Travel advice?

[luzula]

My plans for the 29th-1st have probably fallen through, so I need backup plans. I'll arrive in London on the morning of the 29th and had planned to go to the Victoria and Albert museum for the day. But after that I currently have nothing until I go to Paris on the afternoon of the 1st.

Of course, I could find a hostel in London, there's certainly plenty to do there. But is there any other place in southern England you would recommend? I like natural history, botany and birdwatching, hiking, and history (especially 18th century). Or if you live in southern England and would like to meet up, let me know.

Comments

[tgarnsl]

If you don’t mind a bit of a journey, Brownsea Island near Poole was recommended by my partner, who is a naturalist — it’s a fantastic spot for birds and wildlife, and is apparently absolutely worth a visit. It’s about 2 hours from Waterloo, but you can break the journey up with a stop in the New Forest if you like.

Otherwise my recommendation is always Oxford, but I’m prejudiced. Shotover Hill, Port Meadow (and Burgess Field beyond it), and Wytham Woods are all personal favourites (though you need a permit for Wytham, and I’m not sure if they do daily permits). The Museum of the History of Science is always worth a visit, along with the Ashmolean and the Pitt Rivers.