Suggestions for a week in England

Toni, there are four of us and that's why most have recommended a car for a few days at least.

Thanks for your suggestions. Anyone else care to contribute?

Why rent a car when trains are so easy? You can do a 1/2 day tour from Stratford that covers the Cotswolds nicely. Bath is worth a day as is Stratford. Definetly do Kew Gardens! I'd also suggest Cardiff Wales. Here's my idea- 19- train to Stratford- morning exploring town, afternoon join Cotswold tour, supper in town and train back. 20- Train to Bath- do a river cruise and explore city. Take bus trip to Stonehenge if interested. Train back. 21- Train to Cardiff- spend day exploring city and bay area- really cool markets! 22 Train to Oxford- explore university. Train to London that evening. Stay in Victoria Station area. Do Hampton Court, Kew and Windsor. I've never see Blenheim, but hear it is nice. Plan on theatre one night.

Please look for my notes under the "day trip from London" question.

Thanks!

Eli,
A little more specific information is needed before can really help: Are you committed to staying in Abingdon for the 7 nights? How are you getting from the airport (Heathrow?) to Abingdon? Has anyone in your party driven in England before? Since Abingdon doesn't have a train station, were you planning to bus it up to Oxford to connect to trains / other buses? Not knowing your answers yet, if you have a car, you will have plenty of time to visit Oxford, Bath, Stratford, Blenheim Palace & the Cotswolds. Kew & Hampton Court aren't that far away, but they are in rather heavy traffic areas & may be a challenge to get to if it's your 1st driving experience in England. Kew is actually reached quite easily from London on the District Line which goes right to the village. Hampton Court is also easily reached from London by train from Waterloo station.
If you have some flexibility in your lodging, then giving you itinerary suggestions will be a lot easier.

Public transportation from Oxford to both Hampton Court & Kew Gardens involves much time & trouble(2 changes each). Since you've already done London, take the tube out to Kew the morning of June 16th, then back to London in the afternoon for high tea. For Hampton Court, you'll be 20 minutes away when you arrive at Heathrow, so you might have a couple coffees at the airport & then take a taxi there to see it before going to Abingdon. For the 6 full days from Abingdon: 1) Day in Oxford 2)Car to Stratford (+ Warwick) 3)Cotswolds-Bourton ot Water/Slaughters 4)Cotswolds-Cheltenham/Sudeley Castle 5) Return car - train to Bath 6) Local bus to Woodstock - visit Blenheim Palace. Tornado Alley - Wichita ? Tulsa?

Tim, yes we are committed to staying in Abingdon since it's free! A friend has kindly offered to let us use her flat.

We will not rent a car upon arrival, but probably mid week for three days to travel around the countryside. At least that's the plan right now.

All of our trips will start from Oxford and for the days without a car, we will use public transport in Oxford.