How far in advance of a May, 2016 trip should I be making my reservations, specifically in Bath, Chipping Campden and Cornwall?

>>How far in advance of a May, 2016 trip should I be making my reservations, specifically in Bath, Chipping Campden and Cornwall?<<

<i>When</i> in May? Makes a huge difference. The first and last weekends are holidays so you would want to book as far ahead as you can - as soon as your dates are firm. Especially in Cornwall.

For the middle of the month you could pretty much wait til late next Spring -- or even til you are 'in country'.

In May, unless you have your heart set on particular properties, it's been my experience that you can play it as you go. The exceptions will be the 2 May bank holiday weekends at the beginning & end of the month (Monday holidays, May 2 & 30 in 2016). I'd reserve on those weekends if they're part of your trip.

I won't be there until the middle of May, so I should be all right for a while. Thanks for your speedy responses!

For the U.K., I usually book about 5/6 months in advance. It really depends on whether there's a special place you want to stay or not. I always enjoy doing a bit of research and selecting a place with charm, a restaurant or restaurants within walking distance and relatively close to the sites I want to visit. Some people are far less concerned about where they stay. You need to decide which category you're in. If the former then book several months in advance.

May is certainly not high season for tourists, but I've found that in the last few years years many are choosing to avoid July/August. June, September and even May and October are increasingly popular. You're likely to be okay without booking in advance unless there is a particular place you want to stay.

I agree completely with Historytraveler. It depends upon whether there's a special place you want to stay or not, or if you just want some decent hotel rooms.

I too enjoy the research of selecting a place I know I'll like and will be special. A mediocre accomodation won't ruin a vacation, but a great place will always leave you with special memories and smiles.

Also, what type of place are you looking for? B&B? Hotel? Apartment or cottage rental? A small popular B&B will book up a lot sooner than a big popular Hotel. And many apartments and cottages book up months sometimes a year in advance.

Enjoy the planning, if you haven't been there before, we think England is quite magical. We'll be making our 6th trip there in September, there is much to see and experience!

Oh -- good point -- IF you mean to rent a cottage then you will want to book as soon as possible.

My post was about B&Bs and hotels. I'd probably also book pretty far ahead in Bath. But the Chipping Campden area and Cornwall have so much availability you really don't need to book ahead <u>unless</u> you want to stay in a specific place(s).

If you do find specific places you want to stay there is no benefit in delaying. But if you want to wing it, it isn't a problem waiting til the last minute . . . again -- I'd book in Bath as soon as my dates were set.

We liked our stay in Bath at Chestnuts B&B

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...t_England.html

And we also loved staying outside Bath and taking the train into Bath (very easy) From here however you do need to drive to dinner but there are several choices close by.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...t_England.html

In Chipping Camden we rented a Townhouse, we enjoyed staying in CC

Thank you for all of your advice, Friends!