skatterfly

Ooops... sorry for the double post but I didn't specify the UK board.

We'll be travelling for 10 days in September with an 18 month old toddler and another couple to visit a brother who will be working outside of London. Initially I thought I would not need to be close to the action, as we'd have plenty of time to see London. That was dumb on my part. Now I realize that there's so much we want to see, and my baby will be down to 1 nap a day by then, that we might want something closer to all the activities so we can pop out quickly. So now I'm wondering if South Kensington is too far away. I am not averse to the Tube but probably won't take it everywhere with the baby... stroller, etc. So I want to be able to walk a lot of places. I also want to stay in a somewhat residential neighborhood, even if it is close in to the action. We have narrowed down a few apartments and need to decide. Several in South Kensington near Gloucester tube. Or a couple right around the British Museum in Bloomsbury. I can't aford Mayfair and Knightsbridge. And I was told by friends that Soho and the West End would be too noisy/busy for us.

So...

Where have you stayed? What are these neighborhoods like? If we go with South Kensington, will we have to tube everywhere or are the distances walkable? (I have no reference point, never been there.)

Thanks,
Kat

m_kingdom2

If this was a question about property, I'd say buy in South Ken.

However, if you are interested in seeing the sights, then I guess Bloomsbury - near the British Museum, and relatively near to Oxford St., is the place to stay.

If you're asking me what the most attractive out of these two places is - South Ken!

Seeing as you are here for 10 days, I'd say take South Ken if you want some more chic living.

SalB

As a three-time mom, may I suggest getting rid of the stroller and using a baby backpack. Our kids loved the backpack; it was easy on us because we could go anyplace and it doesn't take up much space.

We were seriously into hiking at the time and the kids quickly turned into hikers too.

Obviously you can't put all your "stuff" into the babypack, but we pared down to a bare minimum of baby stuff and that helped too. It's amazing what you can live without and it really frees you.

jody

I'd pick South Ken. You can walk to the V&A, Natural History museum, and the park.There are very good shops( grocer's , dry cleaners/laundry, pharmacy) nearby as well as loads od cafes and restaurants. You have the chioce of 2 tube stations or several bus lines.

I'd probably go for a baby carrier if the baby isn't too large, but I've never seen a person with a stroller that hasn't been helped down the stairs by other passengers, even without asking.

highledge

South Kensington hands down! It's a much nicer area and better for kids.
Don't forget the science museum. There's a great little kids play area in the basement. think indoor playarea.
The best type of stroller is a lightweight floding version. You cantake them on the buses. If the bus isn't too crowded you can take it right on. On the new buses (not the double deckers) here's a pushchair/wheelchair area in the middle of the bus. BUT only one open stroller is allowed on a bus at a time. I've found that the buses are much easier than the tube with little kids.
You can also take the stroller right into a blackcab too.

mclaurie

I think either area will be fine & each has it's pros & cons. Bloomsbury not only has the British museum but also the University so there are a lot of students & less expensive services for them. There are several tube stops in Bloomsbury (Russell Sq., Goodge St. etc.) but the Gloucester stop has service on 3 different lines. If the flats are equal price I'd pick South Ken.

elaine

Hi
I was always South Ken's biggest vistor fan, until I stayed in Bloomsbury for the first time this past January. I wasn't with a child, but I found B'bury to be mostly charming and largely residential, with easier walking access not just to B'bury sites, but even to areas like Covent Garden, theatres, Mayfair, etc. More central for a "pop back" to the flat, imo.

Tulips

South Kensington is a very good location; Kensington Gardens has playgrounds for children (an easy walk up Gloucester Road), and as mentioned, the Science Museum basement is good too. I lived in South Ken when my children were young, and walked everywhere. Taxis are great since you can just put the stroller inside. Harrods is a 10 min. walk from Gloucester Road, and even an 18 month old will like the toy department on the 4th floor. There's a very child-friendly restaurant there too. You will find London mostly very child friendly; baby changing areas in shops, restaurants, high chairs provided. I'm sure you will find Paris more difficult in that respect!