First Time To Britan
Jun 14th, 2008, 12:17 PM
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First Time To Britan
Hi everyone.
Next year I'm going to the UK for the first time.
My mom and I will be going for my 16th birthday and I'm very excited.
I've got a couple of books, one all about London, and then one about Great Britan, however; I was hoping that you might be able to give me some inside advice on where to go and what to do. I know I must go to Stratford to see a play, go to Harrods, and the V&A, but what are the things that you've gone and done that will stay with you for forever. Also, any nice, cute and affordable hotels?
Next year I'm going to the UK for the first time.
My mom and I will be going for my 16th birthday and I'm very excited.
I've got a couple of books, one all about London, and then one about Great Britan, however; I was hoping that you might be able to give me some inside advice on where to go and what to do. I know I must go to Stratford to see a play, go to Harrods, and the V&A, but what are the things that you've gone and done that will stay with you for forever. Also, any nice, cute and affordable hotels?
Jun 14th, 2008, 01:04 PM
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Surely you'd like to see the Tower of London & the crown jewels? Harrod's is in easy walking distance from the V&A.
That's a nice birthday present! How long will you be there & how much did you want to spend for the hotel?
That's a nice birthday present! How long will you be there & how much did you want to spend for the hotel?
Jun 14th, 2008, 02:50 PM
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I agree - what a great present! In addition to Carrybean's questions, do you plan to stay in London the whole time? What do you (and your mom!) like to do at home (for example, are you a big shopper, or do you prefer museums or drama or other things)?
Just as a thought, you might look into seeing a play at the Globe rather than going to Stratford, if that isn't something extremely high on your list. However, if you're a Shakespeare enthusiast and it fits with your schedule, go for Stratford!
If it's just the two of you going, Priceline could be a really good option for London hotels. I've never done it myself so can't give much advice, but there are lots of threads on here about it.
Just as a thought, you might look into seeing a play at the Globe rather than going to Stratford, if that isn't something extremely high on your list. However, if you're a Shakespeare enthusiast and it fits with your schedule, go for Stratford!
If it's just the two of you going, Priceline could be a really good option for London hotels. I've never done it myself so can't give much advice, but there are lots of threads on here about it.
Jun 15th, 2008, 04:35 AM
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Jewels, that would be amazing! We will be gone for two weeks, and 200 hundred canadian for a hotel, or cheaper and splurging on somewhere nice. I enjoy the thouhgt of staying in a castle.
It's tradtion in my family on the 16th birthday to go on vacation with my mom for 2 weeks, and the UK has always been so appealing to me, espically the accents and the thought of running into Hugh Grant or Jude Law.
We don't plan on spending all of our time in London, but we do expect that we will want to do a lot of things there. I also want to go to Scotland to see this garden called the Eden Project. As for our hobbies, I love museums, but I can get bored of them quickly. We do enjoy to shop, but that is not overly important as you can do that anywhere. We like sight-seeing and people watching. We like live entertainment and to meet local people. We like talking to new people, and I love parks and gardens.
Thank you so much for all of your help so far!
It's tradtion in my family on the 16th birthday to go on vacation with my mom for 2 weeks, and the UK has always been so appealing to me, espically the accents and the thought of running into Hugh Grant or Jude Law.
We don't plan on spending all of our time in London, but we do expect that we will want to do a lot of things there. I also want to go to Scotland to see this garden called the Eden Project. As for our hobbies, I love museums, but I can get bored of them quickly. We do enjoy to shop, but that is not overly important as you can do that anywhere. We like sight-seeing and people watching. We like live entertainment and to meet local people. We like talking to new people, and I love parks and gardens.
Thank you so much for all of your help so far!
Jun 15th, 2008, 04:43 AM
#5
"<i>Scotland to see this garden called the Eden Project.</i>"
The Eden Project is in Cornwall in far southwestern England, not in Scotland.
There was an idea to build a Scottish "Eden" sometime in the future, but I believe the plans were abandoned.
The Eden Project is in Cornwall in far southwestern England, not in Scotland.
There was an idea to build a Scottish "Eden" sometime in the future, but I believe the plans were abandoned.
Jun 15th, 2008, 01:35 PM
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Sounds like a great birthday present.
Well, I don't think you said what time of year you are going, but London has some amazing parks. My favorites are Regent's Park and St.James Park. Of course, Hyde Park is famous for it's Speaker's Corner if you are there on a Sunday.
In London, I think you and your Mom would definitely enjoy the Tower of London. You also would probably enjoy the Princess Diana exhibit at Kensington Palace. Oh, and you should also see a play.
A great day trip from London would be a visit to Hampton Court Palace near Richmond. You could also maybe combine that with a visit to Kew Gardens.
Check out this website for some add'l info:
http://www.hrp.org.uk/
I'd also like to suggest a visit to Bath. Lots of history including the Roman Baths.
http://www.cityofbath.co.uk/
You might want to consider a train trip to York for a few days too.
http://www.visityork.org/
Some other websites that you might want to look at:
http://www.explore-london.co.uk/index.html
http://www.hotels-of-london.co.uk/londonsightseeing.htm
http://www.visitlondon.com/
Well, I don't think you said what time of year you are going, but London has some amazing parks. My favorites are Regent's Park and St.James Park. Of course, Hyde Park is famous for it's Speaker's Corner if you are there on a Sunday.
In London, I think you and your Mom would definitely enjoy the Tower of London. You also would probably enjoy the Princess Diana exhibit at Kensington Palace. Oh, and you should also see a play.
A great day trip from London would be a visit to Hampton Court Palace near Richmond. You could also maybe combine that with a visit to Kew Gardens.
Check out this website for some add'l info:
http://www.hrp.org.uk/
I'd also like to suggest a visit to Bath. Lots of history including the Roman Baths.
http://www.cityofbath.co.uk/
You might want to consider a train trip to York for a few days too.
http://www.visityork.org/
Some other websites that you might want to look at:
http://www.explore-london.co.uk/index.html
http://www.hotels-of-london.co.uk/londonsightseeing.htm
http://www.visitlondon.com/
Jun 16th, 2008, 03:49 AM
#9
Not sure why you have to go to Stratford to see a play, there is an amazing olde-world round theatre on the banks of the thames in London which is far more fun (see if you can negotiate a transfer with the parents)
Jun 16th, 2008, 04:15 AM
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Hi H,
Lucky you.
If you enter <London superthread> in the "search this forum" box you will get a number of useful threads.
Also look up London under "Destinations".
I also suggest seeing a play at the Globe rather than going to Stratford.
We still need to know:
When are you going?
For how long?
What's your hotel budget?
Lucky you.
If you enter <London superthread> in the "search this forum" box you will get a number of useful threads.
Also look up London under "Destinations".
I also suggest seeing a play at the Globe rather than going to Stratford.
We still need to know:
When are you going?
For how long?
What's your hotel budget?
Jun 16th, 2008, 04:29 AM
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My sister and I took our 14 year old nephew to London and Scotland last year. You can check out what we did, here: http://tinyurl.com/5q9dn8
BTW: I second the reccommendation of seeing a play at the Globe rather than at Stratford.
BTW: I second the reccommendation of seeing a play at the Globe rather than at Stratford.
Jun 16th, 2008, 05:26 AM
#12
Besides the Globe (which is decent theatre but really more for the atmosphere) other options are the Open air theatre in Regent's Park.
The Royal Shakespeare Company runs a full company/season in London too. Unless you and your Mom decide to spend 3 or 4 days in the area to see Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Oxford, the Cotswolds, etc -- you are probably better off seeing your Shakespeare play(s) and other threatre in London.
The Royal Shakespeare Company runs a full company/season in London too. Unless you and your Mom decide to spend 3 or 4 days in the area to see Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Oxford, the Cotswolds, etc -- you are probably better off seeing your Shakespeare play(s) and other threatre in London.
Jun 16th, 2008, 05:44 AM
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I'd have to disagree with those that say it's not worth going to Stratford-on-Avon to see a play when you've got the Globe in London.
For me there's nothing like seeing a Shakespeare play, within minutes' walk of his birthplace and being able to tread the same path that he did. Adds something to the experience in my opinion.
You'll also have a larger choice of plays in Stratford than you would at the Globe, and there's nothing like sitting in the gardens of the 'Dirty Duck' pub on the banks of the Avon and discussing the play you've just seen, and how of course, you could have directed it/acted better.
Beats the Globe hands down.
For me there's nothing like seeing a Shakespeare play, within minutes' walk of his birthplace and being able to tread the same path that he did. Adds something to the experience in my opinion.
You'll also have a larger choice of plays in Stratford than you would at the Globe, and there's nothing like sitting in the gardens of the 'Dirty Duck' pub on the banks of the Avon and discussing the play you've just seen, and how of course, you could have directed it/acted better.
Beats the Globe hands down.
Jun 16th, 2008, 06:01 AM
#14
as I mentioned - the Globe is mostly for the atmosphere. But the RSC runs a full company in London -- nothing at all to do w/ the Globe.
Visiting Stratford is great. But it would be better as part of a few days in the area - not a dash up to Stratford for the day and back. To be able to visit all the Shakespeare properties, plus Warwick and Kenilworth, plus Oxford/Blenheim etc.
I would definitely recommend doing that if there is time. But if it is just great Shakespearean theatre one wants, then I'd choose the RSC in London
For instance - this winter they are doing Hamlet w/ David Tennant as Hamlet, and Patrick Stewart as Claudius.
You need to nail down your dates before we can recommend the best shows/plays.
Visiting Stratford is great. But it would be better as part of a few days in the area - not a dash up to Stratford for the day and back. To be able to visit all the Shakespeare properties, plus Warwick and Kenilworth, plus Oxford/Blenheim etc.
I would definitely recommend doing that if there is time. But if it is just great Shakespearean theatre one wants, then I'd choose the RSC in London
For instance - this winter they are doing Hamlet w/ David Tennant as Hamlet, and Patrick Stewart as Claudius.
You need to nail down your dates before we can recommend the best shows/plays.
Jun 16th, 2008, 06:53 AM
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Since you have two weeks, I'd suggest you take the Eurostar into Paris for a weekend. It would be a fun opportunity to see a completely different culture.
Please continue to post and let us know how this develops. This is a wonderful and exciting adventure for you and your mom!
Please continue to post and let us know how this develops. This is a wonderful and exciting adventure for you and your mom!
Jun 16th, 2008, 07:29 AM
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As other posters asked, a lot depends on which time of the year you and your Mom will be going.
If you're flexible, May/June would be the best time--days are long, it's not too hot/cold, and before many attractions get too crowded with tourists.
Most of the attractions in London are scattered in different parts of the city, so you'll need to look at a map, get a rough grasp of general directions.
If you want to go for Ceremony of the Keys at Tower of London, you'll need to book the place well in advance. Crown Jewel is quite nice--though you're on a moving walkway so you can't go back even if you want to have a close second look. Go early, as others would recommend.
As for museums, in addition to M&A, you might want to include British Museum. Tate Old and/or Modern, or Royal Academy of Arts if you like arts.
You can discover lots of charms with walking tour--select a few with different neighbourhoods/themes. For parks and gardens, you may want to check National Trust website--they have comprehensive listings for the whole country. You may also want to consider staying in Manor Houses in countryside (for that you may need a car).
As for day-trips out of London, you can consider Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, as well as Hever Castle or Leeds Castle. If you're going to Stratford-upon-Avon, you are quite close to the Cotswalds and Bath.
Whatever you decide to do, please do not consider renting a car in London.
If you're flexible, May/June would be the best time--days are long, it's not too hot/cold, and before many attractions get too crowded with tourists.
Most of the attractions in London are scattered in different parts of the city, so you'll need to look at a map, get a rough grasp of general directions.
If you want to go for Ceremony of the Keys at Tower of London, you'll need to book the place well in advance. Crown Jewel is quite nice--though you're on a moving walkway so you can't go back even if you want to have a close second look. Go early, as others would recommend.
As for museums, in addition to M&A, you might want to include British Museum. Tate Old and/or Modern, or Royal Academy of Arts if you like arts.
You can discover lots of charms with walking tour--select a few with different neighbourhoods/themes. For parks and gardens, you may want to check National Trust website--they have comprehensive listings for the whole country. You may also want to consider staying in Manor Houses in countryside (for that you may need a car).
As for day-trips out of London, you can consider Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, as well as Hever Castle or Leeds Castle. If you're going to Stratford-upon-Avon, you are quite close to the Cotswalds and Bath.
Whatever you decide to do, please do not consider renting a car in London.
Jun 16th, 2008, 07:40 AM
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Oops. Gave you a bad link to my trip report. Try this: http://tinyurl.com/2fca5t
Jun 16th, 2008, 08:39 AM
#18
W9London has given you some good advice. But one clarification (and it is probably too soon to overload you w/ so many teensy details yet - but here goes anyway 
)
"<i>Crown Jewel is quite nice--though you're on a moving walkway so you can't go back even if you want to have a close second look.</i>"
You can spend as much time as you want looking at the Crown Jewels. Yes there is a moving walkway and you can't stop. But along the back of this moving walkway on both sides is an elevated platform where you can stand as long as you want. So one travels down the side of the jewel cases on the walkway and then step up two steps to the platform and you can look ate any of the crowns/orbs/jewels in as much detail as you want. The whole thing -- jewel cases, walkway, platform -- are inside a huge vault.
)"<i>Crown Jewel is quite nice--though you're on a moving walkway so you can't go back even if you want to have a close second look.</i>"
You can spend as much time as you want looking at the Crown Jewels. Yes there is a moving walkway and you can't stop. But along the back of this moving walkway on both sides is an elevated platform where you can stand as long as you want. So one travels down the side of the jewel cases on the walkway and then step up two steps to the platform and you can look ate any of the crowns/orbs/jewels in as much detail as you want. The whole thing -- jewel cases, walkway, platform -- are inside a huge vault.
Jun 16th, 2008, 08:49 AM
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Just to add that the main theatre in Stratford upon Avon is closed for major rebuilding for the next 2 years. The Courtyard Theatre is open but, as there is presently only one theatre instead of three, booking well ahead is advisable.
I'd echo the suggestion of spending a few days in this area if you plan to come up to Stratford. I think you'd love Warwick Castle, always a lot of fun!
I'd echo the suggestion of spending a few days in this area if you plan to come up to Stratford. I think you'd love Warwick Castle, always a lot of fun!
Jun 26th, 2008, 09:06 AM
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Thanks everyone for these great timbits of advice.
We're going in August of 2009 for 16 days, 2 of which we are allowing for travel (from Canada and back)
As for hotels, our ideal budget is $200 Canadian, however, if an irresistable location came up, that was over the budget, that'd be fine. It would only mean we had to cut back on one of our other hotels.
Thanks again for all of this you guys. You've been a real help c:
We're going in August of 2009 for 16 days, 2 of which we are allowing for travel (from Canada and back)
As for hotels, our ideal budget is $200 Canadian, however, if an irresistable location came up, that was over the budget, that'd be fine. It would only mean we had to cut back on one of our other hotels.
Thanks again for all of this you guys. You've been a real help c:
