vicky

It's the first time I'm going to the UK and am wondering if July is a good time to go. I'd like to take advantage of the 2 extra days my husband and I get off for 4th of July to extend our trip and I'm just wondering if July will be ultra crowded everywhere or if it's not too bad. We plan to go to London, Canterbury, Rye, Stonehenge, Bath, Wales, Fountain's Abbey, Edinburgh, Glascow, St Andrew's, Dublin and Cork. We'll have 22 days if we can go at that time. Any advice would be appreciated.<BR>

M. Giggle

Vicky, <BR><BR>I was in London last 4th of July, and yes, it's crowded compared to spring and fall -- there's no getting 'round it. When we lived in England, I prefered to stay away from tourist spots in July and August. (Especially Canterbury and Rye.) <BR><BR>But it can still be a lot of fun. If I were going all the way over there, I'd certainly take the opportuniity to extend my trip. You might especially enjoy a couple of days in the countryside, which is incomparably beautiful in the summer. Enjoy!!<BR><BR>

Suzy

Early July isn't as bad in the UK as in the US because the kids in the UK don't get their summer break until later in July.<BR><BR>You have named 12 places that you want to visit in 22 days, including the city of London and the country of Wales as well as two cities in Scotland and two in Ireland. A lovely 3-week vacation could be planned around and 3 or 4 of those 12. I do hope that you're in the early planning stages and are wiling to drop maybe a country or two from that itnierary -- or you won't feel like you've really seen anything! Perhaps you' ve underestimated some of the travel times involved.

sylvia

Yes, it will be pretty crowded. Oddly enough, it can often be easier to get into a good restaurant in July and August because most Londoners are out of town.

Jenny

In Scotland, the schools break up for Summer at the beginning of July, so it may well be busier in Edinburgh, Glasgow, etc. English, Welsh and (I think) N.Irish schools don't come off until mid/late July.<BR><BR>Might be something to consider for planning in which order you want to see/do things.<BR>

Rand McNally

Dublin and Cork are not in the UK.

Ben Haines

Many Londoners are out of town, but not most. We never reach the state of poor old Paris in August, deserted by most of her citizens.<BR><BR>I agree that you should halve your visits.<BR><BR>Welcome to Britain.<BR><BR>Ben Haines

vicky

Thank you all for your constructive advice=)It sounds as though maybe we should plan on going in the beginning of September instead. That way we can still take advantage of the extra day we get off for Labor Day. A few of you suggested we cut our destinations in half but I am hesitant to do so because this will probably be our only trip to the British Isles. We live in Hawaii and Europe's quite a ways away. Here is our itinerary so far. Is it really too much? What would you change?<BR>Days 1-5 London.<BR>Day 6 Drive to Canterbury, spend night in Rye.<BR>Day 7 drive to Stonehenge, spend night in Bath.<BR>Days 8-10 Drive to and through Wales.<BR>Day 11 Drive to and spend night in Fountains Abbey since it's on the way to Glascow.<BR>Days 12-13 Drive to and see Glascow.<BR>Days 14-15 Drive to and see St. Andrews.<BR>Days 16-17 Drive to and see Edinburgh.<BR>Days 18-19 Fly to and see Dublin.<BR>Days 20-21 Cork<BR>Day 22 Return home.<BR>I'm thinking driving will be as time consuming as flying now with heightened security and having to check in so early. Also, by driving, we get to see the countryside!<BR>Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.<BR>Mahalo,<BR>~Vicky<BR>

edie

The first trip I ever took to England was in mid-september and the weather was the best I have had. Have also been in November, June, July. Am going again this coming September and am hoping for a repeat of the first time.

jpm

Vicky, <BR><BR>It seems like you have planned out your itenirary very well. Some will say you are rushing but I think you will find that you have plenty of time to see all that you want. Yes, some days will require a bit of driving but by starting early you shouldn't have any problems. <BR><BR>We did a whirlwind tour of England last year and I felt pleased with all we saw and did. I have a complete travelogue at www.appleberryroad.com if you are interested.<BR><BR>On a side note, I am headed Hawaii (Oahu and BI) for my first time in 18 days!!! Wooohoooo! I'm so excited!<BR><BR>Have a great time and write direct if you have any specific questions. <BR><BR>Hope you and your husband have a great time!<BR><BR>jpm

bob

Exciting itinerary! If I can post my .02 I alway tell people to fit in Avebury standing stones even above Stonehenge. Avebury is in the middle of a village and truly awe-inspiring! you can see Stonehenge from the road, but Avebury you have to walk the village. And I could spend a week in Wales every visit and not get tired of it. Bangor is a great stopping point for all Northern Wales scenic vistas. Llandro railway is breathtaking - <BR><BR>have a great trip - enjoy what you see enjoy what you want to see....<BR><BR><BR>