European Vacation in 2005 (or at least Great Britain!)
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stretch2864 · 06-09-2004, 11:30 PM

Well, today DM told my DD and I that she thinks we should go to Europe next year as a graduation gift for my DD when she finishes high school. We all agreed that it would be the perfect time to go before DD goes off to college and we don't have as many chances to take family vacations together. Anyways, for those of you who have been to England before and especially those Passporters who live there (Chezp and BritFan

), what are some things that would be fun to see and do? None of us have been there before so are open to any and all suggestions. As a kid growing up, I read all of James Herriot's book about being a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales and really enjoyed them. I would love to see that area of the country but am wondering how far it is from London and whether it is too far to travel or whether there is much to see or do there. Can you tell I'm excited already!!!

Thanks in advance for your help planning this adventure!

**chezp** · 06-10-2004, 01:50 AM

To my shame

I can't help you at all with information about the Yorkshire Dales, as I've never been there. I've been to some of the towns and cities up there before, like York and Leeds and it's a fair drive there, but I'm not sure how far it is by train these days. Maybe Karen can help out a bit more?

Don't forget to check out the FAQ's about London as I did add in some information (and website links) to other popular destinations over here.

Hopefully we'll see you guys sometime next year!

BritDisFan · 06-10-2004, 05:23 AM

Hi Vicky

,

Thia sounds like a very exciting trip. To get to the Yorkshire dales area it would take approx 3 hours by train from London but really to see all the lovely little villages you would really need a car. To drive from London would take approz 4 and a half to 5 hours.

I've never actually stayed in the Yorkshire Dales but we used to stay in the Yorkshire Pennines every year in a Farmhouse when I was a child and it was absolutely beautiful.

Cheryl mentioned York, that is a beautiful city and has so much history, it is full of quaint cobbled streets, I would highly recommend going there if you have time.

Have fun planning, if you have any questions just ask away.

Karen

stretch2864 · 06-10-2004, 08:33 PM

Cheryl and Karen--thanks so much for the information. We of course are in the very early stages of planning, but this gives us something to start with. DD and I were looking at the FAQ London which you have put together and we got lots of great ideas of places we would like to visit. We are thinking of maybe being there for a couple of weeks so that we will have time to see a lot of things. I like the idea of renting a car and driving to the Yorkshire Dales. It sounds like public transportation would be the way to go in London however. As our plans become more concrete, I will probably be asking a lot more questions. Thanks again!

wdwlovers · 06-11-2004, 07:29 PM

Ah, Vicky! I am so jealous! You will have a fabulous time! Have fun planning!

Mel & Richard · 06-12-2004, 08:27 PM

Richard is from North Yorkshire, and York is one of my favorite places in England. You could always stay there for 2 or 3 nights and do a bit of sight-seeing. There is so much to do up there.

York itself is a wonderful little city with one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country. There are loads of big and little shops. Betty's Tea Room is a landmark that serves a perfect example of the English Tea. There is a beautiful river that you can actually take canal boat trips on or even stay in a canal boat. There is the National Railway Museum where the Mallard is housed. There are the historic city walls and gates. There is also a somewhat unexciting castle.

Maybe a bit more than an hour from York is Richmond, which my husband thinks is one of the most beautiful towns ever. He says to say that it is the perfect example of a small English market town. It has a beautiful river, quaint shops, and one of the best castles in the country. Richmond is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. It's steeped in history, legend has it that King Arthur is waiting under the Market Cross and they say you can still hear the ghost of the drummer boy sent down to find him. There is also Easby Abbey.

Hope this helps.

Mel

York Tourism Page
Richmond.org

**2princessmom** · 06-13-2004, 01:27 PM

I am so excited for you! I have been over there twice and would love to go again or even move there! I love London and if you know about when you are going you can book your hotel early. We stayed at the Travel Inn County Hall and it was a very nice room at a very good rate and super close to the tube and walking distance to Big Ben. We even got to see the Eye and the Thames from our corner room! I would say if you are thinking of going to York take the fast train there and then rent a car there. The train is super efficient and on time. Both of my trips I did everything by train and then just rented a car for the area's that I needed it. I loved York and wished I had more time! I spent a day and half there.
I also love Scotland. Edinburgh is a wonderful city and a nice train ride from London. Also in Scotland one of my favorite places is the Isle of Mull! Absolutely wonderful!

Another suggestion is to think of getting a rail pass for the train. They are totally worth it and I recommend doing first class. It isn't that much more money but the comfort is totally worth it! And you don't have to fight the crowds. However, don't let the American agents tell you to make reservations because for some reason they charge us money over here and it doesn't cost to make a reservation. Just wait on that until you get over there. Tube passes are also available over here for the length of your stay but it can be cheaper to just buy a day pass once you are in London.
You will have a wonderful time!!! THere is so much to see and do over there! The history is so rich!

If you like pizza there is a great pizza place on a corner at Trafalgar Square! I can't remember what it is called but it is wonderful! It is on the corner coming from Parliament and is next to a great souvenir shop.

Lilyian · 06-16-2004, 08:51 PM

We went to London and York for our honeymoon 10 yrs ago, and it was fabulous! In London we took a few Grey Line Tours, and we loved them. They took us to places within London, but also castles in the countryside, which were amazing. The great thing about tours is that you get a tourguide who tells you all those funny little stories about the places, which you would never know otherwise. York is wonderful. We took the highspeed train up there, and stayed a few nights in the most romantic bed and breakfast. At the time there were no cars allowed within city limits; I assume it is the same now. The city is surrounded by walls upon which you can walk the entire way around. Be sure to try Yorkshire Pudding in York, of course!

Some of our favorite sights were: The Tower of London, Warwick Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor, River Thames Cruise, Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Oxford, and Harrods!

It's a great place to visit and the underground (the English subway system) was great and very safe at all times day or night (that could have changed in 10 yrs, don't know.)We will definately take our kids there when they are older. If you have a lot of time and do get to York, you might as well visit Scotland, because you are much closer at that point! We regret that we did not have time to do so. Have a wonderful time!