Rick's Britain's Best 3-Week Tour by Car--Has anyone done it?

Have not done that tour, We did our own. I do drive manual here in US and did that on trips to Ireland and GB to save money. Would not do it again as I had a hard time with shifting with left hand. We stayed at The Henry in Bath. Found it I think in one of Rick's books but not sure. It was central to the Baths, only about 2-3 blocks away. However, we had bathroom down the hall which I would never do again as some people do not know how to clean up after themselves and we had to park in the car park and it was expensive and had to move car at night. That said, I would look at a B&B any place that has their own car park. I would also assume that you will not have a car in London as that would be a big mistake. Give us some ideas as to where you are going and maybe we can help more. Good luck.

I stayed at the Henry this spring and enjoyed it, I think all the rooms now have en suite bathrooms. You don't need a car in Bath, I'd would pick it up when you leave.

I counted, Rick's tour has 11 changes of lodging, that's a lot. It has been said before: that Rick's "Best of X-Country Tours" are faster-paced than some travelers can enjoy. And Rick has help when he travels. http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/britain/brit22.htm

Thanks for the quick replies. We don't mind the hotel changes, we love to drive and will enjoy the change in scenery. After reading some of the other posts, I think we might take one of the nights spent in Edinburgh and spend it in Inverness instead. I really enjoyed Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle last time I was there. I would like for my family to see them. I want to see Culloden this time. I didn't make it there last time. It appears to be a long drive between Oban and Edinburgh via Inverness and since we don't know the roads I would prefer not to drive at night. I think a stop in Inverness might be a safer choice.

Gail, the tour suggests picking up the car in Bath and returning it in York, then riding the train to London. I would NEVER try to drive in London!

Glad to hear about the Henry as it is in such a good location. We were there maybe 3 years ago and they were undergoing redecorating. Also, Rochelle, you sound so much more sensible than I am. I have driven in places people say to never do but I am from NYC and I tend to think nothing is impossible, still LOL about some of the things we have done.

Rochelle, I've driven a lot in Scotland and some in England and yes, you do get used to driving on the left. However, beware of getting cocky. Every time you get in the car and start off, think left. Also, it will help immensely if your navigator plots the route by towns/destinations along the way rather than by route number. Often the signs reference the next town and the actual route number is buried. Yes! Do go to Culloden. There is a new visitor center in the last couple of years. Also, think about going to Stirling. I don't think that Rick does Stirling and the Renaissance Palace there has just been restored. It reopened this month. Pam

Everyone has their own preferences in travel. However, for us, the Rick Steves' itineraries are too aggressive. We prefer to spend more time in locations and not as much time in the car.

"Everyone has their own preferences in travel. However, for us, the Rick Steves' itineraries are too aggressive. We prefer to spend more time in locations and not as much time in the car." What Sharon (of Santa Rosa) said above has been said here by many experienced travelers,that Rick's "Best 3 Week Tours of X Country" are too aggressive. Said with respect to the Master, who provides this forum, for many of us Rick's nuts and bolts detail is very helpful but his itineraries are too aggressive. It seems that Rick markets his books and tours more to a first or second time traveler who wants to see it all because they're not sure when they're going back. This slant does not fit a lot of Helpliners who answer questions here, for whom Rick's sample itineraries are too fast and who have more time.

Thanks everyone! I think we might add a couple of days somewhere in there. Perhaps not take a day away from Edinburgh, but add a day for Inverness. I would definitely add Stirling Castle when going from Inverness to Edinburgh. I think we will also add another day for London. We have been to London several times and there are some things we won't repeat, but it seems like we are in a hurry each time we visit. This time we want to hit the major museums which we have had to skip before.

If you can add a few more days you would enjoy it more. You are covering a lot of territory in 21 days. As satated above these are really better viewed as "quick introductions' to a country or territory. Also recognize that these tours (or anyone's tours0 are trying to have something for everybody. You should be able to tweak it a little to add or subtract stops to suit your own preferences. that said, Inverness is a great location (and interesting town) and if you have any snse of Scottish history, Culloden is a must see

Get full coverage on your rental car!! We got side swiped by a big truck (lorry) in Cornwall area and ended up in a ditch. We were all ok. Police were awesome, pulled out car, and got to rental car place where we got a new car and we were on our way. Police say that locals tend to know the roads and then drive on auto-pilot even in touristy areas. Good luck! Happy driving :)

Thanks for the advice, Cindy. Glad to hear you were all okay!