Posted on 09/06/2010 5:03:14 PM PDT by Skooz
I'm toying with the idea of traveling to England after Christmas and staying a couple of weeks. I have always dreamed of driving from London to Glasgow and wonder if anyone has any perspective of doing so that time of year.
Rainy and cold.
Been there ....it was just fine but I headed for Cannes as soon as I could
I have been in the midlands of England in every month of the year. When potential visitors ask me what they should pack for their trip in X month, I always tell them this story:
I went to the Cotswolds in the first week of April for two weeks. It was sunny and warm enough for shorts and short sleeves (mid-upper 70’s) every day. It was beautiful by anyone’s standards.
Three years later I went to the same place, during the first week in April for two weeks. It never got above 40 degrees the whole time we were there, and every day it either rained, sleeted, snowed, hailed, or a combination of. Did I mention the howling wind that cut through you like a knife and dragged whatever precipitation that happened to be falling at the time along with it? It was miserable by anyone’s standards.
Bottom line, if I go at that time of year, I have to basically pack every piece of clothing I own.
The good news is that in December, you can be assured it will not be warm or dry, so you can leave the summer clothes at home.
Britain is about 600 miles north of New England. Although the winters are milder than New England, the days are much shorter. Before you go, check the sunrise and sunset times to see if the shorter days would hinder you too much.
You might find that people drive a little faster on the open highway than we do...
Also, be very aware of where you are and where you are going. 30 years ago, my mother and I were in London, taking the bus, and got off in a neighborhood where all the men dressed in funny hats and robes were looking daggers at us. Not another woman in sight.We got out as fast as possible. There are neighborhoods you want to avoid.
The bed and breakfasts are a great way to meet and spend some time with English people.
Otherwise, you'll be fine.
I'm over there about 10 times per year and have spent time in London and Glasgow. I don't suspect the drive will be all that enjoyable but it is what you make of it.
I envy you the drive. If you have time find the Roman amphitheaters on the way. Driving West through Wales to the Coast and up is one I always wanted to try. Do take a bit of time to figure out the left hand driving. The first time you get on a roundabout headed the wrong way round will be very exciting. They drive fast near London, and relatively fast on narrow two lane roads in The Highlands.
Get used to Indian food. Restaurant hours are strange to us. They close until 6 or 7 PM - except Indian Restaurants.
I envy you the drive. If you have time find the Roman amphitheaters on the way. Driving West through Wales to the Coast and up is one I always wanted to try. Do take a bit of time to figure out the left hand driving. The first time you get on a roundabout headed the wrong way round will be very exciting. They drive fast near London, and relatively fast on narrow two lane roads in The Highlands.
Get used to Indian food. Restaurant hours are strange to us. They close until 6 or 7 PM - except Indian Restaurants.
Mallorca, Cap Antibes. Provence?
No, my place is here.
Uh, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Atlantis Grand Bahama?
My place is in England.
How about Costa Rica, the Yucatan, Tampa, St.Pete?
Would you consider an effin cruise perhaps?
Maybe a little "Carnival craps" getaway...
It will be dark by 3:30-4:00 p.m. in the height of winter and will start getting light at around 8:00 a.m. Winters are usually mild but can be snowy and travel can be pretty hazardous if you hit a snowy/icy spell.
There’s lots of traffic since Great Britain is densely populated and the roads can be very congested especially around the many cities.
That said, it is a beautiful island and you can have spectacular days in the winter. If you get a chance, get out and walk — so much to see. It is almost always comfortable to be outside if you dress appropriately (same can’t be said for much of the US)
Very cold and damp...and sarcastic
We went a couple years ago in the fall. 2 weeks of England, Wales & Scotland: 3 rain days. Definitely do the scotch distilleries. They usually give a couple drams at the tours. Have a designated driver.
6 posts - 3:38 minutes - you’re slipping...
There’s a palm tree in front of the Bank of Ireland in Dublin.
It depends what you call cold. I have spent a lot of time in the UK and it is not nearly as cold in winter as the parts of the US where I’ve lived (West/Midwest)
You will very rarely have a day in England when the temperature stays below freezing. Scotland is colder for sure.
Mind you, you can feel very cold if you get wet and can’t dry off.
That is a good point that might not be obvious to someone who has not driven on the left. Shifting with your left hand is tougher to get used to than you might think. I was stationed in Japan.
I’ve been to England and Scotlane quite a few times. I always loved it no matter the weather.
I would definitely rethink the driving bit. Obviously, it is quite different than what we are used to and I would suggest that you take the train from London to Glasgow. That is one of the most pleasant train trips I have ever taken. And the buffet in the dining car is spectacular!!! You will see beautiful countryside and quaint cottages with thatched roofs and you don’t spend all of your time trying to keep that automobile on the wrong side of the road!!! Have a great trip!!!
M highway is similar to our interstate system. Your driving on the other side of road and need to get used to the roundabouts.
I traveled the country staying at Bed and Breakfast in October in the 70’s and 80’s. It was less expensive and we got to meet and talk with locals. At a few places without central heating they placed warm bricks in our bed at night.
Recommend that you visit Edinburgh Castle in Scotland at night. The shops seem to cater to men with heavier woolen materials for suits and jackets.
Just stay out of the big cities, and you will enjoy yourself - as long as you can drink beer...:^)
England's political landscape is definitely regional, with the cities overwhelming the other areas, a bit like the US. So just play tourist in the cities, and stay somewhere in the country.
Usually lots to do around Christmas - the nearest cathedral is certain to have nice music and carol services, and make sure you take in a pantomime - good for a laugh.
On my wife's first visit there at Christmas, the first thing she noticed was how low the sun was in the sky at noon, and then how short the days were. Think the same latitude as the Hudson Bay...:^)
I personally like York, but am biased since my cousin runs a Bed and Breakfast there.
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