Trip to London: My husband and I are going to London for a week in mid May. I am wanting to plan one day trip from London that would provide good photo ops as well as be an enjoyable...

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

My husband and I are going to London for a week in mid May. I am wanting to plan one day trip from London that would provide good photo ops as well as be an enjoyable day spent with my husband. (Our 50th anniversary)

Unfortunately, I am unable to do much walking. So no long hikes or walks could be done. I enjoy more wildlife and nature photography, but also unique buildings such as castles, bridges, cathedrals, etc.

I am hoping to get some suggestions from those who have done this or live in the area. I have considered Stonehenge, but a couple who have been recently were disappointed. Plus thought it might involve a lot of walking.

Thanks in advance for any ideas/ suggestions.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

Elliern wrote:

My husband and I are going to London for a week in... (show quote)

Bring warm clothing and see (and photograph) London by double decker open top buses.

THOSMITH Loc: DeKalb IL

The Tower of London will save on steps and provide great vistas! Wish I were going. Tom

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Elliern wrote:

My husband and I are going to London for a week in... (show quote)

How about a visit to Cambridge? It has many historic buildings and fascinating museums, it's also very compact and easily reached by train from London. Just a few miles from Cambridge is the tiny city of Ely with it's truly magnificent cathedral, easily reached, again by train, from Cambridge.

Big Stopper Loc: London

Elliern wrote:

My husband and I are going to London for a week in... (show quote)

Hi Elliern, no doubt if you get 25 responses you will get 25 suggestions. My suggestion is Hampton Court Palace. A little walking will be required but not too much. There is a train station right next to it and you can get the train direct from London Waterloo and the journey is 38 minutes. Hampton Court is also right by the River Thames so you could take a boar trip too.

Here's the Wikipedia entry:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Palace

Hope you have a great trip.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary and your trip. Can't wait to see your photos :)

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Graham Smith wrote:

How about a visit to Cambridge? It has many historic buildings and fascinating museums, it's also very compact and easily reached by train from London. Just a few miles from Cambridge is the tiny city of Ely with it's truly magnificent cathedral, easily reached, again by train, from Cambridge.

Thank you, Graham. Will make a note of this.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Luggerbugs wrote:

Hi Elliern, no doubt if you get 25 responses you will get 25 suggestions. My suggestion is Hampton Court Palace. A little walking will be required but not too much. There is a train station right next to it and you can get the train direct from London Waterloo and the journey is 38 minutes. Hampton Court is also right by the River Thames so you could take a boar trip too.

Here's the Wikipedia entry:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Palace

Hope you have a great trip.

Thanks, for this information. Sounds interesting, for sure.

I am hoping for several good options. One reason I am posting this so far in advance is to determine if I need to pre-arrange transportation or reserve a tour, etc.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Searcher wrote:

Bring warm clothing and see (and photograph) London by double decker open top buses.

So I should expect to be cold in May? I was hoping to be in 60's at least during the daytime. How much warm clothing? Had not considered bringing a heavy jacket.

Thought I might be using the ho ho buses to get from one place to the other, even those that are nearby.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Linda From Maine wrote:

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary and your trip. Can't wait to see your photos :)

Thanks, Linda. We have our airline tickets and hotel reservation. But will be working with travel agent for a few tours in the city. Just trying to figure out what I can do and not do on my own. Plan to only take my SX50 and leave the DSLR at home. Right now am planning on only one day trip, so want it to be a good one that I am able to do.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

Elliern wrote:

So I should expect to be cold in May? I was hoping to be in 60's at least during the daytime. How much warm clothing? Had not considered bringing a heavy jacket.

Thought I might be using the ho ho buses to get from one place to the other, even those that are nearby.

May is probably the least unpredictable of the months for weather. It usually starts well, then sudden temperature drops and heavy rain follows. I have had many holidays in this country in May, some with warmish dry weather, others with cold and rain.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I've learned from experience, when traveling to England, always take a good umbrella, and rain coat. Maybe, with a zip in out lining for the coat. I was there in May, several years ago, and it rained every day, except when we left for the U.S. I wouldn't sign up for tours. They keep you moving all day long, and cannot wait for you to catch up. My wife and I usually buy a good tour book, and take cabs to the sites. We have found the "Hop On-Hop Off" buses are great to get around at our own slow pace. If you're really impaired get a sit down cane. The cane comes with a folding seat. It's great for the touist waiting game, like changing of the guard etc. Oh, don't forget a rain hat too.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Bill Emmett wrote:

I've learned from experience, when traveling to En... (show quote)

Bill, may just get that cane. I can walk short distances, then need to rest before continuing, same with standing. So sounds like that would be helpful. Any suggestions on which cane and where to get it?

That is what I was hoping to hear about the hop on hop off buses. That is probably what we will do most of in city. Thought about Thames cruise and a morning bus tour of the city as well.

We chose May because we were told that it was one of the best months to visit, with flowers in bloom and warmer weather and just umbrella needed for rain and a light jacket for cooler days. Apparently that is not the case at all.
:(

Thanks for the information.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

Elliern wrote:

Bill, may just get that cane. I can walk short di... (show quote)

The trouble with English weather is that it is so variable, which is why conversations in UK between strangers usually start with a discourse on prevailing conditions.

There is a rhyme "April SHOWERS, bring May FLOWERS, June SUN, brings SUMMERTIME FUN !!!" Unfortunately, the climate does not always follow the rhyme.

A day in May can start with a chilling overcast sky and by ten o'clock coats and brollies are discarded. A brisk shower at lunchtime followed by a warm breeze in the afternoon to dry off in and a glorious sunset to finish.

I still prefer our weather to constant oven or freezer environments, but the maxim for the almost any day here is "be prepared".

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Searcher wrote:

The trouble with English weather is that it is so ... (show quote)

So how cold is likely to be during the day? We probably will not be out late in the evening, but of course will be out all the time during the day. Will I need a winter coat or jacket? Don't have one with zip out lining.