Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Train Travel Suggestion

I am fortunate enough to soon have a few weeks off inbetween jobs (YEA), and I'd like to do some travelling.  Unfortunately, I won't have my passport (thanks, HMRC for your bizarre rules about re-applying for a visa), so I will be limited to Train Travel in the UK.

I've already booked a trip to Cardiff.  But, that's it.  I was thinking about The Lakes District for several days-though I wonder how great it will be without a car (comments?...), and Brighton as a day trip.  I've already been to Edinburgh, and Glasgow doesn't interest me as a solo traveler.  Would consider other locations in Scotland, but think they may be too far afield (read: 8 hours on a train)

Any suggestions of other train trips-originating from London-that I should consider?  Day trips or overnighters are fine.

13 comments:

  1. I'd recommend Bath..easy to get to by train from London Paddington and easy to get around on foot/bus when you're there. Use the tour bus to hop on and off...

    Other options: Cambridge or Oxford

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  2. Cambridge or Oxford is easy to reach. I loved the vibe of Cambridge but that could just be me.

    Canterbury/Maidstone for the cathedral and history.

    Both places can be easy reached and can be covered by foot.

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  3. York! York is so lovely, and only about 2 hours from London, maybe 2.5. Durham is a cute university town, and close to Newcastle which is an interesting city to visit.

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  4. oooh. excellent suggestions, all! Thanks! Hitting thetrainline.com now to see what tickets I can get for not-too-crazy prices.
    thanks again!

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  5. I actually had a great time solo in Glasgow, I found it to be totally different from what people say.

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  6. Here's another vote for Bath and York. Chester is nice too, but I'd see York first.
    (Admits - I've never actually been to Bath but will be going there this summer!)

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  7. Cambridge. Small enough to walk, but bags to do. King's College Chapel, Trinity Great Court, (think Chariots of Fire), the Backs, Fitzwilliam Museum and lots of great pubs. Suspect you will probably enjoy The Eagle - one of the bars is called the Air Force Bar, used by USAF and RAF pilots during the war. Lots of wartime memorabilia, photos of reunions of US pilots, signatures all over the ceiling. Also American Cemetary a short bus ride away. Several big hotels, lots of B&Bs.

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  8. excellent info all! Thanks! Will be checking out several suggestions to see if I can fit it in-Canterbury and Cambridge are top of the list now, me thinks!

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  9. My girlfriend and I went to Cambridge this time last year and spring was already started and was so colorful and green.

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  10. well, after a flurry of train ticket spending, I'm thusfar booked for Canterbury, Brighton, and Cardiff. After getting so many suggestions, I looked into York-but holy crap! £50 for a return ticket. during the week. 3 weeks in advance. yikes. may have to take put on this one for now.
    Still looking to book Cambridge, and perhaps save a 'wildcard' trip (Bath) if I get the urge once I'm on holiday. :)
    I've decided also to take a pass on The Lakes District-for now. It seems like I'll be missing a lot by not having a car, so I'll have to rely on the BF for that option in the future when he takes some time off.
    thanks again, all for the helpful suggestions!

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  12. Also nice are the shore towns on the Eastern seaboard (ugh Americanisms...) NYT profiled Whitstable a few years ago and I've always thought it would be an amazing little village to check out. Also I hear Norwich and the canals outside of it are lovely.

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