Following a trip to Ireland I'll be visiting someone in Gloucester the first week in March. Trying to decide where to spend an additional 4 or 5 days afterward. It seems quite close to Wales and Bath.

I've taken a day trip to the Cotswolds and that seemed like a nice area -- but I don't know what I'd do there for five days -- especially if the weather's nasty.

I've been to London several times and love it -- but am thinking it might be nice to see someplace I haven't been to. Still ... I'm wondering if that time of year might be better suited to a big city with museums, theater, and lots of indoor activities.

We love nature walks, beautiful scenery, castles, ruins, and quaint towns -- but prefer not spending long days driving.

Any suggestions??? Thanks.

Where would you like to finish? Are you flying back to the US from Heathrow?

I haven't booked the flights yet -- so the return is open.

I'd personally wait until after you book the flights to decide. If you are flying out of LHR - then South Wales, Bath, Wells/Glastonbury, Salisbury, the Cotswolds would all be good options.

If out of LGW - then Kent, Brighton, the south coast would be convenient.

Or - from Manchester, then the Peak District, North Wales, Lake Dist. would be good . . .

You have many options, Bath is about 1 1/2 hours from Gloucester, Bath to Salisbury 1 1/2 hours, Salisbury to Winchester 1 hour, Winchester to Oxford 1 1/2 hours, Oxford to Heathrow 2 hours (depending on traffic). An alternative would be to drop car in Oxford and take train or bus to London.

Gloucester to Oxford 2 hrs.,Oxford to Winchester 1 1/2 hours, Winchester to Portsmouth to Brighton 3 to 4 hours with stops (Chichester), to Gatwick Airport by train or drive.

janisj, at that time of year would hotel/BnB reservations be necessary? I wouldn't think so.

Looks like we were of like minds.

"<i>at that time of year would hotel/BnB reservations be necessary? I wouldn't think so.</i>"

I wouldn't think so either.

Easter is in April next year and there aren't any English school hols in March. I would pre-book in most cities (Oxford, Bath, Cardiff, London, etc.) because I like to know what part of town I'll be in. And to avoid maybe having to spend top $$/££ But in rural areas, small towns I wouldn't see any need . . . .

Thanks so much for the ideas. FYI, the airport we leave from will be determined by where we decide to go -- not the other way around ;-)

I'm not sure I was clear ... we don't plan to stay in Gloucester after our visit -- but would like to go somewhere for five days afterward.

Is there an area where we could base ourselves and do easy day trips? We enjoy making an old, quaint little cottage our "home" and getting to really know that area -- as opposed to packing up and staying at a different hotel or B&B each night.

Songdoc, I want your life! (Have followed your Australian travels with great interest) I would think about southern Wales, Monmouth (Tinturn Abbey)to Cardiff, across to Tenby or even St. David's. You might also want to consider Cornwall, all the way down to Penzance and St. Ives, little fishing villages, and the moors. If you are in Gloucester, do not miss Wells, its cathedral is one of my favorites in the whole world.

Chester is less than three hours by train. Easy visit to Liverpool, Manchester and Wales.

If fares don't matter -- then yes - decide where you want to go and then book. But there might be hundreds of $$ difference between airports depending on where you are flying from . . .

(Or if you are using miles - availability could vary wildly)

Bath/Wells/Salisbury is a good 5 day-er. Or the Cotswolds w/ perhaps a day trip to Bath. Or York/North Yorkshire would be good. Or South Devon, which would be a good base of Devon/Cornwall/Dorset.

"<i>I've taken a day trip to the Cotswolds and that seemed like a nice area -- but I don't know what I'd do there for five days -- especially if the weather's nasty.</i>"

For what you say you enjoy - the Cotswolds would cover all the bases. It will be the off season so you can easily book a cottage for 5 days (instead of the usual full weeks). There is waaaaay more than enough to fill five days. The weather might be nasty - but then it Could be just as nasty in the other areas. As 'they' say -- there is no bad weather, just the wrong clothing.

"Songdoc, I want your life!"

Sorry, but you can't have it -- until I'm through with it! hehehe

Yes, I like my life and feel very, very fortunate. I get to visit Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Ireland every year. Work brings me there -- but I typically combine the trips with vacation.

Re: the flights ... the plan is to use FF miles -- and there seems to be a lot available at the moment. I don't think I'll let the flights determine my itinerary. If I need to take a bus or train to a different airport ... then I will. I'm thinking that from the Cotswolds we could get to Heathrow or Gatwick or wherever.

"there is no bad weather, just the wrong clothing" ...
I love that!

I've been very lucky with the weather in Ireland the past few times. I've been there in January, February, and Oct./Nov. One day we woke in Co. Donegal to find the whole world unexpectedly blanketed in snow. (We hadn't heard a weather report in days.) It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. We walked for miles and my photos looked like impressionist paintings.

I've got lots to think about. I've got my travel books spread out on the bed and will try to make some decisions soon so I can lock in the flights.

Thanks for all your help!