Due to some unforeseen problems with a friend we were supposed to be visiting in Wales, we are finding ourselves with two whole days in the middle of our vacatio for which we had no plans. But we can't just leave because that would be silly. We will be in London immediately prior but can't afford to stay there any longer and need to be in Bristol two days later to catch a train (we don't plan on renting a car). So that gives you an idea of where we are. We looked at Bath but can't really afford that either. Tintern Abbey would be nice if possible. Any suggestions or ideas? Places to stay?
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
My sister and I went to Portsmouth many years ago. We wanted to Nelson's ship, the Victory and we wanted to check out a Dickens museum. For me it was more than Nelson. I love the Horatio Hornblower series and spending time in Portsmouth was fun because of the ties to the British Navy. Today, I believe you can also see King Henry VIII's ship the Rose. You might look at Brighton. Also the area that is the New Forest looks nice. I had a great trip to Oxford several years ago. If you can see some of the countryside of the upper Thames you'll understand where Wind in the Willows came from. I stayed in Streatley on Thames at the Swan Diplomat and took the train to Oxford. It was very nice. Pam
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Bristol is a major destination on the trains that run to the west out of London. If you do not want to stay in Bristol, think about Cardiff, or any other convenient place in Wales. In truth, you are unlikely to find places to stay that are dramatically cheaper than Bath prices.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
When are you going? Some colleges rent our rooms if college is closed. I think there is also a YMCA international site and how about hostels? What is your budget?
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
You might look at Salisbury. The cathedral and its close are outstanding. Nearby is Stonehenge and Avebury which you could visit by tour. Salisbury Cathedral
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Where are you going after these two days? That would influence where to stay in th interim If you are in the South or London-ish Salisbury is a good choice: Cathedral, some interesting parts to the town, can get to Stonehenge by public transport, also convenient train to bath and the west. Tintern Abbey as a sight is wonderful, but only for a few hours. There's not much around there to want to stay fro two days (not sure there are many /any hotels).
Posted by
OP
Decorah
5 posts
Dates = we are in London right now :-). Like we said unforeseen issues. Our plan had been to leave London on Wednesday to travel to Port Talbot, Wales but that's not going to happen now. After that, we are working north toward Edinburgh, stopping to see Hadrians Wall and stopping in Bristol and Haltwhistle. We already have the train tickets and a room in Bristol which is one of the reasons we don't want to move too far away. We'll take a look at Salisbury and see what might come of that.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Sounds like Salisbury will fit into your plans nicely, and is definitely worth the 2 days (including a trip to Stonehenge). Try Kings Arms
You may also look at Somerset. Dunster and Selworthy are interestiung for 1 night- but if you need a train, consider some of the seaside towns. Brighton for one Good luck
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Stephanie, if you can make it a bit west of Salisbury, you could do worse than spend two days in Dartmoor, exploring the moor. This time of year it ought to be pretty atmospheric.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
I think Tintern Abbey is a great choice if you can manage it. Two of my favourite other places in this part of England Wells and Glastonbury.