Trip plans

[vilakins]

I'm leaving for the UK in about two weeks, for two weeks, all the time Greg can spare from his work. So far on the list are:

• the Star One Blake's 7 con in Bedford
• Bletchley Park
• Caerleon (Romans!)
• the Newport transporter bridge
• Portmerion--Greg's a big Prisoner fan
• the Gateshead millennium bridge
• the Falkirk wheel
• Edinburgh in general because we both love it
• assorted Telford bridges (can you tell I like the things?)
• air museums recommended by a pilot friend (Cosford, Hendon, Duxford) depending on itinerary--I love planes too

I arrive on Thursday, the day before the con so I won't be too tired after the flight. So has anyone got any suggestions for something interesting to do that day considering we might be tired, though I've only ever been jetlagged once? Personally I wouldn't mind a trip into London by train as I'd like to walk that footbridge.

And if you can think of other things for a pair of geeks with an interest in engineering (Roman to the present day) to do or see, I'd love to hear. Anything at all, it doesn't have to be engineering!

Comments

[spacefall.livejournal.com]

I take it you've already visited Bristol and our sexy suspension bridge ;-)

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't! I've admired it in Teachers; I must add it to the list!

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

I'll do Duxford if it's a weekend - not been yet. Thinking of just doing Star One on one day, probably Saturday. Comments?

Gina

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I don't know what the program is for Star One or which day would be better, but it'd be great to see you. I haven't looked up distances--how far away is Duxford? Must sit down with a map and work things out...

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

Duxford's about thirty miles from Bedford.

Gina

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Ah! Then it would be good for the Thursday or Friday. Thanks!

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

No problem. Pity I can't get the day off really...

Gina

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Unless I'm back in the area on a weekend, but I can't guarantee that. Plus I think we fly back on a Saturday.

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

Don't worry about it, I'll just get my act together and book Star One.

Gina

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Pity I haven't got a timetable. All I know is:

- There's a Friday evening quiz in the bar

- It runs both days from 10am to 5pm

- There's karaoke and the dinner on Saturday evening (I suppose the karaoke's for the people who didn't book the dinner?

- Detailed program in the rego packs.

Pity they don't tell you more than that as then you could pick a day.

Hey, who's coming to this? Me, you, spacefall, quarryquest, Jurgen? Anyone else I don't know about? I'm looking forward to meeting you all at last!

[linda-joyce.livejournal.com]

Fourth time lucky (fingers crossed). Where are you flying in to? Would Bath be to much of a detour, The Pump Room for tea and cakes and a tour of the Roman Baths.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I'd love to go to Bath! There's also a restaurant there Spacefall's told me about which sounds wonderful. Right, that's on the list too.

[hafren.livejournal.com]

I doubt you can fit much more into 2 weeks, but have fun. Not all that far from Portmeirion is Porthmadog and the Festiniog Railway, which is a working steam line with adorable little tooty engines with shiny golden domes, that might please enginey people?

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Oh, I went on that years ago. Blaenau Ffestiniog, right (sp)? That would be fun and I don't think Greg's been to Wales. I'll add it to the list as well.

[hafren.livejournal.com]

Yes, Blaenau is at the other end. Blaenau is also a dump, so if you do a return trip you're better off going from Porthmadog. Other things in the neighbourhood of Portmeirion are Harlech Castle and Criccieth Castle if you're into ancient piles.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, I've been to Harlech. This will be my third trip to Wales. :-)

Thanks for all this good info!