<BR> <BR>My family -- a group of seven (all college age or older) -- will be spending two weeks in England in June 2001. I've heard about self-catering accomodations and think perhaps it would be cheaper than hotels or B&Bs with such a large group. We'd like to base one week near London and the other week in the North (perhaps Yorkshire, the Lake District, or even in Scotland). Has anyone tried this before or have any recommendations? Would we have to rent a car (actually, with 7 people we'd likely need two cars, right?). Thanks much. <BR> <BR>

One alternative that you might consider is doing a home exchange with a family in one of the British locations. <BR> <BR>Last summer, we did a 3-week exchange with a London family, and spent the middle week in the countryside staying at B&B's. They actually had a 7-passenger Ford minivan, but it was usually the only one in the lot wherever we took it -- we eventually called it Moby. <BR> <BR>E-mail me if you'd like details about exchanging. It's economical, of course, and a good way to really get to know a place.

Hi JM. I've never done the home exchange, although I think it sounds like a wonderful idea, but have done self-catering many, many times. For 7 people it would definitely be cheaper than B&Bs/hotels. You will probably find self catering cottages in every corner of England, so would probably need to decide first what kinds of things everyone wants to see/do. For most estates and gardens to see per square inch you might want to be centered in Kent/Sussex or the Cotswolds. For hiking, walking you might try Derbyshire or Yorkshire. For neat places along/on the water you might be interested in Cornwall or the Isle of Wight. North and South Wales are also beautiful. The area around Berkshire or Surrey would be lovely if you want to train into London. There are lots of choices. If you are interested I have written an article on self catering which I would gladly send to you by e-mail if you get in touch with me directly. (I've also done a little survey we use when we are going with groups of people, just to figure out what people are most interested in seeing. I can also send that along.) As you can probably tell I am a great fan of self-catering. (And am assuming you meant June 2002.)

Self catering would certainly be the way to go. The larger properties usually work out at less money per person than smaller ones. Check out the following web sites, they may be of help:- <BR>www.premiercottages.co.uk <BR>www.goodcottageguide.com <BR>www.allthingsbritish.com/cottages/index.html <BR>The last web site has links to many more rental companies including English Country Cottages, NT properties, and Country Holidays a company with whom <BR>I have rented property in the past. Once you have decided on the area you want to visit you could also contact the local tourist authority they will have information on rentals. <BR>

I would certainly do self catering if you can pick a spot where you have enough day trips to keep you occupied for the week (shouldn't be a problem) <BR> <BR>I would consider Scotland. We stayed for a week at the Leny Lodge in Callendar - centrally located between Glasgow and Edinbourgh. You might need to get two units. <BR> <BR>Self catering is soooo much more restful.

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions. I did mean June 2002 -- oops! <BR> <BR>It looks like self-catering or home exchanges will be the way to go. Does anyone have any specific self-catering accomodations that they've stayed at and recommend? I'll also check out the Web sites provided in earlier responses. Thanks much.