I would just warn you that October can be very busy in Oxford and Cambridge as thousands of students descend for the new academic year. Especially 2nd week of Oct.
If they're at all interested in ships, maritime, etc, Portsmouth is a good choice, the historic dockyard area is a very short walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station, you can also walk from there down to Southsea and see the castle and the roofless church, there's a D-Day museum near the castle as well. There's also the King's Theatre, but as the shows are in the evenings it's going to be quite a long day, unless you can find a good hotel deal and stay overnight. I've stayed at the Royal Maritime Club close by the docks, really nice hotel.
You can get there in 90 minutes or so from Waterloo.
Portsmouth gets a bad press, and in fairness for many years it was not a place you’d visit for leisure. But it’s got a lot going for it now. Do some research into the attractions if you think it’ll interest you - naval history is the big draw - but don’t be drawn in to people who write it off just because that’s the time-worn joke. However - what it’s not is a picturesque, olde-worlde place like Stratford or Bath, so I’d advise against it if that is what you’d like to see.
It's a really nice place, always felt at home there. And the Isle of Wight, which is definitely more picturesque, is only 30 minutes away on the ferry of course.
Great music scene in Portsmouth as well. Perhaps not for pensioners though unless there's an oldies act on...
I know Oxford and Bath and I would recommend Bath over Oxford. There's the Roman Baths, the Abbey, the Holborne museum, the whole city is Georgian architecture. Sadly, even though the Theatre Royal is really good, I don't think you'll be able to see a play and to get the last train home.
Would second bath! There’s also the Royal Crescent and there’s a bus tour which you can do that takes you out of the city, though just the city to walk around is beautiful. Also paradise park!
Canterbury is nice, historic, not too far from London.
Stratford-upon-Avon is where Shakespeare was from if that’s interesting to them?
Cambridge is a fast enough train from Kings Cross. Great to walk around and lots going on.
You could definitely sign up to some free walking tours, visit museums, get a lovely lunch and some souvenirs in any of those places.
I've not yet been to Canterbury (had plans to, but Covid..), but I generally find guided tours of cathedrals very informative.
I know that Canterbury has ghost tours too. Also, check out punt tours of the local river system.
Super-close - take Thameslink to St Albans, maybe on a market day. Lots of history to soak up, Cathedral is a beaut, Verulamium Museum has Roman ruins.
I would just warn you that October can be very busy in Oxford and Cambridge as thousands of students descend for the new academic year. Especially 2nd week of Oct.
Oh thank you so much, that’s a great warning!!
If they're at all interested in ships, maritime, etc, Portsmouth is a good choice, the historic dockyard area is a very short walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station, you can also walk from there down to Southsea and see the castle and the roofless church, there's a D-Day museum near the castle as well. There's also the King's Theatre, but as the shows are in the evenings it's going to be quite a long day, unless you can find a good hotel deal and stay overnight. I've stayed at the Royal Maritime Club close by the docks, really nice hotel. You can get there in 90 minutes or so from Waterloo.
Portsmouth gets a bad press, and in fairness for many years it was not a place you’d visit for leisure. But it’s got a lot going for it now. Do some research into the attractions if you think it’ll interest you - naval history is the big draw - but don’t be drawn in to people who write it off just because that’s the time-worn joke. However - what it’s not is a picturesque, olde-worlde place like Stratford or Bath, so I’d advise against it if that is what you’d like to see.
It's a really nice place, always felt at home there. And the Isle of Wight, which is definitely more picturesque, is only 30 minutes away on the ferry of course. Great music scene in Portsmouth as well. Perhaps not for pensioners though unless there's an oldies act on...
That’s a lovely suggestion, thank you! My dad does love maritime history so I’ll add to our list!
You are very welcome, happy to answer any questions you may have about it.
I know Oxford and Bath and I would recommend Bath over Oxford. There's the Roman Baths, the Abbey, the Holborne museum, the whole city is Georgian architecture. Sadly, even though the Theatre Royal is really good, I don't think you'll be able to see a play and to get the last train home.
Would second bath! There’s also the Royal Crescent and there’s a bus tour which you can do that takes you out of the city, though just the city to walk around is beautiful. Also paradise park!
Despite visiting many times we only did the bus tour recently. I think it's a good idea for a first time visitor.
Totally agree!
Canterbury is nice, historic, not too far from London. Stratford-upon-Avon is where Shakespeare was from if that’s interesting to them? Cambridge is a fast enough train from Kings Cross. Great to walk around and lots going on. You could definitely sign up to some free walking tours, visit museums, get a lovely lunch and some souvenirs in any of those places.
Thank you so much!! Great idea for the walking tours too!
I've not yet been to Canterbury (had plans to, but Covid..), but I generally find guided tours of cathedrals very informative. I know that Canterbury has ghost tours too. Also, check out punt tours of the local river system.
Oxford or Bath
Wells in Somerset is sublime, easy access, a little further away but so worth it!
Super-close - take Thameslink to St Albans, maybe on a market day. Lots of history to soak up, Cathedral is a beaut, Verulamium Museum has Roman ruins.