Amber

Hello all. After several years of wanting to go, my husband and I finally booked a quick trip to London. We're taking the redeye, arriving at Heathrow next Thursday morning and leaving Sunday afternoon. So we're looking at three full days (and a few hours on Sunday), the first of which will need to be a bit less-intense b/c of tiredness. Here's our list of must-do's. We're always flexible (and very experienced travelers), but would there be a logical order to getting all this in? I was just going to base our excurisons on sights that are close to each other (staying in Bloomsbury), but would welcome suggestions from the all-knowing peanut gallery:<BR> 1) Tower of London<BR>2) Changing of the Guard<BR>3) Pubs (prob. based on fancyapint.com)<BR>4) Evensong in Westminster <BR>5) More pubs<BR>6) Real fish and chips<BR>7) Harrods<BR>8) Parliament- maybe observe one of the houses in action (not sure if this is still available)<BR>9) Wander past Buckingham Palace<BR>10) Still More Pubs<BR>11) British Museum or Tate Modern<BR>12) Any reports on a James Bond exhibit that's supposedly on in the West side of town?<BR><BR>Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - many thanks! <BR>

xxx

If you are staying in Bloomsbury , then the British Museum will be quite nearby.<BR>I would suggest you skip the Buckingham Palace changing of the guard because it takes place at 11:30 AM (and this time of year ) is only held every other day.<BR>Parliament is not doable, at present no non UK visitors are being allowed to tour inside.<BR>But you can certainly see the Parliament buildings &amp; St Stephens Tower with Big Ben on the same day you go to Westminster Abbey.<BR><BR>

lily

Just my suggestions. Get to the Tower early am and take the tour. Changing of the Guard is quite boring and difficult to see. Evensong is wonderful and is at 5:00pm. Harrods is just a big expensive department store. British Museum and Tate both very interesting. Globe Theatre near the Tate is a wonderful experience even if you can't stay for the whole show (although I would). Don't forget Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. And ride on a double decker.

Susan

Hi Amber, We have been to London each of the past three Januarys. Once just my husband and myself and the other two times with our kids as well. We love the city. It is not hard to fit a lot in if you have three full days. First off, pubs are easy, just wander by and look inside, if you like it, stop in for lunch and/or dinner. As for your list, I would skip the changing of the guard and definitely skip Harrods (You can see big/expensive department stores in the states). I would add the Victoria &amp; Albert, and most importantly, theater! Prices are so low in London! We always see a show every night! You might also add Kensington Palace. The audio guided tour is wonderful. You can wander in the park, stop at Kensington Palace and then walk on to the Victoria &amp; Albert. Another thing to think about adding is the outdoor market on Portobello Road on Saturday morning. It is great fun to wander and look at the antiques and collectibles. We always buy something! Have fun!

janis

You would certainly have enough time to do all the things on your list. <BR><BR>But do skip the Changing of the Guard. It would take too much of your limited time for too little benefit. In order to see anything (even in winter) you'd really have to be there an hour early, standing around. Looking at the outside of B'ham Palace for an hour is a little too much even for dedicated Anglophiles (like me). So it would take about 2 hours which would be much better spent at Tate Modern or the Br Museum. <BR><BR>Of course you do not have to &quot;schedule&quot; pub visits. They are on every street corner (a slight exaggeration but not much). So you can drop into one where ever you are for a quick break from sightseeing or for a full meal.<BR><BR>Don't try the Tower on your first day - unless you go late in the afternoon. The times to avoid long lines and crowd are right at opening time or a couple of hours before they close. So if you don't have the energy Friday afternoon go there early Sat Morning.<BR><BR>While you are doing the Tate -- before or after the visit walk up river along the Thames to The London Eye. In winter there are not long lines and you can often get right on. The views down over Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls etc will more than take away the disappointment of not seeing the House in action.

janis

Lily and Susan were postin the same time I was so I didn't see their suggestions. Note: The Globe is an open air theatre and DOES NOT have performances in the winter. <BR><BR>Portabello rd is an idea but I did not suggest it for two reasons. In order to see anything you must get there VERY early AM 5:30 or 6 is not too early. By 10 AM it is so crowded it is virtually impossible to walk or get inside any of the shops. Again it would take a lot of your precious time. If you were in London a week - then go for it. And if you spend Saturday morning at Port. Rd. you will be too late to get to the Tower by opening time.

LondonTraveler

What about St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey? Don't miss either!<BR><BR>St. Paul's has a fantastic view and a great crypt.<BR><BR>Westminster Abbey is the burial site of several monarchs and displays the coronation chair, and of course, has Poet's Corner.<BR><BR>Also, the London Eye is worthwhile for a great view.<BR><BR>Try to take in a show in the theater district. Can't go wrong with Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theater.<BR><BR>And skip Buckingham Palace. Very overrated.

Tate

I disagree that a first-time visitor should skip Buckingham Palace and maybe even waiting to see the Changing of the Guard. These are SO London. Yes, it's very hard to see the guards due to the crowds, but a neat experience nonetheless. If nothing else, walking by the palace is quick, easy, and on the way to other sites. <BR><BR>Seeing the Tower of London does take some time. You could easily spend a day there. Since the admission price is not cheap, it would seem a waste to not spend at least a few hours there. <BR><BR>I agree that Westmister Abbey AND St. Paul's are a must see. It doesn't take long and the admission price is reasonable. Both are beautiful churches with much history. <BR><BR>Lastly, if you like theatre at all, don't miss not taking in at least one show. <BR><BR>Oh, one other thing. If you're there on Sunday, go to Speaker's Corner. The people watching is fun and you walk through a nice park (I believe it's Hyde) to get there.

Patrick

I've seen the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace three or four times. I'm just curious. Am I the only one in the world who thought it was completely boring and the biggest waste of time in the world?

starspinners

I agree that the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace isn't very exciting but it is very London isn't it ? (And something most of us saw on our first trip to London. ;-) )<BR>However, given that Amber has only 3 days in London and that the ceremony is only held every other day this time of year , I would suggest that she save the guard changing for her next trip to London.<BR>But Amber, if you do decide to go to the guard changing, try to stand on the Victoria Memorial steps. Then at least you have a fighting chance to see the guard march into the palace courtyard.<BR>

nancy

Try the Streetwise London map (I used it almost exclusively in Paris). Should show all the sites and tube stops in a small, concise manner and great for carrying around. Will give you a good idea of what's closest to you. I would not skip Harrod's. Been there 3 times and it's a particularly beautiful department store - best I've seen anywhere. Had a great seafood lunch in the food court. Down the street is the V&amp;A museum which is worth a visot. Personally, I didn't find Kensington Palace that great (the park is nice). I, too, have heard the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is boring and haven't even bothered with it. Near the British Museum is a restaurant called Wagamama (I think there's more around town) and the meal is inexpensive and quite good.

Diane

You can do a walk across Millenium Bridge to visit the Tate (only if you like modern art though)and/or do a tour of the Globe. They offer them even if they aren't doing shows, and the tour guides are delightful. Then you can walk back across the bridge. (We enjoyed that!)

Mike Keene

Hi Amber,<BR>I'm a registered tour guide and run a days escorted sightseeing for folks with a limited amount of time only up yo 12 per group. The tour covers all th must see places e.g Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, St Paul's Catheral, Changing of the Guard etc. Drop me an email if you are interested.<BR>Have a good trip.

themis

hi Amber, i have lived 2 years in London and still my favouirte place is St.Katherin's Docks, behind the Tower of London. I strongly recommend to walk accross the river from Big Ben towards St.Paul's and beyond. It is a hidden spot, but ask and you will remember me. Good luck