julies

Some of you gave me advice to try England where we have never been rather than visiting France where we have gone many times. I think I am going to follow that advice and book maybe 3 weeks starting the very end of Sept. or 1st of October. Now it is time to book plane tickets, and I need advice first.

I have done some research and am thinking perhaps of Wales and London. But, we also want to do an easy cycling trip of 5-8 days in an interesting (nice scenery, not too much traffic, non-scary roads, intriguing places to stop to explore) and relatively flat area that would fit into this tentative itinerary. Where/what area would we find what we are looking for? Does anyone have any suggestions for a biking area where a good company could help us set up a self-guided trip. Or, is our best bet to fly to France to do a bike trip there? I hear lots and lots about bike trips in France and not much about bike trips in England. Is there a reason why?

What would you suggest is the best sequence for this? Weatherwise and sightseeing wise would we be best to put London at the tail end of the trip? Are Gatwick or Heathrow the best airports to fly into, or is there some other airport I should think about flying into or out of on one end of the trip?

Or, are there other areas that you think would be better for a first trip to England at this time of year? I hear a lot about the Cotswolds and found a bike tour there. We like history, the outdoors and nature, half day walks, gardens, non-junky coastal areas, historic places, interesting architecture, colorful local markets etc. Tourist clap trap does nothing for us, and we aren't interested in a hit all of the typical destinations that are on all itineraries type trip. And, to top it all off, if we could find some bases where we could do a bit of self-catering rather than moving around all of the time it would be even better.

Thanks so much.

bilboburgler

Biking in the UK/France

Generally biking in France is safer than it is in the UK, there are far more quiet roads in France and a slightly better attitude towards bike as well. France is also a fair bit bigger than the UK with a similar population so there are far more areas where you can bask in bucolic splendor.

I think I've already given you links to the main bike route organisation in the UK, generally if you want flat, you need to follow rivers, canals or head into two large areas, East Anglia or the area around York.

http://www.visiteastofengland.com/th...o/Cycling.aspx
http://www.cyclinguk.org/ride/touring-and-expedition
http://cycle-n-sleep.co.uk/
http://www.bikehub.co.uk/featured-ar...cycle-touring/

may be a help, I will repeat my sugestion of the C2C bike route, it does require hill climbing, but if (like me) the knees are an issue, then hire an electric bike

bilboburgler

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk there is a tour here which circles the area and would give you a 5 day tour on the flat with quiet roads/bike lanes. Note that great scenery does not come free if you want the flat

bilboburgler

you might also look at
cyclingholidays.org
cyclinggems.co.uk
cyclebreaks.com does east anglia

for France I'd recommend Headwater who offer good support and great meals in little hotels.

jamikins

I can't help with biking, but I believe you were looking for good food.

I would highly recommend getting the Good Pub Guide (you can get it as an app on your phone as well as buying a hard copy). The highly recommended pubs are usually gastro pubs that serve 2-3 courses and this guide has never steered me wrong. In most cases you need to make reservations in advance.

For London www.opentable.co.uk is a very useful site to look up restaurants and reviews.

Hope this helps!

julies

Bilbo--Over the many years I've read with interest your comments about cycling and cycling trips. So, I regard you as an expert in the field. After hearing what you have to say, taking a look at the helpful links you have provided, and taking into account other cycling-related research I have done, it is sounding as though we should do cycling in France or elsewhere on the continent instead of England. I know you've done tons of trips in Europe. What are your favorites that would meet our criteria and still be enjoyable at this time of year?

jamikins--Once I've gotten my other things lined up, I'll look further into the Good Pub Guide.

Now I am wondering if a good plan might be to fly into Manchester, take a train to Chester for a night or two, and then pick up a rental car to explore Wales. From there we would make our way to London (getting rid of the car somewhere convenient and then take public transportation somewhere into the city). Spend a week in London and make our way to France for some cycling before returning home to the US.

The desire to do some cycling is what adds complexity to the plan, but we are at the age where we know we need to do things like cycling trips immediately while we still can. That is why I am trying to figure out a way to add this to the equation.

Thanks. Any other thoughts from anyone on places of interest for a first visit to England?

bilboburgler

"Blush"

In October I would take a train to Bordeaux, and cycle along the river and then the canal to Bezier (or is that Beziers), train back to Paris. Loads of companies, the weather is just about warm enough and restaurants will still be open. If you look at the Midi pages on mybikeguide and then the bike rental page you'll see a bunch of guys.

http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Midi_Bike.php

I think Relax is a good guy, either American or his wife is and they can clue you in. October is late and the prevailing wind will be west to east, if you fall into the canal it is ..."organic" so keep your mouth shut.

If you want to go further south then look at the Algarve, it will be warmer and http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Algarve_Bike.php Loule megasport will put you in touch with some one sensible. Portugal is very different from France and the Algarve is a sort of golf course nightmare but the people are very nice and most speak English