Great Britain 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Wells Cathedral
Why: A hidden gem, you need a car to get there and it is well worth it. A wonderful small town with lots of period architecture.
Don Waddell in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/28/2011
Best: Isle of Skye
Why: absolutely gorgeous scenery, friendly hosts, well worth the extra driving to get there
Gretchen in Winston-Salem, NC USA 07/28/2011
Best: York
Why: such an easy city to navigate and to enjoy...very rich history
Kim Anderson in North Vancouver, BC Canada 07/11/2011
Worst: Hadrian's Wall
Why: Like Stonehenge, sorta underwhelming. Don't look for the Great Wall of China. The detour by auto to Housesteads not worth the effort. There is a good stretch of the wall right off the main road near Carlisle where there is no one there except you, the wall and friendly grazing cattle.
Kyle Dameron in Tulsa, Ok USA 07/03/2011
Best: Churchill War Museum
Why: Very interesting, loved this quiet, out-of-the-way museum. Lots of interesting items
Nancy Robinson in Nampa, ID USA 06/16/2011
Best: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Why: Extensive, thoughtfully displayed exhibits that span thousands of years. Very impressive collection. I pooped out before the exhibits did, but would love to return. And, it's free!
Maureen Oberlin in Tallahassee, FL USA 06/05/2011
Best: Trotternish Peninsula, Skye
Why: The hike at Quirang -- up (south) from the parking lot; all the directions and recommendations hit the mark
Mark Gibson in Fairfax, VA USA 05/25/2011
Best: Badgers Wood Guest House, Keswick
Why: Comfortable clean rooms, great location with easy access to buses, boats and trains, fantastically friendly and extremely helpful proprietors and beautiful surroundings in the Lakes District.
Sue in Seattle, WA USA 05/07/2011
Best: walking in the Lake district, visiting the castles, Culloden and the churchill museum , walking tours of London
Why: the scenic beauty of the lake country and the pleasure of walking with all the english families. the marvels of the castles brought to life by the wonderful guides, the historic importance of the war rooms and churchill, and the excellent presentation
Worst: nothing
Why: we loved it all, and were delighted with all the discoveries you led us to.
carol thibault in vancouver, bc canada 04/29/2011
Best: Evensong at the York Minster
Why: Hearing the choir and organ in such a phenomenally large and beautiful structure moved us to tears.
Worst: Hill Top Farm (Beatrix Potter's home)
Why: As mentioned in the guide book, there is no information there. It was so dark inside, it was impossible to decipher photos or anything in print.
Diane & Rick Steiner in CLifton Park, NY USA 04/26/2011
Best: Heart of Scotland Tours
Why: Great guides, easy travel, very informative for any one who has not been outside the major cities -- Edinburgh and Glasgow -- to see the wild Scottish landscape!
Maggie Anderson in Kent, OH USA 11/27/2010
Best: Cotswolds
Why: Charming villages, wonderful to meander from one to another (get a map from a TI). We used Stow-on-the-Wold as a base, which was perfect, and a lovely village. Great area to do by car.
Ann in Minneapolis, MN USA 11/18/2010
Best: Edinburgh walk/Pitlochry Edradour Distillery
Why: We wouldn't have stopped in Pitlochry if it wasn't for the book, and it turned out to be a high point. LOVED our guide, a crusty Scotsman. We wouldn't have learned our way around Edinburgh nearly so well if it weren't for Rick's Royal Mile walk, as well as the New Town.
Nancy Kline in Mission Viejo, CA USA 11/10/2010
Best: Edinburgh
Why: The town is beautiful, romantic, historical and fun.
Darla Weiser in Friant, CA USA 10/24/2010
Best: Llangollen Men's Choir
Why: It was our only opportunity to hear, and see, a Welsh men's choir outside of the Eisteddfod festival. They were great. Very friendly people but ask kindly to be allowed to sit in on their practice.
Frederick Metcalfe in North Vancouver, BC Canada 10/15/2010
Best: Literary Pub Crawl in Edinburgh
Why: It ended up being soooo much more fun than we expected. The actors were hilarious. Thank you for noting that this is not just for literary enthusiasts. That encouraged us to sign up for it.
Melissa Lozano in Lakewood, CO USA 08/11/2010
Best: Ferry/bus trip from Oban to the Isles of Mull and Iona
Why: Despite some early apprehensions due to the 'cattle boat' feel of the morning ferry ride, the scenery was great. And as indicated in the guide book, the crowds blended into the countryside once we got to Iona. Bus driver on Mull was informative and entertaining. Memorable experience. If you are into photography and get lucky with the weather, you'll be able to fill an entire album in just one day.
Worst: York Castle Museum
Why: The exhibits were well done, but this museum can't seem to decide what it wants to be. Had a hard time adjusting to the very different themes inside.
Don in Bellingham, WA USA 08/08/2010
Best: Melrose 45 minutes south of Edinburgh
Why: Small scenic village on the river Tweed. Fine Melrose Abbey (ruins) lots of restaurants, pubs, tea rooms, etc. Good shopping too.
Deb Peate in Williston, VT USA 07/17/2010
Best: Oban
Why: The distillery was excellent, the Shellfish Shack was delicious for crab sandwiches. A very nice and beautiful little town. We wish we had spent more time there.
Worst: National History Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
Why: Layout very difficult to follow; the exhibits did not flow well from one to the other.
Kristen in Raleigh, NC USA 07/08/2010
Best: The Town House B&B, Conwy, Wales
Why: There are few superlatives in this world. The Town House B&B is one.
It is not my intention to over-speak... but if you are fortunate enough that they have a vacancy, and if you can secure a room there, you will have done yourself a good turn, indeed.
My wife and I stayed at the Town House after just having completed a gruelling (though fun) 7-day schedule in which I was privileged to have taken part in playing in several concerts in France.
Our trip to North wales was two-fold; to rest after the concerts and to be able to do further musical research in North Wales.
I have traveled on four continents. At no previous time nor in any previous establishment have I been better cared-for, was made more comfortable... or was better fed.
In the sure hands of Elaine and Alan Staughton, The Town House Bed & Breakfast hums along in that oh so rare combination of home-like comfort and professional competence.
And no review can (or should) be written without "Glen," their wonderful black and white Border Collie, who helps them at every turn, to make sure that everything runs just so.
And... you will be in North Wales; one of the most awe-inspiring places on our globe.
You can have no better combination... and you could not possibly be in better hands, nor in better company.
I envy you your first stay with them.
With regards,
David Cormalleth
David Cormalleth in Chicago, Il USA 06/28/2010
Best: Blue badge tours of Oxford
Why: Informative,stayed interesting even after 2 hours
AJ FORSTER in MIAMI, FL USA 06/27/2010
Best: Edinburgh Castle & Glencoe
Why: Now that is what a castle should look like. Glencoe was one of & maybe the prettist places that I have ever been.
Worst: Museum of Scotland.
Why: Poor layout. Hard to follow. I wish we would have used our limited time to see the Royal Yacht instead.
Scot Dailey in Arlington, Tx USA 06/26/2010
Best: "Mercat Historic Vault Tours" in Edinburgh
Why: Fascinating history of a hidden part of Edinburgh
Worst: Sandemmans Free Tours of Edinburgh
Why: Simply awful and a huge waste of time.
Jo in Frankfurt am Main, Germany 06/05/2010
Best: Bath free walk , British museum 3 stars and Lake district circlular car drive
Why: 1. Lake district circular drive - Too pretty for words. Definitely would not have done it if not listed. Even the Catbells ridge walk. 2. Bath walk - Informative and quite thorough, done only because book gave 3* 3.British museum - unless the book gave 3 stars and listed exactly where to start and what to do, would have got lost there. I loved Rosetta stone, Elgin marbles , Asyrian collection and mummies. Did not do anything else. 4. Castlerigg circle only did because it was listed. And with our luck, we could not do any other so happy that it was listed and explained.
Worst: Fashion museum
Why: Definitely did not deserve 2 stars. Very small, anything but comprehensive, very superficial, nothing in-depth. Should have been just a mention.I only went because it had 2 stars and I have almost always agreed with the rating in all books I have referred.Should have been just a mention. 0-star. Urqhart - Glad you gave 1 star. My daughter read the title and said '1-star, 6 pounds and ruins - I do not want to look for Nessie which does not even exist from there'.
Alpa in Bangalore, India 05/18/2010
Best: Tower of London
Why: The Beefeater tour was our most memorable event, in a trip packed with memorable events. (but the Bath Bizarre Comedy Walk was a close second!
Worst: Harrods dept store
Why: over-priced and pretentious - as you warned (but we had to see it).
Richard Kussin in Cincinnati, OH USA 05/03/2010
Best: Conway, Wales and its Castle
Why: beautiful little medieval welsh town with nice people,the town wall is authentic that you can walk, the walk up Conway mountain is truly an experience (welsh ponies and sheep along the way with a fabulous 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside and ocean)
Pamela King in Vacaville, Ca USA 03/06/2010
Best: Cotswolds
Why: relaxing. The day hikes to the different villages were exceptional. Staying at the youth hostel in Stow-on-Wold let us experience "village life" for several days (I was traveling with a friend in the summer). We had a rental car, so it was also easy to get to Stratford and back in one day (including a performance at Royal Shakespeare).
Craig in Parkton, MD USA 03/03/2010
Best: 1. York as a whole. 2. Edinburgh Castle. 3. Edinburgh Literary Tour. 4. London Docklands Museum
Why: York has so much to see and do and so conveniently located, and the signs make it easy to get everywhere. We spent 5 hours at Edinburgh Castle. We never expected there would be that much to see. The Edinburgh Literary Walk was a fabulous first night in town. It set the scene for the rest of our time there. And the London Docklands Museum, which we discovered from other guides, was amazing. A truly fascinating museum in a beautiful part of town.
Matt L. in Arlington, VA USA 10/21/2009
Best: Mad Max Tours--Cotswolds and Stonehenge
Why: They were just as described--friendly, small, informative.
Worst: The Fashion Museum
Why: Very small. Could have done so much more with it. When we were there, they did have a good temporary exhibit on the Supremes' fashion, which included information on the Civil Rights era.
Nancy in Columbus, OH USA 09/13/2009
Best: The Roman Baths
Why: We went at night, as suggested, and it was beautiful. Amazingly well done museum and audio with it.
Worst: The Thermae Bath Spa
Why: Rick's write-up was right on point; way overpriced for what it was. Also, the steam room was so heavily perfumed with mint scents that it made my daughter's and my eyes burn, so we didn't do that part of it, which left the two pools. Also, surprised that there was no hot tub available.
Nancy in Columbus, OH USA 09/13/2009
Best: Parkfield Guest House in Keswick
Why: Delightful, close to town activities and hosts John and Susan Berry were wonderful. We also attended the annual Beer festival on June 5th and had a wonderful time. The people were so friendly and the entertainment was great.
Worst: Blackpool
Why: Actually, the Beechcliffe was very nice and Ken was very helpful, but the town was a bit sad. We walked onto one of the piers and I went on the Carousel and they were playing all WWI songs! We were there June 3rd and it was practically deserted, plus when we met Brittish folks in the Pubs and they talked to us about our itinerary, when we said that we were going to Blackpool, they all tried to talk us out of it! It was very funny.
Jan and Greg Wieboldt in Ormond Beach, FL USA 09/12/2009
Best: Verger tour of Westminster Abbey
Why: As earlier commenters have said, Benjamin the verger is the best tourguide we ever have had, anywhere.
Worst: york castle museum
Why: My husband and I thought the museum not nearly as extraordinary as the guide says, and would not recommend it if someone has limited time in York.
nancy nathan in bethesda, md USA 09/08/2009
Best: Military Tattoo in Edinburgh
Why: It was stirring - the music, the tartans waving in the wind - a great experience among many.
Worst: The search for Budget rental car at Heathrow.
Why: Wasted valuable time, needlessly.
Nancy Holler in Auburn, ME USA 09/07/2009
Best: Mary Arden's House, Stratford-upon-Avon
Why: Our kids were captivated by the falconry demonstrations, adults also enjoyed learning/talking with Tudor period interpreters. Good bring-your-own picnic spot.
Mark H. in Seattle, WA USA 09/04/2009
Best: Bath and Mad Max Tours
Why: Bath is incredible. Took a half day Stonhenge/Lacock tour with Mad Max. Chris was an informative, delightful guide. The next day we went "romping" through the Cotswalds with Charles. He too made the trip memorable.
Cathy M in Erie, CO USA 08/27/2009
Best: Impossible to say
Why: We loved everything we did and everything you recommended except below but the day trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness is a MUST do if you won't have enough time to explore the whole country.The beauty of this country is awesome.
Worst: Kensington Palace
Why: This is very disappointing if you are expecting a lot of Princess Diana information/memorabilia since this is where she lived. and the Debutante exhibit goes on too long and just isn't worth the time when there is so much to do and see in London. Although the gardens outside the Palace are beautiful as is the walk through the park where there are wonderful public spaces in Diana's memory (fountain and playground). Along these lines, Harrod's is something to see since it is a London landmark however it is over the top, overpriced and we found the Princess Diana memorials tacky and in very poor taste. It was upsetting- the store is a spectacle. Clearly, I have very mixed feelings here. It is "London" but it is also a rip-off and to see this man trying to capitalize on the tragic death of his son and Princess Diana is horrifying.
Pam Davis in Chicago, Il USA 08/08/2009
Best: Bath - MadMax tour
Why: Great one day tour to Stonehenge and the Cotwolds. Great tour guide Charles! A great way to see a number of sites in one day.
Worst: Bath Fashion Museum
Why: Not worth the entry price to see so little.
Kendra K in Denver, CO USA 06/06/2009
Best: Everything we saw
Why: So much to do, and everything was interesting
Worst: Blenheim Palace
Why: Couldn't see as was being used for film shoot. Other people were upset they paid full price without being told they would be restricted so much. TI did not even know.
Bev Terry in Shelby Township, MI USA 06/03/2009
Best: Hampton Court Palace
Why: Hampton Court Palace is the single best single site I saw in the country. Through the use of an amazing set of audio guides, costumed actors, and well informed staff, they bring the palace and history to life.
Other sites emphasize listing the years things were built and other such facts which quite quickly become boring, as they're disconnected from anything vibrant. The audio guide tour starts you through Henry VIII's original kitchens, which have been outfitted with recently made equipment in exactly the right techniques, filled with food (some real some fake), the fireplaces are blazing and they actually cook food on the spit (on holiday weekends). They make it feel like a working kitchen.
Then you tour Henry's apartments where they're recreating his final marriage to Katheryn Parr. You're guided through and given the experience of a courtier attending the wedding.
It's all in this style, which is very enlivening and interesting. They have a short presentation where they take one of his tapestries, with the dull and changed colors typical of old tapestries, and shine a computer projection onto it to show what it originally looked like, then the projection highlights bits of it to describe the action very clearly.
It goes on like this. Don't underestimate how long it all takes. To see it all will take at least 4-6 hours, and that's not including the gardens.
(Note: similarly positive experiences at the Beamish, Edinburgh Castle, and the Tower of London)
Worst: Public Transport in North Wales
Why: You should take a serious reassessment of getting around in North Wales. It requires a lot more patience, and is much more limiting, than what you describe.
I don't think than Conwy makes a good base. It isn't on the Sherpa lines, and it is a 15-20 minute walk from the north-south train line. Reasonable for access to Caernarfon.
I stayed at Betws-y-Coed which is halfway down the north-south train to Blaenau, on the basis that the Sherpa map showed three Sherpa lines coming to Betws. It's out of date, yet still on the website. There's really only 2, and combined they run hourly to Pen-y-Pass. There they make untimed connections to the other Sherpa buses. Also the Sherpa buses to Betws stop service before 5PM. Getting to Caernarfon is a bit of a feat typically requiring two connections.
I'm not sure that there is a great solution to this problem. Maybe 2 nights at Conwy and then two nights in Betws?
traveline was critical for my time up here. The TI in Betws was not much help except that they had the complete timetable for all regional trains and buses, which is a must if you don't have traveline access on your phone via the Internet.
Ethan Solomita in San Francisco, CA USA 05/30/2009
Best: York's Medieval Wall
Why: Not only chraming to walk, but a way of getting around the city efficiently. The Richard III Meuseum on the wall was kitschy and we did not go in, as scored of English school children were doing so, but we loved the daily scoreboard tallying visitors' voted on who really killed the princes in the tower. The day we were there, Richard III came in second the day before; Henry Tudor was #1, followed by Shakespeare, Gordon Brown, Simon Cowell and Sarah Palin.
Worst: Lighthouse GLASGOW
Why: It really isn't awful, but if you take the Glasgow School of Art tour, you can skip this.
Carla White in San Francisco, CA USA 04/05/2009
Best: Durham Cathedral evensong
Why: OK, the singing was lovely. If you go, DO NOT sit in the choir. Sit in the front of the nave. Go early. Otherwise you will miss the show: one of the priests or other staff stands under the tower and manually rings the bells, using long (of course they're long, Carla)striped velvet ropes for 15 minutes before evensong begins! He changes arms, shakes out the tired one; what fun!
Carla White in San Francisco, CA USA 04/05/2009
Best: Glasgow School of Art GLASGOW
Why: Well worth making an advance reservation, the home of British Art Nouveau. Great student guide, Lisa, in the ceramics program, which is, sadly, closing down. This was a high point of our trip.
Carla White in San Francisco, USA 04/05/2009