Just moved to London and haven't had a chance to explore outside the city at all. My two sisters (26yrs old) are coming to visit from 12-23 March. We're spending the first weekend in Edinburgh, weekdays in London, and have Easter weekend open. I'm thinking a daytrip on the Saturday - should we do Oxford, Cambridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Brighton, or Bath? We've never driven before but want to see the countryside - are buses an option?
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Bath, Oxford or Stonehenge. All reachable by train and car. Don't know about buses. Check to make sure things will be open. OR do one of the London Walks weekend Explorer Days. I use these folks each time I'm in London and they have never failed me. Fun & informative.
http://www.walks.com/Homepage/The_Explorer_Days_Away_We_Go!/default.aspx
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Also- Canterburry, easily reached by rail.
Posted by
Powell River, Canada
359 posts
Windsor castle/town is another option for an easy day trip and the bus is an option for all the choices you or the posters have mentioned. So is the train, and I'm not sure you'll gain any advantage by renting a car. With you living in London you can visit a travel agent (or the bus/train stations) and for no cost see what deals are out there by bus/train over the Easter weekend (the holiday may complicate issues in terms of what's open). You and your sisters will love Edinburgh (pray for sun). Google NationaExpress for bus and NationalRail for train scheds, prices, etc., and at least get a feel for the time/price involved in getting to/from the different spots.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
The closest of your choices is Brighton. We're only 50 minutes from Victoria by train, and they run every 30 minutes.
Also, of your various choices, Brighton is the only one on the sea and we generally have slightly better weather. (We're protected by the Downs.)
Having put in my bid for our local economy (!) any of your options are great days out. My favourite of the others would probably be Cambridge. I love the river, the colleges and the pubs.
I'm not convinced by using buses rather than trains. They are a bit cheaper but what you'll mainly see is motorway rather than countryside, and they take an age in traffic coming out of London.
On the other hand if you opt for train check the schedules here
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/index.html
There are engineering works planned for easter weekend and some lines will be closed entirely. Details here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/mar/08/transport
Have a great time wherever you go.
Alan
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
No one ever suggests Winchester for a day trip and it is just an hour on the train from Waterloo Station. The cathedral is magnificent, the High Street is lively, and the Tourist Office, at the bottom of the High Street, close to the King Alfred Statue, will give you maps & suggestions. Very picturesque small city.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
If you're looking for trips in the countryside by bus and train you may find this site helpful
http://www.visitsouthdowns.com/
Cheers
Alan
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I wrote an article for AAA Carolina's "Go" magazine (Jan./Feb. issue)on day trips from London. Check it out at
http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/index.htm
If they ask for a zipcode use 28214. Or contact me.