Parents visiting the UK

[Treasure]

So, as the title suggests, my parents are going to be visiting the UK this summer - land in Paris France, then chunnle train to London, hit Stonehenge (so jealous right now) then up into Scotland - have to see the family castle @ Stirling, (yes dad is of direct decent) and then over to Ireland - Dublin, Tara, Waterford.

So, what I'm asking for, from the people who either live there, or have already been - site suggestions for good hotels (something w. character, but also handicap accessibility, mom is on a mobility cart - similar to the ones used at the store, only smaller)

other "must do" - places to see in London, etc. They were going to go to Liverpool, its the home of the Beatles after all, but due to change in travel plans that will save $$$$ that's been cut out...

so, just general suggestions i guess - please keep in mind that we're a family of Rennies - certain historical things have probably already been considered.

but also tips and tricks of etiquette - so that my parents don't end up back on this board as SC's... lol

thanx!

[Rapscallion]

Tipping in the UK isn't as widespread or culturally essential as in the US. It's rarely refused, mind.

Things to see:

Going to Scotland means they'll cross Hadrian's Wall. May be worth stopping in at one of the National Trust (or whatever they're called these days) sites where you can wander around the remains of a Roman fort. Sort of thing I'd find fascinating.

Something of lesser likelihood - since they've cut out Liverpool (a fairly depressing place at times), it's less likely, but popping across to the Isle of Man (actually another sovereign nation with open borders with the UK) is fairly easy. Somewhat pricey over there, but manageable. Ferrys would be with Steam Packet travel (I think). Sail from Heysham or Liverpool. Not many sights there, but there's some stuff I liked (Laxey Wheel [aka the Lady Isabella]) and Peel Castle (lengthy history behind it - right from Bronze age to Napoleonics). Just ... avoid the TT races. Crowded.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Piece_Hall is pretty close to me - based on the Roman forum and basilica structure. http://www.thepiecehall.co.uk/ for its own website. Not that much to do there, but an odd building.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Hill,_Huddersfield - also close to me is Castle Hill. One-time Iron Age hill fort. Used to be a decent pub on the top - not been for some time. This is within reasonable travelling distance to Bronte country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibden_Hall - Shibden Hall is pretty close to me as well. Not been there in about three decades (sod, I feel old).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkstall_abbey is something I pass regularly on weekends. Never been, but had it recommended. It's in Leeds. However, Leeds Castle is nowhere near Leeds. Others have made that mistake before.

I'm trying to think of things that aren't necessarily well known or hugely popular. Things that are, despite this, interesting. Depends what you're after.

Rapscallion

[Jangles the Moon Monkey]

If they're going to Stirling, they could visit the Falkirk Wheel - http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/

In Stirling there's also the Wallace Monument, nearby there's Callander with Rob Roys grave not far from there.

There's lots to do in Edinburgh such as the Camera Obscura and Edinburgh Castle which are right next to each other - http://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/ http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/ and Princes Street is just down the Mound for shopping.

The Witchery on the Royal Mile is good as well but quite pricey from what I remember - http://www.thewitchery.com/

I'd highly recommend this tour if they're staying overnight in Edinburgh - http://www.witcherytours.com/ it's lots of fun and informative about Edinburgh.

If they like things like that as well, there's Mary Kings Close - http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

How far north in Scotland are they planning on going? There's places like Loch Lomond which isn't too far from Glasgow, Loch Ness, Inverness and Aberdeen which are worth a visit as are some of the Islands. I don't really have much information on hotels as I either stayed too near some of these places or went camping.

[Soulstealer]

I'd recommend the new Supreme Court in London, the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff, and the Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast.

If you've spotted a trend you can guess where else I'd go.

The Scottish Parliament is a pretty weird style but that's modern art for you.

[Treasure]

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling for certain, also will be renting a car for "exploring" - if they make it out of the cities... - my mom is notorius for over cramming the schedule - more crap she wants to do, than time to do it in... but luckily not everything is a "must do!!!" for her...

[TelephoneAngel]

Some cultural things they might like to try -

traditional scones with strawberries and cream
fish and chips and mushy peas with pickled egg and gherkin
deep fried chocolate bar in batter
traditional five oclock tea and sandwiches in an upmarket cafe
lunch in a real pub
end of the pier bingo sessions

[Exaspera]

Isn't there a Jack the Ripper tour in London?

[Cazzi]

Isn't there a Jack the Ripper tour in London?

There is, but it would be worth checking if its suitable for someone with mobility issues Its been on my list of things to do when I have the spare cash for ages now!

I'd recommend at least the British Museum or national gallery while in London... I've been doing those in bits each time I travel down.

I'm guessing plane or train between London & Scotland? If they're driving up instead, there's some fantastic scenery on the way in the Peak national park, not far from me & the Lake district further north