cherylm57

In the summer of 2011, my husband and I plan to spend 30 days travelling through England, Wales and Scotland. We will rent a car and hope to spend about 4 or 5 days staying in different spots around Britain and doing day trips to see all the sights. Hoping to stay in places with kitchens etc so we can save a bit of money on food. I went to Britain as a teenager (many, many years ago) but my husband has never been. His father was originally from Liverpool so he'd like to see that area. He is also a huge history buff so wants to see the launching beaches in Portsmouth etc. I need some help planning our itinerary. I've found some on line but most are for about 14 days. I'd be happy with a 21 day itinerary so we can have some flexibility and some "down days" to relax or fit in some extra sites. I'd appreciate any/all ideas. Must see places, best places to stay etc. Would like to start putting together an itinerary. I know we have lots of time to plan but I like to be organized and know that some of the best gems of places to stay book very early! I know 30 days is not enough to see everything but I'd like to cover the best of britain during that time. We had thought about also going to Ireland but I don't think we have enough time to do both. Thanks for your help!
Cheryl

texasbookworm

Very wise I think to begin your planning, and good move to look here for help.

You may get some very specific suggestions or reponses from this query, but it's still a bit broad.

You might find it helpful to use some maps, guidebooks, and internet resources coupled with some personal must-sees you already have in mind; go ahead and map out some possible itineraries so you can get an idea of what would be helpful to you. Like, how long are you willing to drive in one day? By history do you mean Roman or medieval or ancient--or all of the above? As for covering the best of Britain, even in 30 days you're going to have to tailor that to your personal tastes.

I would definitely plan MANY days (4-6) in London. (And you won't want a car in London--and can do many day trips from there via public transport) People will probably suggest you fly open jaw to avoid back-tracking, but you could look at making a big loop from London to maybe Wales then up to Scotland than back down the east side of England and back to London. (We are going to spend 2 weeks doing that--a few days in London then a fast-paced driving loop to Oxford, Shrewsbury, Wales, Carlisle/Hadrian's Wall, York, Lincoln, Dover, and back to London. If we had 2 more weeks I'd probably do sorta the same thing but a bit slower, add a day at least in Wales, and we'd head into Scotland. This sort of loop might not enable flat-rental, though. It's my 3rd time and companions' second time in London, though, so our 3.5 days will be enough there. If it were our first visit there, it wouldn't be.)

If/when you use the search feature on this forum for must-sees or favorite itineraries in Great Britain, you're going to get a million (ok not literally) ideas. That's why it will be helpful for you to come already armed with some knowledge of what you both MOST want to try to accomplish.

(And later more specifics like ball-park figures for budget will help with rental suggestions.)

Happy planning! (and I suggest listening to everything that people suggest here, but with a grain of salt, always remembering that in the end it is a trip for YOU guys, and no matter how transparent you are on the forum, only you know what you like, how you travel, and what works. As you explore here, you will begin to find who has information that helps you.)

janisj

Just one quick comment -- in your preliminary planning - think in terms of staying 7 days in several areas. Most (but not all) self-catering cottages rent by the full week, and often w/ a Friday or Saturday start. There are lots of places that will rent for 3, 4 or 5 nights, but in popular areas and in the high season, the vast majority only rent by the week.

Fashionista

If your husband likes WW2 history go to Bletchley Park where the decoding was centred. Bletchley is a dump, but the park is worth visiting. Stow School is not far away - Capability Brown grounds that are stunning.

http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-stowegardens

There are loads of holiday cottages in the UK. Even if they say full weeks only its worth an email as some will take part week bookings. Ive booked with both of these before

http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/
http://www.english-country-cottages.co.uk/

janisj

Yes - many will book for short stays even if they normally only rent by the week. BUT, they won't break up a week months ahead of time since they'd still have plenty of time to fill the full week. Often one can get a short booking only at the last minute.

(National Trust almost exclusively limits their short breaks to the off season.)

There are many other excellent rental agencies (and lots of individual owners) we can link for you as you start to focus on your itinerary. Some specialize in specific regions.

And other option -- sometimes the rates are so reasonable, it pencils out to rent for a week even if you only plan on staying 5 or 6 nights. You can eat the extra nights and still come out ahead of paying for a week in a B&B or hotel.

Doing that instead of looking for 5-day rentals, would greatly increase your options of available properties.

Fashionista

Agree janisj but put the NT link because the properties are so lovely. The English Cottage site does as little as two days in some properties. Id have a good google once you have the general plan sorted.

Another thought, if love of history extends to the industrial revolution then Black Country Museum and Iron Bridge are worth a look.

http://www.bclm.co.uk/
http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/our_attractions/

Wedgwood potteries are somewhere around there as well. Alternatively drop down to Worcester - more pottery and if timings work the race course is a great day out or an evening at the 20/20 cricket.

Megdorset

Hi - if you are interested in WW2 history & the D-Day launchings you may find the village of Tyneham in Dorset interesting. This village was evacuated during the war as the armed services used the whole area to practice the landings in Normandy. The villagers were never allowed to return. It's usually open at weekends and during August.

Wooders101

Hi Cheryl. York is one of my favourite cities in the UK and most definitely worth a visit. While in Yorkshire, I highly recommend you stop to see Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal near Ripon. I knew absolutely nothing about it before we arrived, and got the surprise of my life. It's incredible and one of my favourite memories of the UK. UNESCO World Heritage listed and when you see it, you'll understand why.
http://www.fountainsabbey.org.uk/ Enjoy your planning and, of course, your trip!

Lifeman

I agree with janisj's idea of basing yourself in different areas for a week and with texasbookworm's recommendation of open jaw. I'd fly into London and spend a week there, then Manchester, giving the chance to see Liverpool and the North West including the Lake District, York for the North East and Dales and lastly Edinburgh as a Scottish base.

I would think about a week driving round Scotland too, it's a very good thing to do. I've put my own recent Trip report on here for this. Then fly back from either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

egontoast

Hi Cheryl - one of the areas of England which in my opinion is underrated is the SW. Exmoor National Park, rural Devon, Cornwall... you could nearly spend all your time in these areas! Because I live on Exmoor, I never have a great desire to see other parts of the UK because frankly, I don't think they beat where I live for beautiful countryside, open moorland and stunning coastline. If you are interested in shopping malls and nightlife, then perhaps you may want to give the SW a miss, but for old country pubs, stunning scenery, pretty villages, dramatic coastline, then why go anywhere else? In Devon, near the town of Honiton, are the Upottery Airfields (now disused), where many of the American planes took off on D-Day. Not a lot to see, but it does give you a tingle to be there on the spot.

Personally, if it were me, I would only spend a couple of days in London, maybe check out the main tourist/historical attractions (I enjoyed touring the Tower of London) but then I don't really like big cities. I don't like the rushing, too many people, too much traffic, too expensive. Bleh. As for Liverpool - not a lot to say, but not my cup of tea. Cotswolds are pretty, very picturesque in a manicured chocolate-box sort of way. Worth having a day or two there.

Although Cornwall does get busy with tourists in the summer months, the rest of the SW is relatively quiet, mainly because the network of motorways does not (thank God) reach us. Driving time to Exmoor/Devon from London approx. 3.5 - 4 hrs. You could stop by Stonehenge on the way if you go via Salisbury instead of the motorway. (That is, if you like that sort of thing, it does get busy there). If you would like more information, I would be happy to answer any questions. I do think, if you have a month to spend in England, you will be glad you visited this part of the country.

egontoast

Just thinking of a rough itinerary for the South West - you obviously want to see other parts of the UK, so this is for say 5-7 days. Bear in mind that driving distances are not great, so this is completely doable.

Bath - beautiful Regency and Georgian architecture, visit the excavated Roman Baths, lots of little museums, restaurants, shops, antiques. Great for English history buffs.

Head south, if of interest you can stop at the city of Wells. Only small town size, but because of its cathedral, it's a city! Pretty shops and houses. Spend a few hours here, then pop over to Glastonbury. Home of the Legend of King Arthur. Visit Glastonbury Tor, learn all you ever wanted to know about Camelot, and stock up on joss sticks, crystals and herbal remedies (the town is full of these sort of shops). Glastonbury Abbey, meant to be the first Christian sunctuary in GB is worth a visit. A few hours here will suffice.

Drive to Exmoor (just over an hour's drive). My home! Full of pretty villages, country pubs, stunning scenery. Lots of farmhouse B&Bs and small hotels at very reasonable prices. If you enjoy hiking, or just travelling about looking at the scenery, you'll be in your element! Maybe spend a couple of days here. The setting of the novel "Lorna Doone."

Drive right out to the west coast - start with Lynton, Lynmouth, Ilfracombe, down to Croyde and then head south to Cornwall. Beautiful coastline, lots of pretty villages along the way. In Cornwall - where do I start? Have a look on the net, it's full of things to see and do. Have a swim, visit St Ives, Padstow, Harlyn... great scenery, small shops, galleries, romantic gardens. Lots of history, learn about the fishing industry that was. Easily spend a couple of days here, at the least! Phew. I'm ready to pack my bags myself!

semiramis

If you like history seriously consider getting a Heritage Pass (You MUST order one BEFORE you go to the U.K.)

check out their website:
http://www.britishheritagepass.com/
And then compare paying admissions to the places you want to go to. It will pay for itself.

I could talk about lots of places and areas but I will mention a couple that I am especially fond of.

North Wales - if you love castles (REAL castles) - this is the place to find a lot of them in a relatively small area.
My personal favorites: Beaumaris, Harlech, Conwy, Caernarvon, Dolwyddelan (a ruin with great views and just you and the sheep)
A great website for Welsh castles:
http://www.castlewales.com/listings.html

Shropshire - under-touristed with a fascinating
variety of things to see
We loved Ironbridge Gorge and its many museums of the early industrial revolution (this is where it all started)
http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/
The walking in Shropshire is excellent:
http://www.shropshirewalking.co.uk/

Devon and Cornwall - great coastal scenery and walks. Also we loved Dartmoor. I especially loved the walks in the Lynton/Lynmouth area of Devon.

Dorset - If you are in Dorset, do NOT miss Lyme Regis.

Do you like cathedrals? The really great ones are mainly in northern England - although I love the small cathedral in Wells (southwest)
Personal favorites: Ely (north of Cambridge), Durham, York and St Paul's(London and NOT to be missed)

Favorite cities:
London (just too much to see)
Edinburgh
Bath
But you MUST get out into the countryside - there are some spectacular walks and drives.

Let us know a bit more about what appeals to you.

WWanderer

Oh boy! If I had a month England, Scotland and Wales. Hmmm. And wanted to do self-catering, primarily. And save money. And see not everything, but a fair smattering.

I'm not sure I would stay for a week in an area, since day trips are limiting. For example, if you stayed near Liverpool, you could drive down into Wales for the day--but would you really want to do this for just a day? Just saying.

Having spent a fair amount of time in various spots, I would say the Lake District, Oxford and the Cotswolds, the South West (Dorset, Devon, Cornwall), Edinburgh and the Scottish Highland (both east and west).

If it were me, hitting spots I love and spots I haven't hit, I'd do Wales, Yorkshire, more of the South (want to see Avebury), more of the Lakes, Yorkshire, and back to the west Highlands of Scotland.

Of course, a week in London would be lovely, with day trips out from there to Hampton Court, Windsor, Canterbury, places like that.

If it were me I'd be on the move every 3-4 days, finding B&B's and wandering from area to area, having serendipitous experiences (I hope.) Like the wonderful Saxon church we saw driving outside of Nottingham once.

janisj

"<i>You MUST order one BEFORE you go to the U.K.</i>" True -- the Great British Heritage Pass is a HUGE money saver -- Not true that one has to buy it before arriving in the UK.

It can be purchased (after showing your passport) in the main tourist office on Regent St, at LHR/GLA (not at EDI/LGW), and at many of the covered properties.

I do usually recommend buying it ahead of time, but then you do have to pay fairly steep shipping/handling. So, you can buy is early,pay a bit more and have it on hand to help w/ planning - or - you can easily buy it in the UK for less $/£

"<i>not sure I would stay for a week in an area, since day trips are limiting. </i>"

That entirely depends on where you pick to base. For instance a well-located cottage in the Cotswolds would be w/i easy day drives of Stratford/Warwick, Bath, Oxford, all the villages/gardens of the Cotswolds, South Wales, Windsor, Henley, Waddesdon, Avebury and many more places than one could hope to see in a week.

A cottage near Callander: Stirling/Doune, Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, Glen Coe, many lochs/waterfalls/scenic bits, Perth, Falkirk Wheel, Castle Campbell, Culross, etc etc etc,

A cottage in western Devon/eastern Cornwall--the entire SW from Dorset to Lands End.

Yorkshire maybe near Thirsk: York, the Moors, the Dales, Fountains Abbey, Castle Howard, Harrowgate, Whitby/Robinhood's Bay, etc.

So -- choose good locations and you can see even more than if you pack and move every day or two.

tod

Cherylm57 - You may glean a few pointers from my trip report of 2008. We had an awesome time - So much so we did a two week stint in Ireland last year ( but with a slightly bigger vehicle) and next month leave for a two week stay in the Canadian National Parks: via Paris)
Here is my report with photos: http://tinyurl.com/cwarzw

annhig

In Cornwall - where do I start? Have a look on the net, it's full of things to see and do. Have a swim, visit St Ives, Padstow, Harlyn... great scenery, small shops, galleries, romantic gardens. Lots of history, learn about the fishing industry that was. Easily spend a couple of days here, at the least! Phew. I'm ready to pack my bags myself!>>

I'm hardly likely to argue as i live in cornwall, though i envy egon living on Exmoor as it is one of the last beautiful places in Britain that hasn't been changed by tourism. if there's anything specific you want to know about Cornwall [or north Devon where we used to have a house, and is itself very beautiful and uncrowded] just let me know.

I second the idea of staying put in each place for at least a week - you really will get to see and enjoy so much more than if you hop about.

happy planning!

semiramis

>>You MUST order one BEFORE you go to the U.K." True -- the Great British Heritage Pass is a HUGE money saver -- Not true that one has to buy it before arriving in the UK.
>>
Oops - probably thinking about the fact that "I" had to buy my pass before leaving because we were not going to be anywhere near London and the number of places where you can pick one up IS limited.

cherylm57

Wow! Thanks to all of you for so many great ideas and suggestions. We plan on having 4 or 5 "home bases" so we aren't continually packing and unpacking and if we want to have a day to just relax we can do that too. I appreciate the suggestion about the South West. Many of the itineraries I have found on structured tours (that I looked at for ideas) avoid everything south of London. Nothing along the coast at all! I want to see the cliffs of Dover in the East and many of the villages suggested in the South West. I also want to get as far north as the Isle of Skye in Scotland if we can. So... based on all your feedback I am thinking about we start in the South or south east, then travel up the West Coast through Wales, then up to Scotland then down through the centre of England and end up in London for at least 3-5 days. So now my challenge is picking the home bases that will leverage me the best day tripping to see the surrounding area. I know that no matter how I plan it, we will want to go back as there will be a long list of things we didn't see. We spent two weeks just in Paris a couple summers ago and there is still some of Paris I'd like to go back and see. I love castles and the country side, quaint little villages and shops, unique pubs and museums. I appreciate all of your must see ideas and will print them all to use in my planning. Sounds like the National trust website is the place to go for lodging ideas. Does anyone think it is worth using a UK company to plan an itinerary for us or should I just use my own web surfing and plan it on our own? Any suggestions on car rental companies to use or avoid? My husband will be happy with all of the WWII history suggestions and sites to see.
Sure I will have more questions as we continue our planning.
Thanks again and keep those ideas coming!

semiramis

Plan your own itinerary based on your own interests and there is no such thing as too much research. Keep asking questions here and check out websites. I just found a good one for Dorset:

http://www.dorsetforyou.com/tourism

If your husband is interested in WWII - do not miss Chartwell (Churchill's home).
Have fun planning!

Re: car rental - mostly it is cheaper to arrange a rental BEFORE you go and if you want an automatic, be sure to reserve it in advance. DO NOT get a car that is bigger than you need, some of the roads are VERY narrow.

cherylm57

Okay, based on all your comments I tentatively think we will do the following: Fly into London and spend a week in London (no car). Then we will travel to Cornwall (or nearby) and then do day trips from there for a week to do the South West and South East. Then we will travel and stay somewhere near Manchester and do day trips from there including North Wales, Fountain Abbey, York etc or maybe stay in York? Then we will go to Edinburough or Glasgow area and cover Scotland for a week flying home from there. Make sense?