I am researching a trip to England from the US, flying into London and then to a safe, quaint village that will offer good walk around opportunities, markets for fresh fruit and vegetables, and lodging where I can make my own simple meals (I eat only raw foods of mostly fruit and vegetables, so nothing elaborate needed, just a fridge and sink). Day trips would likely include the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, and possibly Harry Potter World (a must for my daugther!). Your suggestions for a good fit logistically and aesthetically would be so much appreciated. I love architecture, history, and beautiful old university campus settings, so Cambridge appealed to me and looked like a very cool vibe. Thanks for any help you can offer fellow Euro travelers and English residents.
Posted by
Penzance
22 posts
Harry Potter World
It’s the WB Harry Potter Studio and you need to book it yesterday.
Not sure I can think of an unsafe village but “quaint” isn’t confined to The Cotswolds. There are plenty of nicer less crowded places.
Posted by
Preston UK
1598 posts
Will you hire a car? Without one there is unlikely to be a single location from where it will be easy to visit those 3 disparate spots on day trips.
Posted by
Singapore
944 posts
"beautiful old university campus settings"
Cambridge is nor a campus university, it's a college-based university that's set in the city, but I understand what you mean...
For travel connections, you're best off staying in London, which while safe, doesn't meet your "quaint" requirement. Thinking it through, I'd be inclined to suggest (depending on how much time you have) that you spend some time in London, and then choose a smaller city or town outside London to stay for a few nights. Perhaps Oxford or Cambridge itself? Or if you want somewhere absolutely beautiful, I would recommend Rye.
Posted by
Land of La
9803 posts
And London is of no interest?
London to WB Harry Potter 1hr or so. Train from Euston…then a bus…directions here: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
London to Salisbury 1hr on a SWR train from Waterloo. Then a 1/2 bus ride from Salisbury to Stonehenge
London to the Cotswolds ( Morton in Marsh )
1hr GWT train ride from Paddington
Lots a parks to enjoy in London. Alexandra Park, Richmond Park, Waterford Wetlands, Regents Park, Hampstead Heath. Or you could just walk along the lengthy Thames path.
Plenty of trails like the Parkland trail. Most enjoyable walk.
London has numerous neighborhoods. When you say quaint what is your concept of the adjective?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you all so much. Yes, London is also of interest and we will spend a few days there at the end of the trip before flying home.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Johnew52,
Yes, we will rent a car.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Claudia,
Thanks for such a detailed response!
Posted by
Land of La
9803 posts
OP happy to share intel.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Simon:
Rye looks lovely. Thank you.