First Time To Europe: Planning Where To Go

[airplanesandtrains]

I've always wanted to travel. I won't be going for about a year or so because the person I'm going with is still in college. I havn't put much thought in it but I'd like some feedback as to which cities in England, Ireland and Scotland to visit.We will be backpacking and using trains and busses as transportation. I'd like to see some old architecture, possibly some castles. But I'd also like to visit a few places that have some great (safer) clubs that I can spend some time, have a few drinks, meet some locals and have a blast. If there is anyone who has found great places to see architecture and/ or go do some serious clubbing, could you tell me which cities to put on my list to go to and how long would be reasonable to set aside for these sights and activities? I believe I'll be going for about a month to maybe a month and a half or so. We will be flying to Europe from Canada, so I'm thinking about starting in England, then going to Scotland and then heading to Ireland. Any feedback is muchly appreciated!
;D

[herrbert]

There are more than enough castles to make you happy in Scotland! I have a feeling that most of the people here, are more keen on travellin', than going to clubs, while they are on the road. (but I could be wrong), most of us, only spend a couple of days in a city, and want to see the sights, and do the clubbing at home. (being on a budget, also helps)

If you have a month to travel, why would you stick to Great Britain? It is an expensive place to travel around, and there are some other destination you could like in Europe.

The amount you have to set aside for traveling, hostels, entrance-fees, food and drinking, are personal, and also linked to where in Europe you are.

You don't mention it, but I presume that London will be the place, where you will fly to. And I think it should be the first stop as well.

Telling you what should be on your list, is not doable, as everybody has it's own preferences. If you read through the topics on these boards, you will get a picture, on what some people liked in certain places. Go with the ones that you like, and do some research on them.

For Scotland, I would make a trip Edinburgh - Glasgow - Fort William - Isle of Skye. Maybe a visit to Sterling and Sterling Castle?

[pointofnoreturn]

You should definitely check out Warwick Castle, which is supposed to be one of England's most haunted castles. I've been there and it was definitely fun! The dungeons were really gross and smelly but it's the experience that counts. I believe that it's in the Stratford upon the Avon area. And while you're there, you could check out Anne Hathaway's cottage.

Other places you could consider in England:

- Oxford (Christ Church and the University. I've been to the Church including the Great Hall where Harry Potter was filmed)
- St. Albans (lovely quaint town in Hertforshire with some really neat churches)
- Avebury, Bath and Salisbury (Stonehenge and Avebury stones)
- Taunton Castle (in Somerset?)

Don't have time to list more cities but get yourself a good guidebook on these countries (UK and Scotland and Ireland) and you should be able to get a good grasp of what is available.

[airplanesandtrains]

Thanks very much to both of you for your advice. It was extremely helpful. I will definatly check out some guide books and continue poking in and about the forums to get an idea of any other places to go! Thanks again guys!

airplanesandtrains

[madamtrashheap]

Just a few more cities to add to the list for you to research and see if they interest you airplanesandtrains. By no means think you have to include them all, but see if they have anything that interests you.

England: London (although I assume you'd included it already!),York, Liverpool, Leeds Castle (train or bus ride south east from London), Bristol, Lakes District/Cumbria (villages like Ambleside, Grasmere or Windermere on the lake are excellent), Newcastle, Coventry, Canterbury, Cambridge (if you don't get to Oxford).

Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness, St Andrews, Skye, Orkney (if you want wind and something different, but it's a long way up there), Glasgow (I like it, but it's not for everyone), Oban, there are lots of small villages like Newtonmore, Aviemore and Braemar that are worth visiting but might be difficult to get to unless busses travel through there regularly.

Ireland: Dublin, Dingle (and the western pennisula), Galway (and west into the Connemara), Kilkenny, Killarney, Blarney Castle, Cork. If you can, go to Northern Ireland and visit Belfast and the Giant's Causeway.

Wales: (not sure if you're going, but worth including) Cardiff, Llandudno & Caernarfon (beaches & castles), Swansea, any where in Snowdonia, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch(Llanfairp-g for short! City with longest name in Britain). Or you could pick from the "Seven Wonders of Wales" (a list from a Welsh rhyme): Gresford (for the bell), St Giles Church tower in Wrexham, Llangollen bridge (over the River Dee), Mt Snowdon (the highest mountain in Wales), St Winefride's Well in Holywell, the tallest waterfall at Pistyll Rhaedr or the Overton yew trees in the churchyard of St Mary's at Overton-on-Dee. For castles, try the site www.visitwales.ie/server.php?show=nav.00g00c001 for inspiration.

Crystal and MuvverRussia(who hasn't been around for a while - studying I think) would be good people to ask for advice as well.

As for Clubs, there are plenty to choose from in the larger cities, but I think you'll find more enjoyment in the pubs in towns like Dingle, Inverness, Skye, York, etc. Pubs are where the locals (and characters) go, so try to mix between the two types of venue.
Happy reading!