Hello... we are a family of five and we are wanting to spend two days traveling outside of London and about 2.5 to 3 days exploring London. What recommendations do you have for our 2 days outside of London? Which direction or area should we see. This will be the final part of our 4 week stay in Europe -- so less travel time would be nice too. We would like to take a tour or see one or two great castles too. Train or drive? Not sure yet. I would love to hear what you would recommend for us.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I'd stay in London and do day trips. You could easily do Windsor by train (it's about a 25 min. trip from Paddington station and trains leave several times an hour- one easy change at Slough). It is a lovely town with great shopping and probably my favorite castle. As to the other trip- well it depends on your interests. Cardiff is a nice city with a very different 'air' than London- and there is a castle right in the heart of the city, too. If your family is into soccer at all, their new stadium is supposed to be one of the best in the world, and they do tours. Easy 2 hour-ish train train trip (also from Paddington staiton). Then there is York- fun, lots to see and do. But about a 3 hour train trip. There are lots of other choices, too. I wrote an article for AAA Carolina's "Go!" magaizne a few years ago about my favoirte parts of London and my favorite day trips by train. If you'd like a copy, private message me with your email.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hello Keisha. You said you wish to see a great castle in England. I think the best Medieval castle in England is Warwick castle, located a short distance north of Stratford upon Avon. (Edit) Ride in a train from Marylebone railway station at London to the Warwick railway station. Put your bags in a hotel at the small town Warwick. Walk from the town Warwick to the Warwick Castle. Overnight accomodation at the town Warwick. The next day, ride in a bus from Warwick to Stratford upon Avon, and ride in a bus from Stratford, south to Morten in Marsh, stopping at the villages Chipping Campden and Broadway for a walk through each of those villages. You would see some of the prettiest green rural land in England. Ride in a train from Morten in Marsh to the Paddington railway station at London.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
My sister and I did a nice day trip to Canterbury. Also, Cambridge would be a nice day trip as well. Pam
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Only YOU can decide what interests you but possible day trips from London: Hampton Court, Windsor, Stonehenge and Salisbury, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Cantebury and Leeds Castle, Brighton. London Walks is a good. http://www.walks.com/London_Walks_Home/Day_Trips_from_London/default.aspx
Posted by
Galt, Calif., UK
214 posts
I 100 percent agree with Ron !
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3334 posts
I would pick day trips from London. If I had to pick two, I would pick Hampton Court and Windsor. You could also seriously think about Kew, Richmond on the Thames and Richmond for, obviously, Kew Gardens, but also the lovely walk along the river. I haven't been to Canterbury yet, but you might want to look into that...Is Canterbury Tales still on the school reading lists? Day trips would allow you to change your mind and spend more time in London if you wished it, as 3 days in London hardly scratches the surface! If, as I read your question, you definitely want to be outside London, I would choose York.