So after getting home and telling my the good news about my initial estimates for the additional costs we will incur on our trip to England/UK in May he is still on board with going and allowing me to continue researching and building a more actual to budgeted trip cost spreadsheet (can you tell I’m an auditor??).
So today I am continuing my research on possible destinations in England besides the major cities of London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle. I haven’t found too much to see and do in Liverpool or Manchester that will be any different from London or Houston so I’m starting to think about seeing the countryside. We don’t have many mountains in Texas (just some hills by Austin) and its a tad swampy here not lush and green like the pictures I am seeing of England. So countryside might be the way to go.
Currently, Derbyshire and the Peak District is looking like a match to my requirements above. Derbyshire is located in central England between London and Newcastle. If you are a huge fan of Bronte and Austen books you probably have heard/read a lot about this section of the country as it appears as a setting in many books. It seems like this area would be great for going outside and taking in scenery. It is known to have great walking trails, rock climbing, and caves in the mountains. All activities are available with a tour guide which will help make the most out of the experience especially if you are like me and don’t know everything about everything. If you are curious to see what Derbyshire actually looks like (like I am) it was where the Other Boleyn Girl was filmed so hit up your local movie theater before the movie leaves. I think I might ask my friend to go with me this weekend as we both want to see that movie anyway and I think it would be a great research tool in my planning.
One other fun tidbit about this area that I am learning is that they do not have alot of chain hotels in the area. Rather you stay in Derbyshire Cottages in the villages and towns which make up Derbyshire and the Peak District. Similar to US bed and breakfasts which are really nice, quiet and relaxing. So far the price for renting a Derbyshire Cottage which will include amenities such as washer/dryer, stove, microwave, tv with dvd players and satellite is really reasonable. A week is about the equivalent to two nights stay in downtown London without amenities or peace and quiet! I think I’ll be putting this on the list of possibilities for our trip as we would be able to stay in a central location and hop on trains each morning for day trips when we don’t want to go hiking.
