Looking for Info on London and Dublin

[Macbeth]

Dang, this has to be the first time I'm really glad to have an Off topic Forum.

Here's the deal: Looks like I have the awesome oportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Europe next year. And, even better, I get to plan my own itenerary for me and my Dad. So, we've decided we're going to go around the United Kingdom and Ireland. So far we're planning on going in early August, attending the Science Fiction World Convention in Glasgow, trying to catch a rugby match (if we can find one while we're there), and then hitting GenCon on the way back.

So I'm asking the wise minds of EN World: what would you do in the UK or Ireland, if you had the chance? I'm particularly looking for things in London, Glasgow, or Dublin, but pretty much anywhere works.

Also, input from people who actually live in UK or Ireland would be appreciated.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I live in England, work in London, so if I can be of any help I will.

Although I've not tried it myself yet, everyone who I know recommends going on the London Eye (a big wheel that gives a stunning view of London). A lot of the "famous sights" of London are all within easy walking distance of each other - e.g. buckingham palace, trafalgar square, westminster etc

Do you like museums? History? Atmosphere? That way I could target my replies a bit better!

 

[Angel Tarragon]

If I had the chance I'd swing the new Mongoose Publishing offices. Mongoose is my favorite D20 publisher, and I'd love to give those guys my congrats on many jobs well done - and get my Babylon 5 RPG book signed!

 

[Faerl'Elghinn]

London is a city. Dublin- well, not quite sure, but that one's most likely a city as well...

 

[Ferret]

Go to the natural science museum, loads of cool stuff, like dead things and about bodies.

 

[Macbeth]

Do you like museums? History? Atmosphere? That way I could target my replies a bit better!

Pretty much antyhing goes, but Musems, History and Culture would all be top priorities.

As for the historic sites you mentioned, we'll probably end up visiting them. I was in London once before (though not for long enough) and I got to quickly visit some of the historic sites, this time I plan on spending a bit more time.

And the natural science museum sounds cool. Thanks, Ferret.

 

[Plane Sailing]

It is actually the Natural History Museum plus the Science Museum plus the Geological Museum all gathered next to each other at South Kensington. If you like museums you could easily spend a day at this one site browsing your way around them (and basic entry is now free! Yay!)

The British Museum (near Russell Square) is your ancient history place, the British Library (near St. Pancras station) has some excellent historical manuscripts on display but would probably be generally less interesting.

There is also the London Dungeon which is very popular (although I've not been there) - it is supposed to be quite grisely. Madame Tussauds is also popular but I wouldn't recommend that.

The Imperial War Museum is an excellent military museum, although for really neat medieval stuff you really need to go up to Leeds to see the Royal Armouries museum. After seeing two guys in real plate armour leaping around in a mock battle (including springing to their feet after being tripped) I realised that plate mail was nothing like as restrictive as I'd once imagined!

Cheers

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

I'm planning on a vacation to London next summer, seeing the sights... but not the ones everyone sees. I don't wanna go to the Tower of London, probably too crowded. Likewise on the palaces and castles and whatnot. Nope, my places...

* Newgate Prison (not even sure if this is still here, honestly, I think it burnt down)
* Cleopatra's Needle (yeah, not much to see, but hey)
* British Museum
* Tyburn Tree (I don't even know where it is... in London somewhere )
* Battle Bridge Road (once again, not much to see, but this is supposed to be where Boudicca was)
* And of course, the semi-obsessed me would be doing a lot of hanging about in Whitechapel... one guess why . But I'd do my own tour... not pay for one of those walking tours. I actually know my way around Whitechapel so well it's scary, seeings as I live in Pennsylvania. At least, I know my way around the 1888 version of Whitechapel...

 

[Jonny Nexus]

It is actually the Natural History Museum plus the Science Museum plus the Geological Museum all gathered next to each other at South Kensington. If you like museums you could easily spend a day at this one site browsing your way around them (and basic entry is now free! Yay!)

There's also the Victoria & Albert Museum on the same site, which does more art/craft style things - if that's what you're into. The whole lot is a very cool complex, with the three museums (the Geological museum is - I believe - technically a sub-unit of the Science museum) all connected by a huge underground pedestrian tunnel leading from the Underground station (so you just follow the signs and you never even have to cross a road).

Here's a map:

 

[Jonny Nexus]

I actually know my way around Whitechapel so well it's scary, seeings as I live in Pennsylvania. At least, I know my way around the 1888 version of Whitechapel...

I suspect it might be a bit different now. Certainly, the curries on offer are likely to be far superior.