Visiting around London

[filthiestfis]

My girlfriend and I live in London and we would like to organise several day outs for the future. We recognise that we should visit Brighton, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Canterbury, Eastbourne. I think that Southend may also be required? Are we missing other places on this side of the country tha we should visit?

[Buenchico]

Southend is a bit of a dump. It's got the same shops that you'll find anywhere else, a seafront that has more mud than sand, the type of pubs where you need to keep an for low-flying bottles and a general air of seediness. If you do venture there, however, I recommend visiting the delightful little museum that is on (or, more accurately, under) the pier.

Bath is a long way for a day trip, but worth the effort:
http://www.visitbath.co.uk/

Rochester is a very pleasant town. (It was a city until the council forgot to observe the terms of its charter!). It's mainly got independent shops (because the big chains are all down the road in Chatham and Gillingham). There's also quite a bit of historical interest:
http://www.medway.gov.uk/tourism/44632.htm
In particular, the Historic Dockyard (Chatham) is just down the road:
http://www.chdt.org.uk/

Among Kent's other offerings, Leeds Castle must be near the top of the list:
http://www.leeds-castle.com
National Express operate a daily service (No. 021) to Leeds Castle at 0900 from Victoria Coach Station. The combined return fare and entrance ticket costs �22. The return service leaves the castle at 1505. (Alternatively, take a train to Bearsted station. A coach shuttle operates from there to the castle).

The Isle of Wight is a pleasant place for a day out. Take the ferry across from Portsmouth and then explore using the little rail line or the buses:
http://www.iwight.com/just_visiting/

Chris

[filthiestfis]

Fantastic reply from Buenchico, as always, and many thanks. I've also been told that Winchester is very nice. Have you been there chris?

[Buenchico]

It's strange that you should ask that question, Filthiestfis. Shortly after posting my original reply I was watching 'Songs of Praise'. (I'm an atheist but I'd got the telly on so that I didn't miss 'Last of the Summer Wine'!). It was from Winchester and I was kicking myself for not suggesting it to you. Yes, it's definitely worth a day out:
http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/

Chris

[filthiestfis]

Thank you :)

[Eve]

There are some lovely places by the sea in Dorset. Went to stay with friends in Southampton and they took us to Monkey World in Wareham, Dorset (fantastic rescue centre) then we drove down to Poole and walked around the marina and along the beach.

Brighton is great and Worthing is nice. Eastbourne is more for the older generation :)

Aylesbury and Guildford are really nice little towns.

[tublo]

Weymouth is lovely. its got a lovely sandy beach. Has a history and is going to be where the sailing is in next olympics. Plenty of pubs. Also Salisbury. with its cathedral.