SOUTH EAST OF LONDON
But if you do decide you want to venture out of the city, why not head to the suburb of Greenwich, famous for the maritime museum, and the Royal Observatory founded by Charles II in the latter part of the 17th century. The building and parks are completely unique, and yet are less than an hour’s ride on the bus from the British museum, or about 30 minutes on the train. The Cutty Sark is there as well, one of the last of the great Clipper ships which traded between England and India in the 19th century.
SOUTH SOUTH EAST OF LONDON
Another atmospheric experience not too far from London is a visit to historic Canterbury Cathedral, which is more than 800 years old and a national treasure. Many of the towns in the area have an association with Charles Dickens.
Continuing on in this direction, you will get to the white cliffs of Dover, also the port city for ferries to the continent.
SOUTH OF LONDON
Heading straight south from London is the seaside town of Brighton, a fascinating Regency (late 18th and early 19th century) town with the wonderful and ccenttric Royal Palace known as the Royal Pavillion. The pier that stretches out into the English channel about a mile is full of entertainment, food, and amusement park rides, and gives you and idea of a typical day at the English seaside.
SOUTH WEST OF LONDON
Going west are the cathedral towns of Winchester and Salisbury. Going south west is the remarkable Arundel castle, and the town of Portsmouth, home to the Vicoty, Nelson’s ship which helped him win the Battle of Trafalgar, in which he was killed.
Over the water is the Isle of Wight, extremely quaint, with a wonderful Civil War manor, Areton, and a pub which boasts over 500 different whiskeys.