Practicalities for my 3 month stay in UK

Yes, but you're probably looking for a launderette (ie a self service laundry) rather than a dry cleaner, which is generally for things like suits etc. I'm not familiar with US washing machines, but it will be self evident how to use it in your accomodation, and the launderette will have instructions on how to use their machines.

"I’m going assume that there are drug stores, etc"
Yes, but don't call them drug stores, or people will get the wrong idea ;) it's a chemist. The main brand is Boots. You will of course also find supermarkets, the main brands being Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

Laundromats in the UK are called Laundrettes.
https://www.toptiplondon.com/practical-tips/laundrettes-self-service-wash-laundry-london

You probably can find one near your lodgings.

Chemist shops or pharmacies (never a drug store) sell mainly medicines, toiletries and so on. They don’t sell much of the more general goods that I think US drug stores do. However, most places have supermarkets in the centre of town and these sell a lot more than groceries. The bigger ones have clothes and home ware sections. Many also carry the same goods as you’d find in a chemist’s shop.

Many are open late or 24 hours but the larger supermarkets are restricted to opening only 6 hours on Sundays, usually 10 to 4 or 11 to 5. This law doesn’t apply to small, “local” supermarkets which carry a much smaller range of products (mostly food). Life is too short to try to explain the reasoning behind this.

One thing you’ll notice if there are washing machines in holiday cottages is the lack of efficient American-style dryers. Often we have those combo washer-dryers, and the dryers are worse than useless. A lot of us dry clothes simply by hanging - either outside if we’re lucky enough to have outside space - or on an indoor airer: I have a heated one. So doing laundry in my own flat or in a holiday rental, I’d expect it to be dry and aired enough to wear in two or three days rather than instantly.

So definitely a service wash at a laundrette is what you need. The bag of laundry will be returned to you usually within a day, washed, dried and folded.

A word about “drug stores” or pharmacies - the qualified pharmacist at your local store will also act as a kind of triage system for minor health care. So minor stuff like colds, flu, ear or chest infections, mystery rashes - they’ll be able to help with advice and a certain level of medication or suggest if you need to see a doctor for a prescription.

Boots is the biggest brand - they do sell a lot of stuff, ranging from make-up to beauty products to sandwich lunches, but they will have an actual pharmacy at the back of the store. You’ll find a branch of Boots in most major shopping centres. Some supermarkets will also have a pharmacy in, but to find your nearest, use the link I’ve put below.

There’s also 111 for minor queries. See here:
https://www.nhs.uk/give-feedback-about-the-nhs-website/get-medical-help/

Simon, that’s it! I would only need a dry cleaners if I stained my shirt or pants badly…

And, oops! I’d better bone up in my British English !

Thank you!

Geova, thank you!

Guess I’d better get a British-American English dictionary, lol

Also no one can decide whether it’s spelt laundrette or launderette. Both are listed as correct by Chambers and I never know which spelling I’m going to use on any given day.

Let's take Skipton, as that's the one of the three I'm most familiar with, as a relative local- although that means these are questions I don't tend to think of.

The two big supermarkets in town are Morrisons and Tesco. Morrisons is next to the Railway Station, Tesco is a bit closer into town but the size of Skipton that is pretty relative. Both have pharmacies, there is also a Boots and a couple of Independent Pharmacies in town. With other stores in town you'll be able to get everything you want or need.

There are, it seems, 3 launderettes in town from a quick search-
White Rose Laundry- they also do dry clean, they either offer self serve machines or a full service wash (where they do the washing, drying, ironing for you and it looks like they will even collect and deliver as well on a full service wash).
The Express Laundromat - seems to be self service only. [Yes we sometimes use the word Laundromat here]
and (must be very new) the Revolution Launderette at Morrisons- this must be one of these new type Outdoor Launderettes springing up across the UK. It is probably aimed at all the boaters in the Canal Basin. So that one will be available 24/7.
For general shopping don't forget to look at the very good Skipton Market on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Following on from other recent posts (and I hope you won't need it) Skipton General Hospital does NOT have an Accident and Emergency (ER). That is at Airedale General Hospital- half way to Keighley, so not too far by taxi, and all the local Skipton to Keighley bus services stop there.

Bill, this is so helpful…thank you!

Yep, our drug stores are huge chains that have good sections as well as just typical medicine, etc…I think I’ll prefer m the chemists/pharmacies …

I feel kind I can do much of my shopping at the markets in town, but it’s always nice to have the option of the smaller supermarkets.

Washing machines in the UK are usually front loaders. A lot of people will simply hang washing out to dry as for most of the year, you will always find days when the weather is favourable. (It also saves on energy costs and clothes wear).

If you are not sure about anything - just ask a local.

The price you see is the price you pay - none of that added tax nonsense that you get in the USA & Canada.

Golden Girl, this is so helpful, thanks!

I’ll double check the cottages websites to see what they offer - in April through June, if I air my clothes dry, at least the days are long, lol.

Yes, service wash is what I’d really want!

That’s really good to know about pharmacies. I tend to get extremely bad coughs/respiratory infections due to hay fever….and sometimes I get vertigo. So it’s important that I have places to go when I’m not well

I also have medicine I take regularly…I plan to get them refilled before I leave, but I suppose I should bring new prescriptions in case

I’m saving this entire thread - it’s brilliant.

Thanks again!

Stuart, thank you SO much!!

These are all perfect for me - it’s just good to know that I’ll be able to get what I need easily. I did Google a few weeks ago, but I clearly didn’t to a great job since I had to make this thread, lol. Now I’m better armed, I can research TW and Knaresborough …

I expect to make real use of the service wash, lol

Oh one reason I chose Skipton is that it’s a market town - I can’t wait to be able to shop there regularly

I’m going to get checked out with various doctors before I leave, so hopefully I won’t need ER services, lol.

Thank you again - and for the link as well!

James, thanks!

If I'm going to try and be a temporary local, like Rick says, I’m going to live like one ! Why not take advantage of the good weather - and heaven knows I need to save money where I can, lol

I’m loving the no tax already !

Thank you !!!

A couple of points about electricity….If you are taking any electronics (phone, IPad etc) you need to ensure they are dual voltage and to get a British adaptor. You will find that British wall sockets come with an on/off switch; they are usually kept switched off when not in use. You may find that your bathrooms do not have the usual wall light switch, they may have a cord you pull instead.

As someone who spends a few months every year in the UK, I can help...

Washing machines run basically the same as in the US but there may be a few differences. (Small ones.) You'll get used to it. Don't be surprised to find the washing machine in the kitchen.

If your accomodations have a dryer--not as common in the UK as in the US--it may have different settings. What you can do is go on Google and search for the instruction manuals of the machines you'll find at your accomodations. They are usually on line.

If no dryer, there should be a drying rack.

Some laundrettes have a drop off service where you drop your clothes off in the morning and collect them later in the day.

As far as chemists go, a few people have mentioned Boots. Have you heard of Walgreens? Yes? Well, Boots and Walgreens have the same parent company. Boots basically sells the same type of things as Walgreens. Except there will be some different brands.

Superdrug is another large chain similar to Boots.

Pharmacies in the UK cannot fill prescriptions made out by US doctors. You would have to go to a clinic to get a prescription from a local doctor or nurse. I go for three month visits and take enough meds to last that long.

You may also find common OTC products in the US may not be OTC in the UK or may have a different name. When in doubt, ask the pharmacist.

Then there are the different types of ovens.....I'm not going to to try to tackle that. Just remember the temperature setting are in Celsius and not Farenheit.

Bathrooms...the wall switch will be outside the bathroom. There will be no plugs in the bathroom except possibly one lower power one for a shaver.

Just to underline what Frank said:

Pharmacies in the UK cannot fill prescriptions made out by US doctors. You would have to go to a clinic to get a prescription from a local doctor or nurse.

As Frank said, washing machines are very easy to figure out. I've never had a problem learning the controls, and if you do have an issue, just contact the owner or manager. They would be happy to help. Also, I agree about the dearth of dryers. I've never had a dryer in a place I rented and never found that to be a problem. If you are wary of using yours, just lay your clothing around to air out, as Golden Girl said. Sometimes there might be a drying rack for you to use.

Also, keep in mind that most refrigerators in the UK are much smaller than you will find in the states, so when you shop for groceries, don't overload yourself with perishable items that need to be refrigerated. That's one of the joys of staying long-term in a place—you can walk or drive to a local store every few days and enjoy the fun of shopping like a local, rather than loading up a huge cart like many of us do here.

About that British-American English dictionary.

I would only need a dry cleaners if I stained my shirt or pants badly…

pants in British English is male or female underwear for the lower half - what you might call panties. You might have made an inadvertent gaffe.

What you might call pants would be called trousers in England, something similar but different in Scotland.

Lesley, thanks!

Yep, I know about the electronics - I’m going to need separate ones for Paris, since I think the UK and most of Europe have different “systems”?

Betsy, when you get settled in each place, have a look on the Notice boards in the nearby churches and libraries.
You’ll find all kinds of interesting local events you can attend!
We do this in Italy, and have found musical events, fairs, etc.
You may meet some interesting people too.

Frank, thank you so much!

I’ll give the washer in my first cottage a whirl - if I’m having issues, I’ll just take my clothes to the launderette for service …I don’t want to stress myself out.

I watch House Hunters International, so by now I’m used to the idea of washers and/or dryers in kitchens.

I need to double check what my rental cottages offer - I really just hope their microwave is more of a microwave ocean (for instance, on ours at home, there is the option to reheat under an oven-like setting).

But I’ll be as prepared as I can to do things differently

Great stuff about the pharmacies - I’ll make sure I have sufficient medicine. In case I happen to lose them, I’ll be sure to note the name of the actual medicine and not the brand name it goes by in the US

Thank you!!!

Kim, thank you for noting that in a separate post

I’m going to at some point organize all this brilliant information into a spreadsheet or something like it…

Yep, I know about the electronics - I’m going to need separate ones for Paris, since I think the UK and most of Europe have different “systems”?

Oh, there are two different things to bear in mind. The UK and France use different plug sockets, so you will need an adapter.

But the US uses a much lower voltage than the UK and France so if you bring your hairdryer over here or to France, you will fry it unless it’s dual voltage or you have a voltage converter (not the same as an adapter).

A microwave oven in a British holiday cottage will be just a microwave. It’s unlikely to have other functions. But you’ll also have an oven and stovetop separately from the microwave.

Mardee, that’s a good point - I didn’t think of contacting the owner. I hope it won’t come to that, lol.

Air drying is fine by me - if it’s not outside, there will be plenty of room inside

Not to keep bringing it up, but on House Hunters International, Americans always seem so aggrieved at the smaller refrigerators in Europe. I’m fine with that - all I need is water, milk, and sold basics. One of the reasons I’ve dreamed of living in the UK is the idea of shopping at markets

Thank you!!!!

Nigel, well I’m typing this in the States….so no gaffe here yet, but I would be mortified if I referenced pants while in the UK, lol

I can’t wait to learn British English!

S J, what a great idea!

I’m an introvert, but I would like to meet people - and I find that when I’m in Europe, I tend to be more outgoing….

I think this “trip” is going to change my life

Thank you!!

Golden Girl….adapter, that’s it….i couldn’t think it the word. Thanks!!

No issue with a dryer - I never use one

I’m probably fretting over nothing - as long as I keep in mind that it’s Celsius, and I know equivalent Fahrenheit temps, there won’t be any issue

Thank you!!!!

One of the reasons I’ve dreamed of living in the UK is the idea of shopping at markets

I hate to disillusion you but most of us shop in supermarkets! My local market is fantastic for vacuum cleaner parts and phone cases and the occasional dodgy-looking meat…

But that said, Skipton has a proper regular market. Not sure about your other towns.

Regarding electronics, you will only need an adaptor (not a voltage convertor) for your phone/laptop/etc. The chargers for phones/laptops automatically convert voltage. You will need separate adaptors for UK plugs (three prong) and France/most of the rest of Europe (two prong). I'm less familiar with Skipton and have never been to Knaresborough but I can tell you Tunbridge Wells is a very large town and will definitely have everything you need. Safe travels!

It seems that Tunbridge Wells has a farmers market every other Saturday. I’d guess the quality of the food here would be good but probably more expensive than in a supermarket.

We've not found the washing machines in our AirBnB accommodations to be difficult to use. Poland, we had a little difficulty figuring out the different cycles, but not a big deal. Washing machines in the UK really aren't unlike those in the US, in our experience, aside from their size. Ditto on the combo washer-dryer units, though; the drying cycles don't work well, usually.

Just to clarify something you said earlier: there most certainly is tax on everything you buy. It just happens to have already had 20% (sometimes 15%) already added by the time you see the price. The retailer is therefore probably not making quite what they might in North America, where everything tends to be itemized to death (don't forget the tip! - which you can usually ignore in the UK too).

Skipton Market is so good that it is not unusual for bus tours to call in there on the way to somewhere else like Haworth, or the Dales. Sometimes it also gets twinned on the bus tours with Boundary Mill at Colne (a major factory outlet).
The market runs both sides the full length of the High Street.
If you are into your regional cheeses there's usually a really good cheese stall. Famous last words- last time I sent someone there in search of a rare type of Wensleydale cheese he was having a week's vacation.
You will also find a lot of independent shops in the side streets- Craven Court is one of my favourites to investigate.

In Skipton Town Hall there is a really good TIC to get local information. From time to time music and theatre events are staged in the Town Hall as well.

The Craven Museum (also in the Town Hall) is shortlisted for a major international Museum award this year, and is free entry.

Grassington has a Farmers Market every 3rd Sunday of the month (and it's wonderful Dickensian one in December).

If you are into your movies Skipton has a rather nice old style movie theatre- the Plaza- a rare example of a surviving one screen independent cinema (well one of a chain of 5 such cinemas). The Kooky nightclub was originally Skipton's other cinema.

It's 30 years or more since I lived in Royal Tunbridge Wells (maybe ironically as we are talking markets building the new Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre) so my gen on TW is very out of date. But I see they still have the Farmers Market at the Pantiles every other Sunday.

Knaresborough I know has a good Wednesday market.

Golden Girl, but at least you have markets, lol

I have no issues shopping generally at supermarkets, but I do love markets anyway …

I’ll get myself in a regular routine pretty quickly!

Cat, thanks!

I’ll come prepared !

I hope I make the UK sound like they don’t have all the things we have here - I just want to be as prepared as possible!

Thank you!!!!

Bill, no doubt - i think if I go often enough to the markets, I’ll see what I like to buy there…mist everything else I can buy at supermarkets

JPH, thanks!

Feels I like I’d be best off just air drying my clothes, lol

Thanks to you both!

Phoffen, thanks for clarifying !

Stuart, oh wow, lol -I don’t think I’ve ever been on a tour that stops to visit a market.

For all the places I want to visit, I want to be sure to actually spend time in my home bases - there’s so much to do in all of them, especially Skipton

I looove cheese - I on visiting the Wensleydale Creamery, but I love that there is a stall at the market!

I bookmarked many websites for TW, Skipton & Knaresborough, so I remember reading about Craven Court…

I’m a huge fan of the new All Creatures Great & Small, so I can’t wait to visit the lovely Grassington. I’ll try to make it to the market

I like going to the movies - I just never do. But it’s nice that Skipton has a single screen theater…they’re exceedingly rare here.

My cottage in TW is near the Pantiles…

Thank you soooo much!!!!

Regarding House Hunters International.....I'm sorry to tell you it's put on.

The couples/families you see on the show are already living in their "chosen" home when filmed. They look at two more places but that's just for the show. And.....some of the "real estate professionals" are actually actors.

Gee, Frank, you're telling me that Reality TV doesn't accurately reflect reality? Who'd have thought ...

Frank, I know they’ve already chosen their house …They still looked…those were still choices they had

I hate how some of these Americans want to move to Europe, but want everything to be as it is here

Betsy, I forgot to tell you about Booths! It's a wonderful supermarket in the north. You need to make a trip there while you're in the area. They have really nice and very interesting foods and items to buy. Skyegirl from this forum told me about it before my long trip to England earlier this year, and I really enjoyed shopping there. It's a bit pricier than your usual supermarkets, but it's definitely worth a visit. :-)

I went to the one in Ripon but the Ilkley store will be much closer (only about 15 minutes away from Skipton). There is also one in Settle. https://www.booths.co.uk/stores/

A Texan who has a holiday home in Cheltenham has uploaded several videos to You Tube about life in Britain. You can find it here:>https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UU3_fjz-2TNVc3-CSiMT8GLg

The odds are that you will find a television in your rental places and this will be connected to an aerial giving you loads of free channels. The 5 main channels are all available in HD with BBC 1 on 101; BBC 2 on 102. ITV on 103; Channel 4 on 104 & Channel 5 on 105. If you just use the single digit numbers > 1,2,3,4,5 - they will be in standard definition - unless someone has swapped them around.

A practicality to accept is that you should mentally adjust to traffic flow; i.e. it’s opposite to what you’ve known all your life. i say this after numerous trips to the UK and witnessing individuals nearly getting hit by cars, busses, lorries, bicyclists because they looked the wrong way.

Secondly that an adapter is a must have.

That in order to obtain an antibiotic you must see a doctor to obtain a prescription. Learned this recently when I developed a nasal infection during a 6 week stay. Also learned not all hospitals have ER’s AND that they are called A & E’s.

Another practicality is knowing pub grub is fine. Also that you do not need to drink alcohol in a pub and more importantly that you may find dogs, babies, cats and children in pubs. By definition pubs are community gathering places.

To immerse yourself scour church bulletin boards as they often have notices for such events as boot sales ( people selling items from the trunks of their vehicles ), bake sales, choral performances, etc.

Make certain your credit and debit cards are “ tap “ cards. Cash rarely used these days. However, I always have a few pound coins to donate in museums.

Tipping is not expected.

Be certain your coat, parka, boots are water proof not just water resistant.

Take Kleenex packets, a scarf, gloves, adapter, comfortable shoes, prescribed medicines and a 2nd pair of glasses if you wear them.

Mardee, thanks!

I’m going to check this link out - Booths sounds like the perfect place go stock up on basics

I plan on going to Settle at least once - it’s do easy on the Settle-Carlisle Railway- so that makes the most sense.

Thank you !!!!!

James, thank you! I’m going to do a deep dive on those is soon as I can !

I love British tv shows - I can’t wait to see Escape to the Country again!

Claudia, and I know that unlike London there won’t be “look left, look right” pained on the streets, lol. I’m very cautious even here, and I’ll be doubly so in the UK!

Adapter -check

I probably should familiarize myself with the doctors in these towns because I don’t think it’s likely that I’m going to be out and about for 3 months without having hay fever attacks. I’ve managed to avoid them for the most part lately since I’ve been in Florida, but as I will be much more actively outside while in the UK, I expect I may very well need antibiotics at some point.

Oh I love pubs, and expect to spend much of my time in them. I wish we’d have them here - I love the idea of them as community gathering places. I can’t wait to find my favorite - and I can’t wait to try and find my favorite Sunday roast!

Notes! I’m really looking forward to meeting people and participating in village/town life

My cards can be tapped, but they also have ttr chip on them. Are all cards only “tap” …with no chip?

Noted about the rain gear ..and will get boots (or maybe I’ll just buy Wellies over there)

Do you think I’ll need scarf and gloves for weather in April? When I lived in New York, we actually did sometimes get snow in April - April weather was often miserable. I imagine I won’t have to worry about that in May & June.

I always bring some Kleenex with me when I go away as I’m picky - I hate tissue paper, which is too rough; Kleenex is so soft and perfect for me. I’ll take lots of travel packs with me - so at least when I’m out and about, I’ll have them with me

Thank you so much for these awesome tips!!!!

"I probably should familiarize myself with the doctors in these towns because I don’t think it’s likely that I’m going to be out and about for 3 months without having hay fever attacks. ... I expect I may very well need antibiotics at some point."

Here's another difference you should be aware if. It is very challenging to get an appointment with a GP (doctor). Many already have full patient lists and may not accept you. The other option is a private clinic.

Also, for something like hay-fever, most people will just visit a chemist. They can advise and will probably give you antihistamines.

You won't get antibiotics for hay fever.

Under certain circumstances, pharmacists in the UK can prescribe antibiotics

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2024-11-15/what-can-pharmacy-first-scheme-do-me#:~:text=The%20Pharmacy%20First%20Scheme%20means,and%20antivirals%20where%20clinically%20appropriate.

However, as Simon says you won’t get them for hay fever. I don’t think a doctor would prescribe antibiotics for hay fever either. If you really want to take them, I would suggest bringing some with you.

Given that you’ll only be in each location for a few weeks, I doubt you’ll be able to register with a doctor but you can use a private clinic if you need something stronger than a pharmacy can supply.

Hay Fever is something you would (these days) normally go and talk to a pharmacist about- and get OTC meds. If need be they will refer you up the NHS Chain of care, but generally they will be equipped to handle it. When I had Hay Fever in (much) younger days you did go to see your GP (General Practitioner- Doctor) about it- not really the done thing now.
When or how bad you get it may depend on if it's tree or grass pollen that triggers you.

In a store or the railway station I will usually use the chip in my card (that is physically insert it into the reader). If I'm on the bus (and not paying cash) I'll use the tap function. Essentially if I have a choice in the matter I'll use the chip. If there isn't a choice then the tap.
That is just me but if I use the chip then I also need the PIN number. I'm not sure PIN numbers are an option to you.
That is a reminder, any bus in the UK (with very, very rare exceptions) will accept tap and pay. Some companies even do daily and weekly tap and pay bus fare capping like in London. I've been reminded of that difference this morning looking in depth at rural buses in WA and almost all say cash only- no card payments. I don't know if FL is the same.

Even in small towns, at designated pedestrian crossings there should always be Look Right/Left displayed.

It is not impossible to have cold weather in April (and you may feel it a bit more than a died in the wool northerner than me). In 50 years in the Lake District (and years before that in Manchester and almost the Peak District) I've had more white Easters than white Christmases- but Easter is late this year and climate change is having it's clear effect. Maybe the odd day but if you want to pack one scarf and one pair of gloves just in case. It wouldn't surprise me if the B & M store in Skipton (if that's where you are first) or the Oxfam (Charity/Thrift) store stocked them. If Tunbridge Wells is stop 1 then no, not that far south.

The Victoria Hall at Settle is another place to look for events at- a working Victorian Music Hall- which actually hosts a wide range of events. Yes you may be a bit hampered by the last train back to Skipton being at 10pm. But some are daytime or early evening and they have their Tea Garden.

Simon, I’m talking about respiratory infections as a result of hay fever. The hay fever triggers awful coughing (bronchitis) and lingering stuffy nose - definitively respiratory infections that I would need medication for…That’s on me for not clarifying

A clinic would be fine - if my vertigo is triggered, and my medicine doesn’t help, I’d have to go there as well

Thank you!!!!

Bill, thanks for the link!

I can ask my doctor if they’ll prescribe antibiotics in case I need them …it’s not just for ordinary allergies; as I described above, I get severe infections triggered by hay fever.

A clinic seems my best bet

Thank you !!!

The clothes washer will probably have a dozen different choices on the selector knob. Just go for something like "Mixed Load" or "Cottons". Expect it to take an hour or so on the fast cycle, a couple of hours otherwise,

You will probably have a choice of water temperatures. We do everything on 30, which is 30C or 86F, and that is all we need.

You can have powder detergents (getting rarer, and you put it in the centre part of the detergent drawer), or liquid which can go in a small open dispenser balanced on the clothes once the washer is full, or poured into the centre area of the detergent drawer. Don't forget to push GO or it won't. Go often looks like a PLAY button on a cassette deck.

You may have to turn the water on near the washer, and turn it off at the end, your landlord will say.

Retrieve the dispenser as you take things out of the wash. If you have a dryer there will likely be a mixed load setting on it too. Expect 2 to 3 hours to dry. Empty the filters at the end and dump out the water if it is a condenser or heat pump dryer.

Stuart, I think I’ll speak to the pharmacist in each place just to get an idea of what the procedure would be. I rarely get sick (fevers), but the infections triggered by by hay fever are severe - especially my cough, which sounds like I’ve got TB or some horrible disease (I don’t…it just sounds like it)

So I should have no issue with my cards, but I’m glad you mentioned PIN …I have a 4 digit numeric PIN number that I’ll need to use for ATMs …I believe that should be ok?

TW is my first stop, so I should be good. I can always buy if I need - I need to save room in my luggage for everyday items/necessities

A Victorian music hall? I love it! I’ll definitely join at that ….I'm so glad the days will be very long by this time

Thank you SO much!

Booths sounds like the perfect place go stock up on basics

I'd use a simple Morrisons or Tesco or Sainsbury or Waitrose for the basics and get the really good stuff at Booths. They have excellent really good stuff.

I have a 4 digit numeric PIN number that I’ll need to use for ATMs …I believe that should be ok?

PINs often have 4 digits... some places allow as many as 6 digits but 4 is the default.

Betsy, I linked to a page from this site earlier but it’s a great resource for “who do I need to see or call for this sickness/injury?”
https://www.nhs.uk/

I get similar illnesses related to hayfever. I would always start with the pharmacist first. I then might see the nurse-practitioner at my GP surgery. There’s a big difference between the UK and the US in terms of use/prescribing antibiotics, I think - you might feel that the UK health service under-prescribes compared to the US, so I suggest you get your own doctor to prescribe what you feel you might need.

Re the PIN for your ATM card - you’re actually unlikely to use much cash. I haven’t used cash for about six months. Even market traders will often have card readers.

There is no need to bring Kleenex tissues - they are readily available here.
Booths is very much more than a shop for basics. It’s a place for treats of all sorts. The three Yorkshire shops in Settle, Ilkley and Ripon will be handiest for your trip, although there are many more on the “right” side of the Pennines!

Betsy:
I just wanted to say that I’m enjoying your enthusiasm for your upcoming trip!
I’ll look forward to reports…maybe you can do a daily catch-up like Claudia did recently from London.

I lived in the UK, and visit occasionally.
I always pack a set of silk-like long underwear with me on every trip no matter what or which time of year.
It can layer under clothing and also be used as pj’s if it’s cold at night.
Weighs nothing and takes up no room.
I like Heat-Tech from Uniqlo….not silk, but a good alternative and so warm.
Your cottages might be cool at night.

Pack some laundry sheets, then you won’t have to buy laundry powder or liquid there and lug it to the next place.
I like ones made in Canada or the US…again, takes up no room.

Also, download WhatsApp on your phone before you leave
It’s a wonderful free way to communicate…many people in the UK use it.
Your hosts probably will use it to communicate with you.
I’ve used it all over the world with no problems.
You can talk, message, send photos , etc.

UK pharmacies are the best…so many great skin and hair products as well as medical and health items.

Nigel, thanks!!!

I’m sure TW, Skipton & Knaresborough have one or more of those places. So they sound perfect for me - and Booths for the good stuff.

Noted!

Golden Girl, thank you!

I’m going to look at that site as soon as I get a chance - it’s always good to be prepared

My doctor knows my history of chronic respiratory infections, so I have hopes that she’ll prescribe “in case” antibiotics for me.

I’m not trying to borrow trouble, but you never know

I do use my card most of the time here, but if I don’t use cash some of the time, my credit card bills are going to be through the roof, lol

John, yay !

I normally don’t like shopping unless it’s for books or food, but I’m looking forward to going to Booths !

Thank you !!

SJ, I appreciate everyone’s help!

I’ve never done anything like this before - traveled to Europe? Several times. 3 months? Not even close. I’ll be a little nervous when it gets closer, but also ready for a great adventure !

Yes, I’ll definitely do those !

I’ll check those out! Usually I just wear a t-shirt & shorts to bed, but those sound nice!

That’s a great idea - although maybe it might be best to buy over there considering the bed size differences between US and UK? But then, to me, as long as the sheet mostly fits, I’m good . I never would have thought of it!

I hope the cottages are cool - I hate heat!

What’s App is awesome! I used it the last time I was in the UK. I just need to get a phone plan before I leave since I’ll need to make local calls

My mother will love it if I end up using all these great skin care products and come home looking in rude health !

Thank you sooo much!!!

"Simon, I’m talking about respiratory infections as a result of hay fever. The hay fever triggers awful coughing (bronchitis) and lingering stuffy nose - definitively respiratory infections that I would need medication for.."

Picking up on Golden Girls post, a pharmacist is still going to be your first port of call. It's not easy to get in to see a doctor in the UK, and they are reluctant to prescribe antibiotics unless they're absolutely certain.

Simon, thanks!

Well hopefully I don’t need the services of a pharmacist…but I’ll be prepared if I do!

Maybe I’m wrong but I think the laundry sheets being referred to were those you toss in the dryer not actual sheets that cover the mattress.

Then again maybe I need stronger reading glasses and more coffee.

Claudia, maybe you’re right - except then I don’t know what that meant, lol

I thought the suggestion was to bring extra sheets so that I have a spare set to put in my bed when the original needs to be washed

I think it meant laundry sheets as in the small sheets of detergent.

I’d assume that they’ll give you a change of bedsheets or some kind of bedlinen cleaning service if you’re renting holiday cottages. If they were letting the properties for a week or two weeks, then they’d have a company to do this when the cleaning happens. Worth checking.

However when I rented a flat for a month in Edinburgh I didn’t get any change of linen. I had a choice I guess of wash/dry quickly, buy new or be a slob. Not proud of my choice…

BTW on this subject, and you may know this already - on the whole, the British way is to have a bottom sheet only, and treat the duvet cover as the second sheet, effectively. So the sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases are the bits that you launder regularly. Hope this makes sense.

It's not easy to get in to see a doctor in the UK

We'd heard that, but my wife had no trouble seeing a GP on a day's notice in Inverness last summer when she contracted an upper respiratory infection (viral). Single data point, obviously.

Golden Girl, I never heard of essentially shears if detergent - they may or may not have them here, but I know my family has never used them.

I think I’d probably bring mine to the launderette for service, but knowing me, I might also be slobbish, lol

I do believe the cottages include extra linens, but that’s another thing I’ll have to double check

That’s honestly how I sleep - I’ve never been a huge fan of a top sheet (so bed sheet, sheet, comforter/duvet). Though - it’s good if it’s warm - I can’t sleep well if I’m not cool

Thank you!!!

These or similar.

https://ca.tru.earth/products/tru-earth-eco-strips-laundry-detergent-fresh-linen?variant=47656909373742&tw_source=google&tw_adid=697187435245&tw_campaign=1766291502&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACzIPs2x_8OYtK_wLltaSJThd2XDc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkJO8BhCGARIsAMkswyj-IWHqhZwebS9g0gFILI7ZjR-dRTCeYzVxithJuucgT1Ho2GoB5dwaAvKVEALw_wcB&selling_plan=690540413230

In my part of North West England, pants are worn on the outside, ie trousers. It only seems to be the last few decades where the term turned to what's worn underneath your trousers.
If pants are underwear, what are underpants?

SJ, thanks for the link!

Oh wow - these are ingenious !

I wanted to say - not relating to this at all- that my supermarket sells Wensleydale Creamery cheese ! I bought the one with blueberry to try …

Bri, that’s a great question !

Laundry sheets are great….easy to pack, you can use them for sink washing by hand too, as well as in machines.
We use them at home, and always take them on trips.
I find some overseas laundry detergents are over-scented.
You can get unscented ones if you have sensitivities to strong smells.
Lots of different makes out there to choose from.

I wanted to say - not relating to this at all- that my supermarket sells Wensleydale Creamery cheese ! I bought the one with blueberry to try …

There are a huge range of flavours. I've just finished a nice chunk of Cranberry Wensleydale- one of their seasonal flavours. You won't believe the store at the Creamery when you see it. There are quite a lot of local cheeses round there- quite a few now made either by the Wensleydale Creamery or artisan made with Wensleydale Milk- a few being Swaledale, Cotherstone and Coverdale.

Something else interesting about Hawes is rope-making. Until a few years ago Outhwaite's Rope Makers was based in the village and you could do factory tours- very few traditional rope makers left now. The place closed but was taken over by one of the workers and is now based in the nearby village of Askrigg (the Little White Bus gets you there but no tours now) - https://askrigg-ropemakers.co.uk/

But Askrigg is also where quite a lot of the original TV series of All Creatures Great and Small was filmed including where 'James' and 'Helen' married- https://www.dalesdiscoveries.com/perfect-days-in-the-yorkshire-dales/askrigg-all-creatures-great-small

In real life of course they married in Thirsk and 'Helen' wasn't a farmers daughter. But Wensleydale (not Wharfedale) was where much of his practice work was and where the real life James and Helen honeymooned doing TB testing.

Jervaulx Abbey (mentioned in the above Askrigg article) is one of Yorkshire's lesser known Abbeys and privately owned but open to the public on an honesty donation basis. It is best visited by car but there is a daily bus from Ripon and Richmond via Masham.

Hawes still has a big animal auction mart just on the edge of the village. If you happen to be there on a Mart Day it is quite something to see all the animals penned together awaiting sale. Increasingly rare now most marts have moved out of town. Some of course are being sold to their final destination, but many just between farmers.

SJ, good stuff- thanks!

I’ll try them out here before I leave, but they sound perfect!

That’s really good to know about pharmacies. I tend to get extremely bad coughs/respiratory infections due to hay fever….and sometimes I get vertigo. So it’s important that I have places to go when I’m not well.

The worst episodes of hay fever I've ever had happened in England. It turns out I'm very allergic to a plant that blooms out in April, May, June, (all summer) and is harvested in August.
Rapeseed....the yellow flowers you will see blooming in fields.....is used to make canola oil. On one of my visits to England, I became so sick because of breathing this pollen, I had to go to the hospital emergency room in Salisbury.

I will caution you to be careful if you are prone to allergies/hay fever, as you say.....AND urge you not to air dry your laundry outside, as discussed above. Dry it inside the house or apartment. Outside it would pick up whatever pollen is flowing in the air.

Perhaps your allergy specialist at home can test you for these things before you go and give you additional meds to take to protect you. I received a shot before my last trip to England that prevented me from getting sick again.

I also wear a mask now to screen out pollen.

On a positive note, I think your trip sounds wonderful, and I hope you have a great time!

when you are here during pollen season, the BBC Breakfast News on BBC1 (6am to 9:30, varies on weekends) does the weather 4 times most hours, once each half hour around the 12 minute and 42 or so mark for the national weather, often with Carol Kirkwood, and once each half hour a few minutes before the half and hour for the local news. In pollen season all 4 of those broadcasts will include pollen readings and warnings - especially helpful are the local ones.

If you are staying in Skipton you are within range of The Courtyard, a cheese shop at the far end of the A65 Settle by pass going northwest. Look out for the roadside signs saying ‘cheese shop’! It features small batch cheeses made by farms, some local, others not. A veritable festival of cheeses (although very cheesy smelling on entry)! They will give a you a sliver to taste of any you are interested in. We ‘discovered’ (it wasn’t really lost) Baron Bigod from there, a Brie style cheese. Marvellous, but don’t tell everybody! If they have it, their ‘Gorgonzola from actual Gorgonzola’ is another delicious delight!

Ian

The Courtyard should also have Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese in stock. There are a few different “strengths” with the most mature the best. Like Baron Bigod, made from unpasteurised milk.

Rebecca, that sounds horrible - I’m so sorry you suffered like that!

I haven't been tested for allergies in years, but I’m going to my doctor soon, so I’ll ask about getting tested again. Should I ask specifically about these? It will be impossible to test for everything, of course. I’ll bring masks with me for when I’m going to be out in green spaces for awhile …can’t be too careful

Oh, and I’ll definitely NOT dry my clothes outside - I didn’t even think of that.

Thank you so much!

Nigel, that’s very helpful - thank you!

If I’m going to be out and about, I need to pay attention to these things….staying inside is not an option, so I’m going to have to be more proactive with taking care of myself

Ianandjulie and John, I won’t have a car, so unless I take a taxi, I don’t think I’ll be able to get there…but I’m getting hungry just thinking about all the yummy cheeses. …maybe they’ll carry them in the market in Skipton.

Thank you!!!!

Betsy - Booths should stock Mrs Kirkhams though not Baron Bigod. I very much doubt that you will find either in Skipton or any other market.

John, I’ll keep an eye out for them at Booths!

Betsy, to reply to your question above.....you don't need to be tested for everything. Have them test for rapeseed if they can. You may wish to go to an allergy specialist in your area at home instead of your regular doctor (GP) or maybe he or she can refer you.
If you have allergies at home, the rapeseed pollen could hit you hard in England.

I think your three month stay sounds great. Except for one thing....I would split them up. I myself would do one month in the spring, one month in the early fall, and another month in the following spring.
You have planned it for all in one go. For me, I would want to get home after one month in case I had medical problems, allergies kicking up badly, etc. I'd want to get home to my own bed and own Dr.

But you have a plan going, and it sounds great. Have fun! Best wishes!

Hi Rebecca

I’m seeing my GP soon, so I’ll ask her for referral for an allergist - and be tested for rapeseed.

Even if I wanted to break it up, I couldn’t afford 6 separate flights - it’s just not practical. I’m not going to worry - I just want to be prepared.

Thank you!!

Rapeseed is the name here - in the US and Canada the same plant is called Canola, possibly because they thought people wouldn't be happy with the real name.

Your allergist might recognise Canola first.

Nigel, I’ll mention Canola!

I have no issues with Canola oil, but the plant might be different ..so it can’t hurt to check

Thanks!!!

I have no issues with canola oil, either; I use it in cooking all the time.
But not so with the pollen from the plants.
Worst allergy I've ever had.
Many people in England are allergic to it, too, according to our hotel's front desk staff in Salisbury.

Rebecca, that sounds nasty…I appreciate the warning.

When I go to my doctor, I’ll ask for referral to an allergist…

Is Rapeseed everywhere?

I can’t speak regarding the north of England but Rapeseed is very common in the south.

early spring, May, is the time for Rape blossom. You can smell it, a quite distinctive smell, and you can see where it is blooming. It is a bright yellow, fields of Rape are a welcome swath of yellow when much else is not yet out. It will be harvested in August but the flowers drop off a few weeks after blooming.

There is a good description, and many photos, at https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/features/rapeseed-oil-harvest

I’m not sure how many fields of rape there are in Yorkshire but I was affected by it when I lived in Lincolnshire and I suspect you’ll find it in Kent.

I get bad hay fever - tree and grass pollen mostly - which really affects me a bit like it does you, by the sound of it. Eg: feels like bronchitis sometimes, occasionally I get prescribed an asthma inhaler.

Rape has a different effect on me. When I’m driving past fields of the yellow stuff, it mostly just feels like my throat is slightly closing up, but not to really dangerous or unpleasant levels.

Bill and Nigel, thanks!

Nigel, I’ll read that later today ..the flowers ARE beautiful indeed..

Golden Girl, since I’ve been in Florida, which id green all the time, I never drive with my windows down…and I’ve managed to avoid too many bouts of hay fever infections, etc…

I don’t know how often I’ll be in open fields where Rapeseed grows, but like you, I’m allergic to trees, pollen, etc…..so just being outside will likely affect me. If I’m going to be outside for awhile, masks are probably my best bet..as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

I’m going to just be as prepared as possible …:

Thanks!