My husband and I are planning a trip to UK arriving at Gatwick April 16 and departing May 2 from Gatwick. Several years ago we visited and spent most of our time in London so would like to get away from that this trip.

Originally we hoped to used rail and buses to travel but now realize we could see and do more at our own pace if we rent a car some and use rail as well. What is the best way to get from Gatwick to Paddington Station? We are thinking of taking the train to Exeter because this is close to some potters we would like to visit. Rent a car there and travel around for a couple of days. Then train to St. Ives again for a couple of days. From there to Bath. Should we plan to drive this because I have read so much about the beauty of Cornwall or take train again? Don't plan to stay in Bath but 1-2 days as we have been there before.

From Bath we plan on Cotswold area and possibly into Wales. I know this is all still vague but I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed trying to complete itinerary.

One more thing, would we be completely crazy to take off without reservations at hotels, b&b, etc? We would like the freedom of driving and taking our time but don't want to sleep in a car either.

Thanks for any comments and help.

You don't want to go to Paddington station to get to Exeter. Instead, take a train from Gatwick to Reading, where you can catch the Paddington to Exeter train.

Re, returning to Bath from Cornwall, if you plan on taking a couple of days, sightseeing on the way, then keep your car. If you plan on making the journey in one day, enjoy the scenery from the train window.

No, not completely crazy to not have reservations. If you don't mind spending up to a couple of hours each afternoon accommodation hunting, and if you are not overly fussy, you will find a place to sleep other than your car. The TIC's in each decent sized town still offer same-day accommodation finding services.

You won't have any problem finding accommodations in the SW or the Cotswolds. I'd definitely pre-book a place in Bath though.

You will pass literally B&B signs around every turn of the road in parts of Cornwall and the Cotswolds and they won't be full in April. Or as ron says, just about every town will have a TIC where they can call around and find you a room while you go sightseeing.

(I'm glad you are thinking of doing some driving - I remember your other threads and a lot of the places you want to explore would be pretty tough by public transport)

Thanks so much for the response Ron and JanisJ. You have given me more confidence in planning our trip. Especially appreciate the instructions for getting out of Gatwick. What is a TIC please?

Oh, sorry -- Tourist Information Center.

there is one in just about every town in the major tourist regions and in some larger villages.

Thanks again. I'll probably have more questions as we plan.