We are flying into London and starting a Rick Steve's tour for Scotland 2 days later in Glasgow. Where would you recommend we stay for the 2 nights that would be give us a nice experience of that part of England? We are planning on traveling by train so we need to consider that issue. Enjoy older villages, beautiful countryside and history. I would really appreciate your help. We are feeling overwhelmed by all the wonderful choices but know we really can't go wrong with whatever we do. However, we aren't sure if we will ever be able to return so, making a plan with your help would be so appreciated. We are in our early 60's so we can squeeze quite a bit into our plan!
Posted by
Chicago
775 posts
Lake District? Kind of on the way, but 2 nights is not that much.
Take the train to Penrith and the bus for day trips?
There are some experts who I am sure will have better and more detailed
suggestions.
Posted by
Lake District, England
9239 posts
Resisting the urge to say the Lake District two other suggestions -
The Peak District - train from St Pancras to Sheffield or Chesterfield, then local bus. Afterwards bus to Edale (if you stay in Castleton) or Buxton, for hourly train to Manchester Piccadilly, change for hourly direct train to Glasgow.
Grassington, Yorkshire Dales- half hourly train from Kings Cross to Skipton (change at Leeds) for almost hourly bus from Skipton station.
Afterwards train to Lancaster or Carlisle for the at least hourly train to Glasgow.
Posted by
Warrington, England
115 posts
Train from London Euston to Chester for a couple of nights. Then train to Warrington Bank Quay for a change to the train to Glasgow.
There are also a couple of very nice small cities on the Eastern side of England, namely Lincoln, York and Durham. All easily reached from London Kings Cross, then on to Edinburgh, where you would then have to take a train to Glasgow, which is less than an hour.
You can see that the Chester option is easier.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2865 posts
York has history in spades. And it’s in an area of incredible scenery with loads of picturesque towns. I would guess you could choose from a number of day tours into the countryside. Hopefully, people on this forum will have recommendations.
Since your time is limited, I think you should pick a place with easy and relatively quick transportation. York is a direct two-hour train from London. From York to Glasgow, it’s two trains with a change in Edinburgh, roughly four hours.
I really think York would be ideal, but there are no bad choices.
Posted by
Irving
3387 posts
The Lake District is best by car so go to York.
Posted by
8797 posts
York is awesome.
Posted by
Lake District, England
9239 posts
The Lake District is best by car so go to York.
Very Wrong, the Lake District is miles better without a car. Those who insist on using a car in the area are a big part of the tourism issues. Anywhere the average tourist wants to go to is very adequately covered by public transport- In fact the summer timetable book is already well out of date due to significant service enhancements since it was printed.
Posted by
111 posts
Briwire has good ideas. I have seen all 4 suggestions. York has history, lots to do and lots of tourists. Lincoln has a cathedral and castle with a Magna Carta. Chester has Roman ruins, walled city, cathedral and is worth a visit. Durham has a cathedral with St Cuthberts tomb, a castle turned University and lovely river walks. All easy to get to by train and train to Glasgow. No need for a car