Asslessman
Member
Erny":1llggxzp said:
That's all very good, if we don't make it the first time, it will be more reasons to do a sequel (which my evil self will organise in the right timle to attend to oldhammerday 2014 mwahahaha).
Looking for advice for a UK trip
- Thread starter Asslessman
- Start date
That's all very good, if we don't make it the first time, it will be more reasons to do a sequel (which my evil self will organise in the right timle to attend to oldhammerday 2014 mwahahaha).
Grumdril
Member
A couple of thoughts on Oxford:
1. The Pitt Rivers museum is great for older children (8+?) and adults, the more family friendly Natural History museum to which it's attached is unfortunately currently closed while they fix the roof.
2. The Fishes pub (not in central Oxford, but just off the A34 with lots of outside seating) I'd recommend.
I've never done the university thing here, so I can't comment on that I'm afraid, and I think that's the main reason people come here.
1. The Pitt Rivers museum is great for older children (8+?) and adults, the more family friendly Natural History museum to which it's attached is unfortunately currently closed while they fix the roof.
2. The Fishes pub (not in central Oxford, but just off the A34 with lots of outside seating) I'd recommend.
I've never done the university thing here, so I can't comment on that I'm afraid, and I think that's the main reason people come here.
Fimm McCool
Member
Just John":1rpqc8jr said:Just a ring of stones, JUST a ring of stones you say - that's like saying the lichemaster is just a lump of lead, or or or I'm speechless
No, saying the Cologne Cathedral is just a lump of stone is like saying Heinrich Kemmler is just a lump of lead. Saying Stone Henge is just a ring of stones is like saying the Razorgor is just a chunk of plastic, though granted it takes more effort to raise a load of rocks on end than it does to fiddle with a computer for a couple of hours and produce a hideous mini!
Grumdril":1rpqc8jr said:
Yup, the Pitt Rivers is well worth a look. Make sure you start from the top floor and work down! We spent so long looking at the masks, instruments and shrunken heads (admittedly cool) we only just got to the awesome armoury as they were shutting up.
Asslessman
Member
OK so our little journey is gettig closer and the wife asks about any particular spots n the new forest (the war museum doesn't seem to have her fancy :/) would any of you know the good spots or do you advise we just roam around and pick as we go?
weazil
Moderator
Hi there
Again, a bit of a shot from the hip, but I've put together a map of things I think would be interesting, without being touristy:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid= ... 4,0.583649
The thing with the forest is that the whole place is beautiful and generally speaking, full of ponies, so just about anywhere in the forest would be a good place to picnic and watch the animals.
The points I've highlighted are places where I would expect you to have better than average success at enjoying the forest, without the legions of tourists and cyclists that fill the place up.
If you're trying to avoid Beaulieu (which will consume your whole day, I think), then my recommendation would be arrange to explore with the car in the morning, have lunch at one of the establishments I've highlighted, and then have a picnic for your afternoon tea (maybe looking to eat at about 15:30 - 16:00). Although you won't be in Dorset, you're near enough to qualify for a Dorset Cream Tea, which is basically scones, jam and Dorset cream (and tea, one supposes) - these are nice to add to your picnic. Are you looking to stay overnight in the region, or were you looking to move to your next destination in the evening?
A side note whilst driving in the forest - there are two other users of the roads to be aware of:
Cyclists - you get 50 points if you hit ones wearing red - 20 points for all the other ones. Okay, just kidding. The point is, they're not especially aware in the forest and tend to do dumber things than they would in other parts of the country, so just be aware of them, as they still have right of way.
Horse riders. Please slow down when passing, as there are many horse trainers working with nervous horses who may not yet be used to cars. Also, sometimes, you will come across horse riders riding next to each other and generally taking up the road. They have right of way, so please be patient if you see this.
I'll update the map if theres anything else I think of. I'll check with the missus tonight.
Again, a bit of a shot from the hip, but I've put together a map of things I think would be interesting, without being touristy:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid= ... 4,0.583649
The thing with the forest is that the whole place is beautiful and generally speaking, full of ponies, so just about anywhere in the forest would be a good place to picnic and watch the animals.
The points I've highlighted are places where I would expect you to have better than average success at enjoying the forest, without the legions of tourists and cyclists that fill the place up.
If you're trying to avoid Beaulieu (which will consume your whole day, I think), then my recommendation would be arrange to explore with the car in the morning, have lunch at one of the establishments I've highlighted, and then have a picnic for your afternoon tea (maybe looking to eat at about 15:30 - 16:00). Although you won't be in Dorset, you're near enough to qualify for a Dorset Cream Tea, which is basically scones, jam and Dorset cream (and tea, one supposes) - these are nice to add to your picnic. Are you looking to stay overnight in the region, or were you looking to move to your next destination in the evening?
A side note whilst driving in the forest - there are two other users of the roads to be aware of:
Cyclists - you get 50 points if you hit ones wearing red - 20 points for all the other ones. Okay, just kidding. The point is, they're not especially aware in the forest and tend to do dumber things than they would in other parts of the country, so just be aware of them, as they still have right of way.
Horse riders. Please slow down when passing, as there are many horse trainers working with nervous horses who may not yet be used to cars. Also, sometimes, you will come across horse riders riding next to each other and generally taking up the road. They have right of way, so please be patient if you see this.
I'll update the map if theres anything else I think of. I'll check with the missus tonight.
Asslessman
Member
weazil":31uuni1l said:
Gosh, though I'm a cyclist myself, I 've just wet my pants reading that.
Weazil my man, you've truly merited the beverage I'm going to offer you when we're in Portsmouth on thursday (9th).
Thanks a lot, it is truly appreciated.
weazil
Moderator
You're more than welcome - I just hope that you have a good time in the forest - I don't think I could live knowing a family had a dreadful time in the forest based on my advice
Being a cyclist yourself, you'll shake your head in wonder when you see some of the specialists we have riding around the forest - how more of them don't die, I don't know.
I look forward to that Thursday - if its in Portsmouth, I might even be able to rustle up two other oldhammerers - Justin and Andre. I'll poke them and see what they're doing.
Being a cyclist yourself, you'll shake your head in wonder when you see some of the specialists we have riding around the forest - how more of them don't die, I don't know.
I look forward to that Thursday - if its in Portsmouth, I might even be able to rustle up two other oldhammerers - Justin and Andre. I'll poke them and see what they're doing.
Asslessman
Member
Either that or on Tuesday 6th since it's the day we might be around new forest (I'll precise that). I hadn't looked at the Gmap link, you've even placed where to eat and where to spot the animals... Brilliant, seriously
Fimm McCool
Member
The New Forest's where I grew up (went to college in Brockenhurst). If you're there when I'm down visiting my folks (and want to meet an Oldhammerer of course!) I can show you a couple of nice pubs in the region- though they're pretty much all nice pubs!
whisper
Member
I don't know if this info is still in a timely fashion however, as a resident of Bath I feel the need to point out that most of the parking within Bath "city" centre is pemit zoned.. and the few carparks are a little of a gouge... If you are willing to walk I personally would suggest parking in Larkhall a area on the outside where parking is mostly free.., from there you can easily walk along the Canal side throught to Great pultney street, a fairly famous street that leads into the city center. From there you can easily get to the main attractions (also veiwing the Abby as you pass) others have mentioned; ie The royal circus and cresent... the "bit of green" in front of it is part or Victoria park which is in my limited experince huge! and a great place for a picknick! Shout if you want any maps etc.
Sneaky Ale edit - Pub wise there are a lot of good pubs in bath, especially if you are fond of what we call "real ale" I would definatly recomend looking out for "the salamander" which is in the centre and run by bath ale. Other good pubs include the raven for great pies and the Olive tree.
Sneaky Ale edit - Pub wise there are a lot of good pubs in bath, especially if you are fond of what we call "real ale" I would definatly recomend looking out for "the salamander" which is in the centre and run by bath ale. Other good pubs include the raven for great pies and the Olive tree.
Fimm McCool
Member
Bath Park and Ride is pretty handy, though the scoundrels charge per bus passenger not per car!
Asslessman
Member
These tips come in a perfectly great timing since we'll be there on the 5th or 6th of August. I'm obviously intersted in places to eat or drink though the drinking will mainly be on my side since my lady is pregnant and 2yo daughter fancies sweeter beverages...
I think I'll soon post the details of our little journey to see if I can manage to meet some of you in the flesh (probably should print a few LEADPLAGUE T-shirts to offer for the occasion...^^ )
PS : I am fond of real ales
EDIT : By the way, a very silly question indeed but I have to ask it : is it possible to buy Dettol in UK, if yes I would be able at last to get my hands on some for a fair price and strip all those plastic RT backpacks/arms/weapons/shields/whatever
I think I'll soon post the details of our little journey to see if I can manage to meet some of you in the flesh (probably should print a few LEADPLAGUE T-shirts to offer for the occasion...^^ )
PS : I am fond of real ales
EDIT : By the way, a very silly question indeed but I have to ask it : is it possible to buy Dettol in UK, if yes I would be able at last to get my hands on some for a fair price and strip all those plastic RT backpacks/arms/weapons/shields/whatever
Asslessman
Member
Chico":chtwuwg8 said:Yep, its costs around £2 for a large bottle and is sold everywhere.
(about to cry)
YEEEAAAHHH AT LAST !
My other options were buying it online (VERY expensive even with warlord Paul's tips) or making some family in Canada bring back some. Now I only have to go to the nearest supermarket and get ten gallons of the damn stuff. Thanks
Asslessman
Member
I know two posts in a row is bad but here is a sum-up of my program in case some of you might want to meet a low-rank french Oldhammer enthusiast (before meeting Nico who is the real deal from what I see of him).
Monday 5th at night , I'll be at Portsmouth
Tuesday 6th , between the new forest district (morning and noon and Newbury (baby nap time and afternoon)
Wednesday 7th, Bath
Thursday 8th, Oxford
Friday 9th (till 4PM) Portsmouth again (mostly on the seashore or anywhere else (don't know yet)).
I'd be happy to put faces on names and to buy a pint to those faces !
I'll have some lead with me for what it's worth and the will to share good time.
Cheers
Monday 5th at night , I'll be at Portsmouth
Tuesday 6th , between the new forest district (morning and noon and Newbury (baby nap time and afternoon)
Wednesday 7th, Bath
Thursday 8th, Oxford
Friday 9th (till 4PM) Portsmouth again (mostly on the seashore or anywhere else (don't know yet)).
I'd be happy to put faces on names and to buy a pint to those faces !
I'll have some lead with me for what it's worth and the will to share good time.
Cheers
Fimm McCool
Member
On the 6th I'll be around the Ringwood/Brockenhurst area (New Forest).
Asslessman
Member
Well, the program by now is quite loose and only consists of ballad in the area to see critters (the daughter needs critters as much as her father craves for lead) and a nice picnic at noon !
Asslessman
Member
I just wanted to thank you to all the people who have posted here to give tips/advices or even just jokes. The trip went very well though I didn't get to meet any of you but I printed out your usefull hints and used many of them.
Thanks everyone
Thanks everyone