[Mothy]

Every time I go there I look up 'The London Walks' - guided tours of London on foot in a group with an very good guide.

They have many themes, such as Secret London (back alleys and little known spots of interest), Jack the Ripper (the area where all the murders took place), Fire of London (traces the path of the fire), etc etc.

There are about 40 different ones to chose from and nearly all start from a railway station so they are easy to get to.

Portsmouth is always good - Nelson's 'Victory' and the 'Mary Rose'.

Westminster Abbey used to have one night a week where it is open all areas and you can wander about all the tombs and round behind the high alter etc.

Tower of London has the 'Ceremony of the Keys' - tickets by ballot - where they lock up for the night.

If you go to Salisbury Cathederal again, go on a day and time when they have the roof top tours - great going right up inside the roof and up to the base of the spire. There are some viewing platforms up there.

If you do get the opportunity to travel further on weekends I would recommend using Youth Hostels - great value and very comfortable these days. You also get to stay in some amazing places - the one at Beverley (near York) is the refrectory for a 700yr old Dominican Friary with lathen plaster walls, oak beam ceilings and wonky flooring - the place just oozes history.

Tim