Hi would love some ideas from past travelers. So many choices so little time. My husband and I, early 60's from small town in the NW will be traveling to London in May. Will rent a car outside of London, but not sure where. Ideas? We will take the train to this place. Will spend 21/2 days in London, 21/2 days traveling to Edinburgh, 2 days in Edinburgh. Would like lodging near Paddington Station in London and hope to average $125 to $150/night for motels for the trip, probabaly $200 in London. The reason we chose Paddington Station area is that we would have easy access from Heathrow Express to motel. My husband has back problems and cannot carry luggage a long way. Are all moderately priced motel rooms postage stamp size? Ideas on motels in London and Edinburgh. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Which sights would be best to see? We are from a rural area and are interested in seeing small towns and the countryside.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I would suggest that rather than driving between London and Edinburgh (realistically 9 hours without stopping even if this is spread over 2.5 days) that you just split your time between these two cities and do day trips out from each.
Take the train. Book 12 weeks in advance for the best prices and travel after 9.30 am.
You don't have much time in London and you may be suffering from jetlag on day 1. You don't say what your interests are to advise in detail, but possible days out could include Bath, Hampton Court, Greenwich, Brighton or Rye.
Why a hotel near Paddington? Not the most exciting area of London. Look at Premier Inn and Travelodge hotels. Book asap for the best prices.
Posted by
526 posts
We're staying at the George Hotel: http://www.georgehotel.com/english/index.html - London isn't cheap! We then plan to take the train to Oxford to pick up our car. If you rent from Heathrow, it's more expensive.
So glad we booked our hotels throughout England & Scotland last Fall and have recently checked and they've all increased per night almost 50 GBP!
Jean
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11799 posts
I so agree with Jennifer. Skip the expensive car and stick with trains and day trips. Minimizes the time lost to change lodgings and needing to unpack and repack.
As to hauling luggage, two ideas:
Do not bring a lot. Pack light as most of us do. A 21" roll-aboard and a daypack each will do you. No more than two pair of shoes, one to wear and one packed. Post again if you need help with light packing so your dear husband does not have to be a bell hop.
Get a cab from Paddington to wherever you are staying. They are not expensive in London. Keeps you from getting lost and wasting time.
There are no "motels". That is an American thing. Hotels, guesthouses (pensions), and B&Bs are what Europe is made of. Yes, rooms are small. Premier Inns are fairly affordable. Or try Booking.com to search and try to stay centrally. Do you have Rick Steves' Guide for London?
Posted by
Milwaukee, WI
23 posts
I agree with others on the forum, skip the car and take the train/coaches. Driving in UK is not like the US and not just because driving is on the left. Keep in mind it generally takes longer to travel the same miles in the UK off the the motorways, you will be frantic trying to learn how to drive, following the signs in roundabouts, heavy traffic, yes even in villages. Sit back and relax. Take the Heathrow express into London, then taxi to hotel. I would recommend the London Premiere Inn County Hall. The hotel is situated on the Thames near the London eye, Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, all the popular sites for just 2 days in London. It should be in your price range- book directly at www.premierinn.co.uk Take the buses for above ground site-seeing to your destinations further from the hotel. The tube is fine for longer journeys however there are stairs, escalators, and more walking than you would expect. Buses are easy on, easy off.
Next, I would take the fast train out of Paddington to Bath and explore Bath and perhaps book a tour from Bath to the villages. Then from Bath, take early train, change at Bristol Temple Meads to Edinburgh (long journey). OR from London to York (which is about half way to Edinburgh) and enjoy all day in York (overnight), next day travel to Durham and explore the lovely village, cathedral and other Rick Steve's recommendations. Next day, early morning train from Durham to Edinburgh- quite scenic after Newcastle (sit on right side), some coastal scenery, a lovely view heading into Berwick-upon Tweed and more views after .
For the train- buy a BritRail pass (https://www2.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/britrail-pass/index.html) or buy individual tickets in advance.
Good Luck
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for your replies! You have given me many points to ponder.
Being from Montana I think using public transit might be a pain. It seems so much easier to drive. Though you have all suggested that we don't. It is hard to think of giving up the independence that comes from having a car. Your points are well noted and I have begun looking more at train travel. Is there anyone out there that has traveled via car and thought it was the way to go?
Posted by
Vestavia Hills, AL, 35216
109 posts
Oxford is only an hour by train from Paddington Station and midmorning weekday tickets are 10.5 pounds (can't find the pound sterling symbol on my keyboard). Flights from London Stansted to Edinburgh on Ryannair are around $40 on Kayak. Carryon luggage should be fine for a week; my wife and I are planning 19 days in the same area in early June with only carryons. In Edinburgh, we got a small apartment all to ourselves, right below the Castle, through Air BnB for less than a cheap hotel. Good luck and wear comfortable shoes!
Posted by
Land of La
9264 posts
Yes having a rental does allow for more freedom but can also be a headache for various reasons. Driving on the side of the road you aren't used to, getting used to the different traffic signage, using petrol, finding parking, possible toll roads. It's a long journey as well, 7-9 hours. Your choice of course but the train system in the UK is great, i'd use it. Be comfortable. It is costly but if you book in advance you can get good deals. By using either mode of transport I'd definitely stop in Durham. Was there last November. Stayed in an AirBnB accommodation. The town, cathedral, castle, all lovely. Fits your wish to see small towns and countryside.I'm going to PM my favorite place to stay in the Lancaster Gate area which is near Paddington. Rooms aren't huge but not postage size either. Within your budget and ideally located for London exploration.
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
91 posts
Travel by train is much easier and you will be rested must more esp. if your husband has back trouble. You can get up and walk on the train plus they also have a quiet car if you don't want chatter / noise. I took the train to York "consider seeing this historical city " it's very quaint. It looks like you can just zip around England and travel like you do here in the states. No so.. Plus I found the best places to stay are not the big hotels but B&Bs or small hotels in London "just ask for the first floor " and don't bring so many clothes ect. . Wash a few things out each night .. I learned my lesson years ago.