TH, congratulations! You will have a great time. I guess I am going to be in the minority here and say that we have found the rail to be easiest way to go on all our trips across the pond. It was especially great on this last trip with the girls because we just had to get on the train and then we could play with the girls, enjoy the scenery, get a snack, etc. and just had to get off at our stop and grab a cab to our hotel or other destination. We rented a car once when we traveled to Germany and I don't think we would not do it again. Also, in the UK we found the driving on the opposite side of the road enough of a challenge as pedestrians. I would just not want to deal with it while driving. Too many things to see. A railpass does take a little bit of planning, but for us less than the stress of driving. Depending on the length of your trip and your plans, you could get a 4 or 8 day rail pass and spend less than a car, I believe, and if you plan on using public transport while in each destination, the rail pass is not sitting there costing you money while uunused as a car does.
Just our experiences and preferences. One thing to remember is that rail service in the UK and Europe is worlds better than anythin here in the States. Rail is one of the primary means of transportation for a large percentage of the population and the cleanliness, on-time schedules, and ease of use reflects that. We also have met some nice people and had some great conversationsw while traveling by rail that we would not have had by car. That is also a great reason to stay at B&B's or guest houses where you get to meet people at the morning breakfast.
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