We are driving around the UK for 3 weeks - any tips?

Question

I would appreciate any ideas or tips for a 3 week driving trip around the UK. What clothes to take? Places to see? Driving tips? etc. etc.

Answer 1

If you've never driven in the UK then should you probably read or at least browse through the Highway Code (the 'rules of the road' for the UK) here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTra...

The main difference in driving style I've noticed from visits by American friends is that when a British driver flashes their headlights then it's to invite you to pull out; whereas apparently in many parts of the USA it either means "stay there, I'm going to pull out" or "I'm going to shoot you and steal your car"

Answer 2

You don't say what time of year. The UK climate is temperate, but not that temperate. Take layers. Expect rain. Specify an automatic transmission car if that's what you need, otherwise you won't get one. Do not attempt to drive in central London. London (and most other large cities) are best explored on foot or by public transport. Try to get away from the average, well-worn tourist trail. With three weeks to go at, there's plenty of scope for that. Think about going to:

Bristol, Bath and Wells

Devon

Snowdonia

The Yorkshire Dales

The North-East coast of England from Scarborough northwards to Berwick

And on to Edinburgh

The East Neuk of Fife

The West Highlands, from Oban northwards

Be careful about driving on the correct side of the road. Obvious, I know, but minor country roads will have few markings as visual clues.

Answer 3

i live in england then i will say depending where your from and where your going so say if your from new york to the south east of the uk then i would wear summer clothes it was 25 deggress c here today but if ure from like texas going to northen scotland bring a jacket but u must see london and the mountains off scottland and the lake district they really are beuatiful also visit the south east where i live belive it or not the modern meet with the historic to create a unique culture and u can see a real castle and those are the only reals things i cant think of but despite what people say we really are a nice people unless u go to central manchester or london then at night its like downtown LA but it is great place to live and visit

Answer 4

make sure you get real clear with the rental agency you want an automatic transmission.

i enjoyed york, leeds, richmond, durham, yorkshire, newcastle, lindisfarne, hexham, hadrians's wall to carlisle, shrewsbury, london,  last year. a three week tour.

bring a wool sweater as 70 degrees was as warm as it got in the north.

the people in the north were incredibly warm and friendly, and were curious as to americans being so far off the tourist zone.

sign up with english heritage to get their book with all the obscure sights. get off the beaten path.  they had to pull me out of newcastle i could have spent the entire three weeks there.

there was an amazing chip shop called "the friary by the priory" i will repost and edit as soon as i remember what town it was in.

edited to add: the hotels called "premier travel inn" were very handy. they are everywhere like holiday inns. make sure you book ahead

Answer 5

The weather there is cold, even in summer. But during the day it isnt really bad. I'd say pack clothes that you would wear in the fall here(in the US?). Everyones different, i get cold easily so i was really cold there. Driving tips- remember they drive opposite side of the car and opposite side of the road, repeat it in your head!

Places to see- The trafford center,in Manchester, is a MUST. every store you could think of, biggest mall i have ever been in!! if you walk around every store front you will have walked 5 miles.

If your into sports the Old Trafford , in manchester, is a good stop, take a tour of the stadium that manchester united play at.

And i loved the town centre of Manchester it was gourgeous :D

OH! and alton towers(not sure where it is, but not too far from manchester) it pretty cool its a theme park

And Blackpool,in lancashire,..lovely beaches and peir

^^ive only been to the area of Manchester, England....so all the above info is from my experience their.

Answer 6

Depends when you come August can be a pleasant month with temps 23 celsius + It does get cool later on in the year and in the evenings .

You must visit Scotland - roads are quieter than many other places in the UK If in August the Edinburgh Festival should not be missed For dramatic scenery Perthshire and Argyll are unsurpassed .