London is not like the rest of England, just like New York City isn’t like any other place in the US of A. So if you really want the full meal deal, I’d recommend some time in London, and some time out of it. Most people go to Oxford, but Cambridge is much prettier (and relatively close to London). There are many other outstanding cities to visit: York, Chester and Bath leap to mind. There are dozens of others as well.
Traveling with an older person magnified the quick pace of London vs the pace of the rest of the country. Here’s my dad in Savile Row, his own sartorial splendour courtesy of the National Press Club, contemplating the meaning of “bespoke tailors.”
We ended up in Savile Row because I happened to read that Linda McCartney’s photographs were on view at the James Hyman Gallery (5 Savile Row).
(sorry, that’s a bit crooked, and I can’t take the time to fix it…)
One of the greatest things about travel is the serendipity of stumbling upon things. After we went to Hamley’s to buy the Tardis coin collector (piggy bank for you Yanks), it was an easy walk to see this exhibition. A perfect thing to do in the morning before going to Heathrow for an afternoon flight.
Heathrow’s Terminal 5. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seemed like we checked in, dropped the luggage, then had to go up two long escalators, only to walk through a large, expensive retail area, then find our way back down another escalator to get to the correct gate.
I hope to be back in that green and pleasant land soon.
Here endeth the Old Blighty series. Cheerio!
West Coast Grrlie Blather 
Wigs and books, how fabulous!
I use that thing like..every day. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
You had Bossy at Travel. And love the photo of your dad, who reminds Bossy of her dad.
If I ever left the country, the first thing I’d say after I got off the plane:
“Wheaties were originally called “The Breakfast Of Sid Tyler”. Then, they all realized, for breakfast he only eats live baby dolphins and washes them down with the tears of small children.”
International Sid Tyler fact.