Plan your itinerary. It's possible to visit Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath and the Cotswolds on a 6-day trip.
Book your flight and rental car. In most cases, you'll get a better fare if you include a Saturday night stay. Although trains and buses go to most destinations, if you are traveling with a few people, the individual train fares, as well as the local bus and cab fares begin to add up.
Book your lodging. Premier Inns and Hampton Inns offer relatively affordable lodging in destinations throughout the English Countryside. However, you'll get better rates if you don't stay at the major tourist towns. For example, lodging with breakfast can be found at affordable rates at the Hilden Lodge in Cheltenham (see Resources below). Stow on the Wold even has a youth hostel.
Pack your bags. Pack light and casual, but make sure you bring rain gear. With careful packing, you'll be able to stuff your clothes into two carry-ons, thereby avoiding extra luggage charges.
Choose the attractions that you would like to visit. However, keep in mind that most attractions charge an admission fee that is the equivalent of $13. Needless to say, this can add up. On the other hand, it's possible to enjoy the attractions without paying an admission fee. For example, there's a gate around Stonehenge, so even if you pay the admission, you still can't get up close and personal. On the other hand, you can easily view Stonehenge from outside the property gates. That said, if you really want to pay the various admission fees, be sure to purchase an English Heritage Membership Card (see Resources below).
Visit Salisbury Cathedral. There's no admission charge, except if you want to take the tower tour.
Take a drive on the Romantic Road. Instead of going to all the petting zoos, just get out of your car and take a walk through the sheep fields (see Resources below).
Visit the Town of Broadway. Take the short hike to the Broadway Tower, where you can observe deer and sheep. No need to pay the tower admission fee.
Go on a diet. Most English restaurants serve food that is less than wonderful. Save money by avoiding three-course meals.
