suggestions for two night trip from London
 

My wife and I are going to London for 7 nights in November. We've been there two times before, once on our honeymoon and it is our 10 year anniversary this year. We are staying at the Marriott County Hall, which seems like a great property. <BR> <BR>My question is: where would anyone recommend that we go for the remaining two nights we have in Europe. We've already been to Paris several times and even though my wife loves the "city of lights" I really don't care for it to well. We were thinking about Brussels or perhaps Amsterdam. I would really appreciate any opinions here, specifically whether to take the train or fly, where to stay, etc. <BR> <BR>Our other option is renting a car and driving to Wales for a couple of nights. I've been there but my wife has not. <BR> <BR>At any rate, I would sincerely appreciate any advice. Thanks very much.

Since it's your anniversary, I would highly recommend Bruges, Belgium. I've traveled there by train from A'dam, but I'm sure someone else could give you tips on getting there from London. It's a charming town and I promise you'll have a great time there.

I'm a fan of Belgium and the Netherlands (how DO they cram so much into such tiny countries?) so I ditto the suggestion to visit. <BR>You can take the Eurostar/Chunnel from London Waterloo right into Brussels. From there, take a train to Bruges, Ghent or all the way to Amsterdam. Alternatively, there is www.europebyair.com, with a r/t flight London/Brussels for $198. <BR>You could also fly to Dublin or Belfast for two days in Ireland and stay at a lovely b&b where Bridget (or Bridey or Maureen) will serve enough breakfast to feed all of Cleveland.

Why leave the British Isles? Have you thought of heading south to the Scilly Isles? Some friends spent their honeymoon at St. Mary's. I don't think it was in November, but there are tropical plants groeing at the Abbey Gardens at Tresco, so I believe that the clinate is pretty temperate. Then, of course, you could find some cozy inn in the Costwolds -- like Lords of the Manor in Broadway. They would pamper you and send you home feeling very well-taken- care-of.

Drive to the Spread Eagle Inn in Stourton, Wiltshire. Have a romantic dinner, walk through Stourhead Gardens. Next day drive north to Bath, spend the day sight-seeing, seeing Roman Baths, shopping, then have dinner and stay the night at the Manor House in Castle Combe. You might not ever come home.

You could fly to Amsterdam cheaply with Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) The earlier you book, the better (cheaper). Actual flight is only 45 minutes. There is so much to do in Amsterdam: world class museums (Van Gogh, Rijks, Stedelijk), the Anne Frank House, beautiful 17th century architecture, international cuisine from all continents, easy public transport to nearby cities (Alkmaar, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Haarlem, Delft, Leiden, Utrecht) which are all worth a visit, Zandvoort (Amsterdam beach, just 25 minutes from downtown by train), bike trips in the country (try the narrow winding road between Abcoude and Driemond along the river Gein, just 7 km South of Amsterdam) <BR> <BR>

Kyle, I would stay in the UK or Ireland. Two days to show your wife a bit of Wales is not much. Why not drive to Bath and overnight and then drive to Wales maybe just to see Cardiff? Of course, Belgium is great too.

I am returning to amsterdam, the 2nd <BR>time in 3 years. i love it. its easy <BR>to navigate, romantic walking along <BR>the canals and the sights are fascinating. I also love the indonesian <BR>restaurants. i flew from london, wasnt <BR>expensive and was quick. ez transport <BR>from the airport by frequent trains. <BR>takes like 20 minutes.

I know the weather might not be at it's best, but York, Yorkshire and Edingburgh are fabulous. The best two day trip from London as far as I'm concerned.

I agree that the Cotswolds would be a great place to visit. It's such a beautiful area and you don't have to bother going through the time consuming "customs." Also, the Lakes District just south of Scotland is a lovely area. Both are restful and relaxing after spending time in London (which by the way I love). If you want a lot of night life, I don't think you'd go to either of these places.

I also recommend the Cotswolds. You could take a train to, say, Oxford and rent a car. If you stay in Stratford, you could see a play and drive out from there. Both Warwick and Kenilworth are in easy driving range, as is Blenheim Palace and much of the Cotswolds. <BR> <BR>Alternatively, Cornwall? Take the night train to Penzance, if there still is a night train there, and drive around. A trip to Tintagel is great--the legend is that it's Camelot. <BR> <BR>Let us all know what you decide.

How about Hamburg? It's a beautiful German city, and is often ignored by Americans who visit Munich.