While every part of our motor trip and vacation was spectacular, I think the two most impressive and memorable "high points" were Fountains Abby, a truly magical place, and the 12th century castles scattered in and around Wales, mostly in the Snowdonia region.  Edinburgh was wonderful, Hampton Court near London was astounding, and the famous “palm” glass house at Kew was a botanical wonder.  Husband Kenny spent a day quickly touring London while I was in conference and loved his day in the city. 

We returned to the UK in May 2000 – our youngest daughter had, in a civil ceremony, married a man from England last year in Vermont (where they presently live) and planned to have their marriage blessed by Nick's father (who is with the Church of England) in a small 12th century chapel near Midhurst, south of London.  Our Texas family was delighted and we could hardly wait to return to the UK.  Kenny and I invited our best friends, Bill and Chris Ann Brown to fly over 10 days early and do a motor tour with us. 
 

This time, we planned to fly into Manchester, rent a car, and drive to North Wales to spend 4 days.  We would make our way southward  through Wales to Bath, down along the Devon and Cornish west coast to the southern tip, loop back through Exeter, and over to Midhurst for the “blessing weekend”. 
 

I carefully researched our route and accommodations on the internet – you will find my huge list of links on a different webpage.  We generally stay in 3 to 5 star accommodations which have an “in house” pub or restaurant so that once we stop for the day, we don't have to dash off searching for some where to eat dinner -- far nicer to drop our luggage, take a walk, sit at the bar, then relax over dinner.  Historic accommodations were high on our list and preferably with views of the sea or set in country gardens.  Three years ago, few UK inns or hotels had an internet presence, but this time, I found far more had entered the electronic age, making my search for the “perfect places” much easier. 

You’ll see that we stayed in a variety of accommodations – from tiny 14th century coaching inns to historic hotels.  All were wonderfully comfortable with individual and unique charm.  Some were "Restaurants with Rooms" - usually in a house with excellent cuisine which also had several rooms available for stays.   Rates/tariffs of our various inns and hotels ranged from 80 pounds a night for two (with breakfast) to 145 pounds a night.  Dinners generally cost 25 pounds each plus drinks or wine. 
 
We treated ourselves to staying at the famous Sharrow Bay in the Lakes District on the 1997 trip and to overnighting at Gideleigh Park in Devon this trip – both quite expensive (considering the horrid US/UK exchange rate), but they are two of the highest ranked country inns in England and well worth being pampered for a night or two if it fits your budget. 
 

Pub prices are great too!  Be sure to try the local beers which we found delightful.  Don't be afraid to try a "stout beer" which really isn't stout, but a nice smooth brew. 
 

Missing Wales is a major mistake for anyone who loves gorgeous countryside, some of the friendliest people in Britain, historic castles, and wonderful little inns.  Wales is at the top of our UK destination list. 
 

It is also possible to forgo renting a car and travel the UK by the excellent train and ferry system.  This works well if you go from city center to city center, but some regions such as Wales and the Lakes District are almost impossible to properly tour without a car.  If you plan to take the train for much of your trip, then also plan to rent a car for a day or two once you reach a destination so that you can drive around and see the countryside OR sign up with a day trip coach/bus tour. 

After you read my observations about driving in the UK (especially if you are from a country like the US with driving on the right instead of the left) and used to big wide highways with shoulders, you might well decide to forgo renting/hiring a car completely! <grin> 
 

The roads in England are well maintained, more so than many in the U.S.  You will find very few pot holes, patches, bumps, or uneven paving.  That's the good news… the bad news is that other than the big “M” ways, roads are tiny, curvy, narrower than anything you can imagine and instead of shoulders, you’ll usually find solid stone walls, tall thick hedges, and centuries old buildings!  Fortunately, cars in the U.K. are smaller and narrower than those in the U.S, however, the buses and big trucks are the same size as ours and can provide a real interesting experience when you meet one of those on a road only wide enough for something like two Volkswagen Beetles! 

The “M” ways are much like U.S. - 4 and 6 lane divided expressways, other than everyone whizzes along at a fast pace (mostly disregarding the speed limit signs).   You can easily drive 70 mph on M ways, and probably be passed like you are standing still! 

“A” roads can vary from 4 lane divided highways to 2 lane roads with a very narrow shoulder.  Plan on averaging 50 mph on the smaller A roads.   If you are a little nervous about driving on the other side of the road (constantly THINK and STAY left), then plan your trip on M and A roads since “B” roads can be a little un-nerving! 

“B” roads are very narrow - usually barely wider than two small cars (and there’s lots of big wide trucks and buses using them) and often only ONE lane wide – meaning drive slow and be prepared to back up if you meet another vehicle or hope that there is a tiny pull off nearby where one car can scrunch in while the other passes.  Plan on 35 mph average speed, maybe.  Several of the locals called these “dreadful little roads” with a smile, fully knowing that the winding, drive very slow “Bs” also usually have the best views and meander through some of the prettiest areas and villages of the UK.  I call it “B” roads for both Beautiful but Beware! 

Quite a few “A” and “B” roads have high hedges or solid, thick stone walls on both sides.  This is not too bad on A roads, but can make traveling B roads quite an art.  Hubby is a good driver and very used to narrow South Texas farm roads, but often I thought we’d be scraping the stone wall on my side while he narrowly missed meeting and passing vehicles coming the other way.  It takes some getting used to for the passengers and the driver!  Our "backup" driver Bill Brown also did quite well, but then he's used to narrow, cliff hanging roads in Colorado. 

Then there’s the unmarked roads which are usually one lane only – naturally some of these lead to the most scenic villages and countryside, but be aware that they take some expert navigation and driving expertise!   Many towns have stone buildings that line these tiny lanes, so you will have to carefully make your way through villages.  The best way to imagine this is that the historic buildings once lined a “donkey cart” road and the only thing that has changed in the last 1000 years is that someone has paved the “donkey path”!   Speed can average anything from "sitting there", "going in reverse", or maybe 25 mph "forward" at times! 

And lastly, most roads have "round abouts" instead of four way stops.  This amounts to precariously merging into a giant circular pattern full of whizzing cars and preparing to sling your car off on whatever road you wanted (while going around the circle leftward instead of right).  Easier said than done! 

Which ever way you decide to see England, Scotland, and Wales, you will find beautiful countryside, endless fields of sheep or fields of crops, and charming villages, many untouched by time or tourism. 

Enjoy!