Hi all, we are travelling around England by car for 4 weeks, just wondering how easy it is to get B&B accom in country towns,do we need to book ahead or are we safe to take our chances, Is it worth buying the latest B&B book. We travel between 6th sept / 11oct
WE have joined YHA and have ther book.
Thanks John

When do you plan to go? I've traveled to B&B's like you suggest without reservations in advance with no problems. I would take a B&B guide book so you know what's in your area and can call around. I like the Karen Brown's guide to Small Inns or her guide to B&B's for England.

sorry you travel between 6th Sept and Oct. 11.

Local tourist information offices will also have information about B&Bs in neighbouring places and can call ahead to make reservations for you.

At that time of year you don't really need to book ahead, unless you want specific places or need a family room or something like that. Exceptions would be cities like London, Bath, York - where if you wait until the last minute you may end up paying higher rates or in not such convenient locations.

The TIO's Patrick mentions are your best friend when touring around. Say you are in the Cotswolds and are headed north the next day (or even the same evening) to the Peak District. Stop into the local TIO, tell them where you are going, your budget and what sort of room you want -- and then go off sightseeing. When you come back in an hour or two, they will have booked you a room and will give you detailed driving directions to the b&B.

We used Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay in France. He has one of England. It had lots of selections for any given area in different price ranges.