UK or Bust 2020
Re: UK or Bust 2020
The rail pass is extremely good value for money, compared to standard rail fares. I live in the Philippines and when returning to the UK I always use one. A big advantage is the ability to take any train, so detailed departure time planning is not critical.
Re: UK or Bust 2020
Well, wherever you go, don’t forget to try out the famous echo in the British Museum Reading Room. An absolute must I’m told.....
Tony
Tony
Men with false teeth may yet speak the truth.......
- Phat Controller
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 2:57 pm
- Location: Sydney (Australia)
Re: UK or Bust 2020
Wow! What great suggestions as I too have been contemplating the trip to the Motherland! I however will be looking at a more sedate form of transport such as a canal boat wending my merry way thru the industrial backlots of the mid/north west. I've been wanting to do that for ages and I'm getting more enthusiastic about the whole trip (whenever I actually get down to getting a schedule together) now this thread has given me some more options to ponder over - thank you everyone.
research = asking a bloke who knows a bloke who said something vaguely similar to what I wanted to hear! - Tony (aka the Phat Controller)
Re: UK or Bust 2020
Canal narrowboating (not barging unless you are a wide beam boat on the Leeds Liverpool!) is a pleasant way to get around (slowly!). Depending on the time of year it can be very busy which for me spoiled things somewhat. The English canal system (with a little bit of Wales) can be anything from very pretty to very industrial.
The modern way for hire boats is to suggest you do "rings" where you start out at one place then go round a circuit and end up back at the same place. If you want to do a ring which includes countryside and industrial then the Stourport Ring is one of the best. On it you will go past Tardbigge where Tom Rolt (he of the original preserved railway, the Tallylyn, fame) moored his boat Cresssy during WW2 and wrote Narrow Boat there which lead to the forming of the IWA. Then through Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham. You will also go past the Black Country Museum, well worth a visit. Through one of the longest tunnels and down the flight of locks in Stourbridge where my wife's ancestors lived and worked in the Glass Industry (nice museum next to the canal. You will then pass through some lovely countryside through Kidderminster (centre for carpets) and out onto the River Severn at Stourport on Severn. 6 hours per day cruising time is quite leisurely, though a lot of that will be locks on a few days!
https://www.black-prince.com/stoke-prio ... -holidays/
The modern way for hire boats is to suggest you do "rings" where you start out at one place then go round a circuit and end up back at the same place. If you want to do a ring which includes countryside and industrial then the Stourport Ring is one of the best. On it you will go past Tardbigge where Tom Rolt (he of the original preserved railway, the Tallylyn, fame) moored his boat Cresssy during WW2 and wrote Narrow Boat there which lead to the forming of the IWA. Then through Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham. You will also go past the Black Country Museum, well worth a visit. Through one of the longest tunnels and down the flight of locks in Stourbridge where my wife's ancestors lived and worked in the Glass Industry (nice museum next to the canal. You will then pass through some lovely countryside through Kidderminster (centre for carpets) and out onto the River Severn at Stourport on Severn. 6 hours per day cruising time is quite leisurely, though a lot of that will be locks on a few days!
https://www.black-prince.com/stoke-prio ... -holidays/
Re: UK or Bust 2020
If you also like fishing, as I do, you can combine the two hobbies !!b308 wrote:Canal narrowboating (not barging unless you are a wide beam boat on the Leeds Liverpool!) is a pleasant way to get around (slowly!). Depending on the time of year it can be very busy which for me spoiled things somewhat. The English canal system (with a little bit of Wales) can be anything from very pretty to very industrial.
The modern way for hire boats is to suggest you do "rings" where you start out at one place then go round a circuit and end up back at the same place. If you want to do a ring which includes countryside and industrial then the Stourport Ring is one of the best. On it you will go past Tardbigge where Tom Rolt (he of the original preserved railway, the Tallylyn, fame) moored his boat Cresssy during WW2 and wrote Narrow Boat there which lead to the forming of the IWA. Then through Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham. You will also go past the Black Country Museum, well worth a visit. Through one of the longest tunnels and down the flight of locks in Stourbridge where my wife's ancestors lived and worked in the Glass Industry (nice museum next to the canal. You will then pass through some lovely countryside through Kidderminster (centre for carpets) and out onto the River Severn at Stourport on Severn. 6 hours per day cruising time is quite leisurely, though a lot of that will be locks on a few days!
https://www.black-prince.com/stoke-prio ... -holidays/
Great grandson of Peter Benjamin Spicer (LNWR retired deceased)
Nephew of Cecil Roberts Spicer (GWR retired deceasd)
Nephew of Cecil Roberts Spicer (GWR retired deceasd)
- Bufferstop
- Posts: 13796
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 12:06 pm
- Location: Bottom end of N. Warks line
Re: UK or Bust 2020
I think by now you should be getting the impression that there is just too much to pack into one visit. Plan to come again and see the things you missed on this trip.
Growing old, can't avoid it. Growing up, forget it!
My Layout, My Workbench Blog and My Opinions
My Layout, My Workbench Blog and My Opinions
Re: UK or Bust 2020
A trove of information, thank you many times over.
Below is a link to a Time Team Special regarding Stonehenge. Perhaps you've already seen it. I was rather bowled over by it, as I was of the traditional teachings regarding this astonishing site. By the end of the documentary I thought to myself that maybe I'd skip the henge and just go gaze upon the lovely Avon River. What an absolutely gorgeous river. Quintessentially British.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2GVfGUk48I&t=5s
Below is a link to a Time Team Special regarding Stonehenge. Perhaps you've already seen it. I was rather bowled over by it, as I was of the traditional teachings regarding this astonishing site. By the end of the documentary I thought to myself that maybe I'd skip the henge and just go gaze upon the lovely Avon River. What an absolutely gorgeous river. Quintessentially British.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2GVfGUk48I&t=5s
Nessie rocks!
Re: UK or Bust 2020
I fear you are quite correct. One could spend 9 days in London, 9 days in just about any spot you could stick a pin into. I've got to get my head together on this so I don't end up seeing nothing because I tried to cram it all in.Bufferstop wrote:I think by now you should be getting the impression that there is just too much to pack into one visit. Plan to come again and see the things you missed on this trip.
Perhaps I should cash in on my Canadian citizenship and spend my declining years ambling about the country side with a stick.
Nessie rocks!
Re: UK or Bust 2020
It goes back to what several of us have said already. You need to make a list of what you all want to see, done in order of priority. Then we can advise you of what is possible and what isn't. 9 days is insufficient even to do one small part of our island!
- Phat Controller
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 2:57 pm
- Location: Sydney (Australia)
Re: UK or Bust 2020
That's exactly what I say about travellers coming to New Zealand (remember I'm a Kiwi - just residing in Aus)
You need at least 3 to 4 weeks just to get a sniff of the scenery in NZ, but I think a lot more in the UK, to visit the historical places of interest to the overseas traveller.
I (we) hope to be over for a month and travel at a leisurely pace depending on our available funds at the time. It would be nice too to get in the narrowboats (sorry for the prior indiscretion), a few museums (such as Duxford and the Tank museum in Dorset) and maybe a model train show or fair to top off my visit. My relatives came from Paignton in Devon - so it's a given we will start there for a look see.
So far it's a pipe dream, as my health is holding us back, I'm booked in for more surgery in the new year. But this thread gives me an insight to what we can do.
Apologies to Chops I don't want to "hi-jack" your thread so I'll keep my head low, and observe
You need at least 3 to 4 weeks just to get a sniff of the scenery in NZ, but I think a lot more in the UK, to visit the historical places of interest to the overseas traveller.
I (we) hope to be over for a month and travel at a leisurely pace depending on our available funds at the time. It would be nice too to get in the narrowboats (sorry for the prior indiscretion), a few museums (such as Duxford and the Tank museum in Dorset) and maybe a model train show or fair to top off my visit. My relatives came from Paignton in Devon - so it's a given we will start there for a look see.
So far it's a pipe dream, as my health is holding us back, I'm booked in for more surgery in the new year. But this thread gives me an insight to what we can do.
Apologies to Chops I don't want to "hi-jack" your thread so I'll keep my head low, and observe
research = asking a bloke who knows a bloke who said something vaguely similar to what I wanted to hear! - Tony (aka the Phat Controller)
Re: UK or Bust 2020
Tony and anyone else planning to visit this part of the country.
We visited Duxford a couple of years back, well worth the visit.
While you are in Paington plan a visit to Bygones and on the way through stop off at Pecorama.
Closer to home (for me, I live in Wimborne) if your planning to visit the Tank Museum, it would be worth taking a trip on the steam train from Norden to Swanage, you can stop off at Corfe Castle, also worth visiting Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Dave
We visited Duxford a couple of years back, well worth the visit.
While you are in Paington plan a visit to Bygones and on the way through stop off at Pecorama.
Closer to home (for me, I live in Wimborne) if your planning to visit the Tank Museum, it would be worth taking a trip on the steam train from Norden to Swanage, you can stop off at Corfe Castle, also worth visiting Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Dave
Re: UK or Bust 2020
all the way down. My recollection of Wales is that it was one of the most extraordinary landscapes, it seemed to reach
out and embrace me; I was mesmerized and had no difficulty sitting in a chair on a porch and simply staring at the
meadows. Never been to the Lakes District, but what I've seen on video knocks my socks off. I want to see every
river, peer in every Bronze Age pot, hike every forest, roll about in every meadow. My wife and daughter are also
quite enthusiastic, it will be their first time. (Expletive) hope this won't be my last time, nine days is nothing.
Not overly fascinated by cities in general, but London itself would swallow nine days in a blink, and not scratch the surface.
I've been in and around Boston, New York, Denver, LA, San Francisco, and they are interesting to me, I regret to say, only
mildly compared to what appears to teem in London. Londonium. Wow. Honolulu, Maui, most delightful, but I am rather
keen for the brisk British coast, rain or shine. Fortunately, time is on my side, for now, the vacation budget inflates steadily,
like a balloon...and I am taking careful note of every suggesting coming my way, herein.
Long story, but in 1964, also went to Leningrad and Stalingrad. Once was enough, thank you.
So, meanwhile the Mursey-on-the-Smurf* Chapter of the Lady's Royal Commision Upon the Preservation of
Monster of Loch Ness, are taking holiday to view the elusive plesiosaur. I am feeling one of my turns coming on,
time for another Henley video...
*"Mursey-on-the-Smurf" is plagiarized from an episode of the brilliant series, "The Avengers."
Nessie rocks!
- dubdee1000
- Posts: 887
- Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:59 pm
- Location: cwm brynbuga
Re: UK or Bust 2020
Haha.
You've already been handed plenty of fine places to visit. I live in South Wales, 90 minutes from the Gower coast. The other weekend I was down there (Port Eynon) and it rained all day. I sat in the camper van, mug of tea in hand, watching the white horses crash on the beach, listening to the radio...I wasn't bored once. Yet I've often been in London wondering what to do, bored to tears.
The happiness in your tour will be whatever you make it. I wish you well.
You've already been handed plenty of fine places to visit. I live in South Wales, 90 minutes from the Gower coast. The other weekend I was down there (Port Eynon) and it rained all day. I sat in the camper van, mug of tea in hand, watching the white horses crash on the beach, listening to the radio...I wasn't bored once. Yet I've often been in London wondering what to do, bored to tears.
The happiness in your tour will be whatever you make it. I wish you well.
My work in progress : http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... 22&t=24680
Re: UK or Bust 2020
As someone remarked, "spoilt for choice." Wonder if the company would mind me taking a year or two off.
Does this make any sense?
Day 1 London: wife wants to see the changing of the guards. Maybe I could squeeze in the London Transport Museum while they
stand in the rain. Done plenty of marching in circles, and whilst the Brits do it better, I've had my share.
Day 2 &3: York. What I saw on Youtube, looks to have a decent mix of history, gardens, and shopping for the ladies. The interactive museum
looks to be brilliant. Not sure I could be dragged out of there too quickly. Watching "Time Team's" excavations makes me want to pack a spade.
Day 3,4,5: Lakes District. Biking, Hiking.
Day 6,7,8: Brighton Beach, or I have been told that Cornwall is most inviting. More biking, beach walking.
Day 9 Back to London, or Manchester, fly back to US.
I am told that a Rail pass has advantages, and is cheaper for tourists, and I am eager to sample British rail travel. Honestly, rail travel in the US is frightfully expensive and a bit exotic. I am concerned I am packing too much in, and I am sure London would be a fascination, even though I am not keen on the city life.
"Blists Hill:" I must look this up. Thanks for the tip.
For lodging, does anyone have a view regarding Bed and Breakfast, and what has become quite popular stateside, "Air BNB?"
My UK travel account is growing nicely. Hope nothing blows up in my face between now and then.
2021: Wales and Scotland.
Does this make any sense?
Day 1 London: wife wants to see the changing of the guards. Maybe I could squeeze in the London Transport Museum while they
stand in the rain. Done plenty of marching in circles, and whilst the Brits do it better, I've had my share.
Day 2 &3: York. What I saw on Youtube, looks to have a decent mix of history, gardens, and shopping for the ladies. The interactive museum
looks to be brilliant. Not sure I could be dragged out of there too quickly. Watching "Time Team's" excavations makes me want to pack a spade.
Day 3,4,5: Lakes District. Biking, Hiking.
Day 6,7,8: Brighton Beach, or I have been told that Cornwall is most inviting. More biking, beach walking.
Day 9 Back to London, or Manchester, fly back to US.
I am told that a Rail pass has advantages, and is cheaper for tourists, and I am eager to sample British rail travel. Honestly, rail travel in the US is frightfully expensive and a bit exotic. I am concerned I am packing too much in, and I am sure London would be a fascination, even though I am not keen on the city life.
"Blists Hill:" I must look this up. Thanks for the tip.
For lodging, does anyone have a view regarding Bed and Breakfast, and what has become quite popular stateside, "Air BNB?"
My UK travel account is growing nicely. Hope nothing blows up in my face between now and then.
2021: Wales and Scotland.
Nessie rocks!