Questions on visiting your fine country next spring!

[Snoozan]

Hi to my UK DIS buddies! I'm thinking of possibly taking a trip over to the UK late next spring(last week of April/first week of May). Is this a good time to visit, weather-wise? Any thoughts on lodging in London and maybe another location? Any suggestions on must-see places around London/elsewhere? We would be coming from Boston, MA and probably spend 5 or 6 nights.

 

[tony64]

Hi

Weather wise you could have anything from snow to beautiful sunshine, we have had both in the last few years. Buckingham Palace, houses of parliament, Natural history and science museum's. There is so much to see in London you could fill your 5-6 days even without going further a field. Windsor castle, Stonehenge etc.

 

[BudgieMama]

The London Eye is fun...

Plenty of the London museums are free, so definitely worth visiting, especially if you have a special interest in things like the theatre (I really enjoyed the Theatre Museum, and it only takes an hour or so to see).

The Churchill War Rooms are fascinating if you're interested in history. I went this summer and would definitely recommend.

IF the weather is OK (I agree with the PP about no guarantees at any time of year!) the parks in London are beautiful. As well as the big parks, there are LOADS of tiny ones hidden away in unexpected places, and they are really cool.

Oxford and Cambridge are doable day trips from London (not on the same day!) either by car or by public transport, depending on whether you are hiring a car or not. They're very pretty cities, and pleasant to wander round and explore.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend Stonehenge (sorry PP!)- a huge disappointment, especially when you realise it was "repaired" by the Victorians! But I second Windsor Castle! Well worth a day out, and Windsor itself has some nice shops!

If you can run to the expense, see a show in the West End!

Accommodation wise, pick somewhere near a tube station. When all lines are running, everywhere is accessible with a maximum of one change on the tube network, so it is the best way to get around. Get an oyster card for the cheapest fares.

 

[Dimplenose]

First Monday in May is a bank holiday so may be a little busier than usual.

London is a strange city where most museums are free to enter but the major cathedrals make a charge. But, with an audio guide, are fascinating places.

The tube trains get you to most places easily but you miss a lot of the sights - try to walk or take a bus if you can.

A river cruise to Greenwich will give you a great view of the city on the way and usually a good commentary. There are good discounts if you already have a travel card. Greenwich itself has a lot to see - the maritime museum, the Cutty Sark ship and nearby the Royal Observatory where Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is set.

Hampton Court Palace is an easy day trip by train from Waterloo. It has costumed guides and audio tours included in the entrance fee.

I think you could fill 6 nights easily in London but if you did want to visit somewhere else Salisbury is a very pretty city. You could get there from London for a day trip but might be better to stay one night. It has lots of old buildings as it wasn't bombed during WWII. The cathedral is very interesting and contains one of the best preserved copies of the Magna Carta. There are tour buses that run from Salisbury to Stonehenge and Old Sarum.

 

[tony64]

Personally, I wouldn't recommend Stonehenge (sorry PP!)- a huge disappointment, especially when you realise it was "repaired" by the Victorians! But I second Windsor Castle! Well worth a day out, and Windsor itself has some nice shops!

I actually agree with you about Stonehenge, it's one of those places people like to be able to tick off of their bucket list But it's just a pile of old stones as far as I'm concerned. I've driven pasted it many times and never once been tempted to stop and look around.