My husband and I are planning a business/vacation mid November and have a free day. We were thinking of either seeing Bath or the Cotswolds. Any suggestions? Should we take the train, tour or car? We're pretty adventurous and would likely find the tour too confining. We like to visit the locals, shop and soak in sights!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5847 posts
Hi Connie,
Bath is easy to do by train. The Cotswolds are a bit challenging to see without a car.
For what you want to do, Bath is probably the best option.
If you would consider at tour, London Walks runs explorer days which go out to various locations depending on the day of the week. You meet at one of the London train stations, take the train to the destination, Typically you take a walk in the morning, have some free time for lunch on your own and a walk in the afternoon. You can see their schedule at www.walks.com.
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
In November I would go to Bath. The Cotswolds are beautiful, but I think they're more enjoyable when the weather is pleasant enough to explore them by foot or bike. Bath is beautiful anytime of year! It's a short train ride from London, an easy day trip. There are also several coaches that leave from Victoria, and you can often get "fun fares" for £1 each way on National Express. However, the train is a bit faster and cheap fares are possible if you book in advance. Megabus.com also offers very cheap train fares and coach fares around England (from £1 each way)
Posted by
OP
Dallas, Texas, USA
9 posts
Thanks so much! Bath it is!
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1529 posts
It's not Bath or the Cotswolds, but my favorite way to spend an extra day in London is to visit Hampton Court. If you go in November be sure to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the Kitchen.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Bath is nice, but also check out York and Cardiff, Wales. They are great cities for day trips, especially if you enjoy markets and quaint shops.
Posted by
Decatur, Alabama
33 posts
Bath would be a great choice. We visited Aug.'07.
Bath is a great town to walk and explore. It is a beauty. We think there are two must dos in Bath.
You MUST treat yourself to a two hour session at the
"THERMAE SPA" you can do a two hour package which just includes the two pools and aromatherapy steamroom. thermaebathspa.com Absolutely wonderful. Blowdryers are provided.
Lastly, you must visit SALLY LUNNS" (an English tea house with the best bun you have ever tasted!) The "Bath Bun w/ cream tea" is wonderful.
If you find another day free, Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful city. I intend to spend a night if I ever return. Great little shops, plenty of restaurants, and of course Shakespeare sites.
Hope it helps!
Posted by
Chandler, AZ, USA
112 posts
Pay the $100 to $150 for a day return ticket to Paris via Eurostar. You can see a lot of interesting things in only a day there! Or do the same thing to Brussels for beer, fries, waffles and chocolate! Definitely worth it, it's a lot of fun! Eurostar.com