We arrive at Gatwick in late May. We plan a driving tour in England and Scotland. Should we rent our car straight from Gatwick airport or is it better to take a train to Bath first and get away from some of the big city congestion? First time drivers on 'wrong' side of road
Posted by
2599 posts
Definately take the train to Bath as to leave Gatwick after a long flight with your body clock all out of sync would be ‘dodgy’ for driving. You would also be driving an unfamiliar car on the wrong side of the road and hitting some of Britain’s busiest roads.
Go on www.nationalrail.co.uk and put in for your Gatwick to Bath journey. It is best not to go via London but take a direct train to Reading and then change for the train to Bath. Pre-book specific trains about 11 to 12 weeks ahead for cheapest prices at https://www.gwr.com
You will not need a car in Bath as it is all walkable. When booking accommodation - check the parking situation as it can be limited in city hotels. I see that you are planning on doing England & Scotland. Be aware that each area of Britain has loads to see and you would easily find enough in the southern half to fill up your vacation. Also be aware, that if you are just going to major cities, that much of the journey can be made by train. Car is best when going into more remote scenic areas such as mid Wales / Exmoor/ Cotswolds. For local buses www.traveline.info
It might be prudent to outline your travel plans on here & people will come back with advice.
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
As it's your first time driving in the UK, please look at these links:
Please read relevant sections: http://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/uploads/3/2/9/2/3292309/the-official-highway-code-with-annexes-uk-en-12-04.pdf (downloadable).
Posted by
Atlanta
5237 posts
The simplest, easiest, and safest way is taking the train. Jet lag, lack of sleep, and not being familiar with the local road system and driving on the left can all be a problem. There are some people that are not bothered by any of those things. Others think they are ok but are really driving somewhat impaired. Still others are complete zombies and should never drive on the same day they arrive. Just food for thought.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thx to all who responded! Yes of course, what were we thinking,. It would not be wise to be newbie drivers while suffering jet lag. We are working on an itinerary. Now my thoughts are to take transport into London and have our days there. Then catch a train out to Reading,Bath, or maybe Morten I M and rent our car then. ( if Bath, we would wait until we had finished our touring in that city). But wondering which place would be best to rent car from. Just two of us and standard shift is OK. We would return car in same place and catch train back to Gatwick to return home . We want to see the Cotswolds. We have two weeks total , finishing up our last two days visiting friends in Gloucester.
Also wondering about the bank holiday weekend...last weekend in May. What places to avoid? Where are we most likely to find accommodation at this late date? Lake District? Edinburgh?
Posted by
OP
12 posts
....and thx harleydonski for those driving links Appreciate that!
Posted by
2599 posts
Can’t your friends drive you around the Cotswolds - Gloucester is right by them!
You can go by train from Gloucester to the Lake District - but nearby Cheltenham is served by more long distance trains. However, I would consider driving into Wales as it is much nearer. (The lower Wye Valley on the Welsh border is an easy day trip from Gloucester). It is easy to go by train from Bath to Gloucester.