My husband and I are traveling to Watford (40 min north of London) for a business trip for his company. I will have 5 days when he is working to keep myself busy. I am a newbie traveler, but not afraid to walk about alone, but I want to be safe. I am interested in walking as much as possible. I am sure I can spend 5 weekdays in London, but I am interested in other suggestions. Thanks!
Posted by
Powell River, Canada
359 posts
My London underground tube map says Watford's on the system (probably a train involved + the tube, but that'll work). As Kent says, London offers many choices for filling the time; hop the train/tube, away you go. Some suggestions away from 'downtown' but easily doable with public transport include Windsor Castle, Kew (and other) Gardens, Oxford, to name but a few. Walking around London during the day is as safe as it gets and in 5 days you'll barely touch the surface.
Posted by
Siloam Springs, AR, US
8 posts
Stephanie: We were in London in 2004 for the last week of April, first week of May. I would recommend a good warm raincoat and dress in layers. It was much colder than we anticipated. We used gloves, scarves, turtlenecks, etc. This year could be warm, but you never know. We did hear an announcer say on the BBC that those two weeks were often the coldest of the spring.
Posted by
OP
Snohomish, WA, USA
15 posts
The great thing about the weather there is that it is almost the same as our weather here in the Seattle area. So I should have what I need! Or at least be used to dressing for this kind of weather/temp. :)
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
Have to agree with Kent, you will be able to keep yourself busy in London. But as the other post mentioned, Windsor would be a great day trip. Have been there several times in late April early May have never had to use scarf and gloves, jacket yes.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
There are LOTS of wonderful day trips you can do. I'd spend 2 or 3 days just in London- definetly do Kew Gardens at that time! Then Windsor, Canturbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, York and Cardiff Wales come to mind as first choices for day trips. All of these places are great places to "go walkabout". I envy you! I wish I could be in your shoes.
Posted by
OP
Snohomish, WA, USA
15 posts
I am terrified and thrilled at the same time. This is a dream come true, but now it seems so big that I am sure we will have to go back again.....and again. I've got the bug and I'm not even there yet. We do have connections in Southampton, so that's the 2nd week, but I would like to stay somewhere in a B and B for 2-3 days like the Cotswolds or Chipping Camden--they look right up my alley. We have to do budget, but it is better than not going. My husband's company is paying for his flight and our accommodations for 1 week, so our money will go a little farther.
Posted by
Powell River, Canada
359 posts
Once the 'UK Bug' bites Stephanie, it's game over and you'll be going back again and again. On the day-trips, York and Cardiff would be very long ones. However, Bath is easy to get to, unique in its own way, very compact and walkable. If a bit nervous, there are bus tours out of London to Bath via Stonehenge, lunch in Bath (don't know if included),and back to London for the evening. Two major sights in one day!