Need some groovy input

Hey guys....
I have a friend visiting for about 8 days around Easter.
Other than the obvious tour of London, can anyone give me some cool ideas of where to go or what to do. This is his first time in the UK...

When it was your first trip here what are some of the things that amazed you, or you wish you would have seen?
Thanks, any input would be great1

Peace

I loved London, but I also loved a visit to Wales to see the beautiful countryside and rocky seaside.

The countryside just about anywhere. Definitely. I had no idea it was so unspoiled. I mean, there are many, many beautiful spots in the US, but you usually have to get off the highway. America's major roads are lined with billboard advertisements and petrol stations. I just couldn't believe it when we drove around the South of England, from one achingly lovely village to another.

The countryside just about anywhere. Definitely. I had no idea it was so unspoiled. I mean, there are many, many beautiful spots in the US, but you usually have to get off the highway. America's major roads are lined with billboard advertisements and petrol stations. I just couldn't believe it when we drove around the South of England, from one achingly lovely village to another.

I agree with you 100% The countryside and castles/great estates/ old churches are amazing.

This old church is near where I live:

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/hempstead/hempstead.htm

I really loved Bath.  Well I love Bath every time I go there.  Not sure how far you are willing to travel but I could also recommend Cornwall.  I went to the Bude area so not too far south (yet) and it was lovely there too.  I live in Wales so yes if you can please visit.  Head straight for Worm's Head.  The views are amazing. 

Brighton is pretty cool for a visit, and if the rides are open on the pier it's lots of fun too. There are good restaurants and excellent shopping, and the Royal Pavillion, tops.

Arundel is also really great to visit,and it has my tops castle ever. It's a little village in the middle of nowhere with a giant castle in the middle of it.

I appreciate all your input. I think we will definately be checking out Bath and possibly Arundle.
Turns out he is really into history and castles....Score on that one.

Oh! Arundel definitely, then. One of our best day trips when we were in London.

We found Hever Castle, Ann Boleyn's childhood home, really sweet (though massively redone inside by the Victorians).

Of course, he could spend the whole time in London and not dent the history.

On my first trip here, my friend took me around on some of the tourist stuff, but then took me for nice tea at a hotel (depends on your budget) which was really nice and tasty.

I feel like the Eye is really overpriced, but I also took some great pictures that day from there, as well. 

I have friends coming in next month, so I need to figure out some of the same things! 

We found Hever Castle, Ann Boleyn's childhood home, really sweet (though massively redone inside by the Victorians).

A few miles from here is Blickling Hall, reputedly the birthplace of Ann Boleyn and haunted by her headless ghost!

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-blicklinghallgardenandpark/

I have family visiting next month as well and we will be spending two days in London.  So I too am looking over the suggestions.  But I wonder can anyone pick out a few things to do in London itself.  I know about the Eye.  Could not get into the Tower - too many tourists!  Would you recommend the bus tours?

I suggest Hampton Court Palace as well.   So beautiful and tons of great history, of course.

Would you recommend the bus tours?

A couple of years ago some friends of mine did a Duck tour of London. They use amphibious buses and go in and out of the Thames, my friends could not stop raving about it. Apparently the best tour ever.

I have done the Duck Tour in London - not as good as Boston, but still a good time   This tour is more for the experience than someone who really wants to get a good idea of historical landmarks since you cannot hop on/off.  You stay on the "duck" the whole time.