Category Archives: UK

Some quick notes from Europe

Haaj. Hola. Hello! Coming to the end of the first week on vaca. Wi-fi has been spotty to say the least. The hotel in London only had access in the lobby, a real pain. The place I stayed in Alkmaar … Continue reading

Posted in All Suzanne's travel essays, All Suzanne's travels, Amsterdam travel, BeNeLux, European art, European festivals, London travel, Netherlands travel, Spain, UK | Leave a comment

As the London Olympics approaches, London travel tips

TfL (Transport for London) has some additional thoughts on how to survive the Olympic travel pressures.

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Upcoming festivals in Edinburgh

Just my luck that my vacation plans didn’t include checking these out first. The Jazz and Blues fest starts Friday, followed by the Arts festival, the Military Tattoo, Fringe, International Festival, Book Festival. These overlap from early August thru early September. … Continue reading

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Diving the Mary Rose

From Oxford Mail. An interview with one of the divers on the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s ship that sank like a stone right after her launch. Then make plans to visit the new museum next year (it reopens late this … Continue reading

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bring your fishing pole next time you’re in London!?

From the London Independent. The Thames, along with other rivers in the U.K., is getting so clean that trout fishing is making a comeback.

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the best English gardens for visitors

From the London Independent – the 10 best English gardens open to visitors. Great places to celebrate springtime. Click on the link for prices and websites.

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chocolate festival in Oxford!

From the Oxford Mail. If you’re in or near Oxford, England this weekend, check out the Chocolate Festival. I wish I’d known!

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who were they?

A brass memorial plaque in England names two casualties of Gallipoli but the plaque’s original home is unknown. From the Oxford Mail. Will post any updates.

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a new clothing label for the U.K.

From the London Independent, a new Welsh company enters the jeans market. And a Swedish label comes to London.

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Banbury Cross gets a wash for the Jubilee

Cleaning up the Banbury Cross for the Queen’s Jubilee. Who gets to ride a cock horse, I wonder? From the Oxford Mail.

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a historic pub in Abingdon getting another chance

Nags Head pub will get some major renovations and reopen later in the year. CAMRA is excited. From the Oxford Mail.

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A new bell to mark the Queen’s Jubilee

A town in Oxfordshire raises a new bell to mark Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee.

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A commercial stunt at the Uffington White Horse

From the Oxford Mail. New canvas lines were added around the Uffington White Horse, a prehistoric hillside chalk carving near Oxford, England. Locals are upset, but it’s canvas and does not affect the existing chalk. Lax security should perhaps be … Continue reading

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High speed train on Cotswold line almost ready

A new high speed express train is almost ready to join the Cotswold line. (But how fast will it really travel?) From Oxford Mail.

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An eco-friendly rest area in England

Reopening after being destroyed by fire, Cherwell Valley rest stop will be clean and green. From Oxford Mail

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new plans for a Travelodge near an Oxford park-&-ride

If this becomes a reality, it will make staying cheaply near Oxford really easy!

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English market town deserves a visit

Wantage, near the Uffington White Horse, scores high on mystery visit. (from Oxford Mail)

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2012 Jane Austen tours now booking with Dad’s favorite tour outfit

Tours International now booking their Jane Austen tours for 2012 They also have a variety of military tours, tours with historical themes, tours relating to other literary figures, garden tours. These are regularly offered but the company will also create … Continue reading

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Winter walks in the U.K.

Go for a walk. Here are 50 from the London Independent. Walks from 2.5 to 14 miles and all lengths in between. Something for everyone and maybe not just for winter!

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London Tube closures, weekend of 14-15 January 2012

Tube station closures on a few lines and line shutdown of the Northern Line this weekend

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A great walking tour in London with ‘Hairy Goat’

Thanks to a London friend, I took a walking tour of London before Christmas that I would probably never have found on my own. The name of the outfit that conducted the tour is Hairy Goat and if you are a … Continue reading

Posted in All Suzanne's travels, England, London travel, UK | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Scottish National Portrait Gallery reopens

from the London Independent… After a huge expansion and updating, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is open to visitors again.

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Getting some shut-eye at the airport with Yotel

A few weeks ago, needing to make a 6.30 am (ridiculous, I know) flight from London’s Gatwick airport, I booked a single room at the Yotel there. They are located inside the South Terminal, a short elevator ride below the … Continue reading

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Cheap London

Cheap London    listings from London Time Out

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London Tube outages during December holiday periods

Info on London Tube outages for December holidays. Weekend of 17-18 December, 2011 through 2 January 2012 is explained. Note that the Tube does not run on Christmas Day.

Posted in General magpie travel, London travel, UK | Tagged , , | 2 Comments