First Time In Britain

[psychocy]

Hello. I'm new to the forum. This coming year I plan to travel abroad for the first time, with a friend, to do some backpacking in England & maybe a bit in Scotland. I have some questions that perhaps some of you could help me with.

1) What is the best time to travel in Britain for discount rates on flights and lodging, reasonable weather, most attractions open, etc. I plan on going sometime between March and May, but am very open to dates.
2) What is the weather like there during the months of March, April, and May?
3) Is it possible to camp in many places? I plan on using some hostels, but also tenting whenever possible.
4) What is the most affordable form of transportation, when it is needed.
5) Do you know of any good free or must-see attractions that I should add to my list? What should I avoid entirely?

I know these are mostly financial considerations, but I'm on a constrained budget. Traveling to the lands of my ancestors has always been a pipe-dream that only recently seemed to become possible.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give!

Ken

[worldwidemike]

I think you picked a good, off-peak time to go. I have usually gone in the Autumn, so can't speak for the weather over there in Spring. I imagine it can range from cold and damp to brisk to warm...so, you'll have to be careful when you pack. A hooded, zip up sweatshirt and a light, waterproof jackets are my two essentials. Layering the two should keep you warm enough. Oh, and waterproof your hiking boots well!

Public transport is great over there. You can pick up a booklet (on the newstands?) that lists all the bus and train schedules. One little trick I figured out (too late) in Cornwall, when I was hiking the Cornish Coastal Path (highly recommended!) was this: Establish a base for a couple nights somewhere, then in the morning, take the early bus out to as far as you want to hike, and hike BACK to your base. Next day, take the bus in the other direction, and hike back. That way, you're doing day hikes and not carrying your whole world on your back, tortise like.

I loved Scotland (especially the West Isles and Hebrides), Cornwall (that waves crashing into seacoast scenery) and Wales (tons of castles!).

Have fun!

worldwidemike

[psychocy]

Thanks for the response, Mike, and thanks for the great website! I got a lot of information on the coastal path from it and have decided that I'm definitely doing that.

Can anyone else chime in? I'm open to all suggestions... talking about going is exciting in itself and keeps my anticipation level high!

Ken