Hi!
I'll be visiting for about 1.5 weeks in Feb for the 40th Anniversary, I'd appreciate any advice on places to go, restaurants/pubs to visit, etc. I'm aware it's school vacation week while I'll be there but it doesn't seem like it should affect it too much?
I'm most interested in seeing nature/castles/ancient looking stuff (lol) but obviously w the weather and time of year some places are out. I'm thinking of spending half time in London w a few day trips elsewhere, stop by in York, end in Edinburgh? Is Edinburgh too far (maybe take a early train or sleeper)? I'm literally overwhelmed reading about places to go...
I don't think it's probably smart to rent a car around w chance of inclement weather so probably any suggestions will need to be along the train/public transport. I'm totally able to have fun even in freezing rain so as long as it's not me falling off an icy cliff, suggestions for outdoor activities in miserable weather is okay :D
Edinburgh is a four and a half hour train ride away. You should look to book tickets now, if you are doing that, as the prices rise quickly around the travel date. A return (now) should be around £60 but would be around £90 in February.
My best advice is this: Seen one castle, seen them all, frankly. But YMMV. Tower Bridge is fun and you can see the crown jewels.
EDIT: Glasgow is far better than Edinburgh.
QuoteEDIT: Glasgow is far better than Edinburgh
SUPER-EDIT: Not if you're a tourist from overseas, it's not.
General dealing with trains advice...
Train travel on the day/open tickets more expensive + peak travel times during day hard to find out when it stops (9:30 usually in London)
If you can, book a specific train - also look into split ticketing, where you can get a journey split between two destinations along the route, sometimes works out cheaper still.
https://raileasy.trainsplit.com/main.aspx (https://raileasy.trainsplit.com/main.aspx)
If you do go the open return route, you can break journeys (at least I have on GWR, which serves London to the West and Wales), where you can stop off at a location on the way, then continue to your eventual destination.
At the moment, there is a long running strike going on with Southern which serves the south coast out of London Victoria, (they've not been running at all 3 days this week)
So could be dicey if that's still not sorted by Feb.
You can't pay by cash on a bus in London.
London currently uses contactless cards called Oysters, which you top up with money or travel passes on them, and the capital is split into zones.
You can also use contactless on debit cards, but not sure how that works with non-UK cards.
In London and areas.
Richmond Park is nice
Greenwich Observatory and around there
The Walkie Talkie at Fenchurch St has a free skygarden viewing area (need to book though)
The view from the Shard at London Bridge has great views, but you need to pay for that, there's also a bar a couple of floors below that, which I managed to get into without paying...
Possible day trip, depending on travel arrangements/possibilities: Stonehenge and then Salisbury (beautiful place, and a copy of the Magna Carta in the cathedral). I see a few places do day trips that encompass Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor, which if you've the money and inclination would be good as well.
A US friend who's big into old things also enjoyed Hampton Court, and wanted to spent a year in the British Museum. (Alas, he only had most of a day there.)
Quote from: GordonR on 15 December, 2016, 08:02:29 AM
QuoteEDIT: Glasgow is far better than Edinburgh
SUPER-EDIT: Not if you're a tourist from overseas, it's not.
With the right guide and if you know where you're going, Glasgow is great fun and a fascinating city. It can also be the worst city in Europe if go to the wrong places.
Edinburgh is a better bet for tourists.
London Museums - Natural History (The Cathedral of Science!), Science Museum (Babbage's brain in a jar!), V&A are all very close. You can do them in a day, although if it's school holidays the NH will be packed (esp. the Dinosaurs) - I suggest going in at around 4-4.30, as most families will have gone home by now.
The British Museum (Rosetta stone, Mummies!) is also worth a visit
Oxford's about a 1hr train journey / 2hr bus journey (Oxford Tube is very reasonably priced) away.
Useful topic, I'm flying in for ten days myself and probably should've thought to ask advice here on the forum as well. Not usually a great fan of doing touristy things, but I might make a few exceptions while in London.
Must do more research on the trains, got to get down to Eastbourne and Maidstone on separate trips. I'm going to be staying in Paddington for the week before the 40th shindig, so hopefully that's a good central point for hopping around the place...
Can recommend travel apps use these on iOS, not sure about android etc.
National Rail app
Citymapper covers London and other cities
Bus London
Think it's London Victoria for Maidstone and Eastbourne
Orbital Comics near Tottenham Court Garden has some great old progs in the collector's shelves :P
They also sell a huge range of small press including copies of Zarjaz & Dogbreath.
Quote from: Steve Green on 15 December, 2016, 12:50:20 PM
Can recommend travel apps use these on iOS, not sure about android etc.
Also, while you perhaps shouldn't rely solely on it, Google Maps covers the bulk of the UK train network well, and sometimes even comes up with routes the national rail apps won't (probably because of variance in the time deemed necessary to make changes). Also: make use of the Google Maps offline mode, to save a map of London without having to chomp through your data.
While in London, use the app CityMapper. Buses, trains, trams, tubes, taxis, bicycle, bike hire, etc etc all visible and easy to use (with an offline Tube map available too). Even shows you the various prices.
Don't get a day or weekly travel card get an oyster or use your contactless card.
It's great you can make it!
If you wish to visit a modern British city that's far more friendly and welcoming than London, come to Manchester (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=43742.0)! (although York is pretty nice I must admit)
As for London, I think that the major attractions - Tower of London, Madame Tussauds etc are a bit over-hyped and expensive, not to mention loooooong queues, but most museums and galleries are free - the British Museum is my favourite - the entire history of world civilisation under one roof.
Camden is always a good place to go for a drink and to laugh at hipsters and wannabe counterculture rebels with stupid haircuts shopping for bongs and trying to look cool - loads of good pubs such as the Hawley Arms (Amy Winehouse's old regular haunt) as well as a decent comic shop - Mega City Comics.
Not surprisingly the most beautiful countryside is the most remote - Devon & Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands etc - but if you're in York, The Yorkshire Dales are stunning too - rolling hills, loads of nice country pubs, great for short or long walks (but a good chance of rain/snow in Feb). From Edinburgh, you've got Fife to the NE and the Borders area to the South and West.
And yes, book train tickets as far in advance as you can. Just done a sample search and a single from London to Edinburgh travelling today would be £141.50; but if booked today for travel mid-Feb same ticket is £47.50
bugger that lot for suggestions, come to Leyland i'll make you a proper brew and a chip butty (French fry sandwich) in return for some fancy nail art for the wife and lass.
Thanks guys for the advice!
I guess by castles/nature I meant we were more interested in seeing countryside/ruins/hiking/old villagey type stuff rather than shopping/city tourist trap type stuff. Mostly b/c it'll be very different from what we have here in the US! Even if some of it is countryside tourist trap :D (I really wanted to go to Ireland a few years back for that reason but it fell through.)
However, I'm to believe that it'll be hard to reach a lot of it/everything will be closed anyways during Feb?? I'm a bit torn as to make a day reservation for a car since that particular day could be complete crap weather, and I only know how to drive automatic (I know, I'm terrible)...so might be difficult to obtain one day of.
I will def be checking out the British museum or something similar.
Any Indian/local food or pub recs in London? We have pretty good access to intl food here in San Francisco esp sushi but I've yet to find a really good Indian place. We are pretty big beer drinkers too.
This trip will also overlap Valentine's Day if anyone has some ideas for a vaguely romantic noncrowded(probably impossible) thing to do/place to go during my stay in London. Doesn't need to be a $500 steak dinner, maybe somewhere with a fireplace or view?
@grugz: heh, I didn't do my nails myself so they'd probably get something really poor from me! :D I also can't believe a french fry sandwich exists but it sounds delicious.
oh,it is, non of those skinny ones,mind, thick cut double,if not triple fried to get that perfect soft on the inside crisp on the outside, loads of butter on the bread tomato ketchup optional.
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 15 December, 2016, 09:14:19 AM
Possible day trip, depending on travel arrangements/possibilities: Stonehenge and then Salisbury (beautiful place, and a copy of the Magna Carta in the cathedral). I see a few places do day trips that encompass Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor, which if you've the money and inclination would be good as well.
If you're doing Stonehenge and Salisbury then you have to also go to Avebury, and have your lunch in a pub in the middle of a village which is itself in the middle of a stone circle!
(http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/remote/www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/properties/avebury/gallery-for-avebury/aerial.jpg?w=1144&mode=none&scale=downscale&quality=60&anchor=middlecenter)
Quote from: mimikeke on 15 December, 2016, 05:51:56 PM
Thanks guys for the advice!
I guess by castles/nature I meant we were more interested in seeing countryside/ruins/hiking/old villagey type stuff rather than shopping/city tourist trap type stuff. Mostly b/c it'll be very different from what we have here in the US! Even if some of it is countryside tourist trap :D (I really wanted to go to Ireland a few years back for that reason but it fell through.)
However, I'm to believe that it'll be hard to reach a lot of it/everything will be closed anyways during Feb?? I'm a bit torn as to make a day reservation for a car since that particular day could be complete crap weather, and I only know how to drive automatic (I know, I'm terrible)...so might be difficult to obtain one day of.
I was going to suggest Richmond Park - watch the deer!
(http://merrypedallerbiketours.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_0902-1280x852.jpg)
Quote
I will def be checking out the British museum or something similar.
Any Indian/local food or pub recs in London? We have pretty good access to intl food here in San Francisco esp sushi but I've yet to find a really good Indian place. We are pretty big beer drinkers too.
Brick Lane is famous for curry, but I'd also recommend Drummond Street (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drummond_Street,_London), between Euston Station and Regents Park (sort of).
Quote
This trip will also overlap Valentine's Day if anyone has some ideas for a vaguely romantic noncrowded(probably impossible) thing to do/place to go during my stay in London. Doesn't need to be a $500 steak dinner, maybe somewhere with a fireplace or view?
Me and my girl are doing something romantic for V-day - taking a trip to a certain event in Hammersmith :)
Quote from: Pyroxian on 15 December, 2016, 11:17:58 AM
London Museums - Natural History (The Cathedral of Science!), Science Museum (Babbage's brain in a jar!), V&A are all very close. You can do them in a day, although if it's school holidays the NH will be packed (esp. the Dinosaurs) - I suggest going in at around 4-4.30, as most families will have gone home by now.
The British Museum (Rosetta stone, Mummies!) is also worth a visit
You can't do all three museums in a day, unless you run around them without
looking at anything :P
Quote from: sheridan on 15 December, 2016, 07:08:57 PMIf you're doing Stonehenge and Salisbury then you have to also go to Avebury, and have your lunch in a pub in the middle of a village which is itself in the middle of a stone circle!
This, too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westbury_White_Horse
Although last time I was there, you got to it by walking through a field of angry sheep who'd shat everywhere.
Quote from: sheridan on 15 December, 2016, 07:15:32 PMYou can't do all three museums in a day, unless you run around them without looking at anything :P
Last time my wife and I went to the NHM, we did the dinosaurs (
obviously) and a couple of very specific areas. British Museum: after several half-day visits, we've barely scratched the surface. The Science Museum is, I find, something you can get round in much less time, but even so you'd need a day to properly see everything.
Best bet: go armed with a set of things you
definitely want to check out, ensure you catch those, and then randomly amble about looking at some other stuff. (Another possible: the new Tate's Turbine Hall.)
Quote from: sheridan on 15 December, 2016, 07:08:57 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 15 December, 2016, 09:14:19 AM
Possible day trip, depending on travel arrangements/possibilities: Stonehenge and then Salisbury (beautiful place, and a copy of the Magna Carta in the cathedral). I see a few places do day trips that encompass Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor, which if you've the money and inclination would be good as well.
If you're doing Stonehenge and Salisbury then you have to also go to Avebury, and have your lunch in a pub in the middle of a village which is itself in the middle of a stone circle!
(http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/remote/www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/properties/avebury/gallery-for-avebury/aerial.jpg?w=1144&mode=none&scale=downscale&quality=60&anchor=middlecenter)
Yes, the wonderful "Red Lion" in Avebury - had many a drink there.
Thanks for the suggestions ya'll!
A lovely lady on Twitter suggested to me that I take a train up to Peak District area, then do a little tour of that area via car (Ilkley Moor/Bolton Abbey) to York.
It turns out my husband can only take off before the event so I'll be there mostly the week before (happens to be my bday!). Perhaps I'll be celebrating the last hours of my 20's on a plane to London x.x I'll be old and wise by the time you see me at the 2000AD event :lol: :lol:
If you want historical ruins set in lovely countryside, Bolton Abbey is a good choice. Take care booking trains though as it is NOT in Bolton!
And Leeds Castle is not in Leeds, it's near me on the outskirts of Maidstone. It's a beautiful castle by the way!
Heh I can understand people confused of Leeds Castle.
If you're staying in London then my home county of Kent is on your doorstep.
Leeds Castle is glorious as mentioned.
Hever Castle childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
There's Rochester and Chatham for all your Dickensian needs.
and just an hour & a bit on the train plops you in my home stomping ground of Canterbury with ruins galore and a ruddy great Cathedral dominating the city - the place bleeds history.
Plus if you drive, just outside C'bury is the village of Chartham which is basically the most picturesque Kent village going - as seen in various episodes of Poirot, Miss Marple, Lovejoy and the Powell Pressburger classic A Canterbury Tale.
Dunk! - not from the Kent tourist board.
Go to Drummond Street over Brick Lane, get a Thali (like a kind of Indian mezze/tapas) - lovely stuff.
As for 'Valentine's Day' in London, near to HAmmersmith is this little tea room http://www.bettyblythe.co.uk/ . Basically it's all 1920s themed, my wife loved it and it has that 'afternoon tea' bit of Britishness tat. Cosy basement room and I guess you'll be somewhere around there.
(I'd offer you a tour of the BBC but it's actually real real boring now they closed the classic building)
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 16 December, 2016, 12:57:23 PM
Go to Drummond Street over Brick Lane, get a Thali (like a kind of Indian mezze/tapas) - lovely stuff.
As for 'Valentine's Day' in London, near to HAmmersmith is this little tea room http://www.bettyblythe.co.uk/ . Basically it's all 1920s themed, my wife loved it and it has that 'afternoon tea' bit of Britishness tat. Cosy basement room and I guess you'll be somewhere around there.
(I'd offer you a tour of the BBC but it's actually real real boring now they closed the classic building)
We'll have to check out the Hammersmith tea room (I wonder what it is about tea rooms that they have to be called "Betty's"?)
Which BBC are you in? I've only ever been in the radio centre - which had a dalek and the TARDIS last time I visited.
Quote from: mimikeke on 15 December, 2016, 08:38:13 PM
Thanks for the suggestions ya'll!
A lovely lady on Twitter suggested to me that I take a train up to Peak District area, then do a little tour of that area via car (Ilkley Moor/Bolton Abbey) to York.
It turns out my husband can only take off before the event so I'll be there mostly the week before (happens to be my bday!). Perhaps I'll be celebrating the last hours of my 20's on a plane to London x.x I'll be old and wise by the time you see me at the 2000AD event :lol: :lol:
Happy birthday (for February)! As there are two Yorkshire lasses in the flat I live in, I have to to advise you to take a hat if you go to Ilkley Moor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Ilkla_Moor_Baht_%27at) :)
Quote from: sheridan on 16 December, 2016, 01:23:50 PM
Which BBC are you in? I've only ever been in the radio centre - which had a dalek and the TARDIS last time I visited.
I'm in White City, just up the road from the old Television Centre. Which had studios, that dalek and Tardis, the news rooms, etc etc... was just more interesting. Lots of stuff recorded on the grounds. I sometimes visit Radio Centre (which is basically broadcasting house I think? Every building has a million names depending on the era people joined :/ ), the old bit is a nicer building than the new bit but it's all just desks and a few booths now. The only real perk is being able to spy on Mark Kermode on a Friday and knowing that you walk through a live TV feed everytime you take the stairs to the canteen via News (stupid, stupid design).
It's great you can make it for the event, a lot of the tourist site will be a lot quieter in February so you shouldn't have to queue for ages also don't forget Stratford upon Avon home of Shakespeare and near to Warwick castle possibly one of the best in the country
If you fancy seeing another capital city, country and castle, then I recommend a train from London to Cardiff, capital of Wales! A lovely friendly city, 2.5 hours away by train, with a castle slap bang in the middle, and tons of fantastic bars and restaurants all around it.
You could go there and back in a day, but if you need a place to crash overnight my partner and I will be happy to put you up. Although bear in mind we'll be at the 40th celebration in London too.
You've already got plenty of good advice on here. I'm not a Londoner but I've quite enjoyed the touristy side of things last couple of times I've been. A few recommendations
The British Museum (http://www.britishmuseum.org/) is an extraordinary place. You could spend a week in there alone. My advice would be to check in advance if there are any special exhibitions which take your fancy then plan to stay half a day including that. You'll only see a tiny portion of the collection but you wont wear yourself out.
If you've any interest at all in modern art, the Tate Modern (http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern) is unmissable. Similar recommendations for visiting there to be honest. Even if you're not interested in art, the building itself is pretty amazing and, no matter how cold, a stroll along the South Bank from the London Eye to Tower Bridge is a pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon.
A bit more specialised, the RAF museum (http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/) out at Hendon is outstanding if you or your partner are in any way nerdy about planes.
If you really want to try and fit in a trip to Edinburgh, then your best bet might be to book on the Sleeper train (https://www.sleeper.scot/). It's a little pricey but gets you right into the centre of Edinburgh first thing in the morning and offset the expense against what you'll save on a hotel for the night.
This site is a decent one for aggregating gig listings: http://www.howdoesitfeel.co.uk/londongigguide.html
While this one tries to keep up with all sorts of more offbeat events which might be on: https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/
Time Out's probably alright for an overview of different restaurants and bars. It's probably not worth suggesting someone from LA checks out Chinatown...
Have fun and hopefully see you at the birthday bash.
If you do come to Edinburgh, or indeed slum it in Glasgow, you can't do better than get this book:
(http://www.eat-scottish.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Scotland-the-Best-Book-Cover.jpg?x59763)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotland-Best-updated-Scotlands-bestselling/dp/0007559348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173982&sr=1-1&keywords=scotland+the+best+peter+irvine#reader_0007559348 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotland-Best-updated-Scotlands-bestselling/dp/0007559348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173982&sr=1-1&keywords=scotland+the+best+peter+irvine#reader_0007559348)
As a Scot who holidays in Scotland, its my bible if I venture beyond the city walls, and whisper it, its the best guide to Edinburgh you can get.
Just make sure you get the most recent (2016) edition.
Thanks guys for the tips!
I won't add any other recommends because I think you have plenty to choose from but I agree with several other posters that Drummond Street is great for curries. There is also an Indian bakery you can buy their sweet/candies from which sometimes has queues of proper Indian locals who know their stuff stretching down the street during Diwali.
Drummond St also home to a great pub: The Brass Monkey, where i am heading shortly! Willing to meet a
just about anyone in there if you're about.