GPS needed in The UK?

Buy a GPS with an Europe (UK) map. A GPS is extremely useful on countryside trips, you will not regret it. The cheapest ones sells for US$ 100. You can even buy a smartphone app, if that is the case.

I agree with Andre. While it's possible to travel without one, I was amazed how convenient it is to travel with a GPS - particularly for navigating to a specific address (like lodging) or find gas, groceries, or an ATM when you need one. I suggest buying a good GPS here that includes Euro maps, learn to use it, then pack it with you.

I live here and use my GPS anytime I'm not going to and from work. It reminds me what the road will do in the next mile or so, depending on speed, and where any cameras or speed changes, or town limits and which exit from roundabouts to take, and gives me a sense of comfort. I also like knowing what time I will arrive. My favourite is Garmin. I think they do a really good job and have neat extras too, like good weather radar and parking availability. Most important - get one now and get completely familiar with it before you leave home. Use it for a few weeks with US maps and learn its personality and cunning tricks.

Just came back from a two week trip in November, during which we rented a car to travel within England and Wales( including Cardiff). We rented a TomTom from the car rental agency and I have to say, it was an excellent investment. Regardless of which method you choose( rent or purchase your own), I highly recommend a GPS device for traveling by car anywhere in Europe. Just plug in the postal code of your destination( or street adress, etc, etc) and these little wonders will guide you right to the door.

Buy one. Then you will have time to learn the ins and outs of its operation before your trip and you won't be fumbling with it on your trip.

Thanks, everyone. I've been doing some research and it looks like the TomTom with a 5" screen is the one to get.

We have done many road trips in the UK, relying on the AA road atlas and Michelin maps and have never gotten lost. If you prefer to use a GPS, be sure you also have some backup maps.

Gary, I've driven most of the areas you'll be covering, so would suggest using a GPS along with a good Map (Michelin?). However, it's important to keep in mind that GPS units aren't infallible, so it's a good idea to always be "double checking" using local road signs or landmarks. How long will this road trip be? I'd also suggest allowing lots of time, as the drive from the north to Gatwick WILL take longer than expected. Happy travels!

I suggest that you will need a GPS with European maps. You won't believe the round-abouts that you will encounter. On our trip through England, we did not have one and I can't tell you how many times we took the wrong road out of the roundabout. We did buy a GPS with European maps for our recent trip through France and it was great. It helped immensely. Note that you will encounter tons of roundabouts. Lots of signage there but not much you understand in terms of town and village names. As you approach many roundabouts, there is better signage for where you might want to go but in England, they seem to have a problem trimming the large trees in front of the signs. Once can see the sign, you pass it before you can absorb the information you need. The GPS is really a good idea.

Cynthia and Ken,
Besides the GPS, I've ordered an A-Z Maps Super Scale Road Atlas. I'm also printing out Google Earth maps of the routes I plan to take. Trouble is, some of my best adventures were a result of getting lost. The trip will be twenty days with a bit of wiggle room built in.

We have a Tom Tom that we always take with us. We used to travel just using maps, and that definitely worked fine. But, I was the map reader and had to focus there - now I can just wait for the Tom Tom to tell us where to turn. I do have a map as a back-up, just in case.

I'm on my third TomTom and was brand loyal until recently. I purchased a world traveler edition with traffic, etc. The device I received didn't work at all when it came out of the box. If this happens to you, return it immediately for a full refund then buy another. After several hour long calls with tech, they told me to return the device to Texas for a replacement. I trusted TomTom and did as they suggested, only to be sent a device that wasn't new (factory refurbished), didn't have euro maps or traffic (wrong model), plus didn't give me lifetime map updates (or even the first update, the device they sent was "too old" to receive an initial update). I was upset and called. I had to send them my receipt to prove the model I should have and was asked to send it back again. This time the device was refurbished, did include Euro maps but no traffic and no map updates (not even an initial). What I got wasn't worth half the original device and I can no longer send for a refund (because TomTom took my original). After paying twice to ship the device I still don't have what I paid for and TomTom appears to be clueless and less and less willing to help. No more TomTom's for me - I guess I'll learn to use Garmins.

Brad, If you get a Garmin and give yourself time to learn it, especially one of the more recent ones, I would hope you will be pleased. My wife and I are now on our 4th over about 10 years. We upgrade as the technology moves on, and I guess we are biased, but we have always been happy with the way Garmins work. The newest one we got does all sorts of tricks, too, including telling we throughout Europe where the cheapest car fuel, by type, is (and is generally very accurate), weather radar, google search, and many others. Good luck...

Gary, It's good to hear that you'll be using both a GPS and Maps. FWIW, I have an older Garmin Nüvi GPS (which has European maps) and although it's somewhat of a "basic unit", it's worked well for several years. I've updated the mapping data once or twice since I first bought it. Be sure to check the Charger for your GPS to ensure it's designed for "world operation". You will of course need Plug Adapters. Cheers!

Gary... I drove all around the same area you will be and used my Garmin with lots of success except the time she wanted me to go down a little cow path! So, definitely have a map as a backup. I have driven there many times without one and found my way, but this makes it easier...I programmed mine to speak with a British accent, and she has been with me every trip since. Mine is also a basic model and works great. You can still get lost if you choose to... just turn her off.

I don't like the direction-to-speech features of GPS navigators. I live them mute and navigate on visual directions (maps + arrows) only. If I feel like doing it, I just ignore the directions.