Visiting UK

Helpful links for Visiting UK

Best Time of Year to Visit London
HSMP Visa for UK
Best Day Trips from London
Cheap Flights to London and UK Cities

Trains from Manchester to Liverpool

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.

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Trains from London to Newcastle

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.

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Trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow

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.

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Trains from London to Edinburgh

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.

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Trains from London to Sheffield


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.

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Trains from London to Glasgow


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.

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Trains from London to Leeds

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.

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Trains from London to Birmingham

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.

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Visiting Norfolk England


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.

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Best Hotels in Norfolk


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.

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Best Restaurants in Norfolk England


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

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Dover Ferry Tickets and Discounts


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.

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Ferries from Dover to Calais

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.

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Dover Day Trip from London


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.

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Trains from London to Dover


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.

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Dates of the London 2012 Olympics

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.

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Top 10 Off the Beaten Path London

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

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Eurostar to Disneyland Paris


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.

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Eurostar Tickets and Discounts

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.

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Eurostar Trains from London to Paris

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.

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UK Visa and Passport Requirements


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.

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Cotswolds Buses


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.

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Trains from London to the Cotswolds

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.

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Trains from London to Liverpool

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).

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NYT on Best Restaurants in Scotland

This New York Times article features three of the best restaurants in Scotland: 2 Quail, Summer Isles Hotel, and Three Chimneys.

NYT Article: A Taste of Scotland

A Taste of Scotland
By FRANK BRUNI

WHAT scared me wasn’t that the young Scotsman was talking about sheep innards.

It was the readiness with which he spoke of them. It was the context. He knew that I had arrived in Scotland, for my first visit, just an hour earlier. He and I were all of 90 seconds into our conversation.

“You have to eat haggis,” he said, not in the manner of someone making a recommendation but in the manner of someone issuing a dare. A taunting manner. A sadistic one. “You have to eat haggis for breakfast,” he added, and then he didn’t so much laugh as cackle.

Haggis, as the Scottish-savvy know, is a mash of sheep organs: heart, liver, lungs. It is sometimes boiled in sheep stomach — it’s the grace notes that count — and it is indeed sometimes consumed at the time of day when lesser omnivores elect oatmeal.

Continued on nytimes.com

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Trains from London to Manchester


Manchester Piccadilly
Originally uploaded by treevis
Trains from London to Manchester depart London King's Cross and London Euston train stations for Manchester Piccadilly train station several times an hour throughout the day.

Trains from London to Manchester cost around 75 GBP round trip (concessions available). The train journey from London to Manchester takes 2-4 hours and sometimes requires a change (particularly on weekends).

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Trains from London to Bristol

Trains from London to Bristol depart London Paddington train station for Bristol Temple Meads train station every 15-30 minutes throughout the day.

Trains from London to Bristol cost around 45 GBP round trip (concessions available). The train journey from London to Bristol takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

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The Shed Restaurant Porthgain Wales


PORTHGAIN,PEMBROKESHIRE
Originally uploaded by RATAEDL
The Shed Restaurant
The Shed restaurant address: Croes Goch, Porthgain, Pembrokeshire SA62 5BN
The Shed Restaurant phone: +44 (0) 1348 831518
The Shed restaurant opening hours: 12 – 3pm & 6.30 – 9.30pm, Tues-Sun

The Shed restaurant in Porthgain, Wales is a great place for lunch or dinner. The Shed is known for miles around as being one of the best seafood restaurants in Wales.

The Shed restaurant's menu changes daily depending on what fish and shellfish are available from local suppliers. All of their fish is fresh and most is local, including the crabs that are caught in the bay right outside the restaurant.

The Shed restaurant gets very busy, so it is advisable to book ahead, particularly in the high season.

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Bryngarw Guesthouse


Nr TREFIN,PEMBROKESHIRE
Originally uploaded by RATAEDL
Bryngarw Guesthouse
Bryngarw Guesthouse Address: Abercastle Road, Trefin, Pembrokeshire SA62 5AR
Bryngarw Guesthouse Phone: +44 (0) 1348 831211

The Bryngarw Guesthouse in Trefin, Pembrokeshire, Wales is the best B&B in Pembrokeshire.

The owners are friendly and cook up a great Welsh breakfast, and the surrounding area is beautiful. The B&B is right on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Trail, so it makes for a great jumping off point for hiking in Pembrokeshire.

Rooms at Bryngarw Guesthouse are clean and simple, with great views of the cliffs and the sea. The outdoor garden is a great place for relaxing and the Bryngarw Guesthouse allows visitors to enjoy the gardens with their dogs.

Room rates at the Bryngarw Guesthouse are 35 GBP per person per night, 55 GBP with dinner.

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Novotel Cardiff

Novotel Cardiff
Novotel Cardiff Address: Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10
Novotel Cardiff Phone: +44 (0) 29 2047 5000

Located right between the Cardiff city center and the Cardiff Bay Millennium Centre area, the Novotel Cardiff is in a great place for visitors wanting to explore the best Cardiff has to offer.

The Novotel Cardiff has great rooms, friendly staff, an indoor swimming pool and spa and a hotel bar with a lively happy hour.

Room rates at the Novotel Cardiff are 180 GBP per night for a standard double room. Breakfast is 12 GBP per person per day.

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Hiking in Brecon Beacons National Park


Brecon Beacons April07_19
Originally uploaded by timbobee
Brecon Beacons National Park is known for its great natural beauty and endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure activities.

There are many hiking trails in Brecon Beacons and they range from short, easy walks to advanced climbs.

The most popular hike in Brecon Beacons is the summit walk to the mountains of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du.

Also popular is the Taff Trail, a 77 mile hiking trail that runs from Cardiff in the south to Brecon in the north.

Hiking to waterfalls in Brecon Beacons is another great adventure. The Sgwd-yr-Eira waterfall near Pontneddfechan offers hiking trails that range from a 400 meter flat trail to a small waterfall to more strenuous 5 hour climbs in the mountains.

The Brecon Beacons visitor center in the north of the park has hiking maps for sale.

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Driving from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons


Brecon Beacons
Originally uploaded by Still Burning
The best way to get from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons is to drive, as train transport in Wales is limited outside of major cities like Cardiff and Swansea.

Driving from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons only takes 40 minutes. Drive north out of Cardiff along Bute Park and then take the N Rd / A470 highway north until you reach Merthyr Tydfil at the southern end of Brecon Beacons National Park.

Detailed driving directions are here.

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ba orient Restaurant in Cardiff

ba orient Restaurant
Cocktail and Dim Sum Bar
ba orient Address: unit 27, ground floor, mermaid quay, Cardiff Bay CF10 5BZ

Located near the dazzling new Millenium Centre on Mermaid Quay in Cardiff, ba orient restaurant is a great place to get a cocktail and dim sum in Cardiff.

Make sure to try the delicious Kir Royal or a Mojito, and order a healthy portion of honey pork sticky buns.

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Trains from London to Swansea


Swansea train
Originally uploaded by markhillary
Trains from London to Swansea run regularly from London's Paddington Station to Swansea Station.

Trains leave London Paddington for Swansea every half hour at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Trains from Swansea to London return every half hour at 29 and 55 minutes past the hour. Some routes require a change of train.

The total train time from London to Swansea is just over three hours.

The cost of a train ticket from London to Swansea is 62 GBP for standard class. Deals are available if you book in advance.

NB: Weekend, evening and early morning trains from London to Swansea run less frequently and often have a longer journey time.

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Stonehenge Tours


Stonehenge HDR
Originally uploaded by Rob Ball
While it's possible to visit Stonehenge on your own, there are some great companies that offer Stonehenge tours. Here are two of my favorite Stonehenge tour companies:

Mad Max Tours of Stonehenge

Mad Max Tours of Stonehenge take visitors from Bath to Stonehenge for tours of the historic sites in the area. Family run Max Max Tours picks up visitors near Bath Abbey in small buses and give friendly, informative day tours that cover Stonehenge and Avebury as well as the village of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds and the National Trust's Lacock Village.

Full day tours are 27.50 GBP. They also offer half day tours of Stonehenge and Lacock Village for 15.00 GBP.

www.madmaxtours.co.uk

Vics Taxi Tours of Stonehenge

Vics Taxi Tours of Stonehenge are private tours that take visitors from Salisbury to Stonehenge. Vic, a retired RAF gentleman who has lived in the Salisbury area for years, knows the area thoroughly and has wonderful stories to entertain visitors while driving to Stonehenge.

Stonehenge tours last 2 hours and cost 40.00 GBP. Vics Taxi Tours can also arrange a private access to Stonehenge tour for 15.00 GBP/person, 20.00 GBP for 2-4 people, 3.00 GBP for each additional person over 4 people. Custom tours are available upon request.

www.vicstaxi.com

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Ryanair Flights to Glasgow


EI-DPP
Originally uploaded by fedex_ita
Ryanair, the well-known low cost airline, flies to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which is located about 45km south of the city of Glasgow Scotland. Glasgow is easy to get to from Prestwick Airport by train or bus.

Ryanair flights to Glasgow arrive from Brussels, Bournemouth, London, Marseilles, Paris, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Budapest, Milan, Pisa, Rome, Riga, Belfast, Derry, Oslo, Gdansk, Krakow, Wroclaw, Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Barcelona, Murcia, Reus, Gothenburg and Stockholm.

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Glasgow Scotland


Glasgow chimneys
Originally uploaded by bob the lomond
Once Scotland's industrial hub, Glasgow underwent a long period of decline in the twentieth century. The city has recently reinvented itself as a modern metropolis of cutting-edge architecture, inventive gastronomy and great music.

Glasgow is home to many historic monuments, including the Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow University and the Glasgow School of Art. More recent additions to the city skyline include the uber-contemporary Glasgow Science Center and the Glasgow Exhibition and Conference Center.

Glasgow is also home to some of the best restaurants in Scotland. The Gandolfi restaurants, including Cafe Gandolfi, Bar Gandolfi and Gandolfi Fish, all prove that the city has made an impressive foray into the culinary scene.

Glasgow has many top hotels, including the Crowne Plaza and many other international hotels and its own boutique hotels, hostels and B&Bs.

Getting to and from Glasgow by train and plane is easy, and many low-cost airlines like Ryanair serve the city's airports. To get from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow, you can take a bus or train, and the Glasgow subway is a great way to get around the ciy.

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Crowne Plaza Hotel Glasgow


Crowne Plaza Glasgow
Originally uploaded by limowreck666
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow is located right on the bank of the Clyde. The Crowne Plaza is right next to the Glasgow Exhibition and Conference Center and across the Millennium Bridge from the Glasgow Science Center.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow has elegant guest rooms with all the amenities, restaurants, a large and bustling bar and great services.

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Glasgow Subway Guide


Glasgow Subway Train
Originally uploaded by edwardfilms
Old and a bit in need of a facelift, the Glasgow subway system is nonetheless easy to navigate and convenient to use.

The Glasgow subway operates on a circular system, with one branch going clockwise and the other going counter- (or anti-) clockwise.

Tickets for the Glasgow subway can be purchased at stations from kiosks or ticket machines. Adult tickets cost 1.10 GBP (single) or 2.20 GBP (return).

There are also discounts on Glasgow subway fares. They include: 9.00 (10 journeys), 17.00 GBP (20 journeys). A seven day ticket costs 10.00 GBP, and a one day travel card on the Glasgow subway costs 2.50 GBP.

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Gandolfi Restaurants in Glasgow


Cafe Gandolfi
Originally uploaded by oddobjects
Cafe Gandolfi and Bar Gandolfi
Cafe Gandolfi Address: 64 Albion Street, Glasgow G1 1NY, Scotland
Cafe Gandolfi Phone: +44 (0) 141 552 6813

Gandolfi Fish
Gandolfi Fish Address: 84-86 Albion Street, Glasgow G1 1NY, Scotland
Gandolfi Fish Phone: +44 (0) 141 552 9475

Cafe Gandolfi, Bar Gandolfi and the sister restaurant Gandolfi Fish are located in Glasgow's bustling and hip Merchant City. Known for their fresh, local Scottish cuisine, the Gandolfi restaurants are among the best restaurants in Glasgow.

While Cafe Gandolfi is small, intimate and forest-like with its heavy wooden tables, Gandolfi Fish is sleek, metallic and more upscale. Both restaurants serve up great food, and Bar Gandolfi is perfect for an after-dinner drink.

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Lagg Hotel on the Isle of Arran


Isle of Arran
Originally uploaded by ukemi_42
Lagg Hotel
Lagg Hotel Address: Lagg, Kilmory, Isle of Arran KA27 8PQ, Scotland
Lagg Hotel Phone: +44 (0) 1770 870 255

The Lagg Hotel on the Isle of Arran is located in the south of the island in Kilmory, Scotland. Set in a quiet, lush area amid beautiful gardens, the Lagg Hotel is the perfect retreat on Arran.

The Lagg Hotel has comfortable guest rooms with nice, new bathroom fixtures. The rooms are quiet and and offer a full range of amenities.

The Lagg Hotel restaurants include eating the cosy room near the bar or the more formal dining room. Menu options range from grilled scallops with soba noodles to salmon fillets. Desserts are to die for, and the cheese selection features several local Arran cheeses.

Room rates at the Lagg Hotel on the Isle of Arran are 40 GBP per person per night.

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Isle of Arran


Isle of Arran
Originally uploaded by ukemi_42
Nicknamed "Scotland in Miniature," the Isle of Arran is one of the most visited destinations by Glaswegians and other in-the-know visitors.

Located just two hours from Glasgow by train and ferry, Arran is easily accessible, has great hotels and B&Bs, and makes for a perfect weekend destination.

The Isle of Arran is famous for its natural landscape, castles and food. Whether you aim to climb Mount Goatfell, hike to King's Caves, walk to the Machrie Moor Stone Circles or take part in the myriad water sports the island offers, you can't go wrong. The Isle of Arran is also home to a half dozen or so golf courses for those that can't leave the clubs behind.

There are two castles on the Isle of Arran: Lochranza Castle and Brodick Castle. Lochranza Castle is a small shell of a building, but can be visited. Brodick Castle is a full-blown National Trust property, complete with tours, gardens, a restaurant, a tea room, and a gift shop.

Speaking of tea and shopping, don't miss the Isle of Arran's wide array of local cheeses, ice cream, chocolates, beer and whiskey. The island is famous for its artisan foods and beverages, so make sure to sample some while you're there.

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Glasgow School of Art Tours

Glasgow School of Art
Glasgow School of Art Address: 167 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6RQ, Scotland

Designed by the famous Scottish architect Charles Renee Mackintosh, the Glasgow School of Art is one of the most visited sites in Glasgow.

As the Glasgow School of Art is a working school, visitors are only allowed to enter on guided tours.

Glasgow School of Art tours run daily from April to September on every hour from 10am until 12pm and 2pm until 5pm. From October to March, Glasgow School of Art tours take place at 11am and 3pm. Tours last approximately one hour.

Tickets for Glasgow School of Art tours cost 7.75 GBP (5.75 GBP concession).

To book a tour, call the Glasgow School of Art Shop on +44 (0) 141 353 4526 or email shop@gsa.ac.uk.

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Isle of Arran Distillery

Isle of Arran Distillery
Isle of Arran Distillery Address: Lochranza, Isle of Arran KA27 8HJ
Isle of Arran Distillery Phone: +44 (0) 1770 830264

Located in the quiet town of Lochranza in the north part of the Isle of Arran, the Isle of Arran Distillery is a great place for a visit. The Distillery runs hour-long tours throughout the day and there is a shop and restaurant as well.

Isle of Arran Distillery Opening Times:

Open 7 days mid-March through October
Reduced opening during the off-season. Call for information.

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How to Get from Glasgow to the Isle of Arran

To get from Glasgow to the Isle of Arran you need to take a train and a ferry. The total trip takes around 2.5 hours.

Trains from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour, the ferry terminal for the Isle of Arran, run in tandem with the ferry schedule. Trains leave Glasgow Central Station at the following times:

Trains from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour, Monday through Saturday:

8:33am
11:15am
2:15pm
4:50pm
7:17pm (Friday only)

Trains from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour, Sunday:

8:40am
11:15am
2:05pm
4:55pm

The train time from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour takes 55 minutes.

Once at Ardrossan Harbour, follow the signs to the ferry terminal. The ferry time from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick on the Isle of Arran is 55 minutes.

Arran ferries leave Ardrossan Harbour at the following times:

Ferries from Ardrossan Harbour to Arran, Monday through Saturday:

7:00am
9:45am
12:30am
3:15pm
6:00pm
8:30pm (Friday only)

Ferries from Ardrossan Harbour to Arran, Sunday:

9:45am
12:30am
3:15pm
6:00pm

Additional sailings take place during the summer months, but call ahead to confirm.

The ferry from Ardrossan Harbour to Arran costs 5.25 GBP for single tickets or 8.95 GBP for a return (if you return within 5 days).

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Bus from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow


Airport bus, Glasgow
Originally uploaded by garretkeogh
The bus from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow is an easy way to reach the city center.

From Prestwick Airport, take the Stagecoach Western X77 Express Bus Service to Glasgow Buchanan Street Station. You can get the bus outside Prestwick Airport on the A79. The trip takes 50 minutes each way.

Monday through Saturday the bus from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow runs from 6:39am until 8:34pm. On Sunday the bus from Prestwick Airport runs from 8:10am until 6:10pm.

The X99/X100 is a late bus from Prestwick Airport that leaves at 11:59pm and goes to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Tickets cost 8 GBP (pre-book) or 9 GBP (purchase on board).

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Train from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow

Trains from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow run every 30 minutes at 21 and 51 minutes past the hour (20 and 50 on Sunday). The journey takes 50 minutes and the train terminates at Glasgow Central Station.

Monday through Saturday the first train from Prestwick Airport is at 5:48am and the last train from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow is at 11:08pm.

On Sundays during the high season (May-September), the first train from Glasgow Prestwick Airport is at 8:50am and the last train from Prestwick Airport is at 11:07pm.

On Sundays during the low season the first train from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow is at 9:50am and the last train from Prestwick Airport is at 11:07pm.

The train from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow costs 3.10 GBP one-way if you show your boarding pass or flight confirmation. Otherwise it is 6.20 GBP. Tickets can be purchased aboard the train.

For the first six months of any new flight route into Prestwick Airport you get free rail travel to and from the airport and Glasgow city center.

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How to Get from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow


prestwick airport
Originally uploaded by Gavin Gilmour
The best way to get from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow is by bus or train.

Bus from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow

Train from Prestwick Airport to Glasgow

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Bourton on the Water England