These forums have been great for planning different travel ideas; thanks to all.

My brother and I (both mid-twenties) are going to London (from Boston) in two weeks and are looking for an interesting side trip for a day. I have already been to Windsor Castle, so any other possibilities would be very helpful.

Also, any musical recommendations for half price 'day of' tickets? Right now, I am thinking Chicago.

Warwick Castle is amazing! It's in the town of Warwick, about 100 miles west of London. Madame Toussaudes (sp) now runs it and has wax figures in several areas of the castle depicting different eras in the life of the castle. Highly recommend. The gift shop restaurant is also very good, so could eat lunch there. I don't know if you all are at all interested in gardens, but Kew Gardens in the London suburb of Richmond is very beautiful and relaxing. As for musicals, I like "Miss Saigon" (if still playing)

Maritime museum and the Observatory in Greenwich. Take the boat at Westminster, just in front of the London Eye and come back with bus 188 till the Strand.

The boat makes you understand the importance of the Thames in the history of London. The Maritime museum and the Observatory are excellent. The bus back to town drives you through the London suburbs where you would otherwise never go.

Or take the train to Oxford.

Brighton. Though there is little of interest for most tourists in this fading seaside resort, Brighton is a hot spot for young revelers, who flock in here on weekends to pack the city's many clubs. Trains run to Brighton in about an hour so you can easily day-trip in for the evening.

Fly to Amsterdam for the day (or pusit to an overnight). Cheap flights from London Stanstead.

I think I meant "push it to an overnight" (I have no idea what a pusit is)