England 2013 Guidebook
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Just a big THANK YOU for changing your recommendations to use the TIs for all their freebies only. See England 2013 page 491. Without people spending money, the TIs will not be there - as has happened at Stow on the Wold (again) - it used to be the best resourced, most knowledgeable with the biggest information provision, until it closed because the District Council refused to pay to run it. The small business which opened a new, tinier version struggled for several years, but then closed because they had insufficient income from the visitors. Please include a prominent note that TIs need money to survive, and takings for sales or accommodation bookings provide that.
Gen'e Jeffrey in Chipping Campden, GL UK 05/18/2013
2010 England book, Stratford-upon-Avon, p. 427: add Arden Park Guest House 6 Arden Street tel: 01798/262126 www.ardenparkguesthouse.co.uk, bookings@ardenparkhotel.co.uk, owners Mark and Marichu Very comfortable, good breakfast and wonderfully helpful hosts. Off-street parking 100 meters away, pay when checking in. Next door to Emsley Guest House. Easy walk to restaurants, pubs, theater and other sites. We would definitely stay there again.
Frank Evans in GE-1214 Vernier, Switzerland 04/02/2013
2010 England book, Stratford-upon-Avon, p. 427: add Arden Park Guest House 6 Arden Street tel: 01798/262126 www.ardenparkguesthouse.co.uk, bookings@ardenparkhotel.co.uk, owners Mark and Marichu Very comfortable, good breakfast and wonderfully helpful hosts. Off-street parking 100 meters away, pay when checking in. Next door to Emsley Guest House. Easy walk to restaurants, pubs, theater and other sites. We would definitely stay there again.
Frank Evans in Vernier, Switzerland 04/02/2013
Make sure people know to go to your web site for the updates. They are really helpful.......
Carole Dee in Olmsted Falls, Oh USA 01/22/2013
Have a bit more information on Hostels. Many places I had to find on my own and while B&Bs are all well and good, if you happen to be travelling alone for any part of your trip they aren't worth the cost. Even the most expensive hostel can be a cheaper alternative for some people and many, like YHA hostels are were many local couples or singles who can afford a B&B choose to stay in order to save some money.
Peter Schank in Cheektowaga, NY USA 10/21/2012
I am usually a Rick Steves fan, but large, frequently visited areas of England were omitted from this book. Where are Chester (a beautiful small city with two-tiered shopping streets), Rochester (a wonderful cathedral and site for fans of Charles Dickens), and Winchester (home to one of the most beautiful early Gothic cathedrals in England). All three attract countless visitors and are included in other guidebooks. Do the authors have a bias against sites with the word "chester"? In addition, Leeds Castle, called the most beautiful castle in England, is not reviewed. I hope that the 2013 edition (available in October 2012) will have corrected these deficiencies.
Charlotte Fierman in Philadelphia, PA USA 08/31/2012
Please delete your recommendation for Cartref House! They do not deserve it. I recently got a message from another Trip Advisor reviewer who stated her experience there was identical to ours, and that she's still irked about it. So am I. For the average American traveller Cartref House is not inexpensive and we felt very ripped off by them.
Win Cahill in Flagstaff, AZ USA 07/11/2012
I would recommend adding this restaurant to your section on Bath: Rustico Bistro Italiano, 2 Margarets Buildings, Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LP, T: 01225 310064. Very small - seats about 15 folks, but wonderfully prepared food, congenial waiters, 5 minutes from Royal Crescent.
Tom Hampson in Granger, IN USA 06/16/2012
We used the book for virtually all of our lodgings and most meals. You are legendary. Met lots of "Rick Steves" fans both among folks in the B & B's and among the hosts of same - and the guides of the Walking tours. Several reported "Steve sightings."
I'm really grateful for the hard work that goes into researching and preparing your guides - and for the approach to travel that seeks to maximize connection to the local community.
A comments by one of our hosts:
"Rick Steve's books are like passports. They open up the doorway to the best of our country. And for some, they are as essential!"
Tom Hampson in Granger, IN USA 06/16/2012
add Antionette B&B stated above for Avebury England
Louise Tracey-Hosa in Las Cruces , NM USA 11/13/2011
If there is any way to purchase tickets to Westminster Abbey in advance, you might mention it. We stood in line for almost an hour--resulting in lots of interesting pictures of gargoyles, by the way. However, once inside, we opted for the verger-led tour for only 3 pounds per person. It was probably the best 12 pounds we spent on the whole trip.
Yousuf & Theresa Omar in Coppell, TX USA 08/04/2011