Visiting UK

Trains from Manchester to Liverpool

2008-10-03T07:58:00.001-07:00

First North Western train at Manchester Oxford Road
Originally uploaded by ➨ Redvers

Trains from Manchester to Liverpool run regularly from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road train stations to Liverpool Lime Street train station.

Trains leave Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road train stations to Liverpool Lime Street train station every thirty minutes at peak times. Trains from Liverpool to Manchester return every 20-30 minutes at peak times.

The total train time from Manchester to Liverpool ranges from 50m to 1h10m.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from Manchester to Liverpool is 12.80 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from London to Newcastle

2008-10-03T07:52:00.001-07:00

Newcastle Upon Tyne Train Station Platform
Originally uploaded by LiAnG_c

Trains from London to Newcastle run regularly from London's King's Cross train station to Newcastle train station.

Trains leave London King's Cross train station for Newcastle train station every thirty minutes at peak times. Trains from Newcastle to London return 10-20 minutes at peak times.

The total train time from London to Newcastle ranges from 2h50m-3h30m.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Newcastle is 99.30 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow

2008-10-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

Train Edinburgh to Glasgow - Scotland
Originally uploaded by vivido

Trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow run regularly from Edinburgh Waverley train station to Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen's Street train stations.

Trains leave Edinburgh Waverley train station for Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen's Street train stations every 15 minutes at peak times. Trains from Glasgow to Edinburgh return every 15 minutes at peak times.

The total train time from Edinburgh to Glasgow ranges from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from Edinburgh to Glasgow is 17.70 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from London to Edinburgh

2008-10-03T07:40:00.001-07:00

train from london to edinburgh
Originally uploaded by aatflickr

Trains from London to Edinburgh run regularly from London's King's Cross train station to Edinburgh Waverley train station.

Trains leave London King's Cross train station for Edinburgh Waverley train station every thirty minutes at peak times. Trains from Edinburgh to London return every thrity minutes to an hour.

The total train time from London to Edinburgh ranges from 4.5-5 hours.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Edinburgh is 102.40 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from London to Sheffield

2008-10-03T07:32:00.001-07:00

East Midland Trains
Originally uploaded by cooldudeandy01

Trains from London to Sheffield run regularly from London's King's Cross train stations to Sheffield train station.

Trains leave London King's Cross train station for Sheffield train station every 15-20 minutes at peak times. Trains from Sheffield to London return every 10-30 minutes at peak times. The total train time from London to Sheffield is 2.5 hours.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Sheffield is 67.60 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from London to Glasgow

2008-10-03T07:26:00.001-07:00

on the train
Originally uploaded by Martin Deutsch

Trains from London to Glasgow run regularly from London's King's Cross and Euston train stations to Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen's Street train stations.

Trains leave London King's Cross and Euston train stations for Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen's Street train stations regularly throughout the day. Trains from Glasgow to London return several times an hour.

The total train time from London to Glasgow ranges from 4.5-6.5 hours, so make sure to check the length of time when you book.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Glasgow is 102.90 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from London to Leeds

2008-10-03T07:17:00.001-07:00

Leeds Train Station Waiting Room
Originally uploaded by mudge

Trains from London to Leeds run regularly from London's King's Cross train station to Leeds train station.

Trains leave London King's Cross train stations for Leeds train station every half hour at peak times. Trains from Leeds to London return every half hour at peak times. The total train time from London to Leeds is just under 2.5 hours.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Leeds is 78.20 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Trains from London to Birmingham

2008-10-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

Train from London to Birmingham
Originally uploaded by rb3wreath

Trains from London to Birmingham run regularly from London's Marylebone and Euston train stations to Birmingham New Street train station.

Trains leave London Marylebone and Euston train stations for Birmingham New Street train station every half hour at peak times. Trains from Birmingham to London return several times an hour at peak times. The total train time from London to Birmingham is 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Birmingham is 10-60 GBP for standard class, depending on the time of day and whether you purchase tickets in advance. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Visiting Norfolk England

2008-09-15T07:25:00.001-07:00

Norfolk Sights
Originally uploaded by seeks2dream

Norfolk is one of England's many beautiful regions. Located just two hours northeast of London, Norfolk makes for an easy weekend trip from the UK capital.

Norfolk is known for its flat, open land and maze-like system of waterways called the Norfolk Broads. Small towns with old churches dot the landscape and make for beautiful scenery. Beaches and stately homes--including the queen's Sandringham--round out the landscape.

Getting to and around Norfolk is best done by car, as there are lots of small towns to visit and train and bus transport can be cumbersome.

Hotels and B&Bs are plentiful in Norfolk, and the culinary scene boasts of some great Norfolk restaurants.

Norfolk gets busy in the summer months when people flock to the area to rent boats on the Norfolk Broads, but spring and fall are also beautiful, and the small villages make the area a cozy and beautiful escape in the winter months.

Best Hotels in Norfolk

2008-09-15T07:15:00.001-07:00

happisburgh Norfolk
Originally uploaded by .Martin.

There are a lot of hotels to choose from in England's beautiful Norfolk region. Here are some hotels that are a cut above the rest, and make the list of the best hotels in Norfolk.

The Crown Hotel, Wells-Next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Room rates start at 90 GBP per night.

The Hoste Hotel, Burnham Market, Norfolk
Room rates start at 95 GBP per night.

The Victoria Hotel, Holkham, Norfolk
Room rates start at 100 GBP per night.

The Beechwood Hotel, North Walsham, Norfolk
Room rates start at 120 GBP per night.

Best Restaurants in Norfolk England

2008-09-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

The Hoste Arms
Originally uploaded by Graeme Worsfold

Norfolk has some great restaurants, and the ones listed below are among the best restaurants in Norfolk.

Adlard's Restaurant, Norwich, Norfolk (Michelin starred)

The Walpole Arms, Itteringham, Norfolk (Michelin Bib Gourmand)

The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market, Norfolk

The Crown, Wells-Next-the-Sea, Norfolk

The Victoria, Holkham, Norfolk

The Pigs Restaurant, Edgefield (near Holt), Norfolk

Tatlers Restaurant, Norwich, Norfolk

Earsham Street Cafe, Bungay, Norfolk (Michelin Bib Gourmand)

The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk

Fishes Cafe, Burnham Market, Norfolk

Dover Ferry Tickets and Discounts

2008-09-15T06:34:00.001-07:00

Ferry to Calais
Originally uploaded by dionc

The ferry companies that operate ferries from Dover to Calais are always having fare sales and special discounts on ferry tickets. Check their websites and blogs for additional details. Several past offers include:

Sea France - Special prices for multiple journeys and special offers throughout the year for round-trip tickets. They also offer a Frequent Traveller deal that starts at 26 GBP each way.

P&O - special offer that includes a free ticket to Disneyland Paris with the purchase of a ferry ticket and another Disneyland Paris ticket. Buy one get one free meal on board the ferry and six free bottles of Gallo wine.

If you are taking a ferry from Dover to Calais with children between the age of 16 and 18, you can save money by booking your ferry through Sea France. P&O Ferries considers an adult to be anyone over the age of 16, while Sea France considers an adult to be anyone over the age of 18.

Large groups can save money with P&O, as they allow up to 9 people per car. Sea France allows up to 5 people per car.

Ferries from Dover to Calais

2008-09-15T06:21:00.001-07:00

Ferry from Calais to Dover, seaside7
Originally uploaded by catwitchwoman71

Ferries from Dover to Calais and other French cities depart Dover frequently throughout the day and are run by several different companies in Dover. Ferries leave Dover from the city's Eastern Docks.

Sea France runs a regular ferry service from Dover to Calais. Sea France makes 15 daily crossings from Dover to Calais. The trip takes 1.25 hours. The cost of a one-way ticket on Sea France is around 14.50 GBP for one adult without a car, 35 GBP with a car.

P&O Ferries runs a regular ferry service from Dover to Calais. P&O Ferries makes 28 daily crossings from Dover to Calais. The trip takes 1.5 hours. The cost of a one-way ticket on P&O Ferries is around 16.50 GBP for one adult without a car, 37 GBP with a car.

Ferry discounts and deals are available throughout the year, so do some research before booking ferries from Dover to Calais.

Dover Day Trip from London

2008-09-15T06:10:00.001-07:00

The white cliffs of Dover
Originally uploaded by maki

Historic Dover makes a great day trip from London. With the Medieval Dover Castle, beautiful white cliffs, and ferries from England to France, many people visiting the UK make a trip to Dover to see the sights.

Getting from London to Dover is best done by train. Once there, make sure to visit Dover Castle. Don't miss the tour of the World War II caves at the castle; tours book up early, so make your appointment in advance. Aside from the castle, Dover is best known for its White Cliffs. The cliffs can be viewed from the sea on a boat tour, or from the land by the port.

If you plan to stay in Dover for more than one day, try taking a ferry to France.

Trains from London to Dover

2008-09-15T06:02:00.001-07:00

Dover Priory Train Station
Originally uploaded by OliverN5

Trains from London to Dover run regularly from London's Charing Cross and Victoria stations to Dover Priory station.

Trains leave London Charing Cross and Victoria stations for Dover Priory station every half hour at peak times. Trains from Dover to London return every hour at 8, 20, 40 and 48 minutes past the hour at peak times. The total train time from London to Dover is 1.5 to 2 hours.

The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Dover is 24.40 GBP for standard class. Deals are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.

Dates of the London 2012 Olympics

2008-09-15T05:53:00.001-07:00

Olympic torch rally, London:
Originally uploaded by Kaustav Bhattacharya

The dates of the London 2012 Olympics will bet July 27 through August 12, 2012. The London 2012 Paralympics will take place from August 29 to September 9, 2012.

The London 2012 Olympics will be the third London Olympics, the previous London Olympics taking place in 1908 and 1948.

Top 10 Off the Beaten Path London

2008-09-02T07:13:00.001-07:00

Snowdrops at Chelsea Physic Garden
Originally uploaded by erica_naturegirl

If you've been to London a million times and are looking for something new to do there, here is a great list of Top 10 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in London.

10. Eat lunch at an organic cafe in Stoke Newington

9. Take a stroll through Highgate Wood

8. Watch the deer in Richmond Park

7. Spend an afternoon boutique shopping in Crouch End

6. Go to the RAF Museum in Colindale, London

5. Take in the colors at the Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch, London

4. Explore the hidden trails in Muswell Hill

3. Eat lunch at Chelsea Farmers Market in Chelsea, London

2. Picnic in the Hampstead Heath

1. Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden in Chelsea, London

Eurostar to Disneyland Paris

2008-09-02T06:56:00.001-07:00

P1030007.JPG
Originally uploaded by JanHanford

Taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris from London is an easy and expedient way of getting to the Disney park.

The Eurostar train leaves from London's St Pancras train station and arrives at Disneyland Paris train station. (The Eurostar used to leave from London Waterloo train station, but moved in November 2007).

The Eurostar travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes for fast services and 4 hours for slower services (note that there is a 1 hour time difference between London and Paris).

Eurostar tickets to Disneyland Paris have varying prices depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your Eurostar ticket. Weekend tickets are often less expensive than weekday tickets.

NYT on Base2stay Hotel London

2008-09-01T08:18:00.001-07:00

For a great mid priced hotel in London, try the Base2stay Hotel in London's Earl's Court neighborhood. With rooms starting at 93 GBP, the hotel is a great deal in an expensive city.

NYT Article: London: Base2stay

London: Base2stay
By BENJI LANYADO

Base2stay is a boutique hotel for the credit-crunch age. Housed in a stylish London town house with crisp stone pillars, it could rightfully charge a queen’s ransom for a night’s stay. But it doesn’t. By cutting nonessentials — restaurants, room service, gym, spa — the 67-room hotel, which opened two years ago, starts at £93, or $173, at $1.90 to the pound, a night. In this pricey town, you’d be forgiven for thinking that wasn’t allowed.

THE LOCATION

The hotel is tucked down a quiet street just off busy Earl’s Court Road, amid rows of Victorian and Georgian houses surrounding pretty squares and even prettier people. Both the Earl’s Court and Gloucester Road Underground stations are within walking distance, as are the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park. Nearby side streets are lined with chi-chi cafes and trendy bars that attract a mix of tourists and locals.

THE ROOMS

Modern and sparsely chic, the rooms were larger than I had expected and reinforced base2stay’s dueling concept: one eye on style, the other on cost-effectiveness. Shades of milky browns and cream formed a soothing backdrop, and high ceilings and wide wooden windows gave the impression of more space. My queen-size bed was plush and comfortable, with more Egyptian cotton and pillows than I could possibly use. Storage was ample, thanks to the luggage drawers under the bed and a smart-looking kitchenette with stainless-steel counter, fridge, microwave and a full set of glasses, ceramic plates and flatware. It felt like a high-end boutique hotel, but stopped well short of extravagant.

Continued on nytimes.com

Eurostar Tickets and Discounts

2008-08-06T12:52:00.001-07:00

Tickets.....excited!!!!
Originally uploaded by Matt Seppings

Eurostar Tickets:

Adult Eurostar tickets from London to Paris can cost as low as 29.50 GBP if booked well in advance. If not, adult Eurostar tickets prices run from 79.50 GBP for Eurostar trains from London to Paris.

right here, directly.

Eurostar Discounts:

The Eurostar train from London to Paris has discount tickets for child (4-11), youth (12-25) and senior (60+) fares.

There are also Eurostar student discounts available if you book your ticket from your home country (you must have the ticket mailed to you in your home country).

Eurostar Discount Tips:

Friday and Sunday afternoons and early evenings tend to be the most expensive times to take the Eurostar train from London to Paris.

To avoid high prices, try to book your Eurostar tickets so that you depart London on Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, or Saturday afternoon and return to London on Sunday or Monday morning.

Also try booking the first or last Eurostar train of the day, as you can often find cheap Eurostar tickets for those trains.

Eurostar Trains from London to Paris

2008-08-06T09:23:00.001-07:00

Eurostar at St Pancras
Originally uploaded by slideshow bob

Taking the Eurostar train from London to Paris is the fastest way to get from one city to the other.

The Eurostar train leaves from London's St Pancras train station and arrives at Paris Gare du Nord train station. (The Eurostar used to leave from London Waterloo train station, but moved last year).

The Eurostar travel time is 2 hours and 15 minutes (note that there is a 1 hour time difference between London and Paris).

Eurostar fares vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your Eurostar ticket. Weekend tickets are often less expensive than weekday tickets.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements

2008-08-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

UK Passport Office
Originally uploaded by Neil T

The following are UK visa and passport requirements for people visiting the UK for tourist purposes:

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens: Passport required. No visa required for stays of up to six months.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for Australian Citizens: Passport required. No visa required for stays of up to six months.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for Canadian Citizens: Passport required. No visa required for stays of up to six months.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for Irish Citizens: Passport required. No visa required for stays of up to six months.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for South African Citizens: Passport required. No visa required for stays of up to six months.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for Nigerian Citizens: Passport required. Visa and/or transit visa required.

UK Visa and Passport Requirements for Kenyan Citizens: Passport required. Visa and/or transit visa required.

Note: Requirements are subject to change, so be sure to check the website of your country's embassy or consulate before you travel.

Cotswolds Buses

2008-07-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

H843 NOC
Originally uploaded by bazzadarambler

Taking buses in the Cotswolds is a good way to get around if you don't have a car. The most useful buses in the Cotswolds are the following:

Cotswold bus number 620 runs from Bath to Tetbury.

Cotswold bus number P801 runs from Cheltenham to Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Cotswold bus number 812 runs from Bourton to Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Moreton-in-Marsh.

Cotswold bus number 7 runs from Woodstock to Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh.

Cotswold bus number 22 runs from Moreton-in-Marsh to Stratford upon Avon.

Trains from London to the Cotswolds

2008-07-30T08:09:00.001-07:00

Egypt Mill, Nailsworth, Cotswolds
Originally uploaded by G Travels

Trains from London to the Cotswolds stop in the major cities of Oxford and Bath, as well as Kemble and Moreton-in-Marsh, two smaller cities in the Cotswolds.

Trains from London to the Cotswolds towns of Oxford, Bath, Kemble and Moreton-in-Marsh depart London Paddington train station several times an hour throughout the day.

Once in the Cotswolds, transport by bus or regional train is the best way to use public transport to get around.

Trains from London to Liverpool

2008-07-30T07:58:00.001-07:00

ad on side of Liverpool train
Originally uploaded by kubacheck

Trains from London to Liverpool depart London Euston train station for Liverpool Lime Street train station several times an hour throughout the day.

Trains from London to Liverpool cost around 65 GBP round trip (concessions available). The train journey from London to Liverpool takes 2.5-4 hours and sometimes requires a change (particularly on weekends).