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Blankcanvas · 03-15-2017, 12:00 AM

I am originally from the UK, have lived in London and go back to visit every couple of years:

Usually best value is to fly return to London. Travel in and around Europe is cheap and taking a flight with one of the budget airlines is very easy. Just took a quick peak at prices and currently British Airways has return flights for $651 all in (out is direct into Heathrow, return is via Dallas). This is a good price and I doubt you'll get any cheaper for a scheduled airline into Heathrow in June (better location than other options).

Once there spend 3/4 days in London. Use public transport to get around and best value is to buy off peak zone 1-6 travel card that will get you to/form anywhere in Greater London, including Heathrow.

Stay near to Waterloo Station/London Eye or near the British Museum. If you're on a budget then area around Kings Cross Station is cheaper but you'll need to be a bit more careful with your surroundings. Lots of tourists stay near Paddington Station but it's not as central as my suggestions and I don't recommend it.

In terms of what to visit the list is endless. I'll base my suggestions on 'must sees' and your apparent interest in castles/historic things:
- London Eye
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace (try to catch Trooping the Colour or one of the rehearsals)
- National Gallery
- British Museum
- Hampton Court Palace

Parks:
- St Jame's Park
- Regents Park (outdoor theatre is good)

Evenings:
- Covent Garden (Maple Leaf Bar to catch Stanley Cup finals!)
- Soho
- Leicester Square
- West End Show

Next, travel west of London into the countryside. I suggest renting a car for most flexibility. If you decide to use the trains you'll have to do lots of research and buy tickets in advance (since they privatized the railway there are a confusing number of private operators).

Base yourself in Oxford for a few days. Consider staying at Malmaison Oxford Castle for a truly unique experience. While in Oxford:
- Walking tour
- Punting from Magdalen Bridge
- Visit University Colleges and Parks and the Boolean Library
- Blenheim Palace
- Day trip out to Cotswolds

Next fly to Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice or to whatever European City you like the sound of best and spent a few days there. If you choose Paris, consider taking the Eurostar Train from London - it's very fast and there's nothing quite like it. Maybe squeeze in more than one city while you're in Europe? Then head back to London with possibly a final day or two of sightseeing before your flight back to YYC.

Good luck and with a bit of planning you should have a fantastic trip!

03-15-2017, 12:00 AM	#54
Blankcanvas Backup Goalie Join Date: May 2016 Location: Calgary Exp:	I am originally from the UK, have lived in London and go back to visit every couple of years: Usually best value is to fly return to London. Travel in and around Europe is cheap and taking a flight with one of the budget airlines is very easy. Just took a quick peak at prices and currently British Airways has return flights for $651 all in (out is direct into Heathrow, return is via Dallas). This is a good price and I doubt you'll get any cheaper for a scheduled airline into Heathrow in June (better location than other options). Once there spend 3/4 days in London. Use public transport to get around and best value is to buy off peak zone 1-6 travel card that will get you to/form anywhere in Greater London, including Heathrow. Stay near to Waterloo Station/London Eye or near the British Museum. If you're on a budget then area around Kings Cross Station is cheaper but you'll need to be a bit more careful with your surroundings. Lots of tourists stay near Paddington Station but it's not as central as my suggestions and I don't recommend it. In terms of what to visit the list is endless. I'll base my suggestions on 'must sees' and your apparent interest in castles/historic things: - London Eye - Tower Bridge - Tower of London - Buckingham Palace (try to catch Trooping the Colour or one of the rehearsals) - National Gallery - British Museum - Hampton Court Palace Parks: - St Jame's Park - Regents Park (outdoor theatre is good) Evenings: - Covent Garden (Maple Leaf Bar to catch Stanley Cup finals!) - Soho - Leicester Square - West End Show Next, travel west of London into the countryside. I suggest renting a car for most flexibility. If you decide to use the trains you'll have to do lots of research and buy tickets in advance (since they privatized the railway there are a confusing number of private operators). Base yourself in Oxford for a few days. Consider staying at Malmaison Oxford Castle for a truly unique experience. While in Oxford: - Walking tour - Punting from Magdalen Bridge - Visit University Colleges and Parks and the Boolean Library - Blenheim Palace - Day trip out to Cotswolds Next fly to Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice or to whatever European City you like the sound of best and spent a few days there. If you choose Paris, consider taking the Eurostar Train from London - it's very fast and there's nothing quite like it. Maybe squeeze in more than one city while you're in Europe? Then head back to London with possibly a final day or two of sightseeing before your flight back to YYC. Good luck and with a bit of planning you should have a fantastic trip!