vacation in UK - where do I start??!!

[Wilsonfamily4]

I am starting to plan a trip to visit my sister in germany as she JUST moved there. Right now we plan on flying into the UK then train to Paris and then train to Germany. My problem is I cannot decide where we should go in the UK. I want to stay in London about 4 nights but I would love to see some of Scotland or Wales.

My kids will be 9 and 11 at the time we go (in July-August two years from now) and we will love seeing the castles (we plan to see some in Germany as well) but I want more then all the amazing castles you all have there. We like to hike and be outside and I would love some help finding some great outdoor adventures. Is there anywhere we can take a jetboat ride, or go canoeing, or caves to see? We also love food so any ideas in that way would be a help.

So where should I start looking?


OOOO-- we also would love a great beach.

thank you all!!

 

[Dimplenose]

Some of the most beautiful parts of the UK are protected as National Parks. This website might give you some ideas

http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/

And here are some Historical Buildings websites

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/

http://www.cadwevents.co.uk/

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

Thank you.

Is it true that taking a train vs driving from London to Edinburgh is the way to go?

 

[Chilly]

You might be better to take an internal flight from London to Scotland.

Yes we have lots of caves, here are 2 that are near each other:
http://www.wookey.co.uk/
http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/

Windsor Castle is not too far from London:
http://www.windsor.gov.uk/

Another good webite is:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

[Dimplenose]

If you drive to Scotland you could plan your route to stop at interesting places on the way up. You'd see a great deal of England this way. I'd plan at least one overnight stop if I were driving - more if I wanted to visit places on the way.

The train is much quicker but can be quite expensive. You'd still get to see the changing countryside but would have less chance to visit places on the way.

Flying is the quickest (and sometimes cheapest) option. You wouldn't see much on the journey but you'd have more time to explore Scotland.

 

[Sapper383]

We have loads of lovely places in Wales.

Might be nice to stay in Cardiff Bay

http://www.thestdavidshotel.com/

We also have some lovely places to visit in west wales, fab beaches, walks and activities.

Newgale is lovely, you could stay in a cottage?

http://westwalesholidaycottages.co.uk/?g&gclid=CNGTrqWck6oCFcRO4Qode1IFww

You can stay here and do activities

http://morfabay.com/
Activities

http://www.newsurf.co.uk/

Other places to visit

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans/

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/

hope this is of some help

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

THANK YOU. Wales looks great. I have so many things to think about

 

[irongirlof12]

My parents regularly drive up to Scotland and the average trip takes them about 12 hours driving- from the middle of England to the highlands,I would not recommend spending your time driving, Wales is more do-able but again a long trip from London.

We have lots of beautiful beaches down south that can cater for every needs and are quite close to london via train. Also lots of beautiful countryside and rural activities at centreparcs type places if you are an active bunch.

 

[disneyholic family]

Thank you.

Is it true that taking a train vs driving from London to Edinburgh is the way to go?

i would strongy advise against driving in the UK.....it's much more difficult driving there, even without the 'wrong side of the road' issue...

 

[Eliza32]

Don't even contemplate driving from London to Scotland - it takes forever. It's definitely worth going, but what you can do will depend on how long you can stay in the UK.
You can get some great deals on train tickets on www.thetrainline.com but they only sell 3 months or less from the travel date.

 

[joolz1910]

Don't rule out visiting the Midlands! We live near this: http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/ and down the road is Stratford - Shakespeare's birthplace http://www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk/soabpt.htm

 

[laalaa]

I would strongly suggest coming to Scotland for some lovely sightseeing, outdoors activites, hiking etc. Also have Edinburgh Castle too