Vacation in Britain

[Paul Henry]

From what everyone is saying I take it that it is not worth it to come for a week? I am getting constant 5 days is enough.

Should I put this off 30 years until I can spend a month or two? You all keep saying anything else will be a disappointment.

Jim

I think that five days is such a short time that you can only touch the surface, but perhaps think of it as a little teaser. But it might be better to concentrate on just one area and see lots within there, that way you won't be spending time travelling so much.

[Drac]

I have said a couple times that I understand now that Scotland and London are realistic and that we will be concentrating our time in London but even after that people keep saying it isn't worth the trip.

I am seeing if you all are saying don't bother coming?

Jim

[kiltiemodel]

Schiehallion's advice is good, as is that of Woot22 and Acaig. Enjoy the trip.

[Oldhiker]

I would say if you only have 5 days, pick one spot or the other. Don't try both or you vacation memorys will be airports and train terminals. Each of my trips have been two weeks min and I always wanted more. You also need to remember a day to physically get on the time zone.

YES 5 days is better than waiting years to go but 10days-2weeks is great.

[Tony]

I have said a couple times that I understand now that Scotland and London are realistic and that we will be concentrating our time in London but even after that people keep saying it isn't worth the trip.

I am seeing if you all are saying don't bother coming?

Jim

Absolutely not. 5 days lets you pick from the cream.

Enjoy yersel'.

[tripleblessed]

As frequently happens, I will post in a different direction. My first trip to England was for a healing conference in Glastonbury, and I didn't really have
the money. I flew into Heathrow, arriving at 7:00AM, luggage and customs
by 8:00. My bus to Glastonbury would be at two, or one at Royal Albert Hall.
Everybody said wait at the airport, not any time, so that was the plan. About 8:15 I decided no. I asked if there was a Tube station near Westminster that would have lockers. Took Tube to Victoria Station, luggage in locker, took off. Went to Big Ben, the Cathedral, the palace, bumped into Central Hall, a Methodist church which has one of the largest free-standing domes in captivity (and I found relatives on the register). Made Royal Albert in time. Have the pictures, more importantly the feelings. Met some folk from South Africa at the conference, was invited to drive with them to Land's End and Wales. More pics and memories. On a trip to Siberia, I arrived Sat. AM Heathrow, flight to Moscow Sun. AM. Arranged a room in university housing near Victoria, spent the day exploring. Pics and memories. It amused me to stay in that part of town for 10 pounds. Not posh, but certainly serviceable.
Certainly worth it. Just wandering. Could I have spent a month? Absolutely.
Driving from Glastonbury to Glasgow airport on another trip, I was being passed frequently, adjusted upward 'til passed rarely. Crossed the border
at 105, was still passed. Drove to Inverness, overnighted at Findhorn.
It's easier than Longview to Midland/Odessa. Plan well, treat it like you would
a reconnaissance raid_get in, see WHAT there is to see, plan to go back
and SEE it another trip. Just driving through the Highlands is great. It's a real quick stop at Dunkeld to see the cathedral, walk into the Taybank and soak up the music vibe, cross the bridge and get a shot of each other in the hollow of the Birnam Oak, and roll. Go back again, with a better feel for what draws you. That's just me. Yes, it's great getting back with more
time, but in 5 days you can see more than some of our forebears did in a
lifetime. And if for unforeseen reasons you don't get back, there's great
pictures in your head.

[ForresterModern]

From what everyone is saying I take it that it is not worth it to come for a week? I am getting constant 5 days is enough.

Should I put this off 30 years until I can spend a month or two? You all keep saying anything else will be a disappointment.

Jim

Jim

How about this? 5 days each year for the next 30 years gives you 150 days, probably more than enough time to see just about all you might want to see in the Kingdom, just all a little bit at a time. Gives you reasons to keep coming back.

Unfortunately the airfare would probably put you in the poor house.

just a thought.

j

[Woot22]

I have done a 5 day trip there(Scotland) before and it is fun but fast. Sounds like you made the plan to fly into London and stick around that area which is a good idea. Never been to London so I am not sure about how you should plan your trip but I would go and have fun. Just dont travel too far from London is all, and it sounds like you already understand not to make that mistake. Also plan your trip ahead of time. I have always been a fly by the seat of my pants type of traveler but that does not work well with a 5 day trip. Do not waste anytime figuring out the best plan once you have already arrived. Plan ahead what you want to see on each day so you can maximize your adventure. Have fun and dont get discouraged. People are only offering advice nothing more.

[cessna152towser]

Driving from Glastonbury to Glasgow airport on another trip, I was being passed frequently, adjusted upward 'til passed rarely. Crossed the border
at 105,

I sincerely hope you mean 105 kilometres per hour and not miles per hour. The maximum speed limit on our motorways is 70 miles per hour.
Up to 80mph the police speed check patrols who sit on the motorway flyovers will usually turn a blind eye, over 80 you may receive a speeding ticket in the post, over 100mph there is a very real likelihood you could end up in jail on a charge of dangerous driving.

[ThistleDown]

From what everyone is saying I take it that it is not worth it to come for a week? I am getting constant 5 days is enough.

Should I put this off 30 years until I can spend a month or two? You all keep saying anything else will be a disappointment.

Jim

Oh Jim I hope I am not one of those. I just think you will have a far better holiday concentrating your five days in London or Edinburgh/Glasgow without wasting so much of it dashing here and there. Have a superb time and tell us all about it when you get home again.