We are traveling this fall in Great Britain. We already booked a 17 day tour of Scotland but want to spend about 2 weeks prior in England and possibly N. Wales. We are going to Bath first and finishing up in London- about 3 days each. That leaves about a week. We do not want to rush through everything. Of the three destinations- Cotswolds, N. Wales and Lake District, we can probably realistically do 2 of the 3. Which 2 would you choose?
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1451 posts
Cotswolds, since you are just south of there in Bath and North Wales because of Edward's Castles. The Lake District would be good if you were driving to Scotland. We spent about a week in Wales and loved it best. The Cotswolds is a much see because there is a lot to do and is candy box pretty. We found the Lake District charming and we stayed in a farmhouse that also served dinner. Look at the National Trust UK site for some good ideas. Since you are spending 2 weeks on personal tour you might want to get a couples membership with them to save money on admissions in the countryside and in London and environs.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
Cotswold's and the Lake District! That will get you headed in the right direction to end up in Scotland for your tour.
There is quite a bit to see in both places...3 days in each plus a travel day from one to the other will fill your week nicely.
Posted by
Los Angeles
220 posts
Hmm I've been to all three. I'd really throw my opinion for North Wales and the Lake District. North Wales has epic ruins of castles, Bodnant Gardens (not to be missed at all its amazing), and a variety of costal places to visit. You can't go wrong. The Lake District is beyond beautiful. They have some amazing estates, gorgeous villages (far superior to Cotswolds in my opinion), dynamic views of the lakes, boats you can take out on the lakes, swans, Beatrix Potter's home, it inspired Lord of the Rings, charming Herdwick sheep, and some great restaurants. While people seem to love the Cotswolds, they really look just like many other villages in England that you drive by...They have about two or three places that seem "quaint," but nothing like the range of what you can see in the Lake District or Wales. Also, North Wales and the Lake District are relatively close to each other. You can travel by car to N.Wales from Ambleside in the Lake District in about 2 hours. The drive is easy and the views are great.