So. Californian visiting U.K. for first time...please help!!!!

[Diva of Dragons]

Hi Everybody!!!

My DH and I will be visiting the U.K. and France for the first time and I am having a lot of trouble deciding what to see and how to get around. I've planned soooo many trips around the U.S. and on cruises but this all new!! I'm really looking forward to it but I am stumped!! Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Here's the rough plan:
1) We are taking the QM2 from New York....arriving in Southampton on 4/28.
2) From there we intend to spend 10 days touring (driving) around, and would like to see parts of Wales (my heritage) and Scotland....(spending 5/5-7 in London)
3) next, we will spend 8 days in Glastonbury (with a bunch of friends).
4) Then, we head to France, for 6 days, including DLP.
5) We have to be back in Southampton on 5/22 to catch the ship.

If you only had 7 days to drive around the U.K what would you NOT miss?

Do you know the best way to get from London to Glastonbury without a car?

Places to stay?

And, anything else you think I should know?? Of course, the exchange rate for us is abyssmal, so the more cost effective the better!!

Thank you, very much, in advance!!!!!!!

 

[chunkster20uk]

There is so much history and things to see in the UK but one of my favourites outside of London is:-

http://www.flagship.org.uk/welcome.html

It is a big year this year, with 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar (where Lord Admiral Nelson was killed).

 

[TraceyL]

I would definitely recommend a visit to Cardiff - and then take in a bit of the country side and Castles of Wales

I also love Portsmouth and there's plenty to do & see there - as the Chunkster says there is a huge celebration and loads of historic events planned for this year so there'll be even more going on if history floats your boat

 

[KayleeUK]

Just wanted to say WOW - what a great way to travel.

 

[Miffy2003]

Check out this Glastonbury site with every travel permutation possible! Personally I would opt for the train to Castle Cary and the taxi to Glastonbury.

Lots to see and do near Glastonbury - I would definitely take a day trip to Bath which is steeped in history with lots to see - and some good shops

have lots of fun!

 

[pooky_uk]

Another vote for Bath - stunning! Plus it's kind of en route from Glastonbury...bath...cardiff...!

 

[Cochise]

My family originate from Wales and I love the place, i do prefer the north around Snowdonia. A trip to Betws-y-Coed is an absolute must if you make it so far north, the whole area is beautiful.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

Hi!
Thanks so much for the input thus far!! We are really interested in historical sights and great castles...any comments on the not to miss ones! I know it's not a lot of time but we really want to get the feel of the places go. We want to avoid only seeing the touristy areas and missing out on the heart of each location..............And again, the more affordable and accessible the better

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

To be honest I don't think you'll have enough time to do Scotland as well as Wales and England on THIS trip (you'll have to visit again!) unless you want to spend all your time driving! The road system over here is nmuch more congested than in the USA and it can take a long time to get from one place to another!

Definatly do Cardiff - there are a number of other castles in that area as well - also Pembrokeshire is just stunning for coastal scenery! With regards to things to do when staing at Glastonbury - I would agree with others - Bath is a MUST - but don't forget you're not far from Stonehenge and Averbury - both are facinating places. You're also not far from Devon which is a beautiful county - or even Cornwall (ditto) if you don't mind driving a bit further. One word of warning though - the West Country roads are like nothing you would ever have experienced in the USA! The main roads (or A roads) aren't too bad but the smaller roads are just SCARY! Often they are single track roads with passing places (which you have to go into to allow someone coming the other way to get past you!) and the hedgerows are often 8 ft high so you're pretty much driving blind! Certainly an 'experience' but could be a bit mind-blowing if you're not expecting it!!!!!!

Anyway, hope you have fun planning your trip - I'm sure you'll enjoy it!!!!

 

[BONZO]

Try www.visitbritain.com as a starter.

 

[Cochise]

If you visited the North Wales area you could take in Portmeirion then on to Caernarfon for arguably one of the best castles in the world. Onto Llandudno for the Great Orme and a walk along a truly spectacular Victorian sea front. Finally finish off in Betws-y-Coed A pint and a meal in the Royal Oak beer garden always goes down a treat.
Or if you are feeling energetic walk Snowdon, if that is beyond you take the Railway this railway is awesome. Dont forget to wave at the walkers near the summit.

All these places are within 30 mins drive of each other, this makes it one of the most fantastic areas of the whole UK

 

[SueOKW]

Wales - yes. I stayed up in a place near Shropshire - what was it called...

found it

I drove up there from Portsmouth in a day - but it was a long LONG trip with lots of side journeys to see old stones etc. (By the way, I would not miss the stones if you can help it. truly ancient and all that!)

I am enchanted by Wales and would like to live there someday.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

HI!!
Thank you all so much for your suggestions!!! I wish we could spend at least a month touring the U.K.!!!!! I'm so excited for this trip!!! If you think of anything else, let me know. In the meantime, I hope you don't mind this California girl hanging out around here.

I'm going to look at all of the links you've provided and start narrowing things down. Our trip officially starts in 10 weeks!! I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed but in a good way!!

We haven't decided which day we can go to Bath but we will definitely go. We will get a private tour of Stonehenge (we actually get to go in ) but I really want to see Avebury as well!! We'd love to see Cornwall, but the roads do have me a little nervous and I know the travel time would take awhile. Wow, so much to do!

Thanks again!!!!