Husband and I in our mid 60’s planning our annual European trip. Got a good deal for open jaw flights booked Washington DC to London/Heathrow, then return from Glasgow via Heathrow. This year doing a return trip to England then heading north to Scotland (via train) for the first time. We’ve been to London & saw nearly all the main sites. Have been to Oxford, Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge, Canterbury, Salisbury & York. We will not have a car; plan to use the tube and trains. We love cities, museums, cathedrals, we’re not drinkers or partiers, are early risers and generally turn in early, so nightlife is not high on our priority list. Husband is a medieval history buff and we both also would like to see a bit of the country-side (Cotswolds & South will be another trip). We try not to do one-night hotels if possible. Two nights is generally our minimum.
We still need accommodations advice for Cambridge, Edinburgh & Glasgow in centrally located Hotel or B&B near attractions at about $150-$200US/night, comfort, clean, breakfast, friendly proprietors. Our current tentative itinerary is as follows so all comments suggestions are most welcome:
Sept 14 to 21: LONDON. Arrive Sept 14 Booked 7 nights at the Lime Tree Hotel as we really like the area. Plan to take the Buckingham Palace Royal Tour; day trip via Thames River Cruise to Greenwich; Docklands; evening performance at the Globe. See other new things and return to a few places too.
Sept 21-23: Train to CAMBRIDGE (2 nights) Thinking of booking a double ensuite B&B room at St Catherine’s College. Anyone done this? It sounds terrific and affordable at about $155US/nite. We’ve not been here and may also take a day trip (via train or bus?) to see Ely Cathedral. Husband is a Cabinetmaker and professional wood craftsman so he’s anxious to see Ely.
Sept 23-25: Train to DURHAM (2 nights) booked at “Castleview Guest House”. See Cathedral, Castle and several other sites here, relax a bit, do laundry or maybe a day trip over to Beamish Museum? Book a day tour to Hadrian’s Wall? Holy Island? Any tips?
Sept 25-29: Train to EDINBURGH (4 nights). Lots for us to see & do here. We’d like hotel or B&B in a central/city location walking distance to major sites. Can’t decide between 3 different hotels: Haymarket Hotel (least expensive), Motel-One Edinburgh-Princes (more expensive), Frederick House Hotel (Most expensive). All get good reviews on TA but I’d rather know what Rick’s travelers think!
Sept 29-30: Train to GLASGOW (1 night) Need a hotel recommendation here near the sites and we’ll return for 2 nights after a Rabbies tour.
Sep 30-Oct 2: Booking the Rabbies’ “3 Day Isle of Skye Tour” which departs from/returns to Glasgow and includes 2 nights in Portree.
Oct 2-4: GLASGOW (2 nights) Need accommodations near sites (See Sept 29-30 request).
Oct 4: Fly Glasgow Washington DC/Home via Heathrow.
Shall I also post this request in the Scotland forum?
Many thanks in advance for any and all comments and suggestions!