England, beyond London?
Feb 11th 2003, 3:09 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
England, beyond London?
We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
of our efforts focused on museums.
My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
itinerary.
When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending more
time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
with museum going as I've noted).
1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone from
time to time.
2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
of our efforts focused on museums.
My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
itinerary.
When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending more
time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
with museum going as I've noted).
1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone from
time to time.
2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Feb 11th 2003, 8:17 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
In article ,
Jim Mohundro writes
>(we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know).
What do you define as "American-style comfort?"
If you pay enough for hotels you will get whatever level of comfort you
require.
Simply accept that the dollar/pound exchange rate is not at all in you
favour, particularly at the moment.
--
Marie Lewis
Jim Mohundro writes
>(we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know).
What do you define as "American-style comfort?"
If you pay enough for hotels you will get whatever level of comfort you
require.
Simply accept that the dollar/pound exchange rate is not at all in you
favour, particularly at the moment.
--
Marie Lewis
Feb 11th 2003, 8:37 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
Let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of "Jim Mohundro"
:
>We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
>of our efforts focused on museums.
>My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
>England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
>itinerary.
>When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending more
>time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
>with museum going as I've noted).
>1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
>flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
>few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
>second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone from
>time to time.
A friend and her mother stayed in Hampstead - she said it was full of
theatrical luvvies, boutique food shops and cafes.
>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
On my last trip I spent a week in Stratford. You can catch a train to
Birmingham (fabulous cultural centre - museum, art gallery, ballet,
theatre), visit quaint towns like Stow on the Wold, or Oxford,
Coventry, Gloucester.....
Rev. Possum Bits (aka Pseudocherus peregrinus occidantalis), U.L.C.
Peering into her letterbox at [email protected]
Tottering through her home page at
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pamela2
Now with added David Troughton.
"I'll take one with elephants." Derek Jacobi (I Claudius)
:
>We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
>of our efforts focused on museums.
>My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
>England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
>itinerary.
>When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending more
>time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
>with museum going as I've noted).
>1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
>flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
>few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
>second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone from
>time to time.
A friend and her mother stayed in Hampstead - she said it was full of
theatrical luvvies, boutique food shops and cafes.
>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
On my last trip I spent a week in Stratford. You can catch a train to
Birmingham (fabulous cultural centre - museum, art gallery, ballet,
theatre), visit quaint towns like Stow on the Wold, or Oxford,
Coventry, Gloucester.....
Rev. Possum Bits (aka Pseudocherus peregrinus occidantalis), U.L.C.
Peering into her letterbox at [email protected]
Tottering through her home page at
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pamela2
Now with added David Troughton.
"I'll take one with elephants." Derek Jacobi (I Claudius)
Feb 11th 2003, 10:59 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
Hastings, on the south coast. 1.5 hours train journey, lovely b&b's. The Old
Town is a favourite, crammed with antique and book shops. Feel free to
e-mail me for good b&b's.
--
Ewa Griffiths
Not In My Name - No War Against Iraq
"Jim Mohundro" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
> of our efforts focused on museums.
> My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
> England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
> itinerary.
> When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending
more
> time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
> with museum going as I've noted).
> 1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
> flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
> few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
> second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone
from
> time to time.
> 2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or,
better
> yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Town is a favourite, crammed with antique and book shops. Feel free to
e-mail me for good b&b's.
--
Ewa Griffiths
Not In My Name - No War Against Iraq
"Jim Mohundro" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
> of our efforts focused on museums.
> My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
> England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
> itinerary.
> When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending
more
> time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
> with museum going as I've noted).
> 1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
> flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
> few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
> second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone
from
> time to time.
> 2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or,
better
> yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Feb 12th 2003, 1:05 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
If that happens to include Stonehenge in your estimation, be sure to write
English Heritage well in advance to request early, private access to the
stone-circle itself before it opens for the general public at a distance.
The £10/person fee and simple form to fill out for that is well worth the
effort.
If that happens to include Stonehenge in your estimation, be sure to write
English Heritage well in advance to request early, private access to the
stone-circle itself before it opens for the general public at a distance.
The £10/person fee and simple form to fill out for that is well worth the
effort.
Feb 12th 2003, 1:26 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
On 12/2/03 04:09, in article
[email protected] nk.net, "Jim Mohundro"
wrote:
> accomodations
Accommodations.
Anyway, go to Cambridge and Oxford, if you have any intellectual pretensions
at all. Great for walking, and interesting people all around: Britain's
future Establishment. And Disestablishment.
[email protected] nk.net, "Jim Mohundro"
wrote:
> accomodations
Accommodations.
Anyway, go to Cambridge and Oxford, if you have any intellectual pretensions
at all. Great for walking, and interesting people all around: Britain's
future Establishment. And Disestablishment.
Feb 12th 2003, 1:58 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
Espar Rüggli wrote in message
news:BA700A1F.23D0D%[email protected]...
> > Anyway, go to Cambridge and Oxford, if you have any intellectual
pretensions
> at all. Great for walking, and interesting people all around: Britain's
> future Establishment. And Disestablishment.
Oxford is far more interesting, and a much better centre for branching out.
Cambridge doesn't begin to compare for the overseas tourist.
Yes, I fully applaud the previous poster's York as an out-of-London centre.
D'you know, I'm English, and didn't even realise you could buy a 'private
entry' ticket for Stonehenge. Thanks!
Surreyman
news:BA700A1F.23D0D%[email protected]...
> > Anyway, go to Cambridge and Oxford, if you have any intellectual
pretensions
> at all. Great for walking, and interesting people all around: Britain's
> future Establishment. And Disestablishment.
Oxford is far more interesting, and a much better centre for branching out.
Cambridge doesn't begin to compare for the overseas tourist.
Yes, I fully applaud the previous poster's York as an out-of-London centre.
D'you know, I'm English, and didn't even realise you could buy a 'private
entry' ticket for Stonehenge. Thanks!
Surreyman
Feb 12th 2003, 2:19 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
> D'you know, I'm English, and didn't even realise you could buy a 'private
> entry' ticket for Stonehenge. Thanks!
You're welcome. I hadn't heard of it either until the TiVo pulled in a
late-night travel-special on Stonehenge and it was mentioned in passing. I
figured, why not, worst they could say was "no" - and the pass arrived
within a week of my mailing the form and fee. Nor have I come across the
offer since in any reference (Web, TV or print). Keep it under your hat.
> entry' ticket for Stonehenge. Thanks!
You're welcome. I hadn't heard of it either until the TiVo pulled in a
late-night travel-special on Stonehenge and it was mentioned in passing. I
figured, why not, worst they could say was "no" - and the pass arrived
within a week of my mailing the form and fee. Nor have I come across the
offer since in any reference (Web, TV or print). Keep it under your hat.
Feb 12th 2003, 4:07 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
"Jim Mohundro" wrote
> We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
> of our efforts focused on museums.
> My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
> England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
> itinerary.
> When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending more
> time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
> with museum going as I've noted).
> 2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
> yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
You might enjoy Edinburgh. It's not England, but its New Town is
described as The Athens of the North; although a capital city the
centre is compact and walkable (and has good local transport) as are
many of its suburban districts. In fact, the city is 100 sq miles with
about 450,000 population (compared to 600 sq miles and 12 million
population for London). Glasgow, Stirling, Perth etc are easily
reachable for day trips.
Kate Patrick explains what makes Edinburgh such a magnificent and
lively city, sublimely combining the modern with the ancient in one of
two articles linked from:
http://www.scotlandmag.com/issue/5/regional_focus
"The architects of the New Town could hardly have imagined that their
elegant, disciplined, Græco-Roman designs would, by 2002, have become
home to some of Britain's best-known, most upmarket shops; ... with
the recent arrival of the fashion retailer Harvey Nichols in a brand
new building on St Andrew Square, Edinburgh has come of age as a
serious shopping destination. But there are urban ‘villages' within
the city that make interesting visiting in their own right: laidback
Stockbridge, straddling the Water of Leith – the river that trickles
through the centre and comes out at Leith Docks; Leith itself, a
regenerating port now attracting restaurateurs, housing and office
development and visitors to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which has come
to rest at the Conran-designed Ocean Terminal; the Morningside ‘golden
mile'; the West End, with its irresistible boutiques; and the
burgeoning, eclectic ‘East Village', which starts at Edinburgh's
best-known Italian delicatessen, Valvona & Crolla, and takes in the
Playhouse Theatre, bohemian Broughton Street and the not-yet-opened
Glasshouse development, before running up to Calton Hill and its
monuments. Breathing space is provided by some of the world's most
famous and enchanting Botanical Gardens and by huge parks such as the
Meadows, Leith Links and the Braid Hills, where it's virtually
impossible to believe you're in the middle of a city.
"That other well-known indicator of the health of a city's economy –
its hotels and restaurants – is currently experiencing a mercurial
rise. Stylish boutique hotels aimed at both business and leisure
travellers are opening every year, some of them masterly conversions
of older buildings. Restaurants are hot news – not just because
there's a style of food for everyone, but because restaurateurs are
catching on to the Italo-American model of ‘restaurant as theatre',
which makes eating out in the capital a much more entertaining
experience. There are also, for information only, of course, 700 pubs
in the city, some of which stay open until three in the morning."
Unless you specifically *want* the Festivals, travelling outside
Festival time will get you better hotel rates and the city is much
nicer when it's less crowded.
http://www.edinburgh.org/ [Official tourist board site]
http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/tour/edintour.html
http://www.ed.ac.uk/city/
Owain
--
http://www.stirlingcity.org.uk/tour/0010.html
> We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
> of our efforts focused on museums.
> My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
> England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
> itinerary.
> When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending more
> time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
> with museum going as I've noted).
> 2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
> yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
You might enjoy Edinburgh. It's not England, but its New Town is
described as The Athens of the North; although a capital city the
centre is compact and walkable (and has good local transport) as are
many of its suburban districts. In fact, the city is 100 sq miles with
about 450,000 population (compared to 600 sq miles and 12 million
population for London). Glasgow, Stirling, Perth etc are easily
reachable for day trips.
Kate Patrick explains what makes Edinburgh such a magnificent and
lively city, sublimely combining the modern with the ancient in one of
two articles linked from:
http://www.scotlandmag.com/issue/5/regional_focus
"The architects of the New Town could hardly have imagined that their
elegant, disciplined, Græco-Roman designs would, by 2002, have become
home to some of Britain's best-known, most upmarket shops; ... with
the recent arrival of the fashion retailer Harvey Nichols in a brand
new building on St Andrew Square, Edinburgh has come of age as a
serious shopping destination. But there are urban ‘villages' within
the city that make interesting visiting in their own right: laidback
Stockbridge, straddling the Water of Leith – the river that trickles
through the centre and comes out at Leith Docks; Leith itself, a
regenerating port now attracting restaurateurs, housing and office
development and visitors to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which has come
to rest at the Conran-designed Ocean Terminal; the Morningside ‘golden
mile'; the West End, with its irresistible boutiques; and the
burgeoning, eclectic ‘East Village', which starts at Edinburgh's
best-known Italian delicatessen, Valvona & Crolla, and takes in the
Playhouse Theatre, bohemian Broughton Street and the not-yet-opened
Glasshouse development, before running up to Calton Hill and its
monuments. Breathing space is provided by some of the world's most
famous and enchanting Botanical Gardens and by huge parks such as the
Meadows, Leith Links and the Braid Hills, where it's virtually
impossible to believe you're in the middle of a city.
"That other well-known indicator of the health of a city's economy –
its hotels and restaurants – is currently experiencing a mercurial
rise. Stylish boutique hotels aimed at both business and leisure
travellers are opening every year, some of them masterly conversions
of older buildings. Restaurants are hot news – not just because
there's a style of food for everyone, but because restaurateurs are
catching on to the Italo-American model of ‘restaurant as theatre',
which makes eating out in the capital a much more entertaining
experience. There are also, for information only, of course, 700 pubs
in the city, some of which stay open until three in the morning."
Unless you specifically *want* the Festivals, travelling outside
Festival time will get you better hotel rates and the city is much
nicer when it's less crowded.
http://www.edinburgh.org/ [Official tourist board site]
http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/tour/edintour.html
http://www.ed.ac.uk/city/
Owain
--
http://www.stirlingcity.org.uk/tour/0010.html
Feb 12th 2003, 4:15 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 04:09:34 GMT, "Jim Mohundro"
wrote:
>>We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
>>of our efforts focused on museums.
All I will say is London is to England as New york is the rest of
States.
---
Coming into London Gatwick?
Fixed price Transfers to Central London
http://www.airporttransfers.biz
Call us on 0700-AIRTRANS
wrote:
>>We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
>>of our efforts focused on museums.
All I will say is London is to England as New york is the rest of
States.
---
Coming into London Gatwick?
Fixed price Transfers to Central London
http://www.airporttransfers.biz
Call us on 0700-AIRTRANS
Feb 12th 2003, 5:09 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
In article ,
[email protected] (Jim Mohundro) wrote:
> what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What
> about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub,
> historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
York
Norwich
Cambridge
[email protected] (Jim Mohundro) wrote:
> what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What
> about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub,
> historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
York
Norwich
Cambridge
Feb 12th 2003, 6:31 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
"Jim Mohundro" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
> of our efforts focused on museums.
> My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
> England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
> itinerary.
England was the western border of the Roman empire for a while, you know.
Roman cities were replicated in cookie-cutter fashion wherever the empire
expanded. One of the first tasks of any good Roman was to find a location
to construct public baths. Hot springs were highly valued since all the
work of heating the water is eliminated. Thus became the City of Bath.
That the city became an architectural, cultural, religious and political
centre in later centuries further adds to its interest today. Accomodations
are much cheaper than Londinium...oops... London, too.
I only spent a couple days in Bath on my last trip to England, but I hope to
spend more time there on my next visit. I might even take a nice bath there
myself, if the construction of the Bath Spa project is completed by then.
http://www.visitbath.co.uk
http://www.bathspa.co.uk
> When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending
more
> time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
> with museum going as I've noted).
> 1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
> flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
> few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
> second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone
from
> time to time.
Bloomsbury would fit the bill.
> 2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or,
better
> yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Although London is well situated for daytrips, accommodations are a much
better value outside the capital, so you might consider changing hotels once
you're ready to explore elsewhere. I don't think you'll have any problem
finding accommodations that will meet your expectations if you do a little
homework in advance.
Cambridge and Oxford have much to offer. Both cities have convenient
open-top bus tours to get a quick orientation of the city.
http://www.city-sightseeing.com
news:[email protected]...
> We spent eight days in London in 2001 and had a delightful time, with most
> of our efforts focused on museums.
> My wife would like to go very south, to Rome, but I'd like to return to
> England. She's game to do that--if we don't simply repeat our former
> itinerary.
England was the western border of the Roman empire for a while, you know.
Roman cities were replicated in cookie-cutter fashion wherever the empire
expanded. One of the first tasks of any good Roman was to find a location
to construct public baths. Hot springs were highly valued since all the
work of heating the water is eliminated. Thus became the City of Bath.
That the city became an architectural, cultural, religious and political
centre in later centuries further adds to its interest today. Accomodations
are much cheaper than Londinium...oops... London, too.
I only spent a couple days in Bath on my last trip to England, but I hope to
spend more time there on my next visit. I might even take a nice bath there
myself, if the construction of the Bath Spa project is completed by then.
http://www.visitbath.co.uk
http://www.bathspa.co.uk
> When we returned to the U.S. we realized that we regretted not spending
more
> time walking the streets in "neighborhoods." (Our days had been taken up
> with museum going as I've noted).
> 1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
> flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
> few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
> second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone
from
> time to time.
Bloomsbury would fit the bill.
> 2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or,
better
> yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
> could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
> American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
> Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
> and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Although London is well situated for daytrips, accommodations are a much
better value outside the capital, so you might consider changing hotels once
you're ready to explore elsewhere. I don't think you'll have any problem
finding accommodations that will meet your expectations if you do a little
homework in advance.
Cambridge and Oxford have much to offer. Both cities have convenient
open-top bus tours to get a quick orientation of the city.
http://www.city-sightseeing.com
Feb 12th 2003, 6:46 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 04:09:34 GMT, "Jim Mohundro"
wrote:
>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Whilst the city of Bath is a relatively easy day trip from London
(Roman Baths, neo-classical architecture - England's 18th-century "new
Rome") it also makes a good centre for local exploration.
A one-hour bus journey to the south is Wells - only 10,000 population,
but city status nonetheless because of its great cathedral dating back
to 1180 - next to it is the Bishops Palace on one side and Vicar's
Close, the oldest planned, mediaeval street in Europe (1350's)
45 minutes by bus, 12 by train is Bristol, from where John Cabot
sailed in 1497 to the "New Founde Lande". (Replica of his ship in the
historic city docks; also the SS Great Britain launched 1843 - first
big transatlantic liner with a screw propellor) Historic centre -
associations with "Robinson Crusoe" and "Treasure Island" - the latter
book begins in Bristol. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon
Gorge are a "must".
Another easy journey by bus and/or train is Chepstow in S Wales - one
of the oldest Norman castles (the keep dates from 1067 - only a year
after the conquest)
There's also Cheddar Gorge - South-West England's "Grand Canyon" - bus
via Wells, or the scenic "Chew Valley Explorer" bus via Bristol.
(Cheddar is also the home of the famous cheese).
wrote:
>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Whilst the city of Bath is a relatively easy day trip from London
(Roman Baths, neo-classical architecture - England's 18th-century "new
Rome") it also makes a good centre for local exploration.
A one-hour bus journey to the south is Wells - only 10,000 population,
but city status nonetheless because of its great cathedral dating back
to 1180 - next to it is the Bishops Palace on one side and Vicar's
Close, the oldest planned, mediaeval street in Europe (1350's)
45 minutes by bus, 12 by train is Bristol, from where John Cabot
sailed in 1497 to the "New Founde Lande". (Replica of his ship in the
historic city docks; also the SS Great Britain launched 1843 - first
big transatlantic liner with a screw propellor) Historic centre -
associations with "Robinson Crusoe" and "Treasure Island" - the latter
book begins in Bristol. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon
Gorge are a "must".
Another easy journey by bus and/or train is Chepstow in S Wales - one
of the oldest Norman castles (the keep dates from 1067 - only a year
after the conquest)
There's also Cheddar Gorge - South-West England's "Grand Canyon" - bus
via Wells, or the scenic "Chew Valley Explorer" bus via Bristol.
(Cheddar is also the home of the famous cheese).
Feb 12th 2003, 7:02 am
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 19:46:44 +0000, Keith Anderson
wrote:
>On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 04:09:34 GMT, "Jim Mohundro"
> wrote:
>>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
>Whilst the city of Bath is a relatively easy day trip from London
>(Roman Baths, neo-classical architecture - England's 18th-century "new
>Rome") it also makes a good centre for local exploration.
>A one-hour bus journey to the south is Wells - only 10,000 population,
>but city status nonetheless because of its great cathedral dating back
>to 1180 - next to it is the Bishops Palace on one side and Vicar's
>Close, the oldest planned, mediaeval street in Europe (1350's)
>45 minutes by bus, 12 by train is Bristol, from where John Cabot
>sailed in 1497 to the "New Founde Lande". (Replica of his ship in the
>historic city docks; also the SS Great Britain launched 1843 - first
>big transatlantic liner with a screw propellor) Historic centre -
>associations with "Robinson Crusoe" and "Treasure Island" - the latter
>book begins in Bristol. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon
>Gorge are a "must".
>Another easy journey by bus and/or train is Chepstow in S Wales - one
>of the oldest Norman castles (the keep dates from 1067 - only a year
>after the conquest)
>There's also Cheddar Gorge - South-West England's "Grand Canyon" - bus
>via Wells, or the scenic "Chew Valley Explorer" bus via Bristol.
>(Cheddar is also the home of the famous cheese).
Not forgettng the scenic nearby village of West Harptree and its
famous residents
Brian
wrote:
>On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 04:09:34 GMT, "Jim Mohundro"
> wrote:
>>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
>Whilst the city of Bath is a relatively easy day trip from London
>(Roman Baths, neo-classical architecture - England's 18th-century "new
>Rome") it also makes a good centre for local exploration.
>A one-hour bus journey to the south is Wells - only 10,000 population,
>but city status nonetheless because of its great cathedral dating back
>to 1180 - next to it is the Bishops Palace on one side and Vicar's
>Close, the oldest planned, mediaeval street in Europe (1350's)
>45 minutes by bus, 12 by train is Bristol, from where John Cabot
>sailed in 1497 to the "New Founde Lande". (Replica of his ship in the
>historic city docks; also the SS Great Britain launched 1843 - first
>big transatlantic liner with a screw propellor) Historic centre -
>associations with "Robinson Crusoe" and "Treasure Island" - the latter
>book begins in Bristol. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon
>Gorge are a "must".
>Another easy journey by bus and/or train is Chepstow in S Wales - one
>of the oldest Norman castles (the keep dates from 1067 - only a year
>after the conquest)
>There's also Cheddar Gorge - South-West England's "Grand Canyon" - bus
>via Wells, or the scenic "Chew Valley Explorer" bus via Bristol.
>(Cheddar is also the home of the famous cheese).
Not forgettng the scenic nearby village of West Harptree and its
famous residents
Brian
Feb 12th 2003, 8:21 am
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: England, beyond London?
On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 04:09:34 GMT, "Jim Mohundro"
wrote:
>1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
>flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
>few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
>second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone from
>time to time.
Lots, London being an agglomeration of what were small towns and
villages until the 19th century, most with their own High Streets,
shopping centres and parades, most of which will have the usual
chains, but many of which may have all sorts of odds and ends. Any
good bookshop should have at least one book of suggested walks to
avoid you wasting your time on somewhere boring, or you could take one
of the many guided walks to see if there's somewhere you would like to
go back to. Another good bet is the markets - Greenwich, or
Spitalfields on a Sunday.
>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Try visitbritain.com or any of the major guide-books. Bath, York,
Cambridge, Winchester, Ludlow, Chester, Norwich ......the list is not
exactly endless but there are plenty. And that's not mentioning Wales
or Scotland (you don't have to stick to England, you know)
wrote:
>1) Are there good neighborhoods for wandering in London itself (we had a
>flat in Knightbridge/South Kensington and really only saw those immediate
>few streets)? We'd like to be able to shop (knicknacks, antique,
>second-hand, book stores mostly) and stop for a cuppa and the odd scone from
>time to time.
Lots, London being an agglomeration of what were small towns and
villages until the 19th century, most with their own High Streets,
shopping centres and parades, most of which will have the usual
chains, but many of which may have all sorts of odds and ends. Any
good bookshop should have at least one book of suggested walks to
avoid you wasting your time on somewhere boring, or you could take one
of the many guided walks to see if there's somewhere you would like to
go back to. Another good bet is the markets - Greenwich, or
Spitalfields on a Sunday.
>2) What modest-size towns or cities could we visit on day trips? Or, better
>yet, what would be a good base of operations other than London where we
>could find a comfortable hotel (we're older folks and like a bit of
>American-style comfort in our accomodations, don't you know). What about
>Oxford, other cities large enough to have decent choices of grub, historic
>and/or just "quaint" stuff to see?
Try visitbritain.com or any of the major guide-books. Bath, York,
Cambridge, Winchester, Ludlow, Chester, Norwich ......the list is not
exactly endless but there are plenty. And that's not mentioning Wales
or Scotland (you don't have to stick to England, you know)
