In London for a week do one - or a tmost 2 day trips - depending on how you count the days (you don;t count the day you arrive or the day you leave - since you won;t get anything done either one). Esp in March/early April do not count on the countryside looking like anything much - so slect day trips with care - focusing on larger towns or castles. I don;t think it's a great time for the Cotswolds.

Kensington Palace is a good spot to visit in London, especially if they still have the exhibition of Princess Di's gowns still on. It was the home of young Princess Victoria till she became Queen at 18. The gardens are beautiful, and you can take afternoon tea from 3pm in the Orangerie. And it's walking distance to Harrod's and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge.

"<i> And it's walking distance to Harrod's and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge.</i>"

Well, I guess most everything in London is w/i walking distance if you have enough time. From Kens Palace to Harrods/Harvey Nicks would take at <i>least</i> 30 minutes. Kensington Palace is fine, but w/ as little time as you have in London, it wouldn't usually be on the 'must see' list.

>><i>We'll probably go with a London Walk at least one of the days; neither one of us has a decent sense of direction so until we get our bearings, having someone to point us in the right direction is pretty important.</i><<

Just so you realize, London Walks aren't comprehensive 'show us the lay of the land' type of tours. They are 2-ish hour walks covering small areas/individual neighborhoods/single themes. They are mostly VERY good -- but they won't give you your bearings for London.

I agree w/ the others that in a week only plan on one full day out of town trip. Oxford on your own or maybe one of the London walks away days. This is the link to the London Walks day trip offerings http://www.walks.com/London_Walks_Ho...n/default.aspx

Don't even consider Leeds Castle. It does have lovely gardens/grounds (but not in the top 5 of gardens in the southeast), but the castle itself is really a wedding/conference venue. Some interesting rooms but not worth the time away from London.

Have you found a place to stay yet? I may have missed it -what is your budget?

I've actually walked the distance between the Palace and Harrods, and it takes no more than twenty minutes. It's not difficult at all, especially for two young active women? Also, it's a pleasant walk through a nice part of London, so an enjoyable way to see that part of the city. Getting there via Tube would not save any time. And the Palace is a lovely oasis in a bustling city. Sometimes it's the less-known things that make a strong impression for travellers.

"<i>I've actually walked the distance between the Palace and Harrods, and it takes no more than twenty minutes.</i>"

I have as well -- from somewhere in the park or the Palace probably 20 or more times. Even the TFL website says 32 minutes for an average walker (and it tends to underestimate these things)

And for a slow walker -likely since it is through the park and one may want to 'smell the roses' so to speak -it calculates 45 minutes.

Not that is is a bad walk -- it is great. But it ain't no 20 mins unless one jogs.

meant to add - whether one walks through the park or along Kensington Rd/Knightsbridge it is the same distance so in the park is better IMO.

Maybe it seemed only 20mins because it is such a pleasant walk and is not any sort of slog.

There are two of you?

Then go here: www.daysoutguide.co.uk

BEFORE you fly, print off every voucher you conceivably may use. Take vouchers with you.

When in London, go to a NATIONAL RAIL station (like Victoria, Waterloo, Paddington, etc.) and go to the manned ticket booth at the station (not the Tube station, the Rail station - on the same level as the ubiquitous M&S Simply Food and Boots stores) and get seven-day PAPER Travelcards (you will need a passport-size photo for each of you too).

Present cards and voucher as necessary at your chosen attractions. This will net you 1/2 off Hampton Court Palace, 1/2 off the Cabinet War Rooms, 1/2 off the Tower and more. If you're really lucky, St Paul's will be available with the offers too.