trying to plan an itinerary and this is what I came up with. What do you all think?<BR><BR>We will be 2 adults and 2 children ages 7 and 9 whom have been to Europe before but first time to England<BR><BR>5 nights London<BR>3 nights in the Cotswolds area<BR>3 nights in either Lincoln or York<BR>3or 4 nights in Edinburgh.<BR><BR>Any suggestions on accomodations? We like 3 star hotels or better. Usually go for 4* if price is good.<BR>Thanks

I would choose York over Lincoln, mainly because I know York better. You can visit Harrogate, Riveaulx Abbey, take a drive into the Dales from York. <BR>One questioin: how are you travelling? Cars will be a pain to have in London and E'burgh, but useful for part of the time at least in York and the Cotswolds. <BR>You cd. pick up a car in London (try leaving the city out of rush hour for your safety and sanity) and then leave it at York. Then take the train to E'burgh (it takes about 3 hours) and either fly back from E'burgh or take the train. Flying can be v. v. good value. Try www.easyJet.com or www.ba.com or www.flybm.com for flights. <BR>If booking rail tickets, go to www.gner.co.uk and ring them up. They do family deals and will answer all the questions you have. (Rail ticketing over here is v. confusing at times. Best to phone and speak, asking themto give you the cheapest deal. Ask for 'Fab 4' which is a cheapy deal for 4 people travelling together, or other promotions. You can book 3 months ahead.)

Planning a trip with children is always a challenge. I'm sure all of the places you want to go will interest you, but not necessarily the kids. I would stay in London longer and skip the Cotswolds. While the scenery in the Cotswolds is attractive and the towns are "quaint" (with a touch of tourist trap thrown in), I believe the kids will be totally bored there. Better to stay in London and take a couple of day trips to places like Warwick Castle and/or Bath. After London, two nights in York should be plenty. The kids will love the place. There is a wonderful railroad museum and another really eclectic museum (the name escapes me) that they will like (skip the Jorvik Viking center as it is really boring and not worth the money. The city streets are interesting and they can walk on the town walls. Edinburgh is certainly worth 4 nights. There is also a lot to do there that the kids will like. Have a wonderful vacation.

Nigel,<BR><BR>yes we plan on renting a car on the day we leave London and you just answered my question on whether we needed a car in Edinburgh. We will take the train from I guess York and then take a train back from Edingburgh to whichever airport we need to fly out of in London.<BR>

Ben,<BR><BR>thanks for the suggestions. We want to stay in the Cotswolds area as it would be a closer commute for day trips to places like Oxford, Straford, Warwick Castle, etc. I don't feel like taking day trips from London that are more then 1 hour away so basing ourselves in the Cotswold area would give us access to these places.<BR><BR>I should have mentioned that in my original post. Thanks for the information on York, it sounds wonderful and both of you have made me decide on York over Lincoln.<BR>

If you are leaving E'burgh on the same day you leave for home, then I would think flying to your London airport is better. BA.com fly to Gatwick and Heathrow, and flybm.com fly to H'row (poss. Gatwick too.) easyJet.com go to Heathrow. E'burgh to any London airport via train could be a bit of a pain. <BR>Please take my advice on giving GNER (they run the trains on that route) a ring. Don't pay over the odds for the tickets.

Nigel,<BR>thank you again. I have printed this thread out so that I have the links and information you have given me.<BR><BR>I appreciate it very much and flying may a great option.

Hi, I agree with most of what the other posters said. It is a shame to miss Lincoln, as it is truly a beautiful city, as is her Cathedral. York will have much more for the children though. There are also walking tours there, that might be interesting for the children. <BR>http://www.york-tourism.co.uk/<BR><BR>I suggest you stay in the northern cotswolds, which is closer to the things you want to see. You and the children will love the places you have planned for there.<BR>http://www.cotswolds.info/<BR><BR>http://www.cotswolds-calling.com/Cotswolds-map.htm<BR><BR>I'd be glad to help with with acommodations!<BR><BR>Your trip sounds wonderful!<BR><BR>

Maggie,<BR><BR>I would love information on accomodations that you would like to share

to the top for Maggie

Aithor. ga<BR><BR>Accommodations! I will put some things together for you. I assume you would want a family room???<BR><BR>Here's a couple to start with.<BR><BR>http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/hotels/hazelwd.html<BR>This is "really nice", but it's close to train and right in the center of town. It says it has a tripple. Perhaps you can write and explain you family.<BR><BR>http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/hotels/hazelwd.html<BR><BR>http://www.deancourt-york.co.uk/<BR><BR>I know people who have stayed at all of these.<BR><BR>Maggie<BR><BR>

Maggie, thank you