Alice9

So, we've been to London 3 or 4 times before but always in spring or summer. We live in the Washington DC area and just want to get out of Dodge for a break, and I thought London in January might be fun. Lots of indoor activities (theater, museums, galleries, bookstores, eating and drinking), and the weather won't be any worse than here and could be considerably better (no MAJOR snowstorms).

It's looking like I can find a reasonable package deal for air/hotel, certainly much more affordable than in summer. Any reason why I shouldn't do this?

Also, any good tips on sites that will tell me what's going on? Or ideas on special things to do? And how/where do people snag theater tickets these days? We've previously used the half price ticket booth, but don't even know if that's still around.

Thanks so much for your help,
Alice

BigRuss

Londontown.com

timeout.com

janisj

>>Any reason why I shouldn't do this?<<

Not IMO -- I just returned Sunday from 5 days in London and am going back in March. Love London in the winter (love it in the Spring and Fall too . . . August not so much)

>>We've previously used the half price ticket booth, but don't even know if that's still around.<<

Yes TKTS is still there - not as many huge deals since they also sell full priced tickets now, and some are say 30% off instead of full half off. But still a great option. You only need to pre-book theatre if there is a specific block buster you want to see. There are always MANY options available at the last minute.

There are several sites for events -- TimeOut's website among others. Do look at the sites of all the museums/galleries (National, National Portrait, both Tate's, the V&A etc. They will list upcoming exhibitions - some free some needing pre-purchased tickets.

I'd definitely book
<i>You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966 - 1970</i> at the V&A.

elberko

I've been to London in January, and I can't think of anything that was bad about it.

laurie_ann

I have been a couple of times in January on a visit, and lived their one year through the winter. All good. Another special exhibit to look into if they still have it about that time of year is at the Natural History Museum the NatGeo photography contest winners display.

dotheboyshall

Discounts for London theatre in January

http://www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk/

Tulips

Another vote for the 'Revolution' exhibition at the V&A.

cobbie2

We are going Jan 17-27. Figure it will be warmer than in Denver!

Alice9

Well, I'm convinced! Thanks for all the links and suggestions, I'm going to check out what's playing in the theatres and look at all the special exhibits at the museums(the one at the V&A, one of my favorite places, sounds especially enticing).

Airfare looks very reasonable, now to find a place to stay. If we're theatre and museum types, any recommendations as to neighborhood or even specific hotels? We've always stayed in Bloomsbury, but don't need to.

You are all SO helpful.

Alice.

janisj

>>or even specific hotels? <<

Budget?

Alice9

Budget - less than $200 a night (dollars). Breakfast is nice, if not than a fridge and coffeemaker. Wi-fi of course.

janisj

Maybe try the Morgan -- under your budget, breakfast included, next door to the British Museum. Definitely not fancy but one of the best budget properties in London.

But book quickly - it is popular.

janisj

Meant to add -- plug your dates into both booking.com and Londontown.com

You can use different criteria - rates, neighborhood, etc.

Taniatravels

London is great any time of the year. I will be there in January, too. Bloomsbury is good, but my go-to hotel these days is the Premier Inn Hampstead (it's actually in Belsize Park, just south of Hampstead). I've stayed there four times this year. It's in a proper neighbourhood with nice restaurants, a supermarket, etc., and a 15-minute tube journey from Leicester Square for the theatre district. I have booked two nights in January for 113 GBP total (not per night; it's a non-refundable price). Breakfast is extra. It isn't charming, but it is very clean, comfortable, reliable, has wifi, and is just down the road from a tube station - Northern line. After a busy day in London, I like to retreat to somewhere that has more of a neighbourhood feel.

menachem

At the Royal Festival Hall, there's the Tove Jansson exhibition, featuring a wonderful version of Moomin Valley. Tove Jansson is a well-kept secret it seems. Was there on the opening weekend and the tour was simply magical. You need to book, and slots are filling up, but it's really great for children and adults alike. Poetical, magical and a lot of fun.

menachem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK9yxYU3-yA

cherie2125

Lots to do in London during the winter so pack your umbrella and layer your clothes and you should be fine.
I just visited in November and saw some great theater and museum exhibitions. Just get a hotel close to the underground.

Alice9

Thanks for the hotel tips and tips on theater and things to do. I'm currently leaning towards the Nadler Hotel in Kensington, new part of town for us. No breakfast, but a mini-kitchen and very close to a tube stop. Airfare is booked, but I do need to finalize a hotel.

THEN theater tickets. THEN check what's on at museums and galleries.

I did sneak a peek at what London Walks offers these days, we've always enjoyed those.

Again, thanks for so much help!

Alice

janisj

The Nadler is a decent property and pretty convenient if a bit far west for my liking. But to call it 'Kensington' is poetic license . . . being a block from Earl's Court tube station.

PalenQ

anything ten blocks from Earls Court tube station is like being in Oz- tons of hostels and low-budget 'hotels' - lots of folks out and about but not a neat residential area at all. Some may love it though. But then I have not been there for several generations so maybe it's all changed.