The Cotswalds, Scotland and Wales
Jul 11th, 2014, 11:58 AM
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The Cotswalds, Scotland and Wales
Okay, I admit that I have not purchased any travel books, but they are on my to do list. We just decided this week to plan a 3 week trip to the above areas. I have been to other countries in Europe multiple times, but have only visited London once. We have toured Ireland before. I have no idea how to begin this planning. We have never taken tours and I have always driven or used the trains for transportation. I am thinking we could rent a place in a The Cotswalds for a week, and perhaps do the same for Scotland and Wales. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated. Also, when is the best time of year to travel to these destinations? TIA!
Jul 11th, 2014, 12:20 PM
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I'm midway through a trip report about our two weeks in Wales with Mr. Pickle's a capella men's choir. We left the USA May 23rd and returned on June 6th. Our weather was gorgeous. Here's a link to the report: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-and-wales.cfm
If you click my name, you'll find my other trip report from early May 2007; we visited the Cotswolds and north Wales on that visit.
It takes longer to get around in Wales than you might think, so you may want to spend a week just in one part of the country. What about Wales appeals to you?
Lee Ann
If you click my name, you'll find my other trip report from early May 2007; we visited the Cotswolds and north Wales on that visit.
It takes longer to get around in Wales than you might think, so you may want to spend a week just in one part of the country. What about Wales appeals to you?
Lee Ann
Jul 11th, 2014, 12:21 PM
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Whoops! I accidentally linked to your post, not my trip report. Let's try again: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...yjune-2014.cfm
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
Jul 12th, 2014, 02:35 AM
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Scotland is way bigger than either of the two areas with multiple islands so you need a real focus on what you want to do there. The Edinburgh-Glasgow axis is where most people live but you may prefer Orkney, Mull etc
Jul 12th, 2014, 09:11 AM
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Yes, kraines, we enjoyed it very much. Mr. Pickle and I helped plan the itinerary, so we made sure to include visits to places we didn't have time to see on our first visit. 
If you spend a few days in north Wales, you can visit Edward I's "iron ring" of castles, Bodnant Gardens, and Snowdonia National Park. South Wales has more national parks, the National Botanic Garden, and a wide variety of activities. It all depends on what you want to do.
Our travel agent and tour operator arranged all our hotels, most of which included breakfast and dinner in the room rate, and I'm not sure what the price per night would have been. We enjoyed fairly inexpensive lunches - sandwiches mostly, but some takeaway food and other things.
What is your budget for lodging and food?
Lee Ann
If you spend a few days in north Wales, you can visit Edward I's "iron ring" of castles, Bodnant Gardens, and Snowdonia National Park. South Wales has more national parks, the National Botanic Garden, and a wide variety of activities. It all depends on what you want to do.
Our travel agent and tour operator arranged all our hotels, most of which included breakfast and dinner in the room rate, and I'm not sure what the price per night would have been. We enjoyed fairly inexpensive lunches - sandwiches mostly, but some takeaway food and other things.
What is your budget for lodging and food?
Lee Ann
Jul 14th, 2014, 02:45 PM
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In my opinion, the best of Scotland is seldom visited! Very weather dependant, but the train from Fort William to Mallaig is very scenic, sometimes steam, and has Harry Potter connections. There are beautiful white sand deserted beaches on that road trip. Up the west coast is wild and wonderful.
The architecture, and the 'feel', of Glasgow and Edinburgh is completely different despite their proximity. Really depends what your interests are, but I would advise visiting Scotland in May or June - uaually the weather is better and the midges are not at their peak!
The architecture, and the 'feel', of Glasgow and Edinburgh is completely different despite their proximity. Really depends what your interests are, but I would advise visiting Scotland in May or June - uaually the weather is better and the midges are not at their peak!
Jul 14th, 2014, 06:41 PM
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http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/
One of the greatest highlights of our many trips to the UK over many years has been the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I thought I'd suffer through it - because my husband insisted we go. It was more than worth it and I highly recommend it if you will be going in August (when it is normally held). It is visited by people from all over the world.
One of the greatest highlights of our many trips to the UK over many years has been the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I thought I'd suffer through it - because my husband insisted we go. It was more than worth it and I highly recommend it if you will be going in August (when it is normally held). It is visited by people from all over the world.
Jul 14th, 2014, 07:49 PM
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https://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Wales#
Just a small part of Northern Wales and the English gateway city of Chester I will also include some Scotland scenes for fsmiliarization (below). Some pics were taken in the early 2000's, others as far back as 1980.
Just a small part of Northern Wales and the English gateway city of Chester I will also include some Scotland scenes for fsmiliarization (below). Some pics were taken in the early 2000's, others as far back as 1980.
Jul 14th, 2014, 07:57 PM
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https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...LakesAndWales# (more for your perusal..some duplicates) Enjoy your trip.
Jul 14th, 2014, 08:00 PM
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Jul 18th, 2014, 01:19 PM
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Thanks everyone! Been doing lots of research online. I think that we want to rent a house in each place, there will be two couples. We have done this in other parts of Europe and enjoy not having to pack and move around so much. I realize we will have to drive a good bit, but so far that is the plan.
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