My sis and I are traveling to GB in September 2011. We've got most things ironed out but would appreciate some input re transport from Bath to Stow. We are looking for an economical method - our travel will be on a Wed so the MadMax tour of Cotswolds is out. Is the train trip a feasible idea (for two mid-sixties women)? or is Celtic Horizons the best at 100 GBP? Our last two nights in GB will be in London. We would like your thoughts on hotels in the West End area - to be close to Heathrow for our flight home. Also, any suggestions about the best things to do in a day and a half in London would be appreciated. Thanks for your input!
Jennifer
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, CA
3 posts
Oh Kira! Such great info. Thank you for your suggestions. We really appreciate them! Yes we want to see a show so the ticket booth info is great to have.
Jennifer
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
We like the Georgian Hotel in London. http://www.georgianhotel-london.co.uk/ The prices are great (starting at 45 GBP) - the hotel is charming and the staff is lovely - and it's in a great location. We were referred by a friend who stays here every time he's in London. Getting to the airport is easy. You can take the Heathrow Express (trains run every 15 minutes from Paddington Station, which is 2 stops from the hotel) and the Airbus (the A2 bus) stops across the street from the Baker Street Tube Station, so it's basically steps from the hotel. Let's see - a day and a half in London. There is SO MUCH to see and do that it's kind of hard to choose, but my personal faves include a stroll in St. James's Park, a stop in Harrod's to be amazed by the Food Halls, the Tower of London (go early in order to miss some of the crowds), St. Paul's Cathedral... Do you like museums? If you do, you will be overwhelmed by choice. And if you are going to Trafalgar Square anyway, maybe to people-watch and feed those bloody pigeons, please note that the National Gallery is not just amazing - it is free! We also like to spend an hour or two in a pub that strikes our fancy. You can soak up local atmosphere, have a light lunch, and strike up a conversation with some cute men at the bar! :D Oh - and since you'll be staying one night, how about a show? The West End is the Broadway of London. I think there is a TKTS booth in Leicester Square. (Others - am I right? Or am I off on location?)
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
You are very welcome, Jennifer! I am sure you will plenty more responses with equally helpful info. This board is GREAT! With excellent people. Happy travels!
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Bath to Stow? i am puzzled by your question- there is no train to Stow. The "cotswolds' train station is Moreton in the Marsh. There are some busses from outside Cotswolds to Stow- but then you are stuck. With limited time- busses are not a practical way to se the Cotswolds. I would use this time to get more time in London There are day tours from london to the Cotswolds, but your time in London is so very limited- not a good use of your one full day
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1518 posts
Bath to Stow by car: a little over an hour. Bath to Stow by Bus over 5 hours. Solution: Rent a car for the Day. Or use your time in London instead. We've stayed in London for 6 days the last 2 times we were there and it still wasn't enough time. Sure the rooms are a bit more, but there is so much free stuff to do; and the public transportation is great. It is also easy to take day trips to places like Hampton Court Place....train up and boat back. If you want quaint just go to Hampstead which has some Georgian Architecture. The Cotswolds are pretty but you either need to be an avid cross country hiker or have a car to really enjoy them.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, CA
3 posts
Hi All Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I apologize for not clarifying our time in the Cotswolds - we will be there for three days. Looks like renting a car might be the best option for us.
Again, thank you all for your input. We really appreciate it!
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
If you are in the Cotswolds three days you must rent a car. The only practical way to get around, and enables you to wander off through little villages and hamlets. The driving is easy on country roads (only one or two major roads and they are not a problem). In three days you will have a great time