Thank you all for your replies and opinions; they have been useful and greatly appreciated. Yes, I actually HAVE looked at maps and local transportation options, and do realize some of the suggestions were a bit afar. However, I was asking for guidance just in case someone could provide a good reason to especially try to include a particular Yor advice as to what makes sense for an overnight v. single day journey has also been great. We are interested in sites of historical importance, visual beauty and unique interest, as well as shopping for other than run-of-the-mill or easily-available-elsewhere items. I've just had some surgery and my vision and strength are temporarily limited; thus my reaching out to you guys. Just gathering all the info I can from those who have been there/done that, and trying to make sure our trip is planned right. Thanks!
I wouldn't recommend spending 10 days in any major/capital city even when there is so much to see and do. There is so much more to any country than just the cities and you do have the time to explore.
I lived near Stonehenge for most of my life and it never failed to excite/intrigue every time I drove past so I would include that in your visit. You can either hire a car and drive down (stay in Salisbury because that city is also worth a visit) or go by train to Salisbury and get a local tour there. At least you will then see some of the beautiful countryside as well as city sights!
Salisbury Cathedral spire is the tallest in Europe and built in the 13th Century. There are amazing tours up the spire - you're not allowed to the very top, but just before the pointed part of the spire you can go outside and walk round the edge which is fantastic. The tour itself gives you the history of the cathedral and you get to see the inside of the roof and it's incredible structure. Plus from outisde the amazing views of the city and its environs.
You could spend a couple of days in Salisbury and see Stonhenge.
Enjoy!
I wouldnt bother with Stonehenge either myself.
My mohter and I quite frequently go on a Saturday for lunch in Paris. You can go in the morning, wander around taking in quite a lot, have lunch and be home (well, in London) for around 9pm quite easily.
"My mohter and I quite frequently go on a Saturday for lunch in Paris"
Ooooooo lar di daa... bit expensive to do regularly innit wapsy? Unless you book a discount seat weeks/months in advance... even then it's probably £100 return right? Credit crunch didn't you know?
Anyway, not a bad option... I could see a 17 yo boy very much enjoying a short trip to Paree, quick stop in for a Moulin Rouge show and then pop back over to London town. FYI though, Moulin Rouge while a fabulous show - is a little expensive.
NB: Just did a quick search and the cheapest I could find for 2nd week in April was £96 pp return - overnight trip.
Yes I am quite la di da indeedie.
£59 return if you book it in advance the last couple of times. Brussells recently for the same.
For the historical bit - take a day trip out to Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, south west of London - it takes about 40 mins on the train from Waterloo. The palace & gardens are amazing, and you can easily take a day to wander around there. You can also get there by boat from Westminster or Waterloo, which takes about 3 hours, and if the weather is good, its a great way to relax & enjoy some lovely scenery going past places like Richmond & Kew.
I'm another in favour of going to Paris. Forget a few of the expensive tourist attractions in London like The Tower of London, the London Eye and Madamme Tossuards and you have the return price on the Eurostar right there.
Oh come on now... the Tower of London is not merely an expensive tourist attraction and certainly not in the same league as the London Eye and Madamme Tossuards (which by the way, I agree with you on those).
I would not forgo the Tower, it has a deep and interesting history directly related to the UK and London itself (unlike the other two you mention). It also houses the Crown Jewels... I'd see the Tower over the likes of Stonehenge if I had to choose between them.
trusted partner
