short trip London

London is such a wonderful city - I would definitely stay in town, not at the airport. If you're going just for a short trip, you might want to think twice about renting a car. You can get to Stonehenge and Stratford very easily on public transportation, and that might be less of a hassle than learning to drive on the "opposite" side and then navigating as you do so. (That said, my husband did it his first time in England, and got us from London to Oxford and back without a scratch. And the flexibility of a car is nice.) I always advise against tours, because that is just my bias. That being said - there might be a good one for Stonehenge. Others here will know. You are no longer allowed to just wander into the circle and sit on the fallen stones. So a tour might add some value.

Thank you for the suggestion about public transportation. I'll look into whether it is practical from Heathrow or best with London base.

Arthur, I'd agree with Kira re: staying in London. The airport hotels are horrible places for anything other than a stop-over. Miles from anything interesting. Stratford is picturesque and historic, but also a long drive (3+ hours) from London. 6 hours in the car... not my cup of tea. In 3 hours by train from Kings Cross (an altogether more relaxing experience) you could be in York, a beautiful Cathedral city. Just an idea. Stonehenge is great. Car is pretty easy once you get onto the M3 in London, and you should also check out Avebury too: http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/uk-england-aveburystonecircle/ Also, car is the only option if you want to reserve the ability to go into the Stonehenge circle itself first thing in the morning: http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/uk-england-stonehenge/

Stay in London. Use the Tube. Focus on London. Don't kill a day to see Stonehenge. Not worth it by a long shot. British Museum entrance and lobby are stunning. The exhibits are no design plum, but are immense and fascinating. This is a big museum. Oxford is an hour by train, Cambridge 90 minutes. Both well worth a day. Wear good shoes and spend an entire day walking from Westminster along the Thames to the Tower and London Bridge, stopping at Borough Market, walking across the Millennium Bridge to St Pauls, catching a performance at the Globe (be prepared to stand). The London Eye is cool, but not worth killing half a day lined up waiting your turn. Tour Westminster Abbey and stare at Parliament and the Clock Tower (Big Ben). If you're into art, walk north from Westminster along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square and check outthe National Galery. In February, nothing will be crowded, but it will be cold. And the sun will set around 5pm.

Thanks. Great suggestions.

Re: London Eye. Agree you shouldn't waste time in the line -- book a ticket in advance for a specific time slot if you want to go. The line for reserved ticketholders moves quickly -- less than 30 minutes for sure, maybe even just 5 minutes in February.

Thanks for the tip. I wasn't planning to go at all, but the advance ticket tip puts it on the list. Again, thanks.

Don't forget Windsor Castle, easy half day trip by train from London. We have only been to the UK off season and found very few crowds which should be true for February. Also look into London Walks, thy have so many to pick from depending on your interests,we took the Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes (spelling?) and found them great. Also for London, group the sights you want to see that are close to each other, such as the Abbey, Big Ben, Tower so you are not crisscrossing city all the time.

Thanks for your tips. Doing another castle/palace didn't intrigue much, but I've heard Windsor is a must. I'm giving it some thought. danke.

I have heard that the London Eye is not very enjoyable unless visibility is good. I would be hesitant to book in advance in any month, let alone February.