England (April 3 - 10) - Suggestions?

[phildinftlaudy]

So, I have nailed down the dates for the trip to England (Birmingham, London, and - hopefully, a jaunt over to the Isle of Man ---- to see Ann)...

Any suggested sites to see from those that have been there or who live there? I am beginning to put together my list of things to do and see (pubs are already listed multiple times).

[Miss Philicia]

Bodega Negra is Prince Harry's favorite Mexican restaurant if you're going through taco & tequila withdrawal.

http://labodeganegra.com/

... and, natch, there's always cottaging on Hampstead Heath

[phildinftlaudy]

Bodega Negra is Prince Harry's favorite Mexican restaurant if you're going through taco & tequila withdrawal.

http://labodeganegra.com/

... and, natch, there's always cottaging on Hampstead Heath

Looks good - but are you sure you haven't mistaken me for Will?   

[Miss Philicia]

Looks good - but are you sure you haven't mistaken me for Will?   

Sorry, but the branch of Chili's at Carnary Wharf is closed according to yelp. Fish & chips are out since you don't eat seafood.

[phildinftlaudy]

Sorry, but the branch of Chili's at Carnary Wharf is closed according to yelp. Fish & chips are out since you don't eat seafood.

I actually like some fish and chips (arthur treachers - lol) - Seriously, there is a little British pub in Hollywood, Florida that makes great fish and chips.... I just don't eat "fishy" seafood.

You have been to England several times right?

We are going to make homebase Birmingham and take the rail over to London.... We can take Flybe to the Isle of Man (although Ann tells me that the locals call Flybe, "fly-maybe" - as their flights often get cancelled, delayed, etc.)

I plan on taking in the World of Cadbury, the Bullring, and pubs... in addition to Aston(or is is Ashton) House, and pubs... will also want to take the underground and check out other parts of the area... and pubs...

[Miss Philicia]

So this is just a day trip to London not even an overnight stay? You won't get much done I'm afraid.

Yes, I've been to London a lot because that's where my ex lives. Would you like his phone number? He's Nigerian, has a lot of muscles, and wears size 14 shoes. He also enjoys fisting.

[buginme2]

Ive only ever been to London, never made it outside the city.  You will have a blast!  Im jealous, and April sounds like a great time to go. 

You wont be at a loss for things to do.  The touristy things that I like are the Eye, the Tower of London, the Jack the Ripper tour at night, seeing the changing of the guards, and some museums.

Of course a trip to London is not complete until you meet a handsome German named Yurg to "show you around" trust me. 

[Jmarksto]

Phil;  It has been many years since my trip to London, but one of my best memories is Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park.  It will really depend on which speakers are there, but at least you will get a walk through Hyde Park.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speakers'_Corner

I must say, I don't think Speaker's Corner will be as much fun as Miss P's ex.

JM

[phildinftlaudy]

So this is just a day trip to London not even an overnight stay? You won't get much done I'm afraid.

Yes, I've been to London a lot because that's where my ex lives. Would you like his phone number? He's Nigerian, has a lot of muscles, and wears size 14 shoes. He also enjoys fisting.

I will be doing London for a couple of days...
And yes send the number   

[Jody]

Lots of very nice things to see and do, don't miss a boat ride on the Thames River, lots of history as you know, perhaps up to Greenwich to see the time museum and the separation of the eastern and western hemispheres.  It is a very pretty and bustling city, with little gardens tucked away from the concrete buildings in places.  The museums were, as you would expect, terrific and the food was good. 

Enjoy, and I hope you get to see Ann, give her a hug from me.

Jody 

[phildinftlaudy]

Thanks everyone ---
I may have to extend my dates a day or two  --- LOL
There is a lot to do and little time to do it all. This has been a dream of mine for a long time to go to England (even though the currency conversion rate sucks right now - dayummm US Dollar - and could get worse prior to the trip if the debt ceiling deal isn't reached or causes other issues)

Oh, and I am getting ready to eat fish and chips right now (store bought fish sticks and seasoned french fries) - 

[Miss Philicia]

Oh, and I am getting ready to eat fish and chips right now (store bought fish sticks and seasoned french fries) - 

You need to begin drizzling your fries with malt vinegar so that you don't have culture shock during your trip overseas. Also learn to eat everything with HP sauce, and find a box of PG tips.

ps: bet you aren't very adept with eating curry either so stay away from Brick Lane

[wolfter]

Since you already have the local pubs covered, all I can add is; have a great time!

[phildinftlaudy]

Also learn to eat everything with HP sauce, and find a box of PG tips.

ps: bet you aren't very adept with eating curry either so stay away from Brick Lane

Okay, here goes...
What is HP sauce and what PG tips?
Also, I like curry - most times - my stomach doesn't - but I do

[Miss Philicia]

Okay, here goes...
What is HP sauce and what PG tips?
Also, I like curry - most times - my stomach doesn't - but I do

HP sauce is a brand of "brown sauce" and kind of like steak sauce but not quite completely, but they put it on more than steak. PG tips are just a type of supermarket tea bag they all seem to prefer. And if you want to soak in local culture you need to drink several cups of tea daily instead of coffee, loaded up with milk and sugar.

Oh, and make sure you find somewhere scones, jam and clotted cream with that tea. Clotted cream is amazing and super-duper fattening! That you will love.

So go to Brick Lane in the East End for curry -- the street is full of curry places and they aren't expensive. If you're visiting the Tower Bridge and Tower of London it's only a few subway stops from there.

[phildinftlaudy]

Excellent - Thanks Ms. P!

[Ann]

If you have an interest in history, I'd highly recommend the Tower of London over the other historical sites. It's the best one, IMHO.

Like I told you, it's mainly the flights to Liverpool mostly carrying people going to doctor appointments (like me) that get delayed or cancelled. The morning red-eye to Liverpool is often 75% NHS patients, sometimes more. The rest are usually people getting connecting flights when going on to holiday destinations served by John Lennon Airport. The other main flights going red-eye are London and Manchester.

They normally make sure the London and Manchester flights go on schedule, because those are the flights mainly populated by business men and women and holiday-makers. I believe they pay full rates as compared to the negotiated rates paid by the NHS. As usual, money talks.

And yes, extend those dates by a few days if you can. I'll kick your ass if you don't get over here while you're... um... over here.

[Miss Philicia]

The morning red-eye to Liverpool

PLEASE NOTE: incorrect use age

Actually I bet that whole fucking little speck of land uses that term in the wrong manner.

[Ann]

PLEASE NOTE: incorrect use age

Actually I bet that whole fucking little speck of land uses that term in the wrong manner.

Well, I feel I have every right to call the early flight the red-eye as I get very little sleep the night before and have to be up for 4am. I find it hard to fall asleep because I'm always afraid I'll sleep through the alarm and miss my flight. And I have done that a couple times. Miss my flight through being asleep, that is. Just ask Spacebar.

Your disdain for the "fucking little speck of land" I live on belies your jealousy. Get over it.

[Miss Philicia]

Your disdain for the "fucking little speck of land" I live on belies your jealousy. Get over it.

Not at all. You refer to it as mere rock routinely. If a rock isn't literally a speck then I don't know what is. It's sad that you become defensive when someone points out faulty word use age with a factual link.

Anyway, what would be the source of this jealousy? Having to make routine travel by flight to another political entity to access an infectious disease specialist, when I can literally walk to mine? okeydokey

[Jmarksto]

PLEASE NOTE: incorrect use age

Miss P:  It appears as though the "rock" you have thrown is from a glass house.  I believe that you meant "usage" as opposed to "use age".

Now, back to the point of the thread:

Phil: We have had great success with bicycle rentals and/or tours as a great way to see a number of cities.  You can cover allot of ground, get off the main tourist areas, and still capture the flavour of the city.

Best,
JM

[phildinftlaudy]

Phil: We have had great success with bicycle rentals and/or tours as a great way to see a number of cities.  You can cover allot of ground, get off the main tourist areas, and still capture the flavour of the city.

Best,
JM

Thanks JM -
That is one big goal - to get off the main tourist areas - while I want to do a few tourist spots, I am more interested in capturing the actual flavour of the England --- especially - you guessed it - the pubs 

[Miss Philicia]

Miss P:  It appears as though the "rock" you have thrown is from a glass house.  I believe that you meant "usage" as opposed to "use age".

Indeed. I should alter my spellchecker. Word usage should not be confused with misspellings. Our moderator is still incorrect on the substance. I, for one, refuse to enable her obtuse logic and continual mendacity.

I am more interested in capturing the actual flavour of the England

There used to be an excellent men's bathroom in the KFC in Notthing Hill.

[Jmarksto]

Well, I highly recommend renting bikes.  Although we have not done this in London we have in Vancouver, B.C., New York, Victoria, B.C., S.F., New Orleans, etc.  We have also rented Mt. bikes in Sedona, AZ and Banff, Alberta.  Again - you can cover quite a bit of ground, your schedule is your own, you don't have to worry about a car (especially if you are at the pubs).

Hint:  Make sure you look the bike over, ride it around the block and make sure the bike is comfortable (seat height, etc.), run through the gears from top-to-bottom to make sure they work properly, and make sure you have a flat repair kit (including a pump).  Those are all lessons from experience!

I wish I could join you!

JM

[Jmarksto]

Indeed. I should alter my spellchecker. Word usage should not be confused with misspellings. Our moderator is still incorrect on the substance. I, for one, refuse to enable her obtuse logic and continual mendacity.

If you had a Nigerian with size 14 shoes around you would probably care much less about our moderator's English and logic.

[Miss Philicia]

It's hard enough for a Yank to cross a street in London with their insistence on driving on the incorrect side of all streets. Now you want someone to navigate a bicycle? NOT ADVISED!

[Miss Philicia]

If you had a Nigerian with size 14 shoes around you would probably care much less about our moderator's English and logic.

Hey, guess what -- I dumped him, not vice versa!

[spacebarsux]

Well, I feel I have every right to call the early flight the red-eye as I get very little sleep the night before and have to be up for 4am. I find it hard to fall asleep because I'm always afraid I'll sleep through the alarm and miss my flight. And I have done that a couple times. Miss my flight through being asleep, that is. Just ask Spacebar.

I know!!  To think I almost met Ann, but didn't!

London: Well you must go to Old Crompton St. in Soho and check out the Gay scene Phil., Vauxhall if you're into more hardcore clubbing. Also, Camden Town, Brick Lane, the usual Central London hotspots Covent Garden etc.- watch a play, a little touristy cruise down the Thames, Notting Hill saturday market, get on one of those tourist hop on-hop off buses, visit the Tate Modern- modern and contemporary art. And that's a good London flavour for a couple of days.

I'd pick Oxford (an hour's train from London), Cambridge, Bath, and Brighton over Birmingham, any day. But that's me- I don't much care for Birmingham. If you have time go up to Lake District in the North of England that's awesome too. 

Enjoy your holiday!

[Jmarksto]

It's hard enough for a Yank to cross a street in London with their insistence on driving on the incorrect side of all streets. Now you want someone to navigate a bicycle? NOT ADVISED!

Now Miss P - you are recommending the men's room in a KFC, but not riding a bike?

We rented bikes in Melbourne too (which is also left hand drive) and had a great time.  We also rented a camper van for a few weeks in Australia - I only made one mistake and that was because a VERY pretty lady caught my eye as I was making a right turn. I do recommend waiting a day or two to get your bearings. 

[Miss Philicia]

Now Miss P - you are recommending the men's room in a KFC, but not riding a bike?

We rented bikes in Melbourne too (which is also left hand drive) and had a great time.  We also rented a camper van for a few weeks in Australia - I only made one mistake and that was because a VERY pretty lady caught my eye as I was making a right turn. I do recommend waiting a day or two to get your bearings. 

If you'd lost your ass due to lipoatrophy you'd not want to ride a bike either

[Miss Philicia]

I'd pick Oxford (an hour's train from London), Cambridge, Bath, and Brighton over Birmingham, any day. But that's me- I don't much care for Birmingham. If you have time go up to Lake District in the North of England that's awesome too. 

Enjoy your holiday!

Bath was great when I went, and the Cotswolds are in between there and Birmingham. That's very English if you want small, picturesque villages. Stratford-upon-Avon is around there too.

Old Compton is kind of tired but of course we seemed to be on it every other day. But the general Soho and Covent Garden areas are full of good shopping. Camden Market is always a fun afternoon.

[AverageJoe]

And make sure you stand on the right side on the escalators on the tube.

Or you will be very unpopular with us londoners.

Also it is customary to not speak whilst using the underground.

[Jeff G]

When I was in London I got on the big red bus that went round and round the city and got off when I wanted to do something . My plan when I visit a city is to not make too many plans .

[Jmarksto]

If you'd lost your ass due to lipoatrophy you'd not want to ride a bike either

Miss P: You are right.  I am glad what ass you have left is here with us.

Sincerely,
JM

[phildinftlaudy]

Thanks again for the suggestions and guidance -
I will make sure to do my best to adhere to the cultural expectations 
Don't know if I will do the bike or not - as I haven't been on one for years (and years) - and exercise disagrees with my body 

Looking forward to the trip - although, I have a feeling that it is going to go much too quick.

[Ann]

It's sad that you become defensive

~sigh~ It wasn't defensiveness, it was an attempt at humour but I thought you knew me well enough to not need the visual prompt of Get over it. I have.

Anyway, it's not "a rock", it's THE ROCK. Quite a nice one too, as rocks go. <-- inserted to insure you understand I'm not being serious in the least. OK?

Our moderator is still incorrect on the substance. I, for one, refuse to enable her obtuse logic and continual mendacity.

Pot, meet kettle. At least I haven't broken my New Year's resolution to be nice, unlike some I can think of. I wasn't foolish enough to make such a resolution in the first place, so I win.

you don't have to worry about a car (especially if you are at the pubs).

You can get done for drunk in charge of a vehicle while on a bicycle over here. It happened to a mate of mine. (In England, not THE ROCK.)

I know!!  To think I almost met Ann, but didn't!

I was mortified and still am! I couldn't believe that one of the few times I missed my flight (due to my own fault, not a cancellation) just had to happen when I was supposed to be meeting up with a forum mate after clinic. That really sucked, particularly when you consider that I was ready to go, bag at my side and jacket on, when I fell back asleep on the couch while waiting for the taxi to arrive. Served me right for being ready far too early, I suppose.



Phil, you'll have to get together with Newt. Not Gingrich, the other one.

[phildinftlaudy]

Phil, you'll have to get together with Newt. Not Gingrich, the other one.

Wherebouts is Newt at in England? I will have to send him a PM and see about meeting up.... Perhaps, at a....... wait for it...... wait for it....
a Pub. 

[Ann]

Wherebouts is Newt at in England? I will have to send him a PM and see about meeting up.... Perhaps, at a....... wait for it...... wait for it....
a Pub. 

He's either in London or Brighton these days. Can't remember which. Both locations have pubs.

[phildinftlaudy]

He's either in London or Brighton these days. Can't remember which. Both locations have pubs.

Okay
I thought he was a Brummie...
I have to see where Brighton is in relationship to Birmingham.

Hey - Ann, they will let me fly from Birmingham to Isle of Man with just a US passport, right?

[Basquo]

In 1985 I went to Camden Town Market and thought it was just fabulous, as flea markets go. I bought hair dye from a Siouxsie Sioux look-alike and some groovy jointed skeleton earrings of which I still have one. If you like shopping it might be worth a go, but if not then it might be nice to do just a walk-through if you're on your way to some place else.

[phildinftlaudy]

In 1985 I went to Camden Town Market and thought it was just fabulous, as flea markets go. I bought hair dye from a Siouxsie Sioux look-alike and some groovy jointed skeleton earrings of which I still have one. If you like shopping it might be worth a go, but if not then it might be nice to do just a walk-through if you're on your way to some place else.

Thanks Sir!   
When are you getting down to Miami again? We have many pubs here!
Did you get to the Swap Shop when you were here last time? It is one of the biggest flea markets in US.

[emeraldize]

I agree with Ann -- Tower of London and nearby, quite memorable, is the HMS Belfast--tour at your own pace.

[Rev. Moon]

I'm kinda surprised that Philicia hasn't recommended any bathhouses or XXXBookShoppes.  We all know that PhilD will be missing his favorite joint on 167th street after a couple of days.

[Ann]

I have to see where Brighton is in relationship to Birmingham.

Brighton is on the south coast directly south of London. I believe there are direct train-routes and that "day trips" from London are totally doable. But I could be wrong ie ease of travel. Brighton is a nice place to visit if you want a taste of the "real England" and has a vibrant gay community. And plenty of pubs of all different flavours.

Hey - Ann, they will let me fly from Birmingham to Isle of Man with just a US passport, right?

Yes, all you need to travel from mainland UK to THE ROCK (hehehe) is a government photo ID. All I use is my government-issue, photo ID bus pass when I travel back and forth to Liverpool.

One of these days I'm gonna get my passport renewed. It drives my partner up the wall that I don't have a current one.

[Jody]

During my fantastic trip to London in 2010 Hermie and I stayed at a quaint bed and breakfast in Vauxhall, with eggs and fruit and bacon and such a friendly place and you are correct about the bar scene, I don't think I fit in terribly well at one place.

A bunch of us, Emma, Charles, Claas, Keith and of course dear Cliff got down to Brighton one day, Newt couldn't make it, he was working.  We walked the rocky beach, I went in the water briefly.  We ate fish and chips on the beach.  It was a bit like some of the New Jersey shore communities or one of New York's beach towns.  At Victoria station we boarded a commuter train and we got there pretty easily through the countryside, with its own color of grass unique to England as bluegrass is to Kentucky.  I hope to get back to London soon, see more museums and more of Great Britain as a whole.  Jan wants me to go to Edinburgh.

Jody

[lost_boy]

I have to say, living near Birmingham, it's not as nice a city as many others... you definitely want a day or two in London, the city centre has so many famous landmarks like Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace... and depending on if you like history, you may want to check out Hampton Court, or Windsor Castle... York or Durham are both great historic towns to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon, home of Shakespeare, is just 30 mins south of Birmingham. Personally I would advice you to visit EDINBURGH it's such a stunning city and you can't miss out on Scotland! Beautiful architecture, great scenery dominated by Arthur's Seat and the Castle, cool clubs and bars and people... You've got too much choice for your visit. Just don't get stuck in Birmingham!

Both locations have pubs.

lol understatement for all of the UK...!

[phildinftlaudy]

I have to say, living near Birmingham, it's not as nice a city as many others... you definitely want a day or two in London, the city centre has so many famous landmarks like Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace... and depending on if you like history, you may want to check out Hampton Court, or Windsor Castle... York or Durham are both great historic towns to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon, home of Shakespeare, is just 30 mins south of Birmingham. Personally I would advice you to visit EDINBURGH it's such a stunning city and you can't miss out on Scotland! Beautiful architecture, great scenery dominated by Arthur's Seat and the Castle, cool clubs and bars and people... You've got too much choice for your visit. Just don't get stuck in Birmingham!
lol understatement for all of the UK...!

Thanks for the tips lost boy! 
While Birmingham is my landing and departure spot - I plan on moving around a lot.... Will probably only spend one day or two actually in Birmingham - the rest will be hitting as many other locations as possible.

[pozniceguy]

Have a great  trip...I lived in England  for  4 yrs  and still never  got to all the  great places there are..... but was able to provide a fun day  experiences  for  visitors when they  wanted to spend a  day.    1. decide on a day  "plan"...  tourist?  local colour type  places?   evening places/events?  literally hundreds to  choose. (  watch for the  "bucket" stalls neat the  theatre area  get  cheap  seats for that evening performance..)
2.  decide on eating schedule...casual? pub? ethnic?  formal?
3. scout out the  bus/train route to  fit your choices.......   buy a" AtoZ"  guide book especially for London
4  before  you leave  USA  go to  Library  or online  and scan the " AA Guide to England"   it has  all the  details about places , times , directions, comments,  closing days, market days  and so much History you will love it  all with  great pictures and comments

have a great  time  and give Ann  a big  hug  from us...for me

Nick

[phildinftlaudy]

Have a great  trip...I lived in England  for  4 yrs  and still never  got to all the  great places there are..... but was able to provide a fun day  experiences  for  visitors when they  wanted to spend a  day.    1. decide on a day  "plan"...  tourist?  local colour type  places?   evening places/events?  literally hundreds to  choose. (  watch for the  "bucket" stalls neat the  theatre area  get  cheap  seats for that evening performance..)
2.  decide on eating schedule...casual? pub? ethnic?  formal?
3. scout out the  bus/train route to  fit your choices.......   buy a" AtoZ"  guide book especially for London
4  before  you leave  USA  go to  Library  or online  and scan the " AA Guide to England"   it has  all the  details about places , times , directions, comments,  closing days, market days  and so much History you will love it  all with  great pictures and comments

have a great  time  and give Ann  a big  hug  from us...for me

Nick

Wow - Thanks for the tips Nick! I appreciate it.
I will definitely give Ann a big hug from everyone! Hopefully, she will hug me back (while we are at the pub - of course) 

[pozniceguy]

almost  forgot  have a  "alternate "plan"  for  rainy  days.....  usually went to the  one of the  huge  variety of  Museums  The  grandest is the  British Museum  but that is a  5 day  tour (  the  Brits  gathered all the  best  stuff from every place they set foot  and put it there) ... there is a super  guide book to the   unique Museums      everything from  the  Piano  Museum to  the Military  museum  (  fantastic stuff  from all centuries)

Nick  (  like I said  never got to see it all over a 4 yr  period in spite of  trying)

[spacebarsux]

Just don't get stuck in Birmingham!
lol understatement for all of the UK...!

I agree with lostboy. B'ham is the least interesting place in the UK, IMO. I lived near there (Coventry) for a while and it truly depressed me. I would keep running off to London. Like lost boy said, Stratford-Upon Avon is very near B'ham and you could make a jaunt from there.

Edinburgh is great if you have time to go up to Scotland. If you're more adventurous you could also go further up to Inverness and visit the Lochness lake. 

[phildinftlaudy]

I agree with lostboy. B'ham is the least interesting place in the UK, IMO. I lived near there (Coventry) for a while and it truly depressed me. I would keep running off to London. Like lost boy said, Stratford-Upon Avon is very near B'ham and you could make a jaunt from there.

Edinburgh is great if you have time to go up to Scotland. If you're more adventurous you could also go further up to Inverness and visit the Lochness lake. 

Based on what I am hearing.... I am considering changing my "homebase" to London and then travelling around to Birmingham and the other areas from there.... Does that sound like a better plan? I think the hotels (particularly those with hot breakfast) might be a bit more in London compared to B'ham, but I would probably make up any extra hotel expense by not having to travel back and forth to B'ham and in time (which has a value all its own). Thoughts?

[Miss Philicia]

Why did you pick Birmingham in the first place? I thought surely you must have a meeting or something that meant you had to be there. If you're trying to save money on a hotel surely there's a better place that's non-London. What's this "home base" concept anyway? Why not just travel and stay where you're traveling to?

[phildinftlaudy]

Why did you pick Birmingham in the first place? I thought surely you must have a meeting or something that meant you had to be there. If you're trying to save money on a hotel surely there's a better place that's non-London. What's this "home base" concept anyway? Why not just travel and stay where you're traveling to?

I have a "friend"    in Birmingham that I plan on seeing (however, I will only be seeing him for a day or two of the trip). I am travelling over with a female friend of mine. I didn't want to be having to book 4 or 5 different hotels in advance and did not want to run into issues of securing the type of hotel I want on a "fly-by" basis if I try to secure a room as I go from city to city.

I'm not trying to save money as much as appease the person I am travelling with. She wants a hotel that has hot breakfast, etc....   I am happy finding breakfast at local restaurants - as that is part of the fun of travelling.... but she is insistant that we have a hotel that provides breakfast as part of the package.

I initially was going to be travelling alone - and wish that I would have kept it that way - as I do much better when I can go with my flow and not try to compromise to achieve my flow and someone else's (what can I say? I didn't get the whole sharing/compromise thing in kindergarden and still struggle with it at times today).

[Miss Philicia]

Nothing wrong with trying to save money, but I'd just look for a hotel on an outer subway line in London, or even a commuter line, if that's what is needed. Actually the best experience I had was renting out someone's apartment in Covent Garden so that I had my own kitchen and didn't have to eat out except for dinner.

[spacebarsux]

Based on what I am hearing.... I am considering changing my "homebase" to London and then travelling around to Birmingham and the other areas from there.... Does that sound like a better plan? I think the hotels (particularly those with hot breakfast) might be a bit more in London compared to B'ham, but I would probably make up any extra hotel expense by not having to travel back and forth to B'ham and in time (which has a value all its own). Thoughts?

London is invaded by tourists all year round and particularly in the summer. If you look up online for "bed n breakfasts" in London or any other city in the UK you'd find plenty of options- some quite reasonable (And they should serve an English breakfast (Sausages, bacon, baked beans on toast, grilled mushroom, fried egg- with brown sauce) . As Miss P suggested, BnB/Hotel prices would be cheaper outside of Zone 1 (Central London) in London, I reckon. It's also advisable to get an Oyster Card for a week for the London underground (which incidentally just turned 150 years old yesterday)- and this also works on London buses- 24/7.

And I think changing your base to London is a great idea. There's no end to the things you can see in that city, not something one can say for Birmingham. Brighton and Oxford are also both just an hour away. You could go to either (or to both) for a day's trip- or just for the afternoon- there are trains every hour or so.

[Miss Philicia]

London is invaded by tourists all year round and particularly in the summer. If you look up online for "bed n breakfasts" in London or any other city in the UK you'd find plenty of options- some quite reasonable (And they should serve an English breakfast (Sausages, bacon, baked beans on toast, grilled mushroom, fried egg- with brown sauce) . As Miss P suggested, BnB/Hotel prices would be cheaper outside of Zone 1 (Central London) in London, I reckon. It's also advisable to get an Oyster Card for a week for the London underground (which incidentally just turned 150 years old yesterday)- and this also works on London buses- 24/7.

And I think changing your base to London is a great idea. There's no end to the things you can see in that city, not something one can say for Birmingham. Brighton and Oxford are also both just an hour away. You could go to either (or to both) for a day's trip- or just for the afternoon- there are trains every hour or so.

You can also consider something like easycar.com for cheap car rental if you think you can handle driving in the UK. That way you can spend a day or two going to Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor, Bath etc. and not be tied down to a train schedule. Then I'd just spend the rest of the time in London because there's so much to do, especially if it's your first time there.

The worst thing one can do on a week visit to another country is try to see too much -- not very restful or pragmatic.

[phildinftlaudy]

Space:  Baked beans on toast???   

So, back to my searching for the ideal locale to call "homebase."

Ms. P: As much as I am used to driving in Miami - I would probably be terrified to do so in England (the whole driving on the other side of the road would mess me up) Oh, and aren't the steering wheels on the other side of the car also? Wow - if so, I would really be dislocated - just getting into the car, not to mention then navigating from the opposite side of the road... It would be interesting to see the outcome though, I suppose.

Thank you both for the additional guidance and suggestions.

I have a feeling that I am going to wish I would have spent two weeks instead of one week (I am seriously contemplating adding an extra two days on to the trip).

I am going to look up some hotels (not sure if my travel companion will be open to the B&B) and post them to see if I am hitting the right area (If you all could provide some feedback, that would be great - I promise to pick you up a souvenir or two while I am there.... perhaps I will send you a large package consisting of a fiesty young lady from the Isle of Man). 

[phildinftlaudy]

So, any feedback on these hotels in regards to location particularly (as I don't have a clue what Zone 1, etc is and where things are in relationship to the underground and having best access to various points of interest). Here are some of the initial ones I have pre-screened:


Hampton by Hilton London Croydon   
30 Dingwall Road, Croydon, England, CR0 2NB United Kingdom
Ranked: 2 out of 19 hotels in Croydon (Tripadvisor)

Comfort Inn King's Cross
2-5 St Chad's Street, London, WC1H 8BD United Kingdom
Ranked: 211 out of 470 B/B and Inns in London (not looking good on tripadvisor)

Garden View Hotel
29-31 Nevern Square, London, SW5 9PE United Kingdom
Ranked: 471 out of 1,082 hotels in London (looking kind of small)

Orchard Hotel
86-90 Sussex Gardens, London, W2 1UH United Kingdom
Ranked: 642 out of 1,082 hotels in London (I don't think so.....)

Best Western Phoenix Hotel
1-8 Kensington Gardens Square, London, W2 4BH United Kingdom
Ranked: 365 out of 1,082 hotels in London

Any other suggestions?

[Miss Philicia]

Zone 1 refers to the innermost section of London. Transit fares are based on these zones, which is why it was suggested you find something further out if you don't want higher hotel rates. Just google-image "london zone map". And if you think I'm going to look up all of those hotels for you then I'm not sure what you're smoking. If the hotel is within a reasonable walking distance of a tube station then you don't really have to be all so concerned, then it's just a matter of how close into the city center you wish to be. It's all laid out on google maps.

If you don't want to spend an 40 min to an hour taking the subway in the morning and evening to save money on an outer zone hotel then stay in the center where everything is. You'll still take the subway some, just not such long trips. It's like staying in Manhattan versus outer Queens. Seriously girl, you're acting as if you've never lived in a city.

[Ann]

As much as I am used to driving in Miami - I would probably be terrified to do so in England (the whole driving on the other side of the road would mess me up) Oh, and aren't the steering wheels on the other side of the car also? Wow - if so, I would really be dislocated - just getting into the car, not to mention then navigating from the opposite side of the road... It would be interesting to see the outcome though, I suppose.

Actually, you'd be surprised how easy it is to make the transition from driving on the right to driving on the left - and the fact that the steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car makes it seem natural. I never had a problem once when I first started driving over here, even though like you, I thought I would.

The only problem I ever had was remembering which side of the car to get into without looking in for the steering wheel first. It took me a good ten years to get over that.

Beans on toast is a pretty good, low-cost meal. Fairly healthy too, particularly if you use whole wheat bread. Heinz beans are best - beware cheap imitations.

One thing some "Full English Breakfasts" come with is fried bread - usually white bread dropped in a skillet with a quarter to half inch of hot fat in it and fried on both sides to a deep golden brown. I bet Wumpy would love it.

[Miss Philicia]

If Miss P can handle UK driving including high speed M3 motorway roundabouts then, well, anyone can. The first time you do one is very mortifying.

[phildinftlaudy]

Maybe I can convince a taxi driver to let me test drive?

I am so looking forward to this trip....
I am doing so much researching trying to find the right hotel - the one's that are right in the prime spots of London are crazy expensive.... so, I will be doing the Zone thingy....

Thanks Ms. P for the info on searching google for zone info and hotels, etc.

My brain is a little off the past few days, but doing this research is good exercise for it..... As long as I don't end up in a hostel with 12 other people in the room and a shared bath....  Oh, and some of the rooms are ultra small - we are talking like smaller than a closet small....  I'm 6'1 (almost 6'2) and my legs (or some other body parts) wouldn't even fit comfortably in some of the ultra small rooms...

If I was going by myself, I would pick one of the small B&Bs....

Of course I will be taking plenty of pictures and posting them upon my return.

I suppose w/ my various health issues, it would probably be advisable to purchase travel insurance....  LOL

[phildinftlaudy]

The only problem I ever had was remembering which side of the car to get into without looking in for the steering wheel first.

Beans on toast is a pretty good, low-cost meal. Fairly healthy too, particularly if you use whole wheat bread. Heinz beans are best - beware cheap imitations.

One thing some "Full English Breakfasts" come with is fried bread - usually white bread dropped in a skillet with a quarter to half inch of hot fat in it and fried on both sides to a deep golden brown. I bet Wumpy would love it.

I have trouble remembering not only which side, but which car to get into, here in my own city.... Seriously, I have tried to get in other cars more than once and sat in the passenger seat once or twice looking for the steering wheel a couple of times...

The breakfast bread sounds great - I will have to try that.

[Miss Philicia]

Oh, and some of the rooms are ultra small - we are talking like smaller than a closet small....  I'm 6'1 (almost 6'2) and my legs (or some other body parts) wouldn't even fit comfortably in some of the ultra small rooms...

Are you looking at pod hotels?

[phildinftlaudy]

Are you looking at pod hotels?

LOL - nope but you would think I was...
I am actually looking at mid-level hotels... nothing overly cheap, nothing overly expensive...mid-range - but some of those rooms are even small (especially if they are close to the center of the city).

[spacebarsux]

I have trouble remembering not only which side, but which car to get into, here in my own city.... Seriously, I have tried to get in other cars more than once and sat in the passenger seat once or twice looking for the steering wheel a couple of times...

The breakfast bread sounds great - I will have to try that.

You've to also change gears with your left hand. 

And make sure you try Black Pudding-or blood sausage- in your breakfast.

[leese43]

Cross Croydon off your list. Although there's good public transport in and out of there it's not central and not the nicest of areas.

I don't know anything about the hotels but for area I would go for The Best Western W5 or  Orchard, also W5. They're close to Nottinghill - nice buzzy vibe and easy access to all the tourist spots. 

Edit - I just read reviews for both, scratch Orchard. Best Western has some good reviews.

[phildinftlaudy]

Cross Croydon off your list. Although there's good public transport in and out of there it's not central and not the nicest of areas.

I don't know anything about the hotels but for area I would go for The Best Western W5 or  Orchard, also W5. They're close to Nottinghill - nice buzzy vibe and easy access to all the tourist spots. 

Edit - I just read reviews for both, scratch Orchard. Best Western has some good reviews.

Thanks Leese -
That has been the most difficult part - picking a hotel that is central (or close to transportation - i.e. the underground/rail), one that satisfies my traveling partner, one that has good reviews, etc - and getting all of those to line up. No easy task.

Thanks again!

[Ann]

You've to also change gears with your left hand. 

It's like someone else is driving, just like when you switch to your non-dominate hand when having a wank.

[Jeff G]

It's like someone else is driving, just like when you switch to your non-dominate hand when having a wank.

Thats what I call a hot date with Ambi Dextrous .

[phildinftlaudy]

It's like someone else is driving, just like when you switch to your non-dominate hand when having a wank.

I'm left-handed, so that should be interesting.... I do everything with my left hand (except bat in baseball - go figure)....

I've tried the whole wank thing with the right hand --- didn't work for me. What can I say, I have a very faithful left hand and it felt like I was cheating on it.

Of course the ultimate in rejection is when having a wank and one's hand falls asleep.   

[Ann]

I do everything with my left hand (except bat in baseball - go figure)....

Are you trying to tell us that you bat for the other side?

[phildinftlaudy]

Are you trying to tell us that you bat for the other side?

LOL...
Now, I'm confused - would that mean I'm gay?  Roh oh... must go back to therapy.   

[Ann]

LOL...
Now, I'm confused - would that mean I'm gay?  Roh oh... must go back to therapy.   

Maybe you just need a better batting coach.

[Andy Velez]

If you are going to Camden Town, there is a Chinese restaurant on Prince Edward Road called The Galley. It's on a barge. Delicious food. The sliced duck is really something special. I never miss going there whenever I am back in London. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

[phildinftlaudy]

If you are going to Camden Town, there is a Chinese restaurant on Prince Edward Road called The Galley. It's on a barge. Delicious food. The sliced duck is really something special. I never miss going there whenever I am back in London. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

Thanks Andy - I will have to check it out.

Also, just got off the phone with my traveling companion - She is more than okay with making London homebase.  She is also talking about trying to take the rail to Paris (although, I don't know how realistic that will be given time factors and other logistical issues).

[Cliff]

Hampton by Hilton London Croydon   
30 Dingwall Road, Croydon, England, CR0 2NB United Kingdom
Ranked: 2 out of 19 hotels in Croydon (Tripadvisor)

Comfort Inn King's Cross
2-5 St Chad's Street, London, WC1H 8BD United Kingdom
Ranked: 211 out of 470 B/B and Inns in London (not looking good on tripadvisor)

Garden View Hotel
29-31 Nevern Square, London, SW5 9PE United Kingdom
Ranked: 471 out of 1,082 hotels in London (looking kind of small)

Orchard Hotel
86-90 Sussex Gardens, London, W2 1UH United Kingdom
Ranked: 642 out of 1,082 hotels in London (I don't think so.....)

Best Western Phoenix Hotel
1-8 Kensington Gardens Square, London, W2 4BH United Kingdom
Ranked: 365 out of 1,082 hotels in London

Any other suggestions?

Hmmm, defo not Croydon.  Too far.  Rather than going West, I generally recommend people try hotels in East London or South.  You generally get cheaper rates but the connections to central London are just as good.  West London is considered nicer, so hotels can charge more for the same star rating. 

I don't know your budget, but cast a wider net to apartments/holiday flats.  You often get much better deals, more central but you lack some of the hotel convenience (like umm a shit restaurant attached to the4 property).   Google holiday flats London.

I've never stayed at any of the above so can't comment on them specifically.  Try Premier Inn.  I haven't stayed in one but they are usually pretty cheap but with decent rooms.

[Cliff]

In terms of things to do....there are a million!  Get a decent book and just choose what you fancy.  Museums are abundant and great.  My favorite is Tate Modern....but the National Gallery is probably a must and can be combined with other things to do in Covent Garden.  Drinks in soho, of course.  The city has fantastic restaurant at all price points, so you'll have no problem there.  A good gastropub is a must....I wouldn't go cheap here as the food can be really, really good if you go upmarket a bit (and really, really shit at a cheap one....as in like Microwave food).   Some choices are:

Ancher & Hope (in Southwark, very close to South Bank, so you can combine with a visit to Tate Modern)
The Eagle (Farringdon)
Fox & Anchor
Harwood Arms
Sometimes I go to CHurchill arms....a good but stuffy pub that has great Thai food.  It's quite spicy so when they say its spicy, it is....go there when you take a trip to Notting Hill.

Weather should be warming up then, so stroll some of London's great parks (Regent Park is my favorite).  But April can be very wet and mild (so pack appropriately).

Gotta see a show here...I'm not into theatre much, but War horse was good.  I've gotten tickets to the Book of Mormon, which I'm looking forward to....book in advance if you can.

But just walk around....that's my favorite thing to do.  And you must do Boris bikes.  It's a good way to get around and see the city.  But be careful, Will and I took a bike ride and I made a sharp turn and forced him to fall off his bike, in front of a bus!!!  London streets are busy but the traffic is used to cyclist. 

Good thing you won't base yourself in B'ham.  That would have been tragic.

Enjoy.

[leese43]

I stayed at a Premier Inn when I went up to Manchester in November and was pleasantly surprised.

Please walk straight passed any Angus steakhouses

Leese

Edit - If you are sharing a room PI's won't do because it's basically the same room as a single - double bed and sofa bed. The sofa in my room was quite small.

[Ann]

Try Premier Inn.  I haven't stayed in one but they are usually pretty cheap but with decent rooms.

I've stayed at about six or seven different Premier Inns in various parts of England and they're good value for money. Clean rooms, friendly staff. No room service, but the restaurant is open from around 6am to 11pm or midnight - and there's always a bar. Breakfast can be included in the cost of the room.

Please walk straight passed any Angus steakhouses

Premier Inns in suburban areas often have a chain-type restaurant attached and some of them aren't very good. The ones in city centres usually have an integral restaurant that isn't a chain and are, in general, much better. One doesn't usually book a PI room for the food anyway, it's all about the inexpensive but decent accommodation.

Travel Lodge is very similar price and quality-wise (stayed in one in Liverpool the night Obama first got elected) but I'm not sure if they operate in London.

And of course you'll be staying at Smith Inn when you come to the Rock - but the in-house food can be a bit hit-and-miss. If you're a good boy you might get breakfast in bed. 

[Ann]

Heh. I went to Liverpool for clinic yesterday and I have to take back (maybe not everything) what I've said over the years about FlyMAYBe FlyBe.

About 30 minutes before my flight was due to board, there came the dreaded announcement:

"FlyBe regrets to announce the delay of flight BE-blahblahblah to...."

I inwardly groaned because to date, in my experience, the next word in that sentence is always Liverpool.

But yesterday, the next word was MANCHESTER!

My bf and I looked at each other in total amazement, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. What a shock! For once they didn't steal our plane earmarked for the Liverpool flight to make sure a London or Manchester flight went on time.

Once we boarded the reason became apparent - there were only a couple empty seats. Judging by how many people had been in the departure lounge, the Manchester flight couldn't have had more than a dozen or so passengers. Take that, Manchester!

For those of you scratching your heads, wondering why I decided to post this little nugget in this thread, it's because I've been slagging FlyMAYBe FlyBe off to Phil since he first announced that he was cumming coming over.

[phildinftlaudy]

Supervisor just now officially approved my leave request for 4/3 - 4/11....

Should be booking hotel and air this weekend.

77 days until departure 

[Miss Philicia]

GOING TO FRANCE: MAY 28 - JUNE 4

(I have a free place to stay the entire time, specifically Lyon) 

oink

[BT65]

GOING TO FRANCE: MAY 28 - JUNE 4

(I have a free place to stay the entire time, specifically Lyon) 

Are you serious??

[Miss Philicia]

Are you serious??

Yes, but it was a typo -- it's May 28 -June 7; my friends were able to swing me a better airfare with their mileage I think. Waiting for confirmation. Really only nine days as the rest are travel because none are direct flights. They're 12.5 hour flights with transfers.

But I can't complain.

[phildinftlaudy]

Just booked the hotel and flight.

I will be staying at the Grosvenor - Buckingham Palace.... about three/four blocks from Buckingham Palace and adjacent to Victoria Station:

http://www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/the_grosvenor_hotel/index.html




I will be leaving Fort Lauderdale on April 4th at 1:00 pm --- Arrive in London @ 7:00 am on April 5th

Return on April 11th.

Got some great rates.... Flight and hotel (splitting w/ traveling friend) $1,805 USD

Very excited... The hotel location is excellent.

[phildinftlaudy]

Less than 5 weeks til jolly old England!
Can you tell I am getting excited?

Converted a bunch of currency - so I have my GBP's ready.... or are they called Sterling? Quid?  Scrilla? Cheddar? 

[mikeyb39]

Ahhhhh! that will be fun for sure.  I hope you are bringing a lot of Pounds with ya.  Jolly ol England can be hell on your wallet.  US dollars suck over there.

[phildinftlaudy]

Ahhhhh! that will be fun for sure.  I hope you are bringing a lot of Pounds with ya.  Jolly ol England can be hell on your wallet.  US dollars suck over there.

I know - I converted $1,000 USD and got $605 GBP in return         And getting ready to convert more this week.

[Miss Philicia]

I know - I converted $1,000 USD and got $605 GBP in return         And getting ready to convert more this week.

Why are you travelling with so much cash? Just use an ATM when you are over there.

[OneTampa]

Why are you travelling with so much cash? Just use an ATM when you are over there.

If you intend to use your ATM Card, you may want to see if your bank suggests that you inform them ahead of time in order to guarantee you assess.  Wells Fargo does when we travel:

[Miss Philicia]

Yes, I've always done that. Though if you bought your airline tickets with the same card they will usually figure it out.

A large bank like WF is going to have an office in a place like London. It's not like travelling to Haiti.

And if you bank with a smaller institution and are worried about ATM use you should at least just travel with travelers checks.

[buginme2]

I think you should think twice about travelling with all that cash.  My bank has never left me stranded in a foreign country. After all, people do travel.   If you are concerned, call them ahead of time and ask for their direct/non 800 number you can call internationally should something happen (many times you cant call 800 numbers from some foreign countries).

Your much more likely to lose or have someone steal all that cash.  I got robbed by a taxi driver in Prague once.

[anniebc]

I know - I converted $1,000 USD and got $605 GBP in return        

That about as much as I lose everytime I visit the States.

Anyway, I would recommend a visit to Bath, and York if you can do it, Bath is a lot closer to London than York but  both are beautiful old English cities. albeit them small cities.
I lived in Colchester for 6 years, it's an Army town and is surrounded by the original Roman walls and the Colchester Castle is right in the center, a good place to visit if you are interested in Roman history.

Have the best time, and give Ann a hug for me.

Aroha
Jan

[Jeff G]

Phil ... Jan is talking the city of Bath , not the house .

[anniebc]

Phil ... Jan is talking the city of Bath , not the house .

LOL.

[phildinftlaudy]

Phil ... Jan is talking the city of Bath , not the house .

Dayumm, and I had already made reservations at all the local baths based on Jan's insistence!!!

Oh - and thank you everyone for the feedback - I will only take the current GBP I have already on me....Any additional funds I will get off of my Bank of America card or USAA (although USAA offers only 1% international transaction fee - I have to see what BofA charges).... And both banks allow me to let them know online if I am traveling overseas so that there are no unnecessary holds placed on the card(s).

Thanks again for the feedback on carrying of the cash... It is appreciated 

[Jmarksto]

Phil;

It is a smart move notifying your credit card/bank that you will be traveling.  I had my credit card de-activated when I was in a small town in Australia on a Sunday evening with no phone service and no internet access.

Wishing you a safe and fun trip!

JM

[phildinftlaudy]

Getting ready to head to the airport in a bit - flight leaves at 1:00 pm... Excited about my trip... Although, there has been a bit of sadness and anxiety - my brother was rushed to the hospital yesterday and is in the ICU. He is conscious, but extremely ill. He will definitely be on my mind during the trip - but, I know he is in good hands.

Pictures upon my return or if I can figure out how to do it while on my journey.

-Be good 

Phil

[Jmarksto]

Phil;  I am wishing your brother well, and you Bon voyage. 

Enjoy,
JM

[Jeff G]

Im watching Phils plane as gets off to Engalnd . Miss P sent me that flight tracker thingy and its rather cool .

[Miss Philicia]

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL110

Phil is currently 750 miles south of Greenland, current time 1:36 AM, and probably watching a bad movie or zonked out on ambien.

[Jeff G]

Yep ... he is way over half way there now .

[Miss Philicia]

48 minutes from landing!

please return your trays to the upright position

[phildinftlaudy]

Hi All:
Back from England - returned a day early due to my brother taking a turn for the worse... Got in last night around 7:30 pm.... At hospital with mom right now (brother is still in ICU) We are hoping he pulls through.

England was great - cold, but not rainy.. Food was so-so... Hotel was awesome...

Went to Buckingham Palace; Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehedge, Birmingham, Big Ben, Supreme Court, Themes River, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, etc - Have some pretty good pics of the London Eye and the above sites...

Will be staying w/ my mother tonight at my brother's house - hope to leave hospital around 10 pm... Then back here tomorrow morning.... Hoping to stay at my house tomorrow evening and get a bit of rest - but it depends how the day goes for my bro. Mom is tired and we are just trying to hang in there....

Pics coming soon...
-Phil

[WillyWump]

Welcome home Phil. Glad you are back safely. Sorry about your brother, hang in there hope he gets better! If you get a minute check the Grants comm inbox, there's some stuff in there for you.

-Will

[Jeff G]

Welcome home Phil ... I'm thinking of you and hoping for the best for your brother .

[Jody]

Sorry to hear about your brother's illness Phil, hoping for the best there.  Glad you did get to see some great places in England, it's a wonderful place.

Be well dear man,

Jody

[BT65]

Phil, glad you made it back safely.  I'm sorry about your brother, I hope things get better.  Looking forward to seeing the pics!

[britchick]

Im so glad that you got home to be with your brother.

Im so sorry about our weather!!!!!!!!!!!This time last year was much warmer.Sounds like you still had a good time though.


Britchickx

[Andy Velez]

Hope things go well with your brother, Phil.

Glad you had some good times in the UK.

Cheers.

[Miss Philicia]

I just spoke with Phil, and have been doing so throughout this health issue with his older brother. His brother's situation has become more serious -- quite dire in fact. Obviously this is a lot for Phil to deal with, and also having his mother there, etc. I won't say much more other than for everyone to think extra hard for his brother.

[Jeff G]

Phil and his family will be in my thoughts , thanks for the update .

[bocker3]

Phil,

So sorry to hear about your brother..... sending good thoughts his way.

Hugs,
Mike

[pozniceguy]

welcome  home  Phil   hoping for the  best  outcomes for  you and  brother... very   stressfull   time  for the  family

Nick