If you're doing the UK first, had you thought about catching the Eurostar to Paris? It's a great way to see a bit of the countryside without getting wet. We did it a few years ago and it was a great trip - except that I, who never ever  sleep on trains or buses, managed to doze off for 20 minutes and completely miss the 'chunnel' experience.

We did that last time we were there she-ele, and yes it was terrific.  But it suited us that time as we were in London.  This time we are just visiting family in the midlands so it makes more sense to fly from Birmingham to Paris, and it's not much different price wise.

Im sitting at the departure gate now, waiting to be called.

~~~~~~~~~ nickers 

oops here's a k to go with the nickers