Heading to UK and would love some suggestions.

[Andrew90]

We are heading off to to the UK for a few weeks starting on the 19th of August.  Will be London area (staying in Epping near end of underground 20-24 (Have releatives in Chelmsford) then going to Galsgow and Edinburgh stopping in York for the rest of our stay.  We will be in Endinburgh for the last week of the festival staying very near castle.  Will have a car most of the time if needed. 

Would really appreciate any suggestions for must see activities.  I tried to get the tickets to the Cermony of the Keys at the Tower of London but I guess everyone has heard about that now and its booked way to far in advance 😞

  Andrew

[Helen3]

Hello Andrew

Welcome to the UK.  For us Londoners (I was brought up there and moved about ten months ago) - Epping (in Essex) although on the tube line - wouldn't be classed as London. Do factor in, how long it will take you to get into the Centre - it's quite a trek in.

If you can give us some more information on what interests you - type of music, type of food, what sort of art/cultural you like, whether you like historical sites etc I would be happy to make some suggestions.

It's a bit like saying what are the must see activities for New York? - it really depends on your interests.

A couple of sites to look at are Visit London and Time Out (this has listings on what to do - cinema, comedy, music, food reviews)etc.

Also you can get combined travel tickets for one day or a few days which you can use on the train, tube and bus.

For me if I was going to London my must have's would be

1. Take a trip down the Thames for Waterloo to Greenwich - fantastic views and you can get real sense of the history of the city

2. Go to the Science and Natural History Musem and the V&A - all in South Kensington (district and circle line) and all free to get in

3. There are quite a few outdoor performances - music and theatre  - book one and put together a picnic with some bubbly (go to Marks and Spencers and you can pick up everything you need).

4. If you get a sunny day hop on a train to Brighton - see the stunning Brighton Pavillon, walk along the pier and have fish and chips on the beach

Helen

[Andrew90]

Thanks Helen. The Thames river tour sounds wonderful. Will mix in the standard tourist things, Tower, Parliment, Trafalga etc. but would like to experience some culture as well - love buskers where are the best places to see them? Is there a outlet for same day theater deals like TKTS?

I've been spoiled in my past visits when my Grandparents still lived in Barking. She had a friend who worked as seamstress atbwestminster Abby and we got the real behind the scenes tour.

Wondering if there are other great activities like the Turning of the Keys that you need reservations for that I still might have a chance to participate in.

Andrew.

[Helen3]

If you love culture - try having a look at what's on at the South Bank (Waterloo Station) - it's a film, arts and music space along by the Thames (next to the London Eye and London Aquarium). They often have outdoor events there and a food market at weekends.

Also the National Portrait Gallery at Leicester square does a late night season over the summer I think Friday and Saturdays where you can visit the art, have a drink at the bar and listen to music (DJs).

If you go to the Tate art gallery,  go up to the bar on the seventh floot which overlooks the Thames - they have an outdoor area to watch the world go by.

Not sure if it is happening this year, but last year we had a rooftop cinema season, where they had pop up cinemas in unusual places on London rooftops where you could sit and watch a film on bean bags/sofas with drink and food and watch the sun go down. They also had them in disused tube stations.

Camden and Portobello markets are worth a visit. As is the flower market - I think on Colombia Road.

At Leicester Square you half the half price ticket booth for theatre products - but the mainstream ones -  not the more interesting fringe events. If you look at Lastminute.com you can get theatre, comedy and music and meal deals.

If you walk down from Tower Bridge to South Bank along by the river on a summer evening, it's a lovely experience and you quite often see buskers along the way.

There are also busker pitches at all the major tube stations.

There's Nottinghill Carnival if you are here over the Bank Holiday weekend.

......hopefully this should keep you going 🙂

[Melanie33]

Hi Andrew

Like Helen I too am an ex Londoner (still miss it at times) and she has given you a very comprehensive list of things to do.  Only thing I would add is, if you are interested in history, then the Imperial War Museum is a must.  Also the State rooms at Buckingham Palace should be open while you are here (try to buy advance tickets)

If the weather is good then there is nothing nicer than sitting in a pub by the river watching the world go by.

Have a great trip

Mel 

[Anonymous]

Hello well you have to come to York and allow at least three days. This city is full of history and you will not be disappointed. Check out our huge bedroom too!:) 

[Helen3]

@Anonymous

Andrew posted this a year and a half ago so his trip is long over! 

[Lizzie]

Very true @Helen3. Although, I think there are some great tips here for anyone who is planning on visiting the UK. I would also recommend a visit to Bristol, there is lots of great things to do see. Last time I was there, I went on a little boat past up past the SS Great Britain, it was great fun and a lovely way to see the city. 🙂

@Anonymous, I've been to York quite a few times now and I agree with you, it is a fantastic city. I use to visit quite a lot when I was younger so it has many memories for me. I bet it is nice this time of year, are there lots of festive lights up? Every time I visit I like to wander around the city walls and feel above all the buildings. 🙂

[Helen3]

Hello @Lizzie

I am glad you love my adopted home city of Bristol.

We are so fortunate to have an amazing, growing food culture with a focus on local food, a vibrant music scene and great attractions from Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain to being the home of Banksy with much of his artwork around the city.

We are also a festival city home to the international Balloon Festival, Bristock, Harbour Festival and our food, art and music festivals.

[Lizzie]

Aw yes @Helen3, I really do. I have some family and friends who live there so I hear a lot about the exciting things that happen there.

Every year I mean to visit the Balloon festival, I've seen photos and it just looks so beautiful. It is quite a treat to see one air balloon so a whole sky full, is quite a sight! 🙂 Have you ever been?