Just wanted to say thank you to all who helped with the messages and my questions before we went to London.
We had an INCREDIBLE time there. I am looking forward to going back soon, and exploring more of London.
The first day was getting everything in order, rental car, hotel, getting a feel for the area.
Ilford was actually a very decent place for us. We were directly across from Valentines Park and had a good view of the park.
London was insane, in a good way. My biggest surprise was how BIG Westminster Abbey is. It took my breath away seeing that place. The architecture is mind blowing. We spent one day in London (Not Enough) and then moved on to Dover, Canterbury, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Oxford, Bath, Amesbury, etc.......
Driving was awesome. It took a good day to really wrap your head around it but once you relax and realize that England has the best road markings anywhere that I've been, it's not that bad to navigate. (the car had a great GPS as well)
We will return soon in the next few months to see more. (Just the wife and myself this time)
She wants to go to the lake district, but I want more London. We will figure it out.
Anyway, Thanks again to everyone for the help.
Talk to you soon.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9022 posts
Thanks for reporting back.
Posted by
Land of La
9264 posts
Absolutely keep returning!
I've been doing it for years and years. Somewhere new each visit coupled time spent in London.
So glad to hear you had a great first visit!
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4628 posts
Our new MO when traveling somewhere else in Europe which requires a connection-we connect in London instead of US and either do a long day layover(expensive but handy luggage storage in Heathrow) or a single night layover, which would be time for a nearby daytrip but we make sure we return to London to avoid problems leaving the next day.
Posted by
2599 posts
Many thanks for coming back. Always good to hear how things went. If considering the Lake District, you may be able to fly into Manchester as it is nearer than London. (You could fly out from London). Also, if heading for the north, consider taking the train from say London (Euston) to somewhere up north to pick up the car - though you can go all the way to Windermere by train. For long train journeys, pre-book specific trains ideally about 11 weeks out for lowest fares. www.nationalrail.co.uk