Notes on Countryside Tours

"Whole country" tours usually involve frequent, less-interesting motorway driving in order to cover the large distances necessary. Accommodation is often in large, impersonal hotels which cater for large groups, close to the motorway for an easy getaway. This IS an excellent way to get an initial "overview" and see major cities in which the prices of hotels would otherwise be prohibitive for most of us.

BUT... most of Britain's most wonderful attractions are not in the cities—many are isolated in the depths of the countryside, accessible only by private vehicle or specialized tour (or via a very long hike from the nearest public transport!). But many 'foreigners' feel apprehensive about renting a car and driving on the "wrong side of the road" and, it must be said, the British are, generally, very aggressive drivers! The visitor really has to concentrate on the road rather than being able to enjoy the trip, and the navigator has to be good! Petrol (gas) is astronomically expensive, and so is parking—if you can even find any close enough.

Nearly all of the fabulous gardens, for which England is particularly famous, are in the countryside. Many popular British attractions now have "timed tickets"—if you are on your own it is very possible you may have to wait more than an hour to get in. A tour group is booked and goes straight in.

A specialized coach tour is the way to go, especially (a) if you do not have a great deal of time; or (b) if do not have the skill or the inclination to research the best places to see. If you are driving yourself and neglect this task, it is very possible you may pass within a short distance of some fantastic place and not be aware of its existence.

The Advantages of our Small Group Coach Tour:

It's an opportunity to socialize in a small group (max.20)—a bit like travelling with a large friendly family rather than in a large coach load of 50 people you don't get chance to know.
Usually, the price of a small group tour is all-inclusive (except lunches)—no "hidden" charges. The "optional extras," which are common with larger group tours, are usually to some of the best attractions, which makes the price considerably higher than you had bargained for.
A smaller bus can navigate narrow roads; a smaller group can stay in charming hotels and country inns (all of which would be extremely expensive if you booked personally); and each night's accommodation is in a delightful spot to explore, not just a place in which to sleep.
A small group can stop at roadside pubs, and for photographic opportunities in small villages, a bit like if you were in your own car.
With Countryside Tours you are not "herded around," nor is there need to stand around, freezing or boiling, trying to hear about the attraction you are about to see. Education takes place on the coach! Off the coach, there is opportunity for as much or as little walking as anyone could wish.
Because we stay more than one night in the same hotel (as often as geographically possible), and the attractions are close by, we spend a minimum amount of time in the bus.
It's nice just to be pampered and have the security of knowing that everything is looked after.

Rather than trying to see the entire country in a week or two, we think it is better to concentrate on a certain area and see it well. Therefore, because we don't have to cover tremendous distances you don't spend most of your time sitting in the bus. We don't have to set off early or return late; you have time to enjoy everywhere you visit. When you return home you can remember where you've been, and don't need another holiday to recover!

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