Hey there, I've been in London for so long I feel like I'm going mad! I have the choice of either taking a day trip to the Cotswolds or a four-day weekend to East Devon and stay at a manor house. I could possibly go to both. I don't know much about the areas-ok, I know nothing at all besides the description in the travel guide. What are they like, in terms of nature, atmosphere and the like. I would like to hear if you've been there, but anything you've heard would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

OK - assuming you can only do one -- it is a no brainer. The Cotswolds are not an area you can satisfactorily do as a day trip. LOTS of people do it -- but that doesn't mean it is a good idea. The cotswolds are charming villages and country lanes that need to be enjoyed after the daytrippers have gone home. Wait until you can devote a long weekend or 3 or 4 days.

A 4 day stay in Devon will be wonderful. Where in East Devon? It is pretty big county. There is so much to see and some absolutely terrific scenery.

Not sure exactly where yet, will find out soon. I'm just glad to be going someplace with GREEN things-what are they called again? Oh yeah, trees...

Devon is beautiful. I agree that the cotwolds are not for a day trip. The Cotswolds are big with oversees visitors from US and Asia so they are often thought of as must sees.

Devon is less popular with overseas tourists but more popular with the British. When I first visited this county i was very much surprised by its beauty as Cornwall often gets much more attention. It's one of those places that people visit year after year.

There are both north and south coasts in devon...i am more familiar with the north coast around exmoor. you will be very impressed with this area. try the cider.

The place where we will be staying is in Widworthy-a 'parish without a village' is how it is described(?)

A lovely part of East Devon, not too far from the coast, if you like hiking do try to walk part of the coastal path especially pretty round Branscombe. Other places that are near are Sidmouth, a lovely victorian seaside town, NT properties Killerton, Knightshayes Court and A La Ronde, (a really querky sixteen sided house!), also there is a half scale tram that runs from Colyton to Seaton which is quite fun. There are a couple of good pubs in Axmouth plus if you have the time visit the Kings Arms at Stockland, food was very good the last time I was there though it is advisable to book ahead for the an evening meal. Have to say its one of my favourite parts of the country, people seem to rush by it on their way to South Devon or Cornwall, big mistake IMHO.

No contest. The Cotswolds is picture-postcardy, but all of a kind. Devon is more various. From meadows to moors, riviera to wild sea coast - and the great thing is that 4 days will give you time to sample most of these variations.

I have been to the Cotswolds a couple of years okay. It is just okay. I have heard so much about Devon, I'd go in a heartbeat.

Sorry, according to the person booking my trip, it's Wilmington, Honiton.
I hope on the day we can find it.

We spent a week nearby a few years ago. It is a lovely area. The coastal path from Branscombe to Beer is spectacular. The Fountain Head pub in Branscombe was very nice. Second the Kings Arms and the Tuckers Arms in Dalwood was also nice.