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Excursions For a Half Day Kew Gardens: On the western edge of the city, beside the River Thames, lie the Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 (tel: (020) 8940 1171; website: www.rbgkew.org.uk). This 121-hectare (300-acre) site was first planted in the 17th century and is now a horticulturist’s heaven. The glasshouses, including the beautiful Palm House, shelter rare orchids and palms. Transport to the gardens is by London Underground to Kew Gardens; or by train from Waterloo to Kew Bridge, which is also served by the Silverlink Metro. Admission costs £6.50 (concessions available). The gardens are open daily 0930-1830 (1930 on weekends); with the gardens closing earlier as winter sets in. Barnes Wetland Centre: Barnes Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 (tel: (020) 8409 4400; website: www.wetlandcentre.org.uk), is the first wetland environment ever to be created in a capital city. The former 42-hectare (105-acre) disused reservoir has been transformed into an oasis for a multitude of watery wildlife, with the addition of 30 reformed lakes, ponds and marshland. With 250m (819ft) of boardwalk, 3.4km (two miles) of pathways and seven viewing hides open daily (0930-1800 summer and 0930-1700 winter), the centre provides close-up access to water-loving birds, mammals and insects from across Britain and around the world. There is also a visitor centre. Admission costs £6.75 (concessions available). Transport is by London Underground to Hammersmith, then free shuttle bus, or by train from Waterloo to Barnes, followed by a short walk. For a Whole Day Brighton: Known as ‘London on Sea’, Brighton’s young demographic (including residents of the calibre of Fat Boy Slim), vibrant nightlife, top-class restaurants and relaxed vibe all one place certainly make it the trendy coastal retreat of choice. Located on the south coast and easily and relatively cheaply accessible from Victoria station, Brighton’s tourist attractions also include the Royal Pavilion (George IV’s summer retreat), the newly renovated Museum of Brighton, the beach, pier and the old town around the Lanes. The Brighton Tourist Information Office, 10 Bartholomew Square (tel: (01906) 711 2255; website: www.tourism.brighton.co.uk), provides information and is open Monday to Friday 0900-1800, Saturday 1000-1800 and Sunday 1000-1700 in summer and Monday to Friday 0900-1700 and Saturday 1000-1700 (closed Sunday) in winter. Oxford: The ‘dreaming spires’ are a 90-minute drive northwest of central London. Harbouring one of the oldest universities in Europe, Oxford is steeped in history, architecture and traditions (such as punting on the river) but is also a bustling commercial city with good shops and excellent pubs. Trains to Oxford depart from Paddington station and the 24-hour Oxford Tube and CityLink coaches leave from just outside Victoria train station. The Oxford Tourist Information Office, The Old School (tel: (01865) 726 871; website: www.visitoxford.org), provides further information and is open Monday to Friday 0930-1700, Saturday 0930-1700 and Sunday 1000-1530. |
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