My husband and I are trying to figure out the best way to get around during our five weeks in England and Scotland in May-June. We are flying into Manchester and out of Glasgow. Our initial plan was to take a train from Manchester to Liverpool, spend a few days there, then rent a car in Liverpool and drive to the Cotswolds, then drive on to Cornwall (other destinations as well). We'd like to return the rental car in Cornwall at the Newquay airport if we can because from there we want to fly to Edinburgh. Now we aren't sure we want to rent a car the entire three weeks we're in England and are considering another option: Take a train from Liverpool to Oxford and either rent a car there, or train it to Moreton in Marsh and get around the Cotswolds by rented car, hired driver or bus (and by foot!); then take a train to Bath and rent another car to drive to Cornwall, dropping the car off there. We've driven in England and Scotland before and did fine, but we're now in our 60s and figure we'll be more relaxed if we don't have a rental car the entire time. Our Scotland itinerary is not a concern at this point, just England.
Posted by
Washington DC
27092 posts
I have no experience driving anywhere in Europe but spent about 7 weeks in England (including Cornwall) and a bit of Wales last year, most of it during August. Things should be at least a bit quieter in May-June. Cornwall was really hopping when I was there. In August it was hard to find a restaurant table in the coastal towns for dinner if you hadn't made a reservation.
I traveled mostly by bus in Cornwall and was pleased to encounter a lot of double-deckers that allowed me to see over the hedges. Folks in cars were not so lucky, so that's one point in favor of not having a car. On the other hand, I suspect buses may not run as frequently in May (especially) and June--though I haven't tried to verify that. The schedules were workable in August, but I did have to rush on some occasions to avoid the risk of a 90- or 120-minute wait for the next bus. On balance, I think you'll be happier traveling around Cornwall, at least, with a car.
A car also saves you from the tyranny of the rail companies' extortionate fares for some last-minute tickets when you are relocating from one area to another. When you have your itinerary relatively firm, I suggest checking fares on nationalrail.co.uk to see which travel legs show painfully high prices for travel in the immediate future. You can then consider whether it makes sense to have a car as you travel that route, just so you don't have to worry about pinning yourself down with train tickets purchased far in advance.
For the Cotswolds there are van tours running from both Bath (including MadMax) and Moreton-in-Marsh (including GoCotswolds). I stayed in Oxford and easily took a train to Moreton in time to meet my tour. Moreton-in-Marsh is the only Cotswolds town with rail service. I think you can get around to a lot of the others by bus from Moreton, so if the weather smiles on you and you want to do a lot of walking, I imagine you'll be glad of having selected lodgings there.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6498 posts
For the distances involved I don't see the advantage of using trains as you contemplate. Trains from Liverpool to Oxford involve two changes, and to Moreton a third, according to National Rail. That wouldn't seem like the "more relaxed" way to go.
I think you'll have a much better time seeing the Cotswolds and Cornwall if you're driving. And driving from Cotswolds to Cornwall, via Bath, will be scenic and pleasant -- Wells, Glastonbury, Taunton, Exeter, Dartmoor, and Plymouth are all worthwhile stops. Or some other route if you prefer.
There are big parking garages south of the center of Bath where you might want to stow the car while you're in the city. Likewise, if you're spending time in Oxford, stash the car and see things on foot.
Posted by
3122 posts
Lucky you, five whole weeks! I would definitely want a rental car as it gives you maximum flexibility and eliminates the wrangling of luggage on & off taxis, buses, and trains. If you feel like sleeping late one day, you'll have no worries about missing a train or bus. If you see a location you want to stop and explore, you can easily do so. The challenge, of course, is navigating. Even with a GPS it's entirely possible to get on the wrong road or on the right road in the wrong direction. But, IMO, that's a minor drawback compared to the convenience of having your own car.
Posted by
2403 posts
If you are flying into Manchester and then going to Liverpool, I can’t understand why you appear not to be visiting Wales - which is really close - though the NE coast of Wales is boring.http://www.visitwales.com
Here is a map of the rail network:>http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/content/routemaps/nationalrailnetworkmap.pdf
Posted by
OP
2 posts
We are planning to visit Wales. It's one of the "other destinations" I mentioned but didn't list in detail. Thank you, everyone, for your feedback.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I also would keep the same car for the whole middle of the trip to save on train transfers and car rental paperwork. Cars are often cheaper by the week, e.g., 5, 6, or 7 days all the same price. Once your stuff is in the boot and you can recognize it in a car park and know which side to fill the petrol, your one rental car starts for feely rather homely.
In order to drop the car at Newquay airport, you should use one of the majors represented there, such as Europcar, Hertz, Avis, or Budget, that you could pick up in Liverpool. Car rental in Moreton in Marsh is by smaller agencies.