Off Topic April

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mapleranger

Well-Known Member
Sep 7, 2011
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London, Ontario, Canada
A question if that is okay

In April, Mrs Maple and I are planning a trip to (mainly) London arriving a few days before Easter and leaving a few days before May.

My question is this - does anyone have any suggestions on what I should see beyond those things already chosen by us. Ms Maple was born in Headington and we have always gone to Oxford but this year she is otherwise engaged in genealogical research. But I may go myself because I am a folk music fan and there is a festival in Oxford on the weekend Mrs Maple is least available.

On previous visits I have done what I believe to be the main attractions - changing of the guard, National Theatre, River Thames cruise, British museum, the V&A,, Greenwich, and of course the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Easter Monday; but, as this is likely the last time I will be in UK, I was hoping to visit stuff I hadn't seen before

Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted

Maple
 
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mapleranger said:
A question if that is okay

In April, Mrs Maple and I are planning a trip to (mainly) London arriving a few days before Easter and leaving a few days before May.

My question is this - does anyone have any suggestions on what I should see beyond those things already chosen by us. Ms Maple was born in Headington and we have always gone to Oxford but this year she is otherwise engaged in genealogical research. But I may go myself because I am a folk music fan and there is a festival in Oxford on the weekend Mrs Maple is least available.

On previous visits I have done what I believe to be the main attractions - changing of the guard, National Theatre, River Thames cruise, British museum, the V&A,, Greenwich, and of course the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Easter Monday; but, as this is likely the last time I will be in UK, I was hoping to visit stuff I hadn't seen before

Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted

Maple
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The last time you will be in the UK? That sounds rather ominous, hope all is ok.

If you haven’t done it before I would hire a car after your Oxford festival and wander round the Cotswolds for a couple of days, stopping in a few villages and visiting a few country pubs. Real rural England. If you have the time doing the same thing in any number of rural counties is great.
 
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More a money thing than anything else - my mother passed away about a year ago and left a smallish estate bet one that was sufficient to finance this trip. I don't foresee another windfall like that again.

We did once before wander around the Cotswolds (Uley, Dursley and Stroud) and they are absolutely beautiful but I found that I have an inability to drive on the opposite side of the road and very nearly killed us both when I inadvertently cut off an 18-wheeler. He was where he should have been - I wasn't
 
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London Eye.

Lunch from somewhere with a view. Shard, OXO Tower or Sky Garden.

High Tea at The Ritz. Quintessential English experience.

West End show.

There are interesting walking tours of London with some great guides who share their knowledge. Likely see less known areas / items.
 
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Thank you all - I had not heard of the Soane Museum before and had not thought of the Eye or the Shard. The walking tour sounds interesting and something while my wife is attending her exhibition - she has an ankle ailment right now and has had since last August.
 
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Are you content with remaining largely London-centric, or prepared to venture outside the capital, Maple? Noting your concerns about driving on the left-hand side, you could always catch a train somewhere for the day, budget allowing. Maybe Bath for its beauty, or Portsmouth’s historic dockyard (Victory, Mary Rose, Warrior)...? Others will doubtless be able to suggest other equivalent attractions elsewhere.

Belated condolences for the loss of your mother.
 
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Thanks, Uber

We are considering a train to Portsmouth - I have been to Bath once but it was a long time ago (35 yrs) and in spite my wife being born in what is now part of Oxford, I am pretty sure she told me that she had never been to Bath.

And thanks for the condolences
 
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There are so many great places to visit in London Maple, it depends on what you and Mrs Maple enjoy. Theatres, Museums, Royal Palaces, Gardens, Art Galleries, Concert Venues and so much more ... London's got it all. Instead of making suggestions which might not be to your taste here's a link to 50 attractions of which Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are two of my favourites. And having served at both Westminster and Soho Fire Stations, I had access to so many of London's prominent buildings I can give you the low down on any you might wish to visit. ( Never been inside 10 Downing Street though. )

https://www.timeout.com/london/attractions/top-london-attractions

Another great location ( and it's free ) is the view from Waterloo Bridge at night looking both east and west.
 
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Get to the Wallace Collection near Baker Street. It is a very eclectic private collection from suits of armour and medieval weaponry to rare china to the original of the Laughing Cavalier. You'd also have Oxford Street on your doorstep if you fancied a bit of nosebag. Shepherd's Bush is only about 20 minutes by tube if you were planning on going to an R's home game during your trip.

I have always enjoyed the London Eye with family but I would recommend booking a time slot ahead of time to try and save on the queues.

National Gallery and Portrait Gallery are worth a look, you could lose yourselves for a day there.
 
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sb_73 said:
Me too, for work about 12 years ago. Only offered coffee though no booze. It was a bit shabby, old and tatty furniture, if I remember correctly, but very tardis like.
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We were invited to an evening as a "Celebration of HM Armed Forces". There were serving members from all parts, I've no idea how I got short listed. John Major was PM, and Portillo was the Defence Secretary (handshake like a wet fish). Went into a reception room, canapes and drinks on offer. Started on beer, which ran out quick, then wine. Before the waiters could find out what was left, we hit the spirits Major was doing the rounds, bit of a meet and greet, and by the time he got to me and my pal, we were steaming! He just laughed, and told us to carry on having a good time - which we did <cheers> our driver picked us up about 1030, and I've no recollection of how I got back to our base back in Dorset!
 
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mapleranger said:
I am looking forward to going through the TimeOut attractions listing.and short listing from there and the other suggestions

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request and I hope to meet some of you before or after the Easter Monday match vs Sheff Wed
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Time out is free now too
 
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Just an idea, but takes as long to get to Paris as it takes to get to Bath, and some other places that have been suggested. Leisurely train journey in the morning, fresh croissants/bread/pain au chocolate for brunch in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a walk along the Seine. Early dinner in Hotel du Nord by the Canal St Martin, then a relaxing train journey back to London. Simples.
 
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daverangers said:
Just an idea, but takes as long to get to Paris as it takes to get to Bath, and some other places that have been suggested. Leisurely train journey in the morning, fresh croissants/bread/pain au chocolate for brunch in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a walk along the Seine. Early dinner in Hotel du Nord by the Canal St Martin, then a relaxing train journey back to London. Simples.
Click to expand...

I’m up for it!
 
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