I am helping my parents plan a trip to England next year for their 40th Anniversary--I visited England five years ago and they have never been. They would like to go for their June 22nd anniversary but airfares are so much cheaper off season. Right now they are looking at going March 5th for 12 days (plus 2 days travel) SEA to LHR nonstop on British Airways for $681. The same ticket costs $1254 in June, a connecting flight about $1050.

Has anyone been to England in March? My parents live in the Seattle area and expect similar weather--drizzle and occasional light rain. Would you go in March to save $700 plus in air fare? They are fairly frugal people and have not figured out their budget yet; they will probably be watching pennies as the exchange rate is so bad for Americans right now. My parents are also trying to decide whether to fly into London and out of Manchester--is it worth another $37 to save on driving 200 miles but add more time connecting through London Heathrow?

My parents are partly motivated by genealogy and want to see Devon and Manchester where their ancestors came from. Also on their wish list are the Cotswolds, Lake District, and London. We think a car rental would be more appropriate than train travel for these destinations--any opinions? Is this reasonable in 12 days?

Thanks!

That is a lot of territory to cover in just 12 days.

March is fine - of course June would be nicer but w/ planning they can make a nice trip any time of year. It is really a bit early for looking at fares for April/May/June. Sales for Spring travel are often announced in mid-late Autumn. Especially w/ the weak $ - load factors may go down and fares may soften.

But the Lakes, Manchester, Cotswolds, Devon and London in less than 2 weeks means a pretty hectic schedule. Any possibility they'd be willing to skip London?? This would do two things -

1) free up more time to see their other "musts",

and 2) since London is by far the most expensive place to stay, it would save them enough money they might be able to spring for a higher airfare in May/June.

Weather in the UK is unpredictable. In March it is unlikely to snow but is possible. It will almost certainly rain and equally almost certainly they will have some sunny days.

In June the sunny days may be warmer and slightly more frequent and I have never known snow in June. Personally I'd save the cash and go in March.

I think fly into London and out of Manchester is a great idea. $37 would not buy you a train ticket and if they are hiring a car it won't by much petrol. I drive a ford focus and it cost about £47 to fill the tank. I could do London to Manchester on half a tank but that's still your $37 dollars gone and a few hours on the motorway.

Hi
We have a famous saying in England about the weather in March - 'In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb'.
A practical issue about March - some tourist places won't be open. They close for the winter season after the October autumn half term holiday, and reopen at Easter (which is the end of March in 2008). This particularly applies to some (but not all) stately homes, castles, many National Trust properties etc. So if there was anywhere in particular that you wanted to visit I would check opening times first.

I know it is too early to see airfare deals for next fall but would they be interested in waiting until after summer? My parents are in the same situation. SEA to LON - worth the price for better weather? They decided if Seattle is comparable to England and everyone knows the best weather in Seattle is September they would take the gamble on autumn in England too. They will probably come at the end of September and stay through the begining of October. I can only comment on the weather for this last September but it has been beautiful this whole month, only raining on us twice. But the nice part about being from Seattle is that your parents are used to having to put up with drizzle. I would think they would be happy any time. You don't get to 40 years letting little things like weather get in the way of happiness!

You you go in late March, you might see the daffodils in the Lake District doing their full Wordsworthian thing.
Personally, I'd go in April or early May.
Spring in England is enchanting with flowers everywhere and birds singing their socks off.

I've been to England in March several times and usually had quite good weather. Some cold days but also some quite warm (high 60s, low 70s). It can rain in June just as easily (in fact one year I was there in June and it was worse weather than the times in March). In March in London there were daffodils, forsythia, etc. so very spring like. No roses or anything yet but still pretty. I haven't been up to the lake district at that time of year, but have been to quite a few places in southern England and everything I wanted to see was open.

I would go in March, and I would defiitly go to London for at least a few days. Hotel prices, as well as airfare, go up by June. For a good economical hotel in London have a look at Craven Gardens Hotel (they have a web site). Last time I stayed there was 2005 but it was great then.

This photo was taken in March - www.pbase.com/annforcier/image/56411551

couple of quick points - of course London is magnificent. But they can't see much of it at all in less than about 4-5 days. That only leaves them a week to see half the rest of the country. London > Devon > Cotswolds > Lake District > Manchester is more than a week's worth by a long shot. Devon, the Cotswolds and the Lakes are not "drive through in a day and see them" sorts of places.

They need to either cut back on their wish list, or add more time.

And, if they do include London - Priceline is the way to go. They can get a very nice 4 star hotel for less than some of the down market 2 star places usually recommended on here for budget travelers.

When we lived in Seattle, we went to London in late Feb./early March. Because we were used to the weather, we never gave it a second thought. So I can't imagine your parents would feel any different. I personally would go again at that time of year. I much prefer that to crowds that come later.

I usually travel to London in March and the weather has varied from 50F and sunny to 30F with snow. That being said, the daffodils should be in bloom and the attractions are less crowded.

Bring a lined water-proof coat, scarves, and gloves. Depending on how your parents travel, 12 days seems short to travel to all the places they want to see.

I think the itinerary you outline is doable - but as a seasoned traveller to England, I wouldn't do it. A 40th wedding anniversary is pretty special -my choice would be to go for quality, not quantity.

And I agree with janis, cutting out London makes the most sense because of the expense. If you do fly into Heathrow, you could always stay the first night in London, spend most of the next day touring about, then leave early evening by train for your next destination.

I think you should also pay attention to what Morgana says about many of the estates, etc. - in fact, a large percentage of those covered by the Great British Heritage Pass - being closed in March. Check here to get opening times:

http://www.britishheritagepass.com/Welcome

The site also has sample itineraries mapped out for you.

I also, personally, wouldn't bother with the Lake District. It's pretty, but coming from Washington State, IMHO, there won't be much there to impress you.

I'd skip the lakes at that time of year - it's bound to be rainy and frankly pretty dreary. The Lakes always look absolutely grey in the rain, and extremely depressing, IMHO.

Devon, the Cotswolds and Manchester would be doable in the time, and as there are family connections for the first and third that would probably be the most enjoyable for them.

Hi,

What's wrong with the Lakes in March - can be great - not so many tourists - but if you get decent weather - well they are great!!
Mark

It's the relatively high chance of bad weather I was thinking of. I had too many childhood holidays there in the rain, in damp self catering cottages (also grey).

I totally agree w/ nonconformist. The Lakes can be sublime - but on a dreary March day during one's very first England visit -- definitely not so much.

12 days is long enough for 2 days in Manchester, 4 days in the Cotswolds, 4 days in Devon and 2 days "fudge factor" for touring and getting back to the airport.

Thank you for all the feedback. My parents decided to wait on buying plane tickets, so they may still reconsider going in March. The Lake District or Devon may be dropped as well. We're still early in the planning process.

I went in March 2000. It was colder in Phoenix when we left than it was in London when we arrived!

I had better weather there than i have had in Tacoma in July. I don't think anyone from Seattle would have any problems with the weather.

Off season plane prices make it worth it. You can have rotten weather in England anytime. I have gotten sunburned in June and frozen in July.

Be aware that most car rental companies charge much more for a one way rental. Even if the fare looks the same, they may charge for mileage and that can add up fast. The $37 might be wiped out by rental fees.

Our first three trips to London were in March. Each time we had a grand time. If it rained we just ducked into shelter, discovering many museums and pubs. Also, along transportation, have them do a search on the various "Britrail" train passes. They could get to the various sites by rail, however it could be be done by bus or car rental.

My experience has been much different than pgnewby's. I have rented MANY cars in the UK and not once have I paid a drop off fee for a 1-way hire.

And I have never rented a car w/ mileage charges. Well I did once - on purpose. Needed a car but wasn't going to drive more than about 50 miles a day so I went w/ one of the discount companies that does mileage as an add on. But I had to really hunt to find that one.

Most any car rented from a national chain/Autoeurope will be free of dropp off/excess mileage fees.