England 2012 Guidebook
Best ways to improve this book:
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
Include full addresses to use with GPS. Give "detailed" directions with walks. We often felt unsure of where we were going. Check the landmarks to verify they still exist. I think some are gone, like walking around the block at one end of Chipping Campden.
Carol in Normandy Park, WA USA 08/19/2010
Can't think of a thing. After a wonderful trip where we used Rick's England guidebook as our "Bible", my husband and I agreed that Rick gave wonderful advice and never steered us wrong. We can't wait to plan our next trip with Rick's help. We also used his money belts and umbrellas which came in handy throughout the trip.
Susan Manning in Davidson, NC USA 07/29/2010
It would be wise to upgrade the Liverpool section. We found sooo much more than was printed. And Liverpool is now in the top 3 of England's most visited cities. I'd get in on the tour directing there if I were you.
Karen D'Amato in San Carlos, CA USA 07/25/2010
It's great already :-) But re the Globe: put in BOLD print: if you go to a performance, RENT a CUSHION!! After sitting through the first half without one, I rented one during intermission.
Paula Telesco in Chelmsford, MA USA 07/23/2010
Add Mason's Bistro to your York restaurant recommendations. It had good food, reasonably priced and very nice atomosphere. Across from the Blue Bicycle.
You need to add more about shopping in London, particularly about Oxford Circus area/street.
Christopher Binkert in Atlanta, GA USA 06/13/2010
We were very pleased with the 2010 London Book and felt information was clear and maps were great. Just add "Beware of Kensington Palace until at least 2012!"
Marcia Lloyd in Pocatello, ID USA 06/12/2010
I cannot think of anything. Rick seems to have covered it all. We used his tips on packing, on cash and credit/debit cards, phones, etc. It was almost like having him beside us and it made our trip very, very pleasant.
Adair Pickard in Clayton, NC USA 05/30/2010
I am spending too much time reading this book. I love it. I am addicted to your TV show.
Ellen Huber in Carlisle, MA USA 04/12/2010
Pay attention to reader's comments, and when there are several complaints, perhaps those accomodations should be deleted.
[Editor's Note: Thank you for your comments. We carefully consider all feedback before deciding to keep or drop a listing. For more on assessing reader complaints, see Rick's blog for Oct. 23, 2009, "Paola's Arc: Many Recommended Restaurants Have a Shelf Life."]
georgiana shaw in chickamauga, GA USA 09/28/2009
Overall, we were pleased with your book. The recommendations were great except Abbey House. the maps were helpful and we took it with us b/c it isn't too heavy. My wife was a Lonely Planet fan but found Steves much better for England. When we go to Rhine River next year, we'll be buying Steves!
Peter Thompson in Charlottesville, va USA 09/20/2009
Perhaps include a little more information on great Cotswold hikes?
Antje in Portland, OR USA 08/20/2009
We could not have driven our car in England without the GPS unit in the car. I think a GPS is indispensable for driving in England. You might want to highlight that in the book. Also, please emphasize how much longer it takes to get from one location to the next by car. Destinations we thought would take 1 hour (say 50 miles away) took 3 hours! We skipped out on the Lake District :( because it was too far in the car. Instead we went to the Midlands and were pleasantly surprised.
Maria Shuman in Boulder, , CO USA 08/10/2009
Hotels in the city have good rates on the weekend. We moved to Andaz, just down from Liverpool Street Station for a rate of 135 euros per night. Excellent deal for the accommodations.
Shirley in Rome, GA USA 08/09/2009
In the London section of the book, please include Balfour, 75-77 Marchmont St., Bloomsbury WC1N 1AP, 44 020 7713 6111, open noon to 11 p.m. They have terrific Mediteranean-European style food cooked and presented very nicely. The place is very attractive, red tile outside, wooden tables and chairs inside, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. As we always stay in Bloomsbury, this is one of our favorite places to eat, though I never see it mentioned anywhere. Evening meals are a bit pricey but no worse than a restaurant meal anywhere else in London. In addition, they have a set two course lunch menu for six pounds ninty five, a very good deal, indeed. As it's very close to the British Museum and British Library, a good place for lunch.
Paula Harris in Milwaukie, OR USA 08/01/2009
In the 2008, Book, there is nary a word about Southhampton. It is the homeport for the QM2 and other ships, meaning that numerous North Americans pass though every year. We have made two round trips to the UK through Southhampton. Book needs a mention of the lack of face cloths in the UK with suggestion that Americans carry with them either high quality commercial paper towels or old wash cloths that can be abandoned. A notation should be added that powdered artifical sweetner is generally not available. Would like further discussion relating to tipping in restaurants; i.e. are the tips left on the table, left in a dish at the cashier, or what?
Geoffrey B. Dobson in St. Augustine, FL USA 07/07/2009
Please add more address location information so sites are easier to locate with GPS units.
Mike Flaherty in St Louis, MO USA 06/13/2009
The book, England 2008, was excellent! I had a wonderful trip with the book to guide and I will turn to you for my next trip, Thanks Rick! Also love the show!
Paul DiBlasi in Jacksonville Beach, Fl USA 05/27/2009
Doing the mobile phone dance when visiting a number of countries can suck up days. Daze and Days. A warning about that and simple solid recommendations.
David Bean in Portland, Or USA 05/22/2009
In Great Britian 2008 I was unable to find anything about Cornwall-Penzance, Lands End, etc. In the future please add a section for Cornwall. Thanks so much.
[Editor's Note: Cornwall has its own chapter in "Rick Steves' England," but is not included in the "Rick Steves' Great Britain" book due to space issues.]
N. White in Kannapolis, NC USA 05/10/2009
I guess I'm glad you left out East Anglia - no crowds and so much to see and do. Parham Airfield was the highlight of my week.
Martha in Rockville, MD USA 03/02/2009