165

Hey ya,
just wondering the best way to get a working holiday visa or uk ancestry visa whilst in the uk. Can I leave the Uk and go to a European country while i wait for my visa application to be processed or do I have to go back home to Australia to wait. would have done it sooner but only got a holiday visa to start with. Anyone?

166

If you yearn to escape from the crowds of London at the weekend and explore the countryside, a great way to do so is the Metropolitan Walkers.

It's a walking group for people in their 20s and 30s who live in London. It's part of the Ramblers' Association, Britain’s biggest walking charity. The group is very relaxed and friendly – whether you’re an experienced walker or just starting out, you can be sure of a warm welcome. If you're new to London (or even if you're not) it's a great way of meeting new friends, and with nearly 500 members you're bound to meet people who share other interests too!

There are a wide variety of walks ranging from gentle Tuesday evening strolls in the city to longer walks in areas such as the Chilterns or South Downs. Walks take place nearly every weekend throughout the year and are all accessible by public transport from London. The group also organises weekends away to places such as Dorset, the Peak District, Edinburgh and Snowdonia, and there’s an extensive social events programme.

Non-members are welcome to try out three walks with the group before joining. There’s lots more information about the group, details of upcoming walks and photos on our website: http://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk

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http://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk

167

Great accommodation recommendation in Edinburgh!

We just got back from a fab stay in a self catering apartment in Edinburgh. After finding this place I can't imagine why anyone would ever stay in a hotel in Edinburgh, no matter how posh! I will certainly never go anywhere else.

It is in a beautiful old terrace right next to the castle, with fantastic castle and city views. 2 mins to castle, 5 mins to bars and restaurants on Grassmarket / the Royal Mile, 10 mins to shops on Princes St. Very stately and traditional (high ceilings, sash windows etc), and very comfortable. One double room, one with two twins (all comfy beds, plenty of storage etc). Beautifully furnished. Small but very well kitted out kitchen, bathroom with bath / shower. Lots of useful stuff - tea / coffee making in rooms, iron and board, trouser press, endless tourist and town info, games, TV and video with videos... The owners are so friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. It really is beautiful, comfortable, historic and absolutely at the heart of Edinburgh.

Great value - we paid 80 pounds a night for 4 people so 20 each, only a couple of quid more than a dorm bed in the youth hostel but believe me there is no comparison!

Check it out on Trip Advisor (under "other accommodation", not "hotels") Don't miss it...here and on their own site Apartment by Castle

I don't own it, and I half don't want to tell other people about it... but I can't keep these places to myself when I find them! Enjoy...

168

Recently in the paper they featured an article about some Uni students who have timed and produced a map of walking times between stations. Something as a tourist you should be aware of, because the tube map is quite misleading and where it looks like it could take a long time to walk between station is in fact a short 5-10 minute walk, this is a great idea as the walking times between stations are something only a local or "experience" tube traveller would be aware of. Many times it is faster to walk between two/three stations rather than catch the tube, particularly when there are delays or it is peak hour.

My favourite tip is when going to Covent Garden, get off at Holborn or Tottenham Court Road and walk because the Covent Garden station is a nightmare to get out of when it's busy.

Here is a link to the students web site.

169

Am looking for a group like PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS SCHEME, to take part in adventure, hiking and hill walking in Ireland Dublin Area. anybody knows any?
Christine

170

For searching budgetairlines, and their routes within Europe, you can use: www.flightassistent.com. You will also find the direct links to the websites of the airlines here. This one also lists the routes flown by Loganair in Scotland (to less traveled airports like Sumburgh and Wick)

171

www.information-britain.co.uk

Plan a trip on-line to the British Isles; hotels and attractions.

Information Britain holds all you could ever need to plan a trip to or within the British
Isles.

172

Hi guys/gals,

Is it cheaper to purchase a Tube pass from outside the UK or when you get there?

173

Don't forget to visit Cornwall, its the warm sunny bit ok ENgland to the far south west. Famous for surfing, pasties and mining. Got some beautiful scenery too

174

This website www.transportdirect.com is great for finding out how to get between any two places in the UK by public transport (though it is sometimes a bit odd in its advice for London, sometimes ignoring the obvious route, so for London it's better to use www.tfl.gov.uk).

175

Ireland - Dublin.
Useful local website that's kept up to date is www.freedublin.com
Another that covers important information is www.doindublin.com

For however long - enjoy Dublin.

176

Edinburgh accommodation:

I have often recommended a decent, central B and B service offered by the university: Mackenzie's. The correct name for this facility is Kenneth Mackenzie Suite. Details are on this page:
suite

Booking details:
To book please call 0131 651 2007
E-mail: bed.breakfast@ed.ac.uk

A lot more accommodation is offered by the University during the Easter and Summer vacations: presumably at lower prices (I don't know). For details, look at Edinburgh First on
B and B

177

hello there i'm a new member, not sure if i have posted in the right spot.
Am Aussie tourist traveling in Uk on wisa waver program so i get 3 months.
I know that i cannot change my visa to a working visa while in the UK, can anyone tell me where i can go to apply for a working holiday visa. Lots of info says i have to go home (australia) but thats crazy literly couldn't be further from there! Help please! surely heaps of people have done this!
johndorrington81@yahoo.com.au

178

To respond to #178, you already have the answer. You MUST apply in your country of residence.

If you could establish legal residency in a neighbouring country (France, Ireland, wherever) you could then apply there for a UK visa. Otherwise, I think your only option is claiming political asylum!

179

hi folks-

i'm biking around ireland for a month this summer and i really want the trip to encompass much more than the typical tourist spots.i've put jameson's whiskey mill on my list....cant wait. does anyone have other suggestions? i'll be there mid june to mid july and pretty much will be biking around the whole island.

leslie

Edited by: lesliedeene