Great Britain

Guidebook corrections:

Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.

As of May, the Queen Anne's Guest House in York seems to be under different ownership than listed in the 2008 guide and is for sale. Quality may have suffered--our ensuite bathroom needed real attention to cleanliness and renovation.

Elizabeth in Minneapolis, MN USA 05/19/2008

We just came back from Great Britain & had a wonderful trip! When we went to Stonehenge, we found out that there is no longer the option to take Public Bus #3 from Salisbury to Stonehenge - they stopped that service 2 months ago. The only bus service is the Stonehenge Tour already mentioned in the book. Later that day we ate lunch in Salisbury at Reeve the Baker. Food was excellent! However, when it came time to pay, they ONLY accepted credit cards that had "chip & pin". We explained how frustrating this was - that's not widely used technology in the US yet. We've been to over 80 countries and this is the first time we've ever encountered this. We had to go down the street to an ATM to get cash to pay our bill. Just wanted readers to be aware.

Jamie Wallace in Fayetteville, GA USA 05/06/2008

According to its website, the Turret Guest House in Edinburgh is currently operating a reduced service and will be closing for good in May.

Rob in Victoria, BC Canada 03/23/2008

I just got an e-mail from the Belford Guest House in Edinburgh. His (Tom Borthwick's) business is now closed.

Monica in Simsbury, CT USA 03/05/2008

I was given the 2006 book by some departing Australians - as a Londoner living in Wales I've never celebrated All Saints' Day / November 1st in Britain (see page 505. The book is useful but there are many more interesting and beautiful places than just those listed in it

Brenda in village of Gwernymynydd, Wales 11/01/2007

In Great Britain 2007, the opening hours for Eton College in Windsor need to be updated. They are currently closed until Easter 2008. Apparently they are only open during the summer.

S. Scruggs in Longmont, CO USA 10/18/2007

We have friends that live outside of London and grew up in Edinburgh. They assured us that "napkin" at a restaurant meant the paper or cloth used for meals and we don't need to say "serviette".

Lisa Lysack in Liverpool, NY USA 10/17/2007

It's 12 pounds to visit Parliament - I found no mention of that in the guidebook, just the fee for the guided tour.

Joanne in Fong, CA USA 10/04/2007

London: Tower of London tickets can not be purchased at Tower Hill Underground TI.

Bath: Custume has been called Fashion Museum for a while.

Bath: The $$ Prior House B & B was a big disappointment. Tired and barely fuctioning shower in the third floor.

Stow-on-the-Wold: The Pound is really well run place. Immaculate and toughful touches like bottled waters in the room.

Young Heinbockel in Swarthmore, PA USA 08/30/2007

the buses to the b&bs on dalkeith do not stop in front of the disney store across from the ti. we were told by the bus driver that we were going the wrong way and had to get off and cross the street to catch the correct one.

Aimee in Oakland, CA USA 08/26/2007

Great Britain book, page 360 - Penrith to London by train - we tried to get to Lonodn on a Sunday by 3:00pm and couldn't do it. Had to change our itinerary and go to Durham to catch a train to London.

Kathie Roon in Marysville, WA USA 08/06/2007

There's no other place besides the Toy Store that's left renting bikes in the Cotswolds.

Sharon in Pasadena , CA USA 07/01/2007

We stayed at the Bakers Hotel in London (p. 127 of your 2007 book) and discovered that the breakfast is not "full", more like continental, which was disappointing. Also our triple, ensuite room was £63 which is slighly higher than the range quoted in the guidebook. Nevertheless our room was clean and the beds comfortable and the locationis very convenient so I would still commend it to anyone who prefers tea and toast for breakfast.

Amy Ferguson in Toronto, ON Canada 06/20/2007

Madame Tussauds. As of June 2007 Madame Tussauds Waxworks in London is open 9:30 - 5:30, not 6:30. The ticket office was closed when we got there to take advantage of the lasty entry discount mentioned in the '07 book. According to the taped message on their answering machine price reductions are available at "quieter times" on the half hour but they don't tell you when that might be.

Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off London Tours. With my RS tourbook in hand, we bought our Big Bus tickets from the seller just outside Victoria Station. He then directed us to walk up the street and turn left and wait for the bus there. When we got to the bus stop we were asked by another ticket seller if we needed tickets and spotting my RS book mentioned a discount. Too late...we had already bought from the guy around the corner at full price! So, next time we'll ask about a discount. Currently both Big Bus and Original London Bus Tours offer RS discounts.

Louellen Lawton in Fremont, CA USA 06/20/2007

FYI - I just contacted The Salisbury in Edinburgh - pages 455-6 in the '07 Great Britain guidebook - for accommodations and learned that the hotel is being refurbished and won't re-open till later in the year. The owners referred me to another of their properties in town which is called the MW Townhouse - www.mwtownhouse.co.uk

Kathy Lovin in Los Angeles, CA USA 05/31/2007

In Glen Coe, Scotland. The recommended B&B Mack-Leven did not seem to be accepting guests when we were there in April. We found the house but there was no sign or anyone to answer the door.

Mary Clark in Silverthorne, CO USA 05/17/2007

Two corrections:

1 - the Orangery at Kensington does not start serving tea until 3:00 p.m. The guidebook incorrectly states that tea is served from 1 - 5 p.m. Luckily, we had time to come back becuase the tea was terrific and a reasonable price!

2 - It should be noted that on evenings that the Victoria and Albert museum is open late, many of the galleries are closed at 5:30 p.m. The bigger galleries are the only ones that remain open. We missed getting to see the photography gallery and the collection of musical instruments because of this.

Marian in Seattle, WA USA 04/25/2007

In your guidebook, you recommended a road out of York that was more scenic. I believe it was the A19. However, when I drove the road, I discovered there was a large nuclear plant along the way - hardly scenic. You drive right past it, so it looms on the horizon and keeps getting bigger. You also see it on the train trip from Edinburgh to London. A giant six-pack of nuclear fusion. If not already removed, I would take out that recommendation. It was the only misstep in a terrific book.

[Editor's Note: It sounds like you saw Drax Power Station, south of York near the town of Selby. While it is not pretty to look at, you may be happy to hear that it is not nuclear-powered but is actually coal-fired. It is the largest provider of electricity in the UK and supposedly the cleanest and most efficient coal-fired power station in the UK.]

Jemma in Seattle, WA USA 04/02/2007

For the new GB 2007, the e-mail address for Gramarvin Guest House in Oban (page 492) is incorrect. I suspect it should end in co.uk like the website, not .com.

Dave in Richmond, VA USA 03/24/2007

In the section on The Cotswolds, near the Warwick Castle and Coventry section, the word "fornifications" should be "fortifications." We were traveling with our 4 children. I always read out loud the sections pertaining to the sights we are to see that day over breakfast. My teenager immediately caught the misprint as I was reading out loud the portion on Warwick Castle and burst out laughing - leaving her three younger siblings to wonder what was so funny. My in-laws enjoyed a good laugh over it too. We often take trips with several other families and our own extended family. We have all enjoyed the insights and travel tips that these books have provided us. Although in Rome, my friends did try to locate "Rick" (as these books are affectionately known in our group) in my room one night to hold him hostage. Perhaps too much narative that day for the crowd!

[Editor's Note: Actually, the spelling of "fornifications" is a deliberate joke and has been in our Great Britain book for many years. Kudos to you for catching it!]

Joan Blackwell in Zionsville, IN USA 03/11/2007

Page 424 of the 2006 Great Britain edition has a typo at the end of the first paragraph: (132 Causewayside, see "Scottish Grub and Pubs," page 424.) Should be see page 434-435.

Heidi Schwartz in Ocean, NJ USA 03/04/2007

The email address for Jan Metcalf at the Bed and Breakfast at #12 in Durham is not correct. I haven't figured out how to contact her through email yet. Just thought you would want to know!

Jennifer Herbison in Seattle, WA USA 01/28/2007

Most of your info is accurate. However one or two may travel in the UK for much less than you estimate!!

R. V. Zeagler, Jr. in Tucson, AZ USA 12/23/2006

As mentioned by others, virtually all Great Britain tour prices have risen by at least 10%. Double Decker Bus tours only offer the RS discount if you buy tickets from the official tour employees and not from the many vendors who advertise tour tickets. The Old Stocks Hotel would ony give the RS discount after a lengthy discussion with the desk clerk. She said the discount had to be requested when making the reservation which is not what the book says.

John Zesbaugh in Pine River, MN USA 12/17/2006

Westminster Abbey closes at 15:45 on Wednesdays, at least in the winter. We missed getting in by 30 minutes.

Emily in Athens, GA USA 12/01/2006

Castle View B & B in Conwy, on Berry street is run by Elaine and Ernest Pritchard, NOT Matthew, page 283, and on page 280, middle paragraph, starting "Aberconwy house...." it should be Berry St., NOT Barry.

trudy Vandermolen in Wyoming, MI USA 11/16/2006

Being a huge Doctor Who fan [long-running British sci-fi show], I was really excited to learn from Rick's book that a big exhibit existed in Llangollen, Wales. My husband and I realized that we wouldn't be able to make it since transporation to this city would be difficult in our allotted time. I called to ask about their hours and found out that the exhibit had moved three years before to Blackpool! Luckily, we were then able to go, but we would not have had a clue if I had not called!

[Editor's Note: Sorry for the incorrect information; it's been fixed for the 2007 edition. And what a great example of why it's always a good idea to call ahead! ]

Tammy in Albuquerque, NM USA 11/10/2006

Brock's Guest House (32 Brock St, Bath) is now under the enthusiastic management of Mike and Debbie Cavell, who are doing a wonderful job maintaining the B&B and providing personal care to their guests. The former owner, Marion Dodd, sold the B&B - but it has not closed down as an earlier update to your web site suggested. We found the B&B to be reasonably priced, immaculate, well furnished, and amazingly well located (just off the Circus and down the block from the Royal Crescent). FYI - we were there Sept 25-26, 2006.

david and sarah eitelbach in seattle, wa USA 11/09/2006

Ellergill Guest House Keswick, UK new owners Robin and Clare

Janice Straw in Walnut Creek , CA USA 11/03/2006

Classic City Tour hop on hop off bus in Bath is out of business. Remaining City Sightseeing had entertaining live guide who could be heard through earphones.

Dave & Pat Archard in Daytona Beach, FL USA 10/16/2006

The Collin House Hotel near Victoria station in London is under new managment and no longer provides a complementary breakfast.

Alan Burr in Vancouver , Canada 10/15/2006

The price of the Original London Sightseeing Bus Tour has increased to 18 pounds which was discounted by 2.50 with the presentation of the Rick Steves guidebook.

Gene Frekko in Winston-Salem, NC USA 10/03/2006

You need to inform readers that pictures are NOT ALLOWED in Westminster Abbey. I found this to be very dissappointing, as did several others in the church, who had paid the outrageous admission, only to find they could not take photos. Also, people are herded through the narrow aisles of the various alters to the point where you have little time to see anything at all!!

Doug in Naperville, IL USA 09/20/2006

Winchester Hotel in London room rate includes and excellent full breakfast. If booked online, rate is reduced by $10/night.

Darwyn Herbst in Longmont, CO USA 09/18/2006

In Great Britian 2006, the Garden Tearoom B&B in Stow-on-the-wold changed owners in early 2006 and charge slightly more than the book states. Still a nice place though:) Also, the Abbey Guesthouse in York now serves breakfast in their facility, not next door as stated.

Pat Griffin in Heidelberg, Germany 09/05/2006

BATH B&B--Muriel Guy's B&B is now know as 14 Raby Place. Very basic website is www.bath.org/hotel/14raby.htm

Susan in Nashville, TN USA 08/28/2006

Page 173 says the water in the Roman Baths in Bath is green because of the lead. A guide at the Roman Baths told us that the water is green because of algae and the sunlight (when there was a roof, there wouldn't have been sunlight, therefore the water would've been clear and we would've been able to see down; I can't remember if he said we would've been able to see the lead lining). Does lead even form green compounds?

Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 08/26/2006

While it is true that the two Internet cafes in York that are mentioned in the guidebook have closed, the basement of the City Screen Cinema on Coney Street (it's shown on the map from the TIC) has an Internet cafe/bar that is open from 11AM to 6PM.

Karen Sandness in Minneapolis, MN USA 08/26/2006

It may be partly a matter of opinion and interest, but we found Rievaulx Abbey, on the North York Moors, to be worth more than Rick's unenthusiastic recommendation. It was one of the most important abbeys in all of Britain in its time, and the setting is very quiet and peaceful.

Bruce Lindgren in Independence, MO USA 08/25/2006

There is no castle bus to take visitors from George St. up to Edinburgh Castle.

Sharron STEVENS in Oberstaufenbach, Germany 08/23/2006

The times of the Scottish History Museum in Edinburgh were wrong -- so we sadly missed it. When we were in York we tried to find organized tour vans to take us to the Yorkshire Moors, but the TI said they didn't exist. So we made up our own, by taking the Coastliner Express bus to Pringle, then getting on the steam train (which has no purpose other than pleasure riding, but which was fun and mostly full of locals) and getting off at a stop and going on a hike (we followed the hike recommended in a guidebook we bought at the train station). It was a lot of fun to be out on the lonely moors and see the sheep and the heathers -- one of the highlights of our trip (especially after fun but crowded Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival)

Summers Henderson in Somverville, MA USA 08/18/2006

I just wanted to let you know that a cash advance is a very expensive way to get cash. Last year I spent $20 in service charges on a cash advance of $85. I think the only way to make it work is to pay your projected balance, including the amount of spending money one will need , befoe setting off on the journey. Lindsay M

lindsay in oak park, il USA 08/15/2006

I would change the rating on the Catbells' hike in Keswick from "fairly easy" to "moderate". Also, we didn't think London taxis were a bargain, but maybe Rick wrote that when the dollar was stronger than the Pound - use The Tube! Driving in the UK was a breeze - especially after getting adjusted to driving on the left in Ireland!

Dave Johnson in Sacramento, CA USA 08/14/2006

York Castle Museum, living history characters were almost nonexistent. We saw two, one of which spoke.

Joel & Stacy in Emeryville, CA USA 08/13/2006

Gorphwyafa House Ruthin Wales- Apparently somehow the 2006 book on Great Britain deleted this wonderful B and B from the book because someone was told that Margaret had died. She is very much alive and is a wonderful hostess who is very helpful. Please put her back in the book. We booked our stay with her from the 2005 book. She knew instantly that we had the old book. She assured us she wasn't a ghost.

[Editor's Note: You'll be happy to hear that Margaret and her lovely B&B are back in our Great Britain book for 2007.]

Paula in Seattle , WA USA 08/08/2006

page 229 - Stow-on-the-Wold The Kneelers Group at Edward's Church does not meet in the "summer" as the women must tend to their gardens! I tracked down one of the members after morning mass as there was no meeting that I could find. They usually stop in July and begin again the "end of September". The TI knew nothing about this group so I have passed on this info to them as well.

Kathy McCartney in Prescott, AZ USA 08/08/2006

Shallow Falls in North Wales is now gated, with a one pound entry fee required. My opinion is that the price is not justified.

Also, you may want to include some info on Wimbledon's All England's Lawn and Tennis Club museum, near London.

James Chesire in Randolph, NJ USA 08/07/2006

Left luggage in Glasgow Central Station has moved to beside track 1 I believe and has gone up .50 pence more in price. The Kelvingrove museum will store luggage for free, as well at the Transport Museum.

Bart Roberts in Elkhart, IN USA 08/06/2006

Just came from Keswick. The book incorrectly says that 4,000 Methodists are in town during July. It has been Christians of many denominations for over 100 years, and the 5,000 of them this year certainly did fill the pubs. (Many American Christians don't imbibe, but Christians from other cultures see no problem with drinking alcohol in moderation or patronizing establishments that serve it.) The yearly three-week convention must be a huge boost to the city's economy.

W. S. Ponzani in Tokyo, Japan 08/05/2006

Although Durham train station stopped taking left luggage last July, the cathedral will hold it for an hour for free while you're there. There is also a shuttle you can catch just outside the station that takes you to the cathedral (and points in between) for 50 pence.

W. S. Ponzani in Tokyo, Japan 08/05/2006

The Hertz office in Bath has moved from the train station location.

Wendie McKernan in Mount Horeb, WI USA 08/03/2006

Durham train station does not have a left luggage facility, the nearest station with such a facility is Newcastle.

Tiffany in Oakland, CA USA 07/31/2006

While planning my trip I contacted B&B's and Hostels online to see if there were any reductions in price (since i'm going late November and staying at each place for 2-3 days). I was dissapointed to discover that most rates were higher then stated in the book (especially if these rates are considered in-season rates). Conwy's Castle View B&B is quoting 15 GBP more then was stated in the book (even after I mentioned I heard about them from Rick Steves 2006 guidebook). A couple other B&B's were only 5 or so more. The only constant seems to be the hostels.

Jaclyn Secrist PA USA 07/26/2006

Traveling on the London Underground system is now 3 pounds for inner city destinations, rather than 2 as the book states. They are adding new tracks to the rail system in Scotland around Edinburgh and Glasgow so the trains are consistantly running a half-hour late - don't schedule train transfers with only 15 minutes between trains -you will miss your train!

Kelley Grant-Kelley in Pataskala, OH USA 07/18/2006

Westminster Abbey is now 10 Pounds, The Original Tour is now 18 pounds and for 3 pounds more you can get a coupon that will give you your choice of meal at one of 3 stops on the tour (ie free fish and chips at Sherlock Holms Pub),

Anathea Gordon in Los Angeles, Ca USA 07/15/2006

In Bath the Thermae Bath Spa is finally set to open on August 7 according to the security guard. "Reach" the First Great Western's (train) monthly, featured the Spa in their Issue 9, 2006.

John Schreiter in Beaver Dam, WI USA 07/15/2006

1.Driving directions to Dalkeith Road B&B's in Edinburgh: Thank you for the advice to use the A720 City Bypass Road. One change - there is a lot of road construction in Edinburgh (June 2006). We did not find any roundabouts on the City Bypass Road, which made following the book's directions challenging. We did find an exit for A7 which we took, and think we probably got off the road one exit too soon as a result. Still better than driving straight through the city. 2. A number of prices of have changed, but that is to be expected. The bus from Dalkeith to the Royal Mile is now 1 pound rather than 80 pence. Entrance fees to several attractions had gone up as well.

Barbara Startz in Seattle, WA USA 07/02/2006

Raniven Guesthouse (Oban) is on Strathaven Terrace, not Strathlachlan Terrace.

Trish in Chapel Hill, NC USA 06/26/2006

The Garden Court Hotel, London, has a website that APPEARS to offer you available rooms, takes all your information, including credit card info. But it is actually an inquiry only site, so that you can think you have successfully found available rooms, only to find you haven't. Personally, I don't like giving my credit card info out unless I am actually booking a room and I felt misled.

Benita Grunseth in Albuquerque, NM USA 06/20/2006

Changes to buses on page 50. Getting to Windsor from Heathrow Airport which recommends Bus #50.

Routes 50A and 50B will no longer operate (since 31Mar06). Route 77 will now link Windsor to Heathrow. Also, Route 77 will not serve Datchet traveling intended via Slough.

Chris Jordan in Tucson, AZ USA 06/17/2006

on page 362, B&B's Along the River - Hillery sold Riverside Walk B&B in June 2005 when she got breast cancer. She passed away in December 2006 and her husband - Jim - ran Abbey Guest House alone the beginning of the year and sold it in June 2006 as he didn't want to run it without her. We stayed there 5 nights in May, just before the new owners took over. I'd suggest checking out BOTH Riverside Walk and Abbey Guest House before next publication as Jim didn't feel too good about the enw owners of Riverside Walk.

Kathy McCartney in Prescott, AZ USA 06/15/2006

From an email from Great British Heritage Pass. You may want to recalculate if buying the pass is worth it. Also, for Tower of London, the AAA site link lists Buy 1/half off second buy showing a European equivelent AAA card. Haven't tried that yet.

"Both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London were included on the Great British Heritage Pass last year. However they have been removed for this year. Please visit www.gbheritagepass.com for a full and up-to-date attraction list."

Shelly C in Cambridge, MA USA 06/14/2006

My husband and I and our three children (ages 6, 9 and 11)just came back from England and used Rick Steve's books and web site for much of our trip planning. One piece of advise from the book that didn't work in our case was buying Great British Heritage passes. We were there for 16 days and bought passes on our first day to use for the trip. The guide book said not to get passes for the children (which weren't available anyway) because children are free or cheap at most sights. We actually lost money by buying the passes, because most places charged about 2/3 the adult price for each of our three children. At many sights the family rate for all five of us was only four or five pounds more than we paid for our three children to get in. So we only saved 2 or 3 pounds per adult pass at most sights. Also the Tower of London and Kensington Palace were no longer on the list for these passes. We still went to all the places we wanted to visit and had a great time, but I thought other families might appreciate this info. There was an Overseas English Heritage pass which admitted children free if their parents had passes. I don't know how many sights are on this pass though.

Janet in Champaign, Il USA 06/10/2006

Abbeyfields Guest House in York (19 Bootham Terrace, www.abbeyfields.co.uk) will be closed July and August of 2006.

Angela Standridge in Houston, TX USA 06/05/2006

Something you need to know if you want to visit Castle Howard (outside of York) - there is only one bus that goes there each day. It leaves in the morning, and returns in the late afternoon. Unless you rent a car, it is the only way to get there. There are no tours - bus, coach or private - to Castle Howard. I'm not sure John Smith and his Yorkshire tours are still in business. One phone number just rang endlessly, the other went into a voice mail without identification. In spite of Rick's assertion that Blenheim is superior (it's an ugly pile of stone in my opinion) I still very much wanted to see Castle Howard, and due to lack of transportation, wasn't able to. Lonely Planet also, erroneously, said there were several buses and tours out to Castle Howard.

Siobhan Keleher in San Diego, CA USA 05/28/2006

Directions to Hidcote Manor (p225) are wildly wrong! It's nowhere near the B4035.

Take the B4081 north from Chipping Camden almost to Mickleton, (2.7 mi.) then right on Bakers Hill road go .85 mi. then left at the T junction go .35 mi., then right .25 mi. to the Gardens.

Alternatively from the B4039 watch for Hicote road on the left about 2 miles east of Chipping Camden, go north about another two miles, turn right and go about a half mile, then right again another quarter mile.

My wife said she enjoyed it as much as Kew Gardens, if not more. For a gardening enthusiast especially, it deserves more than one triangle recommendation.

Overall, this book is worth it's weight in gold. Don't leave home without it!

Pete & Jacqueline Carss, Ottawa, Canada

Peter Carss in Ottawa, ON Canada 05/19/2006

Just a few corrections to a wonderfully helpful guide -- As of April, children are now free on the tube after 9:30AM with a paying adult. There are supposed to be attendants around to let children through the gates, but usually we couldn't find one and just quickly went through together. The British Heritage Pass is new and was a bit more of a deal (52 pounds for 15 days) for us than just the London pass, though they have cut out a few of the London sites. Do the math. If driving to Ironbridge Gorge from the Cotwolds/Warwick area, the toll M6 is great, as Rick recommends, but it overshoots the M54. You'll need to do a bit of backtracking on A449. In Oxford, if you want to do both the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour and the Oxford Story, ask for a joint ticket and save some money. Also, the bus tour now has headphones even on the live tour, so you don't have to worry about sitting close enough to the guide to hear.

Peggy Schnorr in Morgan Hill, CA USA 05/15/2006

The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath The opening hours are 12.00 noon to 17.00 Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays and Mondays in August. Manor house is now fully accessable to wheelchair users.

Laura Brown in Bath, So UK 05/09/2006

I plan to go with Rick's team to Scotland this summer and have been doing lots of reading about the country, its history, culture and people. Rick's Great Britain 2006 gives Scotland scimpy coverage and seems to have a bias against Scotland in general. Why so? If you don't like it very much, why offer a tour there? Also, maps of Scotland are not particularly useful. Lonely Planet guidebook is much better.

Betty Benson in Moscow, Id USA 05/02/2006

In his Great Britain 2005 guidebook, (pp 12)Rick recommends a restaurant called La Campagnola Restaurant which no longer exists.

Wendy in Denney, FL USA 04/30/2006

(From 2005 edition - may have already been corrected in 2006) Museum of Scotland does not have late hours on Tuesday nights anymore. They close at 5:00 pm just like the other days of the week.

Maria Strine in Cincinnati, Oh USA 04/15/2006

Library House B&B in Ironbridge Gorge does not accept children younger than 10 years old

Janis Randazzo in Tustin, ca USA 04/05/2006

We've encountered that the British Heritage Pass is no longer valid at Windsor Castle nor the half off pass at Tower of London. It seem that numerous places did not renew their agreement for the 2006 season. We were a little disappointed.

LAH in Littleton, CO USA 04/05/2006

Yes. The Castle Museumin (York) did not have any living guides (the 2006 states: "the museum proudly offers no audioguides, as its living guides in each room are enthusiastic about talking.") at least in March, 2006.

Amy Alpine in Eau Claire, WI USA 04/05/2006

In planning our Spring 2006 trip to Great Britain, we found that many of the accomodation prices had increased. Castleview B&B, for example, claimed that no one from Rick Steves had checked their establishment in three years and that they had to raise their prices in 2005 by £4 pounds.

Jeff in MdKinney, TX USA 04/03/2006

Bath: Brock's Guest House - Marion just emailed us (March 29, 2006) to tell us she has to cancel our July reservation - medical concerns are causing her to retire - don't know exactly when she is closing her doors, but certainly by July 06. We used your Great Britian 05 book to make this reservation, don't know if Brock's had been listed in 06 edition.

Susan Fernald in Hillsboro, OR USA 03/30/2006

Tried to make a reservation at Alcuin Lodge in York. The 2006 guidebook says their double runs L45-50. However, when I emailed asking for this rate, they responded that the rate is L55 and that it has been that price for over a year. They also claimed that there was no where in York to stay for L45 a night except for a hostel.

Jeff in Mckinney, TX USA 03/28/2006

The phrase "prices promised with book through 2006" doesn't necessarily hold true. The hostess at Castleview in Durham is asking 74# Sb and 76# Db per night. When I mentioned the rates quoted in your guidebook and that those were promised through 2006, she emailed that prices go up 1 April 2006. Period.

Kay Rinck in Eaton Rapids, MI USA 03/17/2006

Just got off the phone with Hertz International after failing to reserve a car pickup in Bath on the Hertz website. The woman on the phone was also unable to reserve a car pickup there, and after some investigation informed me that the Herz office in Bath is being closed.

Ken Cecka in Snohomish, WA USA 03/12/2006

Misprint: The listing for walking tours in Bath (page 170) states that on Sunday there is only a 10:30 tour. The Mayor's Corps of Honorary Guides' Web site (http://www.thecityofbath.co.uk/mayor's_guides.htm) says that there is only one tour on Saturday. There are two tours on Sunday (10:30 and 14:00).

W. S. Ponzani in Tokyo, Japan 03/08/2006

The Cotswolds office if Country Lanes Cycle Centre, in Moreton (page 213), has closed. They still do tours which start and end in Moreton, but have centers only in Brockenhurst, Windermere, and Lakeside.

W. S. Ponzani in Tokyo, Japan 03/08/2006

The Hoverspeed Ferry no longer operates between Dover and Calais. They discontinued service in November 2005 for financial reasons.

Jean Thayer in Evergreen, CO USA 02/28/2006

I'm not sure if this is the best way to contact you but here goes! A small update to the info that was in the section of the guide on York. We have fairly recently (June '05) taken over Riverside Walk Guest House and a working hard to make it much nicer than before! Our names are Kevin and Inma Cox. by all means look at our new website riversidewalkyork.com. Hope this isn't too presumptious! Regards Kevin.

Kevin Cox in York, UK 02/28/2006

The Rick Steves' Great Britain 2006 show the e-mail address for Dragon House B&B in Chipping Campden, England to be info@dragonhouse-chipping-campden.com and it should be info@dragonhouse-chipping-campden.co.uk This is the fifth Rick Steves' book we have used in our trips to Europe the past five years and we would not be without them. Ed Mittelstadt, Portland, Oregon

Ed Mittelstadt in Portland, OR USA 02/20/2006

Re: Staying in Keswick, Lake District. We discovered while attempting to book a B&B for the May 12/06 weekend that there is a jazz festival happening that weekend and most of the accommodation is fully booked. One B&B still had space but wanted a commitment of 3 nights stay, minimum. As this may be an annual event, please be aware. We were able to book in a B&B Windermere no problem, for a more reasonable rate of £23 per person/nt. Mel, Surrey BC

Mel Dear in Surrey, BC Canada 01/28/2006