Three LON sites by tour or rent a car?
Dec 29th, 2013, 06:26 PM
#1
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Three LON sites by tour or rent a car?
Well, we are a couple weeks out and looks like we'll be staying one night on points at St. Ermin's and four at The Ampersand, right across from the South Kensington tube.
Now, we're discussing sites to visit. Recently learned hubby wants to see Stonehenge. We'd like to spend a day in Oxford and I really want to visit Hampton Court (or Windsor). We found a tour that would take us to Stonehenge, Windsor and Oxford.
http://www.viator.com/tours/London/S...d737-3858EE065
Many reviews say it's a good excursion but time at each site is limited. Anywho, do you think this is a good option? Or, should we rent a car for a day?
Now, we're discussing sites to visit. Recently learned hubby wants to see Stonehenge. We'd like to spend a day in Oxford and I really want to visit Hampton Court (or Windsor). We found a tour that would take us to Stonehenge, Windsor and Oxford.
http://www.viator.com/tours/London/S...d737-3858EE065
Many reviews say it's a good excursion but time at each site is limited. Anywho, do you think this is a good option? Or, should we rent a car for a day?
Dec 29th, 2013, 06:45 PM
#2
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The driving time isn't going to be shorter with a car. On the other hand, you can decide how much time you want to spend at each site if you do it on your own. But a single day isn't really long enough for an in depth look at all three sites.
Start by looking up opening hours for Stonehenge and Windsor Castle and the things you want to see in Oxford. Some places open late and close early. What time of year are you going, anyway? Winter will have shorter daylight hours and probably shorter opening hours, too. Summer could mean larger crowds and longer lines to each site. A tour group may be able to skip those lines.
You also need to look at the price for the tour and the cost for renting the car. It may be cheaper with the car, since there are two of you.
Start by looking up opening hours for Stonehenge and Windsor Castle and the things you want to see in Oxford. Some places open late and close early. What time of year are you going, anyway? Winter will have shorter daylight hours and probably shorter opening hours, too. Summer could mean larger crowds and longer lines to each site. A tour group may be able to skip those lines.
You also need to look at the price for the tour and the cost for renting the car. It may be cheaper with the car, since there are two of you.
Dec 29th, 2013, 09:10 PM
#4
>>Anywho, do you think this is a good option? <<
No, you end up spending a lot of money to see very little of each place.
>>Or, should we rent a car for a day?<<
No - as thursdaysd says - do Windsor by train as a half day trip by train, and/or Oxford as a full day trip by either express bus or train.
I'd skip Stonehenge when you have so little time in London.
No, you end up spending a lot of money to see very little of each place.
>>Or, should we rent a car for a day?<<
No - as thursdaysd says - do Windsor by train as a half day trip by train, and/or Oxford as a full day trip by either express bus or train.
I'd skip Stonehenge when you have so little time in London.
Dec 29th, 2013, 10:56 PM
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If, as I understand it, you're arriving soon, remember the days are very short. You certainly don't want to be driving on the "wrong" side of the road under unfamiliar traffic rules, in the dark, especially trying to cram too much into one day.
Stonehenge can be visited by public transport: train to Salisbury, bus from there, probably quicker and much less stress than driving, in my book. The improved layouts and new visitor centre are in the process of opening up in the next few weeks, though I'm not sure how finished it all is yet: but again the short days may tell against it, and it would be a whole day out of very few in London.
Stonehenge can be visited by public transport: train to Salisbury, bus from there, probably quicker and much less stress than driving, in my book. The improved layouts and new visitor centre are in the process of opening up in the next few weeks, though I'm not sure how finished it all is yet: but again the short days may tell against it, and it would be a whole day out of very few in London.
Dec 30th, 2013, 04:06 AM
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I suspect that Hampton Court was your first choice, and that you threw in Windsor Castle as a substitute just because the tour goes there. In any case, you can very easily reach Hampton Court by public transportation. There is even a very nice boat ride up the river to Hampton Court, if the weather is nice. I wouldn't bother going there for only an hour or two. I think you need at least half a day there if you want to see the gardens as well as the palace.
I've also gone to Stonehenge by public transportation: first you get a train to Salisbury and then a bus to Stonehenge. Salisbury has a very beautiful cathedral you could see on the same day. The time we visited Salisbury from London, we also visited Avebury the same day; the bus station had printed instructions on how to manage this without going all the way back to Salisbury in between. In some ways, we enjoyed Avebury even more. The bus rides were through very pretty countryside. On a different occasion, we spent several days in Salisbury, and didn't think it was too much time there.
Oxford is also very easy to get to by train. I can't say how long you should spend there without knowing what you want to see.
I would encourage you to visit these places on separate days. Since you have only five nights (four full days) in London, I would encourage you to drop one of the destinations to allow you more time to see London. Two days is a very short time to spend in such a large and fascinating city.
I've also gone to Stonehenge by public transportation: first you get a train to Salisbury and then a bus to Stonehenge. Salisbury has a very beautiful cathedral you could see on the same day. The time we visited Salisbury from London, we also visited Avebury the same day; the bus station had printed instructions on how to manage this without going all the way back to Salisbury in between. In some ways, we enjoyed Avebury even more. The bus rides were through very pretty countryside. On a different occasion, we spent several days in Salisbury, and didn't think it was too much time there.
Oxford is also very easy to get to by train. I can't say how long you should spend there without knowing what you want to see.
I would encourage you to visit these places on separate days. Since you have only five nights (four full days) in London, I would encourage you to drop one of the destinations to allow you more time to see London. Two days is a very short time to spend in such a large and fascinating city.
Dec 30th, 2013, 05:29 AM
#7
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Seeing those 3 places in one day will ensure that you see very little of each. And renting a car won't help. That is just too much to do/see in one day - esp if you are going soon - when days are VERY short (dark by 4 pm) and weather likely not the best.
I would pick one and really see something (you can combine Stonehenge with BAth - or a number of other cities)
IMHO you need at least a full day in Oxford - and really the same for Bath.
I would pick one and really see something (you can combine Stonehenge with BAth - or a number of other cities)
IMHO you need at least a full day in Oxford - and really the same for Bath.
Dec 30th, 2013, 05:35 AM
#8
If, as bvlenci suggests, you wanted to see Hampton Court Palace . . . That is another 1/2 to 3/4 day trip easily done by train from central London.
If it was me, I'd pick one of the three - HCP, Windsor, or Oxford for a day trip and otherwise stay in London. Forget about a comprehensive bus tour - fast paced, inadequate, and more time sitting on teh bus than actually visiting anything.
If it was me, I'd pick one of the three - HCP, Windsor, or Oxford for a day trip and otherwise stay in London. Forget about a comprehensive bus tour - fast paced, inadequate, and more time sitting on teh bus than actually visiting anything.
Dec 30th, 2013, 09:07 AM
#9
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Anyegr - We will be there in two weeks time. So, mid-January.
PatrickLondon - Good point about night driving in unfamiliar territory.
Bvlenci - You are correct. During the earlier stages of research I read if there's a decicion to be made between Windsor and Hampton Court, the latter would be preferred. However, after reading kovsie's recent TR, I wonder if Windsor wouldnt be the better site to visit? In Oxford, we would like to see a few C.S. Lewis sites and meet friends for lunch or dinner.
Janis & Nytraveler - Hi! (waving) I appreciate your less is best approach! It can be overwhelming crafting an itinerary when you want to see so much in so little time.
If you were to pick between HCP and Windsor, which would you choose (and why)?
PatrickLondon - Good point about night driving in unfamiliar territory.
Bvlenci - You are correct. During the earlier stages of research I read if there's a decicion to be made between Windsor and Hampton Court, the latter would be preferred. However, after reading kovsie's recent TR, I wonder if Windsor wouldnt be the better site to visit? In Oxford, we would like to see a few C.S. Lewis sites and meet friends for lunch or dinner.
Janis & Nytraveler - Hi! (waving) I appreciate your less is best approach! It can be overwhelming crafting an itinerary when you want to see so much in so little time.
If you were to pick between HCP and Windsor, which would you choose (and why)?
Dec 30th, 2013, 09:26 AM
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This is the latest draft I worked from before starting this post
Day One Thursday
- Drop off bags at St. Ermin’s Hotel
-Tower of London (or Sat)
-Borough Market (or Sat)
-National Maritime Museum (late closing 8 p.m.)
-London Eye evening ride
Day Two Friday
- Westminster or All-in-One walking tours
OR
-Buckingham Palace (walk-by)
-Churchill War Rooms
-Westminster Abby (2 pm tour)
-St. Paul’s Church
-Check in at The Ampersand
-Tea Time at The Ampersand
Day Three Saturday
-Wimbledon Tennis Club and Museum (40 min on Tube/Bus or 20 min Taxi)
-Fleet Street
-John Snow memorial
-Theater performance (Les Miserables)
Day Four Sunday
- HCP and Oxford
Or
-Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor Tour
Day Five Monday
-Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Day One Thursday
- Drop off bags at St. Ermin’s Hotel
-Tower of London (or Sat)
-Borough Market (or Sat)
-National Maritime Museum (late closing 8 p.m.)
-London Eye evening ride
Day Two Friday
- Westminster or All-in-One walking tours
OR
-Buckingham Palace (walk-by)
-Churchill War Rooms
-Westminster Abby (2 pm tour)
-St. Paul’s Church
-Check in at The Ampersand
-Tea Time at The Ampersand
Day Three Saturday
-Wimbledon Tennis Club and Museum (40 min on Tube/Bus or 20 min Taxi)
-Fleet Street
-John Snow memorial
-Theater performance (Les Miserables)
Day Four Sunday
- HCP and Oxford
Or
-Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor Tour
Day Five Monday
-Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Dec 30th, 2013, 10:25 AM
#12
Day 4 - no, no, no
Pick either HCP, or Windsor, or Oxford. Any would be good and you don't need to decide til the day since none need to be pre-booked. I'd maybe wait to see what the weather is. If nasty I'd probably pick HCP simply because you can see all the inside bits and be back in town quickly if need be.
I am a bit concerned about day one. Are you flying in long haul? If so that is a very heavy itinerary. Getting to be hotel and dropping the bags and then trekking all the way to the Tower and on to Greenwich is a huge undertaking w/ jet lag. Plus you are bound to buy things at the market and then have to carry them out to Greenwich and back . . .
Pick either HCP, or Windsor, or Oxford. Any would be good and you don't need to decide til the day since none need to be pre-booked. I'd maybe wait to see what the weather is. If nasty I'd probably pick HCP simply because you can see all the inside bits and be back in town quickly if need be.
I am a bit concerned about day one. Are you flying in long haul? If so that is a very heavy itinerary. Getting to be hotel and dropping the bags and then trekking all the way to the Tower and on to Greenwich is a huge undertaking w/ jet lag. Plus you are bound to buy things at the market and then have to carry them out to Greenwich and back . . .
Dec 30th, 2013, 10:26 AM
#13
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Sorry you can' t do Hampton Court Palace and Oxford on the same day. Are you still thinking tour for Stonehenge,Windsor and Oxford. Again too much IMO. You don't say when "Tea Time"is but trying to fit in the War Rooms, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's beforehand also seems like a bit of overload. Look at opening times for these venues. Most open at 10:00 which means early starts are not always possible. Also consider actual travel times as well as lunch and other necessary stops.
Dec 30th, 2013, 11:35 AM
#15
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Noted your suggestions, Janis, historytraveler and bikerscott...
How about these revisions...
- Drop off bags at St. Ermin’s Hotel
-Buckingham Palace (walk-by)
-Westminster Abbey (2 pm tour)
-Parliament/Big Ben (walk-by)
-Churchill War Rooms
-London Eye evening ride
Day Two Friday (1/17)
-Tower of London (9:30 tour)
-Borough Market (lunch)
-St. Paul’s Cathedral
-Check in at The Ampersand (4 pm)
-Tea Time at The Ampersand (5 pm)
-Shopping/Selfridges
Day Three Saturday (1/18)
-Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
-National Maritime Museum
-Fleet Street/John Snow memorial
-Les Miserables (evening)
Day Four Sunday (1/19)
-Oxford
Day Five Monday (1/20)
- Hampton Court or Windsor
-British Library
-Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
How about these revisions...
- Drop off bags at St. Ermin’s Hotel
-Buckingham Palace (walk-by)
-Westminster Abbey (2 pm tour)
-Parliament/Big Ben (walk-by)
-Churchill War Rooms
-London Eye evening ride
Day Two Friday (1/17)
-Tower of London (9:30 tour)
-Borough Market (lunch)
-St. Paul’s Cathedral
-Check in at The Ampersand (4 pm)
-Tea Time at The Ampersand (5 pm)
-Shopping/Selfridges
Day Three Saturday (1/18)
-Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
-National Maritime Museum
-Fleet Street/John Snow memorial
-Les Miserables (evening)
Day Four Sunday (1/19)
-Oxford
Day Five Monday (1/20)
- Hampton Court or Windsor
-British Library
-Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Dec 30th, 2013, 11:51 AM
#17
I just looked it up on the tfl journey planner and the fastest trip from the tennis museum to Greenwich takes an hour and 20 mins and involves a bus, 2 tube rides and the DLR. just really not practical on the same day.
Dec 30th, 2013, 12:25 PM
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Make it an early lunch at Borough Mkt if possible to avoid the crush. Last January we got our grilled cheese and fruit, found a picnic table nearby, ate outside. I hope you are as lucky with the weather.
Jan 2nd, 2014, 07:39 PM
#19
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So I chatted with hubby and he's definitely keen on us keeping Stonehenge on the itinerary. Found a direct tour with Premium Tours for 31 GBP per person opp. Leaves Victoria Station at 12:30 pm. Includes entrance fee. anyone familiar with Premium or other reliable guides? Perhaps a local guide who could take us to Stonehenge and back in less than the 6.5 hours allocated by tour company... Thinking if we have a driver, we could do a brief visit to either tennis museum or maritime museum en route to (or on the return from) Stonehenge. Thoughts?
Janis - Thanks for looking up the trip planner! That sounds like an awful lot of travel! Def not practical.
Stokebailey - Duly noted!
Janis - Thanks for looking up the trip planner! That sounds like an awful lot of travel! Def not practical.
Stokebailey - Duly noted!
Jan 2nd, 2014, 08:18 PM
#20
Why do you want a guide? What do you think s/he is going to tell you that you can't read ahead of time?
Take a train from Waterloo to Salisbury, or a National Express coach from Victoria to Salisbury, and then the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which will pick you up at the train station or in town. Or take a taxi.
See:
http://www.thestonehengetour.info/
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
And don't miss gorgeous Salisbury cathedral and it's very atmospheric close while you're there: http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/
Take a train from Waterloo to Salisbury, or a National Express coach from Victoria to Salisbury, and then the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which will pick you up at the train station or in town. Or take a taxi.
See:
http://www.thestonehengetour.info/
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
And don't miss gorgeous Salisbury cathedral and it's very atmospheric close while you're there: http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/
