Thank you both for such enlightening responses to my question regarding using a lock-box - something I have never used before so was unaware that they are very common and totally safe.
flanneruk - Glad to hear you have used the lockbox many times and have never been let down. Sorry to hear about your unfortunate dealings with Hertz, which obviously, still makes you angry. I have used them many times and they have never let me down. So we all have our cross to bear. Have a nice life.

So glad you started this thread, Di, as I have also found it very interesting for a trip I'm planning. I do envy your timeline! I have to work my UK trip into 10 days. As it was, getting that much time off work made me feel guilty - I work with people who have never taken more than a week, and that with great trepidation. Taking two weeks really raises eyebrows. I've heard it said we Americans don't take enough holidays - maybe not!

The input we get from those in the know here is great isn't it? It truly is like having our own personal tour guide. I'm glad I hit upon it early enough to put it to good use, and I appreciate the time all of you take to share your knowledge.

I agree, BBTTB - Fodors is my first place of reference when making travel plans.
I'm sure you'll pack a lot into your 10 days in UK. And remember . . . there's always a next time! Di

Thank you Di! As the good people who have posted on my thread have pointed out, I do need to remember that. We can't pack it all into one trip.

You mentioned being used to traveling long distances in Australia? Do you have quite a smooth extensive expressway system there as we do in the US? One of my misconceptions was thinking I could travel long distances in the UK in the same time as we do in the states, but it has been pointed out to me that is not the case. In your previous trip to UK, did you notice a difference?

If you stick to the motorways, then generally the travel times are as expected from Google Maps (provided there are no accidents/breakdowns!).

We found travel much slower on the A & B roads - often there are high hedges lining both sides of the road, and on the smaller roads they are so narrow that for cars to pass in opposite directions, one will need to either pull over onto the verge, or back up to a driveway etc to allow for passing.
Consequently you need to travel with caution on these roads. Di

Thank you for the information, Di. Very interesting. Regarding those high hedges - I did a Google street view of someplace in the Cotswolds - don't think I could find it again if I tried - and I was amazed it was considered a road! Seemed more like a very wide sidewalk, and you are right - the "roadside" hedge was huge.

This sounds much like the backroads of Appalachia here in the US (only its trees instead of hedges). So, I would do well to allow the same amount of time for anything off the main roads as I do there.

Regarding those high hedges - I did a Google street view of someplace in the Cotswolds - don't think I could find it again if I tried - and I was amazed it was considered a road! Seemed more like a very wide sidewalk, and you are right - the "roadside" hedge was huge. >>

in cornwall these "hedges" are built of stone with grasss/plants growing on the outside - so if you hit the "hedge" it hits back!

In Devon those hedges are the fields as the road has sunk into them. There is no give in "them thar fields".

When we are driving by these "hedges" during our trip, I will keep these valuable pointers well in mind!

BBTTB: Drving in northern Scotland you won't have to worry about hedges . . . more highland cattle, sheep, tractors, etc in the road . . .