The wife and I were planning a trip to England over the Christmas holiday, Dec. 26 to Jan 4th. We will fly into London. We plan to spend time in Dover (her mom is there) and go to a few tourist spots, like Stratford. I want to try and visit with a UK drag strip operator and have exchanged e-mails with the operator of Shakespeare County. Now, the question. Should we rent a car or should we rely on the trains? I have heard good and bad about both...?
rent a car mate - definately!!! most of the time you can get a cheaper deal @ airports, and with some airlines you get a discount with your ticket... dunno who's cheapest, but i'd stick with a fairly 'big name' like Europcar, Avis or Enterprise The trains are shit, don't go anywhere near where u'll want to be going and cost FCUKING SHEDLOADS!!! petrol is expensive, but not that damn expensive!! Enjoy it - and try to visit ACE cafe in london if you can
Carl, I'm not in the UK but, when we went to Ireland 2 years ago, I would not have depended on public transportation. If you rent the car, you make your own stops, when and where you want. We took one bus ride and they stopped where they wanted too. Driving on the other side of the road is no big deal, just keep the wife to the curb, is what the car rental guy told me and it worked. You will definitely need a navigator(your wife) as their roads signs are a lot smaller and there are bunches of them on one pole. I can not read that fast when I am driving at 60mph. If and when we go back, I will rent a car again. I do not like depending on someone else's schedule, I like to be on my own. Just my .02 worth.
I took the trains EVERYWHERE including Stratford Upon Avon. I freakin loved it! You can walk ANYWHERE in a city. But I'd rent a car otherwise you will have to rely on a set schedule. xxx
Yeah definatley rent a car.......public transport sucks & will be extra busy during the christmas/new year thing. Try & get to the Ace Cafe for New Yrs eve.....check on line as you'll probably need to book it........there's a hotel just down the road.....that would be worth booking in advance too, it'll be a night not to forget as my mates band the Blueflames are playing! Hope you make it......i'll buy you a few beers! Kev.
Don't turn that one down Limey 32 getting the beers in....wow! kiddin ya Kev. Rent a car public transport sucks outside of London.
No need to rent , you can buy my 32 roadster pickup and cruise around in style , just the thing for an English winter . Seriously , don't use public transport outside London , its crap . And do get to the Ace , its .... er .... Ace !
Sounds like rent a car it is. Thanks guys, and / or gals. And thanks for the tip on the ACE. Kev, I found the ACE online, but no clear way to book. I'll call them before we go. 9pm - 2am - NEW YEARS EVE ROCKIN' RAVE with PAUL ANSELLS NO.9 & THE BLUE FLAMES + DJs Little Carl & Bill Guntrip - Entry £18 Advance, £20 On Door. Recommend Booking Early. Sorry No Under 18s And I'll take you up on the beers! I'll be the only one there in a Mo-Kan t-shirt!
You'll want a damm sight more than just a t-shirt in London in December/Jan!! Enjoy your trip, the Ace is great, and #9 playing is a bonus
The Jalopy Journal
