Please Review My Itinerary for SW England

2 things that immediately jump out :

You won’t be able to do justice to Stonehenge and Longleat on the same day. Longleat is a safari park and all round kids entertainment offering. It’s take a long time to see everything there. You can’t actually go into the house itself. Stonehenge will take a few hours to see.

Likewise, Lacock and Bowoid on the same day is a lot. Lacock is a typical National Trust experience with lovely grounds and restored house etc. The village is also owned by the NT and is therefore unchanged and enjoyable to explore. I have never been to Bowood but it’s a similar offering. Bowood is known for its kids play area which I think has an extra admission charge so again you’d want to spend quite a bit of time there.

Bradford on Avon is an affluent and pretty small town. There’s not much to see there but there are nice shops and pubs and a pleasant walk along the river. It does suffer from a lot of traffic through the centre. You could base there and do day trips to Wells and Glastonbury to save moving so much, or you could consider Frome which is a similar pleasant small town.

There’s a lot to comment on.

Regarding day one, given the time to leave the airport pick up a car etc I doubt you’ll be inside Hampton Court Palace itself much before 1pm. There’s a lot to see there and it’s very interesting but I am not sure I’d describe it as “leisurely “.

Unless you’re unaffected by jet lag I wouldn’t fancy then driving to Winchester afterwards If you’re arriving on a weekday, then by late afternoon the roads out of London could get very busy and 1hr 10 minutes could be quite optimistic.

I’d aim for Winchester as soon as you leave Gatwick. A possible stop in the afternoon might be Stratfield Saye south of Reading.

You say that you did a visit to England recently so perhaps this isn’t an issue for you but all 3 children will need car seats. Not many UK cars can fit 3 children’s seats although the 9 year old could sit on a booster in the centre of the back.

I agree with the earlier comments. It is beginning to sound a bit like a route march... Be prepared to cut back on activites on some days.

That is an intensive itinerary particularly with three kids. I don't see much 'free/down time' built in particularly for the youngster to run off excess energy. Maybe yours are different to mine...

Also I am dubious about some of your driving times. Gatwick Airport to Hampton Court is going to be a longer than 35 minutes. Don't forget to allow time to get in and out of the car and find parking. Similarly the drive from Hampton Court to Winchester. That is a very hefty first day coming off a transatlantic flight.

Day 7 - Bradford upon Avoi to Wells is more like an hour. The extra 15 minutes may not seem like much but do add up...

Day 12 - Wareham to Hever - you need to allow 3hours (plus).

Hi! I admire your ambition and pluck, but this sounds like a LOT with kids.

Let’s just start with Day One:

Day 1:
Land at Gatwick at 10am. (And get through immigration, pick up luggage, drag kids through restroom activities, to get out of the airport… when?)
Get rental car (Last time we were in Minneapolis - never mind LONDON - the car rental line was backed up and took 2 hours. You can never discount how long things can take, or how badly sideways they can go.)
Drive 35 minutes to Hampton Court Palace, spend leisurely day, supposedly good stuff for kids too (Great stuff for kids! There are costumed actors! There’s that awesome maze! But the drive will take at least an hour, not 35 minutes.)
Late afternoon, drive 1hr10min to Winchester. (Really? With jet-lagged kids, and probably running on empty yourselves? And figuring out the route and the roundabouts and parking and… ? Does that even sound feasible, let alone like something you want to do at the end of your first day? Does it sound fun?)
SLEEP: Winchester

I’d go back over your itinerary and delete about half. Plan in some padding for transit times. Add some time to just stroll, go to a park, visit a pub and relax, let the kids romp in the garden!

I don’t want to seem rude, but this itinerary seems hectic. Drive times don’t seem to take into account the basics like getting to the car park, paying, walking to your starting place, and then doing all that again in reverse.

Also, with respect, you have 3 kids under 10 years old. Unless you are martinets like the Von Trapp family (pre-Maria) I don’t see this forced march itinerary as being even vaguely doable with - or fun for - the kids. Even your first day, with a throwaway “some stuff good for kids” comment seems like you are underestimating how much things will NOT be kid friendly or particularly fun for them.

There’s so much to see and do here. I encourage you to consider slowing down, building in some time for enjoying where you are, giving the kids time to roam and ramble, and just in general not wearing yourselves out.

Obviously, YMMV - you know what is best for you - and I hope you have an absolute blast!

@helen, thank you! I’m a little concerned about Stonehenge, as my eldest doesn’t seem very interested, and to be honest I’m not sure I am either. It seems like the kind of thing you shouldn’t miss, but I guess I’ll say the 2 times we’ve been to England prior we didn’t bother, but on the other hand…we are so close this time. Maybe we will base in Bath even though we’ve been there, just so there’s more to see.



@BillS719 thank you. I’m only going off last time, but we actually all did okay with the jet lag a few months ago. I felt fine driving after the flight and did a comparable couple of hours of driving (split up). That is a compelling idea to just head to Winchester. I wanted to do Hampton Court last time but it didn’t fit…but maybe doesn’t fit this time either. Is there anything else around there that I could couple with it and stay longer?

@wasleys thank you. Definitely need to factor in traffic, which I noticed last time was more than the estimates from Google maps.

@volva thank you for your detailed comments. I am curious if you were to read my trip report from a couple months ago (we landed in Gatwick same time, stopped in Crawley, Hever Castle for the day, drove to right outside Leeds, slept overnight and did Leeds the next day, then drove to Canterbury, then did Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine Abbey Ruins, and St. Martin’s Church, then Dover Castle the next day, …it continues on) if you would think that is also too much? I mention that because that trip felt perfectly paced for us and I think it’s similar-ish to this? Actually no this does move around more, but we also have 2 more full days. But we were usually driving around a good hour or two a day, our longest was from Canterbury to Arundel through Seven Sisters. I should add, we don’t drink (so we’re not into the pubs) and we generally don’t like to eat out (my son has allergies so we would typically go to the grocery store and have simple things at home) so that cuts out a lot of activities that most people probably engage in. Anyway, I will definitely take a closer look at everything and see what to nix, but I’m curious what you would nix if you were thinking what is less compelling here. I know I can’t see everything, but we will return again I’m sure.

Definitely need to factor in traffic, which I noticed last time was more than the estimates from Google maps.

Recommended advice is to add 25% to driving times on google maps PLUS time for stops. It is surprising how much time it can take to find a car park space, park, get everyone out of the car (possible comfort break) and walk to the attraction and then again at the end of the visit.

Hi Joanne- I guess I'm in the minority so far in thinking this is a very doable itinerary with good pacing (imho). In fact, I'm bookmarking your post for future reference because we are planning a trip to the SW and Cornwall in September.

I would say that if you and some in the family are not all that interested in seeing Stonehenge, you should give it a miss. It's very crowded and just getting from the parking lot to the actual monument consumes a lot of time. Then you are circling it with lots of people. I'm sure others will disagree, but that's the way I feel :)

I would not spend two nights in Glastonbury. Personally, I don't find the town all that interesting. Yes, the abbey is evocative, and the Arthurian connection is fascinating, but overall, there are more impressive abbey ruins to visit and more quaint towns. It's quirky, and the charity shops on the main street are fun to poke around in, but given all the options in SW England, this would not be high on my list unless climbing the Tor is a must. I can't comment on the Jurassic Coast portion of your itinerary as that's where we are headed next! So, I'll be very interested to hear your plans. I was in Lyme Regis many years ago and loved it, but I don't know if it has changed in the intervening years.

As for your first day, if your flight gets in early in the morning, I wouldn't hesitate going to Hampton Court Palace for a few hours, then drive to Winchester. It's probably what my husband and I would do in your place. We usually hit the ground running! My only concern would be traffic in the late afternoon. I have no idea if that's a concern or not.

This is a great video by Memory Seekers on Bradford on Avon that might be useful

Have fun planning and I hope to hear more!

I'm not sure personally that I see the point in moving from Winchester to Salisbury. To me three nights in either would be better. I also guess I'm in the minority in narrowly preferring Winchester.
On Wells v Glastonbury- Personally I would choose Wells, and think days 7 and 8 could be combined with day 8 redistributed somewhere below.
On the question of Lyme Regis I'm not sure over run is the word. It is more that the town roads are not up to the job.
Thinking of the children maybe also look at Pecorama (at Beer, a place not a drink) and the Seaton Tramway.
Lyme Regis also has an Aquarium.
As for the Jurassic Coast maybe Dorchester or Swanage. There should also be boat trips along the coast from Swanage Pier.
I know you have a car, and I know I'll be criticised for this, but the children and you might enjoy the open top bus ride from Swanage and across the chain ferry Bramblebush Bay to Sandbanks and Bournemouth. Sandbanks is seriously expensive real estate.
Corfe Castle is also a village, as well as the Castle and has a steam train down to Swanage.
Possibly a place to stay?
You can park at Norden at the North end of the line, and book a combined steam train ticket.
Poole with its historic quayside, plus a boat trip out to Brownsea Island (in Poole Bay) - Baden Powell and Boy Scouts fame is another good outing.

I too am concerned about the viability of Day 1, but if that is your style and you are confident in your driving ability off a TA flight then so be it.
I read your last trip so enough said.

I’d like to suggest this location and hotel with half board for your nights 10 and 11. You will feel pampered in this old fashioned family resort a your kids will have free play activities to entertain them with built in playmates when you aren’t touring. We stayed at Knoll House for 3 nights 2 years ago and did the activities you have planned on day 11 and part of day 10 by walking to Old Harry Rocks, across the street, or taking the bus which stops right outside of the hotel. It’s a perfect location for your itinerary with kids.

https://www.knollhouse.co.uk/

Bradford-upon-Avon has lots of old buildings but it also has traffic congestion converging on the old bridge over the river. If you do decide to stay here, I would suggest that it is not by one of these busy roads and that your accommodation has parking. On the plus side, the town has a station with frequent trains into Bath.

For Lulworth & Durdle Dor - you are in that area for 2 days - be sure to choose the one with the best weather forecast.

You mention possibly staying in Bath so you have more options for things to do. As you aren’t going to restaurants or bars I think this is not necessary and you will find plenty to do in the area. Assuming you’re back in your accommodation by 6pm at the latest to cook and feed children then you don’t really have much time to fill each day anyway. Even leaving by 9am that gives 9 hours max, which when you add in driving times isn’t a lot.

I think you could do with working out a list of priorities for sightseeing and then try to design a route around that. At the moment you have too many sites at some locations and then are also concerned about not having enough to do at other locations.

2 places you haven’t included that I really like are Avebury stone circle and Stourhead, which I think is a must see.

Hampton Court Palace is great and there’s a lot see, but I’d say it’s really more aimed at adults and older children. I think the 9yo will be fine, the 5yo may struggle or get bored at some points nd I don’t think the 2yo will get much from any of the indoor areas. If s/he gets disruptive when bored, then you may want to leave this to a later trip.

Helen mentions Stourhead. The gardens around an artificial lake are stunning but a sunny day is really needed. These are formal gardens and I am not sure how much of them the kids can run across. Might be worth checking re the 2 younger children.

A couple of things jumped out at me:
- the number of different accomodation changes. Just to quickly add my suggestion - it would be 3:
- Winchester
- Salisbury or Bradford on Avon (of your options. Salisbury is bigger - more to do and more accomodation options. Bradford on Avon is smaller and quieter, but I take that this would seem to be a less of an issue for you and the ‘busyness’ mentioned above will be gone in the afternoon/evening for you to enjoy it more gently anyway. It’s really lovely.
-Lyme Regis - I love Lyme Regis. Again the ‘busyness’ would be a daytime thing (and not really a thing in my opinion). It sounds like you’ll be gone most of the day anyway! The evenings again will be quiet and lovely for walking the beach , cobb and little streets.

And

• Not wanting to go to pubs. Which is 100% a valid choice, but just in case your concerns could be allayed with some additional information, I’d like to try!
  

Firstly a pub doesn’t not equal a bar (as I understand it in the US context), it can (in a city centre usuallly), but what you are almost certainly going to come across will be a pub that could be more compared to cafe. At lunchtime, there will be friends meeting for lunch, walkers stopping with their dogs for a cold drink, families with children etc.. In the evening there will be the same, and this will likely be the majority of people there. Any ‘drinkers’ will be in the minority and sitting likely at or near the physical bar anyway.

Pubs often have children’s play things (swings, slides etc) outside and inside games and building blocks etc. Because they are family friendly this is common and another reason for them to make a great place to stop.

There is no expectation to buy alcohol or a large meal during the day or evening. You can drink Coke and a sandwich and share them with your children and no one would comment or notice. It’s not unusual in the slightest or bad etiquette. Although, worth noting that many will not serve large meals in the afternoon (between 2 and 5pm for example), but you’ll always be able to get some potato chips or snacks to eat (inside or outside) with whatever you decide to drink (non alcoholic in your case).

Pubs are often an incredibly reasonably priced food and drink (and depending what you choose only slightly more expensive than the supermarket - which you mention you would normally prefer). Allergies and preferences are often well catered for a visible.

Lastly, that pubs are the quintessential UK, they can be the most charming buildings inside and outside. All the things that associate with SW England you’ll find in pubs - low ceilings and doors, cosy corners, interesting photos, beautiful views, lively chat and atmosphere. Of course, like with anything there are good and bad - but plenty of resources on the www will point you in the right direction in whatever location you are to help choose a family friendly pub with whatever else preferred criteria you have.

Oh and Garden centres (the places where you buy plants for your garden/house) often have cafes and children’s play areas too and local crafts and local produce (cheese, fruit etc) and clothing and ….. Another thing to google if you looking for somewhere for the kids to have a run around while you relax.

It would be a shame to not try a few more, just to be sure they’re not your thing!

I see that Stourhead (NT) has been mentioned. This is a landscape parkland with classical temples etc. I visited on a sunny day in early June and thought it was wonderful. Visit on a dull day and you might think why bother. It is not far south of Longleat.

Talking about Longleat, I see that it is the location for a Centre Parcs.https://www.centerparcs.co.uk/discover-center-parcs/holiday-locations/longleat-forest.html
You may like to consider staying at this place as it is very centrally located for visiting many of the places that you wish to visit. So, rather than moving from place to place to stay, just use one hub from which to make day trips. The downside of Centre Parts is that you are paying for facilities that you don’t really want to use as you are more concerned with seeing southern England. Anyway, maybe consider a central base for accommodation but note that it will involve a bit more driving for day trips.