We'll be spending a morning at Warwick Castle, and then heading north to York (I think). Are there any villages nearby or on the way? Thank you!

Hi Cindy<BR><BR>You won't find a Cotswolds village on your way. The Cotswolds is a beautiful area of Britain in central/western England starting near Oxford and extending to Cheltenham and Bath. It will be a little out of your way if you are heading North (to York) from Warwick. <BR>You could though, if you enjoy ceramics and pottery, take a small detour as you pass near Derby on your way north (??30-50mins out of your way) and take in Stoke on Trent. The area is known as "The Potteries". In the Stoke on Trent area most of the well known UK ceramic and pottery makers have their factories, along with visitor centres and shops selling cut price products and seconds (which are often hard to tell apart from their "firsts"). Some of the makers in that area include Denby, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton. That might be an option for you. You could still take in a factory or two and arrive in York by the evening. <BR>Warwick Castle is a fun place to spend time, but if you want to set off for York at lunch time, you would have to make an early start, to give the castle justice as it does take a few hours, especially if there are any displays or shows happening in the castle grounds. <BR><BR>Angela

The Cotswolds are south of Warwick so definitely not on your way northeast to York. BTW - Warwick will take more than a morning to see. It does not open until 10AM and takes several hours to see. (Most folks spend most of a day there.)<BR><BR>Where are you staying the night before you go to Warwick? If you will be south of Warwick you could drive through the Cotswolds on your way there.

Thank you, Angela. Janis, I'll be staying in London. We're renting a car that morning, and heading to Warwick. Is there a drive that you'd suggest to get there?

Hi Cindy.<BR>As you are hiring a car, I would suggest that you take the M4 to Junction 17, come off there and follow the A429 that takes you right through some beautiful Cotswold countryside, with many pretty villages just off that road, The Slaughters - Upper and Lower -are two that come to mind immediately.<BR>The A429 goes right through Stow on the Wold, where you might like to stop and have a look at the town and also Moreton - in - Marsh.<BR>Just beyond Moreton -in - Marsh, at a roundabout you will find a sign leading you to Warwick.<BR>Hope you enjoy your trip.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie.

I visited Warwick castle FROM the Cotwolds, which was my base, it took about 45 min to get there. But yes, the Cotswolds are basically south and you are going North.<BR><BR>If you had the chance though, I would recommend stopping a night in that area. It is very pretty, and many villages are well worth a visit.<BR><BR>I wasn't too blown away by Warwick, I'm afraid. It's extremely overpriced and sort of a tourist trap, a gift shop around every corner etc. I imagine kids would love it though.<BR><BR>

Hi Cindy.<BR>As you are hiring a car, I would suggest that you take the M4 to Junction 17, come off there and follow the A429 that takes you right through some beautiful Cotswold countryside, with many pretty villages just off that road, The Slaughters - Upper and Lower -are two that come to mind immediately.<BR>The A429 goes right through Stow on the Wold, where you might like to stop and have a look at the town and also Moreton - in - Marsh.<BR>Just beyond Moreton -in - Marsh, at a roundabout you will find a sign leading you to Warwick.<BR>Hope you enjoy your trip.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie.

Maggie's route is one of only two practical routes to see any Cotswolds villages enroute London &gt; Warwick. The other would be taking the M40 to Oxford and the A40 west to Burford or Northleach and north from there the A429 to Stow, Slaughters, etc.<BR><BR>Your problem is still that you say you will be "spending a morning at Warwick Castle". The route through the Cotswolds will take a long time. A minimum of 2.5 or 3 hours - but most likely much longer since these are two lane roads through lovely little villages.<BR><BR>So assuming you get your car quickly (renting a car in the UK takes a while with all the paperwork etc.) and get on the road by 9AM you will be LUCKY to be to Warwick by noon.<BR><BR>You really need to budget more time for the Cotswolds and Warwick. Don't count on getting to York until that night.

I totally agree with Janis, you really should linger longer in the Cotswolds!<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie

Thanks for being so helpful! I'm not sure what we'll do, but will take these suggestions with us. There's just SO much to see!