England, Isle of Man, Scotland

Is there a reason you posted this in the Best Travel Shoes forum but didn't mention shoes?

If you want answers from people who know the UK you need to post it in one of the UK forums. Since we are deprived of having a UK forum by Rick Steves' interesting views on UK politics you could choose England as it covers much of your trip.

I see you defending your long distance driving, but that makes think this may be the first time you have driven in England, Danielle. It isn't as simple as putting the wheel on the other side and driving in the opposite lane. Roads are much more complicated and much much slower. I've driven the 401 many times and it doesn't compare.

Your first two days make my head spin and I think you will be disappointed at the end of each of those days.

Where is your recovery time after your flight? Have you driven jetlagged before? In addition to the danger to you there is the danger to other drivers. Please reconsider.

I just re-read and saw the baby. When will baby be changed on day one, even if you barrel right through?

You're venturing into areas I haven't seen (or at least not recently); how great that you've got so much family to show you the sights.

I do have a couple of comments for your first and last days:

• I cannot imagine making two significant sightseeing stops on your arrival day, on the way to Bath. Have you traveled to Europe before? Most people arrive foggy-brained (many hardly sleep at all on the overnight flight) and are not capable of comprehending a museum in that state. We often recommend just planning to walk around outdoors (walking tours are fine) on that first day.

• I'm not sure you're allowing enough time for the return to the airport. Check your airline's suggestion for international check-in time at Gatwick. It is often 3 hours in advance, but Gatwick may be different. ViaMichelin--often said to be a bit optimistic--estimates the Brighton-to-Gatwick drive at 44 minutes. You'll need to stop for gas, I assume, and you must return the car. There might also be traffic. I've never rented a car in Europe, but others have said the car return can take longer over there; I don't know whether that's true in England, however. The penalty for missing that flight is having to buy last-minute, full-fare replacement tickets.

Oh my, lol. I don't know how this got posted in the shoes forum Nigel. Thank you for informing me!

I lived in Brisbane, Australia for one year and drove all around the country and in and throughout all of the major cities too. So I am quite comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road. I'm also a high energy person.

I have travelled to Europe and england many times! I was actually born in Liverpool and my ENTIRE family lives there. However, I have not tried to squeeze as many things in one trip. Usually we visit family and have added an extra thing or two each time, like london, bath, blackpool, Manchester. And usually by taking a train. This is why I'm seeking friendly advice!
My husband, however has not been to the UK before and wants to do lots of sightseeing, hence the jam packed ideas!

A baby's bum takes 22 seconds to change, so I'm not worried about fitting that into the itinerary.

Thanks kindly for everyone who has and will offer alternate suggestions. Our itinerary is just an idea at this point. Nothing is set in stone, other than our Liverpool portion of the trip. I'm looking for real suggestion rather than criticisms, as to be productive in finalizing an itinerary.

Cheers! :)

acraven, Thank you for your constructive points to consider about my tentative plan! I really appreciate it! I think I will plan to stay the first night in the Windsor area then? That way we only have to visit Windsor castle as our day event and then we can rest! Maybe that's a better idea while still squeezing something in! :)

Sincerely,
Danielle

Love the idea of staying in Windsor the first night. Not only will that help with resting, there will be no time pressure if your plane is late or you are held up in the airport. It will also solve a major problem of where to park because parking in Windsor can be a real headache. Leaving your car at the place you are staying and unloading the boot will be an advantage.

Visiting family can be great fun, I guess you will be able to show off baby which will make for even more excitement.

When you are driving from Stratford upon Avon to Chester Zoo, you will have the choice of the M6 or the M6 Toll. The toll road has much less traffic because the toll is so high and if traffic is decent on the M6 I always stay on the old road which is more direct so faster if clear.

Are you aware of the laws about carrying baby in the car?

If you try to park on the street in Stratford upon Avon read the signs very carefully, and be aware of the yellow lines. Parking there is a bit notorious (I used to live just down the road). Especially Sheep Street where the laws are different on either side of the street.

Excellent tips, Nigel! I really appreciate those ideas and will add that Stratford route to Chester zoo to the tentative plan! This is exactly the type of thing I'm looking for- tips and advice from experienced people who K ow the areas well!

Much appreciated and thanks kindly,
Danielle :)