Mark how about watching a game at Emirates Stadium on Sunday 29th instead Arsenal vs Inter Milan

ok someone told me to go to Brighton?

other places mentioned were: Oxford, Cambridge and Bath

PS -- this friend studied in england..and said....Oxford should be for me as quote" as You are such an Oxford type of girl" but i have no idea what an Oxford-type is like...wonder if they all have bad taste in football team as does Mark he also said I must say darlin and cheers all the time while Im there

another question...I have a friend in Leeds....is it worth going to though? I have roughly 9 days in england.....

I hope your not MiG!

ok Leeds is out. but so is Emirates Cup

so whats an Oxford type like then Mark?

still no clue about what Ill be doing while there but I suppose I should go say hello to the Queen.....

Ill look up my London map once Im back in Bangkok......there are some things I still prefer to do the old-fashioned way.....

ermm wheres Vauxhall in relation to places worth visiting in London?

Vauxhall the place or vauxhall my workplace???????

What made you mention that??

ok Leeds is out. but so is Emirates Cup

so whats an Oxford type like then Mark?

still no clue about what Ill be doing while there but I suppose I should go say hello to the Queen.....

Ill look up my London map once Im back in Bangkok......there are some things I still prefer to do the old-fashioned way.....

ermm wheres Vauxhall in relation to places worth visiting in London?

Sarfwest Lunnun in the dialect or southwest London in English.

Not a bad spot for going places as it's on a toob (subway) line.

ahhh thanks FS

Im thinking apart from London....Brighton...Cambridge...Oxford.....

comments people? and is it a day trip type thing is enough? or should i plan to spend some night/s in either of these places?

One thing you should consider.

Do you drive ?

Last year I was planning/costing a trip to the UK and found a site which gave train timetable and fare details.

I would have been coming into an airport north of London and had to go to Surrey (south of London).

It was actually cheaper and quicker to hire a car to do the trip.

Rail travel in the UK is now a total clusterf*ck thanks to privatisation.

(I could tell you a story but I won't bore you).

Plus you have to consider :

1 How much of your time do you want to spend with your butt in a car/bus/train seat.

2 What do you do arriving in a town that is SO INTERESTING but you don't have the first idea what to do/where to go?

1. I dont drive (could share some stories about that...but that will probably end up being another 7 pages thread )

2. yes Im unsure where Im gonna start now that my footie game is out of the picture.

i was thinking buckingham, tower of london, westminster, st.paul's

Tate Modern and British Musuem?

the rest well i guess walk around Hyde park, check out some nice areas for cafes and back streets? so whats a nice small funky-ish suburb to go to?

i thought someone mentioned there are places that do outdoor concerts?

gosh my memory certainly isnt working tonight...had a minor accident earlier.....nothing to worry (I hope)...the doc has seen it and assured me it wont leave a scar....just a big swelling for tomorrow OUCH....my head starting to hurt....wonder if he will ever make it back with the icepack and pain killer!

ok im ranting now....and my head and eyes starting to feel heavy. I knew Manila is not my lucky place!! grrrrr

A walk around Hyde Park.. mmm.. that'll be a darn long walk then as it's huge, Regents Park would be nicer and they have the London zoo there.

I wish I could be in London to help you find your way around, so sorry, but... if you start your day at Waterloo Bridge, from the bridge you get probably one of the best views in London, the River Thames and on the north side the Embankment.

London is two cities did you know? From the bridge you can see to the west the City of Westminter with a clear view of Parliment, and to the east the City of London with the financial district and St Pauls Cathederal, the views from the bridge are spectacular and its a good place to get pictures and watch the world go by.

When you've finished that head due north and walk about 2km to Covent Garden, here you will find an old market place that is now full of small shops and cafe's, it's a good place to hang out and people watch and there are many street performers, from there head out of the Market area north toward the Covent garden tube station, form here it may get confusing, so if in doubt take the tube and go one stop to Leicester Square, but if your feeling adventurous walk heading west toward the Charing Cross Road it's a nice area, full of tourists and quite safe you may get a little lost among the small streets here but keep going and you will come to the Charing Cross Road.

When you get there follow it north and you have theatre land with the big theatres on Drury Lane and Shaftsbury Avenue or south and it will lead you to Trafalgar Square.

Head straight across the Charing Cross road though and west into Leicester Square this is where all the big cinemas are and another place to hang out, but carry on walking west and you will come to Piccadily Circus with the famous fountain and the statue of Eros.

Ok I hope you made it this far!

Turn around and head back to Leicester Square go through there and head south on the Charing Cross Road toward Trafalgar Square as you walk inot the top of the square you will see the famous fountains and Nelsons Column. To your left is a church, St Martins in the Field a refuge of the poor for hundreds of years and to the right the huge building that runs across the north of the square is the National Gallery , it houses some of the most famous paintings in the world, er.. sunflowers and er.. the bathers by um Bezet I think lots of classic paintings too.. er anyway it's great not only that but entry is free.

Fom there well you could walk south west and through Admiralty Arch along The Mall and up to Buckingham Palace, the biggest house in London, but that is a long walk, or south through Whitehall past the Cenitaph war memorial and through to the Houses of Parliment and Westminter Cathederal...

or from the southside of Trafalgar Square there are numerous different sightseeing tours available on open top double decker busses, that can take you up to Buck Palace around St James and into Kensington here you will find Harrods, the British Museum and The Natural History and Science Museum, or around the City, Fleet Street, St Pauls, The Bank of England, or Parliment and Westminster all with a commentry and a good view... phew!

Well that would make for a pretty full day and there is so much more to see, take your time as there is so much history and every building and area has a story, as for night life you need to find some good company and as I'm not there maybe a cup of cocoa and an early night before the next days adventure.

Good luck, I hope you find your way along, sorry about the north, south etc but London is confusing and you will get lost,

just head for the landmarks I've pointed out and don't talk to any strange men unless they're very good looking.

Robski....awwwww how sweet of you to put all these details for me....

Ill definitely check these things out and try to organise myself ..thanks for helping me...I think this is the kind of help I really need...seeing how disorganised my thoughts and I am...

also another friend sent me a long note with the following info...feel free to comment: (Ive not really thought any of this through...head still hurts...and can only concentrate for about less than 5minutes....)

Open Air Concerts: check out Kenwood House in North London. See what they ahve on Saturday nights. Also, see if anything is happening at Crystal Palace in South London: it's kind of like a mini Hollywood Bowl.

Markets are cool: try Borough Market in South London or Spitalfields near Liverpool Street.

In London, you have to pay to go into St Pauls, but if you walk down Ludgate Hill you'll find the Old Bailey on your left: half way up it, you'll find the Central Criminal Court - and you can go in and watch a trial of a murder, a big fraud, a terrorist, etc., if there are any seats. Stay on Ludgate Hill and walk across Ludgate Circus into the end of Fleet Street and to the first little lane on your left, you'll see a white church: that's the model for all those multi-tiered wedding cakes you see all over the world proving that globalisation of design isn't all about putting the Nike tick on a pair of shoes made in an Oriental sweat shop.

Keep walking up Fleet Street and you fall into the legal district. Get a sandwich and a drink and go and sit in one of the Inns (ah, I mean Inns of Court, not public houses!) And a bit futher up you'[ll find The Royal Courts.

If you fancy two or three days somewhere really nice, then get a train to Whitby in the North East or go in the other direction to Devon .

Nearer London, try Bath or Bristol to immerse yourself in somewhere different. Actually, from Vauxhall, you can get a bus to Tunbridge Wells - a classically Victorian English town. Really nice just to go for a walk in its parks and some of the old parts of town.

South is Brighton - very trendy seaside and next door is Eastbourne where old folks go to vegetate. I prefer Eastbourne. You can spend a couple of hours walking to the end of the pier and back.

You can get a bus to Cambridge that will take only a couple of hours each way: that's nice. Similarly Oxford. The universities have built some amazing buildings.

in addition he has also suggested Edinburgh and Glasgow and yeh I havent by any miracle managed to expand/extend the length of time I can be in England ...so Im still looking at only 1 week ...ok 8.5days.....

hmmmmm

but thanks again everyone.....I need to work something out over the next few days.....but also need to unpack and repack my bags

Mig

These links might help if you want to plan trips :

Bus/coach

http://www.nationalexpress.com/home/hp.cfm?t=own

Train

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

FS...thank you!! another sweetie

some practical questions:

how much cash would I need per day for basic things? food and transport? (excluding accom)

someone suggested getting a weekly travel card...but someone else said that one works only for 1 zone, while the one for many zones are much more expensive?

whats my best option?

Ill check out the links you sent FS.......and might have more questions yet again

thanks everyone for being so patient and helpful

MiGgie

A good option may be the travelpass which can either be bought seperately or combined with the LondonPass (for entry into various famous attractions. The link for the combined card is: http://www.londontravelpass.com/sightseeing.asp (Travelcard alone: http://www.londontravelpass.com/ and LondonPass alone: http://www.londonpass.com/) you can choose from Travelcards valid for use within Zones 1-2 or Zones 1-6. Zone 1-2, will probably cover the bulk of your tube travel needs. Anything beyond that can be purchased seperate as an add on. The pass can be used on all forms of public transport.

Prices

Travelcard Prices

Days Adult Child

1* £6.70 £2.00

3* £20.10 £6.00

7 £43.00 £21.50

*Off peak - valid from 9.30am - 4.30am

Travelcard & London Pass Package Prices

Days Adult Child

1* £37.00 £20.00 Includes 1 day London Pass

3* £49.90 £24.00 Includes 1 day London Pass

7 £93.00 £54.50 Includes 3 day London Pass

Off peak - valid from 9.30am - 4.30am

"If you are purchasing a London Pass with your Travelcard, you will also receive The London Pass Guidebook, enabling you to plan your sightseeing itinerary in advance." The also can ship the card out.

Worldwide £5.95 Allow 10 working days for delivery

Fed Ex £27.00 Allow 3 working days for delivery

The other travel option is the Oyster Card which is a pay as you go card. A swipe card that gives a cheaper rate on travel. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/2732.aspx for more info). Can be used on all forms of public transport.

Tube map showing zones here:

Here's something that might help you, Time Out magazine. http://www.timeout.com/london/

This is the website and can give you some ideas of what's going on in London.

The magazine can be bought in all newsagents and shops in London.

If you are thinking of visiting the British Museum or the Tate Modern these are days out in themselves as both are massive collections.

The weather here is awful at the moment, the worst summer for 50 years apparently, but I predict a change for the better coming 28th of July

Here's another site that may be helpful for things to do http://www.londontown.com/events/

As to how much does it cost, well it's not cheap a coffee, sandwich and piece of chocolate cake in a cafe will cost 500- 750 baht, and a meal about the same. I hope the weather is good because sunshine and scenery are free. Here's an article that may help you make your money go further; http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticl...p;authorid=1630

Just to add to that, The Oyster card is a relatively new thing that was introduced, but is definately a lot cheaper when getting around london. you can get one online if you like, at tfl[dot]gov[dot]uk/oyster

Cambridge and Oxford are well worth the visit. Forget about old buildings, but remember Kayo and Mossfinn respectively.

as far as day to day expences, yeah I'd def. say no less than 10 quid/day probably nearer 20. (excl. accom/transport)

Weather-wise, you'll be pleased to hear that recently southern England is Sub tropical in climate (though not as warm):

MASSIVE rain downpours followed by beautiful sunshine and pleasant weather.

Cambridge and Oxford are well worth the visit. Forget about old buildings, but remember Kayo and Mossfinn respectively.

but werent you coming to see me in London? that way I can skip Cambridge and just head to Oxford

Rob and Eek!! thanks for those links..definitely very helpful. and yes someone else suggested I should get the Oyster card....i still cant figure if the 7 day travel card will be better option for me...but seems the website shows only price for zones 1-6. not sure how far zone 1-2 cover?

and can I buy these things at the airport? heathrow...

and Kayo...Rob said it will stop raining from 28th July

zones 1 & 2 cover most areas. Zone 1 actually covers most of central london.

I reckon you can buy these things at the airport, yes.

It might just be worth buying a seperate ticket to get from the airport into the city, and then sticking with a some sort of card for zones 1 & 2.

I can come see you in London, sure. I'll buy you a pub lunch somewhere!

Rob's such a negative person. Stop Raining from the 28th PRRRRT!.

I'm positive: The SUN will SHINE nicely from the 28th!

thanks everyone...you are all making me smile a tiny bit again...

have had a bit of a rough last few days......

so yes the sun better be shining in London!!!

or shall I go see Cambridge? you know...I applied to study there a long time ago......was shortlisted for a scholarship.....but didnt quite make it to the final list....and no way I could have afforded to pay for the fees myself...so never quite got there.....hmmm maybe I should now?

not sure how far zone 1-2 cover?

The tube map thumbnail shows the zones covered miggy, but not sure if thats what you mean.

As Kayo mentioned, zone 1 will most likely cover all the 'must see's'.

If you like theatre, then I DEFINATELY recommend checking out a show or two. Some awesome shows and heaps of talent in London. Matinees are best value. Not sure whats on at the Old Vic atm, but if Kevin S is acting then hes really amazing on stage. Saw him on two occasions, best one being his rendition of Richard II. Really brave for an American I thought. But BOY did he blow the audience away! Used to get in regular cheap matinees with friends, some hit and miss productions, so check out reviews. http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/ is one source and good Old Vic: http://www.oldvictheatre.com/ . Course there are tons of musicals too, if you like that.

Cambridge is soooooooooo boring, the only reason Kayo lives there is because the locals think he is interesting... you know, like a novelty act

Cambridge is PURTY Robski! But, im not doubting your description of Kayo, I wouldnt know. Maybe he likes wearing cord trousers (in earthy colours) teemed with a tweed jacket (leather patches on elbows of course) and a silk neckercheif. (sp?) Or..maybe likes to walk around looking like hes going to play a game of cricket, but its just for effect.... Walking through the sunlight dappled autumnal trees... as his golden locks glint in the fading light.. his pale blue eyes lazily taking in the last of the rowers passing by before the sun sets. .....ah..i feel a Mills & Boons moment coming on..

as for night life you need to find some good company and as I'm not there maybe a cup of cocoa and an early night before the next days adventure.

and don't talk to any strange men unless they're very good looking.

but i thought the place is filled with very strange men and not so good looking ones??

sowwy

I might have a friend or 2 in london who might spare sometime to hang out some evenings for a beer...or so they said.... lets see one has offered a place to stay for some of the nights....but not sure what part he lives in....but my Vauxhall offer is hopefully gonna work out......atleast for my first few nights...will just need to work something out for my last few...by then Id be a bit familiar with the city to choose where I can find a place to stay hopefully

I reckon Ill note down all these places you all have mentioned.....and then just play it by ear (is that the right expression?) although have been warned that some of the very touristy places can have long waiting queues if i dont buy tickets ahead. is there some online ticket buying site where I dont need to buy the 7 day london pass? or am I better off to just buy one day or 2 days of these london pass as and when I need it?

hmm always more questions imagine if this were all to be in spanish

honestly Cambridge is nice for a day trip. 45 minutes on the train from London's King's Cross or Liv' Street Station./

A walk around the very small center, a drink on a sunny terrace as we watch the students faffing about on punts, Lunch at the Eagle Tavern, legendary Pub & Pub lunches and of course a brief stroll around the colleges. 4 hours plus travel time, and Cambridge is cooked.

Voila!

C'mon Miggy!

Cambridge is PURTY Robski! But, im not doubting your description of Kayo, I wouldnt know. Maybe he likes wearing cord trousers (in earthy colours) teemed with a tweed jacket (leather patches on elbows of course) and a silk neckercheif. (sp?) Or..maybe likes to walk around looking like hes going to play a game of cricket, but its just for effect.... Walking through the sunlight dappled autumnal trees... as his golden locks glint in the fading light.. his pale blue eyes lazily taking in the last of the rowers passing by before the sun sets. .....ah..i feel a Mills & Boons moment coming on..

Wow! I never knew you were such a Romantic

I don't actually know anything about Cambridge, I just used it as an excuse to make a joke about Kayo.

I have to get points in where I can because he's always making jokes about me

If you're in Cambridge look out for Kayo, you really can't miss him.

:D

what about an overnight in Salisbury and a visit to the Stonehenge?

ohh by the way.......

I got ticket to the Arsenal vs Inter Milan Game!!! YAYYYYY!!!

not the best of seat.....but Im hoping the excitement of watching a live Arsenal game will compensate

whos gonna watch it with me :D

Stonehenge IS cool, but you cant get very close to it (in saying that, i dont know if they have changed things now, but when i went, about 12 year ago, I was disappointed by the fact I couldnt get very close.) But, still very atmospheric and very glad i went.

If you decide to head that way I suggest stopping off at Glastonbury to see the town and the Tor. The Tor is steeped in history and fable, with connections to King Arthur. The town itself always seems to have something going on street theatre wise and tons of little shops selling new age stuff, rune stones and the like. Can get your tarot read, have healing massages and things like aura photographs. There seems to be a high concentration of hippies lolz, lots of dreds and fire-eating etc.

Im heading out to London tonight and before I left wanted to say thanks to everyone again for taking time to answer and read my questions, for all the ideas and advice

I was going to buy a guidebook last night, but decided against it...cos it was too big and too heavy anyhow Ill play it by ear..cos as far as Im concerned getting to watch Arsenal play against Inter Milan is already made the trip worth it

thanks again everyone

Im heading out to London tonight and before I left wanted to say thanks to everyone again for taking time to answer and read my questions, for all the ideas and advice

I was going to buy a guidebook last night, but decided against it...cos it was too big and too heavy anyhow Ill play it by ear..cos as far as Im concerned getting to watch Arsenal play against Inter Milan is already made the trip worth it

thanks again everyone

Have a great trip, have fun, don't be too naughty & send us all some pics!

So, How's London?

OOOOOOHHHH! never mind... Yuo can tell ne face to face in about 2 hours!