Off to the UK next week. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #1 09-28-2010, 04:31 PM

Where are you going in Wales? I'm from Pontypridd. By the way, 'y's and 'w's are vowels.

R Leo · #2 09-28-2010, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Where are you going in Wales? I'm from Pontypridd. By the way, 'y's and 'w's are vowels.

Flying into Heathrow, express rail shuttle to Paddington Station then the train to Carmarthen. Then taxi 16km to Nonni Barn B&B. From there, it's up for grabs...probably to some hired car touring around the countryside to a few of the sights...SWMBo has a biz contact we might go to see in Cardigan. Definitely going to Tangye to the IFMoP.

pj67coll · #3 09-29-2010, 04:55 PM

Wife and I had a great vacation there recently. Im sue ypull have fun.

- Peter.

Stretch · #4 09-30-2010, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Leo

Flying into Heathrow, express rail shuttle to Paddington Station then the train to Carmarthen. Then taxi 16km to Nonni Barn B&B. From there, it's up for grabs...probably to some hired car touring around the countryside to a few of the sights...SWMBo has a biz contact we might go to see in Cardigan. Definitely going to Tangye to the IFMoP.

That express train from Heathrow to Paddington is probably the most expensive train ride in Europe: I wouldn't be surprised if the Orient Express works out to be cheaper on a mile for mile basis.

My advice is to take the tube - unless the ticket is paid by someone else. The downside is that it does take longer however.

Be prepared for a very long train ride to Wales - nice scenery on the way though. Stock up with some good food at Paddington before you get on the train to Wales - on board train food tends to be poor value and quality.

When you get to Wales and you hire a car watch out for speed cameras - they are particularly bad in North Wales. It has become a sort of new tourist tax.

If you hire a car in the UK I recommend getting as much insurance at the hire company as possible. Some hire companies have a no risk no deposit arrangement (with a credit card). Again much like in many other parts of the world charging you for damage you didn't make on your hire car is also a bit of a sport.

Other than those possible pitfalls I hope you have a great time. It will be beautiful and green where you are going (and I'm sure you'll work out just why it is so green when you get off of the train!).

R Leo · #5 10-01-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

That express train from Heathrow to Paddington is probably the most expensive train ride in Europe: I wouldn't be surprised if the Orient Express works out to be cheaper on a mile for mile basis.

My advice is to take the tube - unless the ticket is paid by someone else. The downside is that it does take longer however.

Be prepared for a very long train ride to Wales - nice scenery on the way though. Stock up with some good food at Paddington before you get on the train to Wales - on board train food tends to be poor value and quality.

When you get to Wales and you hire a car watch out for speed cameras - they are particularly bad in North Wales. It has become a sort of new tourist tax.

If you hire a car in the UK I recommend getting as much insurance at the hire company as possible. Some hire companies have a no risk no deposit arrangement (with a credit card). Again much like in many other parts of the world charging you for damage you didn't make on your hire car is also a bit of a sport.

Other than those possible pitfalls I hope you have a great time. It will be beautiful and green where you are going (and I'm sure you'll work out just why it is so green when you get off of the train!).

Thank you for the pointers..particularly the ride to Wales. Not planning to hire a car out there because of the whole drive-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-road thing.

Stretch · #6 10-01-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Leo

Thank you for the pointers..particularly the ride to Wales. Not planning to hire a car out there because of the whole drive-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-road thing.

Ahhh come on be a bit Italian - use both sides or what ever it takes! (It would at least confuse the speed traps)

suginami · #7 10-01-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Leo

Not planning to hire a car out there because of the whole drive-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-road thing.

It's not as hard is it sounds. I was afraid of the same thing when I lived in Japan and drove for the first time.

You just need to follow the cars in front of you, and keep a dialogue in your head saying, "..keep on the left, keep on the left".

pj67coll · #8 10-01-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

It's not as hard is it sounds. I was afraid of the same thing when I lived in Japan and drove for the first time.

You just need to follow the cars in front of you, and keep a dialogue in your heads saying, "..keep on the left, keep on the left".

Probably true. I had no problem switching to the right in the US as a tourist many years ago, and back to the left when I returned to SA, and then back to the right when I emigrated. But when I visited my brother recently I found it most disturbing and let him do all the driving. Probably more than just driving on the other side was all those damm roundabouts which I really hate.

- Peter.