1st trip to UK-Devon or Cornwall ?
Oct 18th, 2004, 09:06 AM
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1st trip to UK-Devon or Cornwall ?
We will be taking our 1st trip to England in April 2006. We have a timeshare that we are trading in for a place there. My question is....most timeshares are in Cornwall or Devon. We will spemd a few days in London before we go to the timeshare. We plan on renting a car and enjoy quaint villages. Which area would you suggest for a "newbie" to the area? Just 2 adults going. Thanks !
Oct 18th, 2004, 09:27 AM
#2
I am partial to Devon because I've spent a lot time there and, in your case, it's a slightly closer drive to London. In either North or South Devon you'll be within reach of the coastline and the moors.
The truth is you mostly can't go wrong in either location so the discriminator might be the town or village you'll be visiting. You mentioned timeshare so the is the point of destination already determined?
The truth is you mostly can't go wrong in either location so the discriminator might be the town or village you'll be visiting. You mentioned timeshare so the is the point of destination already determined?
Oct 18th, 2004, 09:42 AM
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I'll put in a vote for Cornwall. And it will be particularly lovely in April with things starting to bloom, but we're from Canada so don't mind some cool days and rain (which, when it comes to England can happen at any time). Devon is also lovely, but to me is not as mysterious and breathtaking as Cornwall.
Perhaps you can tell us where the two timeshares (or are there more?) are located and we might be able to help you with places to see in the area. And if one place was on or near the water I would pick it, whether Cornwall or Devon.
Perhaps you can tell us where the two timeshares (or are there more?) are located and we might be able to help you with places to see in the area. And if one place was on or near the water I would pick it, whether Cornwall or Devon.
Oct 18th, 2004, 10:04 AM
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There are many timeshare in Southwest England that we may have the opportunity to use, depending on their availability. Most are located in the Devon or Cornwall area, so was wondering which place would be closest to attractions for a 1st timer. We want to see Stonehenge, Bath and are not sure if these are close enough to do day trips to. You can see how new I am to figuring out England !
Oct 18th, 2004, 10:12 AM
#5
Well, Devon will be closer to Bath/Salisbury than Cornwall but it's going to take you at least a couple of hours and possible more to get to Bath. Might be smarter to take a day and visit those places enroute (or overnight) to Devon or CW.
Closer to attractions? There are many. If you have some must-sees we can help you sort it out.
Closer to attractions? There are many. If you have some must-sees we can help you sort it out.
Oct 18th, 2004, 10:58 AM
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Actually - "most" properties are not in Devon Cornwall. There are wonderful resorts all over the country. Over the years I have probably stayed in 15 different UK timeshares. Some of the very best are in Scotland.
Many of the ones in Cornwall and Devon are relatively small properties so the likelihood of getting a specific one for your dates is pretty iffy.
What you want to do is plow through the RCI directory (be sure to also check the ones w/o photos at the back of the Europe section) and then do research on the different towns and decide where you'd like to go.
Devon and Cornwall are lovely of course -- but also they are a loooong drive from London.
Three places that might fit your needs are:
Elmer's Court. It is on the edge of the New Forest and the Channel/Solent acroos from the Isle of Wight. This is a TERRIFIC area for sightseeing. Much more to see/do that possible in your single week.
Walton Hall. This is between Stratford upon Avon and Warwick and is very convenient for the Cotswolds, Oxford, etc. Stouts Hill in the Forest of Dean between the Cotswolds and S Wales is also a really good choice for that area.
Brantridge: This one is in West Sussex and really convenient for the gardens and castles of Sussex/Kent.
My favorite is Sutton Hall in Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe north of York. It is near the North Yorkshire Moors, York, Thirsk (James Herriott connections) and Castle Howard.
BUT -- if you have specific dates -- you need to pick two or three options and then leave it to RCI to get you a place.
Many of the ones in Cornwall and Devon are relatively small properties so the likelihood of getting a specific one for your dates is pretty iffy.
What you want to do is plow through the RCI directory (be sure to also check the ones w/o photos at the back of the Europe section) and then do research on the different towns and decide where you'd like to go.
Devon and Cornwall are lovely of course -- but also they are a loooong drive from London.
Three places that might fit your needs are:
Elmer's Court. It is on the edge of the New Forest and the Channel/Solent acroos from the Isle of Wight. This is a TERRIFIC area for sightseeing. Much more to see/do that possible in your single week.
Walton Hall. This is between Stratford upon Avon and Warwick and is very convenient for the Cotswolds, Oxford, etc. Stouts Hill in the Forest of Dean between the Cotswolds and S Wales is also a really good choice for that area.
Brantridge: This one is in West Sussex and really convenient for the gardens and castles of Sussex/Kent.
My favorite is Sutton Hall in Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe north of York. It is near the North Yorkshire Moors, York, Thirsk (James Herriott connections) and Castle Howard.
BUT -- if you have specific dates -- you need to pick two or three options and then leave it to RCI to get you a place.
Oct 18th, 2004, 12:55 PM
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We toured Devon and Cornwall this August (just missed the flood at Boscastle!). Overall, we preferred north Devon--Clovelly, Lynton, Lynmouth--to Cornwall. Most of the seacoast fishing villages in Cornwall are very similar, not a whole lot of distinction. We did enjoy the vast moors of Dartmoor Forest.
Cheers,
Jinx Hoover
Cheers,
Jinx Hoover
Oct 18th, 2004, 01:43 PM
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Janis:
Thanks for the RCI info. We are open for dates (mid April-mid May). We were offered Walton Hall but I turned it down because in the review someome commented on the "hike" from the parking area to the rooms. I have arthritis and would like a place that is not too physically demanding. I have been to Italy twice so am aware of the physical demands, but like to sace the energy for touring towns, not hiking to the room. Is that a fair assessment of Walton Hall? Thanks for the info, it is a big help.
Thanks for the RCI info. We are open for dates (mid April-mid May). We were offered Walton Hall but I turned it down because in the review someome commented on the "hike" from the parking area to the rooms. I have arthritis and would like a place that is not too physically demanding. I have been to Italy twice so am aware of the physical demands, but like to sace the energy for touring towns, not hiking to the room. Is that a fair assessment of Walton Hall? Thanks for the info, it is a big help.
Oct 18th, 2004, 02:09 PM
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We spent a few days in May in the Devon area and then went on to Bath. I loved Devon, there is certainly alot of variety between the moors, the villages and the water. We stayed in Teignmouth and unfortunately never made it to the Northern/Western part of Devon. The cream teas are superb, yum!! Try to arrange a private access to Stonehenge. Look for information on this forum about that. Have a great trip. If you have any questions I will be happy to help. Deborah
Oct 18th, 2004, 02:21 PM
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maybe this will help...
when i first went to devon (before ever going to cornwall) i loved the charm and natural beauty...this was the north coast.
then about a year later, i visited cornwall and was taken back by its beauty.
at the end of our trip to cornwall i commented that i loved cornwall but would probably visit devon instead when i'm in the mood for "that sort of thing". why? cornwall is a bloody long drive from london. not only is it far but the traffic jams are notorious. i know many people who have had the trip take more than four hours longer than it should due to traffic. i spent three nights there and everyone said it was going to be too short a time. actually they were right as i drove almost all day friday and almost all day back on monday.
driving to north devon is no picnic either but it's considerably closer. drive to devon and you'll be sharing the roads with sheep (as well as traffic)!
when i first went to devon (before ever going to cornwall) i loved the charm and natural beauty...this was the north coast.
then about a year later, i visited cornwall and was taken back by its beauty.
at the end of our trip to cornwall i commented that i loved cornwall but would probably visit devon instead when i'm in the mood for "that sort of thing". why? cornwall is a bloody long drive from london. not only is it far but the traffic jams are notorious. i know many people who have had the trip take more than four hours longer than it should due to traffic. i spent three nights there and everyone said it was going to be too short a time. actually they were right as i drove almost all day friday and almost all day back on monday.
driving to north devon is no picnic either but it's considerably closer. drive to devon and you'll be sharing the roads with sheep (as well as traffic)!
Oct 18th, 2004, 02:28 PM
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ok, now that i have read the other posts (after posting myself), i can say that i agree with jinx and we seemed to have the same impression.
however, i also see rickmav's point about the mystery of cornwall - the natives nearly consider themselves a separate nation - and they do have their own language...albeit as dead as latin.
however, i also see rickmav's point about the mystery of cornwall - the natives nearly consider themselves a separate nation - and they do have their own language...albeit as dead as latin.
Oct 18th, 2004, 04:39 PM
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Just to make it interesting I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with jinx about places in cornwall being similar with not a lot of distinction.
There's:
- the classy beauty of St. Mawes,
- the vast, deserted beaches at Widemouth Bay,
- the almost vertical descent to the ocean and the farmer's hamlet of Crackington Haven,
- the busy yuppiness of Falmouth,
- the complex combination of sophistication and tackiness that is St. Ives,
- the gloomy ruins at Tintagel,
- the amazing feeling of meeting heaven at Land's End (with your back, of course, to the ferris wheel),
- the Victorian splendor of Lanhydrock,
- the jungle at Trebah Gardens
- watching a play, suspended over the ocean at Minack,
- the medieval glory of St. Michael's Mount
- the busy prettiness of Helston
- the shady delights of Penzance
- the moors and the Jamaica Inn during a thunderstorm
- the craggy village of Port Isaac
...and I could go on.
I admit it, I'm a shameless Cornwall groupie. And yes, it is a long drive from London, but sometimes that's the point.
There's:
- the classy beauty of St. Mawes,
- the vast, deserted beaches at Widemouth Bay,
- the almost vertical descent to the ocean and the farmer's hamlet of Crackington Haven,
- the busy yuppiness of Falmouth,
- the complex combination of sophistication and tackiness that is St. Ives,
- the gloomy ruins at Tintagel,
- the amazing feeling of meeting heaven at Land's End (with your back, of course, to the ferris wheel),
- the Victorian splendor of Lanhydrock,
- the jungle at Trebah Gardens
- watching a play, suspended over the ocean at Minack,
- the medieval glory of St. Michael's Mount
- the busy prettiness of Helston
- the shady delights of Penzance
- the moors and the Jamaica Inn during a thunderstorm
- the craggy village of Port Isaac
...and I could go on.
I admit it, I'm a shameless Cornwall groupie. And yes, it is a long drive from London, but sometimes that's the point.
Oct 19th, 2004, 07:52 AM
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I can't imagine why the Allies were surprised to find dense hedgerows in Normandy during the D-Day invasion. Cornwall and Devon are filled with impregnable walls of greenery that shrink the roads to claustrophobic dimensions! Driving out of Dartmoor Forest south, I had my left outside mirror brushing the leaves--and a passing auto whacked my right mirror with theirs! Hedgerows unending!
Cheers,
Jinx Hoover
Cheers,
Jinx Hoover
Oct 19th, 2004, 08:10 AM
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Parking area at Walton Hall was just about 25 feet from the entrance to our unit on flat level ground. The only units with remote parking would be those in the main manor house. The resort is in a marvelous location. Seven miles to Stratford-on-Avon and about nine miles from Warwick Castle. Also very convenient to Oxford and Blenheim Palace. Most of the units at the resort are in two story apartment type buildings near the manor house. There are sweeping grounds with a lake and broad lawns. Good pubs and food stores in nearby Wellesbourne village. Have a great trip.
Oct 19th, 2004, 11:30 AM
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Thanks Janis ! I have put Walton Hall on hold. We will be there beginning May 2006. Any tips for nearby sightseeing? Can we take a train from London to a smaller town near the resort to rent a car for touring?
Oct 19th, 2004, 12:44 PM
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Walton Hall will be lovely for you. If you are really concerned about walking to your unit -- once you get the confirmation documents from RCI you will probably be able to tell if you are in the condo-type units or are in the main bldg. If you are in the main hall (unlikely), you can phone the resort directly and see if they can change you over to the condos.
You could pick up a car at heathrow (take public transport to the airport) and then drive straight up the M40 to Wellesbourne. That is what I would do IF I had not yet visited Windsor. Windsor is just a few miles from LHR so you could drive that short distance getting used to the driving, tour the castle, have lunch and thne get up to Walton Hall in time for your late afternoon check in.
If you don't want to see Windsor, then I'd take the train to Oxford in the morning, see some of Oxford and then pick up a rental car and head out towards Walton Hall either on the M40 or through Woodstock stopping to see Blenheim Palace enroute. But don't rush to see Blenheim since it is an easy trip down from Wellesbourne.
Other things to see in the area include Kenilworth Castle, Sulgrave Manor (the Geo. Washington ancestral home), Worcester (lovely Cathedral and the china works), Even a day trip to N. Wales/Chester would be easy. East of Oxford in Buckinghamshire is Waddesdon Manor - a magnificent Rothschild family home that is more a french chateau than an english manor house.
In the Cotswolds -- besides all the lovely villages -- are Hidecote Manor Gardens, Hailes Abbey and Chedworth Roman villa.
Believe me, you will run out of time before you run out of things to see.
You could pick up a car at heathrow (take public transport to the airport) and then drive straight up the M40 to Wellesbourne. That is what I would do IF I had not yet visited Windsor. Windsor is just a few miles from LHR so you could drive that short distance getting used to the driving, tour the castle, have lunch and thne get up to Walton Hall in time for your late afternoon check in.
If you don't want to see Windsor, then I'd take the train to Oxford in the morning, see some of Oxford and then pick up a rental car and head out towards Walton Hall either on the M40 or through Woodstock stopping to see Blenheim Palace enroute. But don't rush to see Blenheim since it is an easy trip down from Wellesbourne.
Other things to see in the area include Kenilworth Castle, Sulgrave Manor (the Geo. Washington ancestral home), Worcester (lovely Cathedral and the china works), Even a day trip to N. Wales/Chester would be easy. East of Oxford in Buckinghamshire is Waddesdon Manor - a magnificent Rothschild family home that is more a french chateau than an english manor house.
In the Cotswolds -- besides all the lovely villages -- are Hidecote Manor Gardens, Hailes Abbey and Chedworth Roman villa.
Believe me, you will run out of time before you run out of things to see.
