2 weeks in UK to visit my daughter at Queen Mary Univ Dec 15-28 2013
Dec 6th, 2013, 03:40 PM
#21
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Note that Christmas Day is a special case when it comes to eating out. Many restaurants will be closed; others will be open, but charging extra-high prices (and need booking in advance), with the additional factor that public transport that day will be non existent. As you're on a budget, your best bet may well be to cook for yourself assuming your daughter's flat has a well equipped kitchen.
Dec 6th, 2013, 05:53 PM
#22
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She said they are staying in daughter's apt - so presumably the $1200 - granted quite modest - does not cover air or accommodation - just meals, local transit and entry fees.
I couldn;t do it - but it you are quite thrifty and plan ahead it can be done - esp if eating a lot of meals in the apt.
I couldn;t do it - but it you are quite thrifty and plan ahead it can be done - esp if eating a lot of meals in the apt.
Dec 6th, 2013, 07:01 PM
#24
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Thank you for the wonderful suggestions and ideas. The town we may visit is Chichester not Chilshire. I also appreciate correction on Stonehenge.
What about bike rentals? And what are the groceries stores near queens college. I really appreciate the heads up on the costs in London. Luckily we enjoy walks and just being in a big city. We are from Boise Idaho and I feel a bit like a country bumpkin with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
Can I print the 2 4 1 vouchers now not knowing which day we'll visit? These will work with only the train tickets and train is not the same as a subway, right?
What about bike rentals? And what are the groceries stores near queens college. I really appreciate the heads up on the costs in London. Luckily we enjoy walks and just being in a big city. We are from Boise Idaho and I feel a bit like a country bumpkin with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
Can I print the 2 4 1 vouchers now not knowing which day we'll visit? These will work with only the train tickets and train is not the same as a subway, right?
Dec 6th, 2013, 07:04 PM
#25
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Also what to do with a US Verizon smart phone? I want to communicate with my daughter when I'm there. We'll use her phone or the computer to call back to the states. She got an international chip in her phone when she arrived in Sept
Dec 6th, 2013, 11:32 PM
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>> And what are the groceries stores near queens college. <<
Where exactly will you be staying? QM's halls of residence are in several different parts of London, though I notice they're trying to concentrate a lot in a student village near the Regent's Canal. I'd imagine your daughter has a better handle on what's in the area around her, but if that's where it is, off the top of my head, shopping in that area is primarily to do with small convenience corber stores, or the Lidl and Tesco Express at the bottom of Burdett Road, or you take a bus into Canary Wharf, where there's a big Waitrose, an M&S and lots of other shops and restaurants catering to the office population there (some of them very well-heeled and upmarket).
Where exactly will you be staying? QM's halls of residence are in several different parts of London, though I notice they're trying to concentrate a lot in a student village near the Regent's Canal. I'd imagine your daughter has a better handle on what's in the area around her, but if that's where it is, off the top of my head, shopping in that area is primarily to do with small convenience corber stores, or the Lidl and Tesco Express at the bottom of Burdett Road, or you take a bus into Canary Wharf, where there's a big Waitrose, an M&S and lots of other shops and restaurants catering to the office population there (some of them very well-heeled and upmarket).
Dec 7th, 2013, 12:59 AM
#27
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Information on bike rentals http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14808.aspx
You can print out the coupons whenever you like but they are for a specific day. I believe you can print the same one numerous times so you can print one for each day if you don't know which day you will go.
Don't forget...to get the deals you need a paper travel card NOT an Oyster card. This can be confusing so do a search here for oyster and be sure you understand the difference. Your daughter likely uses an Oyster card.
The travel card will give you unlimited access to all overland trains, tubes (subway - which in the UK is an underground walkway, not an underground train), and buses in the zone you buy for. You will likely only need a 1-2 zone. Your daughter should be familiar with this. Be sure to bring a passport photo when getting the paper travel card.
You can print out the coupons whenever you like but they are for a specific day. I believe you can print the same one numerous times so you can print one for each day if you don't know which day you will go.
Don't forget...to get the deals you need a paper travel card NOT an Oyster card. This can be confusing so do a search here for oyster and be sure you understand the difference. Your daughter likely uses an Oyster card.
The travel card will give you unlimited access to all overland trains, tubes (subway - which in the UK is an underground walkway, not an underground train), and buses in the zone you buy for. You will likely only need a 1-2 zone. Your daughter should be familiar with this. Be sure to bring a passport photo when getting the paper travel card.
Dec 7th, 2013, 01:53 AM
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"And what are the groceries stores near queens college."
Queen's College is a slightly upmarket girls' dayschool. Your daughter is studying at Queen Mary's College
"the inexpensive walking tours of Oxford cost $13 to $15."
Walking tours of Oxford, armed with a self-guiding tour downloaded from the city's tourist office website, are free. Some colleges charge admission (http://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors_friends..._the_colleges/ ) Most don't. All museums are free.
"What about bike rentals?"
Unless you're used to cycling on the proper side of the road in a real city, don't even think about them EXCEPT during Christmas Day. Even then: under no circumstances when it's dark (1600-0800), or on the days before or after. For a few hours, use Boris bikes (google for full details)
"I am anticipating cold, wet dark days,"
Where do Americans get these absurd myths from? Is there some Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, still devoted to churning out anti-British propaganda, lurking in Idaho?
London's not New York (where it IS cold in the winter, and by our standards, wet year round). It certainly isn't Idaho (I've spent Christmas in Idaho. THAT was cold.). And our days are no darker and no lighter than either. Just shorter.
For the record: according to the USDA, in North America only southern Florida, bits of the Gulf coast and southern California are less cold in winter than London - or almost anywhere else in England.
Queen's College is a slightly upmarket girls' dayschool. Your daughter is studying at Queen Mary's College
"the inexpensive walking tours of Oxford cost $13 to $15."
Walking tours of Oxford, armed with a self-guiding tour downloaded from the city's tourist office website, are free. Some colleges charge admission (http://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors_friends..._the_colleges/ ) Most don't. All museums are free.
"What about bike rentals?"
Unless you're used to cycling on the proper side of the road in a real city, don't even think about them EXCEPT during Christmas Day. Even then: under no circumstances when it's dark (1600-0800), or on the days before or after. For a few hours, use Boris bikes (google for full details)
"I am anticipating cold, wet dark days,"
Where do Americans get these absurd myths from? Is there some Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, still devoted to churning out anti-British propaganda, lurking in Idaho?
London's not New York (where it IS cold in the winter, and by our standards, wet year round). It certainly isn't Idaho (I've spent Christmas in Idaho. THAT was cold.). And our days are no darker and no lighter than either. Just shorter.
For the record: according to the USDA, in North America only southern Florida, bits of the Gulf coast and southern California are less cold in winter than London - or almost anywhere else in England.
Dec 7th, 2013, 04:03 AM
#29
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Re bike rentals: <b>IF</b> you are indeed in or near the QM student village, it might make sense to use the Borisbike for a ride up the Regent's Canal towpath on a Saturday to Broadway Market, or any time the weather's nice to Victoria Park, or down to Limehouse (go through Ropemaker's Fields to Narrow St, turn right (here is where you do watch for cars), and have a drink in the Grapes pub. If you've got the address where you'll be, I might be able to come up with some other ideas.
Re your phone: if it's unlocked you could simply get a local SIM card quite cheaply to give you a local number (call in Carphone Warehouse).
Re your phone: if it's unlocked you could simply get a local SIM card quite cheaply to give you a local number (call in Carphone Warehouse).
Dec 7th, 2013, 10:10 AM
#30
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Not to belabor the economy point, but the day this January my two daughters and I had the grilled cheese:
We had breakfast (included) at the hotel, took the bus to Trafalgar Square then walked down the Strand, sampled and bought a few bags of tea at Twinings, watched the skaters at Somerset House, cut through the Temple, across the river, walked to Borough Market and had our grilled cheese sandwiches with a bottle of cider. We tasted samples and bought fruit. Say I'd spent ~$45 so far not including housing. The girls visited the Tate Modern while I walked back to Bloomsbury. We made tea in the room. That night we split a light Tesco-type supper before seeing La Boheme at Royal Opera House from our £11 seats. We walked back to our Gower St. Hotel, and if we'd seen a pub we liked en route we'd have stopped in and blown another small chunk of money. We had a memorable lunch, walk, and (to use too faint a word) entertainment for three of us, for roughly $100. If we'd seen a pub we liked en route we'd have stopped in there and blown another small chunk of money.
To back up flanner's amusing rant about London weather (though he might go a little to far when he says it's drier than NYC), there were plum trees blooming all over town this January, and cyclamen blooming in window boxes.
We had breakfast (included) at the hotel, took the bus to Trafalgar Square then walked down the Strand, sampled and bought a few bags of tea at Twinings, watched the skaters at Somerset House, cut through the Temple, across the river, walked to Borough Market and had our grilled cheese sandwiches with a bottle of cider. We tasted samples and bought fruit. Say I'd spent ~$45 so far not including housing. The girls visited the Tate Modern while I walked back to Bloomsbury. We made tea in the room. That night we split a light Tesco-type supper before seeing La Boheme at Royal Opera House from our £11 seats. We walked back to our Gower St. Hotel, and if we'd seen a pub we liked en route we'd have stopped in and blown another small chunk of money. We had a memorable lunch, walk, and (to use too faint a word) entertainment for three of us, for roughly $100. If we'd seen a pub we liked en route we'd have stopped in there and blown another small chunk of money.
To back up flanner's amusing rant about London weather (though he might go a little to far when he says it's drier than NYC), there were plum trees blooming all over town this January, and cyclamen blooming in window boxes.
Dec 7th, 2013, 01:17 PM
#31
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Well to back up 'Flanner's rant'
It's all true.
Average Precipitation for Dec
Boise 43mm
NYC 91mm
London 48mm
Average Max Temp for Dec
Boise 4C
NYC 5C
London 7C
Source BBC weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2643743
It's all true.
Average Precipitation for Dec
Boise 43mm
NYC 91mm
London 48mm
Average Max Temp for Dec
Boise 4C
NYC 5C
London 7C
Source BBC weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2643743
Dec 7th, 2013, 05:48 PM
#32
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I would expect both NYC and Idaho to be colder than London.
The difference in precip is more in how it happens not the total amount. In the US rain or snow tends to come in larger amounts but less often. (In winter we can easily get 2 feet of snow in one storm and on days when it rains you often get downpours.
In London you often have days that are grey and dirzzly on and off - so the impression is of much more rain (although the total quantity falling may be much less). But I think there are not as many sunny and crisp winter days as you get in the US.
The difference in precip is more in how it happens not the total amount. In the US rain or snow tends to come in larger amounts but less often. (In winter we can easily get 2 feet of snow in one storm and on days when it rains you often get downpours.
In London you often have days that are grey and dirzzly on and off - so the impression is of much more rain (although the total quantity falling may be much less). But I think there are not as many sunny and crisp winter days as you get in the US.
Dec 8th, 2013, 12:00 AM
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I just have a few thoughts to add. First I agree that the budget is low. Not impossible, but limiting. Hopefully your budget is per person. London is very expensive. There are however many things such as museums and walks that are free or inexpensive. Eating breakfast and most dinners in your flat will save money but groceries are not cheap. Eating out tends to be expensive unless you pick up a sandwich and drink to go or fast food. I prefer Paul to Pret or M&S etc. A sit down in a pub or restaurant can easily set you back $15-$20 a person.
Traveling outside of London can be expensive, especially by train. Bus (coach) tend to be cheaper. You could as an example probably do coach $20 return Victoria to Cambridge. Prettier than Oxford IMHO. You can check out costs for other possible day trips such as Stonehenge, Stratford etc on the web.
Buying theatre tickets is a bit like buying airline tickets in that what you pay may vary quite a bit on what show and what time. Even hot shows can be possible with some luck. We have been fortunate more than once over the last several years with seats to Hamlet with Patrick Stewart and David Tennant or Warhorse when it first came out. Often you can queue up at the theatre on the day of the performance for returns. We saw Book of Mormon two weeks ago on returns with 95 pound seats 6 rows back and center. It was the most I have ever spent on theatre tickets but much much less than what I would have paid on Broadway. The B of M does have a lottery where you sign up 2 1/2 hours before the performance for 20 pound premium seats that are announced 2 hours before the show. Each person who signs up for the lottery can buy two tickets if you win. The couple next to us had won the lottery and had paid 20 to our 95. L square should have decent Phantom tickets in the 30-40 pound range while Wicked is probably more expensive.
I agree with nytraveler on the weather. It will be cold and you will have short days. Doesn't matter if it is colder anywhere else. I do think England seems to have less overcast days than in the past. I remember my University days as being mostly grey but my trips lately have had many sunny days.
Your Verizon will not work in Europe as it is CDMA. You will need to buy a cellphone and service.
We always go to the Carphone warehouse (they are everywhere) We have unlocked ATT iphone 4's and we just used 15 pound sim cards for phone, text and data. I think a simple smartphone without GPS will probably set you back around 20-25 pounds. One with GPS will probably set you back twice that amount.
Traveling outside of London can be expensive, especially by train. Bus (coach) tend to be cheaper. You could as an example probably do coach $20 return Victoria to Cambridge. Prettier than Oxford IMHO. You can check out costs for other possible day trips such as Stonehenge, Stratford etc on the web.
Buying theatre tickets is a bit like buying airline tickets in that what you pay may vary quite a bit on what show and what time. Even hot shows can be possible with some luck. We have been fortunate more than once over the last several years with seats to Hamlet with Patrick Stewart and David Tennant or Warhorse when it first came out. Often you can queue up at the theatre on the day of the performance for returns. We saw Book of Mormon two weeks ago on returns with 95 pound seats 6 rows back and center. It was the most I have ever spent on theatre tickets but much much less than what I would have paid on Broadway. The B of M does have a lottery where you sign up 2 1/2 hours before the performance for 20 pound premium seats that are announced 2 hours before the show. Each person who signs up for the lottery can buy two tickets if you win. The couple next to us had won the lottery and had paid 20 to our 95. L square should have decent Phantom tickets in the 30-40 pound range while Wicked is probably more expensive.
I agree with nytraveler on the weather. It will be cold and you will have short days. Doesn't matter if it is colder anywhere else. I do think England seems to have less overcast days than in the past. I remember my University days as being mostly grey but my trips lately have had many sunny days.
Your Verizon will not work in Europe as it is CDMA. You will need to buy a cellphone and service.
We always go to the Carphone warehouse (they are everywhere) We have unlocked ATT iphone 4's and we just used 15 pound sim cards for phone, text and data. I think a simple smartphone without GPS will probably set you back around 20-25 pounds. One with GPS will probably set you back twice that amount.
Dec 8th, 2013, 01:20 AM
#35
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As to the weather here, it can be very grey...but I cannot remember the last time I used my umbrella. You may get a shower here or there but it is very rare to get non stop rain. Just pop in to a pub for a pint or cafe for a coffee.
I grew up in British Columbia and I find it cold here some days. It is certainly winter jacket, scarf and glove weather right now and it's +5 C. The wind can be biting off the North Sea and it is so much more humid so the cold gets in your bones. It is completely different to where I grew up just north of Spokane Washington. That being said it can also be quite mild when the sun is out and the wind dies down so bring layers!
I grew up in British Columbia and I find it cold here some days. It is certainly winter jacket, scarf and glove weather right now and it's +5 C. The wind can be biting off the North Sea and it is so much more humid so the cold gets in your bones. It is completely different to where I grew up just north of Spokane Washington. That being said it can also be quite mild when the sun is out and the wind dies down so bring layers!
Dec 8th, 2013, 01:56 AM
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Definitely look into www.timeout.com/london for theatre. London theater scene is soooo much more than the blockbusters that will eventually come to even the smaller US cities on their national tour. One great English tradition is the "pantomime". Not what you think about Marcel Marceau or something but a hilarious farce usually around a fairy tale theme with music, dancing etc.. Often London has a big star in one. We saw Ian McKellen in Cinderella (yes, he played the wicked step mother). This year a quick look shows Cinderella in the west end. And Henry Winkler (the Fonz!)in Peter Pan (which is an easy train ride from London and a cute little town to spend an afternoon). These shows only run around Christmas time so they are a unique experience you can't have just any other time.
Dec 8th, 2013, 05:23 PM
#38
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Thank you for all the information and tips. My daughter has two Oyster cards ( a friend left hers after her visit) and is trying to purchase a railcard for the year, even though she'll be leaving in June.
Will one railcard get us in on the two for one (2 4 1)deals? Or should I by a 7 day railcard Dec 17 to 24, knowing that the 25 and 26 are not going to be tranposrt days and I'm leaving on the 28th? Best way to get to and from Heathrow airport to Queen Mary College in east end? Thanks again for your suggestions and advice.
Will one railcard get us in on the two for one (2 4 1)deals? Or should I by a 7 day railcard Dec 17 to 24, knowing that the 25 and 26 are not going to be tranposrt days and I'm leaving on the 28th? Best way to get to and from Heathrow airport to Queen Mary College in east end? Thanks again for your suggestions and advice.
Dec 8th, 2013, 11:18 PM
#39
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>>Or should I by a 7 day railcard Dec 17 to 24, knowing that the 25 and 26 are not going to be tranposrt days and I'm leaving on the 28th?<<
AFAIK, you'd each need your own ticket to be on the safe side. Don't worry about missing two days, because the 7-day pays for itself roughly after about ten journeys anyway, not to mention the savings on entrance tickets: but that depends on which attractions you want to see that participate in the deal: www.daysoutguide.co.uk
>>Best way to get to and from Heathrow airport to Queen Mary College in east end?<<
Given budget restrictions, a car and driver are out of the question, and the Heathrow Express is an unnecessary expense for no great gain in time overall. Simplest, cheapest but slowest is to get the Piccadilly Line to Holborn and change there for the Central Line to Mile End. This would involve getting your luggage up and downstairs at Holborn; you can make the change on the level at the cost of a slightly longer journey: change at Hammersmith to the eastbound District Line going through to Upminster (or least beyond Mansion House/Tower Hill) to Mile End. But you will need to check with your daughter what the nearest station is to where she actually lives.
Then there's the question of how you manage the tickets for the journey on arrival. Cheapest would be if your daughter could get your Oystercard loaded with enough for the journey in and either mail it to you or meet you with it at the airport. You could also ask your daughter to check out if she can get your paper travelcard for the 2for1s in advance (you can't get it at Heathrow) - she'd have to go to the National Rail ticket office at Liverpool St or Fenchurch St, or there may be a National Rail station local to her.
AFAIK, you'd each need your own ticket to be on the safe side. Don't worry about missing two days, because the 7-day pays for itself roughly after about ten journeys anyway, not to mention the savings on entrance tickets: but that depends on which attractions you want to see that participate in the deal: www.daysoutguide.co.uk
>>Best way to get to and from Heathrow airport to Queen Mary College in east end?<<
Given budget restrictions, a car and driver are out of the question, and the Heathrow Express is an unnecessary expense for no great gain in time overall. Simplest, cheapest but slowest is to get the Piccadilly Line to Holborn and change there for the Central Line to Mile End. This would involve getting your luggage up and downstairs at Holborn; you can make the change on the level at the cost of a slightly longer journey: change at Hammersmith to the eastbound District Line going through to Upminster (or least beyond Mansion House/Tower Hill) to Mile End. But you will need to check with your daughter what the nearest station is to where she actually lives.
Then there's the question of how you manage the tickets for the journey on arrival. Cheapest would be if your daughter could get your Oystercard loaded with enough for the journey in and either mail it to you or meet you with it at the airport. You could also ask your daughter to check out if she can get your paper travelcard for the 2for1s in advance (you can't get it at Heathrow) - she'd have to go to the National Rail ticket office at Liverpool St or Fenchurch St, or there may be a National Rail station local to her.
Dec 8th, 2013, 11:48 PM
#40
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I agree with PatrickLondon. I assume your daughter is living near Queen Mary. My daughter had a friend at Queen Mary and I believe many of the residences were at or near the University. UCL. LSE , and Imperial on the other hand have halls all over London. My daughter's UCL hall was a bus ride or a long walk away. If you are traveling light the tube as above is the least expensive option. I suspect you will need to purchase an Oyster card at Heathrow unless your daughter can express a loaded Oyster to you before you leave. If on the other hand you are bringing extra luggage to bring "stuff" for your daughter I would get a car and driver. Just Airport for an example would probably charge you around 40 pounds.
