Doug

I've been just about everywhere, but have never spent much time in London. Planning a trip in March, and would like to take an overnighter somewhere. Will probably rent a car. Is there a "must see" like Oxford, Stratford or others that should be done on a first trip? Thanks!

rbpinUK

Avoid Stratford - its not all its cracked up to be! For something different, try Worcester - very lovely to stroll around - or Bath? Again, great for walking and browsing the antique markets (indoors - just as well in March)<BR><BR>Alternatively, why not try East Anglia - Southwold, Aldeburgh, Snape maltings - its the suffolk heritage coast which is lovely. You could probably travel as far as north norfolk - if you do I recommend Holkham Hall and Wells-next-the sea.<BR><BR>Be different - see some unspoilt bits of England!<BR><BR>Hope you have a great time.<BR><BR>

sam

My day trips in England were limited because of business, but I really enjoyed Cambridge. 1.5 days, including the night is a good amount of time to see a lot of the area. I had a car, but I imagine you could take a train fairly easily. The city itself is very walkable. Lots of good places to eat and some nice pubs to hang out in for a while.

Joanne

Depends on your interests: history, art, museums, castles and other historic architecture?<BR><BR>A good 1-2 day outing is Bath, and you can see Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury on the way there (or back) if you're driving.<BR><BR>I disagree with those who disdain Stratford; we had a fine time there. Some places have lots of tourists because they're worth visiting! You could see Oxford on the way there, or spend half a day at Warwick Castle, just a few miles north of Stratford.

kitty

Bath and Salisbury are very nice because you get to sites you've heard about all your life. Beautiful cities and beautiful buildings.<BR><BR>If you like castles I would highly recommend taking day trips out to Windsor and Hampton Court. Very different castles but both very impressive in their own way. Both are very close to London making a day trip to each a nice day out with plenty of time to get back into London at night for a show or nice dinner.<BR><BR>We did a day trip to Warwick Castle on our last trip (3rd trip to Great Britain) and did enjoy it a lot. However, I would recommend one of the above cities as a first trip and leave Warwick as a later trip because the other sites have great historical interest.<BR><BR>Anything you do will be great, have fun.<BR>

Wayne

Doug--<BR>For a shorter trip, I agree with those who recommend Windsor or Hampton Court. Windsor is a charming village in itself; Sir Christopher Wren's House is a nostalgic hotel right on the Thames, and they have high tea every afternoon. It's also good for strolling and limited shopping. And of course you can't go there without going to the castle. For a longer distance, I join those who have recommended Bath. It's a lovely place, very historic, and fun to walk around in. The train from Paddington Station in London takes about two hours or less to get to Bath, and from the station in Bath you can walk to the old downtown area. Have fun.