Planning a Summer Trip to the UK - Help!!!

[DVCLiz]

Hi, all - I may be planning a trip to the UK this summer. My daughter (17) will be graduating from high school and we have a two week time when her younger sister will be away at camp. I'd like to take her on a mother/daughter trip to Europe, and I think the UK and possibly a small trip to Paris might be our choice. Any advice? We'd probably want to spend several days in London, of course, and then maybe two or three days that are side trips - to Stratford, or Avon, or Oxford. Then finish with a two or three day trip to Paris.

We'll probably stick to more of the major tourist attractions, but I thought I'd start here with any advice you can give me!!!! Places to stay? Theater we might go to? Places to eat? How to make arrangements for side or day trips? I'd like to think we could splurge a little and have some nicer trips or hotels, since we won't get to do this again probably, but also don't want to break the bank!!! I didn't really think we'd get to go, so I am really just starting to think about it!!!! It would be so wonderful!! Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have....DVCLiz

 

[florida sun]

Hi Liz

Your trip sounds fantastic

With regards to the London section of your plans, have a look at the link below, it is from a recent thread concerning London and it has some great links to London Tourist Attractions and info on places to stay.

Hope this helps

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1016665

 

[Frances999]

I would spend about 4 days in London to get the most out of the attractions.

In central London, I highly recommend the Mandarin Oriental at Hyde Park. The location is unbeatable, and the rooms and service are second-to-none. They have a really nice spa too - great for some mother/daughter time and relaxation after sightseeing. It's within walking distance of most of the major attractions such as the London Eye and Tate Modern. Knightsbridge (with Harrods) is just a short walk. There's more information online if you go to the Mandarin Oriental website, otherwise just ask and I will be happy to help with any questions.

For a Disney touch, the Lion King and Mary Poppins are both showing at the moment. I've seen them both and they are top-notch performances.

For your side-trips are you planning on having a couple of nights at the places, or just taking day trips from London? For some of the further ones it might be an idea to have an overnight stay to make the most of it. I think one of the easiest ways to get from London to the other places will be by train - most of the places you listed have direct services to/from London.

Are you planning to take the Eurostar for the Paris portion of your trip? That would be the easiest, fastest and least stressful way to get across the channel. You board at London Waterloo so it is very easy to get to from central London. I am biased as I live near it, but have you considered visiting Bath? I know its extremely popular with American tourists.

I recommend Le Pont De La Tour at Butlers Wharf for dining. It has sensational views at night, over the Tower Bridge and cityscape. The food is delicious and the service is excellent, but the prices are quite steep. Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's is excellent too - but also very expensive. There are also the typical themed chains such as Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe. I think you can reserve tables online for some of these now.

Have fun planning! I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip.

 

[susieh]

If you want history come to Portsmouth. We have Portchester Castle near us which was started by the Romans in the 4th Century and the rest is 12th Century. We've the home of the Royal Navy - the Mary Rose warship in there dates from 1535, HMS Victory (Lord Nelson's flagship) dates from 1765 and HMS Warrior from 1861. You can see the first of these and go on the other two.

If you want to know more about Portsmouth look here - http://www.flagship.org.uk/welcome.html

We're about 70 miles south of London - easy by train.

 

[cornish pixie]

Hi Liz,
I have to recommend a trip to Cornwall, But I am Biased!!!!
We are in the south west about 5 hours from London but you can fly down from London in an Hour.
We also have a lot of History, King Arthur country ,Castles and we are surrounded by beautiful beaches .
We have some amazing sites and also have our very own Tate Gallery which is in St ives along with the Barbara hepworth musem and of course the Fab Eden project .
I would be more than happy to send any other information if you require it.
Happy Travels
Chucklechops

 

[carolfoy]

I'll back Cornish Pixie as I'm a cornish pixie too! Don't forget we've also got Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor (setting for Hitchcocks 'The birds') Plymouth in Devon is where Sir Francis Drake set sail from to discover 'the new world'. Also St Michaels Mount near Penzance is beautiful and Fistral in Newquay for some top notch surfing.

 

[cornish pixie]

I'll back Cornish Pixie as I'm a cornish pixie too! Don't forget we've also got Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor (setting for Hitchcocks 'The birds') Plymouth in Devon is where Sir Francis Drake set sail from to discover 'the new world'. Also St Michaels Mount near Penzance is beautiful and Fistral in Newquay for some top notch surfing.

All we need now are some Disney parks and hotels, a few water parks and we will be laughing!!!

 

[Goofy Gaz]

Anyone heard of 'Lands End'.

My wife tells me that on a clear day, you can see the MGM Mickey tower from Lands End.

Am I gullable or just being polite when I reply ' of course you can dear'

By the way, my wife is ' Cornish Pixie', who once mistook the moon for a streetlight!!

Just going to put on a helmet before being greeted with the frying pan.