We just got back from a 12 day trip to London and Isle of Wight. I can't imagine a better location and view than the Royal Horseguards. We looked out at the Thames and London Eye and right across the street from the Embankment Tube and Charing cross Rail Station. The food was great and the staff very helpful. We did take a Cotswold tour with Evan Evans. WE were to see Oxford, Cotswolds and Blenheim palace. We LITERALLY ran through Oxford and at the lunch stop, the service was so slow we had 15 min. to shop in Burford. Blenheim Palace was fine. Won't use them again. We loved the Isle of Wight. It truly is a minature England. We spent time in small villages with cottages and old churches. We strolled on the seaside cliffs and there is Osbourne House for those who love royal residences. The trip down from London was a breeze on the train,ferry,train to Shanklin. We stayed at the Edgecliffe Hotel and Mick & Dru were the perfect hosts. I will go back to the Isle of Wight.

Pammyjo: Glad you had such a good trip. I agree about the Horseguards. I don't usually stay in hotels in London because I rent flats - but when I do I always try for Royal Horseguards first. The first time I stayed there was about 25 years ago and have always enjoyed it.

I hope your comment about trying to do an organized tour from London to the Cotswolds, Blenheim and Oxford in ONE day. Even when you are staying right in the middle of the Cotswolds, it would be hard to see Blenheim, Woodstock and much of Oxford in one day.

Isn't the Isle of Wight GREAT! - Agree totally with your assessment. Did you get out to the Needles?

Hello,

Loved the Royal Horseguards--I agree, it was a grand location and a wonderful building. Our included English breakfast was almost overwhelming. Would stay there again if I could afford it.

Sorry your Evan Evans tour was not what you hoped. Ours was grand-traveled through the kent countryside to Leeds Castle, on to Dover and then to Canterbury. Had plenty of time at each of these to enjoy the surroundings. Lunch wasn't included in Canterbury, so we were on our own and had time to wander a bit and have a muffin and tea snack. More than enough time to tour the cathedral before heading to the town center for a soda and wnader through the greatest fabric store I have ever seen.

Don't let that one bad experience put you off Evan Evans.

Pammyjo, I've wanted to go to the Isle of Wight since I read about Agatha Christie doing a promotion for the island ages ago. Did you notice if there are any guided tours or self-guided tours that would take you through the event? Thanks!

I tried to get more information about the Agatha Christie connection on her official website but didn't get a response. What exactly did she do?

I just re-read my post and realize I left out part of a sentence. Doesn't make much sense the way it is. Should have read:

"I hope your comment about trying to do an organized tour from London to the Cotswolds, Blenheim and Oxford in ONE day convinces others it is just is too much"

Not knocking Evans Evans at all - they are a good company. But your experience shows the trouble you get into when they try to cover too much in too little time.

She worked with the Isle to cook up a mystery promotion. It was supposed to bring in tourists. There were clues that were to be revealed as people tried to solve the mystery. I think something went wrong and somebody lucked into the final location that had the last clue. That took some of the wind out of the promotion's sails.

There certainly doesn't seem to be much about this on the web. I read a book about Agatha Christie's writings a few years ago and this is what I remember. I guess if it didn't jump out at you there wasn't much going on with it currently.

I'll have to start looking around at the library to see if I can find the book that mentioned the promotion.