Cooling my heels for two weeks in the UK

**fortcollinsjerry** · 22nd March 09, 10:33 AM

LOML approached me with an unusual proposition this morning during breakfast. She knows I'm going to be on an Elderhostel package tour to Edinburgh/London in mid (9-22) August. Over breakfast I happened to mention that there is also a Clan Crawford Homecoming Gathering during late July and it's too bad they didn't fall closer together - there are 11 days between them. She said "... why not do both, make one plane reservation and do your shopping and tourist stuff in between?"

After I set my coffee cup down and caught my breath I began to brain storm the possibilities

The only issue I can see effecting this idea is where the heck can I stay for 11 days that's not going to completly wreck my savings? Is it possible to find a rooming house or private residence where I can rent a room just to lay my head while I cruise museums, castles, flea markets and other things?

Anone have a idea or suggestion?

**McMurdo** · 22nd March 09, 10:38 AM

If it were me I'd first ask family, as I have some over there, perhaps one of the members will contact you and offer a place to stay, or there is also Ferintosh Guest House

**Pleater** · 22nd March 09, 10:45 AM

If you are at all interested in English folk music there is the Sidmouth Folk Festival - in Sidmouth, Devon, for one week starting the 31st July.

Granted it is on the South coast of England, and it all depends on where your tour starts and ends - but it is quite an event, with nothing like it anywhere else.

You will probably wince at the sound of little bells for a while after, and never want to hear an English folk song ever again - but it is fun, and you don't need to buy a ticket - there are numerous fringe events and if there is something special want to see you can pay for just that event at the door, or buy a single ticket in advance.

Anne the Pleater

**sydnie7** · 22nd March 09, 10:52 AM

Are you staying in one location or moving around? If you stay put, there's a wide range of what they call "self-catering" rentals. Having kitchen/ette facilities can save you a ton on meals (breakfast in, pack a lunch, splurge on a few pub lunches or nice dinners).

If you're traveling around, B&B (bed and breakfast) are also run the gamut -- but you really get what you pay for (speaking from experience of perhaps 3 month's combined B&B stays over the course of several visits).

Contacting Clan Crawford might bring you some leads. For rental agencies or direct contact with owners, start here or Google "self catering" and the area where you wish to stay.

Have a great time! Wish I could pack along!

**starbkjrus** · 22nd March 09, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

If it were me I'd first ask family, as I have some over there, perhaps one of the members will contact you and offer a place to stay, or there is also Ferintosh Guest House

Absolutely! I can recommend the hospitality AND the rates here enthusiastically - plus there is an XMarks discount. There is also plenty to see around and about Dumfries / Southern Scotland. The owners will also likely put on a kilted pub crawl for you. They seem to know every business owner in town.

**fortcollinsjerry** · 22nd March 09, 11:39 AM

wow! what great ideas. I'm going to have to go back and start rescheduling my flights. Probably save a ton of money. This is shaping up to be a doable adventure. Maybe I'll take a hike in the highlands? Love the idea about contacting the Clan.

**fortcollinsjerry** · 22nd March 09, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

Are you staying in one location or moving around? If you stay put, there's a wide range of what they call "self-catering" rentals. Having kitchen/ette facilities can save you a ton on meals (breakfast in, pack a lunch, splurge on a few pub lunches or nice dinners).

Have a great time! Wish I could pack along!

Sinced both activities are in/near Edinburgh I dont expect to travel much except into Edinburgh or Glasgow. I'd like to spend a couple of days in London if I get the chance to do some antiquing and flea marketing.

**Darkislander** · 22nd March 09, 03:08 PM

If you're not too fussy, try the scottish youth hostels/backpackers places.

**fortcollinsjerry** · 22nd March 09, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Darkislander

If you're not too fussy, try the scottish youth hostels/backpackers places.

yes (if they let me in - I'm 70). Years ago when I was over I stayed in a student dorm room at Glasgow University. I'm asking them again and see if there is room. Also have contacted a couple of Colleges in Edinburgh. I'm starting early on this so something should break for me.

ith:

**sydnie7** · 22nd March 09, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by fortcollinsjerry

yes (if they let me in - I'm 70). Years ago when I was over I stayed in a student dorm room at Glasgow University. I'm asking them again and see if there is room. Also have contacted a couple of Colleges in Edinburgh. I'm starting early on this so something should break for me.

ith:

Hostels shouldn't be a problem age-wise, I have friends who did a Scotland trip with some hostels stays while in their mid-50s. Just be prepared for young, co-ed dorm atmosphere!