Photo & Family spots in England

[JoeTampa]

I'll be heading (back) to England this month for a few weeks, this time with the family. I'm looking for advice on where to go that would not only have good photo potential but will be a good for the better half and our 4-year old daughter. We'll be staying in London, and will have a side trip to the Liverpool area. Any ideas are appreciated!


- Joe

[sGu]

if you ever travel up to Northwest, make sure you DO pay a visit to Lake District National Park. It's an ideal holiday destination for you, your family and your camera :D

Here is their official website: http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/

[JoeTampa]

That looks pretty awesome, I must say.

That web site is a little light on travel options, however. I'll be taking a train from London to Liverpool; what would you suggest for transportation to the Lake District and what would be on your "must-see/shoot" list there?

[sGu]

For a family, I'd suggest you rent a car if you can, it's more flexible, might even be cheaper and oh, there won't be delays.

I only drove there myself, but I know there are trains going to Windermere which is the centre(almost) of the lake district. If you can stay there for more than one day, do some hiking, there are so many places and viewpoint to take a photo from, mountains, lakes, birds, boats, etc. I can't think of any particular place to start with, maybe Windermere boat cruise around the lake is a good option.

I can't offer you any more advice since I've only been there once myself and haven't really spent enough time to explore the whole place, but hang around, someone will give you a detailed and satisfying answer, it's a very popular destination for many landscape photographers :D

[chris.bailey]

London Eye - Fantastic though thr glass limits photo opportunities
http://www.pbase.com/chris_bailey/image/26855067.jpg
London Zoo - plenty for the four year old.
Tower of London.
Water busses along the Thames (much cheaper than a tour)

All above are child/other half and photo friendly.

You will be lucky to catch the Lake District at its best at this time of year. Clouds tend to be at ground level plus its a bit on the boring side for youngsters. Also not easy to get around without a car. I find Windermere a bit commercialised though less so at this time of year and prefer the Keswick end where the scenery is a little more breathtaking.

[JoeTampa]

I actually did most of the more "touristy" stuff during my last two trips to London - the Tower, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, etc. And, of course, the London Eye:

http://www.notablephoto.com/images/IMG_3057-rt-sm.JPG


What I'm mostly looking for is the stuff I WON'T read about in the tourst guides to London that a UK-based photographer/parent would know. Thanks! Please keep the ideas coming!


- Joe

[chris.bailey]

Joe

Sorry - I didnt realise you were an old hand. Still suggest the Thames Water Busses as they are a great way of getting about and a cheap river excursion.

The buildings around the Bank of England are very photogenic and we have a new one known as "the gherkin" (the reason will be clear when you see it). St Pauls Cathedral is close by as well,.

Other suggestions :-

The Globe Theatre (re-construction of Shakespears Theatre) is quite nice for a gloomy day (expect plenty) and if you get a really bad day there is the Photographers Gallery (just off Leicester Square with Piccadilly Circus nearby).

Kew Gardens at Richmond (still in tube coverage though a bit of a trek)

You could travel to Liverpool via Stratford Upon Avon which is very photogenic (Shakespears birthplace and tends to be full of Japanese tourists with Cameras).

If it were summer I would also suggest people watching on Bond Street (plenty of candid opportunities) but its not so appealing at this time of year.

Hopefully a few suggestions?

Chris

[JoeTampa]

Thanks, Chris!


I wouldn't say I'm an old hand as far as London or England goes; but having been there a few times, I've had the opportunity to scout the usual spots already.. I have a list of them to hit again with the family. Covent Gardens, for example - I love the street performers!

I'm not 100% sure about renting a car, however.. I still nearly have heart attacks while cab drivers drive on the wrong side of the road. :lol:

I appreciate all your suggestions - the birthplace of Shakespere is one I would never have thought of.


- Joe

[psk4363]

Hi Joe,

I'm with SGu with The Lake District. You may want to look at this site: -

http://www.daves-lakeland-mountains.co.uk/

It's run by a friend of mine and contains loads of images from his 'second-home'. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you e-mailing him too for travel and accomodation details.

Cheers,
Barry

[dewmuw]

Hi Joe,

I'm with SGu with The Lake District. You may want to look at this site: -

http://www.daves-lakeland-mountains.co.uk/

It's run by a friend of mine and contains loads of images from his 'second-home'. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you e-mailing him too for travel and accomodation details.

Cheers,
Barry

Hey Barry - nice link. Dave is a regualr e-mail mate of mine!

[dewmuw]

Hi Joe

Well I live on the Wirral, which is across the river from Liverpool. As for sites, all depends on your interests and the weather.

The Mersey Ferries are world famous and give a great view of the World Heritage Site Water Front. http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/

There is the Walker Art Gallery, the Conservation Centre, Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool Life (my wife's dad appears in a photo there). The Tate Gallery also! http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

On the Wirral there is the world famous Port Sunlight Village: http://www.portsunlightvillage.com/

There's the two cathederals - RC and Anglican: http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/
http://www.visitliverpool.com/displayProduct.asp?productKey=8045

A bit a further afield (and for a 4 year old) is Formby Point Nature reserve: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=119

Chester is always worth a visit - a Roman city with many points of interest:
http://www.heritagecities.co.uk/chester/reasons.asp

I'd agree that the Lake District is a wonderful place to visit. I travel up at least 3 times a month and the scenery is wonderful.

If you want to mail me with some ideas of what you'd like to do I'll give you some thoughts. I have a 4 year old also!

[DeeplyDigital]

London is full of interesting museums.
Surely they must have places like a
doll's house museum and things like
that. Many kids like Egyptian things
which you will find in the British Museum.

A nice spot for photos because of the
old and well deserved architecture
is Stratford-Upon-Avon. (Not just) For
kids they have a Haagen Daz Restaurant.

J.
-

[Jon]

For the Lakes District, also check out Lakeland Cam (http://www.lakelandcam.co.uk/). Daily updates and useful links as well.