London Day Trips
 

We will be in London for 5 days next May, and will probably go on one day trip, and in less likelihood, two day trips. We have been there before, including Oxford, Stratford, and York, and want to go someplace new to us. Most appealing so far to us are Cambridge and Canterbury, wtih Bath somewhat behind. Any opinion on which one of these (assuming we go to only one palce), or other places, to choose?

Not to be mean, but how about doing a search before asking this question?<BR><BR>It is asked almost everyday on these boards, and you'll have no problem finding info on all of these towns.<BR><BR>I'm going to Bath when I go in January, it's a pretty easy day trip from London by train.

To (mean)k - Thank you for the very informative answer. However, I was looking more for opinions on my specific quesiton, not information on what there is to see, or how to get to these places. I have already looked into that.

RE: Howard<BR><BR>Good come back to Miss Meany! What nerve! Folks like that think they own this board. They need to get a life and forsake all the negative waves! People come here for help and advice, not abuse!

Howard, have you thought about Windsor? A favorite stop for us and an easy 25 minute train ride from Paddington. You can walk across a Thams footbridge into Eton while there.<BR><BR>I was underwhelmed with Bath, but perhaps it's because it was a very cold, very rainy day when we visited.

I may have been short, but I wasn't mean. And a search reveals lots of OPINIONS about these towns as well, not just what there is to do or how to get there.<BR><BR>This board is full of opinions, that is what it is all about, so a search will get you that.<BR><BR>I was trying to be helpful. I did a search when planning my trip and found more opinions than I knew what to do with. I just now did a search for &quot;Bath&quot; and was able to find numerous threads with the pros and cons of the city and what people liked or disliked about it. That sounds like opinions to me.<BR><BR>Pardon me for trying to help.

You were trying to help, k, really, didnt sound like that, but maybe we are all in the dark.

Bath was a pleasant surprise to me. My first trip there I had no particular interest in the place and just went along so my friend wouldn't have to travel alone. I thought it was beautiful.<BR><BR>Windsor is a great suggestion and, though it's very near London, you can easily spend the better part of the day at Hampton Court. Take a train out of Waterloo (I think) and take a boat back. After finishing up touring the beautiful palace we walked over the bridge to a pub called THE PRINCE OF WALES and had a splendid lunch and several excellent pints (try their GREAT COD ALMIGHTY fish'n'chips...very good.)

I personally think Cambridge is well worth your time. It's a great strolling town, not generally as tourist-laden as Bath. <BR><BR>I also fall into the love-Brighton camp, although there are plenty of hate-Brighton campers on this board. The combination of the seaside, somewhat tatty (and therefore atmospheric) pier and waterfront development, a good &quot;old town,&quot; and the absolutely wonderful, don't-miss Royal Pavilion, makes for a fun and easy day trip from London.

Canterbury is a good day trip, too. The cathedral is wonderful, and the town has small cobblestone streets to wander through. I liked it better than Bath.

I liked Canterbury more than Bath but that is because I was interested in seeing the tomb of the Black Prince and in seeing where the Becket shrine once stood. <BR>If you have an interest in very old castles, is possible to visit Canterbury and Dover Castle on the same trip, via train.

Here's another vote for Cambridge. The hop-on/hop-off tour will give you an overview and take you out to Madingley, the American World War II cemetery, A visit there is particularly beautiful and moving experience. Try lunch at Henry's right on the Cam river in the center of town. Service is slow but you can amuse yourself watching the punters and swans. Cambridge Market is fun for souvenir shopping. The colleges are beautiful and some are open for touring if you are not there during exam time. Even if you don't get to go inside, the architecture is worth seeing. Don't miss the little Round Church; it's charming and historic.<BR><BR>After York, I found Canterbury disappointing -- kind of religion as theme park although the efforts at preservation lead to some interesting juxtapositions: e.g. the tanning salon leaning over the street in a half-timbered building. <BR><BR>I'm also a Brighton fan, tacky but fun and the Pavillion could give Vegas decorators a run for their money.<BR><BR>Where ever you go; enjoy what's there and promise yourself a trip to the places you missed next time.