Which is better? England-Ireland-Scotland-England

[hobbyhorse23]

That trip I posted about back in January is coming up like lightning and we're frantically planning stuff we should have nailed down months ago. My partner in crime is already abroad and pretty much incommunicado so I'm on my own making this happen. Help!!!

What I need to know is what the cheapest way to do all three countries is. I'm flying into and out of Heathrow so we know we start and end in England, but I don't know if it's cheaper to go to Ireland or Scotland from there. What method of travel is best/cheapest between those three countries? We are on a budget, budget, budget. I also need somewhere to stay my first night in England (Sunday, Aug. 8). Any suggestions? I will be contacting some of you privately who generously offered your assistance earlier.

It sounds like we're going to meet up in England and tour the countryside a little bit, head to the other countries for most of the next two weeks then explore London at the end of the trip so we're right there near the airport when it's time to leave. Does that sound sensible? All advice is welcomed!

Leia

 

[Miniv]

I am SO GREEN right now.......(with envy).....

Most of my experience is 20 years old now......and I'm sure lots has changed.

We flew into Heathrow and immediately took a cab to a hotel just outside of the circle of the airport. I don't remember which, but it had our car rental company within walking distance. We slept first, then walked over and got our little car which we had reserved.

We made a huge circle around England for 4 weeks in that little car (the cheapest size) with the intent of going into Scotland. We were on our own schedule working off a list of B&B Farms which we had in a booklet. I don't know if the book still exists but it was wonderful. We ate a big breakfast where we stayed, and then had a mid to late afternoon supper at the Pubs.

While there we discovered other methods of travel....Buying into a EuroPass with the Railroad and also in England there's using the river systems. There are river boats that travel through out and you stay on the boats.......You may try googling that. We thought it was neat, but never investigated the details.

One thing we avoided was joining up with a group tourist company. UGH. I think in the long run, finding one's own way is cheaper.....and having a travel companion is good - both for safety and cost.

 

[Margo_C-T]

This may sound far-fetched, but...the two older boys on "Little People, Big World"-the Roloffs, who live in OR--were shown traveling about England and the Continent in shows this past season. They were 'backpacking', and stayed in hostels, all of which looked spare, but clean and neat.Might try contacting TLC, see if you could find out how they planned their itenirary(sp?)...also, on the map, which 'loop' appears to make the most sense...or, try calling a travel agent, see what they suggest based on their knowledge. You don't HAVE to say that you aren't planning on booking through them, I don't think?

Just a passing thought! Sounds like you'll have an absolute BLAST!!

Margo

 

[Miniv]

I think there are books that list Hostels and places like that.........Go to the travel dept at Barnes and Noble or something.

 

[miniwhinny]

It's cheeper to go to Scotland...it's on the top part SAME island hahahahha.

DO NOT NOT NOT go to a youth hostel in GB GROSS HORRIBLE YUCK. Stay at a bed and breakfast. They are privately owned, very clean and most will make you a cup of tea just for smiling hehehhehe. And YES get a train pass.

How do I know...Im' a dual citizen - I'm American AND British ';-) Lived in Britain 26 years lived in America 26 years.

Have a blast - you'll love it.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

...or, try calling a travel agent, see what they suggest based on their knowledge. You don't HAVE to say that you aren't planning on booking through them, I don't think?

Good thought! I haven't made use of one so far and for that particular question I probably should. I'm a member of AAA, bet I can call them about it.

I think there are books that list Hostels and places like that.........Go to the travel dept at Barnes and Noble or something.

Printed hostel lists. *snicker, snort, snicker.* How quaint!

Kidding.

I've been haunting bookstores for the last eight months and have bought several good guide books but for hostels there are many current websites.

It's cheeper to go to Scotland...it's on the top part SAME island hahahahha.
DO NOT NOT NOT go to a youth hostel in GB GROSS HORRIBLE YUCK. Stay at a bed and breakfast. They are privately owned, very clean and most will make you a cup of tea just for smiling hehehhehe. And YES get a train pass.

So go to Scotland first by train then get to Ireland by....? Ferry? Plane? What is cheapest?

We'd like to do B&B's but simply can't afford it more than one or two nights. All we really want is a safe roof over our heads- anything else is extra and not worth paying for when we'll get there late and leave at first light. I hate tea anyway!

Keep the suggestions coming please.

Leia

 

[susanne]

Can we hope for remote posts from you and Brianna? It would be so fun to read live dispatches from our own roving reporters. This way those of us stuck here at home can experience your adventures vicariously.

 

[AnnaC]

I have to admit to being just a wee bit miffed!! England, Ireland, Scotland.........you left out wonderful Wales LOL!! What have you got against Wales I would like to know?? It's a very beautiful country - we are very friendly folk and just love visitors

Of course if you leave Heathrow and mosey across southern England, you will pass through south Wales on your way to Ireland (one of the ferries crosses the Irish Sea from the Welsh port of Fishguard). Or you could take the scenic route and branch upwards half way across England, passing through the pretty county of Gloucestershire, heading for Ross-on-Wye, crossing into Wales here and taking the A40 alongside the Brecon Beacon National Park and following the same road all the way across Wales to the port of Fishguard and Ireland. You will find lots of tucked away villages, pubs offering a room for the night or cheap B&B's. (If you follow this route, watch out for a village called Nantgaredig - wave to your right as you go through as I'll only be 6 miles away, up my mountain, and I'll wave right back LOL!! - unless you decide to detour up here for a free stop over - I'm sure we could find you a stall for the night, or even a bed if you were lucky!!)

Once in Ireland you could travel up/over it and then pop back into either the top of Wales or direct into England and continue your way North to Scotland - but do try to take in the Lake District (Cumbria) on your way upwards.

I think you would be better hiring a car if you can. Trains/National Bus Companies do not take in much of the scenic countryside; also in a car you can stop and start when you like, or detour if you see a place of interest. But you are going to have to keep on the move if you are hoping to cover as much of the UK as you can in two weeks. I know that compared to the vast US of A, we are just a smidgen of an island, but to rush on through would be such a shame - you will miss so much!

What ever you choose to do, which ever way you choose to do it, I wish you good luck and hope you have a really great time

Anna

ps. when exactly are you going on this trip?

 

[Aristocratic Minis]

I think B&B's might be the best idea for you. There are some lovely places with nice B&B's. That being said, in summertime, their rates are often higher. There are places also where you can do a "farm stay." There are some lower priced motel chains in Britain in which we have stayed - Travelodge, PremierTravel Inn. These are usually near the motorways or main roads and are usually not at all "old World" at all, but they provide a safe, clean place to stay without breaking the bank.

My hubby is from England. We go over quite a bit to visit. We rent a car, usually at the same time we book a flight. Although petrol prices are outrageous over there, the rental cars, especially the diesel ones, get fantastic gas mileage. The last time I looked, the rail tickets had gone up enormously. We like to drive and go where we want to go, on our on time schedule.

For some reason, the car rental companies will not insure cars going to Ireland if you read the fine print. Check with each individual company to make sure what is happening. We were going to take our rental on a ferry to Ireland. The cost of taking the car on the ferry was prohibitive. So we leave our rental in the Car Park and we go as foot passengers and rent another car on the other side. That way we can make our way round to visit friends in Ireland.

As for Wales, I LOVE the Brecon Beacons and have been there a number of times while going to visit friends in Wales. We also love N. Wales - the castles, Snowdonia, etc.

Love the Lake Country - such a beautiful drive past the lakes - don't miss it. Then there are the Lochs and Scotland is beautiful. I love the Pennines and the areas around the Yorkshire Dales. From Cornwall to Inverness, we love it all!

We usually arrange to fly into Manchester as the traffic there is not as hectic as around Heathrow, Gatwick or Birmingham. That bumper to bumper traffic near London will give you white knuckles.

I hope you have a lovely trip and get to see as much as you can. You will not be disappointed!