Bath or Bristol...Cambridge or Oxford...Ring of Kerry or Dingle Penn????
Sorry for the long title. I'm trying to plan a trip and I keep running up against "tough" decisions! Having a difficult time deciding whether to hit Oxford or Cambridge (leaning toward Cambridge) Dingle or Kerry (leaning toward Dingle) and Bath or Bristol. It's just two of us travelling and all by public transport. My biggest concern is Dingle...are there tours that leave from Killarney? Would rain/fog going to make the trip there a waste of time? Many thanks in advance!
Nicki
Davenport, USA 3/15/10
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Thanks Steve...I'm in the same boat, going back to Europe soon too...
I would DEFINITELY go to Oxford over Cambridge. I've been to both - Oxford twice and Cambridge once - and was actually rather disappointed in Cambridge (sorry, Rick). I just like the vibe better in Oxford - and you can't beat the Christ Church Meadow, the Bird and Baby, Magdalen College, the deer meadow thing behind Magdalen ... just everything about the town is great. OH MY, and Blackwell's bookstore! =)
Cambridge is a half-day project, Bath is a coffee stop.
Oxford is worth a couple or three days. Bristol is great, plus it's close to Cardiff and all the spots in south Wales.
I've not had much luck with Ireland when it was not raining skunks and racoons -- no opinion.
I've only been to Oxford (which I liked), so I can't help with that one. I've only been to Bath, but I just want to say that I absolutely love Bath. I have been to Dingle and the Ring of Kerry. I loved both, but love Dingle the most. A little rain is not generally a problem in Ireland. If you get a lot of fog, that could be a problem. I've been to Ireland twice and encountered quite a bit of rain, especially on my second trip, and never experienced fog. Even in light rain, Dingle is pretty. I had a car, so I can't help you with tours.
And another opinion .... of the England towns, I like Cambridge best, Oxford 2nd and Bath 3rd. Haven't been to Bristol. Evensong at King's College Chapel is definitely worth attending. If you can only see 2 towns, think about doing the 2 university towns on this trip and save Bath & Bristol for your next one.
I have to respectfully disagree with Tim. I would not pick two university towns. I recommend you pick two different experiences.
I have been to Bath twice and would go again in a minute. I love Bath and still thinking of souvenirs I wish I had purchased in Bath and didn't. (See another thread in General Europe). I have not been to Oxford or Cambridge but a friend has taken classes in Oxford twice and loved it. Are you going to York? York is great. I do have to agree on the person who recommended Bristol for its closeness to Wales. It all depends upon how long you are staying and where else are you going? I love Dingle.
Hi, Nicki, I would recommend Cambridge and Bath. (I just like small towns better which is why I recommend Bath over Bristol. Haven't been to Ireland yet, but I understand you need a car for Dingle-will you have one? PS. I graduated from Davenport West High eons ago.
Nicki,
I've been to both the Ring and Dingle, and loved them both. It sounds like you're looking for a day trip. If so, then the Ring is a better option.
However, I would HIGHLY recommend heading to Dingle and staying there for 2-3 days. You don't have to have a car; although one would help, you can get a bus there. It's a great Irish fishing village that has not yet been significantly changed by tourism. You can take a tour of the slea head peninsula, enjoy music, food and conversation in its pubs, and just generally soak up the atmosphere.
I too would choose Bath and Cambridge, and I too prefer small cities to large ones - so much easier to access and to see. Both are wonderful places to visit. Dingle is also marvelous. Just adding my 2 cents worth to what's already been said. Julia
My vote would be Bath, Oxford and Dingle.
This thread has made me giggle.. everyone has a different opinion,, and I can't imagine anyone can be wrong about what they enjoyed most.. so the answers appear to be ,, spin a bottle !
I will add my 2 cents. I have only been to Bath of places listed. I enjoyed if very much,, and definately give it a whole day. Its not just the actual Baths that are interesting( I had no clue they were on top of anicent Roman ruins) ,, but the church with those old plaque memorials on the walls( some are so sad) , and I spent about 2 hours in the Costume Museum,, but then , I love that sort of thing. Plus you have to enjoy tea , and wander about a bit.
Pat, I, too enjoyed the Costume Museum in Bath and I enjoy tea anywhere I go in England-several times a day.