Mom, Dad, Grandma and 2 teens have 9 hours to kill in London at Heathrow.
This on Boxing Day!
Any problem with going to town?
Kids say we should go to The Tower.
Mom says Westminster Abbey.
I say just go that way and see what happens.
Finally, if we DO have time to get out, what transportation is best from LHR to Londontown?
Thank you!
DrToonz
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/community/forum.cfm/europe/great-britain/9-hours-london-lhr#ixzz1c5EASApu
9 hours in London. What to do?
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http://www.frommers.com/community/forum.cfm/europe/great-britain/9-hour-london-lhr-layover
So you know The Tower is closed. I think PH's suggestion of the layover tour is perfect for your group and considering it's a holiday. Trying it any other way will be cumbersome with, as you know, the time constraints, 4 hours if you're lucky, I'd still call it 3.
Many htings closed and transport limited. Check the details of anyting before heading there - and be sure to allow time to and fro the arport as well as arrive back 2 full hours before your ongoing flight.
Sorry - I do not know what will be open - you need to check place by place.
St. Paul's Cathedral will also be open in addition to the Abbey. Make Mom the happiest girl and request a tour of London's famous churches from the layover tour company. And have them find you a good place for lunch.
Do you have 9 hours total? If so you will have some problems going anywhere much in central London. Landing (hopefully on time) + parking at gate + possible long walk to terminal + immigration (could be long-ish queues on Boxing Day) + queueing for left luggage for the carry ons could take 2 hours. That again for the return journey = at least 4 hours total just for the formalities (some airlines suggest getting to LHR 3 hrs prior to departure, but that partly depends on the terminal/destination)
So maybe 4-5 hours 'airport time'. Then approx 1 hour each way from LHR to any of the sites - more for places like St Paul's or the Tower. So you are using 6 to 7 hours just for 'getting there' and back. W/ 5 people maybe longer.
If it was me, I'd consider just hopping in a cab and heading over to Windsor. The Castle won't be open, but you can walk around the town, have a nice meal, cab back a 3 or 4 hours later
I agree with janisj. Get a cab to Windsor. It is likely the driver will be more than happy to arrange to pick you up and return you to LHR in time for your check-in. The Castle will not be open, but much of the pleasure of Windsor for me is just a walk round, perhaps even going across the river to Eton.
Windsor is a great idea! That's the kind of "outside the box" thinking I was hoping for! Any other interesting Non-London places nearby? Other suggestions?