Ellen

I have two and a half days on my own before my tour starts to Northern England and Scotland. Have been to London twice and seen lots. Want to take the opportunity to see some sights in the Southern part of the country.

*Hampton Court and Kew Gardens- Can they be done on same day or is it too much.

Brighton- recommended or not? If so, is it a full day. Would be going on May 23 the last day of the fesitival

Leeds Castle. See that you are to use the Maidscote train station but then what? Do you need to take an organized tour from London to get there? Or is it within walking distance of the station or is public transport EASILY obtained?

Also, if you know of any great value restaurants in London, I'd be grateful.

Thanks on last minute questions for this last minute trip!

jenny

hi ellen. saw your question and thought i'd attempt to help. i spent 3 months in london 2 years ago so i might be able to help on the hampton court and kew gardens question. i would recommend hampton court if you've never seen a palace before. but if you have, you've sort of "seen them all." there's nothing very special about it (unless you've read the novel henry viii by margaret george...then you could actually visualize all the...ehm..."things" ol' henry did there!) the garden though is awfully nice for a picnic...the trees are trimmed into beautiful shapes and there's the maze. but if you're into gardens, kew gardens may be a better place to go. i think you can take a riverboat up the thames to kew from around westminster (i think) and it's a peaceful and scenic 45 minute ride. (there's always the train) don't think about a riverboat ride to hampton court. the trip i took was supposed to take 3 1/2 hours and took closer to 6! well, hope this helps.

jenny

oops...sorry ellen. totally missed your question by a mile! yes, hampton court and kew gardens can be done in one day if you start early (this is if you plan to see the palace at hampton). but if you don't plan on seeing the palace and only the garden, go at you leisure cos the hampton garden is open until dusk during the summer time. hope this is closer to the mark!

roger

Last year my wife and I went to Leed castle. We did notice that many people had arranged a tour that included the train, bus service from and to Maidstones station and entry to the casltle. I do not know where these were available but my guess is that you can purchase them at the train station. We had a train pass so we just went on our own. When we got off the train there was a large bus that we boarded after paying the driver the fare. The driver informed us when to meet the bus for transporation back to the station. We enjoyed the day very much. Surprised to find a tropical bird zoo and the maze. Had a decent lunch in the converted barn. Enjoy!

Ben Haines

I'd say Brighton is full day. Outdoors are the Lanes, the seafront and the Pier, indoors are the (good) art gallery and the Pavilion (they are near each other). The city has a usefgul web site which your searcher will find under "title: Brighton". On arrival at the station you should buy the Brighton Telegraph and Argus, to see what's on in the way of music and theatre. There are professional theatres near the Royal Pavilion and at the University, and also amateur and fringe theatres: last trains to London run late. There's good fish and chips just west of the forecourt of the station, open late. One of England's best pastrycooks works in a tiny cafe just west of the (grubby looking) bus station: you might try his meringues. ..................
Victoria, Charing Cross, Blackfriars and London Bridge ticket offices all sell combined day tickets for Leeds Castle.

Ben Haines, of London, in Karachi

kat

Of course, much depends upon your interests. That said, consider these suggestions: 1.) HEVER CASTLE, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn -- moated castle offering excellent and intelligent tours, fabulous gardens, spacious grounds and the nearby village of Edenbridge is delightful. 2.) the coastal village of RYE -- old, lovely AND within a short distance of Christopher Lloyd's spectacular gardens at Great Dixter which also features an interesting house and tour; Sissinghurst is just up the road 15 miles or so up the road from Great Dixter and it is home to the justly famous gardens created by Virginia Sackville-West and her spouse, Harold Nicolson. 3.) Near Brighton, the Royal Opera at Glyndebourne [if you can get tickets]. 4.) Using East Grinstead in West Sussex as a base, tour the nearby gardens at Standen, Leonardslee, Nymans. Stay at Gravetye Manor where one lives to perfection the quiet, luxurious English country life in the midst of superb service, gorgeous (and historically significant) gardens and very fine cuisine.