I'm going to England by myself this Saturday Sept 27, returning in October 10. I'll be staying in East Sussex area for few days of fun, then to Exeter for a business for few days. My last five days I wish to spend them in the midlands just relaxing and maybe a couple of rounds of golf. My questions:

1. I guess it may be better to rent a car (I'm taking my golf clubs).

2. Any suggestions about where to stay in these areas? (the only place I have booked is my stay in Exeter Oct. 1-5. I can afford a 3-4 star hotel, but I do not want to burn my money if I can help it.

3. Is the exchange of US dollars as easy in these areas as in London, is it better to exchange US currency or Travellers checks?

4. How is the wheather right now over there?

only time for a couple of very short comments right now . . .

• You don't want to exchange dollars or travelers checks <u>anywhere</u>. You should use your ATM card to get &pound; as needed.

• Where in the midlands? It is a fairly large area

Current weather: it's not actually raining, which makes it the best we've had in months. Seriously, it's generally been cool, grey with intermittent rain lately, except for last Saturday which was sunny and warm.

You don't need to exchange dollars. There are ATMs everywhere - just get money as you need it. NO to travellers cheques!
What else do you want to do (besides golf) in the midlands?
Shropshire's nice....

Thansk for your input.
I'm not sure what else I'm going to do in the midlands. I'll be driving, and want to get to know the area -history, restaurants, etc. I'm not much into nightlife ... I have a reservation at The Belfry Hotel in Wishaw, and I am not familiar with the area.

So, what's your handicap?

Never ever exchange dollars direct into pounds. As stated, use your ATM for money as you need it and use your credit card for hotels and larger items.

My index is 8.3 (9 handicap in my club-San Diego, CA)

It's hard to recommend activities/sights because it's hard to tell what you'd be interested in... not much to go on.

You could make a stop in the Cotswolds on your way up from Exeter if that interests you.

There are lots of museums in the Birmingham area where you can learn about the history of the vicinity (lots of industrial history).
You could learn a bit about the Black Country (arrr), visit a bit of Shakespeare country....
How about a canal walk or a longer cruise? There are lots and lots of canals in Birmingham and surroundings...

Check out visitheartofengland.com
for some specifics....