I'll be in London for 11 days on business in October. My wife will be joining me for the weekend. We've done London before and thought we might explore some other part of the UK or possibly Europe.
An historic city would be best, but a romantic hideaway isn't out of the question.
Do you have any suggestions for a 2 night getaway out of London. I'm hoping to keep the cost under $500 including transportation and accomodations.
Hi Steve, York would be a great city to go to. From King's Cross Station is a 2 hour trip, trains leave every 30 minutes. York is very rich in history, encircled by a 13th and 14th century city wall its about 2 1/2 miles long, which you can walk on. York Cathedral, which is on of the great cathedrals of the world. The stain glass windows is from the Middle Ages, the Grest East Window is fantastic. There is a street by the name of Shambles, it dates back before Norman Conqest which is fun to see. If you go don't miss Betty's Tea Room, 6-8 St Helen's Square great place for tea and scones. Another area which would be great would be the Cotswolds which you could get to from Paddington Station, train to Moreton-in-Marsh. If going to Cotswolds, I would stay in Bourton-on-the-Water, its beautiful and I really think you and your wife would enjoy it. Lots of small villages around you could visit.
Hey Steve, hard to beat Robin's advice. I loved the Cotswolds and York. Your budget might be a bit tight and someone with better experience in UK trains might be able to help, but the accommodations you seek will be between £35-45 per person (most likely); at today's rate that's $285 for both of you for 2 nights. Food will probably be £15+ unless you really shop or go the Rick Steves way and buy bread, meat & cheese at a shop. The travel to York is between £35 and £60 each depending on how far in advance you book. It is doable, but tight.
Hi Steve, if you decide to go to York, do a serch for B&B's York England. You can find B&B's from anyplace 18.00 to 35.00 per person. York is very doable, and if you get your train tickets now or asap they will be cheaper then waiting the day you want to go to York.
Robin
IMO, B&B's sometimes can and sometimes can't qualify as a "romantic hideaway"!
If you do go with a B&B, make sure you will have your privacy.
IME, nobody wants the hosts' kids banging on your door or looking through your window during private moments. Do your research. Will you have your own WC? How many guest rooms? Who lives there? Kids/babies who are crying? Dogs who bark or howl? Roosters crowing at the crack of dawn? Are meals taken with the family?
Doesn't sound too romantic to me so be careful. Know what you are getting.
Have you been to Bath? It's quick and easy to get there. If you buy train tx in advance it would save money. There are lots of places to stay there (I like The Henry. for rates, friendliness, convenience) and many are listed in Rick's books. Bath is a good walking, shopping town.
I agree that Bath is a great getaway. It was one of the most relaxing parts of our UK trip last summer. An excellent B&B to consider is Cornerways Bath.
Bath and the Cotswolds are both great suggestions.
Another possibility would be either Oxford, taking
express bus from London. You could either stay
there and tour historical town. Or in the same
area you could go up the road a few miles from oxford
to village of Woodstock for a taste of Cotswolds
and see Bleheim Palace, one of the best historical
sits in England.
Paris - take the Eurostar. Easy transportation and always a fantastic weekend.
Windsor is very nice with some good hotel options and dining . You could visit Hampton Court in the day time for something touristy as well as Windsor castle, with evening/night strolls along the river.it is so close to London and Heathrow that way you won't waste a lot of time traveling. 2 nights is not very much.
I agree with the others on Bath. Lots to see, it is charming, not far from London and relaxing just to stroll around after you have seen the sights listed in the guidebook. I have been twice to the Costume Museum and it is one of the best museums of its kind in the world.
I'd vote for York- check out the Royal York Hotel- right at the Station. Eat at Gert and Henry's at the edge of the Shambles. If you don't want York, I'd go for Cardiff. A 2 1/2 hour train ride. Nice shopping, cool castle, easy to walk around. If weather is nice, you can also go out to the bay.
