Suggestions for a Day Trip from London
Sep 25th, 2004, 05:17 AM
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Suggestions for a Day Trip from London
I have a free day in London next weekend during an otherwise busy schedule, and would welcome suggestions for a day trip away from London. I won't have a car, so it will need to be reachable by rail (up to 2 hrs each way) and then walkable. Historic towns, beautiful countryside, famous places... I'm open to your suggestions. thanks.
Sep 25th, 2004, 05:26 AM
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While Stratford on Avon may not be everyone's perfect getaway, it would be mine. You can take a train up for the day, see a show at one of the two theatres there, visit Shakespeare's birthplace, do a hop on-hop off bus tour of the area including the delightful farm where Shakespeare's mother lived and also Anne Hathaway's cottage, or take a boat trip on the pretty river. Pretty town, although admittedly it is quite touristy.
I also enjoy a day trip to Brighton. Or the pretty town of Rye is interesting, but as I recall it takes a little longer to reach by train.
Sep 25th, 2004, 06:28 AM
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Winchester, one hour by train.
The cathedral was begun in 1079 and is one of the largest in Europe and is the burial place of several of England's earliest kings as well as Isaak Walton, Jane Austen and St Swithun.
Winchester College is the oldest public school in England.
The ruins of Wolvesy Castle begun in 1129 and destroyed by Cromwell in 1646 are interesting.
The riverside walk takes you to the Hospital of St. Cross, the oldest functioning almshouse in England, and as a weary traveler you can still get a dole of bread and ale.
Winchester was England's earliest capital and the main street is blessed by King Alfred in front of the tourist office.
Near the station is the Great Hall, the sole remaining part of Winchester Castle, which contains the roundtable of King Arthur. (Not really but it makes a good story).
There are also 5 military museums.
All of this is very walkable in a circular tour of about 2 1/2 miles mostly on the flat except for the moderately slope back to the train station. The longest stretch is to the Hospital but you could bus one way.
The cathedral was begun in 1079 and is one of the largest in Europe and is the burial place of several of England's earliest kings as well as Isaak Walton, Jane Austen and St Swithun.
Winchester College is the oldest public school in England.
The ruins of Wolvesy Castle begun in 1129 and destroyed by Cromwell in 1646 are interesting.
The riverside walk takes you to the Hospital of St. Cross, the oldest functioning almshouse in England, and as a weary traveler you can still get a dole of bread and ale.
Winchester was England's earliest capital and the main street is blessed by King Alfred in front of the tourist office.
Near the station is the Great Hall, the sole remaining part of Winchester Castle, which contains the roundtable of King Arthur. (Not really but it makes a good story).
There are also 5 military museums.
All of this is very walkable in a circular tour of about 2 1/2 miles mostly on the flat except for the moderately slope back to the train station. The longest stretch is to the Hospital but you could bus one way.
Sep 25th, 2004, 06:54 AM
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Cambridge. An hour by train. Beautiful city with the wonderful architecture of the great colleges. Leisurely walk along the River Cam -- or hire a punt and travel the river -- evensong at King's College, hop-on/hop-off bus trip to the American cemetery at Maddingley (sp?); great military air museum at Duxford -- I could go on for days.
Sep 25th, 2004, 07:21 AM
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I think so much depends on weather and where you've already been or seen. If the weather is rotten, Patrick's suggestion works b/c you can be inside at the theater but still get the feeling of being out of the city and do a bus tour around.
If it's fine weather, I'd go some place with a lovely garden like Blenheim Palace (also on the edge of the Cotswolds.) Hampton Court or Windsor. Getting to the last 2 from London is easy. If you want to go to Blenheim, either check for specific tours or take a train to Oxford and then bus to Woodstock or, there's a bus from London to Oxford called the tube (http://www.oxfordtube.com/) that's cheaper & I think more frequent.
Another idea is to check what is being offered out of London by London Walks next weekend. Here's the link. http://london.walks.com/
If it's fine weather, I'd go some place with a lovely garden like Blenheim Palace (also on the edge of the Cotswolds.) Hampton Court or Windsor. Getting to the last 2 from London is easy. If you want to go to Blenheim, either check for specific tours or take a train to Oxford and then bus to Woodstock or, there's a bus from London to Oxford called the tube (http://www.oxfordtube.com/) that's cheaper & I think more frequent.
Another idea is to check what is being offered out of London by London Walks next weekend. Here's the link. http://london.walks.com/
