If we have a free day while in london, would it be worth going out & back to either Stonehenge or Bath for a day?

Hi Steph: I have never been to Stonehenge, was told it was w waste of time(don't know why) but I have been to Bath a few times. The train from London is a nice 90 minutes and the station in Bath is convenient to everything. You could spend a wonderful day meandering the streets, visiting the Roman baths, cathedral, Sally Lunns. That gets my vote!

Hi, Steph <BR>The previous poster, Ginny, is right about Bath, there is enough to do for a good daytrip. I may add Tea at the famous teahouse in the main square. The name escapes me, I would have to look it up is you are interested. It is a famous little spot...anyone? <BR>The other option I would consider is York. It is a truly lovely city with much to offer. We had a guide take us around the old part of the city. <BR>We went to the Evensong at the beautiful cathedral and sat with the choir. The streets are right out of a Dickens novel. It is very charming. <BR>We took the train, about 3 hours each way. <BR>Have a wonderful time! <BR>Gigi

My first vote is for Bath, and second is Oxford. I did not go to Cambridge, but I imagine that would be a good option.

I don't like Cambridge at all. Sure the river is nice, and there are swans, and there are some important colleges, but you're not allowed in them, you know. <BR>I love Bath, while there, don't forget to check out the Costume Museum.

Tea house called The Pump Room. NB They are renovating the Roman Baths for public use (!), so there is some noise in the Pump Room now. The other famous tea rooms are Sally Lunn's. If you go to the Pump Room, ask if the juggling buskers are on. <BR> <BR>Come to Bath in a couple of years time and view acres of steaming flesh. <BR> <BR>PS I think York is an overnighter (c. 3 hours on the train, longer by car).

Thanks, Mike <BR>As soon as I read The Pump Room, I knew that was the spot. <BR>We did do York in a very long day, but, you are right about staying over, if one can. It really is a lovely village. <BR>

I think York residents would be a little offended at it being called a village! It's a city.

For something completely different, take the train from Waterloo to Portsmouth harbour and see the historic ships there - the Mary Rose, the HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior. <BR>Alternatively , think of Winchester or Chichester.

Hello Steph, <BR> <BR>My vote would definitely be for Bath! <BR> <BR>Some coach companies do a combined Stonehenge/Bath day-trip, - if you want to see both. See:- <BR> <BR>www.evanevans.co.uk <BR>www.grayline.com (Frames Rickard) <BR>www.goldentours.co.uk <BR>www.visitorsightseeing.co.uk <BR> <BR>Steve James <BR>Bath, U.K

Bath is definitely worth the trip and has enough to see for a day. It's more a place to go to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere than to see any one thing in particular. It is easily reached by train. Closer to London both Oxford and Cambridge are worth a daytrip and can be reached by train. Cambridge has more in your face architecture, Oxford has more places you can go inside. Both are only 1-2 hours away by train. <BR>To go to Stonehenge you would have to rent a car or go on an organised trip as it's not near a station. If you rent a car you can go to Stonehenge and then to Bath or the other way around. Check opening hours at Stonehenge first at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/d...lts.asp?Id=261. <BR>Winchester that another poster recommended is good if you're into Jane Austen. You'd need a car to get out to where she used to live. <BR>Renting a car is expensive in the UK, particularly if you want to go with a wellknown name like Avis or Hertz. You will however find that driving on the left is easier than it sounds. Renting a car for getting around in London on the other hand is self-defeating. <BR>Cheers, <BR>--Mjausson

My apologies to Kate, and the CITY of York. <BR>In no way was any offense intended. <BR> <BR>Rather, please note my use of the word <BR>"City" in my initial post, however, and the adjective, "lovely". <BR> <BR>I suppose a better phrase would have been "The old City Centre has the "feel" of a village". <BR> <BR>Again, to all Citizens of York, pardon my offenses. <BR> <BR>Gigi

There's a lot more to Winchester than Jane Austen - cathedral and close, Winchester College and water meadows, Hospital and chapel of St Cross.

Bath is lovely, and if you're driving, Stonehenge is an easy stop on the way there or back. People's opinions on Stonehenge vary dramatically; my husband found it moving and impressive, while I found it interesting. <BR> <BR>I think Cambridge is worth a trip. You can get into many of the colleges (and embark on the Chariots of Fire race around the college), see the Kings College chapel, go punting, and enjoy the town. Having lived at Oxford and had a sister at Cambridge, I think that Cambridge is a preferable trip -- more beautiful.

I tend to become a broken record on this, but I'd also consider a trip to Brighton, for the pier, the old town, but especially the Royal Pavilion. It's a marvelous day trip IMO.

Not meaning any disrespect to any individual or to the city of Brighton, I felt it was a waste of time. The old pier was like a cheap county fair boardwalk. A rip off electric train. And outside of the Pavalon nothing of interest to see. IMO most any place else would prove of more interest. Go for York, Cardiff, Oxford, Bath. You cannot miss with any of them.

We will be in Bath in early April. What type of renovations are being done to the Roman baths? Can you still tour them? Will we still want to tour them? The baths are THE thing that my husband wants to see in Bath. Please advise...

Sorry, xxx, my fault. The baths were still open the last time my family went to town (two weeks ago). The renovations are a long term project - the baths have been shut to bathers for several years, and they are being made safe for use again (last time they were open, people were poisoned!) <BR> <BR>I know of no plans to close the baths to the public. See www.bathspa.co.uk for info on the project and an email address.

All these are good suggestions. However, please try to visit Stonehenge. <BR>I've been twice and loved it. The first trip was on a very sunny day but on the second trip the weather was cold, wet and dreary and that made for a very eerie feeling. <BR>Bath is a good day trip. Being a Jane Austen fan made the visit very special. Have the "Bath Buns" and a drink of the "Bath Water" from the beautiful pump. (Not too much. It's like a laxative.) Have lunch in the Pump Room with the 3-piece orchestra. The Bath Cathedral is next door and there always seem to be street performers in the square. <BR>Brigton can be fun. I loved the Pavillion and my daughter loved the boardwalk. She was ready for some fun after all the castles and cathedral. It's rather like Ocean City, Maryland. <BR>Another easy day trip is Hampton Court. Be sure to visit King Henry's kitchens and tennis court. <BR>

All good suggestions. May I add one more: Leeds Castle in Kent is gorgeous and close.