Over Sixty Spring 2022 Digital

34 TRAVEL ISSUE 2 | 2022 | OVERSIXTY.COM.AU TRAVELLING BY TRAIN A five-city visit over ten days was made easy thanks to England’s extensive rail network. I travelled on pre-booked, discounted tickets on the East Anglia and Greater Western rail networks, and purchased a day-tripper ticket for the London Tube. All three networks had brand new trains. The carriages are cleaned twice daily at hospital- strength standard. I took a train from Portsmouth to Ipswich, via London in under three hours with all departures and connections leaving on time. Each gate was manned by three helpful and friendly railway staff members. Could a short visit to post-Covid England spark the same delight as past holidays? Clockwise from left: London’s iconic red buses in front of Big Ben; the historic beauty of Oxford; Brighton Pier; Portsmouth’s Old Port Photos: Getty Images DESTINATIONS ENGLAND Post-pandemic LOUISE WATERSON PLAN W ith 10 days to spend in England ear- lier this year, choosing cities linked by trains and suited for walking self-guided tours proved wise. The result was a safe, fun- filled five-city, whirlwind tour. LONDON SW1 is home to a range of London icons: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, Westminster Abbey and a freshly cleaned and painted Big Ben. Start- ing at Green Park – a Royal Park, which is bordered by some of the city’s most expen- sive houses – I then headed towards Buck- ingham Palace. As I neared the Palace, the sound of horse’s hooves ‘clip clopping’ along Constitution Hill signalled the changing of the guard, which was very exciting. Although King Charles III plans not to call the Palace home (remaining instead at nearby Clarence House) the gala that is Royal London still thrills. As one of the world’s most expensive cities and being at the pricey end of town, I grabbed a takeaway coffee then walked up TheMall to Trafalgar Square, and spent a few hours wandering through The National Gal- lery (entry is free). Opened in 1832, whether you spend the whole day or just view a few collections, a visit towhat is one of theworld’s most famous art galleries is well worth it. OXFORD Since changing the city centre’s roads to pedestrian- and bus-only traffic, visitors to Oxford can enjoy less chaos and greater access to the beauty and history on offer. Exploring the cobbled streets, magnificent spires and parks is a peaceful, slow-travel experience, giving the visitor time to wander without the risk of being run over. Give yourself three to four days, making a point to enjoy a performance of Even Song at New College, tour of the Bodleian Library’s rare manuscripts collection (where Harry Potter was filmed), plus a pint at the oldest pub in town, The Bear Inn, which was established in 1242. Hotel Recommendation: Courtyard by Marriott Oxford, City Centre. BRIGHTON Brighton’s seagulls have a clear English accent and are the biggest of their kind anywhere! They also love fish ‘n’ chips as much as the locals. Fine dining wasn’t on the agenda at this popular seaside resort town, where having fun in the sun on the pebbled beaches along Marine Parade is the main attraction. All along the Parade, visitors can grab fish ‘n’ chips as they head to the Observation Tower, and iconic Palace Pier. But these fish ‘n’ chips aren’t a budget option; I paid AU$30 for the pleasure. With the growing shortage of potatoes and linseed oil caused by supply disruptions from the Ukraine conflict, prices were steep and only heading up. That said, dipping your toes in the icy Brighton sea, (if you’re brave) or walking barefoot over the pebbles is an experience your feet will long remember! Sights To See: The Pavilion, The Pier, The Lanes, The Royal Pavilion and the observa- tion tower. PORTSMOUTH Fans of England’s long naval and shipping history will particularly enjoy Portsmouth. The town’s medieval waterfront is edged by the Round Tower, which overlooks the en- trance to the working harbour. Dating back to Tudor times, King Henry VIII is said to have stood atop the wall and watched as his first warship, the Mary Rose , headed off to battle against the French. Facing the windy English Channel, I didn’t feel the urge to dip into the chilly waters. But, I did enjoy a “roasting” when I joined some locals in their swimmers at the “Hot Walls” beach. Sitting on the pebbles, our backs resting up against the “Hot Walls” of the sun-heated medieval stone wall behind us, was the perfect way to warmup.The town’s other waterfront is lined with beautiful parks and trendy restaurants, all leading to pebbled beaches. IPSWICH Not your usual tourist destination, but a 50-minute train ride from London, it makes for a great day or side trip. Established in the 13th century, it was home to the famous thinker and advisor to King Henry VIII, Car- dinal Thomas Wolsey. Ipswich was once touted as a seat of academia before Oxford. The town centre and its narrowcobblestoned roads is home to some of the best exam- ples of Tudor buildings in England. Its most famous street, Silent Street, earned its name during the Plague, when every resident in the street died, and the street fell silent. Eating out and accommodation is much cheaper than in London. Want to travel onwards from Ipswich? Cambridge is only 80 minutes away by train, and there are 24 services a day.