First Trip to England
Nov 21st, 2006, 04:19 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First Trip to England
I'll be going to England with my church choir August 1-13. We'll be flying into Manchester, and our itinterary will include York, Canterbury, Cambridge, Peterborough, Lincoln, Ely (we have a one-week residency at Ely Cathedral) and a couple of days in London. Plus -- ample free time for sightseeing. I have several questions:
1) I understand the London Proms will be taking place at Royal Albert Hall during our time in London. Any suggestions on the best way to snag tickets?
2) My mother and I LOVE Shakespeare. Has anyone taken in a performance at the Globe Theater? What's your opinion -- is it worthwhile to snag tickets to the Globe?
3) We have one free day in Ely. Would you recommend spending more time in London, going to Dover, going to Paris, or what?
4) Any other suggestions (based on our itinerary)?
5) Finally, what guidebooks do you recommend?
Thank you for any/all suggestions!
1) I understand the London Proms will be taking place at Royal Albert Hall during our time in London. Any suggestions on the best way to snag tickets?
2) My mother and I LOVE Shakespeare. Has anyone taken in a performance at the Globe Theater? What's your opinion -- is it worthwhile to snag tickets to the Globe?
3) We have one free day in Ely. Would you recommend spending more time in London, going to Dover, going to Paris, or what?
4) Any other suggestions (based on our itinerary)?
5) Finally, what guidebooks do you recommend?
Thank you for any/all suggestions!
Nov 21st, 2006, 05:38 PM
#3
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if you have a free day in Ely why not travel east, toward the coast? Neglected by NA tourists (perhaps because it is so flat and open and "Dutch"
this region is a favourite of many connoisseurs of the English countryside.
Too bad you will miss the (June)Aldeburgh music festival
this region is a favourite of many connoisseurs of the English countryside. Too bad you will miss the (June)Aldeburgh music festival
Nov 21st, 2006, 06:20 PM
#4
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, if you love Shakespeare, definitely take in a performance at the Globe. If you can't make a performance, there are tours. I think you should spend your extra day in London. There's just so much to see there and it's a fairly quick train journey.
Nov 21st, 2006, 08:18 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you desire to see Dover then hopefully you'll have time when in Canterbury being only 10 miles away.
For your free day in Ely take a trip to Cambridge, it does have some connections with Shakespeare via the education of his peers (Marlow, Fletcher)but is such a short journey you can have ample time to visit the colleges and the museums.
For your free day in Ely take a trip to Cambridge, it does have some connections with Shakespeare via the education of his peers (Marlow, Fletcher)but is such a short journey you can have ample time to visit the colleges and the museums.
Nov 21st, 2006, 08:54 PM
#6
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know what you mean by "snagging" a ticket to the Proms.
The proms boast of being the world's greatest classical music festival. The basis for this piece of bombast is that the Albert Hall holds an awful lot of people and there are an awful lot of concerts. So getting in is rarely a problem: just go to the website http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/aboutfestival
There are always over 500 £5 standing rickets for every prom available on the day, as well as a couple of gazillion pre-bookable seats. Some people actually prefer the standing ("promenade" tickets because of the atmosphere: others find the prommers a bunch of self-obsessed music geeks - but whichever view you take, you'll find guidance about how to get the tickets at the BBC website.
Apart from the Last Night (which is after you go home anyway), prommer tickets can usually be got by just turning up. Sometimes you may need to queue from early morning: just judge from what's on.
The proms boast of being the world's greatest classical music festival. The basis for this piece of bombast is that the Albert Hall holds an awful lot of people and there are an awful lot of concerts. So getting in is rarely a problem: just go to the website http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/aboutfestival
There are always over 500 £5 standing rickets for every prom available on the day, as well as a couple of gazillion pre-bookable seats. Some people actually prefer the standing ("promenade"
tickets because of the atmosphere: others find the prommers a bunch of self-obsessed music geeks - but whichever view you take, you'll find guidance about how to get the tickets at the BBC website. Apart from the Last Night (which is after you go home anyway), prommer tickets can usually be got by just turning up. Sometimes you may need to queue from early morning: just judge from what's on.
Nov 22nd, 2006, 12:17 AM
#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Definitely try to take in a performance at the Globe. I loved Richard 111 there, was jet lagged and had dozed off when the drummers and horns appeared from behind me; you're "in the round" and if you're in the pit, you'll be part of the actors, the "crowd" or whatever. Great fun. The restaurant served a decently priced early supper before the play too. I was lucky; just got last minute tickets the same day. I had walked there from London bridge underground station. Walked back over Millennium Bridge and found Blackfriars station, which would take you back to Victoria train station.
Victoria and Albert entertained me for a whole day.
St. Paul's of course.
The transportation and underground railway station museum was another memorable highlight.
Grab some fish and chips and mushy peas at a pub too.
You're in for a great treat. I can always find more to see and I've been 4 times now. There are last minute ticket places; ask your concierge.
Buy Rick Steves; his walking tours are well worth the investments. http://www.ricksteves.com/There's a sale on right now of his 2006 stuff; might be some left, or get used through Amazon.
Victoria and Albert entertained me for a whole day.
St. Paul's of course.
The transportation and underground railway station museum was another memorable highlight.
Grab some fish and chips and mushy peas at a pub too.
You're in for a great treat. I can always find more to see and I've been 4 times now. There are last minute ticket places; ask your concierge.
Buy Rick Steves; his walking tours are well worth the investments. http://www.ricksteves.com/There's a sale on right now of his 2006 stuff; might be some left, or get used through Amazon.
Nov 22nd, 2006, 12:49 AM
#9
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you like Shakespeare, you might also want tot see the outdoor play at the Regent's Park <b>in addition to </b> the Globe. The park itself is very enjoyable, the rose garden should still be in bloom. The play starts around dusk (which is more like 8pm) and the ambiance is almost mysthical. Make sure you bring something warm--it can get chilly in the evening even in August.
As for the Proms, if you don't mind standing for the whole event, promming in the Arena is part of fun (and tradition). However, you might want to book seats especially if your legs would be sore from daytime sightseeing. Most tickets are easy to get, maybe with a few exception. Check http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/
As for the Proms, if you don't mind standing for the whole event, promming in the Arena is part of fun (and tradition). However, you might want to book seats especially if your legs would be sore from daytime sightseeing. Most tickets are easy to get, maybe with a few exception. Check http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/
Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:02 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hope you have a wonderful time in England. Your schedule for 12 days is quite heavy in terms of travelling- by bus?? All the cathedrals will amaze you! You'll also see quite a bit of the Fens area (flat, reclaimed from the sea, huge skies) as you travel between Peterborough and Ely. Lincoln Cathedral is stunning and little known to US travellers. Ely is only an hour or so from London by train so I'd definitely have another day there. Any other ideas of visiting Dover or Paris, for example, will leave you too tired. Anyway Dover is much closer to Canterbury if you really want to go.
The Globe performances are very popular so you need to be making a booking now. The Proms Concerts are a spectacle although I think the acoustics in the Royal Albert Hall could be better.
I'm sure you will have a great time.
The Globe performances are very popular so you need to be making a booking now. The Proms Concerts are a spectacle although I think the acoustics in the Royal Albert Hall could be better.
I'm sure you will have a great time.
Nov 22nd, 2006, 04:34 AM
#11
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're a a Shakespeare lover then definately go to the Globe theatre. It's a really great experience. The cheapest tickets are the standing tickets but you will have to stand for the duration of the play (sometimes three hours) and will not be permitted to sit on the ground or lean against the side so if you are uncomfortable standing for this length of time then definately get one of the seats. The 2007 season has not been announced yet and therefore booking is not open yet. Booking should be open by mid-Feb. If you are looking at a weekend show, these sell out the quickest usually so you will need to book early. If either of you have any issues with heights then you should not book the highest level. I have known several people who are not usually sufferers of vertigo feel uncomfortable at the highest level although I myself have never felt it to be particularly high up.
Nov 28th, 2006, 12:17 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
More questions:
*What will the weather be like?
*What clothing should I take?
*How much do people dress up (or down) for the Proms, Globe Theater, etc.?
*Anything else I should plan on taking?
*What will the weather be like?
*What clothing should I take?
*How much do people dress up (or down) for the Proms, Globe Theater, etc.?
*Anything else I should plan on taking?
Nov 28th, 2006, 12:29 PM
#13
to take your questions in order:
Weather in england in august - could be boiling hot or cold and damp, but likely to be neither, so bring layers, and some sort of waterproof.
no need to dress up.
A camera.
Your favourite throat sweets [may not be available here]
comfortable shoes [two pairs, so the sore bits on your feet have a chance to rest]
Having just come back from singing in Venice, a bag that you can use for concerts rehearsals, that will take your music and a small botttle of water, plus purse, comb, mobile, etc etc.
Have a wonderful time!
Weather in england in august - could be boiling hot or cold and damp, but likely to be neither, so bring layers, and some sort of waterproof.
no need to dress up.
A camera.
Your favourite throat sweets [may not be available here]
comfortable shoes [two pairs, so the sore bits on your feet have a chance to rest]
Having just come back from singing in Venice, a bag that you can use for concerts rehearsals, that will take your music and a small botttle of water, plus purse, comb, mobile, etc etc.
Have a wonderful time!
Nov 28th, 2006, 01:11 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have heard that there is a stained glass museum in Ely.I have always planned to go and see it .....Never,as yet,managed to plan it in.......Probably worth a look if you like that kind of thing......I hope that you have a great time !!
Oct 11th, 2007, 03:53 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had a wonderful, wonderful time in England! Didn't get to do the Proms or Globe Theater in London, but did see the "main" sights. What a beautiful city!
Ely Cathedral was fabulous, and Ely was a very charming town. I did spend a day in Cambridge, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
York was terrific-visited York Minster and walked along the city wall. Our hotel was within a block of Monks Gate!
I really enjoyed Lincoln. I only wish we had toured the breathtakingly beautiful Lincoln Cathedral rather than Lincoln Casle. We sang in the cathedral's Chapter House (where a scene of "The Da Vinci Code was filmed).
I cannot understand why some people were so negative about Canterbury Cathedral. That was my favorite part of the whole trip! We attended Evensong at Canterbury, and had the full-fledged tour. Maybe it's because I'm an Episcopalian, but I loved Canterbury.
I thought the people in England were wonderful. Most people we went were genuine and really went out of their way to be friendly. I'm still remembering the wonderful English accent and English-isms very fondly.
Whoever recommended visiting pubs was spot on. Good, authentic food (the English sure like their vegetables). At my first visit in a pub in York I was ordering at the bar, trying to make up my mind which libation to order, when a lovely young couple (there with their young daughter) told me to ask for a sample! At another pub my mother left her bag of purchases from a gift shop at the table. One of the employees hunted us down to get the bag to my mother! On our departure out of Gatwick we were in a long queue, and my mother (who's 75) was getting quite tired standing. A wonderful gentleman (employed by the airline) approached my mother with a folding chair so she could sit.
BTW, the ale I liked best was John Smith. Had it my first night in York.
I also had authentic fish and chips, with the mushy peas. My cousin's mother-in-law, who we visited in York, insisted I try the mushy peas. I loved them (thank you, Maureen!) The best fish and chips, by far, were at Wacker's in York (recommended by Maureen).
I've posted some pictures from my trip:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8902089@N05/
I'm still posting pictures, so check back!
I don't think I need to mention this will NOT be my last trip to England!
Ely Cathedral was fabulous, and Ely was a very charming town. I did spend a day in Cambridge, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
York was terrific-visited York Minster and walked along the city wall. Our hotel was within a block of Monks Gate!
I really enjoyed Lincoln. I only wish we had toured the breathtakingly beautiful Lincoln Cathedral rather than Lincoln Casle. We sang in the cathedral's Chapter House (where a scene of "The Da Vinci Code was filmed).
I cannot understand why some people were so negative about Canterbury Cathedral. That was my favorite part of the whole trip! We attended Evensong at Canterbury, and had the full-fledged tour. Maybe it's because I'm an Episcopalian, but I loved Canterbury.
I thought the people in England were wonderful. Most people we went were genuine and really went out of their way to be friendly. I'm still remembering the wonderful English accent and English-isms very fondly.
Whoever recommended visiting pubs was spot on. Good, authentic food (the English sure like their vegetables). At my first visit in a pub in York I was ordering at the bar, trying to make up my mind which libation to order, when a lovely young couple (there with their young daughter) told me to ask for a sample! At another pub my mother left her bag of purchases from a gift shop at the table. One of the employees hunted us down to get the bag to my mother! On our departure out of Gatwick we were in a long queue, and my mother (who's 75) was getting quite tired standing. A wonderful gentleman (employed by the airline) approached my mother with a folding chair so she could sit.
BTW, the ale I liked best was John Smith. Had it my first night in York.
I also had authentic fish and chips, with the mushy peas. My cousin's mother-in-law, who we visited in York, insisted I try the mushy peas. I loved them (thank you, Maureen!) The best fish and chips, by far, were at Wacker's in York (recommended by Maureen).
I've posted some pictures from my trip:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8902089@N05/
I'm still posting pictures, so check back!
I don't think I need to mention this will NOT be my last trip to England!
Oct 11th, 2007, 04:59 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
John Smith's is great. Sam Smith's is better. They're both brewed in Tadcaster, Yorkshire, and are widely available there. There are a ton of great historic pubs in York. One nice thing about Sam Smith's is that their pubs have a no-music rule, which means you can sit quietly and talk over your pints. The York Arms on Petergate is very nice, nothing special, just a classic cozy pub.
Oct 12th, 2007, 02:03 AM
#18
hi, m2,
so glad you enjoyed your trip. my DD is now at Uni about 45 minutes from lincoln so I'm hoping that when we go to visit, we'll get to see the Cathedral. WHere did you stay in the lincoln area and would you recommend it?
regards, ann
so glad you enjoyed your trip. my DD is now at Uni about 45 minutes from lincoln so I'm hoping that when we go to visit, we'll get to see the Cathedral. WHere did you stay in the lincoln area and would you recommend it?
regards, ann
Oct 12th, 2007, 04:05 AM
#19
Not sure if going to Dover is realy worthwhile. If you are going there to see the white cliffs well they are cliffs and white. All other ideas make a lot of sense. Ely for example is great. Given where you are you may even like a day in Boston (not Boston Spa) to get a flavour of East Anglia as it was
Oct 12th, 2007, 09:17 AM
#20
bilboburgler: The OP posted this nearly a year ago and has returned from the trip.
m2violin: Very nice report. It is nice when folks come back and tell us how things went. I can't imagine anyone saying Canterbury Cathedral wasn't "worth it". Leeds Castle and some other sites in the area - I can understand, but not Canterbury. Glad you got there.
m2violin: Very nice report. It is nice when folks come back and tell us how things went. I can't imagine anyone saying Canterbury Cathedral wasn't "worth it". Leeds Castle and some other sites in the area - I can understand, but not Canterbury. Glad you got there.
