suggestions please.
Been overseas a few times before, however never really gone alone. I've wondered around cities alone however I was staying at a friends place, so there was always "help if i needed it"The plan is to do a tour of England and Scotland, via Contiki Tours. Where then after I will be touring what I still want to see solo. - - Visiting cities across England and Wales where the tour didn't go.
My idea is to start from London (stay there for about 3-4 nights) where then I'll take the train to another city to explore and etc. staying in that city for no more than two nights (or however long i like), then taking the train off to another city and etc. The purpose is to "travel at my own pace"
So my question: how would i go about doing this myself. where do i stay? has anyone done this before? I don't want to hire a car. Any other suggestions?
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It really is easy to get about by buses and trains- though not always cheap. Good advice above, but would add we can help you more once you've identified areas where you might like to visit. The bus and train websites above provide services across the UK, but most of the counties have their own websites for transport and tourist information-if you google the name of the county(eg Devon, Gloucestershire, North Yorkshire, etc etc) and add the word bus, or tourism, you will gets lots of detailed local info). Have you worked out your budget yet? - that might be the biggest issue.4
I dont want to spend heaps on transport or accommodation but i know i would like to see cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Greenwich, to see Warwick castle and Oxford - for the moment.Budget wise. I AM still a student so meaning, i dont want to be spending heaps. As long as i can get from A to B i'll be happy.
This trip isnt till Mid Jan so i'm still researching and gathering info first. -
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In my own personal opinion I wouldn't go out of your way to see Birmingham. Manchester is sound. Greenwich isn't a city, its pretty much a part of London. Have a look at Megabus for getting to places outsie of London cheaply.6
How long are you actually going for and where is this Contiki tour going? I personally wouldn't bother with the tour and would just do it solo as you'll meet plenty of people in hostels.As fowler9 says, I wouldn't go out of your way to see Birmingham. If you're going to see Warwick Castle then go to see Stratford-upon-Avon and use that as the base from which to go to Warwick Castle.
Oxford can be seen as a day trip from London. As also pointed out by fowler9, Greenwich is part of London. Not sure why you'd want to go there but it's your trip and you obviously have your reasons.
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The tour I'm doing is just at the beginning of Jan, London for 5 days after tour, then the city touring starts.Accommodation wise, I dont see the point of staying in fancy hotels so hostels will do me fine. Hostelworld/Hostelbookers sounds good, so ive signed up for that. :)
Dusan79: I don't want to rent a car, just think it would be a better experience by train. I would like to relax on my trip. If i had the car i would consider petrol and then parking etc. Not to sound like i'm not willing to spend the money, but i'm a student.. Plus, i photograph.. alot!..
This thread was created coz i want to know what people have done, opinons and etc, so i can get ideas. Then basically I take my pick and go from there.
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I may be biased (as I only live a few miles from the city centre) but Birmingham isn't so bad: http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/travel/36-hours-birmingham-england.html - Happy travels!
