can anyone suggest the best and most interesting and easiest and scenic route from South London (Gatwick)to Nothern Wales, for family with 3 kids aged 9,6,4.Where to stop, what to see and at which places to sleep over????????? It could be a 3 day trip.

If I were taking a family on a 2 or 3 day trip to N Wales from Gatwick, I would probably head west into west Sussex and Hampshire. You could drive through the New forest (1st night) The kids would love the free ranging ponies). Then up via Salisbury to Stonehenge. On to Bath (2nd night) Then from Bath via Bristol up the M6 and cut over to N. Wales. <BR> <BR>This route would have lots to see and isn't too demanding. <BR> <BR>Otherwise I would skip the SW swing down to the New Forest and basically drive over to Salisbury/Stonehenge, over to Bath and then up into the western Cotswolds for the 2nd night. from there it is a fairly short drive up to N Wales.

Thanks Janice - your advice has given me something to work on and build up. SD

The first query I have seen about Wales since I discovered this site so I can't resist replying!Do you want information about where to stay etc when you get here or is that all sorted? <BR>Hope you're coming soon,the weather forecast is good!

We did that trip a few years ago. Went to Stonehenge, Avebury, Bath, Chepstow, Cardiff for the Folk Museum, Tinturn Abbey, then, Betws-y-coed,Caernefon, Bangor Conway, Chester, Blackpool,then back south to Kenilworth, Warwick, Oxford and Windsor. We visited as many castles as possible using the British Heritage Pass. We stayed at Forte Travel Inn, and Travelodges because they had "family rooms". If you stay, check out the free newspaper at your door. We found coupons for half price at several other hotels. But, we did it in a week and half, not three days.

Frances, <BR> <BR>I am interested in any an all information you can give me on Wales. I am thinking of spending a few days there when we visit London next year. <BR> <BR>We will be a family of four (kids ages 8 and 6). <BR> <BR>Thanks. If you want you can e-mail me directly. <BR>

Jo-Look at the info on the thread headed Wales and Lake District lodging which I'm about to top for you . <BR>Come back with any queries

Stanley.. <BR> <BR>If you do end up heading northwards from Bath, give the M5/M6 a miss as they are not much fun. Instead cross the River Severn near Bristol to Chepstow, and then head north on the A49 - slower but a darn sight prettier, passing through some interesting towns like Hereford, Ludlow, Church Stretton and Shrewsbury, where you can pick up the A5 straight into North Wales at Llangollen.

Tony - now that's what I call good advice! <BR> <BR>Just one small point. The A49 doesn't go to Chepstow, but the drive to it is up the Wye Valley, which is a really scenic drive as well. <BR> <BR>If you want to break the journey in the Chepstow area, I would suggest having a look at the Crown at Whitebrook (www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk). I go for Sunday lunch, so I can't vouch for the rooms. Alternatively, Ludlow is in the ridiculous position of having three Michelin rated restaurants in the 2001 guide.

Hi I was brought up in Chepstow. Do not speed through. It has a really good castle,which is situated on the banks of theWye, lovely grounds(locally known as the Dell). Pretty walk along the Wye, some good restaurants and small museum. <BR>Travel on following the Wye river, past Chepstow Racecourse towards Monmouth, stop at Tintern to see the Abbey. Have a look at the small shops, have a cream tea in the village or a drink in The Anchor. <BR>Its a lovely area - enjoy!!

If you still need help with accommodation try http://www.theuktourist.com <BR> <BR>For any accommodation you fancy on that site you can print out a map using the post code on http://www.multimap.com