Summer trip to England?

[Disney Mommy 3]

This may not be the place to post this question....but when is the best time to visit England? We are looking at the end of July or August.....but we are open to opinions!! The week of July 11 is out----our kids have camp...but we were curious what you would advise. We have such extreme heat here in Texas in July & August.. I would love to escape it!!! So...give me some ideas what your weather is/would be!!!

 

[Dimplenose]

The only downside to end of July and August is then is when most of the UK (Scottish schools have slightly earlier holidays) schools are on holiday so attractions get more than a little crowded.

I think that June would be the nicest time to visit but if you are limited to July and August I'd visit as early as you can as there is a public holiday on the last Monday in August (in England and Wales).

ETA Weather - usually wet and warm, sometimes dry and sunny. (The hottest day of the year is forecast for tomorrow at 82 F)

 

[kazpaul]

weather in this country is ,shall we say,unpredictable ,in our region(cumbria-lake district)last november we had the wettest day since records began causing horrendous flooding whilst the last 5 months have been the driest for 70 odd years!,which part of the uk are you planning to visit ?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well...not sure!!! Crazy, I know, but there is so much that I want to see! I do want to see the highlights in London....visit some country areas also..... I love the idea of the 'English countryside"!!! I need to get some books and nail down what area/districts I want....i should probably give you all some background so you can tell me what you think. We have 3 kids..Son 14, son 11, and a daughter 7.....I know it rains a lot in your neck of the woods...but we have sooooo muuuuuch heat!!!! And terrible humidity....gentle rain wouldn't really be terrible! Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[Dimplenose]

Before we can make suggestions let us know how long you want to stay and whether or you will have a car.

You could easily fill a week in London, but could get a good feel for it in 3 or 4 days.

Getting out to the countryside will be very tricky without a car.

2 places I love to visit are Hampton Court Palace (30 minutes train ride from London)

and Warwick Castle (about 1.5 hours drive from London) which is also very near Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birth place).

Here are some links to get you started

Hampton Court Palce

Warwick Castle

Stratford-upon-Avon

 

[scojos]

ooh libby i was going to suggest warwick castle and stratford
depnds what your kids are "into" sports, photography history etc.
and of course your budget
how about the lake district for real countryside, wales for the natural beauty and beaches or more historical stuff ss great britian (thats in bristol)?
the isle of white nr southampton is beautiful but you may be limited by time.
if you want to shop
(though more expensive here, you have large mall just outside london which are worth a trip)
if you want to visit our smaller theme parks you have thorpe park or alton towers.
hth
tracy

 

[Tinks1984]

As others have mentioned, if you'd wish to move from London to our 'country side' then you'll need a car or a rail card (car would be best). But, again, as its been mentioned, during July/August is when our schools are on holiday, so the roads would be busier with people going on their holidays also. Some of our main motorways would be at stand-still sometimes with the weight of traffic.

Our nicest country area in the UK in my opinion is the Lake District, but a fair drive away from London! There's always Nottingham too, there's plenty parks and history there (Robin Hood etc) alongside a more modern area for shopping too.

Nottingham Council website gives more of what they have to offer...

Nottingham

 

[Danauk]

I would also suggest a visit to Warwick castle. I was there just last week and there were lots of American tourists there. For countryside I would also suggest the Yorkshire Dales, around the Whitby area. The countryside there is stunning, lots of historical things to see (castles, steam railways etc) and it is at the seaside.
For London I would suggest one of the open top bus tours to see the sights, plus a trip on the London Eye is also very good. The various London musuems are also excellent and they are free to get in.
If your children like theme parks I would suggest Alton Towers, lots of good rides and excellent rollercoasters plus the house and gardens are beautiful. There are 2 hotels there to stay at aswell.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

oohhh thanks ladies!! I will check those links this afternoon(should be getting ready for church right now!!)....I dont know if we would have a car--haven't thought about that yet....as for how long...forever!!! Ha!! I am not sure, I am thinking if we take a trip like that, at least 8 or 9 days, right? have to consider if we have jet lag, or just need some climate adjustment or anything like that.
Kids do not reaaaaally like sports- i mean, we are not fanatics about it or anything--they will watch a little here and there, but I wouldn't really say sports fans. Castles are always an option!! In fact, that's what I love--and i have heard that the lake district is a must see---of course, I am not sure what all that entails!! I am soooooo all over ther place! I am thinking if I come over there, I will not ever want to come back here!! There are places I want to see in Ireland, Scotand, Wales, Austria,Switzerland, and Germany also--so maybe I should just take a 3 month tour!!!! LOL...thanks for all the suggestions--I will look at all this tonight- i am sure I will have more questions afterwards. Oh--one of the CMs from the UK at Epcot last year (her name was Amy--she was great!) was telling us about Stratford -on-Avon, and places around there that were out of the city, but great for tourists..so I guess that is a must-do also!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

One more thing...If July/August really aren't good times to visit, would September be better? Or is it starting to get bad weather? I am not sure of your weather patterns--I need to check on that too, I guess!
As far as airfare/airlines....we always fly Continental...in American $$ right now they are listing Aug flights nonstop from Houston,Tx to Heathrow for around $890 per flight. Is that about comparable to what you pay coming over here? I am not sure what the comparison is for the $ right now.

 

[Tinks1984]

With regards to September, it's usually a lovely month over here. Not particularly hot, but the days are normally dry.

Better for site-seeing also, as our school children are back in school usually after the 5th of September, so many of our attractions are quieter around that time.

I cannot compare the flight prices for you, as I'm not up on that, but I'm sure someone will be by shortly to let you know

 

[Dimplenose]

September will be quieter but the days are noticably shorter. It can be lovely and warm but it also can be wet (when isn't it?). Although the attractions will be quieter their opening times may be reduced and the extra displays at places like Warwick Castle will take place less often (if at all).

 

[ely3857]

Mid September, after the schools have gone back, would be good. Less tourists and locals around and the weather is usually more predictable, mild and dry (although far from guaranteed!)

Enjoy whatever you do. xx

 

[Disney Princess Elli]

September would be good.
Also, Snowdonia is cool.

 

[lilacgems23]

If you want to come when the kids are still in schools they dont break up until around 18th July so the 1st two weeks in July would be ideal