DW and I did a tour from London several years ago that we really liked where a bus took us to Bath, and then we were on our own for 3-4 hours, got to see the baths and the beautiful abbey. Then we got back on the bus and went to Stonehenge after it closed for the day to regular admissions. We were able to walk in the stones, and there were far fewer people than there normally are, and it was at sunset. The tour guide told us about the sights while we were on the bus, but pretty much left us alone once we got where we were going.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I think I'm leaning towards day trips. There are tours that leave from London and cover Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover...are those sights worth seeing? There's another one that covers Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds and Stratford. Thoughts?

Yes, they are all worth seeing, if you don't mind being driven around on a bus with a lot of other tourists from sight to sight.

I think the day trip idea is a good one. There are so many places you can go from London and you don't lose time checking in and out, etc. For the record, though, I LOVE Edinburgh.

I'd day trip to Oxford and Blenheim Palace (you can take the train or bus to Oxford in less than an hour). Warwick Castle, although I'm not sure of any public transportation there. I'd do Stonehenge and Bath. Stratford Upon Avon (Shakespears home), can get there by train. Birmingham is doable too, the right train is less than two hours out of Marylebone. Look into Bletchley Park, although I'm not sure about public transportation.

OP here. I think I'm leaning towards day trips. There are tours that leave from London and cover Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover...are those sights worth seeing? There's another one that covers Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds and Stratford. Thoughts?

Anonymous wrote:Edinburgh - no question.

Just coming on to say this.

I really enjoyed Bath and Brighton. Windsor castle was fun to see as well. But yes, agree that going on what your kid's interests are is a good idea. We stopped at Stonehenge on the way to Bath or Oxford ( I forget which) and that was pretty cool but I can also see some 12 year olds being bored by it.

Well, what would your son be interested in? My rising 6th grade son wanted to see some of the "real" England so we went to Dawlish, Devon on BritRail. Best three hours' worth of mom-son conversation. We got to see, hear & experience the English summertime at the shore. Lots of local "color" on the train ride down.
In Dawlish, we met a surprisingly friendly & open British family with Year 8 twin boys who were really fun and interesting to have a chat with.

Bath. you can see the ancient roman baths, and if you do a tour you can see Stonehenge as well.

Edinburgh - no question.

Oxford is an easy bus ride away (2hours or so), with buses every 20 minutes. You can visit some colleges. se the Ashmolean, hire bikes and cycle around, go punting. 2 days there would be more than enough.
Cambridge is also a possibility - smaller, but more beautiful.

Edinburgh is fantastic but a bit of a schlep. You might find a cheap flight.

York is also nice, though a bit smaller.

Lake District is beautiful but very touristy and busy in the summer. If you like nature then Cornwall, Snowdonia, or a long walk eg. a section of Offa's Dike are other options. The train will get you most places.

I'd probably stay in London as a base during that time, but would plan on doing a few day trips. The Harry Potter studio tour is great if your dc likes Harry potter. I'd also suggest Cambridge/Oxford (one or the other is probably sufficient. Definitely go punting while you're there), Brighton, and perhaps a trip to see a castle- Windsor, Arundel, and Highclere are all nice.

Lake District - going by train is fun

Lake District

I have to be in London for 4 nights next JUNE, and I'm thinking of bringing my oldest CHILD with me (he will be 12) and tacking on a few extra nights. I figure we will be able to see most of the highlights in London over the course of 4 days, so I thought we might head outside the city for 2-3 nights before heading back to the States. I've never been there before, so I'm not sure what we should do. Suggestions for a city/town/area would be helpful. Tips on how to get there would be helpful, too. Open for day trips as well. We aren't rich, and this portion of the trip will be on me, so I'm not looking for anything over the top. What are the coolest things to do in England outside of London? Thanks!