czanoff

I will be in London in mid-March and would like to do several side trips. The places that I would like to choose from are Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Cantebury, York, Windsor & Portsmouth. Obviously I can't do all of them so I'd like some advice on which ones to do and which ones to skip!
Thanks

Harry

All of the places you mentioned are well worth the visit, with the possible exception of Portsmouth ~ what is the attraction there? I am fairly sure that someone form Portsmouth may well answer this question!

Lee Gruenwald

Oxford is wonderful but if you do head in that direction don't miss going on to see Blenheim Palace near Stratford on Avon if I can remember correctly after many years. It was built by the Duke of Marlborough (Winston Churchill's family) and is magnificent. Bath is lovely and be sure not to miss Salisbury on your way. The cathedral and surrounding town are well worth the stop.
By the way, I remember Portsmouth as charming and with an enormous well preserved ship that was very interesting to tour in the harbour. Bon voyage.

Mike Miller

We toured Portsmouth in Oct 97. Portsmouth is Englands Norfolk - largest naval base in the country. You can tour the yard and see the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's ship which he saw sink as she left port. Also you can tour the Victory, a national shrine because this ship was Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship. He won the battle of Trafalgar and was killed on this ship. You can also tour another sailing ship called the Warrior. If Naval history is what you are seeking then you will enjoy Portsmouth.

Karen

You might consider a trip to Conventry and the church that was bombed during WWII with the new church built right next to it. Also, in that area, is Ragley Hall, home of Lord and Lady Hertford. Also, next to Mary Rose exhibit in Portsmouth is the Tapestry Museum...a huge, beautiful tapestry done in sections to depict D-Day. And, not that far in Romsey is the home and museum of Lord Mountbatten , location of Elizabeth and Philip's honeymoon and I believe also, Diana and Charles stayed there.

JOAN DOYLE

All of the places you listed are worth a visit--but I think you'll find York a bit far dor a day-trip. Of the lot, Oxford is my favorite (probably because I spent a glorious rain-free summer there in the graduate summer school). Cambridge would be next; and probably Bath after that. If your time is limited try not to do too much. That's the good thing about both Oxford and Cambridge--you can go to each of them and back in a day. With a car you could take in Blenheim Palace (which is BETWEEN London and Oxford but closer to Oxford) as well. It is lovely country. Have a good trip. Joan

Irene

After spending last summer in the general London area, I would say that Bath was my favorite. It's very historical, be sure to see the Abbey, Royal Cresent, and of course have tea at Sally Lunn's, where the original Sally Lunn Bun was created. Oxford was intersting and can be done in half a day along with Windsor Castle. Bath took a full day and I would go there again and again.

dan

hello!
how can i buy tickets for premier league games?
im will arrive london very soon.
thank you.

roger

We all have our opinions and I agree and dis-agree with some of the responses. I have been to each of the places mentioned. First, I disagree with one of the individuals who said York was to far for a day trip. It is not so! It is only two hours from London and it is by far one of the places you must visit. As for the others, Oxford yes, Cambridge no. Bath yes, Windsor no. Portmouth gives you a good flavor for the coast. You can take the bus from the harbor train station to the D-day museum, If you do go to Portmouth, do not de-bourd the train until the harbor station. I made the mistake of getting off at the Portmouth main station and had a very long walk. Again, this is my personnal opinion and I have no problem in train travel for 2 to 3 hours each way for a day trip as you can leave early and return late. Remember, unlike here, they have many trains daily. Wish you well.

roger

We all have our opinions and I agree and dis-agree with some of the responses. I have been to each of the places mentioned. First, I disagree with one of the individuals who said York was to far for a day trip. It is not so! It is only two hours from London and it is by far one of the places you must visit. As for the others, Oxford yes, Cambridge no. Bath yes, Windsor no. Portmouth gives you a good flavor for the coast. You can take the bus from the harbor train station to the D-day museum, If you do go to Portmouth, do not de-bourd the train until the harbor station. I made the mistake of getting off at the Portmouth main station and had a very long walk. Again, this is my personnal opinion and I have no problem in train travel for 2 to 3 hours each way for a day trip as you can leave early and return late. Remember, unlike here, they have many trains daily. Wish you well.

Mary

Another conflicting opinion, but just got back from London and we loved Windsor--the restoration is fabulous and there is a great exhibit on how it was done, the devastation of the fire, etc. It is a very easy train trip from Paddington and the town is charming. We easily spent the whole day (left at 9, went back to London by 5); they change the guard every other day expect Saturday and that was terrific. Mary

Mary

One more opinion - I think York is great and you can do this in a long day trip. Get an early start and leave Kings Cross Station around 7:30. You'll be in York in 2 hours. You can spend the day and get back to London by 10:00 (earlier if you choose).
I agree that Windsor is well worth the trip. If you choose Blenheim Palace, be sure to check on openings. It is closed to the public until sometime mid-March. Blenheim is in Woodstock, just a few miles from Oxford.