Must See Tourist Attractions? (UK)?

Question

I am going to Edinburgh Scotland for 7 days and London England for 5 days in March. I know about the big stuff to see (Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, Big Ben etc.), but if you've ever been to either place, what are some of the more "out of the way" places you'd recommend? Restaurant suggestions? In London, we're staying in Kensington and in Edinburgh, New Town. This is my first time out of the States and I'm pretty adventurous. Any suggestions welcome. :o) Thanks!

Answer 1

This past August my mom and I went to the UK for a couple of weeks, and Edinburgh and London were my favorite places by far. In Edinburgh, I recommend taking a tour of Mary King's Close, which is a network of underground closes (alleyways) that are said to be very haunted. These closes are the now the foundation of The Royal Stock Exchange. It's quite hidden in the dozens of closes off of The Royal Mile, near the center of Edinburgh. If you ask a local, or a tour guide, most likely they will know where it is.
When you are in London, I strongly recommend visiting St. Paul's Cathedral. The interior is beautiful, and has a lot of history, but no one can take pictures. St. Paul's Cathedral was where Princess Diana and Prince Charles got married. I also recommend Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park (home of Kensington Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain). If you are adventurous enough to take the Underground you should stop at Edgeware Road, where there is a large Lebanese/Persian/Arabic neighborhood. The food and the people are amazing. London is a very multicultural city. If you have quite a lot of money to spend, then I suggest taking a stroll down Oxford Street. This street is miles of pure shopping and restaurants. Everything from expensive fashion boutiques and department stores to expensive restaurants, cozy cafes, and fast food places are offered here. I suggest Selfrige & Co., which is a gigantic department store that offers everything, but bring a lot of money (at least 100 pounds, or 195 dollars) if you want to buy anything nice or big. London's extremely expensive Since you will go in March I advise you to bring an umbrella (Especially in Edinburgh). You will need it! I hope I helped a little. Have fun! =)

Answer 2

Since everyone’s taste is different, may I suggest checking out http://www.buddyandoscars.com/travel_agencies_services.htm scroll down a little and click on the ‘Entertainment’ link, then look for the link for ‘Great British Heritage Pass’ in the UK section to get some ideas for the best out of the way places that are still worth your time. They have a lot of the standard tourist locations listed, but also a lot of the lesser known places that may be what you’re looking for.

Answer 3

Harrods, the British museum and London House of Wax. England has never been noted for their culinary skills, so I can't recommend any good restaurants. This may have changed since it's been five years that I have been there. Jamie Oliver may have changed the way Brits eat.

Answer 4

Go on a ghost walk in St. Ives, book at Tourist Information. Very spooky.