London/UK help/advice...please...

[dreamflight99]

Still putting it all together...piece by piece!~The airline tickets are all processed, and the hotels are next! Then, I'll move onto the smaller details like the London Eye, etc.

Again...does anyone think I should give driving a go? Maybe for the trip to Bath? Or the Castle Amberly? I was thinking of renting a car for a two-day spell, and driving to Hertfordshire, Bath, etc. Does anyone know the proximity of such places from London? We do not wish to miss Bath, Hertfordshire or Nottingham, but have no idea of the travel time required. Most of the trips to other locales seem to take about an hour by train (Oxford, Cambridge), and we'll just obtain assistance from the Concierge at the Park Lane. How far is King's Cross station from the Park Lane?

Fantasia Sam~All the info you have provided to date is wonderful! I am keeping all of it, and will use it when there. I'll also be sure to PM/Email you if I need anything while in the UK.

As for our plans to stay in France, is the St. Regis a nice property? Can you recommend any others? My daughter told her French teacher she may be staying there, and she made a face, wrinkling her nose and contorting her mouth (according to my daughter...not a good one). She's from Paris, and always talks DOWN about Americans, etc. She also criticizes everyone's french accent, and believes the Parisians speak the best French! She told my daughter she LOVES London. But, I have a feeling either she's not acquainted with the St. Regis Prince de Galle, or doesn't like it. It certainly has a high AAA rating, and looks beautiful. I was just curious of your opinion. Thank you for any/all your help. My daughter's friend may meet with us at the Train Station in France, and she is from a small City near the Alps. She's a sweetie, and speaks beautiful French. We would be fine with her...and she could translate everything (*w/ease).

Sian~Thanks for the kind offer...and I will definitely take you up on it! I'll be contacting you shortly, for additional information. My daughter is keeping her options open, and is very receptive to all the schools available to her in England. She is not truly seeking to study anywhere else in Europe (other than England). She has ALWAYS had an affinity for all things British...and possibly should have been born there!! (LOL). She loves the thespians...the music...the style...and the inflections! Her next car shall be a mini-cooper with the british flag paint job!! (Like the one Austin Powers drove in his films). Again, thank you.

TTFN...DF99

 

[dreamflight99]

Again...does anyone think I should give driving a go? Maybe for the 2-day trip to Bath? Or the Castle Amberly? Is anyone familiar with the properties in Bath listed as the Ston Easton and the Royal Crescent?I was thinking of renting a car for a two-day spell, and driving to Hertfordshire, Bath, etc. Does anyone know the proximity of such places from London? We do not wish to miss Bath, Hertfordshire or Nottingham, but have no idea of the travel time required. Most of the trips to other locales seem to take about an hour by train (Oxford, Cambridge), and we'll just obtain assistance from the Concierge at the Park Lane. How far is King's Cross station from the Park Lane?

*All my books arrived VIA Amazon.com....LOTS to READ now!!

Again, all of your invaluable insight and information is graciously received and appreciated!!

Thank you!

DF99

 

[Miffy2003]

Hello DF

I have to be honest and say no, I probably wouldn't drive. Driving in the UK can be quite stressful and as you are staying in London (I think) you would have to drive out of London (potential nightmare! Personally I wouldn't drive in London, even to get out of London and I've been driving for 12 years.) I find the roads, signposts etc just about OK and I am used to them, but some US friends of mine found driving in the UK a nightmare experience compared to home.

Bath from London is about 2 1/2 hours I think (by car)

Nottingham is about 2 1/2 hours too (by car)

A good site is the AA route planner which you can use to work out your journey by car. It gives distance, time taken and best route.

Dreamflight, if you enjoy driving and are happy to have the different experience then go for it But personally (and I'm sure others will disagree) I would take the train

Best wishes,

Karen

 

[Halo]

DF, I would recommend against driving. The UK is slightly smaller than Oregon but has over 60m people so it is a small country which is densely populated. It could take you well over an hour to drive from your hotel in Park Lane to the start of the respective motorways (=Freeways) to head to Nottingham or Bath; and thats assuming you don't make any wrong turns. You would be having to cope with aggressive driving, driving on the wrong-side of the road, heavy congestion and congestion charging (a toll levied for driving in Central London Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:30pm to try to stop people doing it!) as well as parking. Valet parking is extremely rare in the UK - you could easily spend an hour looking for somewhere to park and you would risk having your car ticketed/clamped/towed away if you were to inadvertently breach any local parking restrictions. Sorry to sound so negative but public transport or a public or private tour would be the best way to go.

 

[dreamflight99]

Miffy2003 & Halo...~Thanks so much for your take on the DRIVING option. My DH is SO against it...as he has driven in both London and Paris, and would never opt to do so again! Frustrating...to say the least (in his opinion), and a waste of time/enjoyment.

Even the Castle management (I've emailed several) have urged me to take trains into the nearest towns, and a cab to the Castle. What is a "Taxi Rank?" They have suggested trains from Paddington to Bath, and the same with any other area of England. Do the trains access most all the cities? Are the cabs expensive (*like in NYC, etc.?) to travel in for 15+ miles...etc? I'm going to have to exchange some cash for either GBP or Euro...which do you suggest? What's the difference between first class and second on the rail? Is it like airplane classes?

I feel as though I will not be informed enough to do all we need to do, and have to read...read...and keep reading to gain the basics alone. I am, therefore, reading all the time...and have come away with some wonderful bits of knowledge such as:

*Galaxy bars are heavenly
*Cadbury Wisp Gold Bars are BETTER
*Smarties beat M&M's by a mile
*Double decker bus tours are FUN, especially at night
*Cabbies are honest (unlike in the US) and also informative
*Follow the locals, and ask questions--they do not mind.
*Calling cards are the way to go. (Unity brand is the best deal)
*Internet cafes are everywhere...and inexpensive to access email/net
*If I do drive...I should buy/place a GREEN "L" in the window!
*Tipping is different than the US...about 10% in restaurants *(when not added in already).
*What is the legal drinking age for people in England/France? On the airplane...she told me it was 17!
*Our trip TO London from Calif...takes 18 hours! On the way back, only 3 + 1/2 hours!!
*Yo!Sushi & Wagamama are HIP places to stop/dine!
*Park Lane is a nice hotel choice
*So MUCH MORE!!

Thanks again...for continuing to assist me in this saga. I'm beginning to get more organized, and plan the travel aspects once there.

TGIF...DF99

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi again DF

A Taxi Rank is an "approved" (in theory signposted or painted on the road) area where taxis congregate and you can pick one up from there. They are everywhere in London. Though you can also "flag" down taxis that are "for hire" ie not already carrying a passenger or no longer at work.

Taxis expensive? Hmmm hard to say as I've nothing to compare with. 15 miles around the Bath area (for example) I would expect to cost anywhere from £25 - £35 (not a round trip, just one way). It is more expensive than in WDW as an example.

I like first class travel on the train You get extra room, it's more quiet and the drinks and biccies trolley comes round free of charge. At Paddington you get to use the First class waiting room with free newspapers, drinks and packets of pretzels (oddly!). Don't know about anywhere else but I know the one at Paddington. As to whether it's worth it or not depends on you and your budget

Euros are not really accepted anywhere in the UK (in my experience) apart from a few large chain stores. And these are few and far between. I would definitely change some dollars to GBP for the UK. There are Exchange places at frequent intervals though if you run short.

I love your list!! I don't think you can get Gold Wispa Bars any more though (well you can't where I live )

Smarties are better than M&M's

HTH

Karen

 

[mrsv98]

Hi, I tried to PM this but your box is full....you are very popular


I am an American and did an MPhil at Cambridge and just loved it. If you or your daughter has any questions about being an American student abroad, just let me know. There are many wonderful opportunities for travel (cheap) and for making frinds from all over the world. There is also a large American population at Cambridge (and at Oxford I would suspect, but we Light Blues never speak of the Dark Blues )

The whole college within the University system can be quite confusing and it is very important that your DD chose her college carefully, again, let me know if you need any help.

I absolutely agree about not driving, frankly, you would be lucky to get away alive! You should be able to get a BritRail pass that allows travel not only on the Tube but also on the buses. The overland train system is very good, tho can be slow on the weekends due to track work.

I hope you have a wonderful time, you have made me very nostalgic!

 

[dreamflight99]

Okay..."IXNAY on the DRIVING~AY" I will not be getting behind the wheel on this trip!! I'll go for all the other transport options. I have decided to take the Eurostar over to Paris for a few eves, and would like to know if anyone knows how far it is from the Train Station to the St. Regis Prince De Galle? TIA for any help.

Karen...Thank you SO much for your great post! I will take it all into consideration, and will be using most everything on this thread to my best advantage. I still have MANY questions to post...as I read and re-read these books!

mrsv98~Sorry about the PM box, as soon as I empty it...it's full again!! How VERY kind of you to offer assistance to my DD, as I am positive she has MANY questions to ask as well. I'll pass on the information to her, and she will be in touch. So many folks share the same sentiments about London, and seem to LOVE the entire experience, from the culture/traditions, to the warm and friendly people.
Everyone on this thread exemplifies the very BEST of England/Europe...and is always so generous with their time and knowledge. I appreciate everyone, and thank you all for continuing to assist me with this endeavor. I wish to be well-prepared (hopefully).

*Again...if anyone can recommend CASTLES (in/near Bath)...I would love to hear from you!

*How far is Hertfordshire from London?

Thank you!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Miffy2003]

DF - which part of Hertfordshire do you want to visit???

Karen

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Miffy2003
DF - which part of Hertfordshire do you want to visit???

Karen

The College...at least this is where DD has mentioned. We even spoke with a sweet CM in the UK restaurant Rose & Crown this summer, whom attended college at Hertfordshire! She was so kind, and DD obtained her email info, etc. She pronounced it "HEART-FERD-SHER" (And said it with such a nice inflection).

I am truly lost...perhaps I should pull out the atlas, or play on MAPQUEST a bit more!!

Thanks for your help.

DF99

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi DF!

I think this is the University of Hertforshire website. It gives details of public transport links from London!

By road it is only 23 miles from Park Lane, I'm really not sure what the best way to get there by public transport would be though - it looks on the website like you might be able to use the tube to get there but I'm not sure! so hopefully someone local will know???? Can anyone help??

Karen

 

[dreamflight99]

DD wanted to spend the eve somewhere in Hertford...But since it's only a short ride outside London, we will just stay at the Park Lane and take the train/tube! I'm sure we can just "walk" around Hertford and the College once we get into town. Then, we can hop back to the Park Lane. The less changing of hotels, etc....the better!

So...we WILL be changing to visit Paris for three eves, and then again for a CASTLE~HOP for a couple more. I've received info from CLIVEDEN HOUSE...and AMBERLY. Does anyone on here know anything about these places? Or any other CASTLE info? Thanks again.

TGIF!!! DF99...

 

[vernon]

I know friends who stayed a Cliveden and they thought it was an increadable experience, the house/hotel has a very colourful history. Of the two I'd probably opt for Amberly, just simply for the fact it is a genuine castle and the photos are just a touch (IMHO) more impressive. Plus I know that area reasonably well and I know there is some beautiful countryside and Brighton (20 miles drive) is a fun place to visit full of antique shops and great little stores,cafes and restaurants. Although the Astors history of Cliveden, the wonderful spa and if you're planing to visit Windsor castle ( 15 miles away) it's an ideal location to do that (not sure you'd get me out of the hotel anytime soon though ).

I don't think you'll be disappointed with either.

 

[WDWfan uk]

DF99, Hi ! I've come late to this thread but just scanning through, thought I'd add a few bits and pieces Also wanted to ask you, how old is your daughter and what does she want to study?

I'm from Hertfordshire and wanted to say that the University of Hertfordshire is in <b>Hatfield</b> and not <b>Hertford</b> ...... during the day, in Hatfield you could visit Hatfield House (where Elizabeth 1st learned that she was Queen), but there isn't anywhere much to go or to see at night. You can reach Hatfield easily by train from Kings Cross station. (You can also get to Herford from there so don't get mixed up and end up in the wrong town !!)

We live about 25 minutes from Hertford one way and the same distance from Cambridge another way so these are pretty much local to me, so if I can help in any way, please let me know.

As my son is about to start at University - he'll be attending Oxford - we have looked into Unis quite a lot in the last couple of years and certainly it is as much about being selected as which one you select, and the unis you list do have varied requirements - I wouldn't know what those are in detail for an international student!! - but hopefully, you'll have some info on that before you come?

 

[Halo]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
DD wants to attend school in England, and is setting up appts/tours at Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, Hertfordshire, Nottingham, Westminster, UCL, Surrey, Birmingham, central England, York and Middlesex U.

If you have ANY info on these schools (or which to miss...and names of others to consider), I am indebted for your help!

DF99,
I would check out The Times guide to UK universities if I was you
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,716,00.html

or the British Council Guide at
http://www.britishcouncil-usa.org/learning/students/schoolrankings/

Whilst these are somewhat subjective, I had never even heard of Hertfordshire Uni before your posting. I did not notice what it is your DD wishes to study (eng = "Read") but without meaning any disrespect to anyone currently studying there, Hertfordshire is IMHO not a first rate university. It only received university status in 1992. In American terms it is most definitely not Ivy League. Ditto Westminster, Surrey, Central England and Middlesex U.

If your DD is looking for a UK equivalent of Harvard, Yale, MIT, Browns, Berkeley, Notre Dame, Columbia, Pennsylvania she should be looking at: Oxford or Cambridge (in a league of their own) followed by, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Edinburgh, St Andrews (in Scotland) and Trinity College Dublin (yes I know its in Ireland not the UK but worth including anyway ). These are the colleges which will have more impact upon DD's Resume (Eng = cv ).

From the other names on your original list the following are good universities UCL, Manchester, York, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Liverpool. I would also add Bristol to this group.

I would dissuade my DDs from choosing Hertfordshire, Westminster, Surrey, Central England and Middlesex U.

Depending upon what she wishes to study there might well be individual centres of excellence in other colleges but in terms of CV and personal contacts a lesser subject at a better university is IMHO better than a more mainstream subject at a lesser university.

I hope this helps (and await comments from offended graduates/undergraduates/parents of those adversely commented upon above ).

 

[bjakmom]

I'm so glad I also came to the UK forums to see if I could get a little travel advise !!! You guys are the best !

DH has been working over in UK all summer - going back again in Oct, so DS (15) and I are going to make a trip over with him for a few days of vacation before he returns to work (our first trip to UK, even though it's my "country of origin"- my mother's family hails from Nottingham).

Any input from anyone on our plans so far? We're flying into Heathrow - spending 3 nights at Crowne Plaza London City (near St. Paul's) - anyone know of it? Going to do the hop on/off bus tour and see as much as we possibly can. On Sat we are booked on a 3 hour 'rock n roll' tour that leaves from the Hard Rock ( DS is a musician and this one's mostly for him ) he also wants to check out the Hard Rock vault as he heard he can get 'up close and personal' with the instruments of his idols. Sat night UK friends are coming into London to join us for dinner - not sure where?

Sunday morning out to Windsor - staying at Oakley Court - looks nice, anyone know? Meeting work-mates at the pubs - Monday spend at Windsor - see changing of the guards and whatever else I can find. Tuesday we have to fly home (much too soon, I know - we'll be back!)

Thanks for posting all these links - this was a last minute decision and I have to start getting a bit more informed! Can't wait to see your beautiful country - everyone I know who's had the opportunity has simply raved about it !!

Almost forgot - DH thinks Oxford looks like a great trip from Windsor - I think Windsor will more than fill up 2 days - would we be trying to do too much to fit Oxford in?

 

[dreamflight99]

vernon~Thank you for your input with respect to the castles! We have selected Amberley and The Royal Crescent Hotels for our little ventures. Both of the brochures reflect spectacular history, architecture and countryside...not to mention Spas, amenities and accomodations! We are very excited about our plans. Amberley is especially impressive, (900 years old), with the little village nearby. I'm not sure we'll venture far from the grounds, which are astoundingly lovely. Thank you, again.

WDWfan,uk~ So happy to have your "take" on our prospective plans. First off...CONGRATULATIONS on your DS's acceptance to Oxford!! You must be very proud, and happy.

My daughter is 16, and expects to study neuro~science, (Psych initially) to become a Psychiatrist (DR = MED SCHOOL). Of course, she may change this over the course of her studies. Thank you SO much for the clarification on the location of the U. of Hertfordshire! (LOL). I'm sorry for any offense I may have unwittingly caused. Since so many of the schools can be easily accessed via rail, I believe we will stay in the PARK LANE (most of the time) and simply plan day-trips to the Colleges and Universities. I'm hoping the Concierge of the hotel will be helpful in assisting us with such plans.

We are not sure of the requirements either, but have received overwhelming literature from the Universities she has contacted. Most are so informal, and have maintained personal contact with her via email. She has attended private catholic school her entire academic life, and is in the top 5% of her class. She is currently taking all AP classes, as she did over the past three years. She also plays in a steel drum band, volunteers with various community service organizations, among other activities. She has never had one violation in school, or ever served detention of any kind (very good student, daughter).

Thank you, again...for your informative post! Please, add anything you believe may be useful for us with regards to this journey.

Halo~THANK YOU for your candid and honest opinion of the list I posted on this thread, and the wonderful LINKS! We have very little information and background truly necessary to accurately assess the standards of these schools (even though we both POUR over the literature she has received!). Yes, the schools of interest to DD here in the states include, Stanford/Berkeley/USF/Wellesley/Notre Dame/etc.

With this in mind...I am very pleased to have your list of schools in order of academic excellence/standards. We have heard great things about Liverpool, and also Imperial College. Again, thank you for being so forthright with your opinion. We are expending a lot of money and time on this venture, and wish to be as well-informed as possible! Every opinion is valued, and appreciated!! Please, feel free to add any other information you deem important or necessary to assist us in making the RIGHT choice!

Should we visit BOTH CAMBRIDGE/OXFORD on this trip?~DD has a visit planned with an Admissions associate in Oxford. I am wondering if we should also plan a similar day at Cambridge? Both appear to be about the same distance from the City, and would require a full day to appreciate. Would this be worth our time? Also, should DD fill out the apps online, or bring them in person? Any/All input is greatly appreciated!


TTFN...DF99

P.S.~bjakmom~Sorry...I'm unable to assist you with your questions, as I am DESPERATELY in need of HELP myself (and began this thread for this purpose). Perhaps if you use the little grey box in the top right corner of this FORUM PAGE to begin a ~ "NEW THREAD" ~ you will receive more direct assistance with your own questions regarding your plans.

 

[Halo]

DF99,

A visit to Cambridge is definitely well worth your time.

As your DD is looking to study a medical subject the associated hospital is more important than the university to which it is attached. I believe the leading uni for Psychiatry should be Kings College London, part of London University, as this covers the psychiatric hospitals of The Maudsley, and the Bethlam Royal. The Maudsley Hospital is, I believe, the leading psychiatric hospital in the UK but is located in a rather grim (depressing? ) part of South East London. The Bethlam Royal is located in my leafier patch of town. Out of interest Bethlam Royal was the original "lunatic asylum" of medieval times ("St John of Bethleham") and is the origins of the word "bedlam".

In terms of major teaching hospitals, Cambridge has Addenbrokes, and Oxford has the Radcliffe but I do not know what they are like for Psychiatry. I do not know the hospital names in Liverpool, but as a major city it could I believe meet your DDs requirements well too.

 

[dreamflight99]

Halo~Thanks a MILLION for the info!! You are indeed filled with knowledge...and I appreciate your time/consideration. I will definitely heed your advice, and use it to better "round-out" our itinerary. Again, your advice is well-received.

If anyone else has further information regarding these schools, or any others...please, feel free to contribute! I am so grateful to all whom have taken the time to post and offer invaluable information, and personal opinions. I plan to use input from everyone, and sculpt our plans to fit DD's interests/needs.

I still need information on transportation, if anyone can help.

1.If we take the train from London to Paris....is there a place to "check" our personal pieces of luggage? Or, do we carry it on ourselves?

2. Should I purchase passes in advance, or buy when needed?

3. Should I purchase a ticket for the LONDON EYE in advance?

4. Should I bring lots of cash, or just carry AMEX, VISA, MC...etc.?

5. Should I bring travelers checks, and convert them to GBP upon arrival?

Any/all posts welcome!! Thanks...

TTFN...DF99

 

[Halo]

You are most welcome.

In answer to your other questions.

1.If we take the train from London to Paris....is there a place to "check" our personal pieces of luggage? Or, do we carry it on ourselves?
You carry it on yourselves.

2. Should I purchase passes in advance, or buy when needed?
Train tickets have incredibly complex pricing structures in the UK - and there are different train operating companies. You can pay anything from, say, £8 to £180 for the same seat depending upon when you buy the ticket - they have Special Saver Tickets, Saver Tickets, 1-mth in advance, 14-day advance, 7-day advance, 3-day advance etc. etc. The general principle is to buy as far in advance as possible. However, if cost is not an issue you can simply pay on the day. To check prices see www.thetrainline.co.uk - you might find it better to get Britrail passes.

3. Should I purchase a ticket for the LONDON EYE in advance?
Yes.

4. Should I bring lots of cash, or just carry AMEX, VISA, MC...etc.?
I would rely on plastic and ATMs for cash as and when required.

5. Should I bring travelers checks, and convert them to GBP upon arrival?
Again, I would rely on plastic and ATMs for cash as and when required.