Taking a chance in England?

I would suggest you go west of London. You can see Winchester, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Avebury, Mellifont Abbey gardens in one compact area. If you still have time, you could either go a bit farther west for Glastonbury, Wells, maybe Corfe Castle or a bit north for Warwick and Kenilworth Castles or possibly Stratford. You could get your rental car at LHR which is only about an hour from Winchester.

I think Cynthia's suggestion on where to go is great. I've really liked the Southeast too - Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Rye, Battle - many other wonderful sites - lots of manor houses. When we have traveled in the off season (e.g. March) we had done so without reservations - no problem; however, when we've gone during a busier tourist season we've gotten our reservations in advance and have been glad we have done so.

Joe, It's fairly safe to assume you'll find a place to stay without making reservations ahead. Once you decide on your direction, and given your time constraints, I'd also suggest South to Kent or West(ish) to Oxford and the Cotswolds or even towards Plymouth, and how far the car wants to take you the first day, you can stop at nearly any fairsized town and have the TI there book ahead for you. Was that sentence long enuf? I can offer no compelling arguement for any direction. I am rather curious, however, about which you decide. Please let us know.

At the first Premier Inn (or Travelodge) you pass, stop in and pick up their booklet listing all the inns. Now you're good to go where the wind takes you - and usually won't have any trouble getting a room if you arrive fairly early. Of course you miss the thrill of staying in a B&B, but for 3 nights you shouldn't worry.

What time of year are you going, Joe? In July and August (school holidays), you might want to book rooms, as it's peak season and the newspapers suggest a lot of English people are staying in the UK for their vacation this year.

The problem is if you fly home from London, you probably need to return to London and spend another night before leaving unless you have a late departure time. You must absolutely book your hotel in London in advance. No question. Elsewhere depends upon the time of year and where you go. If it's peak season, June-Aug. you might want to plan ahead carefully. If not, it might not be a problem. B&Bs out in the countryside or in small villages are often very easy to find. It also depends on how you arrive in London, by train or plane? If you fly in, may I suggest you take the train from Heathrow directly to Bath and spend your 3 nights based in Bath. Rent a car there and go sightseeing on daytrips. There are tons of really interesting towns and sights near Bath. Plus Bath is very beautiful and interesting in itself. Then take the train back to London for the rest of your stay. If you arrive in London by train, you can always continue on to most any place but don't go too far. I always recommend taking the train in and out of London because the driving and getting in and out of the city is a nightmare. So pick a spot you want to visit, take the train there and then get your rental car. When you finish, drop the car and take the train back to London. You won't regret this. I like York in the North. It's about 2 hours by train and a very cool city. I love York. It's also close to major sights to drive to such as Hadrian's Wall. Cambridge in the south is easy to get to and a good place to pick up a car and drive around Kent. You can visit Leeds Castle and other manor homes plus the Cathedral of course. Hope this helps. If you need more help, let me know.

When are you going Joe? For July, and August, London is a nightmare.

I arrived once as a single traveler, and didn't have a room (mid-end July). I called every hotel, hostel, B&B, pension, every thing in my guide book to know avail. It took the girl at the rooms counter in the bus station 3 hrs to finally find me a room in a very poor condition B&B.

If you're outside those busy times (or holidays times)... it's a lot better. :)

This is actually an easy question to answer, Joe.

You need to select a location where you will be comfortable for three nights outside of London, such as the suggestion of Bath, and take day trips to the surrounding areas. It means you can pre-book the hotel as well, and you won't need a car until you get to this destination, saving you the extreme headache of trying to drive in and out of the suburbs of London.

This will also save you lots of travel time - a huge consideration for a limited time frame. As for a suggestion as to where to go, one that has not been suggested yet - but is a terrific area to see the countryside of England - would be East Anglia, just north-northeast of London. Lots of history and what you might call "English Quaint".

John suggested East Anglia - that is a wonderful area. You might consider taking the train to Colchester, getting a B&B and a car there. We stayed in Colchester for 3 days - there's a lot to see in the town plus the surrounding area. I've read that there tends to be fewer tourists in East Anglia compared to other places - it's very laid back and fun - many nice villages.

Thank you all for your suggestions. We won't trek out of London until Oct 30. Our return flight isn't until 4:30pm Nov 2. We will not rent the car until we are leaving London, but based on suggestions, we may take the train out of London and get a car somewhere else. You have given us a lot to think about. Thanks again

"Cambridge in the south is easy to get to and a good place to pick up a car and drive around Kent. You can visit Leeds Castle and other manor homes plus the Cathedral of course"

Katherine, I think you meant to write Canterbury? And I second your suggestion.