janisj

bilbo: I only threw in the 'Spa' bit because that is how PQ always identifies the place

Sorry - but I would definitely rule out York. I can't find engineering works this weekend . . . But it is too late to get any sort of discounted fares. So not only will it take 2 hr each way, it will cost £100 or more return.

PalenQ

100 quid would make me rule out York! It's neat but not THAT neat!

janisj

That is why the same advice doesn't fit every situation . . . the OP <i>did</i> state it would be this coming weekend . . .

Last minute, long distance train trips can be very expensive.

historytraveler

In addition to having to buy the most expensive tickets, there have been many delays and cancellations on the Kings Cross / Waverley route in the past weeks; and, It just wouldn't make sense to spend 4 hours on a train for a day trip. I have done York as a day trip and wouldn't recommend it.

SShprints

ok..thanks guys. So York is out..its too far and too expensive.
So would you pick Canterbury or Cambridge? Feels like those are the 2 most interesting and beautiful cities.

dwdvagamundo

We did Cambridge as a day trip from London years ago and it worked out.

I also second or third Hampton Court--take the train down, then take the boat back to London so you can see what's along the Thames. Hampton Court is one of the most fascinating places we've seen on our travels.

Greenwich would also be good--take a boat down, then walk under the Thames by tunnel and take the train back to London.

Each of those would easily take a day, and they're not that far.

PalenQ

Greenwich would also be good--take a boat down, then walk under the Thames by tunnel and take the train back to London.>

You mean the DLR - Docklands Light Railway or the overground train (which leaves from the Greenwich side) - take the tunnel to the DLR station near it end and this above ground elevated automatic train - just a few cars long - will take you on a panoramic tour of London's burgeoning Docklands with striking modern architecture everywhere - take it to Bank or Tower Tube stations. A neat experience - I always try to get in a car at the front of the driverless trains so I think I am driving.

jamikins

You can also take the overland train...frequent trains go into London bridge in about 5 mins which is WAY faster than taking the DLR to Bank.

PalenQ

Well from Greenwich I think the fastest way into tourist London is by the Jubilee Line of the Tube - plus the Tube has a lot more frequent services than the train though that runs several times an hour I think and also can take you to Charing Cross and Waterloo Est I think.

But I suggest the longer yes slower DLR route because it lets you see the whole Docklands area - fastest no but more interesting and fun IMO. Just love the DLR, which also can take you to Stratford and the Olympic Stadium area if that interests you.

Hampton Court need not take a whole day if you go by train each way - trains terminate at a station smack opposite the palace itself - just across the Thames.

OP could do Hampton Court one day and then Cambridge or whatever the next day. And I agree Hampton Court is superb and sadly off many tourists' radars - to me the finest by far and most interesting of all the Royal Properties in the greater London area.

It's a long boat ride from Hampton Court back to London I think - if you like to walk you can take the Thames Footpath from Hampton Court, following the north bank the whole way to Kingston and then take the train to London from there - about a 4-mile walk that I thoroughly enjoyed.

jamikins

The jubilee line doesn't run through Greenwich village area...it runs through North Greenwich where the O2 is...no where near Greenwich centre.

I plugged in for tomorrow at 10:30 and trains run every 9-10 mins and take 8-9 mins to get to london Bridge.

Depends how much time you want to spend getting into central London again.

But certainly the tube isn't an option from there!

jamikins

And yes all trains run through London bridge (unless there is engineering works) and can take you into charing cross, Waterloo East or cannon street.

PalenQ

To experience a good part of the DLR you could take the DLR from Greenwich to Canary Wharf and change to the Jubilee Line there and hop on the Tube to take you to any place in London. Yes I agree trains are the fastest but I just love the DLR and think most folks would too.

But yes I was wrong in thinking Greenwich proper was served by Tube.

PalenQ

https://www.google.com/search?q=dock...w=1455&bih=977

Images of the Docklands Light Railway!

jamikins

Haha Pal you are obssessed

I commute on the DLR every day and it is quite pleasant outside of peak times.

janisj

PQ googles 90% of his answers . . . could it be he's has never been to any of these places

Nah . . .

PalenQ

Well yes peak times can be a hassle and no chance of getting those vaunted seats right up front - the DLR has been so successful they had to make the trains longer and extend platforms. I doubt if janis has ever been on the DLR as she no doubt has never lowered herself to go to Royal Blackpool - not enough fancy tea rooms there!

carolyn

SShprints, re your question, since you have already been to Oxford, I would certainly choose Canterbury over Cambridge.

janisj

PQ -- been on the DLR many times . . . last time was twice just this May to meet Patriick_London for a GTG and afterwards to get back to our flat at the Marina (when are <i>you</i> going to make it to a GTG? )

bilboburgler

P.. RB LOL

PalenQ

(when are you going to make it to a GTG? )>

nada interest in that my love - you know the Fodorgarch thing - even if you were there.