I am planning a trip with 3 adults to the UK. Here is what we are thinking. I know we could take bus tours to Stratford on Avon, Oxford, Highclere, Cotswalds, and Stonehenge from London, however I thought it would be easier and cheaper to stay in the area (say Stratford) and do the tours from there. Does that make sense or should we plan to do it from London? Day 1 arrive in London from New York Day 2 London Day 3 London Day 4 London Day 5 take train to Stratford on Avon and rent a car Day 6 visit Oxford, Highclere, Cotswalds, Stonehenge Day 7 visit Oxford, Highclere, Cotswalds, Stonehenge Day 8 return the car and either fly or take the train to Edinburgh Day 9 tour Edinburgh Day 10 take bus tour of the highlands from Edinburgh
Day 11 fly back to new York from Edinburgh
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Paul, my only question would be the location you have chosen. Stratford is the northern most location of those you wish to visit. Oxford is more central, although it is on the eastern end. Somewhere on the eastern side of the Cotswolds would also work geographically. Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Norton are possibilities.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
713 posts
I'm with you, in not liking the idea of staying in London and taking coach day trips to those places you named. That is, unless your idea of fun is spending hours sitting on a coach with 50 other people, traveling to and from London (in heavy traffic), with only a few hours a day actually spent "on the ground" at your destination(s). Yuck. Renting a car and exploring the area while staying there, sounds like much more fun!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
With your short schedule I'd definitely look into flights to Edinburgh. It 4 hour plus train ride and you can get an early flight and have more time in the city. It's worth it. PAm
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Why would he fly INTO Edinburgh when the majority of the trip is in southern England? How does he get from the Edinburgh arrival to London and environs to the west? His plan is perfect.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
713 posts
I think she was suggesting flying to Edinburgh from the south of England, which is one of his listed options.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Sorry, you are correct. However, while a train from Oxford to Edinburgh would take over 5 hours while a flight would take a bit over an hour, there are complications. First, no flights from Oxford. Secondly, very few from Luton and the only one I saw leaves too early to reach the airport via train. Actually there are three alternatives. First, take the train from Oxford. Secondly, stay near Heathrow the last night in the south and fly to Edinbrugh, or fly in the evening and start the next day in Edinburgh. Thirdly, return to London and train from London in the morning. When you include check in time at the airport and transport time from the Edinburgh airport into town, I'm not sure that much time is saved by flying.
Posted by
Santee, California
29 posts
Hi Paul, I agree with the other travelers, Stratford upon Avon is pretty out of the way. A friend and I were in England last May and took the train from London to Moreton in Marsh and stayed at the Redesdale Arms and rented a car from RK Services. The B&B was very helpful and has a public bus stop right out in front to take you all over the Cotswolds. We also rented a car for 2 days to get to some of the gardens that weren't near the bus lines. The rental company delivered the car (an automatic) and picked it up so I didn't have to worry about wasting time arranging that. Driving was a cinch! There is also a train from Moreton to Salisbury (Stonehenge). We took the fast train from Moreton in Marsh (with a stop in Oxford) to York and I'm sure you can arrange to go on to Edinburgh. Don't spend a lot of time waiting around for flights or day trips from London, the countryside is too beautiful to miss. The train trip from London to Moreton is about 1 hour and the trip from Moreton to York about 3.5 hours. I envy your trip, have been there twice, 2 weeks each, and can't wait to go again. Enjoy! Have TEA!
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hello Paul. It is possible to go to all of those places, but I think your trip to Great Britain would be more enjoyable if you go to less places. I recommend : delete Stratford-upon-Avon, and Stonehenge from your trip itinerary. I recommend : Day 5 : visit Oxford. And ride in a train from Oxford to Moreton in Marsh, check in at a hotel or B & B there for three nights.
Day 6 and 7 : be at the "Cotswolds" region (Gloucestershire). Rent a car at Moreton in Marsh Day 8 : Travel, via railroad trains, to Edinburgh.