JenBee

I am going to London for a week in April with my 7 yo daughter and am looking to stretch our sight seeing budget a bit. Has anyone opted for the Historic Royal Palaces' membership rather than buying individual tickets to the palaces? It appears that it would more than pay for itself just by seeing two of the three major sites listed (Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace or Kensington Palace).

http://www.hrp.org.uk/supportus/memb...membershipfaqs

Any other tricks or tips come to mind for entrance fees?

Thanks!

P_M

Here is a site with good suggestions for things to do for free:

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...s-to-do-london

flanneruk

Most worthwhile sites in London are free to visit.

Virtually all that aren't offer a 2 for 1 deal if you've got a Travelcard bought at a National Rail ticket office (http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/default ). This includes the palaces you mention

Since you can't function in London without a public transport pass or smartcard, and London's got more than enough to keep a month of endless gawping fully occupied, it's hard to see the point of paying to see anything that's not either free or that that you're using your Travelcard to get 2 into for the price of one.

jamikins

Also check out this site for ideas for free things to do

http://www.londontown.com/London/London-for-Free

JenBee

Thanks for the suggestions! Does each person get a 2 for 1 deal with a travel card (ie if two people show up at the site and only one has a travel card)? We would only be buying one travel card (my daughter won't need one).

JenBee

Okay - think I found my answer:

How many train tickets are required per voucher?

Whilst you will only have one London Attractions voucher between 2 people, both people need to hold valid train tickets for the day of their visit.

Since my daughter won't need a ticket as an under 10 this may not work.

iowamom

JenBee - you are correct. You need two train tickets. When we went to London last year, it was DH, DD (10) and me - we used the 2 for 1 for DH and me but either had to pay for DD or sometimes she was free.

bilboburgler

Just buy the cheapest ticket you can for your daughter, one way second class etc

janisj

Is it just you and your daughter? If so, the 2for1's will save you a bit -- but your daughter gets in for less than half price most places that charge admission.

So yes, if you are on a tight budget the 2for1's will save you some. Just not the huge savings that say two adults would get.

Among the free things you can visit:
British Museum
Victoria & Albert
Natural History
Science
National Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Museum of London

and more . . .

JenBee

I ran all the numbers and the membership seemed to save the most (ends up less than the adult admission when all tallied up for the sites I plan to see, and we get a guide book to boot). I love that most of the museums are free. There is so much to do I feel like we are going to run out of time even though we are there eight days! Really looking forward to the trip.