HELP needed! 3 weeks in August '03 for first time visitors to U.K.!
Jan 14th, 2003, 10:42 AM
#1
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HELP needed! 3 weeks in August '03 for first time visitors to U.K.!
My wife (Western-Canadians) and I are planning a three week trip to the United Kingdom in August of 2003. I do not know where to begin. My basic itinerary is to fly to Aberdeen and make our way (by car/bus/train???) to London, then heading off to Paris (by ferry/plane???) before flying back home. Our budget will not be too extravagant or too low, a modest trip will do fine.
Does anyone know of a good tour operator that provides Coach/Bus tours / vacation packages similar to our agenda (Aberdeen to London over 2 weeks)?
Otherwise, what should we see?
Where should we stop (Loch Ness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool?) with only 3 weeks of travel time?
Any responses would be appreciated.
Thanks
Does anyone know of a good tour operator that provides Coach/Bus tours / vacation packages similar to our agenda (Aberdeen to London over 2 weeks)?
Otherwise, what should we see?
Where should we stop (Loch Ness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool?) with only 3 weeks of travel time?
Any responses would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jan 14th, 2003, 11:34 AM
#2
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It sounds a great plan!
Is 3 weeks your total trip, including Paris? I would say you should allow at LEAST 4 days in each of London and Paris, to see the main sights, and one day for travel between them. Check www.eurostar.com for prices for the train to Paris, or some of the cheap airlines. The ferry is more hassle than it's worth, I think.
This could leave you about 10 days for the trip from Aberdeen. I would suggest a rental car - it gives you so much more flexibility. But a good trip could be done by train. The main line to London would (I think) allow you to stop at Edinburgh, Durham, York, Ely, and Cambridge, among other beautiful places. And there are some good views from the train. But a car would give you the chance to choose an eastern route and see the Lake District (possibly too crowded in Aug though), Liverpool (any particular reason?), parts of Wales, Shropshire, the Cotswolds, etc. Depends whether you would really like to see cities or explore the countryside. The direct drive COULD be done in about 2 days, so you will have time to see quite a lot of Scotland and northern England (and perhaps Wales).
This is a pretty general answer - hope you get more suggestions. Or if you can be more specific about what you most enjoy seeing, that could bring in better answers.
Is 3 weeks your total trip, including Paris? I would say you should allow at LEAST 4 days in each of London and Paris, to see the main sights, and one day for travel between them. Check www.eurostar.com for prices for the train to Paris, or some of the cheap airlines. The ferry is more hassle than it's worth, I think.
This could leave you about 10 days for the trip from Aberdeen. I would suggest a rental car - it gives you so much more flexibility. But a good trip could be done by train. The main line to London would (I think) allow you to stop at Edinburgh, Durham, York, Ely, and Cambridge, among other beautiful places. And there are some good views from the train. But a car would give you the chance to choose an eastern route and see the Lake District (possibly too crowded in Aug though), Liverpool (any particular reason?), parts of Wales, Shropshire, the Cotswolds, etc. Depends whether you would really like to see cities or explore the countryside. The direct drive COULD be done in about 2 days, so you will have time to see quite a lot of Scotland and northern England (and perhaps Wales).
This is a pretty general answer - hope you get more suggestions. Or if you can be more specific about what you most enjoy seeing, that could bring in better answers.
Jan 14th, 2003, 12:20 PM
#3
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I'm only aware of one tour operator in this neck of the woods. Have a look at
http://www.whytescoachtours.co.uk/.
Far and away the best option is to drive a rental car in Scotland, and maybe get a train down to London.
If you can identify how long you want to be in Scotland, and tell us a bit more about what sorts of things you like, I'll try to sort out a route or something for you.
http://www.whytescoachtours.co.uk/.
Far and away the best option is to drive a rental car in Scotland, and maybe get a train down to London.
If you can identify how long you want to be in Scotland, and tell us a bit more about what sorts of things you like, I'll try to sort out a route or something for you.
Jan 15th, 2003, 06:00 AM
#4
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Thanks for the replies!
I guess I should mention that we are in our late 20's early 30's and are really open to seeing quite a variety of city & country scenes. A soccer fixture would be great, but it looks like the wrong time of season for that. Golf would definitely be a must a couple of times throughout. ...More to follow.
I guess I should mention that we are in our late 20's early 30's and are really open to seeing quite a variety of city & country scenes. A soccer fixture would be great, but it looks like the wrong time of season for that. Golf would definitely be a must a couple of times throughout. ...More to follow.
Jan 15th, 2003, 06:11 AM
#5
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Hi, James. I can't help with tours in UK, but I have taken both the ferry and Eurostar - the train may seem easier but it was a big rush and crowds and pushing, etc. The ferry (not the hideous hydrofoil), on the other hand, was four hours of winter wind, rough seas, relaxing and fun, and the most incredibly romantic way to cross the channel. But I love ferries - they caught me as a child and won't let go. That huge boat pulling away from the docks, horns, the crew hustling about, going below to get a pint. You'd take trains from London to Dover and from - in summer - probably Calais to Paris. I didn't find it to be a hassle at all, although it took a entire day start to finish. Think of all those who crossed by boat - Romans, Saxons, Normans - our troops during WWI and II. I guess for me the crossing is about something entirely different than merely getting from England to France. Oh - Eurostar can be pretty pricey; I paid $130 one way advance purchase in October. I don't remember the cost of the ferry, but I took it when I was poor, so it couldn't be much. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.
Jan 15th, 2003, 06:56 AM
#6
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I too would recommend hiring a car in Scotland, and taking it down as far as York or so. Then at York you can get a train to London (www.gner.co.uk has prices and timetables, but not sure that you can book tickets any earlier than three months before travel. Also, it won't post them abroad, but will post to a UK address or let you pick them up at the station.)
DON'T drive to London. It will be busy, hot, frustrating, not least because of the new congestion charge and because of seemingly non-stop road works.
From London, take the Eurostar to Paris. www.eurostar.com will help. If you are coming back to London to fly back home, you will need a return ticket. If not, then a one-way (single as we say) ticket might well be more expensive than a return, so even if you are flying back from Paris to home, an Apex-style return ticket should be best. Expect to pay about £70 for a 14-day advance 2nd class ticket. The train is a good way to go. You travel at almost 200mph and arrive in the city centre after leaving the city centre in London. You get to see some nice scenery too.
On the way down from Scotland to London, see E'burgh, York, Durham. I think independent travel rather than joining a tour would suit you better.
By the way, I was wondering why you are flying into Aberdeen? Are you getting a charter flight with that as its destination? If so, are you flying back from Aberdeen? Aberdeen is relatively small and has no transatlantic links, as far as I know, so are you flying into a big city like London or Glasgow first and then getting a connection?
DON'T drive to London. It will be busy, hot, frustrating, not least because of the new congestion charge and because of seemingly non-stop road works.
From London, take the Eurostar to Paris. www.eurostar.com will help. If you are coming back to London to fly back home, you will need a return ticket. If not, then a one-way (single as we say) ticket might well be more expensive than a return, so even if you are flying back from Paris to home, an Apex-style return ticket should be best. Expect to pay about £70 for a 14-day advance 2nd class ticket. The train is a good way to go. You travel at almost 200mph and arrive in the city centre after leaving the city centre in London. You get to see some nice scenery too.
On the way down from Scotland to London, see E'burgh, York, Durham. I think independent travel rather than joining a tour would suit you better.
By the way, I was wondering why you are flying into Aberdeen? Are you getting a charter flight with that as its destination? If so, are you flying back from Aberdeen? Aberdeen is relatively small and has no transatlantic links, as far as I know, so are you flying into a big city like London or Glasgow first and then getting a connection?
Jan 15th, 2003, 11:27 AM
#9
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Oops! I suppose you should now lobby for a new international airport! Either that, or explain to James how he and his wife can best fit in your part of Scotland flying from western Canada and wanting to see England and France too.
James - perhaps you should look out for an open-jaw ticket, into London and out of France, or fly into London and immediately take a flight to Aberdeen and then fly out of Paris?
James - perhaps you should look out for an open-jaw ticket, into London and out of France, or fly into London and immediately take a flight to Aberdeen and then fly out of Paris?
Jan 15th, 2003, 11:34 AM
#10
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James, a suggestion..if you rent a car make sure you get an automatic. You will be driving on the left side of the road and a shift car has the shift on the left side as well. Very awkward to get used to. Also, if you are going to York, Harrogate is a pretty little spa town in the Yorkshire dales. Famous for being James Herriot country.
Jan 16th, 2003, 05:47 AM
#12
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Sheila, wouldn't that be a semi-international airport then (joking).
Who know's maybe it will be cheaper to get a connector flight to Aberdeen out of London then to fly straight to Glasgow.
Anyway, quit fighting you two. Your as bad as Canadians picking on people from Toronto (the supposed center of the universe).
Who know's maybe it will be cheaper to get a connector flight to Aberdeen out of London then to fly straight to Glasgow.
Anyway, quit fighting you two. Your as bad as Canadians picking on people from Toronto (the supposed center of the universe).
Jan 17th, 2003, 05:18 AM
#13
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There's plenty to see between Aberdeen and London - let me know what sort of interests you have and I will help you. Loch Ness has a wonderful reputation but to be honest it IS just a picturesque lake and it wouldn't be high on my list. Liverpool is great if you like the Beatles! Go to Edinburgh! There's something for everyone there. Feel free to write and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.
Jan 17th, 2003, 11:53 AM
#15
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so much to see and do between scotland and london other places worth trying are the derbyshire peaks and dales for beautiful country-side. for accomadation try bed and breakfasts tourist boards will give you some addressess. also if on a budget consider youth hostels some of them are in the most pictuesque places and have twin rooms.
Jan 18th, 2003, 12:12 AM
#16
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James,
we was just joshing!
Underneath that for my part of Scotland there is the serious issue that many visitors come into Edinburgh and then zap up the main road to Inverness (the A9) then drive down Loch Ness to Skye then go home. We call the A9 the North East by-pass. So I was delighted you were going to pitch up here.
If you did have a real reason for coming in here, rather than Edinburgh or Glasgow, then please accept my hospitality. I am member fo a golf club with a championship course just outside the city and would be delighted to take you round.
I've never had cause to check the West Canada flights but I think you may have to make a connection somewhere. You can fly from Toronto direct to Scotland, but I think not from Vancouver (I reiterate, I haven't checked). So Vancouver/London/ Scotland may well be as easy as Vancouver/Toronto/Glasgow
we was just joshing!
Underneath that for my part of Scotland there is the serious issue that many visitors come into Edinburgh and then zap up the main road to Inverness (the A9) then drive down Loch Ness to Skye then go home. We call the A9 the North East by-pass. So I was delighted you were going to pitch up here.
If you did have a real reason for coming in here, rather than Edinburgh or Glasgow, then please accept my hospitality. I am member fo a golf club with a championship course just outside the city and would be delighted to take you round.
I've never had cause to check the West Canada flights but I think you may have to make a connection somewhere. You can fly from Toronto direct to Scotland, but I think not from Vancouver (I reiterate, I haven't checked). So Vancouver/London/ Scotland may well be as easy as Vancouver/Toronto/Glasgow
Jan 20th, 2003, 10:22 AM
#17
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Sheila,
Thanks for the invite! We might just take you up on that (and the same goes for you, if you are ever in the Calgary/Banff area, we'll take you to Kanaskis Golf course, the best (in my opinion) of our 60+ courses.
Egg,
Yes, August is our best and only time as it will be our honeymoon, since we are getting married on Aug. 2 and she goes back to teaching in Sept.
I haven't really planned or budgeted much as of yet. This is to be a complete surprise for my bride-to-be, so I am going at this alone. Some say I should include her in on the agenda, etc. But I feel she will be estatic when I give her a gift the day of the wedding telling her all about it. She already thinks I am planning our honeymoon somewhere else, and she was fine with letting me surprise her with the actual 3-week agenda. All I know from her is that she always wanted to go to Scotland, so I'll give her a Fodor's Scotland book to read on the plane, etc. That is one of the reasons, I rather just "wing-it" and stop at hotels as we go along, but it looks like we'll have to book something to guarantee our spots.
Thanks for the invite! We might just take you up on that (and the same goes for you, if you are ever in the Calgary/Banff area, we'll take you to Kanaskis Golf course, the best (in my opinion) of our 60+ courses.
Egg,
Yes, August is our best and only time as it will be our honeymoon, since we are getting married on Aug. 2 and she goes back to teaching in Sept.
I haven't really planned or budgeted much as of yet. This is to be a complete surprise for my bride-to-be, so I am going at this alone. Some say I should include her in on the agenda, etc. But I feel she will be estatic when I give her a gift the day of the wedding telling her all about it. She already thinks I am planning our honeymoon somewhere else, and she was fine with letting me surprise her with the actual 3-week agenda. All I know from her is that she always wanted to go to Scotland, so I'll give her a Fodor's Scotland book to read on the plane, etc. That is one of the reasons, I rather just "wing-it" and stop at hotels as we go along, but it looks like we'll have to book something to guarantee our spots.
Jan 20th, 2003, 10:24 AM
#18
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Jan 20th, 2003, 10:53 AM
#19
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James, even in August you'll get places without booking ahead (except maybe in Edinburgh during the Festival). Would she cope with maybe being in a B&B rather than the 5* place down the road?
Maybe book a little and wing it in between?
You should read a book called "No Great Mischief" before you come.
Please let us know if we can help further.
Maybe book a little and wing it in between?
You should read a book called "No Great Mischief" before you come.
Please let us know if we can help further.
