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August bank holiday in the UK
I'm heading over for business in the Reading area - the dates will span the bank holiday on Aug 29.
I'm not sure what to do with the day. Is it similar to Labor Day here in the US? Ceremonial end of the summer - everyone goes to the beach/woods/tourist stuff? I'd like to avoid the teeming hordes. I want to go wherever they've evacuated. Maybe that's a good weekend to go into London? Any comments?
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08-17-2011, 09:10 AM
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I returned in early July from the UK and Reading was my 2 night stay before I returned to the US. I had always used Reading as a 13 minute train transfer in the past.
Reading is really nice. Well laid out and everything convenient. A scotch or pint at Great Expectations (bar) helps get the night going. You could go into London. The 2012 Olympic Village and other sites would be nice to say you were there when you watch on TV next year. Or you could say you saw all the riot damage this year. I have been to Windsor castle a few times and the town is quaint. It depends on how much time you want to spend on the train for a day trip. GL & you will enjoy the area. John
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08-17-2011, 01:10 PM
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Any idea of where the masses will and _won't_ be on the holiday?
Been to Reading lots over the last decade. Lately have been staying at the Novotel on Friar St (good except for drunk club kids on the weekends) but this time we're at the Hilton outside of town. Prefer the Hobgoblin over the rest for real ales but everywhere is pushing 3.40 a pint. Unless everything is closed up will hit the big city for the museums, Borough mkt and the riots. Coming home on Sept 1 so I get two "labor day" weekends!
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08-17-2011, 03:56 PM
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Quote:
The Notting Hill Carnival 2011 | Notting Hill | Carnival 2011 | London Carnival 2011 or take your pick, Bank Holiday London Events GL John
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08-17-2011, 04:14 PM
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Go to the British Museum in London. The Brits over the last couple of centuries did a fabulous job of looting the heritage of many ancient cultures, I mean just fabulous. Seriously though, its great and it truly reminds you that this moment in time is just a blink in history.
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08-17-2011, 04:15 PM
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Riot damage? What riot damage...
Seriously you will have to go away from the normal tourist spots to see any 'riot damage'... But London at the Bank Holiday will be busy...almost wherever you go. That being said it is part of the overall feel of the city and its charm. Doing the museums is good... the Science/ Natural History and V&A museums are in a cluster at South Kensington and you can spend days there....the British Museum is in Bloomsbury, just next to Soho and hte West End.. so some culture and then a show could be good... Museum of London is in the City, near St Paul's cathedral..very good as well. Or you could just enjoy the Royal Parks and the water...great boat trips on the Thames to enjoy. I'd leave Reading as soon as you can 
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08-17-2011, 10:04 PM
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MFAFF,
No fool am I to dispute you. The reporting of incidents, by the internet, cell, radio, and television were exploited. London during a Bank Holiday? I do not think this is the "overall feel of the city and its charm" I would enjoy. Comparable to Times Square on New Years Eve. John
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1988 924S, 85,750K ..+ 1987 924S, 154K DD (+15K est. bad odo) Last edited by John_AZ; 08-18-2011 at 05:58 AM.. |
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08-18-2011, 05:54 AM
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Quote:
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Share with me. Teach me something I didn't know. Make me think. But don't make me a bit player in your passion play of egotism. Dueller. 13/03/09 Last edited by MFAFF; 08-18-2011 at 07:42 AM.. |
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08-18-2011, 07:31 AM
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August Bank Holiday in London is OK, all the shops are open, just businesses close. A lot of people leave the city for the weekend, a lot of people arrive. Tourist traps probably busier than normal, ditto the parks etc. A lot depends on the weather though. If its sunny the parks and open spaces will be busy and if its rainy the shops and museums will get it all.
You won't be anywhere near any of the places that the looting occurred, and even if you were there's no problem there now. My business is in the middle of that area and its all been completely normal for a week now. The closest thing I can compare Notting Hill Carnival to is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Don't take lots of cash or be swinging a diamond Rolex from your wrist and enjoy the Caribbean music, food, vibe.
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Nick '72 2.4E |
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08-18-2011, 01:36 PM
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1978 Porsche 911 SC 3.0
