Emma

If you only had one day to take a day trip from London, and you were travelling with 2 kids (13 and 9), which town would you visit?

Mel

Windsor. It's close, a short, fun train trip that the kids will get a kick out of (depart from Paddington and pick up a bear!)<BR><BR>Tour the castle, St. George's chapel and, if you think you must for the kids, Legoland!<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

janis

With children those ages, my choices in order would be:<BR><BR>1) Warwick castle - especially if the trip is during high season since they have "history days" with soldiers with long bows, or other historical re-enactments. You can climb every tower, explore the grounds/river/islands, walk into the town.<BR><BR>2) Windsor - for the reasons Mel mentioned above. Queen mary's Doll House if fabulous. But otherwise ther is less for Kids at Windsor than there is at Warwick.<BR><BR>3) Hampton Court palace - especially if the westher is nice so you could take the boat back into London. The Maze is fun but can sacre some kids being "lost" inside.

janis

With children those ages, my choices in order would be:<BR><BR>1) Warwick castle - especially if the trip is during high season since they have "history days" with soldiers with long bows, or other historical re-enactments. You can climb every tower, explore the grounds/river/islands, walk into the town.<BR><BR>2) Windsor - for the reasons Mel mentioned above. Queen mary's Doll House if fabulous. But otherwise ther is less for Kids at Windsor than there is at Warwick.<BR><BR>3) Hampton Court palace - especially if the westher is nice so you could take the boat back into London. The Maze is fun but can scare some kids being "lost" inside.

kam

More off the beaten track suggestions: Arundel--picture perfect town built around a wonderful big 11th C. castle. Toy and Military Museum--tin soldiers, dolls etc. Also good with kids is a boat trip to Greenwich to see the Cutty Sark and other attractions or a boat down to Hampton Court. My kids never found the maze frightening and on a weekend the place is packed with kids running around having a great time. In two hours you could be in York--depart from Kings Cross and look for Platform 9 3/4--remember Harry Potter. Wonderful things to do in London with kids.

kitty

We were in Great Britain last summer with our kids (12 and 8) and my kids liked Bath, Salisbury/Stonehenge, and Warwick Castle. We had taken them to Windsor when they were 6 and 10 and the 6 year old didn't like it that much but he might like it better now that he's older. My son, who is now 8, really liked the Roman Baths a lot and it is a nice, walkable city.<BR><BR>Warwick was also a very nice day trip. We were there on a Sunday and there was lots of activies and lots of people. Lot of fun.<BR><BR>

John G

Well, since my grandmother is from Windsor and my aunt and uncle live there, I would suggest Windsor too. Queen Mary's Doll House is pretty neat. I would also suggest a tour of Eton College if you can manage it. It is very interesting, to say the least. <BR><BR>Now, that I have said all this, I still think that I like Oxford better. If I had my choice between Windsor or Oxford, I would take Oxford. But, maybe Im just jaded by Windsor??<BR><BR>Another place to consider is Hampton Court, the palace of Henry VIII. It is really fascinating, with great art and furniture, and you can see the first tennis court ever built. In the summer, the grounds are lovely.<BR><BR>Oh, no, what are you going to do now?

John G

Oh, I almost forgot: I love Bath and it is my mother's favorite city in England, but isn't it too far for a day trip?? Just asking.

Emma

We often make day trips to the North Carolina mountains from our home in Charlotte, NC - it usually takes about 2 hours one way. At least on our trip from London, we will be on a train. Longer than 2 hours is too long (wasting time, I think). I adore Oxford, think Bath is beautiful (my kids have never been to the UK) Given that, any other suggestions?

linda

Emma, My order of recommendation would be:<BR> 1. Warwick Castle - especially if you are able to go in the afternoon, staying for an evening "feast".<BR> 2. Hampton Court Palace - after long deliberations I have finally decided I prefer HCP and its gardens to Windsor.<BR> 3. Windsor Castle - still a great take that everyone would enjoy.<BR> 4. Greenwich - a totally different destination and close enough that perhaps you could still go and not call it a day trip?<BR><BR>linda

Joanne

Greenwich is accessible on the tube (technically the Docklands Light Railway) and is even in Zone 2. An interesting day as it includes everything from high-tech time stuff to nautical (don't miss the Cutty Sark) to street markets, if you're there on the right day. We took the Catamaran Cruiser from Embankment to Greenwich, which is a lovely tour, and then took the tube home.

Emma

Thanks everyone. There are so many wonderful things to see and do in London (I can hardley wait for June) that I could not decide where to start with all the great possibilities. Your suggestions have given me some great places to consider.