Thorn Tree travel forum

UK & Ireland FAQ thread

Welcome to the UK, described by Lonely Planet in the latest UK guide as "simply one of the most beautiful islands on earth". You'll find that whilst people can appear flippant and/or sarcastic on this branch, it's only part of the unique British sense of humour so don't take it personally.

Please read this thread first before you ask a question, hopefully you'll find your answer already inside!

Feel free to add anything relevant to the thread too. Before we start though, here's some advice from the TT team:

1. Do a TT search! At least five posters a week ask what to do in London, whether to go visit Stonehenge on their way around the world, and whether it's possible to work under the table/overstay a tourist visa. The road is well traveled. Find those threads, add a reply (which brings the topic to the top, restarting the conversation), and then ... more »

Reliable Taxi CompAdvice for travel Central London to LHR

Fellow Travelers,

Bumped upon this forum via Google and impressed with the knowledge and sincere advice of members here.

I would like to book a cab / taxi / minicab (whatever u call it) for Airport Drop. I would be travelling from Central London (in fact from 3mins walk from Tower Bridge) to Heathrow Terminal 3. My flight departs at 8:50 am on Friday morning .

I am confused which cab to hire. There are mixed reviews on internet. Initially Addison Lee seemed good but lot of negative reviews also.

My biggest factor / concern is what if the agreed cab does not turn up say at 5 AM. Then what will I do…???? I am new and have not much idea.

Pls advise based on your experience and knowledge which cab company would be good in terms of absolute reliability.

Thank YOU for ur time and advise. Rgds more »

First time in uk- what would you have liked to have known?

Question........ Well, statement followed by question.

I’m having a group of students from the Philippines come and stop with me in the next few weeks, and would like to prepare a welcome pack for them (volunteers for a charity event) they are gonna be here in the UK for a while and I was wondering....

For those of you who may be holidaying here, have emigrated here or are studying here...

What would have been the top ten things that you wish you had been told to help you settle in??? And please - don’t mention the weather!!! :-)

Cheers all,

Kato

Restaurant recommendations?

I would appreciate it if you could give me some recommendations for a not too expensive (ie not ludicrous) cosy/great setting restaurant with fab food for a friend of mine. Can't be too fancy & require a booking way in advance - it's a week till they are there. Looking for areas easy to get to from Victoria or in the city centre.

Crossposted

meditation retreats northwest/north wales

Hi

Ive been looking online for a meditation retreat and only seem able to find luxury-style spa-like expensive retreats. I had in mind somewhere simple, rustic, but with some guidance. I practised in an Ashram in India and was hoping for somethng simple like that. Ive absolutely no idea if it exists! Thought i would ask you guys to see if anyone knows of anything at all like this?

(I know i can do this myself, but ive been back a while and i need another injection of will and discipline).

Many thanks

Kate

Glasgow and Ayr-Short Trip

Hello.
I will be visiting Glasgow and Ayr for work this week. Will have one evening and one day in Ayr, and two evenings in Glasgow. This will be my second trip to Glasgow.

Any recommendations of restaurants to eat at in both Glasgow and Ayr? So far, I'm going to Two Fat Ladies in Glasgow, and am looking for another suggestion. I like most foods, seafood, but am not to adventurous with haggus, and organs. Last time I had a lovely meal at Stravaign but am looking for a different option.

Also any suggestions of how to spend a day in Ayr? We love the outdoors, hills, beaches, walks, and village-like atmospheres.

Thanks in advance!
gtrekker2003

Shipping Clothes back to Oz from London

Hi All

A bit of advice from anyone would be awesome. I am moving back to Oz - Melbourne, and I want to send my stuff back to from London, a majority of it is just clothes. Probably won't weigh more than 15KG. I don't care when it arrives as long as it gets there. I'm more looking at the cheapest option. Would anyone know of any websites or companies that provide the service. I'm guessing sea freight is generally the best option?

Cheers

AT

Sufficient Travellers Fund (STF)

As anyone heard of a Sufficient Travellers Fund? I met someone online and she claims to have gone to her
travel agent friend for a ticket. He sent this impromptu email explaining to me and her, the British Government requires all British citizens traveling abroad to have a Sufficient Travellers Fund in the amount of $2,000 pounds. I don't believe none of this and believe its a scam. Does anyone out there know the financial requirements of British citizens travelling abroad? Is there a certain limit at all. Thanks for everyones help.