<BR>We are planning to spend four weeks in the UK in spring 2000, beginning the last week in April. Will spend the first week in the Cotswolds, the second in Yorkshire north of York, the third in Scotland (Perthshire), and the fourth in London. I realize that weather anywhere can be unpredictable, but I would appreciate any information about what type of weather (and temperatures) one might expect in those areas at that time of year.

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Sorry for the above! <BR>I was going to say 'Ha! You ARE kidding aren't you?' <BR>Britain has a temperate climate, but the weather can be very capricious. We have had balmy days in February and bitter ones in late May, and these extremes are not linked to any one part of the island. <BR>I would take cotton layers with you, a waterproof, a folding umbrella (or 'brolly') and plenty of extra pairs of socks in case you get caught in the rain. If you expect freezing and 68 F to be the lowest and highest temperatures you might possibly expect, that should prepare you for nearly every eventuality. <BR>If the weather gets you down or even impresses you, just talk about it! That's what we do, often to complete strangers.

Whilst I subscribe to Nigel's post, in early May I would predict, bright weather, sharp temperatures ( cold at night up to mild during the day); but be prepared for rain. <BR> <BR>A lightweight, windproof jacket should do, though <BR>

I do not necessarily wish to disagree with Sheila on UK weather in the spring, but I will relate a personal experience in May, 1998 that may help you decide if a lightweight windproof jacket is enough. I was in Lincoln, which is not as far north as you will be for two of your weeks. After the second time walking up Steep Hill to the old city and being hit by a vicious cold wind from the north-east, I popped into the conveniently located Scottish Woollen Shop (they did their site location study properly!)and purchased a fleece jacket (polartec 200 equivalent)to wear under my wind proof, etc jacket, and I pretty well wore it constantly there and the following week in the lake district. Since I already had a similar jacket hanging safely in my closet at home, I now have two of them, and one always comes with me to the UK. So you now have views from a wimpy Canadian male and a tough Scottish woman. <BR> <BR>By the way, Sue, It is nice to see a traveller on this forum that understands how to holiday in the UK by spending a reasonable amount of time in specific areas to get to know them a bit, rather than race around trying to do the top 10 in 7 days.

Sue, <BR>We've been to the UK about 8 or 9 times in late April and we've had all sorts of weather ranging from 80 degrees to about 40! Ranging from sunny and beautiful to rainy and damp ... sometimes all in the same day. We spent 5 days in Lewes one year and it turned out so warm (I think it was in '88)that we had to go buy a couple of lightweight tops in a local store for both my husband and myself. We went in Hastings that day and it was darn hot!! Just a few days before that, at Arundel, we had about froze. You just can't tell. This past April in London it was in the 60's most days and pretty sunny most of the time (a few showers but nothing to stop you). Just take an assortment of clothes and if you really find you need something you can buy it there. This past April I was quite cold in Greenwich (it was the first day there and I had not gotten used to it yet even tho I knew what to expect but didn't wear an extra layer that morning) so I popped into a store and bought a cheap sweater (6 pounds) and it worked just fine that day! It's not particularly glamourous, but it worked. We also spent a week in Salisbury one time (doing day trips from there, I really recommend that by the way) and I bought a long sleeve blouse for "extra" warmth that time. You just never know is what I'm saying I guess. One day you are piling the clothes on and the next taking them off. Actually buying clothes can be fun, they become a memento of the trip and day. My ugly Greenwich sweater hangs in my closet and I laugh whenever I see it. I still have my blouse from Debingham's in Salisbury too and the lightweight top I got in Lewes. <BR> <BR>I do recommend a raincoat with a zipout lining, and 2 pair of shoes (alternate them) that are broken in! Have a great time.

Hey, I wasn't suggesting you should wear jeans and teeshirt underneath a gore-tex. <BR> <BR>Iwould suggest that jeans and a sweat- shirt or a shirt and lightweight sweater would be about right ( given the potential vagaries quite rightly identified herein. <BR> <BR>I just meant- don't take a parka or duffle coat or anything. <BR>

Two countries separated by a common language...and the assumption we understand each other's ways! <BR>Having spent time in the British Isles (and staying at the same b&B each time so that we know our hostess very well), we know that the house temperatures are much lower than those in the U.S. Martine always has a sweater on, and it's a REAL sweater. Starting from there, she dresses for the outdoors. Sheila probably does the same. Americans, though, used to warmer house temperatures, start to get ready for the outdoors from a tshirt level. We have to be told what layers to put on from there... <BR>I now have a lovely navy blue wool cardigan (anybody old enough to remember Pandora or Garland sweaters?) that goes on every trip as my indoor sweater. Warm socks, Burberry scarf (ersatz), and stretchy wooly gloves are always packed first in the British Isles bag....I've never had to buy a warm thing while there, but one of the Loons did (a delightful zippered sweatshirt in a scrumptious shade of blue that matches her brown eyes) so we now all have 'indoor sweaters'.

One of my favorite layers while travelling, especially to unpredictable climates, is silk long underwear. It's thin enough that you can wear it under anything, it takes up very little space in your luggage, and it dries very quickly so you can easily wash it en route. Mine got plenty of use on my last trip to Britain (Wales in early June -- warm and sunny some days, cold and rainy others).

One of my favorite layers while travelling, especially to unpredictable climates, is silk long underwear. It's thin enough that you can wear it under anything, it takes up very little space in your luggage, and it dries very quickly so you can easily wash it en route. Mine got plenty of use on my last trip to Britain (Wales in early June -- warm and sunny some days, cold and rainy others).