Please help plan an England Itinerary!
Nov 26th, 2012, 10:22 AM
#1
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Please help plan an England Itinerary!
DH and I have been debating where to take our next European adventure (and first with our toddler). My vote is to explore England, though DH is not quite as on board as I'd like, as we were in London in 2009 and he doesn't want to simply repeat a trip we've already taken. As such, I've been charged with developing an itinerary to sway him. So, I need help!
We will have 8 or 9 days of actual touring time, and though I'd be content to spend most of that time in London, that will not win over DH. On my mental list, I've thought that a rough itinerary (dream list?) would include two bases from which we can explore some or all of the following: Bath, the Cotswolds, a day trip to the seaside, Oxford and/or Cambridge (if you have a preference please chime in!), Yorkshire, the Lake District, and a day or two to satisfy my London desires at either the beginning or end of the trip.
As I review that, I know that it's probably pushing it to fit all of those into our allotted time, but if you could help me prioritize that would be ever so helpful. Or, if there is something glaringly obvious that I've left out, please chime in as well.
We would be traveling in the spring (April/May), we aren't opposed to renting a car vs train (or vice versa), and honestly, I'm not too concerned about planning toddler specific activities this early point because he's just as happy to be given the chance to run in the grass as anything else. However, for planning purposes, the Toddler will be 20 months or so at the time of travel.
As I mentioned above, I've thought that two bases would be good from which we could explore. In my head, I've thought that London would be one of them as I'd like to spend a day or two doing some activities that we've missed in previous trips, but I also know that some of the destinations listed above are hours apart.
Please help me sort out my craziness!
We will have 8 or 9 days of actual touring time, and though I'd be content to spend most of that time in London, that will not win over DH. On my mental list, I've thought that a rough itinerary (dream list?) would include two bases from which we can explore some or all of the following: Bath, the Cotswolds, a day trip to the seaside, Oxford and/or Cambridge (if you have a preference please chime in!), Yorkshire, the Lake District, and a day or two to satisfy my London desires at either the beginning or end of the trip.
As I review that, I know that it's probably pushing it to fit all of those into our allotted time, but if you could help me prioritize that would be ever so helpful. Or, if there is something glaringly obvious that I've left out, please chime in as well.
We would be traveling in the spring (April/May), we aren't opposed to renting a car vs train (or vice versa), and honestly, I'm not too concerned about planning toddler specific activities this early point because he's just as happy to be given the chance to run in the grass as anything else. However, for planning purposes, the Toddler will be 20 months or so at the time of travel.
As I mentioned above, I've thought that two bases would be good from which we could explore. In my head, I've thought that London would be one of them as I'd like to spend a day or two doing some activities that we've missed in previous trips, but I also know that some of the destinations listed above are hours apart.
Please help me sort out my craziness!
Nov 26th, 2012, 10:59 AM
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"...pushing it to fit all of thosee into alloted time.." is an understatement, to say the least.
Can you tell us a little more about what you and hubby like to do as that would help us narrow things down. And how long do you have on the ground? Are your travel days to England and home again part of the 8 or 9 days.
I would enjoy any or all of the places you mentioned.
If York were to be your base, there is lots to do in York itself--the minster, the Jorvik center (York was a Viking city and excavations have turned up lots to tell about life in Viking days), walk around the walls (google York images to see how comfortable you would be with a toddler), the train museum, explo0re the medievil streets, the York Museum which gives a picture of life in nineteenth century York,lifford's Tower, and much more.
There is much to see in the area around York. Rent a car and enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic lunch. I think that Whitby and Scarborough are drivable, although a long day, from York for your day at the shore. Fountains Abbey and Riveaulx are ruins that are worth an explore. Thirsk, James Herriot's (If you are a fan of "All things Bright and Beautiful" home, is doable. Castle Howard (setting of another PBS series) is doable.
Morgana who frequently posts here lives in Yorkshire and can give you lots more info. Enter her name in the search box and look for posts on which she has commented.
If you were to base in Cambridge, there is much to see. The Air Museum at Duxford has World War II planes. There is one hangar devoted to American aircraft of that vintage. I remember going there with my Dad and seeing the kind of plane that he flew and being very overwhelmed with how primitive it seemed. There are lots of small towns such as Saffron Walden (Waldron?) and Lavenham which are worth exploring. The Norfolk Broads are nearby (think Constable country). Ely Cathedral is within easy driving. Ely is one of my favorite cathedrals.
If you are into gardens, Kent would be a good base. Sissinghurst, Hever (Ann Boleyn), Ightham Mote are all scenic. Canterbury Cathedral and its environs are lovely. Dover with its castle and World War II fortifications is there.
These are just a few random ideas. Please let us know what sort of things you like to do so that we can better help.
Can you tell us a little more about what you and hubby like to do as that would help us narrow things down. And how long do you have on the ground? Are your travel days to England and home again part of the 8 or 9 days.
I would enjoy any or all of the places you mentioned.
If York were to be your base, there is lots to do in York itself--the minster, the Jorvik center (York was a Viking city and excavations have turned up lots to tell about life in Viking days), walk around the walls (google York images to see how comfortable you would be with a toddler), the train museum, explo0re the medievil streets, the York Museum which gives a picture of life in nineteenth century York,lifford's Tower, and much more.
There is much to see in the area around York. Rent a car and enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic lunch. I think that Whitby and Scarborough are drivable, although a long day, from York for your day at the shore. Fountains Abbey and Riveaulx are ruins that are worth an explore. Thirsk, James Herriot's (If you are a fan of "All things Bright and Beautiful" home, is doable. Castle Howard (setting of another PBS series) is doable.
Morgana who frequently posts here lives in Yorkshire and can give you lots more info. Enter her name in the search box and look for posts on which she has commented.
If you were to base in Cambridge, there is much to see. The Air Museum at Duxford has World War II planes. There is one hangar devoted to American aircraft of that vintage. I remember going there with my Dad and seeing the kind of plane that he flew and being very overwhelmed with how primitive it seemed. There are lots of small towns such as Saffron Walden (Waldron?) and Lavenham which are worth exploring. The Norfolk Broads are nearby (think Constable country). Ely Cathedral is within easy driving. Ely is one of my favorite cathedrals.
If you are into gardens, Kent would be a good base. Sissinghurst, Hever (Ann Boleyn), Ightham Mote are all scenic. Canterbury Cathedral and its environs are lovely. Dover with its castle and World War II fortifications is there.
These are just a few random ideas. Please let us know what sort of things you like to do so that we can better help.
Nov 26th, 2012, 11:52 AM
#3
having lived in Kent, I'm biased in favour of irish's last suggestion - lots of interesting things to see in a small area, plus the option of going to the seaside on a nice day.
my other suggestion would be Cornwall - [biased again, it's where i live now] which is wonderful in the spring with lovely gardens, beaches and scenery. you could get the train to Truro, tour the area, then stop off in Bath on the way back and train back to london.
my other suggestion would be Cornwall - [biased again, it's where i live now] which is wonderful in the spring with lovely gardens, beaches and scenery. you could get the train to Truro, tour the area, then stop off in Bath on the way back and train back to london.
Nov 26th, 2012, 12:39 PM
#4
Your options are just about limitless - so what sorts of things do you want to see/do?
Just a few 2-base options would be: London/Cornwall or Devon, London/Kent, London/the Cotswolds, London/York, London/Edinburgh . . . Or skip London entirely this time (If you plan on future European trips you can easily tack on a few days in London at the beginning or end).
If you do decide to skip London pick any two places from the above list since flying into London isn't mandatory. You could fly into MAN or GLA or EDI etc . . .
Just a few 2-base options would be: London/Cornwall or Devon, London/Kent, London/the Cotswolds, London/York, London/Edinburgh . . . Or skip London entirely this time (If you plan on future European trips you can easily tack on a few days in London at the beginning or end).
If you do decide to skip London pick any two places from the above list since flying into London isn't mandatory. You could fly into MAN or GLA or EDI etc . . .
Nov 26th, 2012, 01:50 PM
#5
Going with Irishface. York is tremendous www.visityork.org , railway museum, cathedral, medieval shopping area, river boating, city park, the wall etc easy to get to by train from London. A car is not needed in the city but rental useful for everywhere around. Fun things to do include visiting the local national parks, a good number of very lovely abbey ruins in wonderful places, local agricultural shows, steam railways (evening meals) http://www.nymr.co.uk/
Nearby Leeds, Lincoln if you want another city to visit.
Morgana will tell a better story about North Yorkshire. If you search on her name you will find more details
Nearby Leeds, Lincoln if you want another city to visit.
Morgana will tell a better story about North Yorkshire. If you search on her name you will find more details
Nov 26th, 2012, 04:16 PM
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions thus far! I already have a lot to research to do based on these posts! If we were to base in York for 4-5 days, would it be absolutely crazy to consider squeezing in a day trip to Edinburgh? I know that it would be a long day (2.5 hrs each way by train?), and I'm sure we'd be short changing Edinburgh, but I'd hate to miss it altogether, being that close! That sounds like a rookie mistake, I'm sure
In response to a couple of questions: the 8 or 9 days will be time we have on the ground (we usually plan on 10-12 day trips, so I'm figuring two days for travel time). Regarding interests, we both enjoy history, and historical places, museums, etc. We enjoy walking (and the Toddler is comfortable being strapped to a back in order for us to do this), and so a day or two exploring the Cotswolds and/or Yorkshire Dales by foot wouldn't be frowned upon. Also, I've long been interested in the British Monarchy and aristocracy, and enjoy touring castles, homes, etc (though I can probably only get the Husband to agree to one or two).
In response to a couple of questions: the 8 or 9 days will be time we have on the ground (we usually plan on 10-12 day trips, so I'm figuring two days for travel time). Regarding interests, we both enjoy history, and historical places, museums, etc. We enjoy walking (and the Toddler is comfortable being strapped to a back in order for us to do this), and so a day or two exploring the Cotswolds and/or Yorkshire Dales by foot wouldn't be frowned upon. Also, I've long been interested in the British Monarchy and aristocracy, and enjoy touring castles, homes, etc (though I can probably only get the Husband to agree to one or two).
Nov 27th, 2012, 01:16 AM
#7
Hi danielle,
if you decide on York, i can recommend this hotel : http://www.deancourt-york.co.uk/
it's a while since i stayed there but the reviews suggest that its standards haven't dropped. Very central but quiet and near everything you'd want to see.
you could get the train straight from London to York, spend a few days in the city, then pick up a car and tour the Yorkshire Dales. The area around Grassington [Wharfdale] is lovely with loads of not too demanding walking. We stayed here: http://www.bridge-end-farm.co.uk/ - they have a family room where there is a possibility of your little one sleeping in a separate room - that might appeal as might the garden.
then drive down to the Cotswolds, tour, and return car to Oxford, and train/bus back to London. [I think that would fill the time you have amply.]
Alternatively, you could fly into Edinburgh, spend a few days there, pick up a car and drive to the Dales, tour, then drive to york, deposit car, and get train to London.
again, i think that sort of trip wouldn't leave a lot of time for anything else.
if you decide on York, i can recommend this hotel : http://www.deancourt-york.co.uk/
it's a while since i stayed there but the reviews suggest that its standards haven't dropped. Very central but quiet and near everything you'd want to see.
you could get the train straight from London to York, spend a few days in the city, then pick up a car and tour the Yorkshire Dales. The area around Grassington [Wharfdale] is lovely with loads of not too demanding walking. We stayed here: http://www.bridge-end-farm.co.uk/ - they have a family room where there is a possibility of your little one sleeping in a separate room - that might appeal as might the garden.
then drive down to the Cotswolds, tour, and return car to Oxford, and train/bus back to London. [I think that would fill the time you have amply.]
Alternatively, you could fly into Edinburgh, spend a few days there, pick up a car and drive to the Dales, tour, then drive to york, deposit car, and get train to London.
again, i think that sort of trip wouldn't leave a lot of time for anything else.
Nov 27th, 2012, 06:10 AM
#9
The day trip to Edinburgh is possible but will be a long one (your shout I'm afraid). I suggest avoid the festival period as the place is crowded.
Also, I understand people run up and down skyscrappers in the US to get fit, well welcome to Edinburgh, the place is hilly.
The train journey is very pretty and people tend to like to sit on the East side of the coach to get the best views.
Also, I understand people run up and down skyscrappers in the US to get fit, well welcome to Edinburgh, the place is hilly.
The train journey is very pretty and people tend to like to sit on the East side of the coach to get the best views.
Dec 2nd, 2012, 12:08 PM
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Thank you all for your input. Alas, the Husband hasn't bitten for this trip, though he did admit that we should keep it in mind for a future jaunt. Now to start brainstorming another itinerary. I appreciate everyone's help and am bookmarking this for another time!
Dec 2nd, 2012, 01:22 PM
#12
Danielle - your DH sounds like mine. I have to work on several ideas at once to get him to "bite" one of them. so i was astonished when he agreed so quickly to my suggestion of a holiday in Sri Lanka - though I suppose we had been talking about it for 25 years or so, which was the time it took for them to stop blowing each other up.
as you say, you can store it up for another time.
as you say, you can store it up for another time.
