[spazzyfry123]

Will be my first time heading over the UK. Will be landing in Heathrow, but will be spending my time in the Northhampton area for work. Realistically, I have one full day to myself (Sunday early AM arrival), so curious what I should plan for the day. I'm assuming some sight seeing in the London area. Anyone familiar with the area (Northhampton, Kettering, Sywell, Wellingborough...) have any recommendations for pubs or the like to check out for the rest of the days while I'm finishing up the day at work?

I'm always so bad at checking out the sights when I travel for work. I get caught up in it all and ultimately find out that I just am drinking a pint in a new set of landscape. Hoping to carve out some time to make the most of it this time.

Also of note, I'm going in just a couple of weeks or so if climate is a consideration.

Cheers!

[2000cs]

Ask your workmates in Northhampton; they’ll know the best spots and might buy you a pint.

[kscarrol]

You’ve taken care of the ETA fee the UK is charging starting this year?

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/06/uk-v...orization.html

[Alfisti]

Rent a roadster for a day and see the countryside for a day, that is my standard wok trip day off routine if not in a large US city. Roads are brilliant, lots of great pubs, just draw up a quick route and off you go in .................... wait it's winter... so nix roadster and rent an Alpine or something.

If you got to London it is game over, more than a days worth there.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by 2000cs

Ask your workmates in Northhampton; they’ll know the best spots and might buy you a pint.

Absolutely! I’ve already got a pint or seven lined up

Originally Posted by kscarrol

You’ve taken care of the ETA fee the UK is charging starting this year?

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/06/uk-v...orization.html

What is this malarkey?? Sounds like a hell of a cash grab… I’ve never even heard of this; thanks for bringing it up!

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Rent a roadster for a day and see the countryside for a day, that is my standard wok trip day off routine if not in a large US city. Roads are brilliant, lots of great pubs, just draw up a quick route and off you go in .................... wait it's winter... so nix roadster and rent an Alpine or something.

If you got to London it is game over, more than a days worth there.

I’ve got me a little Vauxhall economy something or other that I’ve rented for the week through Enterprise. I think this will be first time driving on the left side of the road. It’s been a decade since I’ve driven a stick with a RHD vehicle, so that will be an experience all in itself.

Numerous colleagues have already said to not bother with London as I’ll spend half of my time finding a place to park. I suppose I’ll have a drive through to say I saw Big Ben and head north.

[Alfisti]

I'd keep it local, by all means go to London but don't drive, spend a full day there, great city. Or, stay local, buzz about within a 100 mile radius.

[floridaorange]

Best way to experience the most history and sites is definitely the bike tour. We did one there in London and Paris and love them. Having said that might be too cold when you’re there. I really enjoyed Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. Have a pint and a steak by the fireplace. Go upstairs and downstairs and have another pint in one of the other levels. Great authentic experience.

[kscarrol]

Here you go…

https://uk-eta.com/

And yes it is a cash grab.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Here you go…

https://uk-eta.com/

And yes it is a cash grab.

”The Home Office estimates that around 30 million visitors will apply for it annually.”

[HFW003]

I've been to London quite a few times.

First off, there is a pub on every second corner so you will find them quite easily. There is something quote special about a Pommy pub as well!

London is a huge city and even though I've been there a bit, the last time we got on the Hop on/off bus and saw lots of places we hadn't seen before.

Too many things to list but you'll fill your time very quickly.

Have fun!

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Numerous colleagues have already said to not bother with London as I’ll spend half of my time finding a place to park. I suppose I’ll have a drive through to say I saw Big Ben and head north.

With congestion pricing and parking being insane there, I would leave the car parked and just get a tourist subway card to ride the tube everywhere. I'm sure that there's smartphone apps to navigate the tube system.

One thing to be aware of unless something has changed in the two decades since I was last there is that unlike NYC, London shuts down their subways overnight so remember to also look at the night bus schedule if you're jet-lagged and find yourself out late in their time.....

[spazzyfry123]

Thanks guys!!