Vacation tips for England

[someonehairy-ish]

I once met a couple of yanks in Cardiff. I could tell they were yanks because one of them had a small Union Flag tucked into his hat.

They asked me if the cashpoint they were at would give them 'English pounds or Scottish pounds'.

-

Anyway.

I grew up in Basingstoke, near London. Basingstoke is shit, don't go there unless your life aspirations amount to 'get really high' and 'eat a kebab'.

London is ok though. It has good museums and art galleries. Most of the galleries have free entry, but be warned that some of them are filled 'modern art.' Unless you want to be bored to death by paintings of hexagons and sculptures that look vaguely like vaginas, as drawn by people who've never seen a vagina, avoid these. London also has a number of fantastic restaurants, pubs, clubs, shops, parks, etc, but most of them are hideously expensive.

I'm told that Edinburgh and the Lake District are the nicest places to visit if you're heading northward from there, but I haven't been to either. I'm more familiar with Bath and Oxford, which have some extremely pretty bits. Maybe try those.

Also, if you're coming here in summer prepare to get rained on and sunburnt on the same day.

 

[Saregon]

Wow! I did not expect this many replies, thanks a lot everyone. We've started to plan our trip on a map from your tips already. As has been pointed out, I should probably have written some relevant things, so here goes:
-we're from the west coast of Norway, so we're very used to cold, heavy rain and strong wind, probably moreso than you brits
-we're starting and ending the trip in London, although we won't stay there long, as we can easily go there for an extended weekend later, not so for the rest of the country.
-we like history and general attractions, exploration, hiking and general summer activities, pretty scenery and landscapes, as well as meeting new people, and of course, pubs!

We're kind of drawing a blank on the area between the Lake District and Bath though.

I would post the map so far, but I don't have an account for that and I don't think I can just post it directly here. Maybe I could post it on Instagram?

Also, it would be pretty cool to meet some of you while we're there, it's always fun meeting new people, and the people on here are a generally good bunch.

EDIT: Oh, also, I love photography, so I'm gonna take a lot of photos.
Also also, just in case it helps, she's 23, and I'm 25 years old.

 

[ShogunGino]

Where you live doesn't incorporate tax into prices? How odd. Only place I can think of around here that does that is Costco.

Not here in Canada, and as far as I know, not in the United States as well. Let's just say it was something of a revelation when my wife and I saw it - definitely better than having the sales tax added to the price tag after.

That will be a problem if I ever visit. If the price is not what it says on the label I refuse to pay as I will not be deceived by hidden extras. I may have to get someone else to do my shopping.

They're not "hidden" extras, neither is anyone trying to "deceive" you, since we all know about state taxes here. Not every State has a state tax, and those that do are different from one another. If you go grocery shopping in a State with a tax, the cashier will ring up all your items, and then the register will add on the percentage-based tax based on the total price of all the items, with the tax amount clearly displayed on the receipt right under the item total. That's pretty much the most common form of state tax. Same as if you go to any restaurant, fast food or otherwise. Private businesses might do things differently, but not all of them.

Again, if the idea of a state tax being used like this is so off putting to you (and I've seen several Europeans post similar opinions), then it would be best to see which States don't do that. Here in California, we have a state tax, but one State up, Oregon, has no state tax. In States like Oregon, what you see is what you pay.

 

[Saregon]

Oh, just remembered to ask if there are any good gaming related things to do or see, as that's not too common here.

 

[Albino Boo]

We're kind of drawing a blank on the area between the Lake District and Bath though.

The area between Manchester and Birmingham is the old industrial heartland on the country and there are not any real standout attractions that you would say you have to see. If you are interested in industrial history then a visit to Coalbrookdale is worth half a day or so. The first iron bridge is quite photogenic. You could go down through the Brecon beacons, there are some good walks in the area and Hay on Wye is worth half day.

 

[CymbaIine]

York is brilliant. It's really touristy in a good way, you could spend a day or two there and in the surrounding areas. The whole area is really welcoming and there is a lot to do, plus it's absolutely beautiful. I went for a weekend a few years ago when we were short of cash, I was amazed that we (the English) could do tourism so well.

 

[Mutant1988]

York is pretty good, especially if you like booze and cobblestones (though these things don't mix particularly well - definitely don't wear heels).

Cornwall is pretty nice (well, very), but a bit of a nutsack to get to and around - will be absolutely heaving in the summer. I once queued for an hour to get to the Newquay branch of Jewsons. Lazy bastards closed at 12 on a Saturday.

Personally don't like London at all, though Camden used to be awesome (possibly still is, just haven't been in about ten years - oh Electric Ballroom, I miss you and the delicious ham and cheese grease croissants they sold outside).

There's always Hastings. Suicide capital of England I hear. I went there once. Only once though.

Camden was awesome when I was in London 2 years ago. Well, awesome if you want to eat food and buy odd pieces of clothing (Mostly). Did buy a pair of fingerless gloves that were absolute shit though. Broke the moment I put them on (And then I left them on the plane, so whatever). A word of advice - Don't buy things from obvious stoners.

Hell, the first thing he showed me was cigarette lighter with a secret compartment to store weed... I mean, come on.

There was also a place we found called London Trocadero which was like an old school arcade (I do believe there was DDR and there was definite halogen/neon lights) with nerdy collectors shops (Anime stuff mostly). Sadly, we only found it on the last day we were in London. It might be worth checking out anyway.

Edit - Sad. It turns out that it's being remodelled into a hotel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Trocadero#Redevelopment

Also, English pre-made sandwiches are awesome. Usually in packages with 3 sandwiches cut into triangles. A bit expensive maybe, but really, really good. That was the go to "on the move" food and late night snack. You might not share my passion for sandwiches though.

Also, fun fact - The English pretty much only eat toast bread. Seriously. Any store, the bread shelves had nothing but toast. If you want anything else, you need to find a bakery.

 

[CymbaIine]

Wow! I did not expect this many replies, thanks a lot everyone. We've started to plan our trip on a map from your tips already. As has been pointed out, I should probably have written some relevant things, so here goes:
-we're from the west coast of Norway, so we're very used to cold, heavy rain and strong wind, probably moreso than you brits
-we're starting and ending the trip in London, although we won't stay there long, as we can easily go there for an extended weekend later, not so for the rest of the country.
-we like history and general attractions, exploration, hiking and general summer activities, pretty scenery and landscapes, as well as meeting new people, and of course, pubs!

We're kind of drawing a blank on the area between the Lake District and Bath though.

I would post the map so far, but I don't have an account for that and I don't think I can just post it directly here. Maybe I could post it on Instagram?

Also, it would be pretty cool to meet some of you while we're there, it's always fun meeting new people, and the people on here are a generally good bunch.

EDIT: Oh, also, I love photography, so I'm gonna take a lot of photos.
Also also, just in case it helps, she's 23, and I'm 25 years old.

Places between Bath and the Lakes -

Well there is all of Wales which is beautiful with a lot to do. I particularly love North Wales, Abersoch is a lot of fun if you are into surfing and stuff. There is a wakeboarding festival there in June and they usually have decent music acts.

The Peak district is good for hiking and photography. It's been years since I have been there though.

Alton Towers is a big theme park near Stoke, lot's of white knuckle rides but a pain in the arse for queues.

Manchester and Liverpool are quite close together, I can't really judge Liverpool from an outside perspective as I know it too well but there are a lot of attractions. Manchester (which I hate) has a tonne to do and see and although as a local I can't stand it I would recommend it for a visit for a tourist.

EDIT - You should really look at some tourist information for Wales. I just thought of a million more places there that are worth visiting in North Wales alone. (Can you tell I am from the North West?) Also I know it's not between Bath and The Lakes but Devon and Cornwall are lovely.

 

[CymbaIine]

To elaborate on the tipping thing though - tipping around where I live (Liverpool, come visit the city while you're here!) usually comes in two forms that I can think of. Specifically taxis and restaurants. With taxis its usually good manners to round up whatever the cost is to within something reasonable; usually around 10% or just whatever sounds good so if your taxi was £8.20 you'd probably give £9 and tell them to keep the change, or if it was £14.50 you might give them £16. Something like that. I'm not sure how widespread that is though.

Restaurants its usually good form to tip maybe 5-10% of the bill or thereabouts (typically its kept simple...if the bill is closer to £100 you'd leave a tenner but if its closer to £200 then a twenty). But that's only at proper sit-down restaurants you wouldn't tip at McDonalds or anything like that.


But outside of those two specific circumstances its not really done. Definitely not, like Robert says here, in pubs; its just not a thing.

I agree with the taxi/waitress thing I do it exactly the same (maybe its a North West thing?). I also tip bar staff, not as the norm but often enough. Usually if I have ordered 3 drinks in a row or a big round. I will just tell them to "get one for yourself" and they usually take like a quid. It's pretty standard were I live to occasionally tip bar staff.

 

[Mutant1988]

I think you can write-off the majority of Camden in that case...

At least the others didn't sell us complete garbage. And yeah, they might be stoners, but be subtle about it. I did smoke then, but I sure as hell didn't smoke weed (I'm a habit former, I don't want any more psychological dependencies - I've stopped smoking cigarettes since then), so maybe not mention that the very first thing you do.

Actually, I'm not sure if neither me or my sister bought anything at all there (Except for the gloves). But it was fun to just go around and soak in the atmosphere. Looked at T-shirt, but they were all in the wrong sizes or just not very good. It is a nice place and I'm sure the topic creator could get something out of exploring it.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

If you're coming down to the Isle of Wight, why not stop off in Dorset [http://www.visit-dorset.com/] on the way? We're right next to Wight and have have some of the best classic English countryside in the country here and a coastline so spectacular the UN designated it a world heritage site [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_Coast]. Plus all the cider you can drink! I swear we're not all bumpkins... okay, most of us are..

You're a Dorset Lad? I'm Wiltshire!

OT: Lulworth Cove is my favourite place to visit in the UK (South coast of Dorset). I loved Geography at school, and I like any natural wonders. I love how Lulworth Cove/Durdle Door/The petrified forrest et al were formed and it's always a good day out. Especially coupled with some home made icecream, a cream tea (a must have if you are visiting the UK in the summer) and a stop off for supplies of Badger Ale from Hall and Woodhouse Brewery in Blandford.

Other than that I would suggest finding something to your tastes in London. Without knowing what you are into I can't really suggest, but there is something for everyone there!

Finally... Castles. You can't visit the UK and not see a real life castle... Warwick Castle is amazing, and you will pass that way when travelling North from London to Scotland. The castle is pretty large, and they put on a load of stands and talks on things like archery, castle defense and what happened in that area when the castle originally stood. Oh... and how could I forget... the live trebuchet demonstration with the flaming ball is awesome!

Definitely stick to the nicer towns as you travel. London, Cambridge (Ely near by too), Bath, Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Durham, Norwich... There are quite a few nice large towns to visit. They are all surrounded by nice villages and country homes too...

 

[Mister Eff]

I once met a couple of yanks in Cardiff. I could tell they were yanks because one of them had a small Union Flag tucked into his hat.

They asked me if the cashpoint they were at would give them 'English pounds or Scottish pounds'.

-

Anyway.

I grew up in Basingstoke, near London. Basingstoke is shit, don't go there unless your life aspirations amount to 'get really high' and 'eat a kebab'.

London is ok though. It has good museums and art galleries. Most of the galleries have free entry, but be warned that some of them are filled 'modern art.' Unless you want to be bored to death by paintings of hexagons and sculptures that look vaguely like vaginas, as drawn by people who've never seen a vagina, avoid these. London also has a number of fantastic restaurants, pubs, clubs, shops, parks, etc, but most of them are hideously expensive.

I'm told that Edinburgh and the Lake District are the nicest places to visit if you're heading northward from there, but I haven't been to either. I'm more familiar with Bath and Oxford, which have some extremely pretty bits. Maybe try those.

Also, if you're coming here in summer prepare to get rained on and sunburnt on the same day.

I grew up in Reading mate, I know exactly how you feel!

However now, I'm living in Cambridge and it's lovely here! Would definitely recommend you spend a few days here, check out the colleges, museums, food etc. And why not spend a lazy afternoon with a punt boat down the river. If the weather is good, it's a great way to spend the day!

 

[Albino Boo]

You're a Dorset Lad? I'm Wiltshire!

OT: Lulworth Cove is my favourite place to visit in the UK (South coast of Dorset). I loved Geography at school, and I like any natural wonders. I love how Lulworth Cove/Durdle Door/The petrified forrest et al were formed and it's always a good day out. Especially coupled with some home made icecream, a cream tea (a must have if you are visiting the UK in the summer) and a stop off for supplies of Badger Ale from Hall and Woodhouse Brewery in Blandford.

Other than that I would suggest finding something to your tastes in London. Without knowing what you are into I can't really suggest, but there is something for everyone there!

Finally... Castles. You can't visit the UK and not see a real life castle... Warwick Castle is amazing, and you will pass that way when travelling North from London to Scotland. The castle is pretty large, and they put on a load of stands and talks on things like archery, castle defense and what happened in that area when the castle originally stood. Oh... and how could I forget... the live trebuchet demonstration with the flaming ball is awesome!

Ye Gods they are letting yokels from Wiltshire into the RAF! I knew the defence cuts were bad but having to stoop so low as Swindon to recruit is sorry state of affairs. Do do they still burn passing VAT inspectors in wicker men in Devizes?

OT: The walk from Lulworth cove to Durdle Door is spectacular in the summer and worth a day. I'm not huge fan of Warwick castle but if Castles are your thing the Tower of London is worth a day on its own. Dover Castle is by the far the biggest has has defences from the 12th to the 20th century, sort of like Akershus Festning in Oslo but much, much bigger.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

Don't forget Stevenage or Harlow!

You sir, are a sick, sick man!

SNIP

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Sweet child of mine! I said Wiltshire... not that cess pit annex Swindon! The land of Ham and Bustards, and the buffer zone of pleasant that sits between nice.
I am from Chippenham, and it was living in the crux of RAF Lyneham that caused me to join up.

At least they only burn them in Devizes... we can't speak of the depraved fates that become of governmant money collecters that find themselves in the remote areas in the vicinity of Pewsey or Tidworth... Heaven knows, I can't even think of a name of a town/village in SW Wiltshire... I don't think anyone has ever returned! :S

 

[Albino Boo]

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Sweet child of mine! I said Wiltshire... not that cess pit annex Swindon! The land of Ham and Bustards, and the buffer zone of pleasant that sits between nice.
I am from Chippenham, and it was living in the crux of RAF Lyneham that caused me to join up.

At least they only burn them in Devizes... we can't speak of the depraved fates that become of government money collectors that find themselves in the remote areas in the vicinity of Pewsey or Tidworth... Heaven knows, I can't even think of a name of a town/village in SW Wiltshire... I don't think anyone has ever returned! :S

My dear Chap I'm from Bath and we only have the Mayor bury 2 tourists alive every autumn to ensure a good crop of tourists next year. You sure it wasn't the several large holes in the ground at Corsham that caused you to join?

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Sweet child of mine! I said Wiltshire... not that cess pit annex Swindon! The land of Ham and Bustards, and the buffer zone of pleasant that sits between nice.
I am from Chippenham, and it was living in the crux of RAF Lyneham that caused me to join up.

At least they only burn them in Devizes... we can't speak of the depraved fates that become of government money collectors that find themselves in the remote areas in the vicinity of Pewsey or Tidworth... Heaven knows, I can't even think of a name of a town/village in SW Wiltshire... I don't think anyone has ever returned! :S

My dear Chap I'm from Bath and we only have the Mayor bury 2 tourists alive every autumn to ensure a good crop of tourists next year. You sure it wasn't the several large holes in the ground at Corsham that caused you to join?

Bath is quite frankly my favourite place. From the Rugby team (Finally picking up again from that slow period) to the markets and small businesses, to the incredible archetecture (that I am yet to see any other city with the same feel)... Hell even with Wednesday nights at Po Na Na's!

I tell you what... that visit in Corsham was awesome! I wanted to be involved in all the cool shit like that. Cue 10 years later and older Watson working in a bunker properly... cue all the romantic attraction melting away leaving a dreary stain of despair and anguish...