We are in the very early stages of planning a 2-3 week trip on May 2016 with our 3 children (6 months, 3 years and 5 years). We have taken the kids on many trips to mainland Europe, so are not concerned about traveling with them. Although this will be our first trip to England (I have been several times before but m husband has not). We will be flying into London Gatwick (not booked yet) and have not yet decided if we will rent a car or use public transportation. We will probably focus our time in Southwest England, Central/Northern England and Wales.
With the kids we generally travel at a slower pace and choose to stay in one place for several nights and take day trips, so we aren't moving around so much. We will plan to rent apartments or do farm stays as much as possible. Our preference is to visit countryside and smaller towns but still like to visit cities that have historical centres or small-town feel. We will not be visiting London on this trip. We definitely want to visit Bath and the Cotswolds and are interested in all eras of English history (but no museums with such young kids). We'll want to visit some of the great cathedrals, Roman Ruins and Abbey/Monastery Ruins.
I am looking for any suggestions on towns or regions we should consider visiting, great central locations to stay from which we can take day trips, not-to-miss things with such a young family, great farm B&Bs for young kids.
In particular, I'd love suggestions on where we should go for our first night or two after arriving at Gatwick Airport, which wouldn't require a long drive or train ride as everyone will be very tired after the overseas flight.