My kids were the same age as yours when we took them to see Warwick Castle. They thought it was really interesting and we spent hours there. I'd allot more time to Warwick Castle and less to Stratfor-upon-Avon, which we were disappointed in. I guess we thought it would be a charming little Cotswoldy village and it was a big booming busy town instead. We took a walk along the river and hightailed it out!

train vs car

This really is a personal choice. I have never liked driving and I'd take the train if I could.

Virgin, despite what flanner says, are on time and the new trains are comfortable, have a shop and on board 'radio' stations - you just plug your headphones into the seat arm. You could probably get a train with one change in Manchester.

You may or may not get better fares with a family railcard. The card costs £20 for a year - but you are only going to use it once so may not be worth it.

A car gives you much more flexibility - if you get fed up of the motorway you can come off and go another route and stop if you want.

decide which is best for you

&quot;<i>I'm sure large enough for 3 or 4 suitcases.</i>&quot;

Unless you mean 18 or 19 inch rollaboards, I can't think of many European rental cars - w/o going to a minivan/estate car (station wagon) that has room for 4 suitcases plus the assorted carry-on's. You need to have space for <u>everything</u> to be stowed out of sight.