Your favorite Cotswold town?
Oct 23rd, 2007, 08:09 AM
#24
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We stayed in Bath and used it as a base for driving trips in the area. Though I love Bath, it wasn't a good choice as an excursion base. Lots of traffic, one-way streets. Maybe it would work better if you stayed outside central Bath.
That said, there are many interesting sights in the area around Bath.
That said, there are many interesting sights in the area around Bath.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 09:52 AM
#25
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I just did this trip in the summer. We stayed at Harrington's Hotel in downtown Bath. It's a great small city. We took day trips to Wells, Glastonbury, Frome and Westbury. We then headed up to the Cotswolds. The town we enjoyed strolling was Stow. If you get a chance, visit the old town of Lacock and Stanway House.
http://www.stanwayfountain.co.uk/fountain.html
http://www.stanwayfountain.co.uk/fountain.html
Oct 23rd, 2007, 01:05 PM
#26
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Just a quick comment for future readers... since the OP is coming from AMS, jet lag shouldn't be an issue, so (as he acknowledged) flanneruk's comment regarding driving after a long flight was irrelevant in this case.
However, to make general statements about that drive not being do-able (and to imply CRIMINAL liability for an accident) is a bit of a stretch. First, jet travel (especially the red-eye) impacts different people in different ways. Second, criminal liability would involve proving criminal negligence for driving in a overtired condition (a definite stretch).
That said, favorite way of dealing with red-eyes is to immediately get out on the road and drive to my 1st destination. Since I am able to sleep on the plane and driving gets me out in the daylight, it's the quickest way to adjust to the time change. In addition, it usually leaves the 'city' portion of my trip to the end of my vacation(making it a bit easier to get to the airport).
I've done this numerous times (landed in Paris and drove to Burgundy, Reykjavik to Hella, Christchurch, NZ to Akaroa, London to Lavenham). You need to determine your own tolerance for that schedule and use your judgement.
However, to make general statements about that drive not being do-able (and to imply CRIMINAL liability for an accident) is a bit of a stretch. First, jet travel (especially the red-eye) impacts different people in different ways. Second, criminal liability would involve proving criminal negligence for driving in a overtired condition (a definite stretch).
That said, favorite way of dealing with red-eyes is to immediately get out on the road and drive to my 1st destination. Since I am able to sleep on the plane and driving gets me out in the daylight, it's the quickest way to adjust to the time change. In addition, it usually leaves the 'city' portion of my trip to the end of my vacation(making it a bit easier to get to the airport).
I've done this numerous times (landed in Paris and drove to Burgundy, Reykjavik to Hella, Christchurch, NZ to Akaroa, London to Lavenham). You need to determine your own tolerance for that schedule and use your judgement.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 02:18 PM
#27
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After 20 some years of travelling to England, we have determined that an hour and a half is our maximum driving limit after flying overseas.
Although - touch wood - we haven't had any accidents driving longer than that, it was only because English motorists were paying attention and pointed, honked, pulled over, etc. when we turned the corner and ended up on the wrong side of the road, parked on double yellow lines, hogged the middle line, etc. If any of those situations had turned into an accident, perhaps we wouldn't have been criminally liable (although I don't know why not) but we would certainly have been morally negligent.
The question to ask yourself is if you were at home and stayed up all night (and if you were excited about some upcoming event, probably hadn't slept that well for a few nights before), had a few drinks, maybe popped a pill or two - how far would you drive? And if you've never driven on the other side of the road, shifted with your left hand, etc., how far should you drive?
Although - touch wood - we haven't had any accidents driving longer than that, it was only because English motorists were paying attention and pointed, honked, pulled over, etc. when we turned the corner and ended up on the wrong side of the road, parked on double yellow lines, hogged the middle line, etc. If any of those situations had turned into an accident, perhaps we wouldn't have been criminally liable (although I don't know why not) but we would certainly have been morally negligent.
The question to ask yourself is if you were at home and stayed up all night (and if you were excited about some upcoming event, probably hadn't slept that well for a few nights before), had a few drinks, maybe popped a pill or two - how far would you drive? And if you've never driven on the other side of the road, shifted with your left hand, etc., how far should you drive?
Oct 23rd, 2007, 02:31 PM
#28
astein: If you had read the whole thread you would see that once flanner and the rest learned InMiami was only traveling from A'dam, the "doability" was confirmed.
But sorry, the rest of your post is pretty indefensible. Yes - IF one causes damage/injury driving after an overnight, sleepless flight, probably after taking an ambien or other sleep aids, a glass of wine or two, etc - it <b>IS</b> a criminal offense.
And, just because you have never suffered from jet lag doesn't mean you won't on your next trip. The main problem is no one knows if they will be capable of driving until after arriving and heading out. That is just a bit too late to find out . . . . .
But sorry, the rest of your post is pretty indefensible. Yes - IF one causes damage/injury driving after an overnight, sleepless flight, probably after taking an ambien or other sleep aids, a glass of wine or two, etc - it <b>IS</b> a criminal offense.
And, just because you have never suffered from jet lag doesn't mean you won't on your next trip. The main problem is no one knows if they will be capable of driving until after arriving and heading out. That is just a bit too late to find out . . . . .
Oct 23rd, 2007, 03:15 PM
#31
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I'll second Notgrove!
We found a copy of Cotswolds and the Vale of Berkeley by Christopher Knowles at the library. Besides suggested walking tours, it had two driving tours. We followed the author's northern Cotswolds driving tour, which took us through smaller towns like Notgrove, as well as some of the more popular towns such as Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Chipping Campden. It was a really lovely way to spend the day.
Lee Ann
We found a copy of Cotswolds and the Vale of Berkeley by Christopher Knowles at the library. Besides suggested walking tours, it had two driving tours. We followed the author's northern Cotswolds driving tour, which took us through smaller towns like Notgrove, as well as some of the more popular towns such as Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Chipping Campden. It was a really lovely way to spend the day.
Lee Ann
Oct 23rd, 2007, 03:23 PM
#32
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We stumbled on Notgrove during one of our "drive by the compass" trips. Had no idea where we were, but loved it.
You know, I need to get back to the days when we traveled by flipping a coin onto a map and where it landed was where we went. In my old age I've become too much of a planner, yuck.
Ok, next trip, that's what we'll do. Hmmm, maybe I'll grow back my ponytail, find some earthshoes and drag out the guitar. Anyone got any Boones Farm?
dave
You know, I need to get back to the days when we traveled by flipping a coin onto a map and where it landed was where we went. In my old age I've become too much of a planner, yuck.
Ok, next trip, that's what we'll do. Hmmm, maybe I'll grow back my ponytail, find some earthshoes and drag out the guitar. Anyone got any Boones Farm?
dave
Oct 23rd, 2007, 04:04 PM
#34
It's sometimes hard to know when prudence disappears and self-interest takes over. When I was in London two young American women landed early in the morning and rented a car. They ended up rounding a curve on the wrong side of the road, drove into a milkman making his rounds and killed him. He had a wife and two young sons.
They spent a few days in the hospital complaining about their sad fate and never once, to my knowledge, expressed regret over killing a man. I guess he ruined their whole vacation.
Just something to think about . . .
They spent a few days in the hospital complaining about their sad fate and never once, to my knowledge, expressed regret over killing a man. I guess he ruined their whole vacation.
Just something to think about . . .
Oct 23rd, 2007, 06:12 PM
#35
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Ummm... maybe I missed something but I never mentioned a sleepless flight, probably after taking an ambien or other sleep aids, a glass of wine or two.
Instead consider having gotten 6 hours of solid sleep, waking up, and being rested and ready to go. I fly almost every week and can usually be asleep before the plane leaves the gate (no matter the time of the flight).
My point was only that air travel impacts different people in different ways and you need to consider how it impacts you. And yes, I did read the rest of the posts and pointed out that I was only responding because there are other opinions on the the jet lag issue and you need to determine your own limits.
Instead consider having gotten 6 hours of solid sleep, waking up, and being rested and ready to go. I fly almost every week and can usually be asleep before the plane leaves the gate (no matter the time of the flight).
My point was only that air travel impacts different people in different ways and you need to consider how it impacts you. And yes, I did read the rest of the posts and pointed out that I was only responding because there are other opinions on the the jet lag issue and you need to determine your own limits.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 07:23 PM
#36
My point was - you were sort of implying that driving after an international flight is "no big deal". But for many (most? ) it definitely is - or should be . . . . . .
Flanner and others are correct - if one causes an accident in the UK because s/he is impaired whether by lack of sleep, or a couple of sleeping tablets, or whatever - s/he can and probably will be prosecuted.
Flanner and others are correct - if one causes an accident in the UK because s/he is impaired whether by lack of sleep, or a couple of sleeping tablets, or whatever - s/he can and probably will be prosecuted.
Oct 24th, 2007, 04:08 PM
#38
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Another vote for Bourton-on-Water: If you've only one night to spend, this is a great place. Absolutely gorgeous. Nearly fairy tale-like with its little bridges over the bubbling brook; interesting shops including affordable brass items that made great souvenirs/gifts; good beer and food; an easy short walk on well marked "footpaths" that included traipsing across sheep fields to the nearby tiny towns of Upper and Lower Slaughter, and a surprisingly interesting Birdland: a lovely park similar to a zoo including penguins and flamingos plus more common birds.
Burford was great, too - a place we said we'd have enjoyed staying. The main street spills down a hill, so the view is interesting - had a lovely tea shop, and a very pleasant church and graveyard, even for folks not particularly interested in such.
You'll enjoy most any of the Cotswold towns mentioned - it's so great staying in small towns where you can walk to a pub for dinner!
Burford was great, too - a place we said we'd have enjoyed staying. The main street spills down a hill, so the view is interesting - had a lovely tea shop, and a very pleasant church and graveyard, even for folks not particularly interested in such.
You'll enjoy most any of the Cotswold towns mentioned - it's so great staying in small towns where you can walk to a pub for dinner!
Oct 25th, 2007, 09:25 AM
#39
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Perhaps this thread has exhausted itself but I have one more question.
I have highlighted all of your suggested towns and they make up a well-defined area. The Cotswolds!
Should we just drive town to town and stop off for an occasional stroll?
How about renting a bike and biking a particular route? Or a long walk from town to town.
How does one experience something as intangable as the Cotswolds experience?
I have highlighted all of your suggested towns and they make up a well-defined area. The Cotswolds!
Should we just drive town to town and stop off for an occasional stroll?
How about renting a bike and biking a particular route? Or a long walk from town to town.
How does one experience something as intangable as the Cotswolds experience?
Oct 25th, 2007, 09:55 AM
#40
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We haven't spent a lot of time in the Cotswolds, but we did do the 'walk from town to town' thing on a couple of separate days in East Anglia (Lavenham as a base).
It was a lot of fun. Get to the town... hit a few shops... stop in the pub... have a pint... hit the road again. If you can pick a central town as a base, I'd recommend it.
It was a lot of fun. Get to the town... hit a few shops... stop in the pub... have a pint... hit the road again. If you can pick a central town as a base, I'd recommend it.
