look at Bath and Stonehenge as well, but not priorities.
London is fine at the end, the down side is you suddenly get to see what the largest city in Europe looks like, after pottering around the much small places. Still you will be used to the beer and the tea by then.
trains general seat61.com
trains more specific nationalrail
public transport general www.traveline.info
car broker auto europe
Then you have to choose a bit about transport mech. It is very easy to use the train so you could land at Manchester train to York and sleep there the first night. York is a great city to get used to the British, relatively small, it still wants to sell you stuff but without the crush that is London.
You could then hire a car and do a tour of Yorkshire for a few days, dump the car and get back on the train say to Cambridge or the Cotswolds stopping at Oxford along the way. Cambridge is just an alternaive to Oxford for a nights stop and pretty buildings.
In the Cotswolds you can visit by local train/bus but more likely to use a car, pick it up in Oxford and dump it back say in Salisbury, (catching up with Wells, Glasto etc as you go) then back on the trains into London. Don't forget the best bit of the Cotwolds is hiking from hotel room to pub etc rather than join the throngs gawping at more beautiful stone walls. (you can easily do this with luggage moved ahead instead of say using a central base, but up to you)
This last bit would allow you to look at Bath and Stonehenge as well, but not priorities.
London is fine at the end, the down side is you suddenly get to see what the largest city in Europe looks like, after pottering around the much small places. Still you will be used to the beer and the tea by then.
trains general seat61.com
trains more specific nationalrail
public transport general www.traveline.info
car broker auto europe
Aug 4th, 2017, 08:26 AM
#3
I love the way that you are including some places that tourists don't get to until their 3rd or 4th trips to the UK, but honestly i think you're trying to squeeze in too much so that you would find yourselves doing more travelling than doing and seeing. I appreciate that the distances may not seem that far, and you would be travelling outside the main school hols [though the first week of June is a school half-term holiday in lots of the UK] but as Bilbo says, once you count nights, you'll begin to see who limited your time is.
Perhaps the first thing to decide is what you want to see in London, and whether you want to put it at the beginning or the end of your trip [I like the open jaw into London, out of Manchester idea, or vice versa]
So it could run something like this:
Day 1 - land London. ½ day sightseeing.
Day 2 - London
Day 3 - London [absolute minimum IMHO]
Day 4 - train to York. ½ day sightseeing.
Day 5 - York
Day 6 - pick up car, drive to Yorkshire Dales.
Day 7 - Yorkshire dales
Day 8 - Yorkshire Dales
Day 9 - drive to North Wales
Day 10 - North Wales
Day 11 - North wales
Day 12 - Chester
Day 13 - fly out of Manchester.
OR
Day 1 - land Manchester. ½ day sightseeing.
Day 2 - pick up car, drive to North Wales
Day 3 - North Wales
Day 4 - North Wales
Day 5 - Drive to Cotswolds
Day 6 - Cotswolds
Day 7 - Cotswolds
Day 8 - Drive to Wells/Bath/Salisbury [don't think you can do all of these]
Day 9 - Explore area
Day 10 - Drive to Bath/winchester/wherever - return car, train to London
Day 11 - London
Day 12 - London
Day 13 - fly out of London.
I know - we all have the same problem - too many places, not enough time.
Perhaps the first thing to decide is what you want to see in London, and whether you want to put it at the beginning or the end of your trip [I like the open jaw into London, out of Manchester idea, or vice versa]
So it could run something like this:
Day 1 - land London. ½ day sightseeing.
Day 2 - London
Day 3 - London [absolute minimum IMHO]
Day 4 - train to York. ½ day sightseeing.
Day 5 - York
Day 6 - pick up car, drive to Yorkshire Dales.
Day 7 - Yorkshire dales
Day 8 - Yorkshire Dales
Day 9 - drive to North Wales
Day 10 - North Wales
Day 11 - North wales
Day 12 - Chester
Day 13 - fly out of Manchester.
OR
Day 1 - land Manchester. ½ day sightseeing.
Day 2 - pick up car, drive to North Wales
Day 3 - North Wales
Day 4 - North Wales
Day 5 - Drive to Cotswolds
Day 6 - Cotswolds
Day 7 - Cotswolds
Day 8 - Drive to Wells/Bath/Salisbury [don't think you can do all of these]
Day 9 - Explore area
Day 10 - Drive to Bath/winchester/wherever - return car, train to London
Day 11 - London
Day 12 - London
Day 13 - fly out of London.
I know - we all have the same problem - too many places, not enough time.
Aug 4th, 2017, 12:06 PM
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If you do rail to York or return to London by rail from the West Country be sure to book tickets at www.nationalrail.co.uk and possibly get huge discounts over just showing up - check www.seat61.com for authoritative knowledge of booking you own discounted tickets online - for general info on trains (like 1st vs 2nd class, etc) I also like www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Check first class for discounted tickets too - may not be much more and in Britain IME the difference between classes is greater than Continental trains - 2ndcl kind of like a Greyhound bus all packed tight and first more spacious and free snacks on some long-distance trains (like London to York).
Check first class for discounted tickets too - may not be much more and in Britain IME the difference between classes is greater than Continental trains - 2ndcl kind of like a Greyhound bus all packed tight and first more spacious and free snacks on some long-distance trains (like London to York).
Aug 4th, 2017, 02:10 PM
#5
ann's itineraries really short change London! You need to start by deciding how much time you want to spend there - I would certainly want more.
Do you want Yorkshire Dales or Cotswolds?
I would be inclined to take the second itinerary, but cut the Wells etc. down to one night in Bath, train to London. At the very least, spend days 8 and 9 seeing Bath and Wells, and take the train from Bath to London early on Day 10.
Also, North Wales or Welsh Marches? I very much enjoyed basing in Worcester and then Conwy last year, but I had a lot more time. (Click on my name for the UK by public transport TR.)
Do you want Yorkshire Dales or Cotswolds?
I would be inclined to take the second itinerary, but cut the Wells etc. down to one night in Bath, train to London. At the very least, spend days 8 and 9 seeing Bath and Wells, and take the train from Bath to London early on Day 10.
Also, North Wales or Welsh Marches? I very much enjoyed basing in Worcester and then Conwy last year, but I had a lot more time. (Click on my name for the UK by public transport TR.)
Aug 4th, 2017, 09:55 PM
#6
>>but honestly i think you're trying to squeeze in too much so that you would find yourselves doing more travelling than doing and seeing. <<
Absolutely ditto.
12 days is not very long at all. You really would not have time for the Cotswolds, Yorkshire and the Welsh Borders. . . <u>Unless</u> you drop London entirely.
A loop from MAN through Yorkshire, then down through the Cotswolds, then the Welsh Borders/North Wales and back to MAN would be a very doable 12 nights. You'd want maybe 2 or 3 nights in the Dales, 2 nights in York, 1 or 2 nights for the Wells area, 3 nights in the Cotswolds, and a couple of nights on the Borders/N. Wales.
If London is a must -- then pick either Yorkshire or the Cotswolds and drop either the Welsh Borders or Somerset. You will want a minimum of 4 nights in London and 5 or 6 would be better. One option: MAN > Welsh Borders 2 nights > the Cotswolds 3 nights > Wells area 2 nights, drop car at LHR and last 5 nights in London.
Absolutely ditto.
12 days is not very long at all. You really would not have time for the Cotswolds, Yorkshire and the Welsh Borders. . . <u>Unless</u> you drop London entirely.
A loop from MAN through Yorkshire, then down through the Cotswolds, then the Welsh Borders/North Wales and back to MAN would be a very doable 12 nights. You'd want maybe 2 or 3 nights in the Dales, 2 nights in York, 1 or 2 nights for the Wells area, 3 nights in the Cotswolds, and a couple of nights on the Borders/N. Wales.
If London is a must -- then pick either Yorkshire or the Cotswolds and drop either the Welsh Borders or Somerset. You will want a minimum of 4 nights in London and 5 or 6 would be better. One option: MAN > Welsh Borders 2 nights > the Cotswolds 3 nights > Wells area 2 nights, drop car at LHR and last 5 nights in London.
Aug 5th, 2017, 12:53 AM
#7
ann's itineraries really short change London! You need to start by deciding how much time you want to spend there - I would certainly want more.>>
So would I [want more time in London, that is], thursdaysd. But i was trying to work out what was possible, as opposed to preferable. Clearly if the OP decides on more time in London, something else will have to go.
So would I [want more time in London, that is], thursdaysd. But i was trying to work out what was possible, as opposed to preferable. Clearly if the OP decides on more time in London, something else will have to go.
Aug 5th, 2017, 03:10 AM
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janisj - Your itinerary "MAN > Welsh Borders 2 nights > the Cotswolds 3 nights > Wells area 2 nights, drop car at LHR and last 5 nights in London." is exactly what I have planned right now...
"Flying into Manchester we could work our way south with a car visiting Chester, Powis castle, drive along Welsh border (we'd probably plan 2 days and 2 nights for this taking our time and visiting a few National Trust properties and whatever else catches our eye), then into the Cotswolds for 3 days & nights making a home base at a cottage or b&b and doing day trips around the area, after that drive south and visit Castle Combe, Lacock, Stourhead, Wells, Glastonbury and onto Salisbury (breaking this up over 2 days & nights). Then head to London to drop off the car, most likely at Heathrow, and spend last 5 days and nights in London before flying home. "
...so that makes me think that it's doable then and that I should I just stick with this and forget trying to work in York?
I guess my two big questions still are:
1.Should I start or end with London? Is there a plus or disadvantage to this in terms of recovering from jet lag, getting acclimated, etc?
2. If I want to work in York I realize I can not also do Wells, Salisbury, etc. so I know I will be cutting that portion - but should I? Is York/Yorkshire going to be a more enjoyable way to spend a few days? I've hear from a few people that Chester is in some ways similar and will give you similar experience to York (minus the Minster).
Some things are pretty much set in stone for us - 5 nights in London, 3 nights in the Cotswolds - I am pretty firm on that. I just need to know the most enjoyable and commonsensicle in terms of our itinerary, that we fill in the other 4 nights. If it helps our interest include castles, ruins, history, old cemetaries, gardens, a bit of walking, and consuming as many cream teas and British chocolates, cheeses, etc. as possible.
"Flying into Manchester we could work our way south with a car visiting Chester, Powis castle, drive along Welsh border (we'd probably plan 2 days and 2 nights for this taking our time and visiting a few National Trust properties and whatever else catches our eye), then into the Cotswolds for 3 days & nights making a home base at a cottage or b&b and doing day trips around the area, after that drive south and visit Castle Combe, Lacock, Stourhead, Wells, Glastonbury and onto Salisbury (breaking this up over 2 days & nights). Then head to London to drop off the car, most likely at Heathrow, and spend last 5 days and nights in London before flying home. "
...so that makes me think that it's doable then and that I should I just stick with this and forget trying to work in York?
I guess my two big questions still are:
1.Should I start or end with London? Is there a plus or disadvantage to this in terms of recovering from jet lag, getting acclimated, etc?
2. If I want to work in York I realize I can not also do Wells, Salisbury, etc. so I know I will be cutting that portion - but should I? Is York/Yorkshire going to be a more enjoyable way to spend a few days? I've hear from a few people that Chester is in some ways similar and will give you similar experience to York (minus the Minster).
Some things are pretty much set in stone for us - 5 nights in London, 3 nights in the Cotswolds - I am pretty firm on that. I just need to know the most enjoyable and commonsensicle in terms of our itinerary, that we fill in the other 4 nights. If it helps our interest include castles, ruins, history, old cemetaries, gardens, a bit of walking, and consuming as many cream teas and British chocolates, cheeses, etc. as possible.
Aug 5th, 2017, 04:03 AM
#9
Yorkshire (I live here) is a much bigger place with a lot of ruined abbeys, castles and large urban areas some with world class art galleries.
Cotswolds (I'll be there in a few days) is more small towns in gently rolling countryside so very different place
Given your interests Yorkshire is the place, but because of its size you needed to be focused on what you want to see.
Cotswolds (I'll be there in a few days) is more small towns in gently rolling countryside so very different place
Given your interests Yorkshire is the place, but because of its size you needed to be focused on what you want to see.
Aug 5th, 2017, 04:09 AM
#10
I was in Chester last year, haven't been to York in a while, but I suppose it could substitute. It was very crowded when I was there, but no doubt York is very crowded now too.
Chester cathedral is certainly no substitute for York Minster, but Wells plus Bath could be. I would keep Bath because of the baths.
Provided you don't drive the day you arrive I don't know that it matters which way round you go, although now I think about it the airport taxes are likely to be higher flying out of LHR.
Chester cathedral is certainly no substitute for York Minster, but Wells plus Bath could be. I would keep Bath because of the baths.
Provided you don't drive the day you arrive I don't know that it matters which way round you go, although now I think about it the airport taxes are likely to be higher flying out of LHR.
Aug 5th, 2017, 06:34 AM
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I would start in London and then do your scenic drive. This allows you to recover from jetlag and sleepiness after a long overnight flight. Before you start driving on the other side of the street.
I loved Chester. It feels smaller than York, a nicely encompassable town -- encompassed by a wall. There were tourists but I thought there were Brits, not foreigners. We had 3 meals in memorable locations: one in the old refectory of the Abbey, one in an old chapel half a story below the current ground level, and one in a pub located in the Great Room of town house.
I know you don't need any additional destinations. But it seems a shame to pass so close to Conwy and its castle, not to speak of Caernarvon. Sorry, sorry....
I loved Chester. It feels smaller than York, a nicely encompassable town -- encompassed by a wall. There were tourists but I thought there were Brits, not foreigners. We had 3 meals in memorable locations: one in the old refectory of the Abbey, one in an old chapel half a story below the current ground level, and one in a pub located in the Great Room of town house.
I know you don't need any additional destinations. But it seems a shame to pass so close to Conwy and its castle, not to speak of Caernarvon. Sorry, sorry....
Aug 5th, 2017, 06:35 AM
#13
>>1.Should I start or end with London? Is there a plus or disadvantage to this in terms of recovering from jet lag, getting acclimated, etc? <<
6 of 1/half dozen of the other. The main thing is you don't want to be driving much or at all on your arrival day. MAN to Chester is only about 30 miles so that would be OK-ish to drive.
>>2. If I want to work in York I realize I can not also do Wells, Salisbury, etc. so I know I will be cutting that portion - but should I? Is York/Yorkshire going to be a more enjoyable way to spend a few days? I've hear from a few people that Chester is in some ways similar and will give you similar experience to York (minus the Minster).<<
I like Chester a lot, but I LOVE York/Yorkshire. Both Chester and York will be crowded but York (city) more so. If you want to explore Yorkshire - then what Id do is take the train from MAN to York and stay there 2 nights car-les, then collect a car and spend a couple of days/nights in the Dales > the Cotswolds 3 nights > drop the car at LHR and head into London for 5 nights. This would be my 'druthers' for 12 nights.
The route down through eastern Wales/the Cotswolds/Somerset then London would be good too. It might be flip a coin time.
>>Bath to me is the fairest looking town as a whole in England- a visual feast just to see if only passing thru.<<
It is VERY difficult to 'pass through' Bath. The driving and parking is a zoo, and using the recommended Park & Ride lots outside of town mean a quick peek at Bath is next to impossible. One needs devote an entire day -- or skip the hassle.
6 of 1/half dozen of the other. The main thing is you don't want to be driving much or at all on your arrival day. MAN to Chester is only about 30 miles so that would be OK-ish to drive.
>>2. If I want to work in York I realize I can not also do Wells, Salisbury, etc. so I know I will be cutting that portion - but should I? Is York/Yorkshire going to be a more enjoyable way to spend a few days? I've hear from a few people that Chester is in some ways similar and will give you similar experience to York (minus the Minster).<<
I like Chester a lot, but I LOVE York/Yorkshire. Both Chester and York will be crowded but York (city) more so. If you want to explore Yorkshire - then what Id do is take the train from MAN to York and stay there 2 nights car-les, then collect a car and spend a couple of days/nights in the Dales > the Cotswolds 3 nights > drop the car at LHR and head into London for 5 nights. This would be my 'druthers' for 12 nights.
The route down through eastern Wales/the Cotswolds/Somerset then London would be good too. It might be flip a coin time.
>>Bath to me is the fairest looking town as a whole in England- a visual feast just to see if only passing thru.<<
It is VERY difficult to 'pass through' Bath. The driving and parking is a zoo, and using the recommended Park & Ride lots outside of town mean a quick peek at Bath is next to impossible. One needs devote an entire day -- or skip the hassle.
Aug 5th, 2017, 06:59 AM
#14
Just a few other comments
1) do not drive Manchester to York. I used to do it daily and it is not a nice motorway.
2) do take the train Manchester to York, very relaxing after a long flight and the coffee at the Manchester airport station is very good.
Bath is a pain to park in. I've been going to the town over the last 40 years and it gets worse and worse. If you do, and you pay for a car park you need at least a 4 hours ticket just to scrape the surface (so at least 4 hours), and restaurants fill up fast.
Cathedrals; for me Salisbury cathedral is the most sublime (my mother lived there for a few years), York is the most bold and dominating (my mother in law lived there for a few years), Wells is very pretty (my sister lived... you get the picture)
1) do not drive Manchester to York. I used to do it daily and it is not a nice motorway.
2) do take the train Manchester to York, very relaxing after a long flight and the coffee at the Manchester airport station is very good.
Bath is a pain to park in. I've been going to the town over the last 40 years and it gets worse and worse. If you do, and you pay for a car park you need at least a 4 hours ticket just to scrape the surface (so at least 4 hours), and restaurants fill up fast.
Cathedrals; for me Salisbury cathedral is the most sublime (my mother lived there for a few years), York is the most bold and dominating (my mother in law lived there for a few years), Wells is very pretty (my sister lived... you get the picture)
Aug 5th, 2017, 07:26 AM
#15
" There were tourists but I thought there were Brits, not foreigners. "
A crowd is a crowd. At least the Chester one was without horrible ego-sticks. In fact, I saw very few if any of them on my trip to Dorset and the Welsh Marches, maybe that is a UK vs. foreign tourist distinction?
I thought we were suggesting at least one night in Bath? I would drop the car there and train to London.
A crowd is a crowd. At least the Chester one was without horrible ego-sticks. In fact, I saw very few if any of them on my trip to Dorset and the Welsh Marches, maybe that is a UK vs. foreign tourist distinction?
I thought we were suggesting at least one night in Bath? I would drop the car there and train to London.
Aug 5th, 2017, 07:32 AM
#16
It would be tougher to squeeze in Bath if they want 5 nights in London. Plus the OP says >>Also, I am aware that I do not have Stonehenge or Bath on this itinerary, <u>neither are priorities on this trip</u>.<<
A lot of people are pushing Bath - which is a wonderful place -- but if it is not a priority, it does add the hassle factor. If Bath was a priority, then there would be ways to include it. If it isn't - then avoid the crowds/hassle.
A lot of people are pushing Bath - which is a wonderful place -- but if it is not a priority, it does add the hassle factor. If Bath was a priority, then there would be ways to include it. If it isn't - then avoid the crowds/hassle.
Aug 5th, 2017, 08:14 AM
#17
Re: bath: - Good catch janisj - I had forgotten that.
" MAN to Chester is only about 30 miles so that would be OK-ish to drive."
Not really - a micro-sleep can hit any time. However, also unnecessary. Take a direct train from Manchester Airport to Chester (one direct train an hour). For that matter, change in Chester for Conwy - two nights in Conwy, train to Chester for one night (don't think it's worth more), pick up car.
For my visit to Conwy and Chester start here (links at the top of the page):
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...stle-and-more/
" MAN to Chester is only about 30 miles so that would be OK-ish to drive."
Not really - a micro-sleep can hit any time. However, also unnecessary. Take a direct train from Manchester Airport to Chester (one direct train an hour). For that matter, change in Chester for Conwy - two nights in Conwy, train to Chester for one night (don't think it's worth more), pick up car.
For my visit to Conwy and Chester start here (links at the top of the page):
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...stle-and-more/
Aug 6th, 2017, 03:04 AM
#19
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Wow, thank you for so many wonderful suggestions! Where to begin…
York/Yorkshire: I have read a bit on the area and we’d probably try to keep any exploring to an area roughly between Helmsley, Masham and Pateley bridge - hopefully taking in Fountains Abbey too along the way - as this seems somewhat doable.
Bath:It’s not that I have no interest in Bath - I like the ties to Jane Austen and the regency area, I’d want to take in the fashion museum, the baths, etc. - However, my husband has zero interest in any of this. So, I’d feel rushed through it, he’d be grumbling, and I couldn’t really properly do it. Since it seems congested and crowded I don’t think I could do a quick pop in to Bath and even if I did get a quick slapdash sort of visit, there’s be no real point other than to check it off the list and say that I’d been there.
Rick Steve’s recommends beginning your UK trip in Bath by training there directly upon landing. We could follow this advice and spend our first day and night here before picking up a car and heading into the Cotswolds - but that’s the only way we could tie in Bath that makes sense really as we would skip the hassle of driving/parking this way.
Tourists: Since we, ourselves will be tourists, I guess I shouldn’t bad mouth them...but. We are considerate, non selfie stick carrying types and really don’t want to be part of the mad crush. I realize we’ll have to deal with them throughout the trip, but would like to have a few more off the beaten path experiences. This is why I thought the Marches area would be a nice reprieve - many travel books just skip right over it entirely so I feel we may have more of the place to ourselves.
Transportation: I’ve been using thetrainline.com website to get an idea of tickets/routes and prices a few months out. It seems to offer tickets further out in advance than the National Rail or Virgin sites which also makes them cheaper if you book ahead, which I plan to do.
York/Yorkshire: I have read a bit on the area and we’d probably try to keep any exploring to an area roughly between Helmsley, Masham and Pateley bridge - hopefully taking in Fountains Abbey too along the way - as this seems somewhat doable.
Bath:It’s not that I have no interest in Bath - I like the ties to Jane Austen and the regency area, I’d want to take in the fashion museum, the baths, etc. - However, my husband has zero interest in any of this. So, I’d feel rushed through it, he’d be grumbling, and I couldn’t really properly do it. Since it seems congested and crowded I don’t think I could do a quick pop in to Bath and even if I did get a quick slapdash sort of visit, there’s be no real point other than to check it off the list and say that I’d been there.
Rick Steve’s recommends beginning your UK trip in Bath by training there directly upon landing. We could follow this advice and spend our first day and night here before picking up a car and heading into the Cotswolds - but that’s the only way we could tie in Bath that makes sense really as we would skip the hassle of driving/parking this way.
Tourists: Since we, ourselves will be tourists, I guess I shouldn’t bad mouth them...but. We are considerate, non selfie stick carrying types and really don’t want to be part of the mad crush. I realize we’ll have to deal with them throughout the trip, but would like to have a few more off the beaten path experiences. This is why I thought the Marches area would be a nice reprieve - many travel books just skip right over it entirely so I feel we may have more of the place to ourselves.
Transportation: I’ve been using thetrainline.com website to get an idea of tickets/routes and prices a few months out. It seems to offer tickets further out in advance than the National Rail or Virgin sites which also makes them cheaper if you book ahead, which I plan to do.
Aug 6th, 2017, 04:06 AM
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Hi, litchickmi. I've been to England around a dozen times now, and I have always liked ending my vacation in London. London is just easier/more relaxing IMO, then managing the rental car/public transportation/hikes/B&Bs of the less-populated areas. The countryside is no less wonderful, but it takes more mental power than the city, so I like to get the more "strenuous" stuff done when my energy is at its highest.
And leaving London for home, there's always that melancholy that you haven't seen all there is to see in the city, but it's softened a bit by the fact that you'll be going home and sleeping in your own bed after a long vacation. When I've done London first, I've felt a bit more regret thinking I'd like to linger longer in the city.
As for York, I know others like it, but I didn't find the city itself all that charming. Have never felt a need to return. I loved the countryside, ruins and stately houses outside the city, but as you'll have the Cotswolds, you'll get lots of natural beauty, and enough history elsewhere.
On your jet lag day in Manchester, I really don't recommend driving in your rental car. I did this once, and it would have been safer and much less stressful on a good night's rest. I was a decade younger then, too, but it was still not safe, and not the most pleasant way to start a vacation.
An idea would be to stay a night in the Man airport (I know, I know... hear me out), but on your first day, take the bus (from the airport--it's so easy) to Quarry Bank Mill. If it's a nice day, you'll get a good walk in the sunshine, get a lot of history, and tea and scones in their cafe, and a ride back to the airport for you to get your maps and things sorted for the drive south the next morning. I thought Quarry Bank was a fantastic National Trust property. Wanting to hit the ground running and make the most of your vacation time is understandable, but there's something to be said for easing in to a holiday, and letting your body and brain acclimate so you can get the most out of your precious time in England.
Just an idea. I envy you the vacation! Sounds wonderful. Post back with more specific questions about locales as your itinerary firms up. The fodorites have given me lots of excellent advice through the years.
And leaving London for home, there's always that melancholy that you haven't seen all there is to see in the city, but it's softened a bit by the fact that you'll be going home and sleeping in your own bed after a long vacation. When I've done London first, I've felt a bit more regret thinking I'd like to linger longer in the city.
As for York, I know others like it, but I didn't find the city itself all that charming. Have never felt a need to return. I loved the countryside, ruins and stately houses outside the city, but as you'll have the Cotswolds, you'll get lots of natural beauty, and enough history elsewhere.
On your jet lag day in Manchester, I really don't recommend driving in your rental car. I did this once, and it would have been safer and much less stressful on a good night's rest. I was a decade younger then, too, but it was still not safe, and not the most pleasant way to start a vacation.
An idea would be to stay a night in the Man airport (I know, I know... hear me out), but on your first day, take the bus (from the airport--it's so easy) to Quarry Bank Mill. If it's a nice day, you'll get a good walk in the sunshine, get a lot of history, and tea and scones in their cafe, and a ride back to the airport for you to get your maps and things sorted for the drive south the next morning. I thought Quarry Bank was a fantastic National Trust property. Wanting to hit the ground running and make the most of your vacation time is understandable, but there's something to be said for easing in to a holiday, and letting your body and brain acclimate so you can get the most out of your precious time in England.
Just an idea. I envy you the vacation! Sounds wonderful. Post back with more specific questions about locales as your itinerary firms up. The fodorites have given me lots of excellent advice through the years.
