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Calling for some UK Opinions

redPandaWrangler

Renowned Member
6/7/15
589
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Hey guys,

So I've got a trip with my girlfriend booked for two weeks in September for flights to London, just before I start a new position at a company.

I've been to London before, but it's been eight years, and I only got to spend a few days there. We're definitely spending a few days in London, and I was thinking about spending a few days in Edinburgh and the Lake District.

Any places you suggest avoiding (tourist traps), going to or staying at?

Thanks!
 

JimbobFender

You're Saying I Can Sell?
Supporter
Certified
19/4/15
91
11
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Central London - UK
All I can suggest is that whilst you're in London you HAVE to visit a restaurant called 'Bob Bob Ricard'...It's absolutely stunning
 

Thrasher

Legendary Member
15/4/14
13,194
2,285
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The Beach
This may sound very touristy but take it from me a guy who has traveled to almost every country in Europe for the last 28 years!

Buy a Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus. You will get around the city and see everything with the ability to hop on hop off at multiple destinations. http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/london-bus-tours

I have walked and taken the metro all over Paris for 26 years, then in 2014 my wife and I jumped on this bus its brilliant and so much easier then walking, metros, taxis etc plus the Tour guide narration is excellent and entertaining.
 

Garuda

I'm Pretty Popular
15/12/12
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you will find lots to do in London just plan ahead and squeeze in the usual tourist sites. Edinburgh is not a huge town so spend more time in London.

if you plan to use the bus or underground apply for a visitor oyster card online today! the 1-day cap is £6.50 for zone 1-2 travel per day. if you buy a 1-day travel card its £12.10 so a massive saving! load-up the oyster at places with oyster sign or underground stations.
https://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/...ferral&utm_source=tfl.gov.uk&utm_campaign=tfl
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/adult-fares.pdf

buy your water and snacks from supermarket/chain outlets tesco/sainsbury/boots. you will find 2:1 deals on some drinks. the mini marts will cost much more.

avoid tri-cycle rides up-down oxford street. careful pick pockets on busy bus/underground.
 

redPandaWrangler

Renowned Member
6/7/15
589
1
18
All I can suggest is that whilst you're in London you HAVE to visit a restaurant called 'Bob Bob Ricard'...It's absolutely stunning

Thanks for this tip, just looked at the place, it looks awesome!

This may sound very touristy but take it from me a guy who has traveled to almost every country in Europe for the last 28 years!

Buy a Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus. You will get around the city and see everything with the ability to hop on hop off at multiple destinations. http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/london-bus-tours

I have walked and taken the metro all over Paris for 26 years, then in 2014 my wife and I jumped on this bus its brilliant and so much easier then walking, metros, taxis etc plus the Tour guide narration is excellent and entertaining.

This doesn't sound too bad! I'll need to carry at least three cameras though to pull off the look.

you will find lots to do in London just plan ahead and squeeze in the usual tourist sites. Edinburgh is not a huge town so spend more time in London.

if you plan to use the bus or underground apply for a visitor oyster card online today! the 1-day cap is £6.50 for zone 1-2 travel per day. if you buy a 1-day travel card its £12.10 so a massive saving! load-up the oyster at places with oyster sign or underground stations.
https://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/...ferral&utm_source=tfl.gov.uk&utm_campaign=tfl
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/adult-fares.pdf

buy your water and snacks from supermarket/chain outlets tesco/sainsbury/boots. you will find 2:1 deals on some drinks. the mini marts will cost much more.

avoid tri-cycle rides up-down oxford street. careful pick pockets on busy bus/underground.

Excellent, this is very practical and helpful.
 

C Master

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7/10/15
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You can be in Ireland in 40 mins lol. A really good reason to visit London lol. Have to say it is a magnificent city. You are never short of something to do or see there. Even strolling around is pretty cool and I have done it while keeping track of 3 kids and my wife. The kids are a doddle my wife not so much lol.
 

Paul6754

You're Saying I Can Sell?
24/3/13
48
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Besides the well known London tourist attractions take a day trip by train to either Oxford or Cambridge, both a bit "touristy" but the University buildings are incredible.

Go to a Premier League football (soccer) match at one of the big London clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham etc. If you enjoy it take in a game from a lower league club for contrast, one that plays in Lge 1 or 2, smaller ground, can hear the crunching tackles. Go on the tour of Lords cricket ground, the home of cricket and quintessentially English.

Visit a few London pubs and try some "Real Ale", look for the CAMRA sign (Campaign for Real Ale) to indicate the pub sells real ale as opposed to lager.

The Cotswolds, Bath, Chester, Liverpool or Manchester, The Lake District, Edinburgh etc are all worth a night or two if you're just being a tourist.
 

spurs4life22

You're Saying I Can Sell?
16/6/15
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Depending on what your into mate I'd suggest going to Camden. A really vibrant and colourful place with a huge market that sells almost everything imaginable. Great street food too! Also lots of pubs and bars and a great place to go if you like rock/punk/alternative music!
 

redPandaWrangler

Renowned Member
6/7/15
589
1
18
Besides the well known London tourist attractions take a day trip by train to either Oxford or Cambridge, both a bit "touristy" but the University buildings are incredible.

Go to a Premier League football (soccer) match at one of the big London clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham etc. If you enjoy it take in a game from a lower league club for contrast, one that plays in Lge 1 or 2, smaller ground, can hear the crunching tackles. Go on the tour of Lords cricket ground, the home of cricket and quintessentially English.

Visit a few London pubs and try some "Real Ale", look for the CAMRA sign (Campaign for Real Ale) to indicate the pub sells real ale as opposed to lager.

The Cotswolds, Bath, Chester, Liverpool or Manchester, The Lake District, Edinburgh etc are all worth a night or two if you're just being a tourist.

These are good tips, I'll keep them in mind.

Depending on what your into mate I'd suggest going to Camden. A really vibrant and colourful place with a huge market that sells almost everything imaginable. Great street food too! Also lots of pubs and bars and a great place to go if you like rock/punk/alternative music!

Yes, I've got this on my list.



So I guess my final question is, Edinburgh or Glasgow?
 

Phil G

Put Some Respect On My Name
29/9/10
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Stevenage, Hertfortshire, England
If you're interested in English history a trip to Hampton Court Palace is worth the journey (11 miles from central London)

A fine Royal Palace once owned by Henry V111.

http://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.==f4uZc

hcp-hero-westfront-1024x374_4.jpg

1F1ED56700000578-0-image-a-37_1424820823310.jpg
Hampton_Court_interior.jpg


Hampton%2BCourt%2BCastle%2BInterior.jpg
 

Paul6754

You're Saying I Can Sell?
24/3/13
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These are good tips, I'll keep them in mind.



Yes, I've got this on my list.



So I guess my final question is, Edinburgh or Glasgow?

I'd favor Edinburgh due to the history/Royal Mile but if you wish to go to one of the best Indian Restaurants in the UK then the "Mother of India" in Glasgow serves phenomenal food and Glasgow is only about 1 1/2 hr Motorway drive from Edinburgh.
 

mrmench

Known Member
11/12/15
119
0
0
You have to check out Sloane Street in London . Full of Arabs, and arguably one of the best supercar spots. Great for shopping, and Harrods is only around the corner. Buckingham Palace is around the corner, probably a 10 min underground ride. It may be worth also taking a trip to trafalgar square from there, the London eye and generally you'll find all the typical tourist spots within walking or underground distance. Feel free to PM me for any tips on where to go etc.

Tip: Avoid black cabs. They will burn a hole in your pocket!


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Thatman

Active Member
2/11/14
201
2
18
Eat here...

http://dipandflip.co.uk

Make sure you pick up an oyster card when you get to london, you will pick one up from a newsagent. Will make getting around on busses and the underground much easier.

ABSOLUTELY DOWNLOAD CITYMAPPER for your phone, it makes getting from A to B so easy.
 

sonoffrog

Active Member
12/7/16
282
2
18
All I can suggest is that whilst you're in London you HAVE to visit a restaurant called 'Bob Bob Ricard'...It's absolutely stunning

I second this, I am from the UK and lived in London for years, I also travelled the world on a luxury cruise liner as a job for over four years, and to this day one of the best meals in my life was at this very restaurant!

I've heard they just had some kind of re-design too, the place has an awesome atmosphere not to mention a "push for champagne" button in every booth.

Not even outrageously expensive...


Other than that I'd say check out the shopping on New Bond St. And Knightsbridge etc.
Harrods, Selfridges always fun getting lost for hours.


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ferluff

Known Member
8/7/16
181
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0
Would avoid some of the typical tourist traps like London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds. Personally think you're better off delving deeper and going to places like Borough Market and Greenwich Observatory if the weather holds out. Like others have said, if you can, definitely attend a premiership game. Tickets can be high demand so if you can't get into the big grounds, head to a smaller, but equally; if not more atmospheric ground like Crystal Palace.

If you want to be cultural and do the typical stuff, Stratford Upon Avon is cool.

In London, use the tube and busses. They're easy once you're used to them and definitely the most efficient and cost effective way of getting around.
 

Alex_P1

I'm Pretty Popular
11/5/12
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Can't let it go seeing as this is a watch forum! The Burlington Arcade is a must.

Walk up Bond Street and look in the ADs if you fancy it, but push on to the specialist shops in the arcade. I've lost an afternoon in there trying on 1680s, 5512s and 5513s, vintage Seamasters and Pateks. Most of the people in the shops enjoy talking watches with someone with a bit of knowledge and might get "something special" out of the safe to show you if your interests strike a chord...

If you like rifles and shotguns then Holland and Holland, and Purdy are a must, there is also a big super car showroom nearby where the scruffier you are, the more seriously they seem to take you!

Go to Borough Market and get lunch and then wander some backstreets to find a small pub for the afternoon.

A big +1 on the Hop On, Hop Off busses, I've not used them in London but use them everywhere else in the world, they're cheap, easy to catch and tell you a hundred things you'd never find out any other way.
 

jameslav2003

You're Saying I Can Sell?
5/8/15
75
1
8
By the sounds of things im one of the only native londoners here and its my first post as well... im usually one of those guys that just stalks around soaking it up!

My GF is French so i have done hundeds of quick tours around London, you should definately check out the Tower of London, get to see some of the queens guard (think furry tall hats) and you get to see the crown jewels which are fairly spectacular. You then want to head to London Bridge station, from there you are on South Bank which is the big path along the river Thames, here you will find tons of great tourist spots; London Dungeons, Sir Francis Drakes Galleon the Golden Hind, Tate Museum of modern art and when youve killed yourself going to some of those places its a 5 minute walk to Borough Market which is the best food market in towm, hundreds of stalls and free samples to go and sample some of the food London has to offer that isnt Fish n Chips. If youve still got some juice left then pop up to Hatton garden if you want to go and have a look around where all of our vintage watch dealers live iand from there you are walking distance to St Pauls Cathedral.

Once youve done all that you can make your mandatory pilgramige to Buckingham palace talk down the mall to Trafalgar square and you're in the centre of town and Picadilly Circus. Get some comfy shoes! Good Luck