I've been to London and England many many times, and LOVE it. I'm looking for 'hidden' London or England (day trip ideas) that not everyone might know about. Ex: Last year, I went to Benchley Park . It was great! I love gardens, castles and anything with some history.
Thanks!
If you get the chance do try and read "Bollocks to Alton Towers" and the follow-up "More Bollocks to Alton Towers" (also published as "Far from the Sodding Crowd"). They are both funny and some of the places were clearly chosen for their comedy value, but they are also full of great suggestions of obscure museums and strange days out.
Have you been to Kenwood House in Hampstead? There's also Hatfield House, which is a short train journey from King's Cross station. I was there once when an Agatha Christie TV show was being filmed on the grounds. Lots of uniformed nannies pushing prams with fake babies in them.
Essex and Suffolk, north east of London, don't seem to get much of a mention but have pretty villages and towns, old country houses, castles etc eg Colchester Castle (UK's oldest Norman castle) John Constable landscapes on Essex/Suffolk border, Beth Chatto's garden at Elmstead Market for a garden that's a bit different etc etc.
http://www.visit-suffolk.org.uk/
Highgate Cemetery or any of the Magnificent Seven. Highgate is my favourite. Have tea at a taxi stand.
and...next time I go to London I'm going to the Temple Church
What about Little Venice, I learned about the area from a London Walking Tour - canals everywhere (Warwick Ave tube stop) - really pretty
When I googled benchley park, I got Bletchley Park, all about the enigma code, WWII, etc. Is that where you went, Laurel?
It sounds very interesting. How far (travel time) is it from central London, using public transport?
Thanks.
If you take a fast London Midland train at xx:13 most hours it will be 36 or 38 minutes from Euston Station to Bletchley then a short walk. There are other times of trains too, but not all are as fast.
I have visited Titchfield and Southhampton, South of London, several times because of a dear English friend. Wonderful area, not many tourists, lovely people and some interesting things to see in that area. 16th century houses, St. Peters church in Titchfield, and just lovely English countryside dotted with small towns and pubs.
Check out this web site for boat rides in Little Venice area - http://goeurope.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=goeurope&cdn=travel&tm=6&f=10&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.canalmuseum.org.uk/boat-trip.htm
The Whitechapel Bell Foundry is worth a morning...not that big, but the home of the Liberty Bell (USA) and Big Ben (London) as well...nice people are in the small shop and tours available...you can take the subway within a block of it. Checkout its web pages for information.
