Expert: David Stewart White - 11/6/2004

Question
Mr White;
My sister and I are planning three weeks in the UK next October(2005).  Starting in London would like to rent a car go south then west thru Wales up to Glasgow.  I heard there is a car ferry to Belfast (do you know the cost)tour Ireland, back to Glasgow to Edinburgh down the eastern side of England to London.  Do you think this is feasible?  Or is there a better plan.  As this will be my only trip there I want to make it as memorable as possible.  History is my great love so I would like to take in as many site as my sister will allow me(she doesn't like history)
Many thanks for any help you can give me.


Answer
Judi,

My first reaction is that your itenerary would involve a LOT of driving.   I can't comment on the Ireland "detour", because that is outside of the UK and outside of my expertise, but the  London-south coast-Wales-Glasgow portion alone (or the reverse down the other coast) is 700+ miles.    But if you intend to get off the main roads and see historic sites, then it is more a question of driving time, rather than distance.  

Although you do have 3 weeks, I suggest that you focus your trip a bit more--maybe cutting off one driving leg and replacing it with air or train travel.  The return trip south from Scotland back to London, for example--under 2 hours by plane or 4+ hours by rail.

My personal preference is to travel to an area, stay in one place for a number of days, and explore that area in a bit more detail.   A drive-stay the night-drive again trip can be very tiring.

To plan out routes in the UK (not Ireland) you might try this site:

http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp

The AA site gives you driving distances and, more importantly, driving times between points in the UK.  The site also provides overview maps and route advice.  

Here's a site that may be able to help with ferry information, should you keep with your travel plans:

http://www.ferry-tickets.uk.com/belfast.htm

I hope this information is helpful as you get into more trip planning.

David White
mail@KidsToLondon.com