Canadian needing help to plan itinerary

How many nights do you have? People will be able to give better suggestions if they know how long you have.

I use airbnb a lot and have found some great places to stay for great prices. But picky people may not be into the airbnb experience.

One thing to think about when staying outside the city centers - how much money are you going to spend getting INTO the city center? And time is money as well. I'd rather spend a few extra euros or pounds and not have to travel 30 min to get into the city and back out at night. Been there, done that.

From London to Paris - you can buy the Eurostar train tickets 4 months out (I think, someone will correct me if wrong) and get really great savings - you are locked into a date and time, so be sure to know for certain your dates, but the savings are incredible. The sooner you buy, the better the price. I know with our dollar bottoming out that you need to take the savings where you can find them!

Oh - and are you flying in and out of Gatwick, or open jaw - say into Gatwick and out of CDG in Paris? Open jaw is generally better to save time and expense returning to cities to fly home, but if you are locked into your flights, then...

Thank you for the quick reply!

Yes, we are flying in/out of Gatwick (September 4 (arriving on the 5th) - 17).

I'm hesitant in using Airbnb only because I would like to pre-book hotels and worried that booking this far in advance may be cause for disappointment.

How are you structuring your number of days? You don't have long to cover the destinations that you have mentioned. It would make sense to go from Gatwick to Ticehurst or Burwash straight away by train to Stonegate then take a taxi. These pretty villages are only 4 miles apart and as both are quite small, accommodation here is limited, but there are a number of pubs and B&Bs that would suit. I live nearby, but have a car, so I have never used the local, infrequent buses to get around! A local taxi may be the best option.

To get to Brighon, you are best taking the train via Hastings. Train it back to London too. Due to your limited time, you would be best staying in central London. Look at Premier Inns and Travelodges for budget accommodation.

Book the Eurostar as far in advance as possible for the best prices.

I am so excited to be getting this information from you and can't thank you enough!

How long of a taxi ride would it be from Stonegate to Ticehurst/Burwash? After Ticehurst/Burwash, I'm not clear on getting to Brighton. Is there a train from these little villages or do I take a taxi to Hastings to get to Brighton and then train from Brighton back to London (which train?).

I will definitely check out your hotel recommendations in London.

Stonegate rail station is the closest to both villages. C 3 miles from each and c 10 mins in a cab.

To get to Brighton, it's back to Stonegate rail station then a train south to Hastings, where you change and pick up a Brighton train that runs along the coast. There are many trains from Brighton direct to London.

You can use the National Rail website to find train routes:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

On some routes you can save quite a bit with Advance fares, purchased about 12 weeks in advance. These are non-refundable so you need to be sure of your dates and plans.

You will definitely save a lot by buying your Eurostar tickets to Paris in advance. We bought ours for May 6 months ahead and got them for £43 per person.

Staying outside central London to save money is false economy. Best book one of the budget-friendly chain hotels in London as Jennifer suggested. They should suit even a picky traveler. The Premier Inn County Hall is a great location---just across Westminster Bridge from Big Ben and the Parlaiment buildings. You may not have that view from your room itself, but you will each time you step outside.

Thank you!

I will be looking into everyone's suggestions. Keep them coming!!!

Regards,

In 2011 I stayed for a week in Burwash in an old house on an estate. It is a magical location in the Sussex Weald, however I cannot imagine touring this area from here without a car. http://www.blackdowncottage.co.uk/

Stay in central London and pay for a more expensive hotel. Don't waste time traveling out and back somewhere every day.

The Southeastern Line (train) is in my opinion most easily explored at the site www.southeasternrailway.co.uk. Look for the "plan your journey" and enter London Terminals to Stonegate (closest to Ticehurst). Most likely you will leave out of London from Charing Cross station, but one never knows.

If you are set on Ticehurst for the 6th, book your train travel ahead. Better price.

Great advice - thank you.

Check out the Thameslink train service http://www.thameslinkrailway.com/your-journey/planning/map/ since it serves central London, Gatwick, Brighton, and St Pancras for the eurostar train. Look for budget lodging in Central London near one of the Thameslink stations, then there is no need to take baggage on the tube.

Try this one, two long blocks (walkable) from the Blackfriars Thameslink station (not the Blackfriars tube station, which is something else entirely). http://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/london-southwark-tate-modern.html

I don't think any of these short commuter trains offer advance purchase discounts.