Suggestions Invited from UK / Scotland Members

puchoo · May 11th, 2008, 21:52

would u guys recommend the London Zoo....? Me and Mrs P after having seen zoo's in India have no doubts that we will be impressed beyond measure but worth it?

Nick-H · May 12th, 2008, 00:24

I think I did already, didn't I?

I love the place!

puchoo · May 12th, 2008, 09:30

Oooops...sorry , must have missed it...its on then...bring on the lions!..anything inside the zoo which is particularly unique?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

I think I did already, didn't I?

I love the place!

Nick-H · May 12th, 2008, 10:22

Hmmm... well... there's a new tropical display (as of my visit last year), you'll be able to enjoy a bit of back-home humidity!), and the night-time animals is a favourite. Probably most people might rave about the new Gorilla section, they are very proud of it, but I did not get to see around it. I like the butterfly house! I think a brand-new bird house has opened since I was there.

The big, lethal dragon monitor lizards are scary, especially when they creep up on you --- they love children, can't get enough of them! (Just kidding; they are even more securely housed than the tigers. Apparently even their saliva is lethal).

The aquarium is not that good. Food inside is quite expensive. A flask and sandwiches would reduce your budget for the day.

greenasgrass · May 13th, 2008, 00:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khandoma

I second Karuna on the "Walking Tours". I thought guided tours were for old ladies and Japanese tourists until I embarked for two hours of absolute delight with two very gifted guys. My first was the classic "Jack the Ripper" tour, and I've been taking one every year now for 5 years. "Secret London" is excellent. Great way to dive into the small alleys and the local life. And they do mention the good pubs on the way, too !

Have fun !

I third on the walking tours - they're a great way to find out a bit about the "real" London (you know, like we're always banging on about the "real" India...) and are well worth the money. A particularly good idea if you're sightseeing with locals, as they will learn something too. Cannot recommend highly enough.

For pubs, look at www.goodguides.com and check for pubs in London. It's the best regarded guide to British pubs for people who like warm beer, darts etc. Try the Lamb and Flag in Rose Street, Covent Garden. It's totally unlike the rest of Covent Garden (that's a good thing) and pretty authentic.

As for transport, try a bus or two. You will see more and the routes link up better than the Tube. Don't forget that the Tube map bears little or no relation to distances on the ground.

Get yourself a little A-Z.

Have fun!

Khandoma · May 15th, 2008, 19:43

On the Zoo, a question to (ex-) Londoners : isn't Little Venice just around the corner ? I seem to remember passing monkey cages when I was walking along the canal. If I'm not completely mistaken, then I would advise Puchoo to take this walk. It's absolutely charming, especially in this season, certainly a favourite, and a great addition to a trip to this part of the city.

puchoo · May 15th, 2008, 19:45

Will def go there if its that close....given the amount of walking which seems to be building up on this trip i think i better get myself a pair of comfy sneakers..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khandoma

On the Zoo, a question to (ex-) Londoners : isn't Little Venice just around the corner ?

Nick-H · May 16th, 2008, 00:09

Zoo, Little Venice, yes, I think so! Its close to Camden Town too, and, of course, on the edge of Regents Park.

Ali-Monbeam · May 16th, 2008, 14:22

Instead of London Zoo call in at the Cotswold Wildlfe Park its much better for seeing the animals (IMHO)and it makes a nice day out too you can see Bourton on the water and other cute cotswold vilages too.

KateW · May 16th, 2008, 14:47

hi
For your walking tours, and there are lots of great ones, look for those run by Blue Badge Guides. They spend two years doing an arduous training and are incredibly knowledgable

puchoo · May 16th, 2008, 14:53

Thanks Ali and Kate..

Check both out...the park seems to be out of london...Oxfordshire...or does it just sound far ?

Blue Badges seem an interesting option but quite expensive...saw the fees 30 pounds is the least i saw..

sssall · May 16th, 2008, 15:54

Don't know if you're planning on going, but I would give the Tower of London a miss.

I took a couple of guests there about a year ago and was very disappointed. The charge for going in is huge but there's not much to see. If you want to see the jewels you have to pay more.

I would see it from the outside and then if the weather is good, take a river cruise from there going westward and then get off at any of the stops to continue your tour.

All museums are good value. If you like modern art, there's Tate Modern.

puchoo · May 16th, 2008, 15:58

we are going, not sure whether we are going in though...thanks for the museum suggestion but i dont understand art , anything other than landscapes and my eyes start hurting...

Nick-H · May 16th, 2008, 16:40

Cotswolds, London Zoo --- do both!

Yes, the official guides really are educated and study to a high standard; I knew someone who became one, and it was very tough to achieve.

I'd say the same as Sssall about the tower. You can see it from the outside, you can walk around, you can visit near-by St. Catherine Dock.

Does anyone know how much the Tower Bridge guided tour is, and if that is worth it?

puchoo · May 16th, 2008, 16:42

How do i get to Cotswolds Nick...how far is it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Cotswolds, London Zoo --- do both!

Yes, the official guides really are educated and study to a high standard; I knew someone who became one, and it was very tough to achieve.

May 11th, 2008, 21:52	#76
puchoo Maha Guru Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Delhi & Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) Posts: 3,407	would u guys recommend the London Zoo....? Me and Mrs P after having seen zoo's in India have no doubts that we will be impressed beyond measure but worth it? __________________ Cheers! Sidharth puchoo.wordpress.com

May 12th, 2008, 00:24	#77
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,767	I think I did already, didn't I? I love the place! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

May 15th, 2008, 19:43	#81
Khandoma Gourmet Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Paris Posts: 320	On the Zoo, a question to (ex-) Londoners : isn't Little Venice just around the corner ? I seem to remember passing monkey cages when I was walking along the canal. If I'm not completely mistaken, then I would advise Puchoo to take this walk. It's absolutely charming, especially in this season, certainly a favourite, and a great addition to a trip to this part of the city. __________________ Khandoma Visit my India photo gallery on IndiaMike

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May 12th, 2008, 10:22	#79
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,767	Hmmm... well... there's a new tropical display (as of my visit last year), you'll be able to enjoy a bit of back-home humidity!), and the night-time animals is a favourite. Probably most people might rave about the new Gorilla section, they are very proud of it, but I did not get to see around it. I like the butterfly house! I think a brand-new bird house has opened since I was there. The big, lethal dragon monitor lizards are scary, especially when they creep up on you --- they love children, can't get enough of them! (Just kidding; they are even more securely housed than the tigers. Apparently even their saliva is lethal). The aquarium is not that good. Food inside is quite expensive. A flask and sandwiches would reduce your budget for the day.

May 16th, 2008, 00:09	#83
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,767	Zoo, Little Venice, yes, I think so! Its close to Camden Town too, and, of course, on the edge of Regents Park.

May 16th, 2008, 14:22	#84
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 393	Instead of London Zoo call in at the Cotswold Wildlfe Park its much better for seeing the animals (IMHO)and it makes a nice day out too you can see Bourton on the water and other cute cotswold vilages too.

May 16th, 2008, 14:47	#85
KateW Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 31	hi For your walking tours, and there are lots of great ones, look for those run by Blue Badge Guides. They spend two years doing an arduous training and are incredibly knowledgable

May 16th, 2008, 14:53	#86
puchoo Maha Guru Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Delhi & Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) Posts: 3,407	Thanks Ali and Kate.. Check both out...the park seems to be out of london...Oxfordshire...or does it just sound far ? Blue Badges seem an interesting option but quite expensive...saw the fees 30 pounds is the least i saw..

May 16th, 2008, 15:54	#87
sssall Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: UK Posts: 237	Don't know if you're planning on going, but I would give the Tower of London a miss. I took a couple of guests there about a year ago and was very disappointed. The charge for going in is huge but there's not much to see. If you want to see the jewels you have to pay more. I would see it from the outside and then if the weather is good, take a river cruise from there going westward and then get off at any of the stops to continue your tour. All museums are good value. If you like modern art, there's Tate Modern.

May 16th, 2008, 15:58	#88
puchoo Maha Guru Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Delhi & Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) Posts: 3,407	we are going, not sure whether we are going in though...thanks for the museum suggestion but i dont understand art , anything other than landscapes and my eyes start hurting...

May 16th, 2008, 16:40	#89
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,767	Cotswolds, London Zoo --- do both! Yes, the official guides really are educated and study to a high standard; I knew someone who became one, and it was very tough to achieve. I'd say the same as Sssall about the tower. You can see it from the outside, you can walk around, you can visit near-by St. Catherine Dock. Does anyone know how much the Tower Bridge guided tour is, and if that is worth it?

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