Where to stay and itinerary help, please!

Seeking Accommodation and Itinerary Advice!

Update:

Thank you all for your kind and helpful suggestions! We’ve secured a hotel in King’s Cross featuring two twin beds, which will serve as the perfect home base for our trip. Special thanks to everyone who recommended Premier Inn! We even managed to pre-pay for an early check-in, so that’s all set.

Your comments also made me realize that, while I’m not particularly interested in attractions like the London Eye or the Changing of the Guard, there are still plenty of tourist spots worth considering. We’ve booked a sunset tour to Stonehenge, which includes access to the inner circle after it’s closed to the public. We’re also planning to explore Bath and Oxford, and we have allocated 4 to 5 days for our time in London.

I truly appreciate your patience and support. We’re looking forward to our trip!


Hello everyone! My mom (77) and I will be visiting England for the first time next month. We’re pretty new to international travel—being very American—and assumed it would be somewhat similar to our experiences here. I know, I know… I’m sorry!

We were surprised by the differences in hotel accommodations compared to what we’re used to in the U.S. Can anyone suggest budget-friendly places where we can have separate beds (or a U.S.-sized king), a bathroom, and convenient access to transport for under $250 a night? We’re not keen on the typical tourist hotspots; we just want to immerse ourselves in something new.

We arrive at LHR in the morning after a long overnight flight. Is there a place nearby we can stay for a night or two? Are there options for early check-in? What activities are available in the vicinity? We’re considering returning to the same area the night before our departure.

We’re eager to visit Stonehenge, Avebury, Bath, and the Cotswolds to see ancient sites. Any hotel suggestions or activities in that region would be greatly appreciated.

Additionally, we’d like to spend about two days in London and are interested in tours. Can you recommend locations for hotels outside the city with easy access to transportation into London?

We’d love suggestions for less touristy destinations where we can get a true sense of everyday life outside of London. We’re easygoing and can find joy in just about anything!

Any advice or guidance would mean a lot to us! Thank you!

One thought on “Where to stay and itinerary help, please!

  1. It sounds like you and your mom have an exciting trip planned! King’s Cross is a great choice for your hotel, as it offers easy access to transportation and a variety of nearby attractions. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your itinerary and overall experience:

    Accommodation Recommendations Near LHR & In the Countryside

    1. Near Heathrow:
    2. Holiday Inn London – Heathrow T5: This hotel has decent accommodations and shuttles to the airport.
    3. Premier Inn Heathrow Airport (Bath Road): Another good option with reasonable prices and shuttle service.

    4. In Bath and Cotswolds:

    5. The Bath House: A charming B&B in Bath that offers a warm atmosphere and easy access to the city’s sights.
    6. The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold: Offers a cozy stay in the Cotswolds, with a rustic charm and excellent local dining options.

    Itinerary Suggestions

    Day 1-2: Arrival and Nearby Exploration
    – After arriving at Heathrow, consider resting a bit before heading into London. You can explore the area near your hotel for local dining.

    Day 3-4: Stonehenge and Bath
    – Your sunset Stonehenge tour is an excellent choice. In Bath, be sure to visit the Roman Baths and enjoy a stroll through the Georgian streets. Don’t miss Bath Abbey as well!

    Day 5: Cotswolds Day Trip
    – If you can manage, spend a day exploring charming towns like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden, or Bibury. Rent a car or join a guided tour to see the stunning countryside at its best.

    Day 6: Two Days in London
    – For your time in London, you might consider taking a walking tour in a neighborhood like Shoreditch or Notting Hill, where you can see a mix of market culture and local art.
    – Don’t hesitate to wander around diverse areas like Camden Market or Borough Market for some local flavors.

    Transportation Tips

    • From Heathrow to London: The Heathrow Express is the fastest option, taking about 15 minutes to Paddington. Alternatively, the Piccadilly Line on the Tube is cost-effective and connects to central London.
    • Day Trips: From London, you can easily take a train from Paddington to Bath or a shuttle tour to Stonehenge.

    Cultural Experiences

    • For a more local feel, visit a pub for dinner, or check out local markets. The Borough Market is great for food lovers!

    Navigating Non-Touristy Spots

    • Exploring neighborhoods like Southwark or Greenwich will give you a feel for everyday life in London, away from the typical tourist spots.

    It sounds like you and your mom are on the right track for a wonderful adventure. Enjoy your trip and all the historical sights you’ll encounter!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *