@frett You really need to narrow down what you want to do. You can’t do it all in one trip.
I’ve done several “types” of UK trips.
- London alone - usual sights and maybe a day trip
- Hotel in London but ignoring London sights and just taking day trips using terrific train system: Stonehenge, Cambridge, Bath, Stratford on Avon, Windsor, Hampton Court, etc. Spent a day in each. Rail stations are in the middle of town. No car needed. If you want guided tour TripAdvisor.com has links.
- Theatre. Stayed in London for a week and went to the theatre twice a day. Really. Unlike the U.S. where matinees are only on Weds, Sat or Sun., matinees are on different days in London. I found matinees for each day of the week then filled in evening performances.
- Landed in London then took train north to Edinburgh stopping at a few towns along the way, spending a day in those towns.
I can’t say enough about train system. I spent 4 mos traveling around Europe by train. Can’t imagine wanting to rent a car. Most locals travel by train. Its American mind-set that have to have a car because US doesn’t have the infrastructure-- and its too big.
Street corners in London have “look right” painted on the road for tourists.
Indian food in London is good and really hot. Consider having high tea instead of evening meal. Have a ploughman’s lunch in pub. Of course fish & chips if you like fish. These things are all cheap. Window shop but don’t buy at Fortnum & Mason or Harrod’s. Unless you’re staying in a B&B, make your own breakfast in your room. I travel with coffee (either a small Melitta & grounds or instant) and pick up fruit/scones at local supermarket. Shopping local is fun. To make the most of my money, I spend it on stuff that’s more important-- not breakfast & lunch.
