i am planning a trip to England this spring with my 10 yo son. we'd like to travel in England to see historical castles/sights within a few days of London (we only have 8 days total) - any thoughts? ny places to stay in a castle? Anyplace particularly good about King arthur?<BR>thanks<BR>

The best castle for a young boy is Warwick, which can be done in a day trip from London. Very old, very authentic, very interactive.

Castles that I took my when he was 12 were Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Edinbrugh Castle in Scotland which is doable using an overnight train, which double is travel experience to Edinburgh, &amp; his all time favorite - Caerphilly in Wales. Other castles that I would take him to next time that I think he would really like: Chepstow in Wales, Warwick Castle, &amp; I think he would really like going thru Dover Castle. We took him &amp; our then 9 year old son to Bath also. I was hesitant on whether the would like it or not, but both of them really liked the Roman Baths, alot, especially the historical aspect, but they also liked using the individual hand held phone-like devices that explained everything. Before going I also talked to them about what to expect &amp; what it was all about historically.

Tantallon in Cornwall is where to go for the Arthurian stuff

Or Tintagel (Cornwall).

OH D***m. I need to go to bed earlier

Another possibility that you could combine with a ferry ride and a trip to a seaside resort (if you're willing to stay overnight) is the Isle of Wight, which has Carisbrooke Castle where King Charles I was imprisoned for a while. If memory serves there's a rather less impressive castle at Yarmouth on the IoW as well. <BR>I must admit it's a long time since I've been, but in those days water was raised from the castle well by donkey power, and the well featured in a historical thriller for children (probably now forgotten, but it might be worth a look) called Moonfleet.<BR>King Arthur is all legend, but Tintagel's the place for the romantic setting..

Some suggestions for day trips from London (agree Tower of London is a must):<BR>Dover Castle is great. Great view of the channel and ferries and a well preserved castle. PLus you can stop in Canterbury on the way.<BR>Leeds Castle (you may be able to stay there).<BR>We spent a 6 month stint in London many year ago with kids about your son's age. We would travel to &quot;market&quot; towns. Most have an old Cathedral (now Anglican, prior to Henry the VIII Catholic) a castle and neat outdoor markets (on Sat). <BR>For King Arthur, try Winchester, I think that is where they have &quot;the round table&quot; hanging on a wall.<BR>Tintagel (Cornwall I think) by legend is King Arthur's &quot;Camelot&quot;.<BR>

thanks for all your great advice. Looking through this board, I'm thinking of driving up to York for 1-2 days, then down through Gloucester and Cotwolds/Oxford, with a stop in Warwick, then back to London.<BR>Any thoughts?<BR>Also, any place one can sleep in a castle?<BR>Thanks again

My vote goes to Hampton Court Palace -a day trip by train. Great castle.<BR><BR>Shar

See if you can find any great ruins on your way. My 10 &amp; 13 yo sons really loved ruined castles on our tip to Scotland.

Some of these responses are well meaning but I do not think they read you are only going to be in England 8 days total. I'd base myself in London - there is so much to see you won't have time to do &quot;it all&quot; in 8 days, trust me on that (I'm a frequent visitor to London). <BR><BR>If I were you I'd plan a day trip to Warwick Castle, I am sure your son will enjoy it. Take the train in the a.m. from Marylebone Station and buy a combined admittance and train ticket (saves a couple of pounds). It takes 90 min. to get there and the castle is about a 10 min. walk from the station. I'd also suggest Hampton Court as it is close to London (30 minutes by train from Waterloo Station - again, buy a train and admittance ticket at the station). Windsor is close by too, of course.<BR><BR>Don't forget the Tower of London - it is a fantastic place for a kid to visit. You might also want to think about getting tickets to The Ceremony of the Keys (do a search, this subject comes up here weekly).<BR><BR>Between all the sights in London and a couple of day trips you will still be rushed to see all you are interested in. You also need to allow for jetlag - the first day is not usually one that is great for jam-packed sightseeing.

I appreciate the above, but we've been to London 2 years ago, so we won;t be spending much time in London (maybe 2 days or so. We loved Hampton Court - perfect for a 9 yo with lots to do). I'd love to spend 3-4 days driving around near Oxford, Cotswolds,Warwick Castle - any ideas of places to see/stay - any castles that one can sleep in?<BR>thanks

Hello Lisa,<BR>I found the following URL in a file I keep . The castles mentioned are farther away from London than you might want to venture... but still may hold some interest.<BR>www.castlewales.com/accom.html#England

Berkeley Castle near Bristol is excellent (though you may need a car to get there). It dates from about 1200. It's mostly famous for Edward II being murdered there.

Lisa,<BR><BR>Here's a website that lists some castles in the UK that offer accomodations:<BR><BR>http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castle96.htm<BR><BR>York is a great idea--your son will probably enjoy the Jorvik Museum (slightly tacky, as it is) and walking along the city walls of this great town. Also, the train museum here is first rate. And a plug for everybody's favorite &quot;tea room&quot;--Betty's--that will entice the sweet tooth of any 10 year old!<BR><BR>Nearly everyplace in Britain claims some connection to King Arthur. But if you really want to do the &quot;Arthur Tour&quot;, the West Country (Cornwall, Devon) is the place to head, as others have indicated.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip...<BR><BR>David White<BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com<BR>