Critique my England itinerary please?

This looks much better than the first idea you posted. We haven't driven in the UK so I can't comment on the routes or drive times, but at a glance they seem to work. You could cut one night in York if you decide you want more time in London. Day 13- Windsor could also be a theatre night. We often plan things that way. It gives you enough time in Windsor, but you can get back to London in time to freshen up and have dinner before the theatre.

Thanks Toni! Yes, forgot to mention that I've also based this itinerary on feedback received from an earlier posting. We managed to move our Yorkshire days back, and are excited to have more time in London. I'm hoping the driving is alright - doesn't seem like it would be much more than 3 hours on the longest days, and I tried to minimize those by staying two nights minimum each place. We'll think about the theatre - that's a great idea!

Beth. This is now a really good itinerary. and not too much changing hotels. Personally I would try and squeeze in Avebury and Stonehenge, but you can play that by ear (I would prfer them over Wilton House). Dont shortchange Salisbury. Also I prefer Hampton Court to Windsor- either one there is comfortably time to get back in time for some rest and theatre that night. Your two days in London itself are going to be full and busy- there is so much to see. But I still wouldnt change what you have planned

Thanks Brian! Very reassuring feedback. I also thought about those things you mentioned... (great minds???) I agree that Stonehenge and Avebury are worthwhile (especially Avebury). It seems we could fit in Stonehenge on the Salisbury day, and Avebury on our way into the Cotswolds, so I thought I'd leave those kind of flexible (for now anyway). We may end up deciding to nix Wilton House, as it looks like Chatsworth and Blenheim fit easily into our itinerary - and they sound plenty grand. Thanks again!

You might want to visit Fountains Abbey or one of the other ruined abbeys in the Yorkshire area. I also recommend Whitby Abbey-very atmospheric, especially on a windy day. The deserted medieval villageof Wharram Percy is located in the North Yorkshire area.

Thanks Cynthia. We plan on Whitby, since we'll be so close by, but will think about the others as well.

This looks really good, I second the idea about seeing Fountains Abbey if you can. You and your mom are going to have a great trip. Driving makes more sense then the train so I feel you made the right decision.

I am sure your aunt will recommend places to see by car in Yorkshire. In addition to Fountains Abbey there are a number of ruined abbeys you can drive by (Byland is right at the road), and also Rievaulx Abbey is interesting there is an overlook where you walk along a long lawn to a folley, along the way you catch glimpses of the Abbey below you through the trees). Little moorland villages we like are: Thornton dale, with a tiny chanelled river running along the main street, and Thornton -Le-Dale which is a large sloping gren filed (with sheep droppings) and white houses either side of the green. I dont think theres much else to see in the village, but we go there when ever we are in Yorkshire

Sorry- the Village with sloping green is Hutton-Le_Hole. Too much of a hurry

Thanks for chiming in, Robin! I really appreciate all the positive & helpful feedback. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions, and after May, hope I can help other travellers out as well.

Beth: Looks pretty good so far...you're still doing a little backtracking...but you might be able to visualize things better when you actually get there. Just take it easy and leave time for serendipity. Bon Voyage.