England/Scotland/Wales Planning-Summr 2014
Dec 31st, 2013, 09:09 AM
#21
>>weirdly pronounced to me anyway with a clicking c sound at its start <<
You must not have spent much time in Wales -- that clicking sound (not how I'd necessarily describe it but understand what you mean) -- EVERY Welsh place name or word that has that double LL has the same exact sound . . .
You must not have spent much time in Wales -- that clicking sound (not how I'd necessarily describe it but understand what you mean) -- EVERY Welsh place name or word that has that double LL has the same exact sound . . .
Dec 31st, 2013, 09:57 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Too much choice, so here's some more....
If you're looking at a day trips from London, consider Arundel - small historic town dominated by a picture-perfect castle, alongside a beautiful river and set amongst the rolling green hills of the South Downs. It's about an hour and a half from London Victoria by train.
From there you could go to Chichester which is approx 20 minutes by train. It's a Georgian city with a cathedral and has plenty to keep you occupied for a few hours. Don't miss the "hidden" Bishop's Gardens and a walk around the city walls.
Whatever you choose to do, beware trying to cram too much in - we've all done it. Remember, it is supposed to be a holiday. And DO enjoy!
If you're looking at a day trips from London, consider Arundel - small historic town dominated by a picture-perfect castle, alongside a beautiful river and set amongst the rolling green hills of the South Downs. It's about an hour and a half from London Victoria by train.
From there you could go to Chichester which is approx 20 minutes by train. It's a Georgian city with a cathedral and has plenty to keep you occupied for a few hours. Don't miss the "hidden" Bishop's Gardens and a walk around the city walls.
Whatever you choose to do, beware trying to cram too much in - we've all done it. Remember, it is supposed to be a holiday. And DO enjoy!
Dec 31st, 2013, 11:27 AM
#23
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You must not have spent much time in Wales ->
I have spend a lot of time in Wales and do realize that that sound is endemic to the Welsh language - Llandudno was the first town I went to ever and yes way it was pronounced then took me by surprise - and yes the LL sound sounding like a clicking k or c still is weird to me. Not weird to you of course but to most Americans it would be.
I have spend a lot of time in Wales and do realize that that sound is endemic to the Welsh language - Llandudno was the first town I went to ever and yes way it was pronounced then took me by surprise - and yes the LL sound sounding like a clicking k or c still is weird to me. Not weird to you of course but to most Americans it would be.
Dec 31st, 2013, 11:31 AM
#24
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://www.westsussex.info/chichester-cross.shtml
the famous Chichester Cross is very famous too.
I did Arundel and Chichester as a day trip from London and like iberiophile also Chichester too - easily done by train.
the famous Chichester Cross is very famous too.
I did Arundel and Chichester as a day trip from London and like iberiophile also Chichester too - easily done by train.
Dec 31st, 2013, 11:44 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W/ just 14 days you really don't have a lot of time for a big loop itinerary like PQ describes.>
that is janis' opinion reflecting her style of travel where she things if you can't say spent several days in a p;ace it ain't worth going to at all and that is fine for her and others who think the same.
I do not and in 14 days you certainly can do that loop I first presented - London - York 2 days
York to Edinburgh 4 days
Edinburgh to either Lake District or North Wales - 4 days
Then onto Bath - 2 days
leaves two more days - IMO that is not too rushed and you could spend another 2 days somewhere en route.
so you really do have the time to do the loop I describe - lots of time IMO but there is a different feeling that even that is too rushed and what is good for one is great - but believe me you DO have time to do that loop in a non-rushed fasion and IMO the first time traveler to Britain outside of London wants to see several famous places and not dwell in just a few places in depth.
It is up to you to decide but do not swallow the statement that you do not really have time to do that loop - you certainly do in a non-rushed fashion. And even time spend on the train can be nice - seeing the British countryside go by - the East Coast line from Newcastle to Edinburgh was voted by one British mag recently the most scenic rail line in the U K - though I do not agree with that it is very scenic as it skirts the coast much of the way - flying to Scotland one way means you miss seeing the scenery on either the East Coast or West Coast mainlines and each is different and shows you a different part of the UK. Or you can fly and see nothing.
that is janis' opinion reflecting her style of travel where she things if you can't say spent several days in a p;ace it ain't worth going to at all and that is fine for her and others who think the same.
I do not and in 14 days you certainly can do that loop I first presented - London - York 2 days
York to Edinburgh 4 days
Edinburgh to either Lake District or North Wales - 4 days
Then onto Bath - 2 days
leaves two more days - IMO that is not too rushed and you could spend another 2 days somewhere en route.
so you really do have the time to do the loop I describe - lots of time IMO but there is a different feeling that even that is too rushed and what is good for one is great - but believe me you DO have time to do that loop in a non-rushed fasion and IMO the first time traveler to Britain outside of London wants to see several famous places and not dwell in just a few places in depth.
It is up to you to decide but do not swallow the statement that you do not really have time to do that loop - you certainly do in a non-rushed fashion. And even time spend on the train can be nice - seeing the British countryside go by - the East Coast line from Newcastle to Edinburgh was voted by one British mag recently the most scenic rail line in the U K - though I do not agree with that it is very scenic as it skirts the coast much of the way - flying to Scotland one way means you miss seeing the scenery on either the East Coast or West Coast mainlines and each is different and shows you a different part of the UK. Or you can fly and see nothing.
Dec 31st, 2013, 02:37 PM
#26
>>that is janis' opinion reflecting her style of travel where she things if you can't say spent several days in a p;ace it ain't worth going to at all and that is fine for her and others who think the same.<<
How ridiculous. You have never traveled w/ me and have no idea whatsoever what you are talking about.
How ridiculous. You have never traveled w/ me and have no idea whatsoever what you are talking about.
Jan 2nd, 2014, 07:51 AM
#27
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W/ just 14 days you really don't have a lot of time for a big loop itinerary like PQ describes.>
well my apologies for unfairly characterizing your travel style which yes I do not know but I based it on your comment that the loop I outlined was not possible - why does the OP not really have time to do that loop (described in detail in my post above yours) - why don't they have time to do that to me rather relaxed loop - where and why should they spend more time? Again to me I think it is a very reasonable loop - and the classic one I would recommend for a first-time traveler.
Why is it not possible in the time frame I propose and I am not saying that it can't be tweaked, etc.
well my apologies for unfairly characterizing your travel style which yes I do not know but I based it on your comment that the loop I outlined was not possible - why does the OP not really have time to do that loop (described in detail in my post above yours) - why don't they have time to do that to me rather relaxed loop - where and why should they spend more time? Again to me I think it is a very reasonable loop - and the classic one I would recommend for a first-time traveler.
Why is it not possible in the time frame I propose and I am not saying that it can't be tweaked, etc.
Jan 2nd, 2014, 01:06 PM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
touche janis!
Cheers
And for those looking for the absolute castle of their dreams check out these images of Beaumarais (in Wales not Kent or East or South or North or West Sussex!)
https://www.google.com/search?q=beau...=1600&bih=1074
Cheers
And for those looking for the absolute castle of their dreams check out these images of Beaumarais (in Wales not Kent or East or South or North or West Sussex!)
https://www.google.com/search?q=beau...=1600&bih=1074
Mar 8th, 2014, 04:38 PM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been gone from this post for a while because my son wasn't going to be able to travel with me. Well, he just informed me that he is able to travel after all but we will have fewer days on ground. I am thinking about taking a multi day escorted tour and a one day tour since our time is limited and we are not driving. This is what I have:
Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow early morn. Glasgow sightseeing on our own(or just walking around since we will be jetlagged.
Day 2-5: Go on escorted tour by Cie tours. 4 days.
http://www.cietours.com/us/escorted_...f_scotland_5d/
Day 6: Edinburgh on our own
Day 7: 1 day Rabbies or Timberbush tour.
Day 8: Train to Wales
Day 9-11: Wales
Day 12: Fly back to USA
My questions:
1. Thoughts on this trip?
2. Thoughts on the escorted tour by Cie Tours?
3. What would be a good Timberbush or Rabbies Tour?
4. How difficult will it be getting around Wales via public transportation? My son wants to visit Cardiff and the images of Beaumarais Castle that PalenQ pointed out are fantastic that we really want to go there. What might be other highlights in Wales that we can get to via public transit?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow early morn. Glasgow sightseeing on our own(or just walking around since we will be jetlagged.
Day 2-5: Go on escorted tour by Cie tours. 4 days.
http://www.cietours.com/us/escorted_...f_scotland_5d/
Day 6: Edinburgh on our own
Day 7: 1 day Rabbies or Timberbush tour.
Day 8: Train to Wales
Day 9-11: Wales
Day 12: Fly back to USA
My questions:
1. Thoughts on this trip?
2. Thoughts on the escorted tour by Cie Tours?
3. What would be a good Timberbush or Rabbies Tour?
4. How difficult will it be getting around Wales via public transportation? My son wants to visit Cardiff and the images of Beaumarais Castle that PalenQ pointed out are fantastic that we really want to go there. What might be other highlights in Wales that we can get to via public transit?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Mar 8th, 2014, 06:31 PM
#32
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not a fan of most tours, CIE included. I do like both Rabbies and Timberbush. The difference along with the corresponding advantages is that they are small group tours of 12/15 people compared to the larger CIE tours of some 30/40 people. Personally I'd do a 3/4 day tour with Rabbies or Timberbush and add another day in Edinburgh.
Cardiff has several castles that can be reached via public transportation... Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Castle Coch. Beaumaris Castle is located on the Isle of Anglesey at the very opposite end of Wales. Also consider a visit to the National Museum Cardiff. There is enough to see/do in the Cardiff area to keep you busy for several days. While Beaumaris Castle is nice, I think Caerphilly along with Cardiff and Coch offer a better experience. Personally, I think Caerphilly Castle is more interesting than Beaumaris Castle
Cardiff has several castles that can be reached via public transportation... Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Castle Coch. Beaumaris Castle is located on the Isle of Anglesey at the very opposite end of Wales. Also consider a visit to the National Museum Cardiff. There is enough to see/do in the Cardiff area to keep you busy for several days. While Beaumaris Castle is nice, I think Caerphilly along with Cardiff and Coch offer a better experience. Personally, I think Caerphilly Castle is more interesting than Beaumaris Castle
Mar 8th, 2014, 06:51 PM
#33
I agree 100% w/ historytraveler. Do one 3 or 4 day tour w/ Rabbies or Timberbudh and maybe another one day tour w/ either of them.
I'd hate HATE <B>HATE</B> a large group tour in Scotland - mostly because 1) the large coaches don't/can't go to the smaller scenic places, and 2) those big tours are often mostly old codgers and your son may feel out of place. On the small groups w/ Rabbies/Timberbush you see a wider range of ages -- from young back packers to 'old codgers'.
I'd hate HATE <B>HATE</B> a large group tour in Scotland - mostly because 1) the large coaches don't/can't go to the smaller scenic places, and 2) those big tours are often mostly old codgers and your son may feel out of place. On the small groups w/ Rabbies/Timberbush you see a wider range of ages -- from young back packers to 'old codgers'.
Mar 8th, 2014, 07:06 PM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks historytraveler and janisj. What you say makes sense. I do like the wider range of ages since I am a 55 year old mom (hopefully not quite at the 'old codgers' range yet) traveling with my 20 year old son. Appreciate the help.
Next question. Which Timberbush or Rabbies tours would you recommend (5 or 6 days) to get a good 'taste' of Scotland? I know we both love sight sighting, castles, small towns (local interaction and limited shopping. I am not much of a hiker but do enjoy leisurely 1-1.5 mile walks and I know my son would like to do at least one whiskey tour.
Once again, any help is greatly appreciated. everyone on this forum is always so knowledgeable.
Next question. Which Timberbush or Rabbies tours would you recommend (5 or 6 days) to get a good 'taste' of Scotland? I know we both love sight sighting, castles, small towns (local interaction and limited shopping. I am not much of a hiker but do enjoy leisurely 1-1.5 mile walks and I know my son would like to do at least one whiskey tour.
Once again, any help is greatly appreciated. everyone on this forum is always so knowledgeable.
Mar 8th, 2014, 07:09 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also, we would really like to go to the Military Tattoo. I know we could probably get better seats being part of a tour. Does anyone know of a good day tour that does that? I didn't see it on Rabbies or Timberbush websites.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Mar 8th, 2014, 09:04 PM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks janisj. I didn't realize how close the castle was to the city - looks like a 15 minute walk from my hotel. I will purchase Military Tattoo tickets hopefully by the end of the weekend.
Mar 9th, 2014, 08:06 AM
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am looking at taking one of these tours to Skye. I know its all personal preference, but I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on one over the other?
Rabbies 3 day Isle of Skye Tour:
http://www.rabbies.com/tours_scotlan...FYZcMgodW2gAoQ
Timberbush 3 day Isle of Skye tour:
http://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk/ou...nds-loch-ness/
Thanks.
Rabbies 3 day Isle of Skye Tour:
http://www.rabbies.com/tours_scotlan...FYZcMgodW2gAoQ
Timberbush 3 day Isle of Skye tour:
http://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk/ou...nds-loch-ness/
Thanks.
Mar 9th, 2014, 08:56 AM
#40
Both are similar - but I'd probably go w/ the Rabbies tour. Getting a tour to Neist Point - just would never happen on a large coach.
http://www.glendaleskye.com/neistpoint.php
But have you considered this one from Edinburgh instead? It is a day longer and includes some terrific places you'd miss on the 3 day one. The main difference is on the 3 day trip you stay in Portree, and on the 4 day - in Plockton.
I personally think for what you want the variety of tours are better out of Edinburgh than out of Glasgow.
I'd maybe consider re-balancing your days and use Edinburgh as the tour base.
http://www.glendaleskye.com/neistpoint.php
But have you considered this one from Edinburgh instead? It is a day longer and includes some terrific places you'd miss on the 3 day one. The main difference is on the 3 day trip you stay in Portree, and on the 4 day - in Plockton.
I personally think for what you want the variety of tours are better out of Edinburgh than out of Glasgow.
I'd maybe consider re-balancing your days and use Edinburgh as the tour base.
