I absolutely endorse janisj's idea. Edinburgh is a much easier place to work off some time change and jetlag, and in April it won't be very expensive. Flights from Gatwick to EDI are US$85 or less, and there are several flights daily, including at least four that would depart at a time that would make connecting easy. At that price you might find it competitive with taxis and trains, and lots easier.

Two nights in Edinburgh, drive down the A1 past Holy Island and Bamburgh to Alnwick for the night, the next day drive to Durham for a couple of hours and/or Hadrian's wall, and overnight in York, having dropped the car.

Ending in London is lots easier than starting there; you'll have your bearings and probably more energy compared to walking around in a jet-lagged daze for a day or two.

You might consider staying close to the airport at Edinburgh and take the tram into town for your sightseeing. If you get a car, you'll want to do it at the airport anyway, and Edinburgh is compact enough that you can see lots in a day or two using the tram, buses and feet. Then when it's time to drive south you can use the city bypass to get to the A1.

>>With four of you a car service from Gatwick might not be out of line. The driver will wait for you if you are delayed and door to door service should take about the same time as two trains and a taxi at the end.<<

Can't agree w/ that. A car service from LGW to Kings Cross would take FOREVER. And there wouldn't be two trains nor a taxi -- one can take a train directly from LGW to KingX/St Pancras with no changes.

But IMO that would still be more hassle than just flying north straightaway

Janisj, I did not make that clear; car service from Gatwick to York if that is the OP's first destination after arrival. The two trains included one into London, another from London to York and a taxi to hotel in York. A car service can pick the family up at Gatwick and deposit them at their hotel in York. With four people and luggage a car service could simplify arrival for them.

>>Janisj, I did not make that clear; car service from Gatwick to York <<

Oh -- I'd never imagine you meant a car service all the way to York. That is one loooooong haul. A five hour drive on a good day.

A car from Gatwick to York would cost at least £400 and would take forever, especially with a trip round a good portion of the M25. Flights to Edinburgh would take a lot less time if you're already at Gatwick and cost about the same or less for a one way ticket.

Hadrian's Wall is better seen from the Carlisle side, where the fortifications are better preserved, i.e. Birdoswald, so this takes you off your route down the East Coast.

>>Hadrian's Wall is better seen from the Carlisle side,<<

For just the wall maybe, but if they go down the east side and detour over as far as say Housteads/Vindolanda they can see a lot of the Wall and a great fort or two and still have a reasonable drive to York.

Or as Gardyloo suggests make it a two day drive and see Alnwick/Bamburgh too.

That leaves 3 nights for somewhere else and I'm trying to figure out where. I was thinking Oxford area>

3 days rent car in York and drive over to Stratford-on-Avon and force the tweens to learn about Shakespeare! Hit Warwick Castle en route and drive through Cotswolds to Oxford, return car and train back to London?

York has more than enough to fill a week's visit. Some world Unesco centres and three major art galleries (one being a large open air park with interactive art), then stuff like Robin Hoods bay etc

there are actually 4 counties in Yorkshire so heaps of smaller area websites but this is a good place to start

https://www.yorkshire.com/

I beg to differ from Rubicund...

The best bit of Hadrians Wall is the central section - from Housesteads west to Steel Rigg car park, or even Cawfields car park. This is the section of stone wall which roller coasts along the top of the whin sill ridge with fantastic views in all directions. All the pictures of the wall are from this section. Birdoswald Fort is nowhere near as impressive as Housesteads. Also the wall to the west of Birdoswald was built of wood and all that is left is the turf bank. Views aren't as good either.
If time allows you can also go for a walk along the wall west from Housesteads fort to a milecastle and back.

Naw PalenQ, Warwick Castle is a big theme park now run by the people who own Madame Tussauds. It's not cheap either with adult tickets costing £36 and children £33....

Try nearby Kennilworth Castle instead. This belonged to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, a favourite of Elizabeth I. He spent a fortune modernising the castle in anticipation of a visit by the queen in the hope of wooing her... It didn't work!
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/v...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wow Warwick Castle allowed to deteriorate into that?

https://www.warwick-castle.com/plan/...et-prices.aspx

Guess castle and dungeon are two separate things - kids may like the dungeon? But the old castle is separate. But 36 quid?

>>Wow Warwick Castle allowed to deteriorate into that?<<

Mme Tussauds has owned Warwick for at least 20+ years - probably 30. So unless you last visited in the 70's, they owned it when you were there. The Dungeon is not 'separate' - it is in the castle. You need to pay extra to enter and see the live actors/animatronincs bits - just like paying extra in a museum for a 'special exhibition. (it is not the original dungeon which is still there too).

No need at ALL to go into the Dungeon -- the rest of the castle and grounds are well worth it

Wow wow - always thought Britain was so so whatever at preserving historical monuments' integrity - this makes it sound kind of cheesy. Thanks for edifying me.

Have I missed something? I just checked Warwick Castle website and an adult ticket for both castle and dungeon costs £ 23 not 36 quid.

While I wish that both Leeds Castle and Warwick Castle had somehow been taken over by the National Trust or English Heritage rather than their present owners/ operators, I have visited Warwick Castle within the last 20 years and, although, there is certainly a lot of additions which might be considered Disneylandish, it is still great for kids and a good introduction to medieval and castle life.

PQ -- aren't I <i>always</i> 'edifying' you???

They have done nothing to harm Warwick Castle -- they have not changed any of the historic buildings or rooms.

Naw PalenQ, Warwick Castle is a big theme park now run by the people who own Madame Tussauds. It's not cheap either with adult tickets costing £36 and children £33....>

They have done nothing to harm Warwick Castle -- they have not changed any of the historic buildings or rooms.>

2 differing opinions about that.

Yes you edify me and many others with your amazing (sincerely) encyclopedic knowledge of everything British. Cheers!

It is not a theme park -- it has some 'family fun' attractions that were added. If one wants to do that sort of thing it is there but they are easily avoided.

BUT the castle itself/the walls/ etc has not been touched <u>in any way</u>. They couldn't even IF they wanted to -- being a protected bldg.



Yes, I do tend to post about places I've been this millennium . . .

Yes, I do tend to post about places I've been this millennium . . .>

I traveled Britain at least once a year for decades until 2012 - (this millenium BTW) and led group tours and researched and wrote in-depth articles on just about every British place of touristic interest. I am well equipped to make general comments on many things without getting specific - like I just said Warwick Castle and that's it (it being one of the most visited English castles). And despite your continual snarky comments will continue to do so.

Cheers!

I agree the walls and keep haven't been touched and still stand proud (there are good views of the outside of the castle from Mill Street) but is now run very much as a theme park with prices to match. It is a very expensive day out for a family and there isn't a reduction if you buy tickets on line...

Actually if you want to watch the Trebuchet being fired, one of the best places to see this is from the delightful Mill Street Gardens... Entry last year was £2.50.

Forgotto attach a link to my pictures of the gardens... These are a delight to explore.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/garden...ill/index.html