jmmess

Hi All,

I've been reading through numerous posts, but am hoping someone can assist my lack of UK knowledge! =) My husband and I will be in London for business for a month and are currently planning our weekend getaways. (YAY!) One weekend I would like to go to North Wales and visit the castles (I haven't been in 17 years). Since we will be staying in London, I am hoping someone(s) can help me. Here are my questions...

1. What is the best way to get to North Wales (Conwy, Harlech, Cnaerfon - pardon my spelling!) - train or rent a car?

1a. How difficult are the trains to maneuvre, especially with wanting to visit multiple towns? Are there 1 or 2 day rail passes for the UK?

1b. How difficult is it to drive (my first challenge will be driving on the "wrong" side of the road)? How many hours is it from London to say Conwy?

2. We will stay for the weekend (Sat.-Sun.), suggestions for towns and hotels/B&B's to stay in/at? (Budget will be low due to numerous weekend trips.)

3. Do the castles charge an entrance fee? If so, is there a "castle pass"?

4. Good places to see and restaurants to eat at?

Any and all suggestions/comments welcomed. Thanks for your help in advance!

P_M

I can answer a few questions. Yes, the castles do charge an entrance fee, but I highly recommmend buying the Great British Heritage Pass, which you can order on line in advance, or buy it from a tourist office upon arrival. If you buy it there, you must show a passport. This pass will get you free entry to all of the castles plus a lot of other interesting places. Don't miss Bodnant Gardens, it is spectacular and free with the GBHP.

You will probably be better off with a car once you are in N. Wales, as a car will allow you to visit more out-of-the way places. We had a car throughout this trip, so I can't say if it's best to drive from London or take the train. I can tell you that I have used British trains on other trips and I found them very easy to use.

It's a little confusing at first to drive on the left, but it gets easier with practice. And believe me, if you go for the right, people will let you know!!

If you are interested, here is a link to my trip report. See chapter 4 for Wales info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

janisj

P_M really has you sorted out. Taking a train to Wales is great - but to really explore once you are there you'll want a car. Instead of hassle-ing w/ a car, I'd consider taking the train friday afternoon/evening to Chaster. Spend the night there and pick up a rental car Sat morning. Then spend Sat/Sun exploring the North Wales castles/gardens/coast. Drop the car and take the train back to London Sunday night.

Your main problem will be finding a rental agency open on Sundays, or one that allows out-of-hours drop off somewhere. You might have to drop it somewhere like Manchester airport.

jmmess

Thanks to you both for your information! I'll start taking a look at taking the train and then getting a car.

P_M> the link you provided is taking me to all of your threads. Can you tell me which one has your review? I'd love to read it! Thanks!

P_M

Oh, rats!! Try this:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34638020

P_M

I just now clicked it and it works, but if it still doens't come up, please let me know and I will copy and paste any parts that might be of interest to you.

jmmess

The last thread worked - thanks!!

janisj

Sorry about the typo - Chester -