Expert: Michael - 1/31/2008

Question
My husband has to go to Manchester for business-I am tagging along.  I love Tudor history and would like to spend 2 days seeing the Tower etc.  What kind of transportation is there from Manchester to London?  Is it possible to get a guide?  Do you need reservations for attractions?  I have never been to Europe so any and all advice is welcome.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Marcy,
Thank you for your email.

There are several rail service from Manchester to London, with the fastest taking just over 2 hours. If you already know the dates of the journey, then it would be well worth booking rail tickets in advance. You can get discounted tickets from as little as £13 (US$26) each way, whereas buying a ticket on the day you travel could cost as much as £115 (US$230).

Once in London, there is very rarely any need to reserve tickets for attractions. The only exception is the tour of Her Majesty the Queen's residence of Buckingham Palace, which is only open during August and September each year.

There are very few tour guides leading tours in London, since public transport is so well organised, and geared-up for tourists. There are, however, services such as the Original Sightseeing Tour which visits all the key attractions. It is possible to purchase a ticket for the bus service which allows you to use the tour bus all day, and travel between attractions whilst receiving information about the sights you pass.

I have attached some useful website, for both planning training journeys and for public transport in London. I hope that these are helpful.

Regards
Michael

www.nationalrail.co.uk - to plan rail journeys from Manchester to London
www.tfl.gov.uk - for local public transport in London
www.theoriginaltour.com - Guided tour buses