 | |
| Getting Started | |
World Guide  | |
| Airport Guides | |
| TRAVELLER TOOLS | ||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
The World | |
Europe | |
London | |
Excursions |
|
London,
Excursions Kew Gardens: Situated on the western edge of the city, beside the River Thames, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 (tel: (020) 8940 1171; website: www.rbgkew.org.uk) is a 121‐hectare (300‐acre) site, first planted in the 17th century and now a horticulturist’s heaven. The glasshouses, including the beautiful Palm House, shelter rare orchids and palms. Transport to the gardens is by London Underground to Kew Gardens; or by train from Waterloo to Kew Bridge, which is also served by the Silverlink Metro. Admission is £7.50 (concessions available). The gardens are open daily 0930‐1830, Saturday and Sunday 0930‐1930 (April to August), closing earlier as winter sets in. London Wetland Centre: London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 (tel: (020) 8409 4400; website: www.wetlandcentre.org.uk), is the first wetland environment ever to be created in a capital city. The former 42‐hectare (105‐acre) disused reservoir has been transformed into an oasis for a multitude of watery wildlife, with the addition of 30 reformed lakes, ponds and marshland. With 250m (819ft) of boardwalk, three kilometres (two miles) of pathways and seven viewing hides, the centre provides close‐up access to water‐loving birds, mammals and insects from across Britain and around the world. There is also a visitor centre. The centre is open daily 0930‐1800 (summer) and 0930‐1700 (winter); admission costs £6.75 (concessions available). Transport is by London Underground to Hammersmith, then free shuttle bus, or by train from Waterloo to Barnes, followed by a short walk. For a Whole Day Brighton: Known as ‘London on Sea’, Brighton is located 97km (60 miles) from London, on the south coast. Easily and relatively cheaply accessible from Victoria station or King's Cross Thameslink, Britain’s young demographic (including residents of the calibre of Fat Boy Slim), vibrant nightlife, top‐class restaurants and relaxed vibe certainly make it the trendy coastal retreat of choice. Attractions include the Royal Pavilion (George IV’s summer retreat), the newly renovated Museum of Brighton, and the old town around the Lanes. The Brighton Tourist Information Office, 10 Bartholomew Square (tel: (0906) 711 2255; website: www.tourism.brighton.co.uk), can provide more information. Oxford: The ‘dreaming spires’ are located 97km (60 miles) northwest of central London. Harbouring one of the oldest universities in Europe, Oxford is not only steeped in history, architecture and traditions (such as punting on the river) but is also a bustling commercial city with good shops and excellent pubs. Trains to Oxford depart from Paddington station, while frequent 24‐hour coaches leave from Victoria‐ the Oxford Express X90 from Victoria Coach Station and the Oxford Tube from Grosvenor Gardens outside Victoria train station. The Oxford Tourist Information Office, The Old School (tel: (01865) 726 871; website: www.visitoxford.org), can provide further information. |