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B&Bs

Been to someplace of historical interest? Planning a trip? Have a question? Post here!
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robinbird79
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B&Bs

Post by robinbird79 » Sat July 17th, 2010, 6:02 pm

I want to avoid chain hotels when I get to England (hopefully in either Jan, Feb, or March).

Can anyone suggest a good B&B in York? I've been looking over the Visit York website and the ones listed there but I'm curious to see if anyone has a suggestion for one.

Can anyone suggest a good B&B or small, locally owned hotel in London?

Also, is it possible (time wise) to travel to Bosworth from London, see the battlefield and museum, and then back to London in a day?
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Libby
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Post by Libby » Sat July 17th, 2010, 8:18 pm

You could try this small hotel: http://www.stmaryshotel.co.uk/index.htm

I haven't stayed in the hotel but I have stayed in the self catering flat that belongs to the same owners and it was beautiful, so I would imagine the hotel is of the same standard. It's around 10 minutes walk from the Minster.

As to getting to Bosworth from London in the day - I've looked at Google maps and the travelling time by car is 2 and a half hours, so it would be possible. I would say the museum and battlefield would take about 3 hours to look around. But if you were thinking of going by train and bus then I would say that it would be too difficult.

The other thing you could do is break your journey from London to York by going via Bosworth and staying locally for a night or two. I stayed at some very nice cottages that are quite near: http://www.upperrectoryfarmcottages.co.uk/

Hope that helps!
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Margaret
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Post by Margaret » Sun July 18th, 2010, 1:36 am

If you're staying anywhere for more than a day or two, you might also consider holiday apartments, which are generally less expensive than B&Bs and have kitchens where you can fix your own meals. We stayed at a wonderful place in York, but it was quite a few years ago and I can't remember the name. We found it a treat to shop in the grocery stores, because different things are available than in the U.S. The most delicious chicken I ever ate was in York, smaller in size than U.S. chickens, but meatier and juicier, and the dark meat was lighter than the dark meat of U.S. chickens.

I believe the Jorvik Viking Festival is held in February - you might want to make a point of timing your visit to York so you can be there during the Festival. Viking boat races, a little fair with Viking-type foods (we were served portions of mutton broth, no charge), and for the grand finale a replica Viking boat set aflame as though for a Viking funeral (with fireworks to boot - probably not very Viking, but fun anyway).
Last edited by Margaret on Sun July 18th, 2010, 1:39 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Post by Ash » Sun July 18th, 2010, 2:25 am

Wow, I just checked to see if the place we stayed at 20 years ago was still there, and it is! Dairy Guest House in York:

http://www.dairyguesthouse.co.uk/

I remember it being close to the wall and easy walking distance to everything we wanted to see.

When in London, we always stay in Hamstead, at Iolanthe. Lovely place, close to public transportation, reasonably priced. It is about 15 minutes to London by tube, but we never minded the ride. The home is a lovely get away after spending the day in the busy city.

http://www.iolanthe.co.uk/

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Post by SGM » Sun July 18th, 2010, 8:09 am

When trying to find B&Bs, I still tend to use books rather than the internet. I don't know why. I tend to like the AA guides. The one below is available on Amazon. I don't know if this will help.

AA Bed and Breakfast Guide 2010 (AA Lifestyle Guides): AA, Britains best-selling B&B Guide with over 3.000 AA-inspected and rated B&Bs

As I live in London, I have no experience of staying in hotels unless on company business so can't advise.

When visiting Bosworth, please remember that only recently they decided that the site of the battle is not quite where they thought it was but a couple of fields away.

I only mention this because according to Diane Purkiss who wrote a book recently on the English Civil War, the English are not good at marking battle sites (she is an Australian and probably correct).
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Post by Vanessa » Sun July 18th, 2010, 10:08 am

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Post by SGM » Sun July 18th, 2010, 5:19 pm

[quote=""Ash""]Wow, I just checked to see if the place we stayed at 20 years ago was still there, and it is! Dairy Guest House in York:

http://www.dairyguesthouse.co.uk/

I remember it being close to the wall and easy walking distance to everything we wanted to see.

When in London, we always stay in Hamstead, at Iolanthe. Lovely place, close to public transportation, reasonably priced. It is about 15 minutes to London by tube, but we never minded the ride. The home is a lovely get away after spending the day in the busy city.

http://www.iolanthe.co.uk/[/quote]

If staying in Hampstead, you can try taking a journey on the 214 bus towards Kings Cross, as it takes you through a world of 17th century houses in Highgate. I do it every now and them because, Londoner that I am, I still can't believe its there. I have tried to take people by car and never been able to find the same route. They changed the bus service a few years ago and I thought it lost until I discovered the 214 also did it.
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robinbird79
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Post by robinbird79 » Mon July 19th, 2010, 6:50 pm

I knew it was a good choice to post my questions here! I'll start checking out the provided links.

SGM ~ I'm assuming the museum, etc are still at Bosworth even though they've decided the battlefield is a little further off? I'll have to go check their website and see what they say about that.

Ash ~ I will check that place out. :)

Margaret ~ Thanks for that info about the Festival! That sounds fantastic and I think my hubby might actually like that!

Also...I am assuming the "tariff" I see mentioned on most sites is the tax on the room?


Please keep the information coming! I'm nervous about planning a trip overseas by myself!
Last edited by robinbird79 on Mon July 19th, 2010, 7:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by SGM » Mon July 19th, 2010, 7:29 pm

I wouldn't have thought they have had the time or the money to move it. The news about the change of location was only a month or so ago.

I am sure you have already looked at the website for the centre but just in case not, here is the link:

http://www.bosworthbattlefield.com/visit/how_to.htm

A quote from the BBC

"The true site of one of the most decisive battles in English history has been revealed.

Bosworth, fought in 1485, which saw the death of Richard III, was believed to have taken place on Ambion Hill, near Sutton Cheney in Leicestershire.

But a study of original documents and archaeological survey of the area has now pinpointed a site in fields more than a mile to the south west.

A new trail will lead from the current visitor centre to the new location. "

and link to the webpage (I am never sure you can get into these from overseas). http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leic ... 523386.stm
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Ash
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Post by Ash » Mon July 19th, 2010, 9:03 pm

[quote=""SGM""]If staying in Hampstead, you can try taking a journey on the 214 bus towards Kings Cross, as it takes you through a world of 17th century houses in Highgate. I do it every now and them because, Londoner that I am, I still can't believe its there. I have tried to take people by car and never been able to find the same route. They changed the bus service a few years ago and I thought it lost until I discovered the 214 also did it.[/quote]


Ooo, thanks for that; an excellent alternative (those Highgate house are exquisit, and I always happen to be around when they are not open for tours. One of these days...)

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