London and somewhere else... 5 days

Though it is hardly rural, Dover does have lots of WWII and other historical "experiences" that would satisfy you and your wife. You could do a day trip by train. See the castle, the WWII bunkers, the cliffs, etc. Depending on your routing, you might also have time for a stop at Canterburry (trains to/from Victoria Station go through both, trains from Charring Cross don't). While in London be sure to see Churhill's war rooms to satisfy your WWII longings. Windsor also makes a good day or 1/2 day train trip. Easy to do- catch train at Paddington and some have to change at Slough. Takes less than 30 min total.

I would second the suggestion of Windsor and if you go, make sure you go over the bridge into Eton. Another idea would be Bath -lovely city and only several hours train journey from London. I like the train journeys almost as much as the destination - but that may be personal preference! Something you could consider - London Walks have some day trips out of London - and it removes any hassle with tickets etc. www.walks.com and just go to the link of day trips outside London. I am a very independent traveller but have done 2 day tours with them - Oxford and the Cotswolds and Bath and enjoyed both immensely.

Make it a day trip is the right answer . York is great mini London some say. Windsor is close so quick and therfore cheaper. But the correct answer is Bath- the Shell answer man

Excellent suggestions...one I would add, given your interest in World War II, would be the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth (south of the Thames). For anyone interested in the World Wars, this is a special place.

I second the Original London Walks days out trips. You just meet up at the designated train/underground station and get to see in depth areas. Go to their web site and start to pick www.walks.com

You could pick up a car at Heathrow and drive to the Cotswolds for a couple of days, then return it to Heathrow and go into London. Heathrow to Broadway is about a two hour drive. I can't recall exactly where in the Cotswolds, but we visited an old Norman church with a very large parking lot that upon close inspection turned out to be the end of an overgrown runway of a WWII airfield, real Twelve O'Clock High stuff. In Broadway is the Lygon Arms Hotel where it is said that Charles I and Oliver Cromwell both stayed. It's a beautiful area, but you need a car to explore it.

Lee, Outside of Cambribge you have the Madingley American Cemetery and the Duxford Imperial War Museum. Cambridge is a short 45 minute train ride from London.

Is this your first trip to London or have you visited before? If this is your first trip, I'd suggest that you spend all 4 nights in London and perhaps take a day trip outside of London. I've also enjoyed some of the London Walks Explorer Days (www.walks.com)&#59; I've used them for day trips to Brighton, Cotswolds, Salisbury and Stonehenge, Rye, and Oxford. You meet at a train station in London in the morning and take the train to your destination. You have a guided walk in the morning, a break for lunch on your own, and then a guided walk in the afternoon. It is also quite easy to do day trips on your own. Bath and Cambridge are two destinations that I think make great day trips. In London, make sure to visit Churchill's War Rooms which is a great WWII sight. Alternatively, you could go somewhere like Bath on your arrival, spend 2 nights and then return to London for the last 2 nights.

Thanks so much for the wealth of information and suggestions. I've thought about just staying in London for the whole time, but my wife is one to "maximize" the opportunities. We'll see. It is my first time in London/UK, very much looking forward to it. Already planning on the Imperial War Museum and Churchill's "bunker". I'll investigate all your suggestions, and go from there. Thanks again!

Maximizing your trip doesn't have to mean cramming in as many places as possible. Go for quality time- not checking things off a list. Here is the webaddress of an article I wrote about staying in London and doing day trips by train. You might find it interesting. http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/2008/Jan-Feb/britain.htm

I agree that The Imperial War Museum and The Cabinet War Rooms are a must see for a WWII buff. On my "next time" list are The Wartime Tunnels at Dover and Bletchley Park. Both are easy day trips.