Advice for London trip?
Aug 22nd, 2011, 09:11 PM
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Advice for London trip?
Hey everyone! I've been silently haunting these forums for a while, and now that my own opportunity to travel is approaching, I'd like to seek advice from you sages!
My plan is to go in the early summer months of 2012 (avoiding the Olympics). I'm planning it out in detail this early because I have to apply for a travel grant and proposals are due soon (yikes)! I'll try give you as many details as possible.
A bit of background on my interests: I'm a university student, looking to pursue graduate studies next year, most likely in the field of digital humanities research related to the era of the 18th century. Therefore, most of my choices are connected with that era, although I am not averse in any way to exploring other options (I adore history in general). I'm planning to walk as much as I can; I'm in good shape, and a firm believer that to get to know a place, one needs to experience it on the ground. Also, I am terribly cheap and would rather spend time walking and seeing cool architecture then wincing to pay a few dollars to go on the tube.
My budget, after (a likely overestimated) plane fare, is roughly $2300 CAN.
So far, I'm planning to stay for 15 days, although obviously I would love to stay longer!
Accommodation (hostels, on the cheap!) / night = 50/night = 700
Food per day - 50 = 750
Transport = 300
Entertainment (tours, plays, private museum/gallery admission) = 300
Leaving me with roughly 250, which, if my estimates are correct, I'll probably put towards staying a few more days (although then I'll have to find more to do!)
Itinerary. Note, none of these are on particular days of the week or in a certain order yet; it's more of a list than a schedule.
Day 1
After arriving at Heathrow, getting to London, and, depending on the time, signing in to my hostel, I will have the afternoon/evening to simply wander around London, familiarize myself with the area, and recover from jet lag.
Day 2
I want to explore the areas where bookselling proliferated, largely the area surrounding Fleet Street and the Strand. Particular landmarks include St. Paul's Cathedral and St. Bride's.
Day 3
Spend an entire day in the British Museum, perhaps wandering outside and just relaxing if the Museum gets too exhausting.
Day 4
Morning: Westminster Abbey, Parliament Buildings
Afternoon: Tate Britain
Day 5
Oxford. Addison’s Walk, Bodleian Library, wandering around the town. Perhaps a trip out to Tolkien’s grave and lunch at the Eagle and Child. Is it worth it to go out to Blenheim Palace?
Day 6
Morning: London Museum
Afternoon: Dennis Severs House
Day 7
Exploring green spaces - Kensington Park, perhaps a few other parks (any recommendations?) I figure park day can be relaxing, just absorbing the atmosphere. Perhaps a play in the evening?
Day 8
Bath.
Walking tour in the morning.
Stay the night at a hostel so can see the Roman baths, or even just the town, in the evening when they are lit up.
Also, I want to visit the nearby park that Alexander Pope helped design, and the Jane Austen museum.
Day 9
Take a jaunt to Avebury, do a walk around the stones and such. Explore the English countryside a little? Make my way back to Bath and then back to London.
Day 10
Morning: Quick visit to Natural Science Museum and Science Museum, focusing on the 18th century relevant exhibits. Not terribly interested in science itself, but how it intersected with literature and culture at the time. Early lunch in Hyde Park.
Afternoon: Victoria and Albert Museum.
Day 11
National Gallery.
Something else?
Day 12
Cambridge day trip? Can anyone recommend some good day trip/overnight options?
Day 13
??? Markets, perhaps? I've heard Portobello and Camden can be interesting.
Day 14
???
Day 15
Maybe time for a last quick walk in the morning, a farewell to the city, then it’s off to the airport and heading for home!
Questions:
1. Is the time allotted going to be enough for what I have planned? Am I overdoing it?
2. Are my price estimates close at least?
3. What am I missing out on? Any day trips, any London landmarks? I don't want to overwhelm myself, but I do want to fit in as much as I can!
Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
My plan is to go in the early summer months of 2012 (avoiding the Olympics). I'm planning it out in detail this early because I have to apply for a travel grant and proposals are due soon (yikes)! I'll try give you as many details as possible.
A bit of background on my interests: I'm a university student, looking to pursue graduate studies next year, most likely in the field of digital humanities research related to the era of the 18th century. Therefore, most of my choices are connected with that era, although I am not averse in any way to exploring other options (I adore history in general). I'm planning to walk as much as I can; I'm in good shape, and a firm believer that to get to know a place, one needs to experience it on the ground. Also, I am terribly cheap and would rather spend time walking and seeing cool architecture then wincing to pay a few dollars to go on the tube.
My budget, after (a likely overestimated) plane fare, is roughly $2300 CAN.
So far, I'm planning to stay for 15 days, although obviously I would love to stay longer!
Accommodation (hostels, on the cheap!) / night = 50/night = 700
Food per day - 50 = 750
Transport = 300
Entertainment (tours, plays, private museum/gallery admission) = 300
Leaving me with roughly 250, which, if my estimates are correct, I'll probably put towards staying a few more days (although then I'll have to find more to do!)
Itinerary. Note, none of these are on particular days of the week or in a certain order yet; it's more of a list than a schedule.
Day 1
After arriving at Heathrow, getting to London, and, depending on the time, signing in to my hostel, I will have the afternoon/evening to simply wander around London, familiarize myself with the area, and recover from jet lag.
Day 2
I want to explore the areas where bookselling proliferated, largely the area surrounding Fleet Street and the Strand. Particular landmarks include St. Paul's Cathedral and St. Bride's.
Day 3
Spend an entire day in the British Museum, perhaps wandering outside and just relaxing if the Museum gets too exhausting.
Day 4
Morning: Westminster Abbey, Parliament Buildings
Afternoon: Tate Britain
Day 5
Oxford. Addison’s Walk, Bodleian Library, wandering around the town. Perhaps a trip out to Tolkien’s grave and lunch at the Eagle and Child. Is it worth it to go out to Blenheim Palace?
Day 6
Morning: London Museum
Afternoon: Dennis Severs House
Day 7
Exploring green spaces - Kensington Park, perhaps a few other parks (any recommendations?) I figure park day can be relaxing, just absorbing the atmosphere. Perhaps a play in the evening?
Day 8
Bath.
Walking tour in the morning.
Stay the night at a hostel so can see the Roman baths, or even just the town, in the evening when they are lit up.
Also, I want to visit the nearby park that Alexander Pope helped design, and the Jane Austen museum.
Day 9
Take a jaunt to Avebury, do a walk around the stones and such. Explore the English countryside a little? Make my way back to Bath and then back to London.
Day 10
Morning: Quick visit to Natural Science Museum and Science Museum, focusing on the 18th century relevant exhibits. Not terribly interested in science itself, but how it intersected with literature and culture at the time. Early lunch in Hyde Park.
Afternoon: Victoria and Albert Museum.
Day 11
National Gallery.
Something else?
Day 12
Cambridge day trip? Can anyone recommend some good day trip/overnight options?
Day 13
??? Markets, perhaps? I've heard Portobello and Camden can be interesting.
Day 14
???
Day 15
Maybe time for a last quick walk in the morning, a farewell to the city, then it’s off to the airport and heading for home!
Questions:
1. Is the time allotted going to be enough for what I have planned? Am I overdoing it?
2. Are my price estimates close at least?
3. What am I missing out on? Any day trips, any London landmarks? I don't want to overwhelm myself, but I do want to fit in as much as I can!
Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:04 PM
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Your transport budget is way too high.. you can load an oyster with 25 GBP and be good to go for the 15 days, especially if you use the bus.Most of the museums you listed are freeexcept if yu want to see a special exhibit
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:44 PM
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For your trips outside London, look to buses rather than trains - they are close enough for the time difference not to justify extra expense: www.transportdirect.info
http://www.transportdirect.info
Likewise, within London, you will probably want to be hopping on and off buses, if not the tube, whatever your intentions about walking. Your likely pattern of travel would be best suited to the pay-as-you-go tariff on the Oystercard (NEVER pay cash-per-ride - fares are set deliberately high for this to encourage you to used the card): it automatically adjusts to the best tariff for your actual pattern of travel (cheaper if you only use buses and/or travel after 0930, and capped at a daily maximum equivalent to slightly less than buying a daily travelcard).
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
If you're going to Fleet Street anyway, you'll presumably want to visit Dr Johnson's house:
http://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/
You won't find much else left of the publishing industry around there, apart from the buildings, but you might also want to drop in on St Bride's Church, and a brief look at the outside of Stationers' Hall off Ludgate Hill:
http://www.stationers.org/the-hall-a-heritage.html
What might really interest you is the British Library, which has a permanent exhibition of literary treasures. Last time I went, they also had one on how digital technologies and resources are being applied in different areas of academic research, but it looks as though that might now have closed, but they have a website on the topic:
http://www.bl.uk/growingknowledge
I'd think there's time in the rough outline you've drafted, which doesn't look too overburdened to me.
http://www.transportdirect.info
Likewise, within London, you will probably want to be hopping on and off buses, if not the tube, whatever your intentions about walking. Your likely pattern of travel would be best suited to the pay-as-you-go tariff on the Oystercard (NEVER pay cash-per-ride - fares are set deliberately high for this to encourage you to used the card): it automatically adjusts to the best tariff for your actual pattern of travel (cheaper if you only use buses and/or travel after 0930, and capped at a daily maximum equivalent to slightly less than buying a daily travelcard).
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
If you're going to Fleet Street anyway, you'll presumably want to visit Dr Johnson's house:
http://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/
You won't find much else left of the publishing industry around there, apart from the buildings, but you might also want to drop in on St Bride's Church, and a brief look at the outside of Stationers' Hall off Ludgate Hill:
http://www.stationers.org/the-hall-a-heritage.html
What might really interest you is the British Library, which has a permanent exhibition of literary treasures. Last time I went, they also had one on how digital technologies and resources are being applied in different areas of academic research, but it looks as though that might now have closed, but they have a website on the topic:
http://www.bl.uk/growingknowledge
I'd think there's time in the rough outline you've drafted, which doesn't look too overburdened to me.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:50 PM
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Also check out www.walks.com for great walking tours, pub walks and affordable day trips.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:50 PM
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Aug 22nd, 2011, 11:45 PM
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1. " Is it worth it to go out to Blenheim Palace?"
For most people: no. Worth neither the 4-5 hours the trip from Oxford takes out of a day, nor the extortionate entrance price. Unless you're doing a thesis on just how ghastly the aesthetic standards of the early eighteenth century were
For you: never in a million zillion years. You say you're strapped for cash: Blenheim casts lots of light on the crass vulgarity of Anne and her chums (and in fairness, its park has some interest in the history of landscape design)- but is probably utterly irrelevant to your subject
2. The single best visual summary of 18th century intelligent man's thinking anywhere, IMHO, is the British Museum's Enlightenment Gallery (http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore...ghtenment.aspx). Spending a day at a major museum in Britain is simply counter-productive masochism: no-one can assimilate much after about two hours (the absence of light's to blame), and with widespread free admission and most things reasonably close, there's just no point since you can leave, see something else and then return. Two hours is almost exactly how long the Enlightenment Gallery's likely to take.
6-8 hours is how long a reasonable superficial glance at the BM's likely to take. But it has to be split into at least three chunks
3. I've no idea what "the field of digital humanities research related to the era of the 18th century", is. But you're bound to be able to learn more about it during your day in Oxford (which, though at its academic nadir in the 18th century, was still the second most important intellectual centre - OK, probably third given Edinburgh's brief moment of intellectual importance after it became properly governed in 1707 - in the English speaking world.) than by trekking out to Tolkien's grave: Wolvercote's miles away.
Its History of Science Museum's forever having exhibitions on 18th century culture for example (remember the word "scientist" wasn't invented then, because hardly anyone could imagine what we call "science" as separate from humanities)
The Ashmolean Museum's one of the few major museums anywhere that take longer than two hours before museum head fries your brain: you might manage up to 3 or so hours' useful visit. Relatively recent college buildings like Queen's and Worcester are far more typical of the civilised works of art real Britons were putting up in the 18th century than the bling their taxes were being squandered up the road on for Anne's cronies.
In your shoes, I'd research a bit more into how a day there can cast more light into whatever it is you're going to be studying. Using clear English to describe your likely field will both get you better advice and help you study it better, BTW.
For most people: no. Worth neither the 4-5 hours the trip from Oxford takes out of a day, nor the extortionate entrance price. Unless you're doing a thesis on just how ghastly the aesthetic standards of the early eighteenth century were
For you: never in a million zillion years. You say you're strapped for cash: Blenheim casts lots of light on the crass vulgarity of Anne and her chums (and in fairness, its park has some interest in the history of landscape design)- but is probably utterly irrelevant to your subject
2. The single best visual summary of 18th century intelligent man's thinking anywhere, IMHO, is the British Museum's Enlightenment Gallery (http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore...ghtenment.aspx). Spending a day at a major museum in Britain is simply counter-productive masochism: no-one can assimilate much after about two hours (the absence of light's to blame), and with widespread free admission and most things reasonably close, there's just no point since you can leave, see something else and then return. Two hours is almost exactly how long the Enlightenment Gallery's likely to take.
6-8 hours is how long a reasonable superficial glance at the BM's likely to take. But it has to be split into at least three chunks
3. I've no idea what "the field of digital humanities research related to the era of the 18th century", is. But you're bound to be able to learn more about it during your day in Oxford (which, though at its academic nadir in the 18th century, was still the second most important intellectual centre - OK, probably third given Edinburgh's brief moment of intellectual importance after it became properly governed in 1707 - in the English speaking world.) than by trekking out to Tolkien's grave: Wolvercote's miles away.
Its History of Science Museum's forever having exhibitions on 18th century culture for example (remember the word "scientist" wasn't invented then, because hardly anyone could imagine what we call "science" as separate from humanities)
The Ashmolean Museum's one of the few major museums anywhere that take longer than two hours before museum head fries your brain: you might manage up to 3 or so hours' useful visit. Relatively recent college buildings like Queen's and Worcester are far more typical of the civilised works of art real Britons were putting up in the 18th century than the bling their taxes were being squandered up the road on for Anne's cronies.
In your shoes, I'd research a bit more into how a day there can cast more light into whatever it is you're going to be studying. Using clear English to describe your likely field will both get you better advice and help you study it better, BTW.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 02:17 AM
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One other small point.
- Addison's Walk is accessible, as far as I'm aware, only through Magdalen College, which charges tourists for admission
- The Bodleian allows visitors no access to reading rooms, and charges for its tours.
On a budget, that can all add up. But you MIGHT be eligible for reader access if you're doing (or speccing out) proper research. A Bodleian card not only gets you into the pretty bits of the library (as well as Hawksmoor's Radcliffe Camera reading room) but also gives you free access to some colleges (like Magdalen) that charge ordinary civilian tourists. You'll need a reference, but details at www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/services/admissions
- Though the more famous colleges all charge admission, some of the best 18th century architecture's in free-admission colleges, like All Souls' and Worcester. Check from the full college list at http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire...0413&easi=true
- Addison's Walk is accessible, as far as I'm aware, only through Magdalen College, which charges tourists for admission
- The Bodleian allows visitors no access to reading rooms, and charges for its tours.
On a budget, that can all add up. But you MIGHT be eligible for reader access if you're doing (or speccing out) proper research. A Bodleian card not only gets you into the pretty bits of the library (as well as Hawksmoor's Radcliffe Camera reading room) but also gives you free access to some colleges (like Magdalen) that charge ordinary civilian tourists. You'll need a reference, but details at www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/services/admissions
- Though the more famous colleges all charge admission, some of the best 18th century architecture's in free-admission colleges, like All Souls' and Worcester. Check from the full college list at http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire...0413&easi=true
Aug 23rd, 2011, 02:31 AM
#8
A couple of things - if you can confirm all your costs are in Canadian dollars (or pounds) that would help. Not sure what the CAD is worth against the pound but even a bed in a dorm in London is not cheap. Have you checked costs at hostels? Also if you have valuables, such as a laptop, even books for studying, not sure that staying in a dorm is such a good idea (past experience of backpackers nicking things). If you are limited where you can stay, because of cost, book well ahead. London gets very, very busy.
Do as much research on everything you can before you leave home. On museums, opening hours, transport, looks at maps, etc etc. It will save you money in the end.
I'd like to know what you are studying too - your description means nothing to me either.
Kay
Do as much research on everything you can before you leave home. On museums, opening hours, transport, looks at maps, etc etc. It will save you money in the end.
I'd like to know what you are studying too - your description means nothing to me either.
Kay
Aug 23rd, 2011, 02:35 AM
#9
Forgot to say - Regents Park is great, you can walk from there along the canal path to Camden Market.
I'd forget Blenheim too. It is expensive to visit, even just to see the grounds which are lovely, and I think you'd get more out of spending the extra time in Oxford. If you have extra time and money for the train or bus, you could also visit Cambridge which we preferred to Oxford (from a tourist point of view).
Kay
I'd forget Blenheim too. It is expensive to visit, even just to see the grounds which are lovely, and I think you'd get more out of spending the extra time in Oxford. If you have extra time and money for the train or bus, you could also visit Cambridge which we preferred to Oxford (from a tourist point of view).
Kay
Aug 23rd, 2011, 03:05 AM
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You would do fine with a dorm if you are already used to student accodations. Yes, flights are cheapest before mid June when school gets out. May is even better. Carry your school ID with you. It will help you with discounted admissions and possibly bus tickets.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 03:31 AM
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If you like the 18th century, you really should go to Sir John Soane's Museum, esp if you can go toward then end of the day toward dusk to see how an late 18th/early 19th century house really felt. It is just across from Lincoln's Inns Fields, and you have to understand the inns of court if you are to understand the milieu. By the way, looking through a window there I actually watched a solicitor's clerk tieing up documents with red tape! Some things don't change.
I would also recommend George Friedrich Handel's house and the church around the corner where he played.
And I would recommend Coram's Fields, former site of the Foundling Hospital, as a place to begin to absorb some of the fervor for reform that became increasingly important during the century, finally culminating in the banning of slavery.
I would also recommend George Friedrich Handel's house and the church around the corner where he played.
And I would recommend Coram's Fields, former site of the Foundling Hospital, as a place to begin to absorb some of the fervor for reform that became increasingly important during the century, finally culminating in the banning of slavery.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 06:07 AM
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Best of luck with all your planning and then the going!! So wise to plan this far in advance--with the clear understanding that the best laid plans...gang aft agley! But in that there is adventure, too.
A few comments:
1. Your accomodation budget does seem a bit ...lean. That will be something to seriously work on. I don't have any cheap suggestions. We have paid an average of about $125/night US dollars in a couple different B&B's in London, slightly less on average outside of London (but more in Oxford). So good luck.
2. About Oxford--I've been 4 times, barely scratched the surface, want to go back! If you click on my screen name and look at my trip reports, you could see what we did. First, I'm assuming you aren't renting a car. If you are, then the following doesn't apply. If you are using public transport, I'd suggest one of the two coach lines--Oxford Espress or Oxford Tube--they pick up from several places in London and the bus station in Oxford is central. Secondly, it sounds like you might be a Tolkien AND Lewis admirer? Using flanneruk's suggestions, we actually used public transport and our feet to get to C.S.Lewis's house and grave and then get into Oxford. See my 2008 TR. Addison's Walk and Magdalen are worth the few pounds. In 2010 we drove to Tolkien's grave, so don't have suggestions for how to get there using public transport. As flanneruk says, Wolvercote is too far to walk. The Ashmolean is worth trying to add to your itinerary for sure.
3. All the markets in London are fun in different ways. We found Borough Market scrumptious, too. You will need to check days and hours of openings and co-ordinate when you will be there. They aren't 24/7 things.
4. No British Library? Might see if you want to add that; it's free; go there one morning, then on to the British Museum.
I'd say to listen to flanneruk's suggestions about all things; you might end up not following them, but he does know his stuff. For example, spending one whole day in the British Museum will likely not be as good as spending 2-3 half days. It IS overwhelming--in a good way, but your brain and senses need time to process.
And of course you are "missing" some stuff, both in and out of London. There's no way to do it all. And no matter what you choose, you will have a great time (and also leave many things for a "next-time" wish list). You seem to have a sensible approach and not packing too much into any day. Plan your 2-3 must-sees at the beginning of each day and then you'll not be disappointed if/when you run out of time.
Keep posting your itineraries as you tweak them; keep your teachable spirit and hear the good advice that will work for you.
A few comments:
1. Your accomodation budget does seem a bit ...lean. That will be something to seriously work on. I don't have any cheap suggestions. We have paid an average of about $125/night US dollars in a couple different B&B's in London, slightly less on average outside of London (but more in Oxford). So good luck.
2. About Oxford--I've been 4 times, barely scratched the surface, want to go back! If you click on my screen name and look at my trip reports, you could see what we did. First, I'm assuming you aren't renting a car. If you are, then the following doesn't apply. If you are using public transport, I'd suggest one of the two coach lines--Oxford Espress or Oxford Tube--they pick up from several places in London and the bus station in Oxford is central. Secondly, it sounds like you might be a Tolkien AND Lewis admirer? Using flanneruk's suggestions, we actually used public transport and our feet to get to C.S.Lewis's house and grave and then get into Oxford. See my 2008 TR. Addison's Walk and Magdalen are worth the few pounds. In 2010 we drove to Tolkien's grave, so don't have suggestions for how to get there using public transport. As flanneruk says, Wolvercote is too far to walk. The Ashmolean is worth trying to add to your itinerary for sure.
3. All the markets in London are fun in different ways. We found Borough Market scrumptious, too. You will need to check days and hours of openings and co-ordinate when you will be there. They aren't 24/7 things.
4. No British Library? Might see if you want to add that; it's free; go there one morning, then on to the British Museum.
I'd say to listen to flanneruk's suggestions about all things; you might end up not following them, but he does know his stuff. For example, spending one whole day in the British Museum will likely not be as good as spending 2-3 half days. It IS overwhelming--in a good way, but your brain and senses need time to process.
And of course you are "missing" some stuff, both in and out of London. There's no way to do it all. And no matter what you choose, you will have a great time (and also leave many things for a "next-time" wish list). You seem to have a sensible approach and not packing too much into any day. Plan your 2-3 must-sees at the beginning of each day and then you'll not be disappointed if/when you run out of time.
Keep posting your itineraries as you tweak them; keep your teachable spirit and hear the good advice that will work for you.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 06:29 AM
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Thanks everyone for your advice! I'm skimming it before work, and I'll definitely post answers and more questions once I get home this afternoon.
ps. I can't believe I forgot the British Library, duh!
ps. I can't believe I forgot the British Library, duh!
Aug 23rd, 2011, 07:20 AM
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You seem to have a good approach. I hope you will also have the chance to make more personal connections. A quick google of your topic "digital humanities research" and "london" shows that Kings College London has a program in that. Perhaps an email or two to a faculty could get you a chance to meet one of them for suggestions for further places or activities you could indulge. Or if you have a period of history or topic in history, email the museum and see if the curator would have a few moments to meet you or suggest the highlights you might interested in. Enjoy planning your trip?
Aug 23rd, 2011, 07:21 AM
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I agree with flanner that a full day in any museum is overkill and should be broken down into separate chunks. I'm sure this would likely happen anyway if you tried to do this but knowing beforehand allows you to plan your time better. Don't forget admission is free so if you've had enough after an hour or if the place is too crowded then you can move on.
Obviously spending day 7 in green spaces won't work if it's pouring either and again it's likely you'll want to spilt up the time you spend outdoors.
Your budget sounds OK apart from the accommodation 50CAD is very low.
Obviously spending day 7 in green spaces won't work if it's pouring either and again it's likely you'll want to spilt up the time you spend outdoors.
Your budget sounds OK apart from the accommodation 50CAD is very low.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 07:22 AM
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Hi. Just a tiny piece of advice which might help with budgeting – work out your costs in £’s and not your own currency for everything you will purchase in London. Prices for food, attractions etc (which you can all find online) won’t go up that much by next year but the exchange rate might. It’s also more difficult for locals advising you about budgets etc because we have to convert everything back to £’s. ;-)
For your food budget what do you plan on doing to keep that to, what, £35 per day (not sure of the exchange rate)? Are you going to eat very simply, buy prepared meals etc? If so, that is easily doable.
- If you want basic cheap dinners a lot of the chain pubs offer cheap food and you can definitely get a main course and a drink for under £10. It won’t be much more than a microwaved meal though. If you stay in a hostel and have access to a kitchen you can buy microwave meals for £2-4 from a supermarket.
- You can get a sandwich and a drink for lunch for £3 and Tesco/Boots stores usually do some kid of meal deal for around that price where you can also add either fruit, crisps or snacks. Actually the Boots deal is pretty good value as the drinks include expensive smoothies which can be nice and filling.
- The chain Wasabi do really filling eat-in or takeaway meals for £4-5. Some are open in the evening.
- For breakfast there are lots of sandwich shops that will do toast, bacon sandwiches etc for a couple of £’s.
As others have said you’ll sometimes need to use public transport otherwise you’ll spend half your day walking from site to site. Plus if it pours of rain like it has today that 30 minute walk to your next destination will be pretty miserable. I would check out the price of daily travelcards on Oyster and then you’ll know the absolute maximum you’ll need for those day’s within London.
I know you have particular interests but what about the Tower of London (at least worth a look from the outside) and a half day in Greenwich (most of the attractions there are free)? The City of London is also worth a wander around to see the history nestled alongside all the modern glass office buildings.
For your food budget what do you plan on doing to keep that to, what, £35 per day (not sure of the exchange rate)? Are you going to eat very simply, buy prepared meals etc? If so, that is easily doable.
- If you want basic cheap dinners a lot of the chain pubs offer cheap food and you can definitely get a main course and a drink for under £10. It won’t be much more than a microwaved meal though. If you stay in a hostel and have access to a kitchen you can buy microwave meals for £2-4 from a supermarket.
- You can get a sandwich and a drink for lunch for £3 and Tesco/Boots stores usually do some kid of meal deal for around that price where you can also add either fruit, crisps or snacks. Actually the Boots deal is pretty good value as the drinks include expensive smoothies which can be nice and filling.
- The chain Wasabi do really filling eat-in or takeaway meals for £4-5. Some are open in the evening.
- For breakfast there are lots of sandwich shops that will do toast, bacon sandwiches etc for a couple of £’s.
As others have said you’ll sometimes need to use public transport otherwise you’ll spend half your day walking from site to site. Plus if it pours of rain like it has today that 30 minute walk to your next destination will be pretty miserable. I would check out the price of daily travelcards on Oyster and then you’ll know the absolute maximum you’ll need for those day’s within London.
I know you have particular interests but what about the Tower of London (at least worth a look from the outside) and a half day in Greenwich (most of the attractions there are free)? The City of London is also worth a wander around to see the history nestled alongside all the modern glass office buildings.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 02:49 PM
#17
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Okay, I've read through everyone's posts and am prepared to conglomerate advice:
1. Sorry about the exchange thing; I automatically put it into CAN since that's what my flights will be measured in. You're right, it'll probably be easier (for everyone) if I simply measure in pounds.
2. Thanks for the transportation advice! I'll definitely take that into consideration. Walking sounds lovely, but if I'm wet and exhausted...well...*rueful grin*
3. The heads up on accommodation is greatly appreciated; I'll modify that to quite a bit higher. Unfortunately, if I go when school is still on dorms won't be open, otherwise I would take that route. I was considering trying to find an apartment, as that seems to be what many recommended on here for other travelers and I am staying for a bit of an extended time, but I couldn't find anything within my price range.
4. Blenheim is off the list, and I'm now considering perhaps an overnight stay in Oxford. I'll have to do more research into it.
5. Time at museums (especially the British Museum) will be broken up into smaller chunks so I'm not exhausted/overwhelmed. Thanks, ackslander, for the tip about visiting Sir John Soane's towards dusk, and the other two; I'll probably add them to the list of places to visit as well. And BeeBerry, I'll definitely look into Greenwich and the other places you suggested.
6. Describing my field: Digital Humanities is really hard to describe, and my apologies for not doing a better job earlier, as it may have helped a few of you with better advice! Essentially, I'm interested in how digital technology, particularly computers and the internet, are shaping and changing the fields of literature and English research. As an example of work I've done so far, I've created a digital version of Pope's Dunciad Variorum that, when released, will be interconnected with interactive maps, critical and editorial content, multimedia, etc.
I'll mull a bit longer and think up more questions. Thanks everybody for being so helpful so far, it is immensely appreciated!
1. Sorry about the exchange thing; I automatically put it into CAN since that's what my flights will be measured in. You're right, it'll probably be easier (for everyone) if I simply measure in pounds.
2. Thanks for the transportation advice! I'll definitely take that into consideration. Walking sounds lovely, but if I'm wet and exhausted...well...*rueful grin*
3. The heads up on accommodation is greatly appreciated; I'll modify that to quite a bit higher. Unfortunately, if I go when school is still on dorms won't be open, otherwise I would take that route. I was considering trying to find an apartment, as that seems to be what many recommended on here for other travelers and I am staying for a bit of an extended time, but I couldn't find anything within my price range.
4. Blenheim is off the list, and I'm now considering perhaps an overnight stay in Oxford. I'll have to do more research into it.
5. Time at museums (especially the British Museum) will be broken up into smaller chunks so I'm not exhausted/overwhelmed. Thanks, ackslander, for the tip about visiting Sir John Soane's towards dusk, and the other two; I'll probably add them to the list of places to visit as well. And BeeBerry, I'll definitely look into Greenwich and the other places you suggested.
6. Describing my field: Digital Humanities is really hard to describe, and my apologies for not doing a better job earlier, as it may have helped a few of you with better advice! Essentially, I'm interested in how digital technology, particularly computers and the internet, are shaping and changing the fields of literature and English research. As an example of work I've done so far, I've created a digital version of Pope's Dunciad Variorum that, when released, will be interconnected with interactive maps, critical and editorial content, multimedia, etc.
I'll mull a bit longer and think up more questions. Thanks everybody for being so helpful so far, it is immensely appreciated!
Aug 23rd, 2011, 03:45 PM
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If you are flexible on your dates and can arrive when university dorm rooms are available for rent, you should be able to stick closer to your budget. Univ College London has dorm accommodations for as low as £31.00/n in Camden (shared bathrooms). Since most dorms have communal kitchen, you can save money by doing some cooking yourself instead of eating out every day.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/residences/pric...al-rates/index
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/residences/pric...al-rates/index
Aug 23rd, 2011, 04:24 PM
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For tricks on living cheaply in London I would tell you to seek advice on the LonelyPlanet's Thorntree (forum). Geared to a younger (and cheaper) crowd than Fodor's. They would actually tell you what a hostel would cost for example.
Agree with all the others - do museums in slices. The Brits stole so much stuff from the rest of the world and kept it and it is overwhelming to see it all in one place. Their imperialism makes for the best museums however, no doubt about it. God love 'em that they dont charge to let us see it all...
Agree with all the others - do museums in slices. The Brits stole so much stuff from the rest of the world and kept it and it is overwhelming to see it all in one place. Their imperialism makes for the best museums however, no doubt about it. God love 'em that they dont charge to let us see it all...
Aug 23rd, 2011, 04:49 PM
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A couple of notes:
Shop carefully for a hostel as early as possible some are fine and some are hotbeds of theft and drugs. Be sure the one you choose has a locker for you to store your valuables.
I'm all in favor of walking but London is a huge city and sometimes it just doesn;t make sense. (We did feet, tube or cab. i don;t have the patience for buses - since you can usually walk just as fast.)
You don;t seem to have allowed yourself any money for going out in the evening. Even if you just want a beer it costs something - and any kind of hard liquor is a fortune.
Shop carefully for a hostel as early as possible some are fine and some are hotbeds of theft and drugs. Be sure the one you choose has a locker for you to store your valuables.
I'm all in favor of walking but London is a huge city and sometimes it just doesn;t make sense. (We did feet, tube or cab. i don;t have the patience for buses - since you can usually walk just as fast.)
You don;t seem to have allowed yourself any money for going out in the evening. Even if you just want a beer it costs something - and any kind of hard liquor is a fortune.
