Help me decide – solo travel!
 

I am toying with the idea of going to London in a few weeks (arrive on Dec 2nd, depart on Dec 14th). I have been looking and can still get airfare and accommodations in the areas I would like to stay. I have never travelled solo before, although I have been to London and in the countryside in the past. I love England and feel comfortable there.

I was thinking about London for 6 nights then the Cotswolds for another 6 nights? My husband and I stayed in Chipping Campden for five nights a few years ago, but we had a car. I though Stow-on-the-Wold would be a possibility since I’ll be doing everything by public transport. I was also thinking about doing day trips to Bath and maybe York? I’ve been to Bath twice in the past. I would also go on some London Walks. The biggest draw for me would be the Christmas markets and to see London dressed up for Christmas.

I’m nervous about going on my own so I guess I’m looking for some advice and thoughts, especially from those who have traveled solo. I'm a female in my mid-forties so I am also taking safety into consideration.

Thank you!

Sure, do it, I've traveled solo a lot. You are going to a very easy (eg, no language issues), safe place, so it's a good way to get your feet wet traveling solo. And being in a big city with lots to do and good transportation makes solo travel easier, also, IMO (lots to do meaning some quiet rural holidays might be better with someone).

I haven't been to Bath but I know you can. I've only been to London and England in the summer. I went to Hampton Court as a day trip, really enjoyed that. I've also been to Windsor Castle and Stratford-en-Avon but not as day trips from London (although suspect they could be). York is do-able as a day trip, train is about 2 hrs each way, that is about my upper limit for day trips, although I will even stretch that for a place I really want to see.

Cotswolds in December? I'd stick to cities myself at that time of year.

If doing several train trips in southeast England and you want unfettered hop on at will travel check out the Days Out of London pass (or London Plus it may be called) which lets you hop any train anytime to nearly all the places you want to go, like Bath and Cotswolds plus it includes a round-trip from any airport to London and back on airport express trains.

For lots on English trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. Passes not sold at train stations in UK so if interested buy at home.

Not saying it is automatically great for you as it depends on what trains you take and how long, etc.

If doing day trips by public transportation times to Bath and York may be faster from London than any Cotswolds station but not sure but check that out.


I'm a female in my mid-forties so I am also taking safety into consideration.>

I'm not a female but have traveled for years around Britain and never sensed any real problems for females- I would not worry about that.

Don't be nervous about traveling solo -- could not be easier.

BUT I personally would not plan a winter visit to the Cotswolds without a car (and I used to live in the area).

If it was me I'd base in Bath, Oxford or York and not in a rural village/town. Mainly because there is a lot to do locally w/o having to slog on the less than visitor-friendly local buses in the Cotswolds. You could do day trips by either train or bus from any of those three cities out into the countryside.

I'm a senior female and I've been traveling solo for years. For some inspiration, see:

http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm

Entirely agree that the Cotswolds are not a great winter destination. Given that it gets dark early in the UK in the winter, and that it may well be grey and damp during the day, cities with good museums are your best bet. Not would I do York as a day trip although I might do Bath or Oxford. You could also consider Cambridge and Canterbury. There is so much to do/see in London that you might spend all your time there.

Thank you all for your responses! I was thinking of the Cotswolds specifically for a nice pub with a fire and a Sunday Roast so to reminisce about my past trip to Chipping Campden (dinner at the Eight Bells).

I know there are so many places that fit this description in England. Do you have any suggestions of your favorite places where I could have a similar experience via public transport near Bath or even south of London?

>>a nice pub with a fire and a Sunday Roast so to reminisce about my past trip to Chipping Campden (dinner at the Eight Bells). <<

I'd stay a few days in Oxford -- then on Sunday you could take the bus to Woodstock for a sunday lunch; or take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh and eat there or take a bus on to Chipping Campden; or take the train to Kingham and eat in one of the two REALLY good pubs there.

I'm a woman who is fully committed to solo travel -- enough so that I won't travel any other way! I urge you to take a peek at the link thursdaysd has given you.

Go and enjoy!

When you're in London, you might go east to the Geffreye Museum. They have an exhibition showing 400 years of Christmas traditions in middle-class English homes.

Another solo female traveler here. Love solo travel. It brings you an entirely different perspective. Go and enjoy! You return a new person.

As a solo female traveler, I'd go to the big cities, London and York are lovely for solo travelers. I always try and do some London Walks (londonwalks.com) when I'm in town. Have fun.

Oh my gosh! I did it! I'm all booked from Dec 1st to Dec 14th, round trip London. Six nights in London, one night in York, three nights in Canterbury and two nights in Bath. Thank you all so much for the encouragement! Anxiety and excitement have set in!!

Good for you!

Wonderful :) (I'll be in Oxford and London over the same period)

How are you getting from Canterbury to Bath?

Thank you!

I'll be getting around by public transport. Canterbury to Bath will be by train (albeit long). I am looking into the Brit Rail Pass. I have added up all the legs of the journeys and it seems as though it is comparable in price. Right now, there is a discount for the low season. I thought it would be a good idea not to be tied down to specific times for travel.

Janisj - maybe we'll bump into each other!

Where are you spending the last night?

thursdaysd - my last night will be in Bath. My flight doesn't leave Heathrow until 4:25 p.m.

Canterbury to Bath by train will be a bit of a slog - the fastest schedule would be 3.5 hours with a tube ride across central London. Train to St Pancras, tube to Paddington, train to Bath.

Since the cheapest fares are likely sold out, if you can get a deal on BritRail this <i>might</i> pencil out. Especially if you want flexibility.

If your stays follow the order you laid out it looks like we will just miss each other. You get in on Dec 2 and leave for York on Dec 8 . . . I arrive in Oxford Dec 5 and get to London the afternoon of the 7th.

I agree about the train ride from Canterbury to Bath. I had originally looked at just doing a daytrip from London to Bath, but the BritRail pass includes the HEX so I thought a couple nights in Bath (specifically avoiding the weekend rush to the Christmas market) then train to Paddington and HEX to Heathrow may not be a bad idea.

Dover Castle is only open on the weekends this time of year, which is why I'll be there at that time. I have also been working on my genealogy and have traced my family back to the 1500s in Staplehurst so I would like to see their church. This is the reason for the long stay in Canterbury.

You are correct about the timeframe. I'm sorry that we will miss each other. I have learned a lot from you over the years.