gigimrs

We are planning to take the train from Lorence to the port in October.  However, we are concerned about stairs as we all have pretty hefty luggage and are not so young anymore... Is there no handicapped accessibility???  Thanks for the advce

So now the group is rethinking.... lol.. the Cotswolds have captured our imagination...  suggestions are greatly appreciated... there are 6 adults with luggage.  Many thanks.

21 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

 

I guess spend the morning & lunchtime of Day 2  in York, then head direct to an overnite in Oxford.

Or an hour beyond Oxford to Newbury, handy to Highclere Castle if that's your scene. About 4hrs 30 from York.

Or even another half-hour to Winchester, 5 hrs from York. Perfectly reasonable for the average driver. That'd given you a full morning in Winchester.

 

JB 

Again, you all have been so helpful.  If Highclere is open, we will probably stay near to Newbury the second night.  If not??  We have visited Oxford and WInchester on previous visits.

5 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

 

I'll agree with the exile on this one - I rate Berwickshire as the most scenic part of the route, though google has it at about 15 minutes longer than via Jedburgh.

But both routes have their scenic bits, as does the A702,  A72(M), and A66 trans-Pennine which is about the same timescale.

 

Yes, the centre of Oxford doesn't like the car. 

The city council is much more keen on the bicycle.

Not fancy technicolour modern lightweight racing cycles with ninety-three gears and drop-handlebars.

No, Oxford prefers"proper" bicycles -  black upright 1930's design with rod brakes, leather saddle, chain-guard, and a wicker basket on the front. So very "Oxford".

But I've never found a problem driving or parking within walking distance of the centre.

 

JB 

Thanks for the wonderful insights.  We have been to Oxford and Warwick so will probably opt for more time in York ? Then ?

2 hours ago, tartanexile81 said:

I live just outside Edinburgh and if I had 3 days to do this journey I have no doubts about my route. I have taken into account length of the journeys, volume of traffic  and iconic sites. In the time you have, I missed out the lake District and I think Winchester is too close to Southampton

 

Day 1 - Edinburgh to York. Beautiful scenery en-route and York is unmissable

Day 2 - York to Stratford, Shakespeare's birthplace

Day 3 - Stratford to Southampton via Highclerc Castle, home of Downton Abbey 

Inreall

12 minutes ago, jocap said:

Although I live in the Lake District, I'm with tartanexile on this- go to York, and then on from there the next day. Save the Lakes for another time, because driving around can be slow, on narrow roads with even narrower diversions if there's any sort of hold up. 

York is a stunning city, dating from Roman times, with city walls to walk on, plenty of museums, shops and ancient streets- plus the amazing Minster.

Would really love to visit York.  We have been to Stratford so will need to come up with another option.  Many thanks for the ideas.

23 hours ago, sddsddean said:

I've just had a quick look at the sort of vehicles available and I think with 6 of you and luggage you are going to need a 9 seat minibus. I've used https://www.rentalcars.com  before for good deals both here and in the USA. Try there first to get an idea of prices and available vehicles. Bear in mind it will almost certainly be a manual (stick shift). If you give your dates we can advise on probable traffic, but everywhere will be a nightmare Friday afternoon!

As to things to see, if you're coming from Edinburgh, you could come down the A1 to one of my favourite places; Cragside in Northumberland https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside...well worth a look. You could then carry on down the A1, past Newcastle to York (lots to see), join the M1 and head south. All sorts of places would be possible eg Stratford on Avon, Oxford. Just depends how much time you want to 'sightsee' as opposed to driving. If you want to keep the costs down you could stop at Premier Inns https://www.premierinn.com. They are perfectly adequate for an overnight stay, but fairly cheap. Usually attached to a pub or bigger eatery and normally do breakfast. Earlier you book them, cheaper they are.

Give us your dates and we might come up with better ideas.

 

Simon

 

Many thanks for your suggestions.  We have rented an 8 seater Mercedes Vito automatic through Hertz. Lucky for us the drop off is at the Quay location.  So close to the ship.  Still trying to decide on the route..    Ship sails on Thursday so at least we will avoid Friday traffic!

Six of us are thinking of renting a van and taking three days to travel to the cruise ship in Southampton from Edinburgh.  We know there will be lots of traffic, etc.  Looking for suggestions for places to stay for the two nights, interesting things to see??.  Perhaps the Lake district first night then some place closer like Winchester?  Thanks for your help.

We have booked the Baird Apartment by Mansley.  It is refundable so we appreciate anyfeedback.

Such good info. Six of us are doing a transatlantic from Southampton in October and are thinking about visiting Edinburgh for a week then traveling to the ship.  Our dilemma is getting to Scotland from heathrow then to the ship from Scotland.  Any suggestions are appreciated.