Cathinjoetown

I'm confused - a few posts above you state "I have lived and worked in the UK (5 years), Ireland (1 year), Switzerland (18 months)"

Now you say you have driven in the UK for 20+ years

I learned to drive in the UK (manual transmission) and I would never dream of getting off of an overnight flight and driving.

Yes it hard to get a license in the UK compared to the US but that doesn't give anyone the right to be arrogant and put other peoples lives at risk.

You really cannot guarantee that either of you will get any sleep, what if there is a 'little darling' in the seat behind you who in spite of your objections insists on kicking and wailing all night.

To the OP

Oh dear - I expect that you have landed now, I hope someone has warned my fellow countrymen.

I expect you will come back and tell us how wonderful you did, wether you did or not

Yes, it's true I only lived in the UK for five years but I have driven there and in most of western Europe for more than 20 years on countless business trips and vacations. And, I too qualified on a manual, which seems be be important to you so thought I would mention it.

Would you like a detailed list of my trips or perhaps a photocopy of the Immigration stamps in my passport? I am really tired of having to repeatedly justify myself and my actions on this thread.

When you are in a hole, stop digging.
Many moons ago, people of my age would drive home from the pub after having a drink or two.
I and none of my mates were ever involved in an accident, but I realise now that we were idiots.
We got away with it, but shouldn't have done it.
If you drive after a long flight, you may have got away with it so far, but it is still stupid and irresponsible.

Josser,

I would not have continued this if my truthfulness had not been questioned.

I never fail to be amazed by the many people who overestimate their own driving skills and underestimate the effect of travelling on those skills. They are a danger to themselves and, unfortunately, the rest of us.

Feeling the need to 'pull over' is an indication that you are insufficiently rested and shouldn't have been driving in the first place. I don't think those advocating this approach would be happy flying behind aircrew in the same state. They have a belief in their own invincibility which cannot be shaken, and that makes them potentially dangerous.

Amen.

&quot;<i>I would not have continued this if my truthfulness had not been questioned.</i>&quot;

'twasn't the truthfulness - it was the lack of sense.

It might have been OK if there had been even a hint that you realize recommending driving after long haul isn't such a good idea.

&quot;Author: Cathinjoetown
Date: 11/28/2008, 10:12 am

Yes, it's true I only lived in the UK for five years but I have driven there and in most of western Europe for more than 20 years on countless business trips and vacations. And, I too qualified on a manual, which seems be be important to you so thought I would mention it.&quot;

Cath, spend a little more time here and you will be amazed how many people who have only driven an automatic think they can drive on the other side of the road (after a night flight) while learning how to drive a manual just because it's cheaper. In the UK if you learn to drive in an automatic you can only drive an automatic.

&quot;Would you like a detailed list of my trips or perhaps a photocopy of the Immigration stamps in my passport?&quot;

Only if you are anywhere near me and my family and could be a danger to them - have you noticed that airports seem to be close to major highways? (inject sarcasm here) Chockablock with drivers innocently on their way to work after a full night sleep, not realising that the driver next to them is potentially sleep deprived and jet lagged.


&quot;I am really tired of having to repeatedly justify myself and my actions on this thread.&quot;

And whose fault is that? read janisj's comment.

Back to the OP's question:

I second the idea of a walk around Stourhead. I was going to mention that, but without my morning coffee couldn't remember exactly where it was in relation to Stonehenge.

In 1998 we got off our overnight flight, had a leisurely coffee, and caught our reserved bus ride to Bath. It was excellent. We saw our luggage be loaded, my DH slept, and I ogled the scenery. The next morning we were at Stonehenge early. As a matter of fact we were so early, we also traveled to Tintagel, then our room at St. Ives on the same day (much to the chagrin of our b&amp;b hosts in Bath, who told us it was impossible on bank holiday weekend).

I think the OP's trip has now happened.

I wonder if they survived?

Let's hope the reason they haven't reported back isn't that they had a fatal crash...

This recent news may give some posters here cause to rethink their advice:

http://tinyurl.com/57zdue

Good call, wasleys. I agreed with flanner's original, deleted, post, even if it was a bit OTT.

I wouldn't dream of driving home after a red-eye, and I live here. Not a million miles from Stonehenge as it happens.