I will be traveling to England next month and plan to rent a car (after leaving London) to drive to Bath, a couple of days in Cotswolds and then up thru Scotland. Once I get to Scotland I have very definite routes in mind but will be meandering to Bath and thru Cotswolds. What would be recommendation for maps? What, purchase where, etc. Thanks so much!

You will need to use a road atlas such as the AA, Michelin, Ordinance Survey, or Bartholomews. All of these are good and have the same features - maps, route planning maps, city center plans, mileage charts, etc.

These are what every UK driver has in their car. Don't try to use a fold out map - they are almost impossible to use.

The best road atlas is probably at a scale of 4 or 4.5 miles to the inch. Larger than that makes too bis a book and smaller means many of the smaller roads and sites are omitted.

Often you can get you atlas right from the car rental agency - if not just stop at the first petrol station you see - they all sell a good selection.

oops - that should be ". . too big a book . ."

Didn't use the preview feature

Thanks Janis - are they terribly expensive? (I mean isn't everything when your on vacation? I wonder if everything is more expensive or if it's just a subconscious guilt that makes us feel that way!)

The road atlas is much less expensive in UK, probably about 6 USD. The spiral bound atlas is very usefull, especially if you have someone to navigate for you. Being able to count which exit from the roundabouts is helpfull, because you may not recognize the cities on the exit signs.

No - they are really affordable. the last AA (Automobile Association) one I bought had a printed publisher's price of 7.50 GBP but was on special in every petrol station at 2 GBP. This seems to be a normal thing - really discounted prices as sort of loss leaders. The most you will have to spend is around 10 GBP - but you can find them all over for a lot less.

I lived in the UK for 5 years and travel there a few times every year so have used just about all the different atlasses - there really isn't much difference as long as you get a full sized one and not a miniature "glove box" sized one.

another oops - I meant to say the most you will have to pay is around $10 but will likely find them much less.

You should be able to purchase any of the recommended maps at Barnes and Noble, Borders or any good bookstore for not much more than the prices given.
Then you can plan your itinerary before you get there and also learn what the roadsigns mean.

Yes - you can buy them stateside - but the last AA atlas I bought for 2 GBP (about $3.15) is available at Borders for $21.95 and the comparable Michelin is $20. As long as you know you are paying a premium to have it ahead of time, that can be a good idea. It is up to you where you want to save/spend money . . . .

Thank you all for your help - based on your comments I bought a 2002 Michelin Great Britain sprial bound on ebay for $10.00 (including shipping). I am really very happy and I think the lady who sold it to me(after her trip of last December) is too! Thanks again - Cathryn