Brighton
A very popular bathing resort for the Victorians, Brighton is still the place where Londoners go for a day at the seaside. Don’t expect sandy beaches - there are only pebbles - but there’s a good holiday atmosphere and lots to see and do apart from the usual side shows and candy floss stuff. The Lanes is a maze of narrow alleyways packed with antiques, jewellery and clothes shops. Do the touristy thing and walk to the end of the pier - the air is wonderful. The big “don’t miss” of course is the many-domed Royal Pavilion, a sort of Arabian Nights fantasy that has to be seen to be believed. It was built in 1832 for the Prince Regent (son of King George III). Do take the tour but also sit awhile in the pretty gardens and snap away with your camera. It’s an amazing building. The train from Victoria Station takes one hour.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court’s gardens and interiors require a full day. Built by Cardinal Wolsey in 1514 and added to by King Henry the VIII when he decided to snatch it for himself. There’s the famous maze to get lost in, Tudor kitchens to visit, the world’s oldest grape vine, whose grapes you can purchase, costume guided tours of the royal apartments and a lovely walled garden in which to catch your breath.The best way to go is by river boat from Westminster, or take the train from Waterloo Station - about half an hour.
Cambridge
If you have to choose between Oxford and Cambridge, choose Cambridge. Both are worth a visit but Cambridge is smaller, prettier and more peaceful. The university was founded in the early 13th-century by a group of disgruntled Oxford students. There are 31 colleges, each with its own traditions, buildings, and gardens. Either take a tour or choose which college interests you. Peterhouse is the oldest (1284); Churchill is the newest (1959). The city has fine museums and art galleries and one of the nicest things to do is to take a walk along the river and through those college areas where visitors are allowed. You can hire a flat-bottomed and pole your way along the stream. The train from Liverpool Street Station takes one hour
Windsor
A town that can get very touristy, Windsor is nevertheless on the list of many visitors and if you need a quiet break you can always take a stroll by the river. The huge, grey tower is impressive. It is a lived-in castle, sometimes described as the “oldest inhabited castle in the world”. Don’t miss the state apartments (open to the public only when the royal family are not in residence). Windsor High Street is pretty and the famous Eton college is a short further walk down the street. Well worth the extra stroll. Some of the buildings date from the 15th-century and a trip here provides a great atmosphere. The train from Paddington takes under an hour.
Hatfield House
Situated in Hatfield in Hertfordshire, England’s most impressive Jacobean house is full of treasures. It was built between 1607 and 1611. Nearby are the remains of an earlier Tudor palace where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood and where she learned of her accession to the throne. The house contains many famous portraits of Elizabeth and numerous English kings. The various rooms are fully furnished and many are still used by its present occupants.The train from King’s Cross takes under half an hour.
Bath
Bath is famous for being the most complete and best-preserved Georgian city in Britain. It is also one of the oldest cities in Britain, known since Roman times for its warm mineral springs. The Roman baths in the centre of the town are among the best preserved Roman remains anywhere in England. Don’t miss the 18th-century Assembly Rooms and the Royal Crescent. The train from Paddington takes approximately one hour 20 minutes.
Cathy Smith - I have Miss McGinn to thank for my becoming a writer. I was in her class for only two years from age nine to eleven. In what we called ...
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