I’ve wanted to go to England for as long as I can remember. While I love America and am glad it’s home, there’s something about Britain in general and England in particular that absolutely mesmerizes me. And it’s going to be mesmerizing me in person in a few months — I just bought a ticket to London for a ten-day trip at the end of February! Dreams do come true. ;)
I’ve only got eight days in London, and I want to keep this trip as cheap as possible (yes, I know, London is expensive and so that’s kind of impossible :)). There’s so much to see that I could go crazy trying to fit it all in…so I’m not even going to try. My plan this time (and I’m operating under the assumption that there will be many more visits) is to enjoy an unhurried week and a half wandering around the streets of London, primarily on foot. I also plan to spend a day at Oxford/Cambridge and hopefully a day in Wales, too.
So, for those of you who’ve been to London: what should I see?
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You’re going to London?! Firstly, I hate you. Secondly, I will lend you my DK Eyewitness guidebook (they are the best) and my London map book. And I will also send this to you in an email, because this post will likely get massive.
So yay for London!
I have never been to London, but I am so extremely jealous. My drama club in high school went and loved it. This makes me excited for you though.
i’m gnawingly jealous. i’ve been dying to go back.
my suggestions are: sir john sloane’s museum, temple church, hampstead heath (though it’ll be cold). and don’t miss the classical music: you can get student tickets for st. martin’s in the fields for just a few pounds, and student prices at the other concerts are infinitely reasonable, as well. lots of people go see the shows, but london’s classical music is the best in the world (along w/ vienna). i also suggest just wandering around and walking, and visiting the smaller churches and art galleries.
does your day in wales include time getting there and back? if so, you’re not spending a day in wales: you’re spending a day on a train. i would either skip it and spend more time in oxbridge, or give yourself more time there.
Expect an email with tons of suggestions soon! My study abroad spent two weeks in London, so our schedule should adapt easily, especially since you don’t have class.
Give me a call, I’d love to give you my insight — but too lazy to type that much. Q&A is much much easier.
: )
Ben –
You are, of course, entitled to an insider’s tour of Cambridge when you get here in February. Just let me know which day you will be coming. Since you like libraries, I’ll try to get you into the most famous ones here. Plus all the other old Gothic buildings.
Yup – Ben, talk with me soon. Liz and I went together, as you know, and I’ve got all the tips down for what makes a crazy awesome trip in London. But it kind of depends – do you want to hit shows/museums/shopping (ha) – what is your focus? Email me. We’ll get together and I’ll show you my bazillions of photos and our schedule/give you tips on getting around in a cheep/effective way. London doesn’t have to be expensive. Museums are free (for the most part). Best museums? National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern/Britain and (my favorite) the Imperial War Museum. You can see Shakespeare for about 5 pounds if you’re willing to stand in the Globe. . . things like that. You don’t have to pay a ton of money to experience London. Seriously.
As for Oxford – you better freaking visit Magdalen – it’s gorgeous. Eat at the Eagle and Child and for the love of all that is holy GO TO EVENSONG at Christchurch.
Down to less than two months away now. Wow. I can hardly believe it…
Mel: Mwahaha, and thanks. :)
Ginger: Heck, I’m extremely jealous of myself. :P
Anna: Thanks for all the suggestions! And good point on the day in Wales. I don’t know yet which way I’ll go — so much to do and so little time! — but I’ll definitely be going back later.
Liz: Awesome. Thanks! :)
Silus: Email me your phone number. (Since that’s kind of essential to making a phone call. :))
Dan: Wonderful! I’ll email you and we can arrange it. Mmm — Cambridge!
Joni: Thanks for the suggestions! And I’ll email you. :)
Throw in your two cents