If we pick up our rental car at Heathrow,how hard will it be to drive to Stonehenge? How is the traffic from the airport going toward Stonehenge? Thanks so much!!

We did the exact trip last year. The ride isn't too long, maybe an hour and half. It was a bit hectic driving on the left side right out of Heathrow. Early in the morning, there was a lot of traffic. My husband wasn't phased by it, but, me as the passenger, had second thoughts. Once we got the hang of it, it wasn't too bad since it was mostly highway from the airport to Stonehenge area. email me if you have more questions.

Joan, <BR>If you are coming right off a long flight (i.e., like we do from west coast which is over 10 hours) I'd not recommend jumping in a car and driving anyplace. Jet lag sets in whether you notice it or not and reflexes, etc. can be "off", espiecally driving on the left when you are not used to it. If you are planning on using the rental car for touring about I'd stay overnight at a hotel at Heathrow and get the car in the a.m. when you are more "awake" - we've done it that way several times and it's much better (the one time we tried driving after a flight from LA I nearly took out a mailbox). Rental car agents at Heathrow told us they have more accidents reported by people who drive just after getting off planes than any other time. <BR> <BR>This is probably more than you wanted to know I'm sure -- anyway, Stonehenge is not too far, a bit over an hour if traffic is moving along I'd say. Remember tho, all areas around airports tend to have heavy traffic and Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it's usually pretty thick around there. If jet lag is not a factor it's not a problem, just regular old big city traffic to contend with along with driving on the left of course. Are your going on to someplace after Stonehenge? There closed town is Salisbury which has hotels, pubs, stores, etc. as well as the fabulous cathedral.

We've driven all the way, and stayed not too far from the airport. Really does depend on how you deal with jet lag. We decided not to stay at Heathrow - the hotels were too expensive and it just didn't feel like England, so drove a little way the second time, being very careful, to a place called Nether Wallop. Wonderful place, is the village used in the Miss Marple mysteries. Stayed at The Great Barn. The next morning stopped at Wilton - one of England's greatest houses, and where a lot of Brit films have been done including Sense and Sensibility and Mrs. Brown. Then Stonehenge, then Stourhead Gardens. By the way, if it's your first time, you may be disappointed with Stonehenge, just try and ignore all the tourists and the fence and hope for an overcast day where you can feel Druid-like. Have fun - e-mail me if you have more questions.

If you got some sleep on the way over, I don't see any problem driving right away. <BR> <BR>In addition to Stonehenge, you might also visit nearby Avebury for a much larger stone arrangement (also visit the nearby West Kennet Long Barrow)