Trip to London - Help appreciated

[Lesli54]

I am taking a trip to London in mid May with my oldest DD as a graduation present. We were supposed to go a few years ago, but that fell through. So needless to say, I am very exicted that this is finally going to happen. We will be staying for 8 days/7 nights and I need a little advice as I finish up my itinerary, so naturally who else do you ask? Why those on the UK Board of course.

1. Currently we are booked at London Guards above Hyde Park. I am entertaining the idea of changing to Hyde Park Radnor. Does anyone know of these B&B's? Is the area fairly safe for 2 women traveling together? Should I look in a different area of London?

2. We would like to go to Bath, Stonehenge, Canterbury and maybe another location out of London. Would it be best to pay for a coach tour or can this be done easily on our own via train or coach so that we can wander at leisure?

3. We are planning to take the Eurostar to Paris for one day (I haven't been in 20 yrs). Are some days better for travel to Paris than others? Would it be best to take a tour or on our own?

I don't mind traveling on our own to various places as you can take things at your own pace, but sometimes tours are worth the extra $ (or pounds ) if it makes traveling to certain locations less of a hassle. I want to see all of the UK, but realize that's impossible in one trip.

Sorry, this is so long. I will probably have more questions later. You guys gave Chrismiss56 some great advice that I was able to use.

 

[Joanne UK]

Hi,

If you look on www.nationalexpress.co.uk you'll find most places you're likely to want to visit they do day trips to. I had a quick look and Canterbury is less than 2 hours from London Central but Bath is a much longer journey time with a stop on the way - you may want to stay overnight when you visit Bath?

I think that going by train would be a far more expensive way to travel and probably less reliable.

Joanne

 

[Hilary]

Of the out-of-London trips you mention, I would suggest definitely taking a tour to Stonehenge as direct access isn't as straightforward as going into a city location.

Bath and Canterbury both have direct train / coach access into the city so it would be possible to find most places of interest under your own steam, but I think I'd still be inclined to take a tour just to make life easier for yourselves. I understand about being tied to their schedule, but it would make the transport one less thing to nail down.

 

[carolfoy]

Dear lesli54, some info on trains for you,
london to bath returns start as low as £19 per person on a fixed ie non flexible fare, for flexibility during weekends choose a supersaver at £35 or on fridays a saver at £42.90, there are dozens of rail fares for each journey but if you want the best deal book well in advance on thetrainline.com,
for canterbury a cheap day return leaving after 0930 is £17.90 and to go earlier in the day would be £18.80
try to avoid sunday travel if you can as there are countless weekends when rail services are disrupted due to engineering works.
I can pm you rail times if you want to pinpoint days when you want to go where. let me know
best
carol

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the tips on train times and the length of time it takes to get to some of the places of interest. On a map, it is hard to judge distance and I think being from the US makes it even harder since most things comparitively look smaller.

Tours have pros and cons, but it does make it easier if there isn't direct access. Great tip on Sunday travel. Looks like we will stay in London on that day.

One other question. About what time in the evening does it get dark in May? I saw someone suggested doing the London Eye to see the lights, so I started to wonder.

 

[carolfoy]

It'll get dusky around seven but unlike florida it doesn't go immediately dark that quick, you can still have good vision up to about 9 during may but it will depend on how cloudy it is on a particular day.

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks Carolfoy.

I am sure there will be a few more questions. Not working on itinerary today as I have unexpected company.

Anyone else who has some helpful hints? The advice is more than welcome.