msedlacek

I'm taking a trip with my sister to England and possibly Wales next year. These are the top six places, besides London we'd like to visit. Any advice on where to go first or where to "base" and how long we should plan for this to take? We are willing/able to stay different places every few nights. Would traveling on train then taxi get us to these, or must we rent a vehicle?
Thanks for the assistance!

Nonconformist

"These are the top six places, besides London we'd like to visit"

You've forgotten to say what they are.

azzure

Also, it would be helpful to know how much time you have.

janisj

Which places? How much time are you considering? AND -- What time of year?

msedlacek

We are thinking of going in either May or September. We have two weeks.

hetismij

Ok so now we know when and for how long, but still not what your top six places are!

janisj

&quot;<i>These are the top six places, besides London we'd like to visit</i>&quot;

I guess we could play 20 questions -- but it would be a LOT easier if you told us . . . . .

Nonconformist

In any case, two weeks for seven places including London is unlikely to be adequate.

msedlacek

We'd like to visit the Cotswolds, perhaps Clovelly, see Cambridge or Oxford, spend a night in a castle, spend some time in London, take a train to Edinburgh and stay a night there. I don't know, I've never been there. I'd like to see mostly villages, pubs, quaint shops and cottages, countryside...like that.
Overly ambitious?

janisj

Phew - we finally have your wish list. (We were ready to help you 8 days ago if you had included the info)

OK - now for some reality checking . . . .

• London - at least 5 or 6 days
• Cotswolds - west of London
• Clovelly - in far southwest England
• Cambridge - in far eastern England
• or Oxford - near the Cotswolds
• spend a night in a castle - possible - there are castle hotels all over the country.
• Edinburgh - <u>way</u> up north in Scotland.

This is not really recommended/possible in 2 weeks.

My suggestions are to first look at a map and see where these places are. They are spread over the place covering a HUGE area.

Then after you have studied the map - read a couple of general guidebooks like Fodors Great Britain or the Michelin Green Guide to give you at least a little idea what is doable.

One reasonable plan might look something like:

Fly into Edinburgh, spend 2 or 3 nights. Fly or take the train to London. Spend 5 - 7 nights. Train to Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds, stay 2 nights. Train to Oxford for one night. Bus from Oxford to Heathrow to fly home.

This would require an open jaw ticket into Edinburgh (or possible Glasgow) and out of London.

grumlin

This is the trip we just planned . Fly into London, 3 days, fly Easy Jet to Edinburgh , two days, Easy Jet to Bristol. Rent a car visit Bath, Stratford Upon Avon, 2 or 3 days, Cotswolds and then drive back to London, return car. We found the Flight on Easy Jet was inexpensive and saved a ton of time. Thought it best to drive through Bath and Cotswolds and Oxford. Then Catch Eurostar to Paris.

grumlin

Forgot to add, what will the weather be like in November in London, Edinburgh and Paris, trying to work out what to pack....

jamikins

Its always impossible to precisely predict but in Nov I would expect rain and wind alot of the time. Be sure to pack a sturdy umbrella and warm clothes. I am in London and already have my winter jacket, scarf and gloves out!

Sunny days will be cold.

rogeruktm

If me and it was my first trip I would spend all except one day in London seeing the real major sites... great museums, parks, shopping, plays, and the like. Then either a day tour or better yet, the train to either York or Bath. Both very popular places to visit from London for the day.

Lynn_Gibson

I think that janisj's itinerary is terrific. It gives you a variety without rushing around too much.

I agree with rogeruktm that you could spend virtually all your time in London (and still not see it all) - but it is great to spend some time out of London and see what the rest of Great Britain has to offer.

Having traveled to London at least 8 times, I still haven't seen all there is to see. But - I always look forward to my next trip (hoping to get there this December. And I'm so glad that I've had the opportunity to venture outside of London to the Cotswolds, Scotland, Rye, Shrewsbury, Wales, etc. to get a balanced idea of what Great Britain is like. Kind of like thinking that you have seen the USA, if you have spent a week or two in New York City.

PalenQ

Mes- will that itinerary by train strongly investigate the Brit Rail Pass - which can be used on any train any time. www.nationalrail.co.uk gives schedules and fares - there are many deep discounted fares but these often must be scooped up in advance and then restrict you to a certain non-changeable train. One Edinburgh native said that she has never been able to get a cheap fare to London that jived with her times - so the pass is great - not only could save you money given a wide ranging itinerary but can be used just by showing up on any train. Not sold at stations in the U.K. - Brits cannot use them.

grumlin

Thanks for the weather advice will put in a warm coat and gloves. Splurging on a castle hotel in Edinburgh and Thornbury so economizing in London.Staying in an apt, any ideas to save cash on eating out in London? will have tiny kitchen for breakfast. But want to eat out for other meals and possibly tea.

yk

Timeout London has a cheap eats section (available on its website).

lennyba

Cheap London eats: Pizza Express, Belgo Centraal, Stockpot, Pret or M&amp;S for sandwiches.

PalenQ

There are a lot more cheaper eats now with the Pound in freefall - $1.60 or so vs $2.10 about not long ago.

same food but cheaper (but still not cheap vs U.S. standards)