Hi All,
I agree that an A8 trip would be better than a "luggage for others" carry on...
In my experience a group booking for stuff (10 +??) can get stupid discounts (less than half price for admissions to museums). This could be worth looking at for The Ring....
Re crossing the channel I too would be on a boat: no LPG on the Chunnel.
Robert
PS If the museum and factory are shut in August then aim for a July date??