Stonehenge; The River Thames...
by ianrmillard
Stonehenge; The River Thames above Reading and villages thereon; Historic cities like Hereford, Oxford, Cambridge...; the huge castles of Wales. The British Museum [see pic]
Stonehenge can be a let down but recent work gives a better view etc and it IS unique. The villages of the Thames are preserved and beautiful in Summer (eg Goring/Streatley, Pangbourne, Wallingford etc). Visit places like Hereford for the cathedrals especially. Attend Church of England relýgýous services at places lýke the chapel of Kings College Cambridge.
The British Museum is in a class of its own in the world. Can be very crowded. Try a non-raining weekday in the morning (opens 0930) to avoid school parties.
For the unattached male visitor, the Museum is also the place where, in between immersing himself in world culture, he can, without too much trouble, meet interesting young ladies from all over the place..(try the less crowded galleries such as the Greek urns)
English to the core!
by TripAdvisor Member SkyeTraveler
This hotel is still owned by the Goring family, and it has all the characteristics of a well-loved family establishment. (Take some time to read Tales from the Goring, an amusing history of the hotel. There's a copy in every room.) Some of the rooms feel a bit faded -- or comfortably old-fashioned, depending on your perspective -- but the bathrooms are good. The service is top notch; very professional and accommodating.
Apparently, a new generation of Gorings has taken the reins. The dining room has been superbly updated by none other than David Linley (Princess Margaret's son). Maybe the bedrooms will be updated as well, but I suspect the regular guests wouldn't hear of it!
The Goring has heaps of English character, good service, a wonderful location, and an impressive history. If you value these things, then it's worth the steep price. If you'd prefer a much more modern take on "Britishness," you might like the Soho hotel, which costs about the same.
P.S. We had great meals at two nearby restaurants, Thomas Cubitt and the Ebury Wine Bar.
so-so
by TripAdvisor Member CIARB
Given the rave reviews of others, we were expecting something special. Whilst the lounges and bars are very pleasant, the rooms themselves are nothing to write home about - they urgently need updating and redocorating.
We weren't best pleased when, having booked and paid for a king size room, they tried to palm us off with an 'executive single', with what must have been the smallest 'king-size' bed in history - all 4 foot of it.
Our request for a proper room was received with poor grace, and it took them a further 3 hours to find a suitable room - and then only a room with a double bed.
The hotel was well worth the £120 paid, but certainly not more than £150.
Photos
Tower Bridge, London
Thames Clippers
The lovely bar/lounge area.
Peace Pagoda (close-up)
Forum Posts
Walking around ..
by Claudilla
I live in Middlesex, Twickenham I would like to spend a day outside London with my dogs and partner. Do you have any suggestion ? I don't want to wwalk too much as I am 5 months pregnant.. something easy !
Thanks !
RE: Walking around ..
by iwys
Henley-on-Thames. Not too far from you. Easy walks along the Thames or slightly harder in the Chilterns.
RE: Walking around ..
by hawkhead
Go to Ham House at Richmond, and walk along the path towards Teddington. Or, you could go to Bushy Park, near Hampton Court.
RE: RE: Walking around ..
by leics
Pangbourne........nice little place, nice pubs, walk along river, feed ducks. Lots of footpaths in beechwoods, including walk to Goring along river......can get train back. Dogs would love it. On main Oxford-London (Paddington) line.
RE: Walking around ..
by Claudilla
Thank u very much for your suggestions.. weather has not been very nice this weekend though...
