"...pushing it to fit all of thosee into alloted time.." is an understatement, to say the least.

Can you tell us a little more about what you and hubby like to do as that would help us narrow things down. And how long do you have on the ground? Are your travel days to England and home again part of the 8 or 9 days.

I would enjoy any or all of the places you mentioned.

If York were to be your base, there is lots to do in York itself--the minster, the Jorvik center (York was a Viking city and excavations have turned up lots to tell about life in Viking days), walk around the walls (google York images to see how comfortable you would be with a toddler), the train museum, explo0re the medievil streets, the York Museum which gives a picture of life in nineteenth century York,lifford's Tower, and much more.

There is much to see in the area around York. Rent a car and enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic lunch. I think that Whitby and Scarborough are drivable, although a long day, from York for your day at the shore. Fountains Abbey and Riveaulx are ruins that are worth an explore. Thirsk, James Herriot's (If you are a fan of "All things Bright and Beautiful" home, is doable. Castle Howard (setting of another PBS series) is doable.

Morgana who frequently posts here lives in Yorkshire and can give you lots more info. Enter her name in the search box and look for posts on which she has commented.

If you were to base in Cambridge, there is much to see. The Air Museum at Duxford has World War II planes. There is one hangar devoted to American aircraft of that vintage. I remember going there with my Dad and seeing the kind of plane that he flew and being very overwhelmed with how primitive it seemed. There are lots of small towns such as Saffron Walden (Waldron?) and Lavenham which are worth exploring. The Norfolk Broads are nearby (think Constable country). Ely Cathedral is within easy driving. Ely is one of my favorite cathedrals.

If you are into gardens, Kent would be a good base. Sissinghurst, Hever (Ann Boleyn), Ightham Mote are all scenic. Canterbury Cathedral and its environs are lovely. Dover with its castle and World War II fortifications is there.

These are just a few random ideas. Please let us know what sort of things you like to do so that we can better help.

having lived in Kent, I'm biased in favour of irish's last suggestion - lots of interesting things to see in a small area, plus the option of going to the seaside on a nice day.

my other suggestion would be Cornwall - [biased again, it's where i live now] which is wonderful in the spring with lovely gardens, beaches and scenery. you could get the train to Truro, tour the area, then stop off in Bath on the way back and train back to london.

Your options are just about limitless - so what sorts of things do you want to see/do?

Just a few 2-base options would be: London/Cornwall or Devon, London/Kent, London/the Cotswolds, London/York, London/Edinburgh . . . Or skip London entirely this time (If you plan on future European trips you can easily tack on a few days in London at the beginning or end).

If you do decide to skip London pick any two places from the above list since flying into London isn't mandatory. You could fly into MAN or GLA or EDI etc . . .

Going with Irishface. York is tremendous www.visityork.org , railway museum, cathedral, medieval shopping area, river boating, city park, the wall etc easy to get to by train from London. A car is not needed in the city but rental useful for everywhere around. Fun things to do include visiting the local national parks, a good number of very lovely abbey ruins in wonderful places, local agricultural shows, steam railways (evening meals) http://www.nymr.co.uk/

Nearby Leeds, Lincoln if you want another city to visit.

Morgana will tell a better story about North Yorkshire. If you search on her name you will find more details

Thanks everyone for your suggestions thus far! I already have a lot to research to do based on these posts! If we were to base in York for 4-5 days, would it be absolutely crazy to consider squeezing in a day trip to Edinburgh? I know that it would be a long day (2.5 hrs each way by train?), and I'm sure we'd be short changing Edinburgh, but I'd hate to miss it altogether, being that close! That sounds like a rookie mistake, I'm sure

In response to a couple of questions: the 8 or 9 days will be time we have on the ground (we usually plan on 10-12 day trips, so I'm figuring two days for travel time). Regarding interests, we both enjoy history, and historical places, museums, etc. We enjoy walking (and the Toddler is comfortable being strapped to a back in order for us to do this), and so a day or two exploring the Cotswolds and/or Yorkshire Dales by foot wouldn't be frowned upon. Also, I've long been interested in the British Monarchy and aristocracy, and enjoy touring castles, homes, etc (though I can probably only get the Husband to agree to one or two).

Hi danielle,

if you decide on York, i can recommend this hotel : http://www.deancourt-york.co.uk/

it's a while since i stayed there but the reviews suggest that its standards haven't dropped. Very central but quiet and near everything you'd want to see.

you could get the train straight from London to York, spend a few days in the city, then pick up a car and tour the Yorkshire Dales. The area around Grassington [Wharfdale] is lovely with loads of not too demanding walking. We stayed here: http://www.bridge-end-farm.co.uk/ - they have a family room where there is a possibility of your little one sleeping in a separate room - that might appeal as might the garden.

then drive down to the Cotswolds, tour, and return car to Oxford, and train/bus back to London. [I think that would fill the time you have amply.]

Alternatively, you could fly into Edinburgh, spend a few days there, pick up a car and drive to the Dales, tour, then drive to york, deposit car, and get train to London.

again, i think that sort of trip wouldn't leave a lot of time for anything else.

Thank you Ann!

The day trip to Edinburgh is possible but will be a long one (your shout I'm afraid). I suggest avoid the festival period as the place is crowded.
Also, I understand people run up and down skyscrappers in the US to get fit, well welcome to Edinburgh, the place is hilly.

The train journey is very pretty and people tend to like to sit on the East side of the coach to get the best views.

ttt

Thank you all for your input. Alas, the Husband hasn't bitten for this trip, though he did admit that we should keep it in mind for a future jaunt. Now to start brainstorming another itinerary. I appreciate everyone's help and am bookmarking this for another time!