Hi, My husband and I are going to London for 8 days, returning on the 24th. Given the cold do you think it makes sense to spend a couple of days in Scotland? What other day trips should we do... Oxford, Cambridge, Bath?
Thanks much!
Posted by
Land of La
8732 posts
I've not been to Scotland so can't comment but London is wonderful at Christmas time. Loads to see and do. Even though you're not into museums just a friendly reminder they are free and each have fabulous cafes with wonderful soups to fend off the cold. That said, Oxford, Windsor, Salisbury and Stonehenge, Bath are easy and very enjoyable day trips. I strongly suggest you enjoy some theatre.
The 1/2 price ticket booth in Leiscester Square is the place to go. You'll get good seats (usually right up front) I've always enjoyed each play or musical that I saw and LOVE just love the ice cream cups that are sold to the audience during intermission. When you arrive at Heathrow grab a Time Out magazine to peruse on your way into London. Lastly, Panto is a uniquely British Christmas tradition. Silly and fun I wholeheartedly encourage you to experience it. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Milwaukee
194 posts
I spent a few days in Edinburgh in mid-December a few years ago. Yeah, it's cold, but I live in Wisconsin and am pretty used to it. I loved Edinburgh at that time of the year. The Christmas displays were wonderful and there was a great German Christmas market in the center of town. The weather was decent enough that we were able to climb Arthur's Seat one day and we also took a nighttime, outside ghost tour.
Additionally, I enjoyed day trips to Oxford and Bath--never been to Cambridge. I think both locations are suitable for day trips. However, I'm not sure if you can fit in London, Edinburgh and a few day trips, if that's what you're thinking. I think it'd be too much. It's easy enough to spend 8 days in London.
Posted by
OP
Stamford, USA
4 posts
Hi Nicole, thanks so much for the travel tips!
We are not too into museums so hoping to do more day trips...
I really am a little nervous about being out all day long when it is cold and wet, and yet this is the only time we can visit so trying to find out as much as possible!
Posted by
OP
Stamford, USA
4 posts
This is wonderful Claudia. I'm so excited about getting started on my vacation :)
And my list of things to do is getting longer... perfect!
Thx
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
London for 6 days (2 for travel to/from) is a good "day trip" base. check out this article http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/2008/Jan-Feb/britain.htm?zip=28201&stateprov=nc&city=charlotte
It is all about day trips out of London. I'd suggest Bath (great Christmas market), Windsor, Canturbury, York and Cardiff. Feel free to private message me for more ideas or details.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Lina, it's necessary to consider that the days are very short in London in January. By 4:00 pm it will be quite dark.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
I just returned last thursday from a week in London. The sun isnt fully risen and bright til 8 am and by 3:30 it is already dusky. That was really weird becuase it made it feel so much later than it was! It did only rain once for 20 minutes, but it was about 30-40 degrees out the whole week. It was pretty sunny most of the time as well. Im sure that will change the closer you get to actual WINTER.
Posted by
Coventry, CT
7 posts
I've been to London twice during the winter and had a fabulous time each visit. There is so much to see and do in and around London. You won't run out of activities. I agree with another poster...the soups in the museums are so yummy.
Our first trip to London we took the train to Cambridge for the day. It was an excellent day trip. You would have to take the train out of King's Cross. It was an easy ride. Our second trip to London was during Christmas and we loved it. Gorgeous. We booked a bus tour to Stonehenge and Bath. Tours aren't really our thing, but it was well worth it as we got to see two amazing places for not too much money. Plus it wasn't too much to plan.
The other bonus of being in London during winter is that there aren't quite as many tourists as there are during the summer.
Have fun!
Posted by
OP
Stamford, USA
4 posts
Great tips from everyone, thanks! We are so busy wrapping up things at work and packing our bags - we are off tomorrow morning and really looking forward to it all!
Did any of you do Cotswald in the winter? Supposed to be beautiful but thats in summer - wonder what it's like in winter.
Right now just adding everything to my list - we'll decide exactly what we will do once we get there... maybe not the wisest plan but hey what the heck!