England Travel - Info, Recommendations, and Links

England

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London - We've traveled to London a number of times, both together and on our own. Shay also spent three months in London as part of a student work-abroad program. We've seen most of the major sights, and we've found lots of great restaurants, clubs, and bars. Read on for useful London links and our recommendations on things to do and see, and the best places to eat, play, and stay.

Tourist Info:

	London Tourist Board - "The official web site for London tourism." This site contains lots of useful information, including attractions, accommodations, restaurants, pubs and clubs, events, and much more. You'll find additional local information on the LondonTown.com web site.
	VisitBritain - This web site is a great resource for those of you seeking information on London, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and/or the Channel Islands. The web site has information on where to stay, what to see and do, transportation, and more. You can also order a Britain Vacation Planner online.
	Online Guide Books - You can find a wealth of information and reviews on London sights, lodging, dining, entertainment, and more by visiting the incredibly useful Frommer's, Time Out, Fodor's, and Itchy London online travel guides. You may also want to check out The London Guide, which has sightseeing and theatre information as well as a particularly helpful neighborhood guide, and The UK Guide.
	Airports - If you're traveling to London from the US, you'll either be flying into Heathrow or Gatwick. (If you're traveling within Britain or Europe, you may fly into London Stansted.) Click on the links to access detailed information about the airports, the airlines that fly into them, airport services, shops and restaurants located within the terminals, transportation between the airports and the city, and more. *Tip:* The Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Stansted Express trains are the fastest, most convenient way to get from the airport into central London. If you have more time than money, you can catch the Tube (Piccadilly line) from Heathrow to London, and the non-express Thameslink or National Rail trains from Gatwick or Stansted to London.
	Language - The official language of England is - surprise, surprise - English. However, in the capitol city of London, you may hear people speaking in phrases that sound like complete nonsense. ("Be with you in a moment love, I'm on the dog.") If that happens to you, you've most likely encountered someone speaking in London's infamous rhyming slang. (For example, "phone" rhymes with "dog-and-bone"; "dog-and-bone" is then shortened simply to "dog". Hence, dog = phone.) There are several web sites that provide an introduction to rhyming slang and other British slang terms; try Cockney Rhyming Slang, LondonSlang.com, London Slanguage, the English2American dictionary, and A Dictionary of Slang (slang and colloquialisms used in the UK). And check out the Cockney Rhyming Slang Translator on Whoohoo...you can type up an email and have it automatically translated into Cockney or another British dialect!

Local Transportation:

London Transport - This web site contains information and links that will help you plan your travels using London's public transportation system. Find out all about the Tube (Underground), London Buses, London Trams, Docklands Light Rail, and River Services. Look up maps, fares, and schedules, and plan your journey online. Tip: If you plan to rely heavily on public transportation while you're in London, we highly recommend a Travelcard, which allows unlimited travel on London's public transport system (including the ubiquitous double-decker buses) within your chosen number of zones. (If you're staying in central London, zones 1-2 should be fine.) It's much more convenient than purchasing individual fares for each trip, and it will save you money if you use the Tube and/or bus for three or more trips day. You can purchase a Travelcard valid for one day, a weekend, or periods of a week or longer. Alternately, you can purchase a Visitor Travelcard before you go. The price is comparable to the standard Travelcards available in London; however, you'll also receive a brochure that contains offers for 20% off at a number of attractions and restaurants.

Beyond London - If you're traveling outside of London, you can find information on train and bus routes, schedules, and fares at National Rail, UK Railways, Virgin Trains (yep, Richard Branson's company has planes, trains, automobiles...and more!), Victoria Coach Station, and National Express.

Attractions:

Discount Passes - Visitors to London have several discount pass options available to them, including the following:

	LondonPass - Provides free admission to over 60 attractions. You may also purchase the pass "with transport", but it's generally much cheaper to purchase a separate London Transport Travelcard. *Tip:* The LondonPass isn't cheap; the savings are based on a fairly intensive sightseeing schedule. Figure out in advance which sights you would like to see, what their individual admission fees are, and how many attractions you plan to visit each day. Once you've worked out the total cost per day, check out the LondonPass prices (posted on the LondonPass web site) to determine if the pass is cheaper than individual admissions...or vice versa.
	The Great British Heritage Pass - Provides free admission to nearly 600 historic houses, castles, and gardens throughout Britain (with half-price admission to the Tower of London). The pass is valid for about 20 London attractions; you can view a list of GBHP properties and check out prices and FAQs online.
	London for Less Travel Guidebook and Discount Card - London for Less is a good value, as it includes a guidebook and fold-out street map as well as a discount card valid for up to four people for up to eight consecutive days. The guidebook contains detailed practical information while the discount card provides savings on attractions and museums, hotels, restaurants, tours, shops, and more.
	Free Museums - Note that a number of London's leading museums - including the Victoria & Albert Museum, Imperial War Museum, and Theatre Museum - recently introduced free admission. And many other museums and attractions - including the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate galleries - have always been free.

British Library - 96 Euston Road, London - If you think libraries are boring places filled with lots of dusty old tomes, think again. In December 1996, the library housed in the British Museum began moving its collection of some 12 million books, manuscripts, and other items to its own home in St. Pancras. This fascinating collection includes such historical items as two of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, one of Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks (known as the The Codex Arundel), and the Diamond Sutra (dating from 868), which is said to be the oldest surviving printed book. Among the great literary exhibits are manuscripts from Beowulf (circa 1000), a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio of 1623, and Lewis Carroll's original text and illustrations for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In the music displays, you can view works by musicians ranging from Handel to The Beatles. Visit the web site for more information, including location, hours, tours, exhibitions, events, and more. Note: Nearest Tube stations are King's Cross/St. Pancras and Euston.

British Museum - Great Russell Street, London - This immense museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of art and artifacts from around the world: Africa, Americas, Asia, Britain, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Japan, Near East, Pacific, and Rome. Among the most famous exhibits here are the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics; the Elgin Marbles, which consist of a number of marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens; and a collection of Egyptian mummies. The museum's well-designed web site features thousands of images and a wealth of information, including location, hours, admission, exhibitions, events, guided tours, floor plans, and much more. Tip: It's impossible to see the entire museum in a day, so plan your visit in advance and decide which collections you'd most like to view. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, and Russell Square.

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard - The Mall, Green Park, London - Did you know that you can tour Buckingham Palace? The State Rooms of the palace are open to the public during August and September; you can find visitor information on the British Monarchy web site. If you're not visiting in August or September or are unable to get tickets due to the high demand, you can still enjoy the pageantry of the Guard Mounting (better known to most people as the Changing of the Guard). Weather permitting, this free spectacle takes place outside the palace at 11:30am daily from April until the end of July, and on alternate days during the rest of the year. Note: You can also view Guard Mounting ceremonies at Windsor Castle, the Horse Guards Building, and the Tower of London. Scroll to the bottom of the Changing of the Guard page for details on the times and locations. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and St. James's Park.

Dalí Universe - County Hall, Riverside Building, London - This incredibly cool gallery is dedicated to our favorite artist - Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí - and features over 500 works, including sculpture, rare graphics, jewelry, furniture, drawings, and watercolors. Dalí Universe is organized by several artistic themes: Sensuality and Femininity, Religion and Mythology, and Dreams and Fantasy. Visit the web site for additional information, including admission, hours, directions, map, and more. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Waterloo and Westminster.

Hampton Court Palace - Hampton Court, Surrey - Do yourself a favor and take the time to venture out to this enchanting palace, just a half-hour from London by train. Among the sights of this sprawling estate are Henry the VIII's State Apartments, King's Apartments, Queen's Apartments, Tudor Kitchens, and more...including the Palace Gardens and an entertaining hedge Maze. To make the most of your visit, be sure to take several of the guided tours (check out the daily event listings for tour times). Note that some of the tours are limited to small groups; stop by the Information Centre in Clock Court to book your space on these tours. Log onto the Hampton Court Palace web site for visitor information, history, sights, events, and more. Note: Trains to Hampton Court leave from Waterloo Station. (To get to Waterloo by Tube, take the Bakerloo, Jubilee, or Northern lines.) You can also travel here via river launch from Westminster.

Houses of Parliament - Westminster Palace, Old Palace Yard, London - Every first-time visitor to London inevitably stops at Westminster to take photos of the Houses of Parliament and their famous clock tower, which houses the bell known as "Big Ben". But if you're interested in seeing more that just the exterior of the building, you can get inside by attending a debate or by purchasing tickets for a tour (only offered at certain times of the year). To attend a debate, queue up outside of St. Stephen's Gate whenever Parliament is in session to obtain free entry to the Strangers' Gallery in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. (Click the links for hours and info.) You can view the Weekly Information Bulletin online to determine when Parliament is in session and learn what forthcoming business will be debated. If you'd like to take a tour of Parliament, visit the Tours page on the Parliament web site. Tours are generally offered during the summer opening. Visitors can also tour the Clock Tower, but must apply in writing at least three months in advance. For additional information, check out the site map on Parliament's web site for links to a variety of topics. Note: Nearest Tube station is Westminster.

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew Gardens, Surrey - These glorious gardens cover 300 acres and encompass a lake, greenhouses, walks, pavilions, and museums/galleries. They host an incredible array of plant life, with some 50,000 species represented. You'll see roses, aquatic plants, alpine plants, palms, tropical water lilies, and much more. The gardens' numerous hothouses feature countless varieties of shrubs, flowers, and trees from every part of the globe, from the Arctic Circle to tropical rainforests. The popular Princess of Wales Conservatory (named in honor two princesses: Augusta, who founded the gardens, and Diana, who opened the Conservatory) encompasses 10 climatic zones, from arid to tropical, and boasts a beautiful collection of orchids. Visit the web site for location, hours, admission, tours, events, visitor map, and more. Note: Nearest Tube station is Kew Gardens.

London Eye - next to County Hall, Riverside Building, London - The London Eye was born when a husband-and-wife architect team entered a competition to design a millennium landmark. Today, the London Eye stands as the largest observation wheel ever built, carrying visitors to a height of 135 meters (over 440 feet) during its half-hour journey. It is located on the River Thames, next to County Hall (which houses Dalí Universe, The Saatchi Gallery, London Aquarium, Namco Station, and more) and across the river from the Houses of Parliament. The ride provides wonderful views; on a clear day, you can see for 25 miles in any direction. Visit the web site for information, including prices, opening times, directions, map, FAQs, and more. Tip: Consider booking your ticket for about 15 minutes before sunset; you'll get clear views on the way up to the top, and you'll see dramatic colors as the sun sets on your way down. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Waterloo and Westminster.

National Gallery - Trafalgar Square, London - This museum boasts an amazing collection of Western art spanning the 13th to the early 20th centuries, with impressive works by all the great Europeans. The Italians are well represented, with such famous artists as Botticelli, da Vinci, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and several unfinished works by Michelangelo. The famed Dutch painters are here as well, from van Gogh and van Eyck to Rembrandt and Vermeer. Of course, the collection also boasts the great impressionists: Cézanne, Degas, Manet, Monet, and Renoir. That's just the beginning of what you'll find in this great museum. And best of all, admission is free! Visit the web site for detailed information, including hours, location, directions, galleries, floor plans, tours, exhibitions, and more. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross and Leicester Square.

National Portrait Gallery - St. Martin's Place, London - As the web site explains, "The National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856 to collect the likenesses of famous British men and women...Today the collection is the most comprehensive of its kind in the world." To be sure, the collection houses portraits of everyone from royalty to literary greats: Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Cardinal Wolsey, Sir Walter Raleigh, Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, Mary Shelley, Beatrix Potter, and hundreds of other eminent citizens. Some of the artists are famous, like Hans Holbein the Younger, Sir Anthony Van Dyck, William Hogarth, and Thomas Gainsborough; many others are unknown to most. Some are even relatives of their famous subjects: a painting of Virgina Woolf by her sister Vanessa Bell, and a painting of the Brontë sisters done by their brother Patrick Branwell Brontë. Admission is free, so even if you're not a big fan of portraits, it's worth a quick stroll through the museum to catch some of the more important works. Visit the web site for detailed information, including hours and directions, floor plans, exhibitions, lectures and events, and more. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross and Leicester Square.

Regent's Park - London, NW1 - Regent's Park provides a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of central London. The park includes several acres of open parkland, beautiful gardens (don't miss Queen Mary's Gardens), and a lake. It is also home to the London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre. Visit the web site for hours and directions, a park map, events, history, and more.

Richmond Park - Richmond, Surrey - Richmond Park spans some 2,500 acres and is the largest urban park in the country. It was enclosed as private hunting grounds by King Charles I in 1637, and it still retains the feel of a medieval deer park with acres of woods, paths, fields, bogs, and ponds preserved within its boundaries. The gentle deer that roam the park are used to visitors, and it's easy to get close-up photos of them. You'll see many people bicycling, riding horses, and walking dogs through the park, or simply admiring the colorful blooms at Isabella Plantation. The park also offers two public golf courses as well as fishing on Pen-Ponds. Visit the web site for hours and directions, a park map, events, history, and more.

St. Paul's Cathedral - St. Paul's Churchyard, London - This magnificent cathedral is considered the masterpiece of architect Sir Christopher Wren. Visitors flock here to view this architectural marvel and climb to the top of its famous dome for a 360º view of London. Also popular are the Crypt, where Sir Christopher Wren and Lord Nelson are buried, and the Whispering Gallery, where the acoustics allow you to hear a whisper spoken from the opposite side of the dome. Visit the web site for detailed information, including location map, hours and admission, guided tours, virtual tour, and more. Tip: Services at this Anglican church are open to all; you can view the schedule online. The matins and evensong offer a great opportunity to hear some beautiful choral music. Plus, services allow you to get a peek inside the church without paying the usual admission fee. Note: Nearest Tube station is St. Paul's.

The Tate Galleries - The Tate has long been London's premier modern art museum. As its collections have grown over the years, visitors were only able to view a small fraction of the museum's holdings at any given time. So in Spring 2000, the Tate moved its collections of 20th and 21st century art to a new space at the former Bankside Power Station in Southwark.

Tate Britain - Millbank, London - The original Tate building now houses British artwork from the 16th century to the present. This exceptional collection features works by artists such as Blake, Constable, Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Reynolds, Rossetti, Sargent, Turner, Waterhouse, and Whistler. Admission is free (though donations are encouraged), so do not miss the opportunity to spend a few hours among these great paintings...they're well worth your time. Visit the web site for detailed information, including directions, hours, floor plan, talks and tours, exhibitions, and more. Note: Nearest Tube station is Pimlico; Vauxhall and Westminster are also nearby.

Tate Modern - Bankside, Southwark - If you enjoy modern art, you'll love the Tate's modern art collection. Here, you'll have an opportunity to view many recognizable works by well-known artists, including Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Jasper Johns, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and more. Tate Modern ranks right up there with the Guggenheim in New York and Centre Pompidou in Paris; but unlike its fellow modern art museums, admission here is free. This is one of our very favorite attractions in London, and we highly recommend you make the time to visit. Check out the web site for detailed information, including directions, hours, floor plan, talks and tours, exhibitions, and more. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Southwark and Blackfriars. You can also get here from the opposite side of the Thames (St. Paul's area) via the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge.

Tower of London - Tower Hill, London - This landmark is a must-see for all first-time visitors to London. And there are indeed plenty of sights to see here, such as the opulent Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, the Medieval Palace, the famed Tower Ravens, and more. To make the most of your visit, be sure to take one of the Yeoman Warder guided tours. (The tours are free with your paid admission, but it's polite to tip your guide at the end of the tour.) Log onto the Tower of London web site for visitor information, sights, history, events, and more. Note: Nearest Tube station is Tower Hill.

Tower Bridge - Tower Bridge spans the Thames near Tower Hill - This Gothic-style bridge, built in 1894, is easily the most famous in London. For a fee, visitors can tour this impressive structure. Entry is via the north tower, where you can view exhibits and access the high-level walkways that connect the two towers, offering spectacular views of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Parliament, and Canary Wharf. You then descend through the south tower to the bridge's original engine room, with its Victorian boilers and steam engines that used to raise and lower the bridge for ships to pass. Visit the web site for detailed information, including directions and hours, admission, history, events, and more. Note: Nearest Tube stations are Tower Hill and London Bridge.

Victoria & Albert Museum - Cromwell Road, South Kensington - The Victoria and Albert (also known as the "V&A") is considered by many to be the world's greatest decorative arts museum. It houses numerous fascinating galleries, including Asian and Islamic Art, European Art, The Twentieth Century, British Galleries, European Sculpture, Jewelry, Silver, and Metals, Textiles and Dress, Ceramics and Glass, and Paintings, Photography, Prints, and Drawings. In addition, the museum's architecture is certainly considered high art in its own right. While you're there, don't miss the intriguing Fakes and Forgeries gallery...you'll be surprised at just how good some of these artworks really are! Visit the museum's web site for detailed information, including location, hours and admission, tours, exhibitions, events, and more. Note: Nearest Tube station is South Kensington.

Westminster Abbey - Broad Sanctuary, London - Arguably the most famous church in all of England, this is where monarchs are crowned, royal funerals are held, and notable figures are buried. Here you will find the tombs of Edward the Confessor (the founder of the original Abbey), Henry VII (founder of the current Abbey), Queen Elizabeth I, and other royals, as well as eminent scientists, scholars, and writers including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and others. The Abbey is also home to the grave of the Unknown Warrior. To get a peek at what you'll find inside this gorgeous gothic church, take a virtual tour online. Visit the web site for directions, hours, admission, history, events and concerts, and more. Tip: The public is welcome to attend church services here; it's a great opportunity to hear beautiful choral music, and to view the inside of the church without paying the usual admission fee. Note: Nearest Tube stations are St. James's Park and Westminster.

For Theatre Buffs - London has a wonderful selection of plays and musicals to choose from, including some of the big blockbusters currently showing on Broadway as well as many that are unique to the UK. (When Shay visited London with her mother in June 2003, they saw Andrew Lloyd Weber's newest musical - Bombay Dreams - on its first anniversary. It was a wonderful show, with lavishly decorated stage sets and lots of catchy tunes. And it's finally coming to Broadway, for those of you who can't get to London to see it.)

	London Theatre Guide - This site is run by The Society of London Theatre, and it includes an overview of current shows as well as details on the tkts booth, which offers discounted theatre tickets for same-day performances. For additional theatre information (including photos and details on the tkts booth), see ThisIsTheatre.com.
	Open Air Theatre - The Open Air Theatre in London's lovely Regent's Park is a great place to catch Shakespeare plays in the summertime. In addition to works by The Bard, the Open Air Theatre also offers musicals, children's plays, comedy shows, and more. Visit the web site for a list of this summer's performances, ticket prices, directions, map, history, and more.

For Doctor Who Buffs - During Mike's first trip to London, he made a special point of visiting the Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI) for its Doctor Who displays. Sadly, the British Film Institute closed MOMI in 1999 and has scrapped plans to reopen it. However, a World of Doctor Who exhibition recently opened in the seaside resort town of Blackpool, for those die-hard fans willing to make a day trip. Doctor Who buffs can also get their fix at The Who Shop, High Street, East Ham. This little shop features lots of Doctor Who memorabilia and merchandise, and boasts a life-sized Dalek. (But don't touch the Dalek, or the proprietors will yell at you!) A pilgrimage to the shop is really for die-hard Doctor Who fans only, as the store is small, the goods tend to be overpriced, and it's a 30-minute trip by Tube (East Ham station, zone 3).

Day Trips - There are a number of great day trips you can make from London. We recommend the following:

	Bath - This lovely city in England's West Country draws thousands of visitors each year. Tourists flock to the well-preserved ancient Roman Baths, which the city is named after. Other popular attractions include Bath Abbey and Heritage Vaults Museum, The Jane Austen Centre, Victoria Art Gallery, and The Museum of Costume and Assembly Rooms. No visit to Bath is complete without a visit to Sally Lunn's Refreshment House and Museum, which happens to be the oldest house in town (circa 1482). Treat yourself to lunch, featuring their delicious signature Sally Lunn Buns (try the Welsh Rarebit...yum!), then head downstairs to view the museum, with the original kitchen Sally Lunn used in the 1680s. For additional information, visit the Bath Tourism and South West England Tourism web sites. *Tip:* Several London-based tour companies offer excursions that combine short visits to Bath and Stonehenge; try Evan Evans, Premium Tours, Astral Travels, or The Stonehenge Tour Company. *Note:* Bath is about 1.5 hours from London by train, leaving from Paddington or Waterloo stations, or 2.5 hours by coach (bus), leaving from Victoria Coach Station.
	Bristol - Bristol is just 15 miles from Bath, so if you're spending time in Bath, it's worthwhile to stop by this bustling seaport to take in some of the sights. Start with visits to the massive Bristol Cathedral, the medieval St. Mary Redcliffe Church, and the oldest Methodist chapel in the world: John Wesley's The New Room. Experience Bristol's maritime history with a tour of the Victorian-era ss Great Britain and John Cabot's 15th-century caravel The Matthew. Meet the animals at Bristol Zoo Gardens, and have fun with hands-on exhibits at the At-Bristol science center. If you enjoy art, don't miss the Royal West of England Academy and the City Museum and Art Gallery. Climb to the top of Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park for panoramic views of Bristol. If you have a car during your visit, don't miss the opportunity to drive over the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. For additional sightseeing suggestions and other information, check out the online VisitBristol Guide Book on the Bristol Tourism web site. *Note:* Bristol is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from London by train, leaving from Paddington station, or 2.5 hours by coach (bus), leaving from Victoria Coach Station.
	Dover - Most tourists only head to Dover to board a ferry or hydrofoil to cross the channel to France. However, Dover is worth a visit in and of itself. The famed White Cliffs of Dover are truly a sight to behold, and Dover Castle - with its secret wartime tunnels - is definitely worth a visit. The Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery tells the story of the town's history since prehistoric times, while the Roman Painted House displays intact wall paintings and elaborate under-floor heating (hypocaust) dating from 200 A.D., when the Roman Empire ruled England. For additional sightseeing suggestions, visit the Kent Tourism and White Cliffs Country web sites. *Note:* Dover is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from London by train, leaving from London Bridge station, or 2.5 hours by coach (bus), leaving from Victoria Coach Station.
	Oxford - This idyllic university town is worth a visit if for no other reason than to stroll its beautiful college campuses. But Oxford has many other attractions to offer to its visitors. Learn about the city and its colleges via the Oxford Story and the Museum of Oxford. If you enjoy art, visit the internationally renowned Ashmolean Museum and Museum of Modern Art. Relax on a riverboat cruise of the Thames or Cherwell. Go shopping in the high street boutiques, covered market, antique shops, and bookstores. Dine in some of Oxford's many fine restaurants. And given that this has been a university town for over 800 years, it should come as no surprise that Oxford boasts dozens of great pubs. *Note:* Oxford is about 1 hour from London by train, leaving from Paddington station, or 1 hour and 40 minutes by coach (bus), leaving from Victoria Coach Station.
	Stonehenge - English Heritage manages this world-famous prehistoric monument, which is visited by nearly a million people each year. If you'd like to see this extraordinary attraction for yourself, the English Heritage web site provides information on opening times and admission, facilities, transportation, history, and more. *Note:* The easiest way to get to Stonehenge is by car. If you will be using public transportation, take the train from London's Waterloo station to Salisbury station (less than 1.5 hours). Salisbury is about 9.5 miles from Stonehenge; you can either take a local bus from Salisbury station, join a local tour, or hire a taxi. Alternately, you can go to Stonehenge as part of an organized tour from London; there are a number of London-based tour companies that offer packages including bus trip and admission to the site. (Try The Stonehenge Tour Company, Astral Travels, Evan Evans, or Premium Tours, all of which offer several different day trips that include Stonehenge.) *Tip:* Whether you're traveling to Stonehenge on your own or as part of a tour group, it is well worth your while to try to visit several other local attractions as part of your trip. Just a short distance from Stonehenge is its sister site, Woodhenge (see BBC News article for more details), as well as the Standing Stones at Avebury - one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe. The medieval Salisbury Cathedral is definitely worth a visit, both for the soaring grandeur of the cathedral itself as well as for its Chapter House, which features an original 1215 Magna Carta - the best preserved of the four remaining copies of this historic document. Old Sarum Castle and Old Wardour Castle provide a fascinating peek into Britain's past. Visit the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Guide for additional sightseeing suggestions.

Restaurants:

	Many British pubs offer surprisingly good meals; if you see a pub that looks inviting, look for a menu to see what's on offer. (Most pubs and restaurants post their menus in a window for passers-by to view.) We've had many good meals at little pubs whose names we've unfortunately long since forgotten. While British food has always had a bad rap, the great thing about London is that it's a cultural melting pot...you can find virtually any type of food here. And a big plus (in Shay's mind) is that most restaurants offer some type of vegetarian items. London also boasts a number of exclusively vegetarian restaurants; see the Happy Cow, Veg Dining, Veggie Heaven, and Vegan London for listings and reveiws of vegetarian and veggie-friendly restaurants.
	Deep Pan Pizza Company - 67-69 Charing Cross Road, London (WC2) and Trafalgar Square, London (WC2) - Okay, so maybe London isn't known for its pizza. But this place is really very good...especially if you're on a budget. The restaurant is reasonably priced if you order off the menu...but it's an even better deal if you go for the all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta buffet at lunchtime. (We're not sure if all Deep Pan Pizza restaurants offer this deal, as it isn't mentioned on the company's web site. However, the two locations listed above offered the buffet the last time we were there.) *Tip:* Try a pizza with sweet corn. It may sound weird, but it tastes great! (We like the taste and texture so much that we add sweet corn to frozen pizzas whenever we make them. Too bad American pizzerias haven't caught on to this topping...) *Note:* Nearest Tube stations to the Deep Pan Pizza on Charing Cross Road are Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road; the nearest station to the Deep Pan Pizza at Trafalgar Square is Charing Cross. Visit the web site for other locations...there are many other Deep Pan Pizza restaurants throughout London.
	Ed's Easy Diner - If you find yourself craving a good ol' American classic while you're in London, stop by an Ed's Easy Diner. There are several Ed's eateries located throughout London, including: Trocadero (Unit 34B) at 19 Rupert Street (W1); Old Compton Street, Soho (W1); 362 King's Road, Chelsea (SW3); Brent Cross Shopping Centre (NW4); and O2 Centre at 255 Finchley Road (NW3). You'll be able to order your basic burgers, fries, and onion rings, as well as malts and shakes...all in a 50s-style diner. (Vegetarians also have several options, including a veggie burger.) You can view the menu (PDF file), locations and hours, and more on the diner's web site.
	Gaby's Continental Bar - 30 Charing Cross Road, London (WC2) - Great little Middle Eastern restaurant and deli located in the lively Leicester Square area. This is the place to go for good falafel, hummus, and bean/lentil salads. It's open until midnight most nights (10pm on Sundays), so it's convenient for a late-night snack. (As in many British restaurants, the prices are considerably lower for take-away than eat-in.) Unfortunately, this restaurant does not have a web site. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Leicester Square.
	Hard Rock Cafe - 150 Old Park Lane, London (W1) - Okay, so maybe dining at the Hard Rock seems a bit cliché. But you might want to make an exception in this case, as this was the very first Hard Rock Cafe ever...founded back in 1971. The atmosphere is actually quite enjoyable, and you'll see some pretty impressive rock 'n' roll memorabilia adorning the walls. The food is surprisingly good, as well...they're known for their burgers, and they even offer the vegetarian kind, too! Check out the full menu online. The web site also features directions, hours, history, and top ten memorabilia items (not sure why they rate Motley Crue up there with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Ringo Starr, and U2...). *Note:* Nearest Tube stations are Green Park or Hyde Park Corner.
	Indian Veg Bhel Poori House - 92-93 Chapel Market, Islington, London (N1) - Tasty all-you-can-eat Indian buffet at a bargain price: just £2.95 per person during our most recent visit. As the name implies, all menu items are vegetarian. The restaurant also offers a good selection of beer and wine. It's definitely worth the trek to Islington...where else can you can eat a yummy, filling meal for just a few "quid"? The restaurant doesn't have its own web site, but you can read some reviews on the local Islington area web site. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Angel.
	My Old Dutch Pancake House - 131-132 High Holborn, London (WC1) - If you've ever been to the Netherlands and tried the Dutch pancakes there, you'll know just what to expect here. These "pancakes" are not your typical American-style flapjacks...they're actually more similar to French crêpes. You can order "savoury" pancakes with a wide variety of fillings for a satisfying meal (the pancakes are served on enormous Dutch plates), or try a "sweet" pancake for a delectable dessert. Unfortunately this restaurant does not have a web site, but you can check out a review on RestaurantSpy. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Holborn. (There is a second location at 221 King's Road, London (SW2); to get there, you're best off picking up a bus from Sloane Square, as this restaurant is a bit of a hike from the Sloane Square Tube station.)
	Neal's Yard Salad Bar - 2 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London (WC2) - This great vegetarian restaurant offers much more than the tasty salads it's named for; you'll also find an array of tempting snacks, soups, main dishes, and desserts (click the links for some of the restaurant's best recipes in each category). Many of the menu items have a distinct Brazilian flavor. Visit the web site for directions, recipes, and other information. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Covent Garden.
	Tai - 10 Greek Street, Soho, London (W1) - Tai offers a terrific vegan buffet (it's actually Chinese, not Thai) at a bargain price: just £5 for lunch, or £6 after 6pm. They also offer take-away containers that you can fill for £3. The buffet features a wide variety of fake meats, from tofu to seitan, plus tasty spring rolls and rice crackers. A convenient pre-drinks stop for those planning a Soho pub crawl. Go early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. See the Veggie London article on Itchy London for a review. See map for location. *Note:* Nearest Tube stations are Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square.
	Thai Garden Café - 32 Museum Street, London (WC1A) - We happened to find this restaurant while looking for someplace to grab lunch after visiting the British Museum. The prices were quite reasonable; they offered a lunch special with an appetizer and main dish for about £7 per person. Shay ordered the veggie spring rolls and spicy tofu curry, while her mother ordered vegetable tempura and pad thai. We both enjoyed our meals, and would highly recommend this charming little restaurant to anyone looking for a good meal near the British Museum. See map for location, and take a peek at a photo of the storefront and other nearby shops. *Note:* Nearest Tube stations are Tottenham Court Road and Holborn.
	Wagamama - 4A Streatham Street, Bloomsbury, London (WC1) - A very popular noodle bar and restaurant. You'll be seated side-by-side with other diners at long tables, and the wait staff take your orders on hand-held computers. The restaurant has a trendy feel, but the food is fresh and healthy, and very delicious. There is plenty to choose from, for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. We suggest the edamame as an appetizer; for the main course, Mike recommends the chicken ramen, while Shay loves the yasai katsu curry. Visit the web site for the complete menu and other information. *Note:* Nearest Tube station to the Bloomsbury Wagamama is Tottenham Court Road. Visit the web site for other locations...Wagamama has a dozen restaurants throughout London.

Clubs & Bars:

London Clubs

London has nightclubs featuring all types of music; the city literally has something for everyone. Of course, we're partial to its alternative and goth clubs. Visit the International Goth Club Listing for a complete list of London clubs featuring goth nights and/or alternative music. For the full spectrum of music and club nights, check out the club listings in the Itchy London guide or pick up a copy of the latest Time Out London. Here are a few of the clubs we've been to:

	Electric Ballroom - 184 Camden High Street, London (NW1) - The Electric Ballroom is the the place to be on Fridays. Sadly, the club's long-running alternative/punk/grunge/goth nigh, Full Tilt, is no longer. However, club-goers can now get their fix of alternative music at the club's Sin City night. (See the International Goth Club listing for an overview.) Lots of good music, and an interesting crowd. Visit the Electric Ballroom's web site for directions, club nights, events, and more. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Camden Town.
	The Garage - 20-22 Highbury Corner, London (N5) - Great place to hear indie and alternative music. The Garage features live bands several nights a week, as well as some great club nights (with reasonable cover charge) on the weekends. After the live performance each Saturday, The Garage hosts its International HiFi indie night, with music by the likes of The Cure, New Order, Blur, Garbage, and more. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Highbury & Islington.
	Gossips - 69 Dean Street, Soho, London (W1) - A very popular nightclub amongst the alternative set. Gossips features indie, industrial, goth, and/or new wave music, with Electric Dreams on Mondays, Malice Underground on Tuesdays, and Tenebrae the last Friday of every month. (Other nights feature live music and hard rock/heavy metal. Gossips is closed on Sundays.) Visit the web site for club nights, history, news, and more, and check out the International Goth Club Listing for an overview of Electric Dreams and Tenebrae. *Note:* Nearest Tube stations are Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Tottenham Court Road.
	Slimelight - 7 Torrens Street, London (EC1) - One of the most popular goth nights in London, and with good reason. Slimelight has several dance floors and features goth, industrial, and techno music. Unlike Shay's first visit here, the club now has licensed bars. (Back in 1996, it was BYOB.) Slimelight is open every Saturday, from 11pm-7:30am. Be forewarned that this is a members-only club; each member is allowed to bring in two guests, so talk to the regular club patrons while you're waiting in the queue and try to find someone who is willing to sign you in. (It may help if you offer to pay their cover and/or buy a drink or two.) Visit the web site for directions, news, club membership, FAQs, and other info, and check out the International Goth Club Listing for an overview. *Note:* Nearest Tube station is Angel.