According to forum posts, many travelers recommend taking the train from London to Edinburgh as it offers a comfortable and direct route. The journey typically lasts about 4 to 5 hours, departing from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. Users appreciate the train's convenience over driving, particularly due to the challenging traffic conditions and the complexity of parking in both cities.

Some travelers also consider flying as a viable option. Flights from London airports to Edinburgh can take as little as 1.5 hours. This method is favored for its speed, especially for those looking to minimize their travel time. However, considering the time spent on airport procedures, the total travel time can be comparable to taking the train.

Driving from London to Edinburgh is generally advised against in forum discussions due to the long distance (approximately 400 miles) and potential for heavy traffic, particularly around major cities and on the M6 motorway. For those still preferring to drive, it's suggested to plan for rest breaks and be prepared for a journey that could extend over 7 hours under typical conditions.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend spending time in the Cotswolds for a quintessential English countryside experience. Some suggest dedicating a full week to explore its charming villages and scenic walks. Alternatively, others advise combining a visit to the Cotswolds with nearby regions like Somerset and Dorset, which offer a mix of historic sites, coastal scenery, and rural landscapes.

For those considering a more extensive itinerary, some users have suggested dividing your time between several bases. Places like Somerset, Dorset, and Devon are highlighted for their variety, encompassing everything from dramatic coastlines to picturesque towns. Travelers have called out specific towns such as Bradford on Avon as ideal bases for exploring multiple counties due to their beauty and strategic locations.

When traveling through the countryside, forum members emphasize the importance of planning and booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. They recommend using a car to explore rural areas comprehensively, allowing for flexibility to visit less accessible sites and enjoy the diverse landscapes at your own pace.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend spending at least two full days in Bath to explore the city thoroughly. Some have suggested extending the stay if you plan to include day trips to nearby locations such as Bradford-on-Avon or Wells. The Roman Baths, walking tours by the Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides, and the Kennet & Avon Canal are highlighted as must-visit attractions.

For those interested in exploring beyond Bath, some users have recommended taking day trips to nearby historic towns. Bradford-on-Avon is easily accessible by train, offering a contrast with its medieval wool trade roots compared to Bath’s Georgian architecture. Wells, known for its stunning cathedral, and Cheddar, famous for its gorge and caves, are also popular choices for short trips from Bath.

According to forum posts, travelers can use the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground from Heathrow directly to Central London, which is both affordable and convenient. Another option mentioned is the Heathrow Express train, which provides a faster but more expensive service directly to Paddington Station.

Travelers have noted that the journey time via the Piccadilly Line can take around an hour and is significantly cheaper, costing approximately £3.10 with an Oyster card. In contrast, the Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes to Paddington, with fares around £25 for a standard ticket.

For those preferring a more direct route, some travelers suggest booking a pre-arranged car service. This option offers door-to-door convenience from Heathrow to your destination in Central London, albeit at a higher cost compared to public transport.

According to forum posts, travelers can purchase train tickets in England through various methods. Most users recommend buying directly from train operators or using the official National Rail website, which redirects to the appropriate operator based on your journey details. Some travelers have mentioned the convenience of using apps like LNER for quick purchases and easy ticket access on mobile devices.

Forum contributors have highlighted the complexity of ticket pricing, noting that Advance tickets offer the lowest prices but are limited to specific trains and sell out quickly. Off-peak and Anytime tickets provide more flexibility with timing but at a higher cost. For frequent travelers, some users suggest investing in a railcard to receive discounts on tickets.

For ticket collection, travelers have the option to use electronic tickets available on apps or PDFs sent via email, which are scannable from a phone. Alternatively, physical tickets can be collected from station machines using a reference number provided at the time of online purchase, or they can be mailed to your address.

Forum members explain that boarding trains in England does not usually require check-ins like airports. Instead, you may need to show or scan your ticket at station barriers. It's advisable to check train platforms and timings on departure screens at stations, and be prepared for potential platform changes announced shortly before departure.

According to forum posts, popular cities that travelers recommend visiting in England include London for its rich history and vibrant culture, Bath for its Roman baths, and Oxford for its prestigious university. Some users also suggest exploring the Cotswolds for its picturesque villages and landscapes.

Travelers have called out Stonehenge and the city of Salisbury as must-visit historical sites. Stonehenge is noted for its prehistoric significance, while Salisbury is recommended for its impressive cathedral, which houses one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.

For nature enthusiasts, forum users recommend visiting national parks like the Peak District and the Lake District, known for their stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. The New Forest and South Downs National Park are also highlighted for their scenic walking trails and wildlife.

Several travelers suggest visiting coastal areas such as the North Norfolk coast, known for its birdwatching opportunities and beautiful beaches. The Jurassic Coast in Dorset is another favorite for its dramatic cliffs and fossil-hunting activities.

According to forum posts, an Oyster Card offers a capped daily fare, making it a cost-effective option for travelers. The daily fare cap for Zones 1 and 2 is around £8.50, which amounts to approximately three tube rides, after which travel is essentially free for the rest of the day.

Some travelers mentioned that while contactless payment methods offer similar fare caps and are convenient for those with compatible bank cards, Oyster Cards are beneficial for travelers facing high foreign transaction fees on their bank cards. They also eliminate the need for multiple transactions and potential bank fees since you can preload them with a set amount of funds.

Oyster Cards are readily available at major transport hubs like Heathrow Airport, where machines and staff can assist with purchases. This availability makes it easy for travelers to obtain an Oyster Card upon arrival in London, avoiding the need for advance preparation. The initial setup fee for an Oyster Card is £7, which is non-refundable.

According to forum posts, several car rental companies are recommended by travelers for exploring England. Hertz and Enterprise are frequently mentioned as reliable options. However, travelers have cautioned against using Green Motion due to poor service experiences.

Some travelers said that it's essential to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the rental lot to avoid disputes over damages. Taking photos of the car at the time of pickup is advised. Additionally, booking directly with the car rental company rather than through third-party websites is recommended to avoid potential issues.

For those needing to pick up and drop off a car at different locations, companies like Hertz offer one-way rentals. However, travelers should be aware that one-way rentals can be more expensive and that not all companies may offer convenient drop-off points.