Kandace_York

Please and thank you.

We've been to England a few times already but this will probably be husband's last trip so I'm trying to make it extra special. It will be just the two of us - he's a 70-something in phenomenal shape but just can't walk long distances anymore, and I'm a bit younger. We're bookish, which is a nice way to say that we're geeky. Agnostics both, so churches, cathedrals, etc., do nothing but put us in bad moods. Museums, libraries, history and nature, though - now you're talkin'. <3

We've kept the itinerary flexible, with unscheduled days here and there. I've found that this works best for us; we end up doing LOTS more than scheduled, we take naps when we feel like it, etc. With all that in mind, I'm looking for feedback on this itinerary.

Day 1 - depart

Day 2 - arrive in Machester and take the train to York. We've been to York before but husband has said he'd like to spend more time there as he felt like last time we were rushed (and we probably were).

Day 3 - York. Unscheduled for husband; I go to Ilkley Moor because I desperately want to see it, but it would involve a fair bit of walking and hiking which doesn't interest him.

Day 4 - train to Darlington, then a taxi to the "water splash" from All Creatures Great and Small (thank you for the taxi tip!). We've been loving these books for 30+ years, and we spent a couple days in Thirsk before (just a couple doors down from the World of James Herriot), but after seeing the water splash as the opening scene of the TV show for so many years - we have it on DVD so have watched and rewatched MANY times - husband said he really, really wanted to see it firsthand. OK then.

Day 5 - Great Yorkshire Show, maybe just me to scout things out

Day 6 - Great Yorkshire Show, probably both of us - I need to decide that one, because I think that GYS now allows visitors only by tickets and limits the number of people who are admitted

Day 7 - check out of York hotel, train to London

Day 8 - London, unscheduled. Probably Borough Market, one of my favorite places in the whole world.

Day 9 - London. Hyde Park, probably, but still pretty "light."

Day 10 - Downton Abbey Tour (day trip) to Highclere Castle. We're avid fans and have already seen one exhibit in NYC, but he'd really like to see Highclere Castle for himself. We're not big on tours but with no public transport to Highclere, we have no choice.

Day 11 - independent trip to Bath Spa, to see Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge

Day 12 - independent trip to Cambridge, probably just me

Day 13 - check out of London hostel and take the train to Chichester (Weald and Downland Living Museum - from a tip here, thank you!). I want to see thatched-roof cottages in the worst way, and we both like farming communities, smaller towns, etc. After spending the day in Chichester, take the train to Brighton. I MIGHT surprise him with a sunset ride on British Airways i360. Not sure.

Day 14 - be-bop around Brighton. Maybe the Royal Pavilion Gardens? Just easy, relaxing stuff. In the evening, take the train up to Gatwick and spend the night in a hotel there for a good night's rest.

Day 15 - depart England, arrive in the States passport control, train, picked up by daughter and driven home, try to sleep. Maybe stop at a restaurant on the way home, like before, because the one thing Europe lacks is good Mexican food, and we have the extraordinary good fortune to have a family-owned Mexican restaurant about 20 minutes from our home.

Thoughts? Please and thank you.

janisj

Just quick -- I've just taken some meds that will zonk me out in about 10 mins . . . There are some logistical complications up north but you are aware of them from previous discussions. My only real concern is three day trips out of London on three consecutive days followed by the long day London > Chichester/Weald and Downland museum (which is quite large - more that 40 acres/40 football fields) > Brighton. So you have heavy duty travel four days in a row. That would be too hectic for me, Have you visited Cambridge before? If so I'd maybe cut it,

Morgana

Quick reply from me too (a Yorkshire resident) as just heading out.
WHY Ilkley Moor? The famous song? Am I missing something? It certainly wouldn’t make my hit list with so many other wonderful things to do. But obviously this is your trip not mine!
One day at the Great Yorkshire Show will be more than adequate. No need to scout! More fun for you to explore together. Can be a tiring day but hopefully you’ll get decent weather and you can sit down frequently.

Kandace_York

This is exactly what I was hoping for - thank you.

Ilkley Moor is a must for me, for reasons that go way back to a kid left at camp for a bunch of weeks while a camp counselor from Ilkley looked after her (although yes, I do like the song).

GYS on 2 days hinges on the horse show and which breeds/disciplines are competing, and Cambridge hinges on a horse thing, too. Both are for me.

You're right about London, though; that is an arduous 4 days in particular. Thanks. I'll work an "unscheduled" day in the middle so we have the option of resting up a bit if needed.

bilboburgler

ilkley moor?

You could take the train to Bingley, walk on footpaths to Ilkley. Don't use the roads except for a stop at Dick Hudsons pub. If time, walk past 5 locks rise. It is a fair hike but on a good day not bad. If too much, try Burley in Wharfedale station to Ilkley but go south over the moors. If very desperate for company I'll walk with you.

hetismij2

Now that's an offer you can't refuse

Morgana

I was thinking the same, very kind offer and I bet Bilbo knows where the cup and ring stones are up on the Moor. They always used to fascinate me.

bilboburgler

i think in know where some of the stones are, and of course needs me to be in the uk rather on holiday etc. Worth digging out ordnance maps Kandace to see where exactly you want to go

Kandace_York

!

Wow! How kind of you!

Rubicund

If you're flying into Manchester, why noty spend a couple of nights in the city before moving on. Manchester is consistently voted the most vibrant place in the UK, stuffed full of good restaurants of all cuisines, hotels, museums, libraries, shopping, architecture etc. Try Rylands Library, Central Library, sporting connections with Manchester United and City, National Football Museum etc., etc.

Many people fly into Manchester but don't know what's available in the city. When they do spend time here, they are invariably delighted that they did.

Rubicund

If you're flying into Manchester, why not spend a couple of nights in the city before moving on. Manchester is consistently voted the most vibrant place in the UK, stuffed full of good restaurants of all cuisines, hotels, museums, libraries, shopping, architecture etc. Try Rylands Library, Central Library, sporting connections with Manchester United and City, National Football Museum etc., etc.<br /><br />Many people fly into Manchester but don't know what's available in the city. When they do spend time here, they are invariably delighted that they did.<br /> The city dates back to Roman times and was mainly built up by the Victorians with the cotton trade. It was known as "Cottonopolis" during that time. There's a big connection with the US due to the cotton trade and with the abolition of slavery. See Lincoln Square and its statue of Abe.

Kandace_York

You're so right. I <3 Manchester. We've spent a few days there already and my vacation time is limited, or we'd spend time there again. It's just the most wonderful place.