Tips for first trip to UK? Edinburgh, Liverpool, London
Aug 7th, 2016, 10:33 AM
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Tips for first trip to UK? Edinburgh, Liverpool, London
Hello all! I'd love your thoughts and suggestions!
I'm going with my sister to the UK - it will be her first time in Europe! Trying to plot an itinerary as we only have 8 days abroad.
Aug 28th: Land in Edinburgh in the afternoon
Aug 29th: 1 day of Edinburgh catching the last day of Fringe
Aug 30th: 1 day of Edinburgh Castle and museums, then head to Liverpool in the evening by train
Aug 31st: 1 day in Liverpool, beatles and tate, then head to London in the evening by train
Sept 1st - 5th: 5 days/6 nights in London
Sept 6th: Last day, we have afternoon flights home
We have 2 nights in Edinburgh and 1 night in Liverpool. My sister thinks it's better to travel in the evenings to not waste daytime on a train instead of sight seeing, but I am afraid we will feel rushed in Liverpool.
Do you think we have enough time in Edinburgh and Liverpool?
Interests are arts and culture, the beatles, and exploring the cities and any main landmarks. Not interested in nature or sports.
Do you think we'd have time to tack on Stratford upon Avon or Oxford to our trip? Anywhere else we can squeeze in for a day out of the London allotment?
Thank you!
I'm going with my sister to the UK - it will be her first time in Europe! Trying to plot an itinerary as we only have 8 days abroad.
Aug 28th: Land in Edinburgh in the afternoon
Aug 29th: 1 day of Edinburgh catching the last day of Fringe
Aug 30th: 1 day of Edinburgh Castle and museums, then head to Liverpool in the evening by train
Aug 31st: 1 day in Liverpool, beatles and tate, then head to London in the evening by train
Sept 1st - 5th: 5 days/6 nights in London
Sept 6th: Last day, we have afternoon flights home
We have 2 nights in Edinburgh and 1 night in Liverpool. My sister thinks it's better to travel in the evenings to not waste daytime on a train instead of sight seeing, but I am afraid we will feel rushed in Liverpool.
Do you think we have enough time in Edinburgh and Liverpool?
Interests are arts and culture, the beatles, and exploring the cities and any main landmarks. Not interested in nature or sports.
Do you think we'd have time to tack on Stratford upon Avon or Oxford to our trip? Anywhere else we can squeeze in for a day out of the London allotment?
Thank you!
Aug 7th, 2016, 10:46 AM
#2
>>Do you think we have enough time in Edinburgh and Liverpool? <<
Not really -- but it is all the time you have and you definitely don't want to cut any time from London so taking the evening trains will pretty much maximize the time you do have.
>>Do you think we'd have time to tack on Stratford upon Avon or Oxford to our trip? <<
Nope. Well you could squeeze in a day trip to Oxford but you would be cutting the time in London which is already fairly short.
Unless your flights out are very late in the afternoon you can't count on doing anything at all in London on the 6th. Even w/ a 2PM flight -- you will have to leave your hotel by 10:30-ish at the latest.
Not really -- but it is all the time you have and you definitely don't want to cut any time from London so taking the evening trains will pretty much maximize the time you do have.
>>Do you think we'd have time to tack on Stratford upon Avon or Oxford to our trip? <<
Nope. Well you could squeeze in a day trip to Oxford but you would be cutting the time in London which is already fairly short.
Unless your flights out are very late in the afternoon you can't count on doing anything at all in London on the 6th. Even w/ a 2PM flight -- you will have to leave your hotel by 10:30-ish at the latest.
Aug 7th, 2016, 10:48 AM
#3
Meant to add -- for the limited time you have, your plan is pretty good.
The only possible change I'd consider is an early AM train out of Liverpool -- but that wouldn't add any usable sightseeing time in Liverpool.
The only possible change I'd consider is an early AM train out of Liverpool -- but that wouldn't add any usable sightseeing time in Liverpool.
Aug 7th, 2016, 11:25 AM
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I really wouldn't waste time at Tate Liverpool as a a rule.
But its current exhibition of the Blundell collection of classical statuary is fascinating for anyone truly interested in English Recusancy, the importance of the Grand Tour in European understanding of classical history, the bizarre history of how Renaissance Italy rediscovered Europe's classical origins or the truly monumental ignorance modern curators of tax-absorbing art festivals demonstrate of basic art history.
It's part of the Liverpool Biennale: probably Europe's dominant modern art festival, and all over the city. The stuff at the Bluecoat (originally founded by the Blundells, which is in itself an intriguing insight into English Recusancy) is the most interesting, but Liverpool has by far the most spectacular public spaces in Britain, and this year's Biennale opens up many we've not previously seen. I'd put the Tate about bottom of Liverpool's choice of free museums - the most outstanding in Britain after London, and infinitely more important than the provincial insularity of the mediocrity our taxes are wasted on subsidising in Edinburgh.
One day in a century or two, Scotland might develop a city with Liverpool's cultural quality. There's not a scintilla of evidence it's anywhere near yet.
If you're short of time, don't waste in on Scotland's past-obsessed runnish
But its current exhibition of the Blundell collection of classical statuary is fascinating for anyone truly interested in English Recusancy, the importance of the Grand Tour in European understanding of classical history, the bizarre history of how Renaissance Italy rediscovered Europe's classical origins or the truly monumental ignorance modern curators of tax-absorbing art festivals demonstrate of basic art history.
It's part of the Liverpool Biennale: probably Europe's dominant modern art festival, and all over the city. The stuff at the Bluecoat (originally founded by the Blundells, which is in itself an intriguing insight into English Recusancy) is the most interesting, but Liverpool has by far the most spectacular public spaces in Britain, and this year's Biennale opens up many we've not previously seen. I'd put the Tate about bottom of Liverpool's choice of free museums - the most outstanding in Britain after London, and infinitely more important than the provincial insularity of the mediocrity our taxes are wasted on subsidising in Edinburgh.
One day in a century or two, Scotland might develop a city with Liverpool's cultural quality. There's not a scintilla of evidence it's anywhere near yet.
If you're short of time, don't waste in on Scotland's past-obsessed runnish
Aug 7th, 2016, 11:58 AM
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With 5+ days in London yes by all means do a day trip to nearby Oxford - could be the highlight of your trip and better than what you may do with that fifth day in London. Three full days in London I think is what the average traveler needs to see the main sights - of course one could spend weeks there too but seeing Oxford to me was a real highlight - very very unique place and easy to walk around in - about an hour by train or bus from London.
Stratford could be done Liverpool to London but really requires a full day- could be a day trip from London but a long one and to me unless a Bard enthusiasts Oxford is more unique and whatever by far.
For trains book early for deep discounted tickets - www.nationalrail.co.uk books without fees for all of Britain's independent rail franchises - read the conditions as they may be non-changeable non-refundable and also check first class as they discount that too and if not much more go first as in Britain on long-distance trains IME there is a world of difference.
for lots on British trains check www.seat61.com - great info on discounted tickets; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. there are BritRail Passes but with just two longer trips they are no worth it for you.
flanner is an old Liverpuddlian - grew up there I think so what he says is gold.
Stratford could be done Liverpool to London but really requires a full day- could be a day trip from London but a long one and to me unless a Bard enthusiasts Oxford is more unique and whatever by far.
For trains book early for deep discounted tickets - www.nationalrail.co.uk books without fees for all of Britain's independent rail franchises - read the conditions as they may be non-changeable non-refundable and also check first class as they discount that too and if not much more go first as in Britain on long-distance trains IME there is a world of difference.
for lots on British trains check www.seat61.com - great info on discounted tickets; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. there are BritRail Passes but with just two longer trips they are no worth it for you.
flanner is an old Liverpuddlian - grew up there I think so what he says is gold.
Aug 7th, 2016, 01:26 PM
#7
>>Three full days in London I think is what the average traveler needs to see the main sights <<
He posts that often -- but I have yet to see how he proposes seeing even a small number of the main sites in 3 days. Now, IF he means 'seeing' from the outside -- no one would argue. 'See', check off the list, done, move on.
But then Pal is on paint big time and has a very short attention span.
The Tower of London alone will take about half a day when you figure in travel time and lunch. HCP, another half (would have to be a different) day minimum. So two major sites and the best parts of two days is shot. On each of those days another site or two could be fit in - so 4-5 sites in 2 days. Leaving one day for anything else from this list: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, V&A, Imperial War, either Tate, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls, any of the Markets (Borough, Portobello Rd, Camden, whatever), the Eye, a boat trip, Greenwich, Cabinet War Rooms, shopping, any of the parks, etc etc.
Yep -- definitely a 3-day city
He posts that often -- but I have yet to see how he proposes seeing even a small number of the main sites in 3 days. Now, IF he means 'seeing' from the outside -- no one would argue. 'See', check off the list, done, move on.
But then Pal is on paint big time and has a very short attention span.
The Tower of London alone will take about half a day when you figure in travel time and lunch. HCP, another half (would have to be a different) day minimum. So two major sites and the best parts of two days is shot. On each of those days another site or two could be fit in - so 4-5 sites in 2 days. Leaving one day for anything else from this list: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, V&A, Imperial War, either Tate, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls, any of the Markets (Borough, Portobello Rd, Camden, whatever), the Eye, a boat trip, Greenwich, Cabinet War Rooms, shopping, any of the parks, etc etc.
Yep -- definitely a 3-day city
Aug 7th, 2016, 02:35 PM
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But then Pal is on paint big time and has a very short attention span.>
Why do you post these constant insults when I dare provide a different opinion from yours?
It's getting tiresome.
I stand by my take that a day out in Oxford will for many be much more memorable and enjoyable than say the Nt'l Portrait Gallery - Imperial War Museum, the old Tate Modern, the Cabinet War Rooms, etc. And in 4 days they can see all your museums - no you do not have to spend a half day in the British Museum and each museum.
You have your opinions and others have theirs. Get off your high horse please and put yourself into the shoes of an average traveler IF possible.
You can disagree without constant insults!
Why do you post these constant insults when I dare provide a different opinion from yours?
It's getting tiresome.
I stand by my take that a day out in Oxford will for many be much more memorable and enjoyable than say the Nt'l Portrait Gallery - Imperial War Museum, the old Tate Modern, the Cabinet War Rooms, etc. And in 4 days they can see all your museums - no you do not have to spend a half day in the British Museum and each museum.
You have your opinions and others have theirs. Get off your high horse please and put yourself into the shoes of an average traveler IF possible.
You can disagree without constant insults!
Aug 7th, 2016, 02:56 PM
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There are no direct night trains Edinburgh to Liverpuddle- day trains take less than 4 hours - you cannot sleep on any train connection because there are huge gaps in where you transfer- yes check schedules and ditch that idea of an overnight train. Now you can take a train around 6-7 and be in Liverpuddle about 11pm or so but otherwise not a viable option. check www.nationalrail.co.uk for schedules.
Aug 7th, 2016, 03:01 PM
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Thank you for the responses so far, very helpful! Yes, I've looked at the train schedules and see it's about 3hrs 45 mins to Liverpool with a transfer in between, departing around 5pm.
Aug 7th, 2016, 03:02 PM
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Having recently been in London and revisiting places I hadn't been in years, it does take about a half of day to visit the Tower and HCP. You may not spend four hours at either but it's the coming and going, plus a visit to gift shops and stops for drink/ lunch that extends the visit.
I lived in Oxford and love the place, but there is so much to see and do in London that your five days will go quickly. Personally with so few days in London I 'd be very hesitant to do a day trip to Oxford. While the Ashmolean ( arguably the best place to visit in Oxford ) is an excellent museum but it is in no way " much more memorable and enjoyable " than the Cabinet War Rooms, the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate. Best to plan two attractions a day then you can fill in with little extras if time allows. If after 4 days you've done everything on your list then go to Oxford.
I lived in Oxford and love the place, but there is so much to see and do in London that your five days will go quickly. Personally with so few days in London I 'd be very hesitant to do a day trip to Oxford. While the Ashmolean ( arguably the best place to visit in Oxford ) is an excellent museum but it is in no way " much more memorable and enjoyable " than the Cabinet War Rooms, the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate. Best to plan two attractions a day then you can fill in with little extras if time allows. If after 4 days you've done everything on your list then go to Oxford.
Aug 7th, 2016, 03:03 PM
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travelmiss - sounds like a great trip planned (I myself have a trip planned with my sister in 2 weeks - just to NYC, but still) so I resonate with your planning mission. 
As to the question of a day trip out of London, I was in a similar bind - not enough time in London for my liking, but I wanted to visit Cambridge for a day to see a friend who was studying there and get a more personal tour around.
I sacrificed much in London but don't regret my day trip at all. I just listed out the topmost essential things I wanted to see and resigned myself to making a future visit some other time (woe is me!)
So I'd recommend you and your sister making a list of the top London priorities, lining them up on a calendar to see what is truly feasible each day given proximity of sites and time needed/desired in each site and then weigh the bottom few against a your Oxford wishlist (or where have you).
As to the question of a day trip out of London, I was in a similar bind - not enough time in London for my liking, but I wanted to visit Cambridge for a day to see a friend who was studying there and get a more personal tour around.
I sacrificed much in London but don't regret my day trip at all. I just listed out the topmost essential things I wanted to see and resigned myself to making a future visit some other time (woe is me!)
So I'd recommend you and your sister making a list of the top London priorities, lining them up on a calendar to see what is truly feasible each day given proximity of sites and time needed/desired in each site and then weigh the bottom few against a your Oxford wishlist (or where have you).
Aug 7th, 2016, 03:05 PM
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travelmiss - sounds like a great trip planned (I myself have a trip planned with my sister in 2 weeks - just to NYC, but still) so I resonate with your planning mission.
As to the question of a day trip out of London, I was in a similar bind - not enough time in London for my liking, but I wanted to visit Cambridge for a day to see a friend who was studying there and get a more personal tour around.
I sacrificed much in London but don't regret my day trip at all. I just listed out the topmost essential things I wanted to see and resigned myself to making a future visit some other time (woe is me!)
So I'd recommend you and your sister making a list of the top London priorities, lining them up on a calendar to see what is truly feasible each day given proximity of sites and time needed/desired in each site and then weigh the bottom few against a your Oxford wishlist (or where have you).
As to the question of a day trip out of London, I was in a similar bind - not enough time in London for my liking, but I wanted to visit Cambridge for a day to see a friend who was studying there and get a more personal tour around.
I sacrificed much in London but don't regret my day trip at all. I just listed out the topmost essential things I wanted to see and resigned myself to making a future visit some other time (woe is me!)
So I'd recommend you and your sister making a list of the top London priorities, lining them up on a calendar to see what is truly feasible each day given proximity of sites and time needed/desired in each site and then weigh the bottom few against a your Oxford wishlist (or where have you).
Aug 7th, 2016, 03:07 PM
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While the Ashmolean ( arguably the best place to visit in Oxford ) is an excellent museum but it is in no way " much more memorable and enjoyable " than the Cabinet War Rooms, the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate.>
I was talking about the town of Oxford and the colleges as a whole not any museum.
And yes leave your itinerary in flux as historytraveler suggests - you need no advance planning to go to Oggsford - do like ht says if after 3-4 days you've seen what you really wanted to in London then bop up to Oxford.
Good suggestion. Differing opinions are always good - hopefully given without condescending insults!
I was talking about the town of Oxford and the colleges as a whole not any museum.
And yes leave your itinerary in flux as historytraveler suggests - you need no advance planning to go to Oggsford - do like ht says if after 3-4 days you've seen what you really wanted to in London then bop up to Oxford.
Good suggestion. Differing opinions are always good - hopefully given without condescending insults!
Aug 7th, 2016, 03:26 PM
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Fantastic advice, thank you! It does seem like it's worth having only a day in Liverpool to have more time in London based on all of your replies, even though the Bienalle sounds up my alley.
I'm listing must-sees in a doc and will map and calendar them as well! I'd love any favorites to add from you all!
ducinaltum - I'm coming from NYC, hope you have a wonderful time here
I'm listing must-sees in a doc and will map and calendar them as well! I'd love any favorites to add from you all!
ducinaltum - I'm coming from NYC, hope you have a wonderful time here
Aug 8th, 2016, 11:53 AM
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Lots of Beatles venues in London too - Abbey Road and such:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Britain...les/London.htm
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Britain...les/London.htm
Aug 8th, 2016, 12:47 PM
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One thing for you and your sister to consider is how likely you are to return to these cities? If you're certain you'll visit London again, I'd be cautious of very drastic cuts to time spent in Edinburgh and/or Liverpool, if you perhaps won't stop there again.
By the way, these are three of my favorite UK cities and I wish you a wonderful journey!
By the way, these are three of my favorite UK cities and I wish you a wonderful journey!
Aug 8th, 2016, 01:54 PM
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travelmiss --
i am a huge edinburgh fan.
last time i was there, i caught comedian Susan Morrison doing a walking tour of the docks. it was absolutely hysterical!! and a great way to see a bit of the city.
that tour (may not be everyone's cup of tea) was called "whores and sores"... and she told us all about the dock's particular history in that regard. Amazing true stories!!
i see that she is doing a new tour at the festival... i linked to it here.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-o...mous-and-funny
have fun!!
i am a huge edinburgh fan.
last time i was there, i caught comedian Susan Morrison doing a walking tour of the docks. it was absolutely hysterical!! and a great way to see a bit of the city.
that tour (may not be everyone's cup of tea) was called "whores and sores"... and she told us all about the dock's particular history in that regard. Amazing true stories!!
i see that she is doing a new tour at the festival... i linked to it here.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-o...mous-and-funny
have fun!!
