I need help from all you knowledgeable people out there. We're thinking of cancelling our trip to England because of all this "foot and mouth" disease trouble. I know that it's not a threat to humans, healthwise, but I am hearing a lot about major tourist sites being closed. And now the farmers are up in arms (maybe literally!) about the destruction of healthy animals to prevent the spread of the disease. Does anyone have any firsthand information about what it's like in England these days? Should we go anyway? <BR> <BR>We've been looking forward to this trip for a long time.We are scheduled to fly to Gatwick on April 1. We plan to go directly to Rye and tour the southeast coastal area for 2 days. Then we drive to Bath, stopping to see Winchester Cathedral on the way. Had also planned to visit Stonehenge and maybe Salisbury, as well. Then on to Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons near Oxford for 3 nights. We will tour the Cotswolds from here. Then 2 nights in London (we've been there before) before flying home. I wouold hate to be restricted in my movements in the countryside for fear of carrying contamination from one are to another. By the same token, I don't want to be confined to cities and towns. What to do? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for any advice. <BR>Sandy <BR> <BR>

I was just there visiting friends who we are in almost daily contact with. They live in Wiltshire. Stonehenge is closed the last I knew. Our friends tell us that all country roads are closed unless you can prove you live on one. Only the major highways are open. There are disinfectant mats everywhere. I hate to discourage you, but you will probably have to modify your plans somewhat if you go.

Dear Brenda, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the information. I am so sad! What fun is it to go to England if you can't drive on country roads? Oh dear, oh dear . . . . <BR> <BR>Maybe I can talk American Airlines into letting me change me desitnation? That'll be the day! <BR> <BR>Sandy

Sandy, seek advise from the British Consulate in your home country.

Thanks for the advice Kimerly. I'll call them first thing in the morning. <BR>Sandy

I'm sorry, but the advice you have received is just plain silly. I live in a county which actually has foot and mouth and no roads are closed, only the odd footpath that passes by a farm. <BR>There is NO earthly reason why you can't visit towns and cities like Rye, Bath, Winchester, Oxford etc. How many herds of cows are there in Bath for Pete's sake. The only place you won't be able to visit is Stonehenge because it is in an extremely rural area. <BR>I'd go and enjoy the trip.

Have to agree with the above. Although I live in London I have just spend the weekend in the Sussex countryside - in Arundel, which I would recommend visiting if you get a chance, it's beautiful and terribly quaint. NO roads are closed, just the odd footpath. <BR> <BR>People are, unfortunately, panicking. Please don't let it spoil your trip - there's no need. Please come and visit us and enjoy your stay - it's bloody cold at the moment though!!!

I found very good info on Rick Steves' site about site closures, Britain trip reports, etc., related to the foot and mouth crisis. See http://www.ricksteves.com/travnews/01-03/foot.htm. Also, his Graffiti board has comments from travelers and residents.

Sandy: <BR> <BR>Don't cancel your trip! I live in a semi-rural area in Oxfordshire (bordering the Cotswolds) and this whole thing has been blown out of proportion, anyone would think it was a national disaster, which it is to some degree, but we are not talking, loss of mass human life due to severe flooding, war or an Earthquake!!!! If this is a national disaster for the UK, then we should count ourselves lucky compared to what other nations suffer! <BR> <BR>I am certain if you still come you will have a lovely time - yes! Stonehenge and Blenheim Palace are closed, but there are plenty of other sites to see, also these sites may be reopened by the time you arrive. <BR> <BR>My only concern for you is the location of your accommodation at Le Quat - this is a good hours drive from the Cotswolds! Fabulous hotel, but it is owned by a Frenchman and isn't typically English. There are many fabulous hotels of equal standard actually in the Cotswolds. Le Quat is actually nearer to London that the Cotswolds! <BR> <BR>Another recommendation is to visit Waddesdon Manor - it is about 25 minute drive from Le Quat and is one of Englands up and coming major sites. It is owned by the Rothschild family and is set in the most spectacular setting with beautiful grounds. The Manor itself is steeped in history and houses many major works of art. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR>

Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust property, is currently closed like most rural NT sights, due to F&M. See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

We leave on Mar. 27 and have decided to carry on with our plans, knowing that we may have to alter some. Keep checking the websites for closures. After the Minister's address on March 16, there was hope of some things reopening. We are also flying on American. When I spoke to them last week, they had no set policy on events such as this. We could reschedule if we wished under the terms of our tickets ($150 charge per ticket and one year to use the credit). It was sugggested that we could compile documentation that destinations to which we wished to travel were closed and then plead our case on an individual basis to the airlines and hope...(fat chance, I figured). Because of our work, rescheduling our trip was not feasible. Good luck and maybe we'll cross paths, oops I mean roads!!

The foot and mouth situation is serious, but I am sure you can find lots to do and see. My experience is fairly limited, but I have not been turned back on any country lanes. You do see a lot of red and white tape blocking off public footpaths and loads of hay strewn on the driveways of farms with notices asking you to keep off. We still want you to come and have a great time, though. <BR> <BR>BTW, sheep DO commonly graze in Georgian Bath, at Lansdown Crescent, and very cute it is too. I don't know what the score is with that at present. <BR> <BR>I think Stonehenge is a national disgrace, so the fact it is closed should be seen as an opportunity to go somewhere worthwhile. Warwick Castle? Blenheim is a pity. <BR> <BR>At Le Manoir, try afternoon tea, very nice - very French, but very nice. Also, if they still do it, don't bother with the chocolate cup - just look at someone else's. It's clever but vacuous. <BR> <BR>I'm sure you're sorted, but, just in case ... In Bath, the best restaurant, Lettonie, also has rooms at £95 and £150 (that's without and with views as far as I know, though I live very close and only go to eat). It's a sort of trainee Le Manoir - trying to be grand, without the resources, and I'm not sure it's actually worse for that. I also think The Priory's restaurant turns out rather good meals - going there on Saturday, in fact. <BR>

Don't cancel your trip! The advice given that all the country roads are closed was utter garbage!!!!! Footpaths that cross farmland are closed as are one or two places such as Stonehenge, but other than that it's business as usual here. Some country lane have disinfected straw in places but virtually all country roads are open. You should have no trouble getting about! <BR> <BR>Come and have a great time!!!!!