Travel Buddy

No probs!

Okies, here's a couple ideas -

Leeds Castle - I understand it's really lovely there.  Day trip with Southwest is about £22.
Leeds Castle

Hampton Court Palace - 2 for 1 offer on the price of getting in and a bit more local and yes, another palace/castle type thing. 
Hampton Court Palace

Salisbury & Stonehenge - Even though I've done Stonehenge already, I'd be open to doing it again and I've not seen Salisbury yet.  All in one tix available from South West Trains for £38.40
Salisbury  & Stonehenge

Oxford - Caitlinn mentioned Oxford and I'd love to go.  If 3 or 4 of us can get together to go from London Paddington we can get a group rate that will only cost £8.25 per person.
Group Save

Canterbury - Another place Caitlinn mentioned that I wouldn't mind going.  A cheap day return ticket from London to Canterbury is about £17 and there are 2 for 1 vouchers available on admissions into some of the attractions about town.
Stuff to see and do in Canterbury

I'm only listing things that we can afford right now.  As much as I'd love to take a cheap weekend or day trip to somewhere in Ireland or Europe, it's not really feasible for us, so I'd have to take a pass on those adventures.  But trips like the above would be ok and any others in this vein. 

btw, I guess I should say that I realise not everyone is in London or may have to travel to London in order to partake.  Please don't feel as though these are the only options open to the group!

If you're doing Salisbury/Stonehenge, see if you can get to Avebury too. It's another stone circle but a great contrast to Stonehenge and you can still touch the stones.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=316

Out of them all, I would lean more towards Salisbury/Stonehenge or Oxford.

I bet Leeds Castle would be lovely to photograph, but I'm not sure what else is around there, so we could potentially be stuck with just the castle.  Hampton Court is a fabulous place, but short of shooting the grounds and outside architecture, I don't think you can shoot indoors (which is a huge shame, but understandable).  BTW, the gardens are lovely in the Summer.

I've always wanted to go to Canterbury and it appears to have more than just the famous cathedral.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not too fussed one way or the other.  I'd be up for any of them, but hope we can pick something that would be easy to access for all those who'd like to come along.

Out of them all, I would lean more towards Salisbury/Stonehenge or Oxford.

I bet Leeds Castle would be lovely to photograph, but I'm not sure what else is around there, so we could potentially be stuck with just the castle. Hampton Court is a fabulous place, but short of shooting the grounds and outside architecture, I don't think you can shoot indoors (which is a huge shame, but understandable). BTW, the gardens are lovely in the Summer.

Good point.  I think it might be good to try to go when they have one of their events going on.  There would be a bit more to photograph.

I've always wanted to go to Canterbury and it appears to have more than just the famous cathedral.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not too fussed one way or the other. I'd be up for any of them, but hope we can pick something that would be easy to access for all those who'd like to come along.

Okies, well, I've thrown in my ideas.  Anyone else want to or shall we put Salisbury/Stonehenge & Oxford to a vote?

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Speaking of Leeds Castle, I did a bit of exploring on the site and saw two things that I'd love to do one day. 

They have high air balloon rides over the castle and countryside.  I can't imagine a more unique opportunity for photographs, but sadly I'd need a much better zoom lens which will put me back too many ££'s, plus the cheapest ticket is £120/pp!   

They are also having a firework display on Bon Fire night (weekend).  Gates open at 1pm and there will be a traditional fair from 2pm, with fireworks starting at 6pm.  £12pp adults/£6pp children.

I bet photos of the firework display over the castle would be stunning.

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I have wanted to visit Leeds Castle for a while, as well as Hampton Court.  I have no problem coming into London as a starting off point at all. 

As far as Salisbury goes, there is also the Old Sarum Castle that you can visit as well as Stonehenge, and Avebury. It will be quite a full day The older part of Salisbury is really interesting to walk thru, as you walk to the Cathedral, very medieval, and alot of tudor buildings still standing. There are tour buses out of the bus station which go to Stonehenge, and Old Sarum Castle. I don't know if it stops at Avebury tho. It may do. 

Ok, the poll is up!  Voting runs until midnight Tuesday.  Once the decision has been made, should we add a post to Meetings & Events as well?  Also, did we decide on the Sat, Oct 9 or Sun, Oct 10?

I'd imagine that this is the only Travel Buddy trip we'll be able to do this year.  The holidays will be closing in soon and I'd suspect that everyone's schedule will be getting quite hectic. 

That being said tho, I suppose there is an option for a Christmas Market.  There's one in Lincoln that's supposed to be 'the biggest in Europe'.  I've never been, but it might be a chance to find unique holiday gifts.

The Market runs Thurs, Dec 2 through Sun, Dec 5.  More information can be found at: 

http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/Information_page_+_3_pic.asp?sec_id=1058

I'll definitely pick up the Travel Buddy thread again this coming Spring!