Just back from the trip yesterday. Will prepare a report later.

Though Baby has been and gone I still want to post this info on this thread as it's relevant to similar trip planning:


British trains can have 30 fares for the same exact trip. A call to this number will put you in touch - 24/7 - with someone who will guide you to the cheapest one:

from US dial 011-44-8457-484-950.

Example, I got tickets from Carlisle to London for about GBP 15, for which I could have spent GBP 60 or more.

Nothing on your itinerary but a potentially life-saving tip - look left as a pedestrian when crossing the street. Americans may normally look to the right, and bam! There are often signs on the pavement to look both ways, as some streets are one way, but even as a veteran traveler whose been to Britain dozens of times, I still at times miss traffic, especially roaring double-decker buses coming from my left and must make a conscious effort at all times when crossing the street.