Tips wanted for trip to SW England...

A little less than two weeks and I'm off with the bike to make the UK unsave (just kiddin' of course - you should be save with me )

I'm leaving on May 18th, to cross the channel from Calias to Dover, from which I plan to ride as far as Southampton (Barbara already suggested to ride a little further on to New forest.) Then it should be Exeter, Dartmoor and Exmoor and then back onto Isle of Wight (and from there back to ol' Belgium
)

I already lit a few hundred candles to the weather Gods to have a little mercy on this invaluable soul, motorcycle gets a full check up tomorrow and my photogear is more or less ready (taking two ist D's, DA 21, DA 35 macro, DA 70 and probably DA 10-17 and A 70-210 f/4), so that is more or less settled.

What I would like to hear from you all is some little tips of what I definitely should visit and what not. Tips on where to stay and where to go. I would fully appreciate it... Also, anyone who knows a good and not to expensive hotel in New Forest would get my full gratitude (I would book the first night on line, because I don't know when I will arrive.)

In return, I promise to place some photos here on the forum.

Not sure of your definition of 'not too expensive' but try the Montague Arms in Beaulieu.

Whilst in Beaulieu, have a look at the classic cars for sale in the local garage and visit the world famous Motor Museum (go early, as soon as it opens to miss the crowds).

Also take the walk along the river to Bucklers Hard and amongst other things, visit the Maritime Museum.

Between Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard, you should fill up a few SD cards

PremierInn (formerly Travel Inn) and Travel Lodge are not so expensive and convenient places to stay especially for one/two night (room only).
http://www.premierinn.com/pti/home.do
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/

Places to visit?
Brighton, Chichester Cathedral, Portsmouth, Poole Harbour, Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury Cathedral, and much more.

Hope it helps a little.

Avebury
http://www.wellho.net/share/avebury.html

Stonehenge
http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/

If you are going to Cornwall, take LOTS OF MONEY. They live to rip you off.

I would give Southampton a miss and go straight to Beaulieu as per my earlier post.

I would also definitely visit Dartmouth.

For places to stay, have a look here: http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/index.html
My Wife and I have been using this site for years. Very comprehensive lists, simple to use and Worldwide coverage. Have a great time, Ray

You guys are terrific! Txs for all the useful information. I definitely will check out Beaulieu and Dartmouth (txs Hyram!)

I think I will book the first night on line, as I don't know when I will arrive in New Forest, and from then I just use my luck as I always do...

I'm still thinking on if I will visit Stonehenge and if I will visit Isle of Wight in the beginning of the trip or at the end...

Also, my brother mentioned that there should be some place where there are palm trees which should be worth a visit, but he couldn't remember the name... Any chance someone of you knows that place, and if it's worth a detour?

Txs again all!

That is simple then: no Cornwall for me...

Yep its called Hawaii

Enjoy your trip.

Well, if you want to see palm trees and beautiful countryside, then Cornwall's definitely back on the agenda! Your brother may have been talking about the Isles of Scilly, famed for their gardens, which are warmed by the Gulf Stream and are therefore almost sub-tropical.

Cornwall may be more expensive than some areas, but as long as you avoid the really touristy bits you'll be fine. Having said that, many of the touristy bits are touristy for a reason - they're beautiful. However, Tintagel is a bit over-rated, in my opinion. I find the Eden Project fascinating, but others find it too expensive and boring - depends what floats your boat.

Dan

If you visit the Isle of Wight take the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry ( every half hour) It is by far the prettiest route. Whilst on the Island visit Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House and Newtown Creek. Drive along the Military Road from Chale to Freshwater. Like most holiday resorts there is a wide range of options for accommodation. The Island roads are not the best in the UK and the local police are quite fussy over speed limits.

Exmoor is wonderful. Try the riverside walk from Brendon to Watersmeet, it is delightful. Refreshments at Watersmeet. Further up the same river but in more open country is the Doone Valley. Start at Malmsmead and walk up stream for several miles until you reach the high moorland. Refreshments along the way at Cloud Farm ( the cream teas are enormous ). Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on the Moor and affords some wonderful views. Porlock Weir on the coast is also worth a visit.

Should you get to Cornwall the spectacular coastal walks are a must, especially on the north coast.

I hope you have a wonderful time, I'm quite envious.

I would still give Southampton a miss, perhaps I am biased because I work there

I agree with the suggestion for the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry.

Whilst on the Isle of Wight I would also visit Bembridge, where there are some good coastal walks.

I think I will come short of time if I will do all the marvellous suggestions you all make...

I think I will drop Corwall all the same, or maybe if there is some time left. I will focus more on Exmoor. I found
this walk (any chance you wrote that, Bracken? ) and this other one, which makes me want to already be there...

Anyway, txs everyone, you all are very helpfull!

One last question while I'm at it: is there anything in particular of which I should take precautions while walking in the English country sides (wolves, Ice bears, lions, letal spiders, human beings ?)

pentaxke

You will certainly be short of time if you follow all of the suggestions given by members. There are not many dangers in the English countryside, although one to be wary of is Canon wielding tourists.