Help! England Itinerary Neophite

I am excited for you-what a great trip! Travel in England is easy by train, except for the Cotswolds. I've been to the Cotswolds on an Evans Evans bus tour from London and I didn't find the Cotswolds to be particularly memorable. You really need more time in London-you could do Salisbury& Stonehenge as an easy day trip from there. Your boys really need some time at the British Museum-so many things they've studied in school-like the Rosetta Stone-and Egyptian mummies. Tower of London also a must-see.

Thanks to both of you. Yes, I think we need more time in London. And yes, Emma, it's Stratford upon Avon. Sorry. I think you're right. My original thought was that we would attempt to go up for A Midsummer Night's Dream there, which would require us to stay overnight. That said, The Globe also has a run. (My youngest son just finished a production of it here, so he is excited to see it.) We may sacrifice an overnight there. We had hoped to get the village experience somewhere, though, rather than spend the entire time in London. Just not sure it is in the cards this time. Especially, as you point out, given that we are pressed for time.

The story is told, probably an urban myth, of the Japanese tourist who walked out of Stratford underground station, wandered around a bit looking increasingly lost, then eventually asked a passer by: "Excuse me, how do I get to Shakespeare's birthplace?".

Or maybe it isn't a myth: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2273926/Confused-tourists-flock-docklands-light-railway-station-called-Abbey-Road-hunt-famous-Beatles-zebra-crossing.html

I would forget the Cotswolds if you are reluctant to hire a car - visit Bath instead.
I would also forget Stratford-upon-Avon if you are looking to shed a day.
Salisbury direct to Portsmouth is more logical than returning to London.

Day 1: Arrive Heathrow, London
Day 2: London
Day 3: London
Day 4: Bath (by direct train)
Day 5: Salisbury (by direct train)
Day 6: Portsmouth (by direct train)
Day 7: Evening ferry to Caen, France

Thank you "djp_syd". This is actually closest to our original plan. I had been holding onto Stratford upon Avon for some reason, but given our time constraints, this makes the most sense. It also gives us that additional time in London we need, I think.

Tell your husband he is not a 'lesser man' for fear of driving on the 'other side' in the UK.
I have never had the courage to drive in Europe on the 'other side'.
Australia, of course, is the same as the UK.

If using the trains, you would be best advised to pre-book specific trains for longer journeys such as Paddington to Bath. (If you do just show up for a walk on fare, it may be cheaper to buy split tickets - with the split being at Swindon - even though you stay on the same train). A direct rail service operates Bath > Salisbury > Portsmouth Harbour. So, you may wish to consider staying in Bath / Salisbury rather than returning to London each day. Don’t forget that a shuttle bus operates between Salisbury & Stonehenge.
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.gwr.com (Book trains with them if pre-booking).

I understand your husband's reluctance to rent a car, especially for such a short visit. I know rail passes are not a popular option on this site, but you may want to look at the britrail London Plus pass. You can purchase for 3, 4 or 8 days within one month and an under 15 child's pass is free with each adult pass. The pass covers the areas you are hoping to visit and would allow you the flexibility to change your plans based on how you and the rest of your family feel. You can also take the weather into consideration and you are not tied to a particular train schedule. Base yourselves in London and take day trips from there. I would also recommend the Museum of London, great history of the city with many visual and interesting exhibits. Salisbury Cathedral is also magnificent.

Start searching for Globe tickets NOW. VERY popular and usually sold out. If he'd like to see Romeo and Juliet directed by Kenneth Brannaugh check this website for to see if any tickets at the Garrick Theatre are available for your dates. http://tinyurl.com/zt7888l. I understand the great Derek Jacobi will play Mercutio ( bless the Brits for ignoring ageism).

Also don't worry about dressing up for Theatre. With the exception of a very few folks attire to performances is fairly casual. I wouldn't say flip flops and shorts but jeans, capris, polo shirts, blouses, skirts, sweaters, and yes, even hoodies are perfectly fine.

Something else to consider for your short time in London is a visit to the Sir John C Ritblat gallery ( the Treasure Room ) at the British Library. http://www.bl.uk/treasures/treasuresinfull.html. A unique way to view William Shakespeare's brilliance and so much more.

Lastly I agree about taking the tube and visiting Hampstead and strolling through the Heath. Hampstead gives you the sense of a village. From there could then visit the vibrant Camden Lock market and adjacent canals.

Have a wonderful visit to a great city.

Fantastic! Thank you, Claudia! I will certainly take a look at Romeo and Juliet as an option. Derek Jacobi is a favorite, particularly of my husband's. And, I will put the Treasure Room at the Library on our list - Hampstead and he Camden Lock, as well. Oh, and so happy to hear about the theatre attire - that was going to be a question. We weren't planning on bringing typical theatre garb....

Thank you to everyone. This has been a great help! I think we need to expand our by a few weeks!

The great Derek " I Claudius" Jacoby should be everyone's favorite. Talented actor.

Before everything is solidified check the London Walks website and see if your dates in London coincide with one of their Stonehenge/Salisbury visits. Can also see if any other their other wonderful walk options appeal to your family.

If you type London Walks in this forums search engine you'll find information and posts about them.

I take at least on every trip to London. Always fun, informative and money well spent.

Enjoy.