2 day side trip from London -- not Bath or Windsor
 

Any suggestions? I have already been to Bath, Windsor, and the Hampton Court Palace. <BR> <BR>It will be two twenty two year old males. We will be taking the train, and would like to visit a city where there would be fun things for us to do. Scenery and historic places would probably be the best. Both of us would also enjoy visiting the pubs there, or the breweries(Beamish, Newcastle, etc) if they are in a cool city. <BR> <BR>Would Wales be a good place for us to go? Or maybe down towards Dover? And like I said earlier, it would be for one or two nights. <BR> <BR>Any help is appreciated. Thanks <BR> <BR>

The Devonshire coastline is really beautiful and in places like Croyde, there is quite a lively surfing scene.

I would suggest YORK. Its a very lively small city with loads of history and some great sites. Very close are the scenic Yorkshire Dales. Although its int he north of England, it's only a little over 2 hrs from London by train.

I'll second York. I live here and it's got some great pubs, with many different varieties of Ales. Lendal Cellars is a particular personal favourite, and you mustn't miss out on the 'Micklegate Run'... a must for the young and single!

Mike, <BR>York is a good choice, but be prepared it is very touristy and full of people! (Yes, we were tourists too but it is nice to be able to walk without elbowing through crowds if you know what I mean). We were there last week (probably an unfortunate choice as it was Easter week and attributed to the crowds), took the train from Kings Cross in London - very fast, 2 hr. ride. You might also consider Salisbury - it's very nice, or perhaps Chester. I'm not sure about breweries in York (didn't see any) but they have 3 candy factories. Have a great time where ever you go.

Hi Mike... I second York... very nice and lots to see and do. <BR> <BR>What about Oxford or Cambridge? Those are easy day trips from London, and both lovely in their own right. Stratford-upon-Avon, Canterbury, and Brighton would be good choices too. <BR> <BR>I hope these suggestions help! <BR> <BR>Anastasia <BR>http://www.greatbritaintravelguide.com <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Cambridge is the Spot...Great pubs and wonderful buildings...Very young and vibrant. Why not spend a night in York and then stop off in Cambridge on your way back to London. Wales is great but you must have a car.

Hi, Mike, <BR>Okay, it's a couple of hours more travel, but Edinburgh is a dunk. Beautiful, very lively, great pubs and music resources...you'll have a good time. <BR> <BR>Just where is it the Cubs are going?

How about the Cotswolds and Warwick Castle? Both easily do-able from London on a day trip. The scenery is spectacular.

I'll second Oxford - tons of pubs and lots of interesting people - including students from most countries in the world it seems. Could also spend one night in Stratford/see Warwick Castle and one in Oxford. Or what about taking the chunnel to Paris?

Thanks everybody, I think that helps a bit. I think I'm gonna do some research on Cambridge, York, and Edinburgh. <BR> <BR>One quick question though. I think I saw that the train tickets from London to Edinburgh were like $95 one way. Is this the price that anyone who has traveled over there has noticed? Or are there any cheaper ways to do it? <BR> <BR>I've been to Paris twice, and while I love it there, I don't think I'll be hitting it on this trip. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, the cubs are probably going where they always go. Last place. But one can hope, right? They have won three games in a row, which is an accomplishment for themselves. <BR> <BR>Also, we booked our tickets yesterday, and we will be in the UK from the 16th to the 23rd, and Ireland(fly through Dublin) from the 23rd to the 28th. So it'll probably be London for 2 or 3 days, this side trip for 2 or 3 days, Dublin for 2 or 3 days, and then another city in Ireland. I've heard some good things about Galway. Are there any other places you have been that you think we might have more fun at? <BR> <BR>Thanks again for all of your help. Second hand experience is always better than just going by what a book says.

Hi again Mike <BR> <BR>Re the train tickets to Edinburgh... I just researched this for one of my newsletter subscribers, so this info is current. Keep in mind though, that Edinburgh isn't exactly a side trip from London! <BR> <BR>The cheapest fare, according to National Rail Enquiry, is the APEX fare, which must be booked 7 days in advance. The cost will be £53.00 (about $85.00 US) per adult. <BR> <BR>If you want to book by phone with a credit card, the telephone number is 44 345 48 49 50 (in the UK, replace the 44 with a 0). Alternately, try www.thetrainline.com for online bookings. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps you. <BR> <BR>Anastasia <BR>http://www.greatbritaintravelguide.com <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

We went to Warwick Castle, and Stratford-upon-Avon, and just loved it. You can take the train to Warwick from Marlybone Station, its very easy. Warwick Castle is the best medievil castle in England. The town is adorable. There are buses to go to Stratford-Upon-Avon, which is very interesting. The town is mostly geared to Shakespeare, but its very quaint and there was much to do. We had a few very good meals in pubs. It was a great time.

Brighton for the day. It is a blast, is very youthful and is really the "old" British seaside.

One more vote for York or another suggestion would be Edinburgh if there is still a night train up there. My so went to Oxford--spent every available weekend back in London so don't think it's too much of a draw except for schooling. Wales is a great place but you can spend far more that 2 days. If you love history and know something of the Welsh history I would recommend it.

York, York, and again York.

York!! <BR>I found Warwick Castle to be too much of Madam Tusouds(I know I cant spell) <BR>And Stratford was boring except for the Shakespear burial site. I liked Dover castle but it is not a great city. <BR>But the best all around is York <BR>