Pocket watches

London has delightful antiques shops that will appeal to both serious collectors and casual shoppers alike. With dozens of dealers all in one place, the antique malls are especially convenient, and there are several great ones to choose from. Plus, they’re usually open during the week when most of the markets are closed.

If you’re interested in high-end furnishings and fine art, there are top-notch antique dealers around St. James, Bond Street — where you’ll find the Fine Art Society and Waterhouse and Dodd — King’s Road, and Kensington Church Street — home to Haslam and Whiteway and Rafferty and Walwyn.

Gray’s Antique Mall opened in 1977 in a 19th-century terracotta building in the West End. Today, there are more than 200 antique dealers selling everything from Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry to Hawaiian shirts. You won’t find many bargains here, but there’s an amazing selection of high-quality collectibles.

Vintage Mode in Grays Mews sells gowns, handbags, shoes, and accessories. And there are shops that specialize in Bakelite, antique dolls, timepieces, medals, perfume bottles, pewter, old photographs, gems, advertising, and compacts.

Gray’s is a must-visit for travelers who appreciate beautiful, old things.

Opened by Bernie Gray in 1976, Alfie’s Antiques Market occupies the old Art Deco Jordan’s Department Store on the east end of Church Street. There are four floors of stalls here and a rooftop restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch, or a glass of wine. Alfie’s has a little bit of everything, but it’s especially strong for vintage fashions, 20th-century decorative arts, and fine, antique jewelry and watches.

The dealers here are extremely knowledgeable, and many have been tenants since the 1970s. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, there are more than a dozen antique shops on Church Street.

In Islington, Camden Passage is best on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when the stalls are filled with dealers. There are antique stores in arcades on both sides of Islington High Street and Camden Passage. Circa 1900 has beautiful Art Nouveau jewelry, Christina Tattum has antique boxes, Gordon Gridley has fine art and decorative objects, David Webb has classic jukeboxes, and Finbar MacDonnel has old prints.

Old toys

With 200 dealers on two floors, Admiral Vernon Antiques Market is the largest arcade off the Portobello Road Market. It’s packed on Saturdays, but if you want to miss the crowds, most of the shops are open during the week. You’ll find armor, antique guns, cameras, jewelry, silver, glass, clocks, and toys. There’s a café on the lower level.

In a beautiful building on the King’s Road, Antiquarius is one of the most attractive antique malls in London. There are over 80 dealers selling top-quality glassware, jewelry, furniture, clothing, decorative arts, and timepieces. In business since the 1960s, Antiquarius is an enjoyable destination.

If you’re looking for reclaimed architectural items like chimneys, fireplaces, doors, columns, paneling, flooring, lighting, or stained glass windows, the London Architectural Salvage and Supply Company (LASSCO) is your best bet. Most of the things here are expensive, but they are truly one of a kind.

With nearly 30 dealers specializing in antique silver, London Silver Vaults has the largest collection in the world. In addition to jewelry, there are boxes, pipes, perfume bottles, card holders, letter openers, clocks, tea services, and more. The building, which dates from 1876, was originally the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit.

Francophiles will enjoy The French House which sells French furniture from the Renaissance to the Napoleonic era. The owners travel to France once a month, so there’s always something new. Doors, fountains, fireplaces, and garden benches, and old lighting are also available.

Lovers of antiques should set aside some free time in London to search for treasures in these great spots.

Read about the best antique shops in Barcelona here.

1) Gray’s Antiques Market
2) Alfie’s Antiques Market
3) Camden Passage
4) Admiral Vernon Antiques Market
5) Antiquarius
6) London Architectural Salvage and Supply Co,
7) London Silver Vaults
8) The French House

View London’s best antique shops. in a larger map

Pocket watches Image Flickr: ?serendipity
Old toys Image Flickr: karen horton

Victoria Station

Recently, we posted an article about how to travel by train in Great Britain. It’s a relaxing, affordable way to see the United Kingdom. And the scenery is great. The British rail network is extensive, serving virtually every corner of the British Isles. So you can go virtually everywhere by train.

London has nine major train stations, including Victoria, King’s Cross, Waterloo, Paddington, and St. Pancras. And before you travel by rail, it’s helpful to know what to expect at the train station. See the map and legend to get the lay of the land.

Victoria Station is the second busiest rail station in London with 115 million passengers a year. That’s nearly twice the traffic at Heathrow. Trains to Kent, Surry, and Sussex leave from here. And the Gatwick Airport Express terminates here. There’s also an Underground or Tube station in the basement.

One of the world’s most glamorous trains, the Venice Simplon Orient Express, departs from Platform 2.

The station first opened in 1860. At that time, it was actually two separate stations – the western side, owned by the Brighton Line had six platforms and ten tracks, and the Chatham side had nine tracks.

When the stations were remodeled in 1908, the Brighton side was completed in red brick and the Chatham side was done in the Edwardian style in white stone. In 1924, the wall was removed and the two terminals were merged.

Victoria Station Map

The Victoria Place shopping center was added in the 1980s, and today, there are two dozen retail outlets, including W.H. Smith, Boots, Carrington Brown, Swatch, and the Tie Rack. If you’re hungry, you can choose from more than forty food outlets – everything from Krispy Kreme doughnuts to sushi.

It’s helpful to know which platform your train leaves from before you arrive at the station. National Rail Enquiries has live departure information posted at http://realtime.nationalrail.co.uk/ldb/summary.aspx?T=VIC.

Victoria Station Image Flickr: OliverN5

Read more Great Britain travel articles here.

Virgin Cross Country train

You’ll be able to drink in the scenery without worrying whether you’re on the wrong side of the road, and you’ll arrive at your destination ready to go.

Most British trains are modern and comfortable, and with more than 2,500 rail stations, there’s train service to virtually everyplace you would want to visit. The busiest routes have several departures a day. For the most part, rail stations are centrally located, so you usually arrive in the heart of town. The stations are also transportation hubs, so if you need to catch a bus or a taxi, there will likely be one right out front.

There are more than 20 private rail companies in Britain, but National Rail serves as a clearinghouse that coordinates fares, schedules, and ticketing. Their web site has fares and schedules for all the rail lines.

On most trains, two classes of service are available — standard and first class. Seating in standard class is like you’d find on an airline, with a table in between the seats. First class is a little roomier and more comfortable, and refreshments are often included in the fare. But since most trips are relatively short, there’s little reason to pay for First Class.

Victoria Station

You don’t need to make reservations in advance, though it’s a good idea during peak travel times or if you want a sleeper car. You can buy food on board — at the restaurant car on intercity trains, in the buffet car, or from the food trolley on shorter journeys.

There’s space for your luggage above and between the seats and at the ends of the individual cars. And since porters are a thing of the past, you’ll probably have to handle it yourself. So don’t carry more than you can manage. Although there are some overnight trains in Britain, since the distances covered are not great, it makes more sense to travel during daylight hours.

Rail fares vary quite a bit and can be affordable or expensive depending on when you book and when you travel. Most online ticket brokers charge the same fare, so where you buy your ticket isn’t as important as when. Like airlines, trains now offer nonrefundable fares that are less expensive. And mid-day travel usually costs less than trains during peak travel times.

Three types of fares are most common: Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance fares can save you as much as 75%, but they’re very restrictive.

If you’re taking more than a couple of trips by train, a Rail Pass can be a real money saver. There are several kinds available.

Britrail Passes can save you time and money.

British Rail class train

With a Britrail England Flexi Pass, you have unlimited travel on any scheduled train in England for four, eight, or twelve days during a one- or two-month period. The Britrail GB Flexi Pass adds trains in Scotland and Wales to the equation.

As the name implies, the Britrail England Consecutive Pass lets you travel on four, eight, fifteen, or twenty-two consecutive days during a one-month period. The GB Consecutive Pass adds Scotland and Wales.

The Britrail England Consecutive Pass allows you access to England’s railways over a selected number of consecutive days. The England Consecutive Pass is available for 4-, 8-, 15-, 22-day and 1-month periods.

Youth, Senior, Family, and Party passes are available. And you’ll need to buy your Britrail Pass before you leave home. They’re not sold it Britain. You can activate it at any rail station. Make reservations in advance or just show up when you want to travel. Scotland and Wales also offer country-specific passes.

Find fares, schedules, and more information at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk. Or learn more about Britrail passes here.

You can read more Great Britain travel planning tips here.

Virgin Cross Country train Image Flickr: mattbuck4950
Victoria Station Image Flickr: wsuph001
British Rail class train Image Flickr: mattbuck4950

The Liver Building

There was a Gustav Klimt show at the Tate Liverpool that we wanted to see. And we were surprised that there was a Tate in Liverpool at all. But there were lots of things about Liverpool that surprised us — pleasantly. It was all dolled up for the European Capital of Culture festivities. It shared the title that year with Stavanger, Norway. But all in all, it was one of the most appealing places we visited that summer.

Liverpool has a lot to offer for art lovers, Beatles fans — who can visit the Cavern Club and the Beatles Story — and anyone interested in Maritime history. In fact, the Liverpool waterfront is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also has great shopping in the new Liverpool One Complex.

Hotels in Liverpool.

The Hilton Liverpool is about a two-minute walk from the Albert Docks. One advantage it has over the Atlantic Tower is the 24-hour fitness center. Guests also have access to the Merseyside Watersports Centre where you can canoe, sail, or windsurf. The 215 rooms have terrific beds, minibars, and marble baths with Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, many with views of the docks, the river, or the Liver Building. And there’s a restaurant, a bar, and 24-hour room service. The Hilton is one of the most polished hotels in Liverpool.

Located next to the Liver Building and close to the Albert Docks, the Atlantic Tower recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation. The 225 spacious rooms now include flat-screen LCD TVs, wireless Internet access, and work areas. Many of the room have nice views of the River Mersey, as does the Vista Bar and Restaurant. You can also enjoy a cocktail outside at the Vue Lounge. It’s a member of the Thistle group. If you’re looking for a modern, business hotel in Liverpool, the Atlantic Tower is a good choice.

Beatles fans will enjoy the Hard Day’s Night Hotel, which is next to the famed Cavern Club. It’s in a Grade II listed building that dates from 1884. Portraits of the Fab Four, as well as artwork by Paul and Ringo, decorate the rooms and public areas. There’s a Yellow Submarine juke box in the lobby. And sheet music hangs from the ceilings. The 110 rooms have up-to-the-minute amenities like interactive LCD TVs and free WiFi. Deluxe rooms have balconies with views of the Liverpool skyline. Blake’s Restaurant and Bar Four are pleasant spots for a meal or a drink.

Albert Docks

1) Hilton Liverpool
2) Atlantic Tower Hotel
3) Hard Days Night Hotel
4) Hope Street Hotel
5) Liver Building

View Hotels in Liverpool, England in a larger map

Read more Great Britain travel planning ideas here.

The Liver Building image Flickr: fast eddie 42
Albert Docks image Flickr: firmatography

There are several towns in the Lake District that you can use as a base.

Lake Windermere and neighboring Ambleside are the most popular – and crowded. Lake Ullswater and Bassenthwaite are a little quieter.

Wherever you stay, you’ll be able to visit the sights – Wordsworth’s House, Beatrix Potter’s home and gallery, and the Ruskin Museum. And you’ll have countless opportunities to go hiking, boating, and golfing. But be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to do nothing but relax and enjoy the scenery.

Ambleside hotels.

A short walk from both Lake Windermere and the town of Ambleside, Rothay Manor occupies a Regency-style country house that dates from 1825. The manor was originally the summer home of a Liverpudlian cotton merchant, and today, the 19 rooms have many of the original period details. Rooms are beautifully furnished, and the public areas have lots of antiques, over-stuffed chairs, and fresh flowers. Just what you’d expect in a country house. Request a room with a balcony overlooking the lake. The restaurant is top-nocth, and it has a wine list to match. Guests have privileges at a nearby health club. The manor has been run by the same family more than 40 years.

About 2-1/2 miles from Ambleside, the Drunken Duck Inn is an old coaching inn that’s a pleasant place to eat, drink, or sleep. The 16 rooms are bright and modern, and many have nice views. They surround a gravel courtyard and gardens. The garden room has beamed ceilings, a wood stove, and a small patio. The well-regarded restaurant has a menu that includes sea bass and scallops and butternut squash mille-feuille – reservations are a must. The bar serves ale fresh from the Barnsgate Brewery. And guests at the Duck can use the pool, steam room, and exercise equipment at the Langdale Country Club.

Windermere hotels.

Located on 67 gorgeous acres overlooking Lake Windermere, The Samling is a favorite of the rich and famous. Celebrities like Victoria and David Beckham aren’t uncommon. But the Samling is much less stuffy than many country house hotels. Despite the luxurious surroundings, the ambience is more lodgy than stodgy. The late 18th-century stone house is where Wordsworth used to pay his rent. Today, there are 11 rooms, 6 in the main house, and 5 in cottages on the property. Each room is unique, but all are beautifully decorated. Some rooms are two- or three-story. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, and the wine cellar is one of the best in the region. The staff are happy to arrange virtually any activity from paragliding to trout fishing. The Samling is one of the best Lake District hotels.

From the outside, Langdale Chase Hotel is an old stone Victorian mansion with lots of interesting architectural details. Inside, it’s filled with antiques, old paintings, oak-paneled rooms, ornate fireplaces and a grand staircase. It’s been a hotel since 1930, and it’s played a Victorian manor house in several BBC shows. Most of the 27 rooms feature magnificent views of the lake. In addition to accommodations in the main house, there are five rooms in an old cottage, and a highly coveted room above the lake-side boathouse. The view of the lake and pretty gardens from the terrace are wonderful. The hotel has a pier and you can take canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or windsurfing lessons. There’s also a restaurant and bar on the property.

Lord Lonsdale’s former hunting lodge, Holbeck Ghyll is one of the most expensive hotels in the Lake District. If you can afford the premium price, you’re not likely to be disappointed. There are a variety of accommodations – 15 rooms in the 19th-century main house, 6 in the lodge, which was built in 1998, and 4 rooms in a recently restored barn. Most of the rooms in the lodge have splendid lake views and patios or balconies. Four have kitchenettes. The Miss Potter Suite has a private terrace with hot tub. There are also several detached cottages. Active travelers will appreciate the gym, tennis court, spa, putting green, and croquet lawn. The restaurant has a Michelin star and the wine list has won many awards.

Lake Ullswater hotels.

One of the finest hotels in the Lake District, Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel provides its lucky guests with terrific service, luxurious accommodation, and wonderful food. Oh, yes, and gorgeous views. It was the first member of the Relais & Cheateaux group in Britain. Originally a private, Victorian home on 12 acres fronting Lake Ullswater, it was purchased in 1948 and painstakingly restored. Today, there are 26 rooms – nine in the main house, and 17 in the Edwardian Gatehouse and cottages. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star 14 years in a row. Sharrow Bay is so close to Lake Ullswater, you can almost reach out and touch it.

On the shores of Lake Ullswater, Rampsbeck Country House Hotel offers very good value for money in an area that can be pretty expensive. The 18th-century house is on 18 acres of parkland and gardens with ¼ mile of lake frontage. Most of the rooms have been recently updated with LCD TVs, Bose radios, and WiFi Internet access. Mini-deluxe and deluxe rooms have separate sitting areas. The restaurant makes the most of fresh, local produce. And when the weather’s fine, the lounge opens onto the terrace.

Bassenthwaite hotels.

Once an 18th-century ale house, The Pheasant is an old coaching inn that just oozes ambience. It’s about midway between Cockermouth and Keswick at the northern tip of Bassenthwaite Lake on a quiet country road. Most of the 15 nicely updated rooms overlook the adjoining 60-acre forest. The restaurant is much better that you’d expect. And with its wood-paneled walls and warming fireplace, the cozy pub is still popular with locals. Guest have privileges at the local spa, five minutes away. The Pheasant is an affordable and charming Lake District hotel.

See our recommended hotels in Keswick here.

Keswick, Great Britain

Few places are more scenic.  And the lakes, valleys and mountains provide lots of opportunities for hiking, boating, biking, golfing, and fishing.

An old market town that was chartered in 1276, Keswick makes a great base for exploring the National Park.  It’s on the shore of Derwentwater, one of the loveliest of the lakes.

Keswick hotels offer a wide range of experiences, from staying in a stately manor house to enjoy the homey hospitality of a charming bed and breakfast.

Set in a 400-acre deer park on Lake Bassenthwaite, Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa has 43 rooms, including one with its own roof terrace. The house dates from the 16th century and curling up by the fire in the huge, wood-paneled main hall is the perfect way to top off a long walk by the lake.   It’s one of the most expensive hotels in Keswick, but it’s a splurge you’ll remember.

The recently opened spa has ten treatment rooms, a swimming pool, an indoor waterfall, a hydrotherapy zone, and a tranquility room that overlooks the gardens and outdoor hot tub.   The Armathwaite offers countless distractions — from skeet shooting to tooling around the estate in a Landrover Defender or a Honda quad bike.  An expert fisherman gives lessons and you can go for a picnic lunch in a vintage Bentley or Rolls Royce.

Keswick Countryside

The Lodore Falls Hotel was built 200 years ago using the traditional Lakeland slate.  It has one of the best locations of all the Lake District hotels.  There are views of Derwentwater from the main rooms and dining room, and it’s a short stroll to the lake and Lodore Falls, which tumble more than 100 feet down a rocky ravine.

Derwent Water

Derwent Lodge, overlooking Skiddaw mountain and Cat Bells, is a three-star, country house hotel about 1.5 miles from Keswick.  The Georgian manor house was built in 1780, and the 1.7-acre grounds front the lake.  The eight rooms here were recently redone and include free broadband Internet access and flat-screen TVs.  Light meals and dinner are served in the lounge, but the terrace overlooking the lake is more enjoyable.  Water sports rentals are available at the marina adjoining the property.  If you want easy lake access, Derwent Lodge is the best Kewsick accommodation.  Reservations can be made at Derwent Lodge Hotel.

The Grange Country Guest house is one of the most delightful bed and breakfasts in Keswick. The Victorian house, which dates from 1850, was originally a private home, and the owners have worked to retain many of the original features.  There are ten rooms, each with private bath, and most of the rooms look out over the fells.  You can have a drink in the bar or on the terrace.  Breakfast includes locally farmed bacon, sausage, free-range eggs, fruit, and baked goods.   Wifi access and free parking are two other pluses.  For more information, visit Grange Keswick.

The Edwardene is another nice bed and breakfast that’s a five-minute walk to Keswick’s market square.  It’s close to restaurant, pubs, and shopping, but away from the noise.  The innkeepers here get high marks for helpfulness and filling breakfasts, and the 11 cozy rooms are nicely decorated and provide good value for money.  For reservations or information, go to Edwardene Hotel.

Read more Great Britain travel articles here.

Keswick image Flickr photo: Mike__Lawrence
Keswick Field image Flickr photo: Katherine_Davis
Derwent Water image Flickr photo: A Brief Moment in Time