Food and lodging are very, very expensive in London. I usually try to eat in pubs. English beer is the absolute best in the world; another reason to go to pubs. I also recommend the British Museum where you should see the original Shakespeare manuscripts, the Elgin marbles and visit the reading room. There is a nice hotel across the street from the British Museum called The Kensington which I recommend. The rates are reasonable for London and full breakfast buffet is included.
In London you should also visit Harrod's. This is a most spectacular department store, the likes of which you cannot imagine. You could easily spend an entire day there - tea is at 4:00pm.
You might consider horseback riding in Hyde Park. I rented a horse and went riding with 15 other unknown equestrians of varying ability. There are stables on the outskirts of Hyde Park and you can call ahead to make a reservation. Oh and all the tack was English of course (keep your heels down, please).
Since you are interested in botany you might consider visiting Kew Gardens which is a short subway ride from downtown. There is a huge greenhouse there filled with interesting plants representing every climate and period.
Westminster Abbey is a must see. Go inside and see the tombs of Elizabeth 1 and Isaac Newton.
You can take a day trip to Oxford either by tour bus or rail. I have been there many times. I like walking around Oxford University both inside and outside. The college buildings are open to visitors and date back at least 500 years - lots of stunning woodwork and architecture (Bodleian library for instance). Also Shakespeare's birthplace (house) is there as is John Harvard's (the founder of Harvard University) which is conveniently located next to a pub.
Other things in London: Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross Road, Trafalgar Square. Go buy an umbrella at Smith's (~$100.00) with a crab-apple wood handle even if it doesn't rain.
I meant to say that Shakespeare's birthplace and John Harvard's birthplace are in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon and can be visited on the same trip to Oxford.
In London you should also visit Harrod's. This is a most spectacular department store, the likes of which you cannot imagine. You could easily spend an entire day there - tea is at 4:00pm.
You might consider horseback riding in Hyde Park. I rented a horse and went riding with 15 other unknown equestrians of varying ability. There are stables on the outskirts of Hyde Park and you can call ahead to make a reservation. Oh and all the tack was English of course (keep your heels down, please).
Since you are interested in botany you might consider visiting Kew Gardens which is a short subway ride from downtown. There is a huge greenhouse there filled with interesting plants representing every climate and period.
Westminster Abbey is a must see. Go inside and see the tombs of Elizabeth 1 and Isaac Newton.
You can take a day trip to Oxford either by tour bus or rail. I have been there many times. I like walking around Oxford University both inside and outside. The college buildings are open to visitors and date back at least 500 years - lots of stunning woodwork and architecture (Bodleian library for instance). Also Shakespeare's birthplace (house) is there as is John Harvard's (the founder of Harvard University) which is conveniently located next to a pub.
Other things in London: Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross Road, Trafalgar Square. Go buy an umbrella at Smith's (~$100.00) with a crab-apple wood handle even if it doesn't rain.
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