Visit to the UK

[KiwiAlan]

When in Ipswich Duxford museum is possible by car and the North Norfolk and mid Norfolk railway by car or public transport.

On a smaller scale, there are the mid Suffolk light railway, the Colne Valley railway,  East Anglia railway museum,  and the transport museum at Carleton Colville (Lowestoft), and Bressingham museum (railways and extensive garden).

The Chatham model rail show is 19-20 July.

Martyn

There are so many opportunities! I remember going to Bressingham many years ago, when I was a small nipper.

[KiwiAlan]

You're coming during part of school holidays in the UK so expect things to be both crowded and expensive in the latter half of July.
The Cotswolds are glorious but busy, especially tourist attractions such as Bourton on the Water, Broadway, Moreton in the Marsh etc (plenty of YouTube clips to whet your appetite)

Are you hiring a car to get about in? If so @Bealman can maybe comment on potential issues/pitfalls

Simple. In a strange environment, don't even think about hiring an electric car.

Sound advice. I'll pick up a car in Didcot and take it up to Manchester, that way I can wander a bit. Won't need a car in London and will try and travel by train where possible.

[Bealman]

Excellent. If you want the details, have a look at my UK 2023 adventure.

[tunneroner61]

While in Manchester I'd suggest visits to the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefields and The Lowry (art gallery) in Salford Quays.

[Newportnobby]

No mention of Yorkshire in the itinerary

In which county are York and Sheffield, then?

A fair point. I guess Alan must be travelling to those from Manchester in which case, as @crewearpley40 said, the NYMR would be good if time allows

[Papyrus]

While you are in London, may I recommend a trip downriver to Crossness Pumping Station?

https://crossness.org.uk/

It's absolutely wonderful. It's only open for a few days a month so you need to check the website before you go.

Cheers,

Chris

[jpendle]

In York let your better half loose in the Minster, Jorvik, Fairfax House, the Castle Museum, and the Shambles, while you spend all day at the Railway museum.

Meet up afterwards at Betty's Tea Rooms, well worth queuing up outside for, and will definitely make up for you spending all day looking at trains 

Oh, and when oop north in Manchester, buy your lunchtime pasties or pies from anybody other than Gregg's. Still plenty of local bakeries to choose from, Greenhalgh's comes to mind.

Regards,

John P

[Graham]

On one of my trips I made it to Duxford, Bletchley Park, Churchill War rooms and HMS Sheffield.
My big mistake was paying for each individually, if I had become a member for a year could have done them all for 1/2 the price.
Of course if you are at York, close by you can do the NYMR and Shildon. (close by Aus/NZ standards)

[crewearpley40]

On one of my trips I made it to Duxford, Bletchley Park, Churchill War rooms and HMS Sheffield.
My big mistake was paying for each individually, if I had become a member for a year could have done them all for 1/2 the price.
Of course if you are at York, close by you can do the NYMR and Shildon. (close by Aus/NZ standards)

Graham
@Graham did you mean HMS belfast ?

[Graham]

I did mean Belfast, obviously got Yorkshire on the brain with NRM etc.
  

[crewearpley40]

No mention of Yorkshire in the itinerary

In which county are York and Sheffield, then?

A fair point. I guess Alan must be travelling to those from Manchester in which case, as @crewearpley40 said, the NYMR would be good if time allows

East Lancashire Railway
KWVR

Alan
Good luck in what you choose to visit, enjoy the trip and safe flight !

[Chris Morris]

You're coming during part of school holidays in the UK so expect things to be both crowded and expensive in the latter half of July.
The Cotswolds are glorious but busy, especially tourist attractions such as Bourton on the Water, Broadway, Moreton in the Marsh etc (plenty of YouTube clips to whet your appetite)

Are you hiring a car to get about in? If so @Bealman can maybe comment on potential issues/pitfalls

Simple. In a strange environment, don't even think about hiring an electric car.

Sound advice. I'll pick up a car in Didcot and take it up to Manchester, that way I can wander a bit. Won't need a car in London and will try and travel by train where possible.

Driving up the M5/M6 from the Cotswolds up to Manchester - now there's a day you won't enjoy. I recommend that you do not try this journey on a Friday afternoon or summer Saturday. These motorways can be hard slow going due to the density of traffic.

[Bealman]

Amen to that. I was stuck there for two hours, not moving at all. And I mean NOT moving AT all.

[Greygreaser]

In London visit the London Transport Museum as it's of interest to everyone and has free music performances some days. A ticket can also link you to a 'discovery' trip into old parts of london's history - mine went down the disused tram tunnel in Kingsway. The museum is in Covent Garden which is now full of eateries and shops suited to non-train enthusiasts.
From Ipswich you might visit the old docks area where railway lines were in use into the '60's - now a marina area. Take a train to Norwich a beautiful city centre, riverside and castle and from there either continue to Sheringham by train for the NNR Or return via Lowestoft and the East Suffolk line which would take you across 3 swing bridges! Bringing you alongside the Broads and thru Suffolk's remoter countryside. Likely you'll ride in comfort in the Stadler 754/755 FLIRT sets.