I agree Cornwall and especially Devon are wonderful. And a great choice after the hustle of London. A week down there would be fabulous. Or 5 days plus a couple of days in Hampshire or Wiltshire. But Yorkshire, the Cotswolds and Cornwall - - in a week - nope.

Same w/ Yorkshire - a great wind down after London. But not combined w/ Cornwall.

Hi, My husband and I are also going to England in June for three weeks. This is how we are planning the trip:
first take the train from Gatwick to Bath and rent a car there. From Bath we will go to the Cotswolds, Salisbury and its Cathedral and Stonehenge, Glastonbury (which your son should like), and a day in Bath,all of these places are close. Then we'll turn in the car and take the train to London. In London for 9 days, we will make 3 day trips out by coach tour or by train: to York; to Oxford, Stratford-on-Avon and on to Warwick Castle (which your son and your husband will really like-hands on with jousting); and a trip to Windsor Castle. Days in London: first day an orientation tour of the city in a mini-coach (Astral Travels), then a trip back to the Tower, etc. The last week in England we will go to Paris- I can't be that close and not go to Paris. If you really want to stay in England for the entire three weeks, I would suggest making a trip into Wales for a Celtic experience- also train from York to Edinburough, a short hop. Have fun, did I suggest a week in Paris?

Cornwall.... and mostly for that boy! I adore all of Cornwall and it along with Cotswolds is my favorite part of England.

letstalk: There is a part of your itinerary that doesn't make a lot of sense.

You are renting a car and going as far a the Cotswolds and then going into London where you procede to pay a tour company (or take the train) to take you back to Oxford/Stratford/Warwick. All three are basically on the fringes of the Cotswolds. It would work out <b>much</b> better money and time wise to keep the car an extra day or two (and delay your arrival in London a day or two) and use the time to explore the Cotswolds and Stratford/Warwick etc.

This thread demonstrates so many different perceptions of travel. It seems to me the main difference is whther you feel this is a lost opportunity to see all of England...or rather one of many trips you intend to take.

Three weeks in London will give you time to do something and to do nothing. I'm sure you'll enjoy some of the smaller museum including Sir John Soames Museum and another gem I visited on Holland Park...perhaps someome else remembers the name?

In terms of visiting another area why not look at renting a cottage from the National Trust? This would give you another immersion experience in the counrtyside.

Frankly the 9 day trip to London with multiple day trips across the country sounds exhausting!But each to their own.

I would highly recommend Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford, Bath and Stonehenge- all are typical English tourist spots, but they are all very worthwhile. I spent 2 weeks in England several years ago- we stayed in London (right near Hyde Park, which is beautiful, be sure to check it out), but were able to do day trips to the four places I mentioned. As for London, you will not get bored with your three weeks- it gives you plenty of time to enjoy the many opportunities at a slower placed (of course, if that's what you wish). I don't know how much of a shopper you are, but try visiting Harrod's and Oxford Street- even your husband and son won't mind.
And of course, be sure to see a play while in Stratford.

Have a wonderful trip, you will love it!

I'd like to suggest something a little different - but not very. In fact I have two suggestions where you could decide to adopt both, one, or none at all...

Firstly, and my favourite out of the two: The Isle of Man. There's not much in the way of fine dining there, or anything fashionable, just raw, natural beauty, and a lot of atmosphere. Spend a week there, walk (unless the weather's sunny) along the unspoilt beaches, see the selection of sites, and you must hire a car for this - buses would be a killer! It is quite the opposite of London, and very relaxing.

Secondly, tour Yorkshire, take in the old towns, and the tackier ones too such as Scarborough, it's fun, and very different from Southern England. The Cotswolds are pleasant, but in my opinon don't offer a wonderful contrast as they're too &quot;middle England&quot; and conservative, and drab. Suitable for a weekend, but a week would be dull!

Wales isn't bad, but doesn't compare to the Isle of Man.