We are staying in a resort in Watton, between Norwich and Cambridge. We want to take 1-3 day trips into London as this is our last few days in the U.K., having spent 12 days in Scotland. We fly out of Heathrow on the 10th of August. We have a hired car we will be returning it there.
Looking at driving to a station where we can park and take public transportation into and back out of London. Will probably do a hop on, hop off bus tour on first trip. Any suggestions on doing this as easily as possible?
Posted by
Glostrup, Denmark
1390 posts
My suggestion would be to do what you want to do in Watton, then drive to Heathrow and return your car, then go to London and stay there for 2 - 3 nights and see the city.
Unless there are special reasons why you don't want to be in London evenings and mornings.
HOHO buses are a great way to get an idea about a city if you don't know anything, but in London you need patience because the traffic can be VERY slow. If you know what you want to see, the Tube and walking is better (i.e. faster).
I'm sure you will get a wealth of information so cook it all together to make your own plans.
One thing though: You might get more responses if you move this (or copy it) to the England forum.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
I had to look up Watton (Norfolk). No station, nearest ones are Thetford or Attleborough on the Norwich - Ely line. No direct trains to London.
You are definately off the normal foreign tourist track there.
I checked on https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ It takes 2 hours to London, changing at Ely or Norwich (two different routes into London).
Both stations have car parks, see here: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/ATL/details.html (free)
and here (Thetford): https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/TTF/details.html (Parking £3/day)
If you add in driving an parking time, this is a long day trip.
I too would suggest splitting this, do your 1-2 days in London by staying there. Norfolk has some lovel places, including the coast and Norwich. Plenty to fill your time.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7893 posts
Having visited Bury St Edmonds, which is closer to London. I have to agree with moving to London at the end of the trip. This is not a commuter suburb of London. It’s too far and not direct enough. Is this 2019??? Have you paid for the resort nights?
Posted by
OP
North Texas
13 posts
Thanks all for the advice. Will consider.
Posted by
OP
North Texas
13 posts
Spent today in Cambridge which is definitely worthwhile. Went to Norwich and Great Yarmouth yesterday. Also good day trip. Our resort is RCI. We are members. This was the only place available for this week in the UK, looking to extend our trip after Scotland (which was a wonderful experience, stayed in Edinburgh and the highlands.
I will post my request in England as suggested.
Thx everyone.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7893 posts
I have a personal interest in Arthur Ransome's children's novels, many of which are set in either Norwich or the Lake District. We took a sailboat ride from Yarmouth to the "location" of "Secret Water", and another year, went north to the Norfolk Broads, the location of "Coot Club."
Posted by
OP
North Texas
13 posts
Tim,
Thank you so much for your second response! A sail along the coast sounds wonderful. We have, however, taken the advice of staying in London for our last 2 nights and booked a RS recommended hotel.