Outside of London?
 

Hey all - can anybody tell me a couple unique, or "must see" spots on the outskirts of London that might worth checking out? My girlfriend and I are going next week for our first time and even though London will keep us busy for the short 7 days we will be there, it would be nice to see the "hidden gems" outside the touristy spots? Thanks, for any help!<BR><BR>~Rob

Hi Rob<BR><BR>Not sure there are too many "hidden gems" but great places for a day trip include<BR><BR>Hampton Court - Henry VIIIs palace on the Thames (45 minute train journey from London Waterloo)<BR><BR>Windsor - see the Castle and a typical if touristy English town (50 minute train journey from Waterloo) <BR><BR>Cambridge - see the University town with Kings College chapel, visit a tea room (50 minute train journey from London Kings Cross - added bonus if you are a Harry Potter fan of seeing Platform 9 3/4)<BR><BR>Kew Gardens - visit the botanical gardens, you can even get a boat trip down the river here from Westminster Pier<BR><BR>Hope this may help<BR>Andrew<BR>

Rob--<BR>It's hard to find a "hidden gem" anywhere around London, because most of the places have been discovered. You haven't been before, so regardless of the tourists you should go to Windsor--neat little village on the Thames, the great castle overlooking the town--you would enjoy it. As for other rather less touristed spots, here are my choices for an easy train ride from London:<BR>(1) Hastings: This little village, where William the Conqueror fought the Battle of Hastings, is picturesque and historical.<BR>(2) Isle of Wight: Very pretty island with some neat villages, one of which is Sandown.<BR>(3) Canterbury, with the lovely cathedral and a nice town.<BR>(4) Oxford<BR>(5) Closer in, try some of the villages along the Thames west of London, such as Henley and Marlow. Go to Eton, not far from Windsor, where the famous school is located.

Wayne,<BR><BR>Not trying to be offensive, but the Battle of Hastings wasn't fought in Hastings, it was fought in Battle, which is, as best I can recall, about 20-30 minutes north of Hastings. The centerpiece of the village is the ruined Battle Abbey, the grounds of which include the battlefield. This would be a significant day trip from London, definitely beyond the outskirts. <BR><BR>On a more positive note, I agree that Hastings is a pleasant place, especially if also used as a base to visit the nearby villages of Rye, Winchelsea and Pevensey. Also, it's possible to take a bus from Battle to Bodiam Castle, which I consider one of the best ruined, moated castles in England.

Hey, thanks a lot guys, great info!

Dave--<BR>You are certainly right about Hastings; I was just trying to generalize without taking too much space and time. Thanks for adding the detail.

Rob,<BR><BR>I don't think Greenwich has been mentioned yet. Several attractions there if you're of a nautical inclination, including the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.<BR><BR>Also, Hampstead Heath is often suggested, although I can't offer a first hand recommendation.<BR><BR>My personal preferences are Hampton Court, Windsor, and Oxford in that order. HC and Windsor could be either half-days or full days; Oxford would be a full day trip from London.<BR><BR>Dave<BR><BR>

I'll just second the recommendations for Kew (formally known as the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew) and Greenwich, which offers not only the Observatory and the Cutty Sark, but a charming marketplace and several museums, including the Queen's House (but not for a recent queen, LOL). <BR><BR>One major advantage of these two places is that they're readily accessible on the tube. But we thoroughly emjoyed taking the Catamaran Cruisers Hop-on-hop-off cruise from Embankment to Greenwich -- the captain gave us a tour that was informative and hilarious!

You've gotten several good ideas but some more comments;<BR><BR>Kew is wonderful - but Feb. is not its best month unless you are into bare trees and tropical plants in the amazing glass houses. Save Kew for Spring, summer or fall. (Don't everyone jump on me - I love Kew in the winter but for a first visit and with limited time probably not the best idea.)<BR><BR>Also - most of the long boat rides i.e. back from Hampton Court, and even some of the shorter ones like Greenwich, are not that much fun in the dead of winter. So play it by ear - if it is a lovely day, take the boat to Greenwich - otherwise take the tube.<BR><BR>London will mesmerize you and you may end up not leaving at all - but I HIGHLY recommend taking the tube up to Hampstead and spend 3 or 4 hours just wandering. The Heath is marvelous, quiet, and has magnificent views over all of London. You would think you are 100 miles out in the country instead of in the middle of London. Then eat lunch at the Spaniards Inn and wander through Hampstead village. This makes a good half day "head clearing"<BR><BR>Both Windsor and Hampton Court are terrific, but in you limited time you probably won't be able to do both. (sure you COULD - but each is almost a full day trip so would take a lot out of your time in London.) You can't go wrong whichever you choose.

About Kew Gardens<BR>I have one "however" about visiting it this month...<BR>However, there is an Orchid show going on at the (indoor) conservatory which might be very gorgeous

How far is Canterbury from London via train, and is it a half day trip or full day? Any ratings for it compared to some of the other suggestions?

<BR>A detail. It?s more interesting to reach Greenwich by train from London Bridge main line station, as you travel at rooftop level (on continuous brick arches, a marvel of engineering put up by tough Irish labourers). The whole route lies in zones 1 and 2. <BR><BR>Canterbury is 99 miles from London. On weekdays trains leave Victoria at 05 and 35 minutes past each hour and take 90 minutes to Canterbury East station, and others leave Charing Cross station hourly on the hour and take 86 minutes. The Victoria train gives the better views, with the Medway, the Medway bridges, Rochester Castle and Cathedral, stands the biggest second hand bookshop in England, all on your left as you sit facing the front of the train, about 35 minutes after you leave Victoria.<BR><BR>Canterbury is a day trip, not half day. I?m afraid I find it hard to ?rate? it, as tastes vary.<BR><BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to England<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR>