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Tentative Itinerary for London & south east UK
I've got a tentative itinerary planned for our August 2015 trip. My husband and I are retired seniors that like to take things slow and easy. We spent 4 full days in London back in 2008 and packed a lot in those days. Some things we will revisit on this trip. I'd like to know if this itinerary sounds doable/ok. If you have advice/suggestions or think things should be changed I'm open to anything. We plan to stay in an apartment this time as it's a longer stay for London. It would be nice to have a place with a washer as our Europe trip will cover 2+ months. We intend to do most breakfasts at the apartment but will do most dinners out. Thanks in advance!
1-arrive London Heathrow most likely via overnight flight from JFK. Will settle in our apartment (looking at South Kensington or Southwark area). Venture out to buy supplies, etc. 2-Revisit Westminster Abbey Parliament tour picnic in St. James Park Churchill Museum/Cabinet War Rooms 3-National Gallery lunch time concert St. Martin in the Fields lunch Cafe in the Crypt Brass rubbing-maybe National Portrait Gallery drink, appetizers Portrait Restaurant 4-Changing of the Guards Buckingham Palace tour Green Park Revisit British Museum 5-boat to Greenwich and train/metro back 6-Tate Modern boat to Tate Britain and back Blackfriar's Pub Play-Wicked if possible 7-Victoria & Albert Museum Hyde Park tea Orangery Harrod's 8-Stratford-upon-Avon 9-Revisit St. Paul's Monument Revisit Tower of London Southwark Cathedral if enough time 10-leave apartment train to Gatwick pick up rental car and drive to Eastbourne check in to hotel-nothing arranged yet. Overnight Eastbourne 11-1 hr. boat tour Sussex Voyages drive to Birling Gap do some hiking/walking to experience Beachy Head/Seven Sisters overnight Eastbourne 12-Check out and drive to next base-thinking Rye or Royal Tunbridge Wells Will stay 2 nights Thinking Battle of Hastings, Bodiam Castle, Sissinghurst Castle Garden 13-see above 14-check out and drive to Canterbury Looking at Cathedral Gate as parking is available for the rental car at additional charge. Will stay 3 nights Depending upon arrival time to hotel may be able to catch Evensong at the Cathedral and even tour the Cathedral. 15-drive to Dover Dover Caste short walk there by the cliffs-Western Heights drive back to Canterbury 16-drive to Dover boat tour 12 noon through Dover Sea Safari if nothing else here in Dover will drive back to Canterbury Canterbury Tales If we haven't already done this-Cathedral and Evensong 17-check out drive car to Ashford International return car rental Eurostar to Paris trains at 9:55 am or 12:47 pm With this plan we have 9 nights in London and 7 nights for southeast UK. So how does this look? For the museums in London we will spend anywhere from 1-3 hrs. at the most. There are certain things I want to see at each place so I think my days with museums will be fine. This plan is not set in stone and we will make adjustments for the weather or anything else that may cause us to rethink our plans. Thanks again for any help. It's much appreciated. |
5-boat to Greenwich and train/metro back>
another novel way back from Greenwich to central London is to eschew the train or boat and take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) - an automated high above ground train that has no drivers - thus you can sit right up front where the driver's seat should be and pretend you are driving as the train seems to levitate thru the smashing newish Docklands development with its eclectic modern architecture in its high-rises built above London's ancient port. Take the DLR either to Bank metro station or to Tower Gateway metro station for links to anywhere in London. Oyster Cards, etc accepted just like any Transport for London tranit line. Get off at Canary Wharf for one of London's most modern and largest shopping malls and a museum of the Dockland Redevelopment, one of the most awesome in European history. https://www.google.com/search?q=dock...w=1455&bih=977 |
Looks good to me.
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chris - you overall itinerary is awesome - very well thought out!
Dover is a dour town IME - one of the least comely in Kent but in a neat situation of course. On one of those days you could easily go up and over the Cliffs of Dover and hit a string of neat seaside towns like Deal (Deal Castle); Sandwich, Broadstairs (Dickens House), Ramsgate, etc. Or is you want a different view of the Cliffs of Dover and actually walk right up to them head to St Margarets at the Cliffe - a small seaside town butting up to the sheer cliffs which start from its beach. As awesome as being on top of them IMO> https://www.google.com/search?q=st+M...w=1455&bih=977 |
Thanks so much PalenQ for all the links and advice. I did intend to return from Greenwich via DLR so I'm glad you think that's a good idea. Since I didn't plan anything else on our Greenwich day if we have time we can try to fit in Canary Wharf.
So on day 15 if we have done the tour of Canterbury Cathedral and Evensong on day 14, then we would have time to explore after our Dover boat tour. The name Sandwich appeals to me so I'll do some research. My map shows Deal and Ramsgate but not Sandwich or Broadstairs. I'll have to hunt for a better map!! |
Sandwich is the town next to Deal. There are Roman ruins at the edge of Sandwich--Richborough. I am just back from that area. Deal Castle is interesting, but I liked Walmer Castle even better. Walmer is just outside of Deal.
When you are at Dover Castle, go down to the tunnels used during World War II. they are a good complement to the Wartime Cabinet rooms which I see on your agenda and which I found quite interesting. I found Rye more delightful than Royal Tunbridge Wells. |
You have worked out a great itinerary - quite an improvement over the original train to train to train plan.
As per the other thread -- you are not staying in Dover but seeing the best bits (Castle and walking/boat trip) From Greenwich walk under the river to the north bank and then it is a short walk to the DLR station. I wouldn't bother w/ going out to Canary Wharf -- Impressive office bldgs/business hotels/residential areas . . . but for exploring, not so much. Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells are only about 35 miles apart (granted, that is about an hour;s drive) so I'm not sure I'd move hotels. But IF I did it won't be to a big town like that but to one of the neat villages in the area. Or maybe in Hawkshurst or Cranbrook. I just personally wouldn't pack and move for 35 miles. re your Buckingham Palace tour -- consider the all-in Royal Day Out which includes the Mews and Queen's Gallery . . . or even better - a late afternoon/early evening evening champagne tour of the State Rooms. |
Great tips everyone! Thanks.
irishface-the Secret Wartime Tunnels tour at Dover Castle-Operation Dynamo & Underground Hospital-are on my list! I also am leaning towards staying in Rye over Tunbridge Wells if we decide on a 3rd town. From Rye we would do Battle of Hastings, Bodiam Castle, and Sissinghurst Palace Garden. I've got a link for route planner so that helps with the driving directions. I'll research Walmer Castle so thanks. janisj-I have Hawkhurst on my map and it's not far from Rye. Which of those 2 towns do you think would be the better location for the sights in that area? Is one better than the other or little to no difference? I'll check out the options for Buckingham. Thanks. |
You might like this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_foot_tunnel we took it years ago and I seem to remember Dr Who had to run down it in the last 10 years (but what is time to a time lord?) makes an interesting change in getting back from Greenwich
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either wold be a nice place to stay - I'd look for accommodations you like in both and just choose which ever you like better.
The details for next year's Palace opening probably aren't published yet -- there may be even additional options. I missed out on the champagne tour last month because the last opening was 3 hours after I landed at LHR and there was no way :) But there is all a State Rooms/Gardens tour, So I'd look maybe late next Spring to see what special tours/exhibits there are (this year was a Royal Childhood exhibit -- it will be something different next year) Walmer and Deal are practically next door neighbors - not even 2 miles apart. I like hitting both since they are TOTALLY different experiences yet the started out as very similar defensive castles. Deal is all exploring and clambering and carrying a torch (flashlight they provide) and dar/dank castle . . . Walmer is posh/pretty country house w/ gorgeous gardens and topiaries. To clarify re walking under the river -- there is a tunnel between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs -- The entrance/lift is near the Cutty Sark/boat dock |
Looks good and you got some good feedback above, too.
1. Even in August, lines for the Tower might be really long; you might consider swapping that day around a bit? Do Tower (and maybe Southwark--worth visit) first and St. Paul's by mid-afternoon? And are you planning to climb to the Dome for great view? Maybe not if climbing Monument; anyway, just a thought about timing/Tower visit. 2.Definitely try to visit Bodiam Castle! Best pix ever for us the day we went! 3.As janisj mentions, the tunnel to Greenwich is a really fun thing--we arrived that way (we tried to use DLR that day but ended up Tube/bus as some works had DLR shut down, but that was not the norm--once we got to the tunnel, we enjoyed that approach) and then rode a boat up the Thames when we left. 4.Unless things have changed, at Dover Castle you will be assigned a time to tour the WWII tunnels--and the last time we were there, we arrived in mid-afternoon and there were no more time slots, so we didn't get to go! So Castle first thing is good idea maybe. And we loved! the walks along the Cliffs so hope you have pretty day for that, but worth the effort. |
From Greenwich walk under the river to the north bank and then it is a short walk to the DLR station. I wouldn't bother w/ going out to Canary Wharf -- Impressive office bldgs/business hotels/residential areas . . . but for exploring, not so much.>
janis - have you been to Greenwich in recently as the DLR has two stops right in Greenwich - one at the Cutty Sark - you can though for the experience walk thru the ancient Greenwich Foot Tunnel - kind of dark and dank but neat to walk under the Thames and emerge indeed by a DLR station but you do not need to walk as you can board the DLR in Greenwich proper. the station on the other side is Island Gardens where long ago the DLR did indeed terminate. https://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cm...-route-map.pdf |
I used to live in Kent and I don't remember Hawkhurst being more than a charming little town/village, whereas Rye is just lovely and is very nice to wander round in the evening - so it would definitely be my choice of somewhere to stay, if you've decided against T/Wells.
I think we stayed at the Mermaid once, but I see that there are others in Rye which are further up the list - but I bet that there are few with more character: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-...nd-Hotels.html some of the B&Bs look very nice. Nearby is the interesting coastal garden made by film director Derek Jarman, and also the lovely little town of Winchelsea. http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/de...tage_dungeness there are other places on that website which might interest you too; Christopher Lloyd's Great Dixter would be top of my list! |
texasbookworm-We may revisit Tower of London first-will play things by ear. In 2008 we did it after St. Paul's but only because we had to return to the Tower for the Ceremony of the Keys so it made sense to be in that area last. We did the Dome climb back in 2008 but this time my knees aren't so good for going down the stairs. I'll probably wait in the Whispering Gallery and my husband will continue up.
Thanks bilboburgler and janisj for the tunnel info. janisj I'll definitely try to do Deal and/or Walmer Castle. annhig-Thanks for all the links! I think we may be able to do the Canterbury Cathedral Tour, Canterbury Tales, and Evensong on day 14 as we will leave Rye early so as to arrive in Canterbury by noon or so. That frees up a lot of time on day 16 to visit some other neat places like the garden you mentioned. Maybe even Deal and Walmer Castles! |
Revisiting places is always tempting, but it doesn't allow you time for new places. I would agree on revisiting museums as there are always new exhibits, and other exhibits that you may not have gotten to before. Unless the Tower of London is very high on your list, you may want to consider some other site that you haven't been to before.
Borough market is near Southwark Cathedral.. check the days/hours in August.. you can wander, eat, and pick up some really good local food items to take back to your flat. Also near by is the Globe Theater. You can take a tour or take in a performance. If you want to see Wicked, or some other show, that is very popular, you may need to purchase tickets in advance. consider some of the walking tours given by London Walks, all sorts of interests and neighborhoods, and all you need to do is show up at the designated place/time. |
Chris - looks as if the trip is taking shape very nicely. you certainly aren't going to run out of things to do!
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>>janis - have you been to Greenwich in recently as the DLR has two stops right in Greenwich - one at the Cutty Sark - you can though for the experience walk thru the ancient Greenwich Foot Tunnel - kind of dark and dank but neat to walk under the Thames and emerge indeed by a DLR station but you do not need to walk as you can board the DLR in Greenwich proper. the station on the other side is Island Gardens where long ago the DLR did indeed terminate.<<
Yes, very recently -- and you?? The tunnel ain't dark and dank no mo' Hasn't been for quite a while. And I do know about the DLR stations. My point was to <u>walk under the river</u> from the lift at Greenwich to the lift at Isle of Dogs -- if one took the DLR across -- they wouldn't be walking through the tunnel, would they? |
Chris--I think overall the plan looks good.
Personally having been to both Rye and Tunbridge Wells would prefer to stay in Tunbridge Wells. We were satisfied that besides a good B&B, there was a supermarket to walk to plus a shopping mall with various shops and a lot of restaurants to choose for the evening. It was great to take a little walk into town and back. Rye while lovely we found to be very touristy and not much in the way of good restaurants within walking distance for evening meals. When we went to visit Dover Castle, we also managed to see Walmer Castle and the Richborough Roman Fort in Sandwich on the same day. Get to Dover Castle prior to opening time so you can see the war time tunnel and the operations room right away as they are based on timed tickets. We were the first group in to see the tunnel tour. The whole complex is great. For the Southeast, one of our favorite places was Chartwell--the home of Winston Churchill. Fantastic grounds and a great house tour. We highly recommend the Royal Day Out for the Buckingham Palace tour. The Parliament tour is great. Just watch out for security. If you read my trip report you will understand why. We also highly recommend the National Gallery which I didn't see on your list. |
Oh I see you do have National Gallery on the list so that is good.
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maxima-
I agree about seeing new places but there are some that I really want to see again. In our 4 day trip 2008 we did a tour of the Globe (I'm a fan of Shakespeare) but couldn't get tickets for a performance. I'm going to schedule our trip to Stratford Upon Avon to coincide with being able to see a play. RSC has Merchant of Venice on Aug. 8 and Aug. 13 at 1:15 pm. On Aug. 6 there is Othello. I figure a matinee so as to not have to stay overnight. The evening performances begin 7:15 pm and I think that's too late to try to get back to our flat rental in London that same night. I appreciate the heads up on the market. Will check that our for sure. I'll book our tickets for Wicked before we leave the US once I get flights confirmed and planning is more set in stone as to beginning and ending dates. We will revisit the British Museum because the first time unknown to us we arrived there on the August bank holiday. It was mobbed so we left after seeing the Egypt, Greece, and Rome exhibits. The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey fascinate me. May bypass St. Paul's Cathedral as we did a pretty thorough visit back in 2008. I'll check out London Walks but we did a ton of walking on our own in 2008. Thanks for the advice! |
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