Clueless About London-Suggestions Needed
Oct 5th, 2005, 06:18 PM
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Clueless About London-Suggestions Needed
My mother and I are planning a trip to Paris next year. I believe we will have a stopover in London at Heathrow so we are thinking of staying for two full days and nights before going on to Paris.
The problem is neither of us knows anything about London. Given two days, where would be the ideal area to stay? We would like to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and a Broadway show (do they even call it Broadway there? *LOL*)
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Also, for background, we are both able to walk distances and are fairly young. In other words, Mom is able to do anything.
Thank you all!
The problem is neither of us knows anything about London. Given two days, where would be the ideal area to stay? We would like to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and a Broadway show (do they even call it Broadway there? *LOL*)
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Also, for background, we are both able to walk distances and are fairly young. In other words, Mom is able to do anything.
Thank you all!
Oct 5th, 2005, 06:33 PM
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Broadway theatres are in New York City, where Broadway is.
London theatre, the mainstream commercial ones anyway, are concentrated in an area within the West End. (as opposed to the East End of London, which is older). Do you have a map of London? Many of the theatres are near Piccadilly Circus, Leceister Square,Covent Garden etc.
You might want to click at the top of this screen on Destinations to see basic London information.
FYI, Big Ben and Buck. Palace are walk-bys, you don't actually visit them (well BP for a few weeks each August-Sept, but mostly it's closed to visitors)
As to where you want to stay, what will be your budget per night for a room for two?
London theatre, the mainstream commercial ones anyway, are concentrated in an area within the West End. (as opposed to the East End of London, which is older). Do you have a map of London? Many of the theatres are near Piccadilly Circus, Leceister Square,Covent Garden etc.
You might want to click at the top of this screen on Destinations to see basic London information.
FYI, Big Ben and Buck. Palace are walk-bys, you don't actually visit them (well BP for a few weeks each August-Sept, but mostly it's closed to visitors)
As to where you want to stay, what will be your budget per night for a room for two?
Oct 5th, 2005, 06:37 PM
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Would like to keep budget around $200 per night. And yes, I realized after I posted that those sights were "drive-by". I am now laughing at myself....
Thought the Globe Theater and Windsor Castle might be nice. Any other suggestions? Even if we just walked and window shopped, it wouldn't matter. It is really just a "taste" trip. It's what my husband and I did at the end of our Italy trip this year.....we stopped over in Paris for two days and I fell in love. Which now is the reason for the trip to Paris.....this could get addictive, this trip "tasting".....hee hee
Thought the Globe Theater and Windsor Castle might be nice. Any other suggestions? Even if we just walked and window shopped, it wouldn't matter. It is really just a "taste" trip. It's what my husband and I did at the end of our Italy trip this year.....we stopped over in Paris for two days and I fell in love. Which now is the reason for the trip to Paris.....this could get addictive, this trip "tasting".....hee hee
Oct 5th, 2005, 06:55 PM
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Oct 5th, 2005, 06:57 PM
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Buy a one-day bus pass at any Underground station. Get on a bus and ride. When you see something that intrigues you, get off and have a look. Here's a map to jog your imagination - print it out and take it along:
<b>http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/pdfdocs/tourist.pdf
</b>
You might want to start with the #15, ride it to Tower Hill, then take the RV1 down the south bank to the Eye, then walk to Westminster. Lots to see on every route.
It doesn't matter where you stay, because you can't walk to <u>every</u>thing - you'll need a ride sooner or later regardless of where you sleep.
<b>http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/pdfdocs/tourist.pdf
</b>
You might want to start with the #15, ride it to Tower Hill, then take the RV1 down the south bank to the Eye, then walk to Westminster. Lots to see on every route.
It doesn't matter where you stay, because you can't walk to <u>every</u>thing - you'll need a ride sooner or later regardless of where you sleep.
Oct 5th, 2005, 07:03 PM
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I used to live in London and I really recommend staying in the Westminster area. It is a more expensive area, but since you're only going to be there for 2 nights I think that the expense is worth it(plus you can find hotel deals!). It puts you in a very central location to reach the things you mentioned and pretty much anything that you want to get to.
As elaine said, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are walk by things and won't take too long.
For your theater show, search online at ticketmaster.co.uk. You can find cheaper tickets once you get there, but I don't think it's worth your time to stand in line to try and get tickets, when you could buy them ahead of time and be guranteed seats, for not too much extra money.
Globe Theater is nice, as well as Tower Bridge and I really can't think of a museum that I didn't love.
The only thing I would mention is that Windsor can end up being an entire day trip, so if you don't mind taking a whole day out for it then go for it, but keep that it in mind. I would allow at least a half day for, minimum.
Also, I highly recommend purchasing a tube pass and using that for your time, cheap, fast, efficient and will get you to pretty much anywhere, including to and from Heathrow. Otherwise walking is the best way to get around and many things are accessible by walking from one to the other.
Finally, my map suggestion, is a London A-Z. You can buy a mini version, inexpensively. It has every street in London on it. My other maps were hard to follow and I really struggled with finding my way on them. But streets are pretty well marked.
As elaine said, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are walk by things and won't take too long.
For your theater show, search online at ticketmaster.co.uk. You can find cheaper tickets once you get there, but I don't think it's worth your time to stand in line to try and get tickets, when you could buy them ahead of time and be guranteed seats, for not too much extra money.
Globe Theater is nice, as well as Tower Bridge and I really can't think of a museum that I didn't love.
The only thing I would mention is that Windsor can end up being an entire day trip, so if you don't mind taking a whole day out for it then go for it, but keep that it in mind. I would allow at least a half day for, minimum.
Also, I highly recommend purchasing a tube pass and using that for your time, cheap, fast, efficient and will get you to pretty much anywhere, including to and from Heathrow. Otherwise walking is the best way to get around and many things are accessible by walking from one to the other.
Finally, my map suggestion, is a London A-Z. You can buy a mini version, inexpensively. It has every street in London on it. My other maps were hard to follow and I really struggled with finding my way on them. But streets are pretty well marked.
Oct 5th, 2005, 08:21 PM
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one of my favorite things in London is Churchill's War Rooms (fascinating with the tape player) it's a great "you are there" experience. I agree reconsider Windsor, it will take up a day.
Oct 6th, 2005, 03:42 AM
#10
Since you expressed interest in Shakespeare's Globe Theater, you might want to catch a performance there. I found that a really entertaining experience. The production we saw was lively and thought provoking.
One day you could walk by Buckingham Palace through St. James Park to the Cabinet War Rooms, then visit Westminster Abbey. These are all close together. Then you could walk by Big Ben, cross the river and walk to the London Eye. You could ride this and then walk along the South bank and pass the National Theatre, which is also a good place to catch a performance.
From there you could walk past (and visit if you wish) the Tate Modern museum and finish at the Globe Theater.
I would check the web sites for the Globe and the National Theatre to see what is playing when you are there and to order tickets if you are interested.
One day you could walk by Buckingham Palace through St. James Park to the Cabinet War Rooms, then visit Westminster Abbey. These are all close together. Then you could walk by Big Ben, cross the river and walk to the London Eye. You could ride this and then walk along the South bank and pass the National Theatre, which is also a good place to catch a performance.
From there you could walk past (and visit if you wish) the Tate Modern museum and finish at the Globe Theater.
I would check the web sites for the Globe and the National Theatre to see what is playing when you are there and to order tickets if you are interested.
Oct 6th, 2005, 05:19 AM
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Tubes run till after midnight and buses run all night, so you don't need to stay within walking distance of anything.
Trains to Windsor run frequently from Waterloo (taking under an hour) and Paddington (taking as little as half an hour even with the change of trains at Slough). It is, therefore, possible as a day trip or an afternoon trip.
Trains to Windsor run frequently from Waterloo (taking under an hour) and Paddington (taking as little as half an hour even with the change of trains at Slough). It is, therefore, possible as a day trip or an afternoon trip.
Oct 6th, 2005, 06:00 AM
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Hi!
How exciting this trip sounds! We live in England, and know London very well. A few of our American friends have visited so we've gotten accustomed to planning mini-tours, hee hee.
Although Big Ben is a walk-past, you can actually request tours of the Building and the Houses of Parliament by calling or phoning them. I wouldn't bother personally, but just to let you know it is possible.
Other things... I would definitely recommend doing the Tower of London, give yourself between an hour and 3 hours depending on how in depth and quickly you tend to see things... Our theatre shows (area known as Theatreland) are excellent, and you can find details at http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/ We have a half-price ticketbooth in Leicester Square where you can queue (not usually long) and get tickets for that day. They have most shows, but not all obviously.
Most of the central London attractions are within walking distance and tubes and buses are very user-friendly if you don't fancy walking too far.
My biggest recommendation would be too purchase a 24-hour bus hopper tour, like www.theoriginaltour.com or www.bigbus.co.uk. It is about £16 per person, and valid for 24 hours from time of first use. You can get on and off as many times as you like, and they run on different routes and don't normally wait more than 10 mins for the next one to come along. It includes a full commentary. This way you can do a full loop staying on the bus , and tick what you think you've seen enough of, and what you might like to get out and see as it goes around again!
Any questions at all, post here or e-mail me and I'll help as much as I can!
Enjoy!
Rachel x
How exciting this trip sounds! We live in England, and know London very well. A few of our American friends have visited so we've gotten accustomed to planning mini-tours, hee hee.
Although Big Ben is a walk-past, you can actually request tours of the Building and the Houses of Parliament by calling or phoning them. I wouldn't bother personally, but just to let you know it is possible.
Other things... I would definitely recommend doing the Tower of London, give yourself between an hour and 3 hours depending on how in depth and quickly you tend to see things... Our theatre shows (area known as Theatreland) are excellent, and you can find details at http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/ We have a half-price ticketbooth in Leicester Square where you can queue (not usually long) and get tickets for that day. They have most shows, but not all obviously.
Most of the central London attractions are within walking distance and tubes and buses are very user-friendly if you don't fancy walking too far.
My biggest recommendation would be too purchase a 24-hour bus hopper tour, like www.theoriginaltour.com or www.bigbus.co.uk. It is about £16 per person, and valid for 24 hours from time of first use. You can get on and off as many times as you like, and they run on different routes and don't normally wait more than 10 mins for the next one to come along. It includes a full commentary. This way you can do a full loop staying on the bus , and tick what you think you've seen enough of, and what you might like to get out and see as it goes around again!
Any questions at all, post here or e-mail me and I'll help as much as I can!
Enjoy!
Rachel x
Oct 6th, 2005, 10:02 AM
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Remember: your time is the most valuable thing you bring with you. Walking from here to there to save the cost of a £3 bus pass is false economy.
Defer the casual strolling to a one- or two-week long trip. Jumping on a bus a few times a day can save an hour for other things.
Defer the casual strolling to a one- or two-week long trip. Jumping on a bus a few times a day can save an hour for other things.
Oct 6th, 2005, 06:19 PM
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Thank you so much all of you for your input. I had been thinking of skipping London all together since I was unsure of where to even start. PLus, since I am planning this by myself, I feel responsible to show my mother a great time. This is a very big deal for her since she has never been overseas. She has looked forward to this her whole life.
That said...your comments have given me the confidence to make this happen. You have all given me great places to start researching.
Robespierre...As always you give great to-the-point info. Thank you for the map link. It will come in handy.
Meg...Great tips. Most of which I will be putting to good use. And the Windsor Castle tip was right on. Hadn't really thought about how much time would be involved in that. Good point.
Nikki...What a wonderful idea about checking out a play at the Globe. I hadn't thought of that.
Coastergirl...A connection in London??? How perfect is that? After I do more research you can be sure I will email you for do's and don'ts. I thank you for the generosity of sharing you email with me.
Thank you all. As always you have been most helpful!
That said...your comments have given me the confidence to make this happen. You have all given me great places to start researching.
Robespierre...As always you give great to-the-point info. Thank you for the map link. It will come in handy.
Meg...Great tips. Most of which I will be putting to good use. And the Windsor Castle tip was right on. Hadn't really thought about how much time would be involved in that. Good point.
Nikki...What a wonderful idea about checking out a play at the Globe. I hadn't thought of that.
Coastergirl...A connection in London??? How perfect is that? After I do more research you can be sure I will email you for do's and don'ts. I thank you for the generosity of sharing you email with me.
Thank you all. As always you have been most helpful!
Oct 10th, 2005, 07:19 AM
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I grew up in London, now live in the US and visit frequently. You've had some great advice here -- there's so much to see in London, you could really make yourself crazy trying to decide/do it all. Best advice is to do just what you are doing here -- ask questions, read good guidebooks, learn a bit about the city.
As Coastergirl suggested, the BigBus on-and-off tour is a great way to get oriented and see where you want to go back for more in-depth visit.
My personal faves (YMMV):
- Cabinet War Room -- a fascinating glimpse into recent history, accessible and engaging.
- The Globe Theatre -- we did a tour there, which is very interesting, then went to a production of Romeo and Juliet on another visit. Because half the audience stands in the open, the season is from May to October only -- not sure when you are visiting. Their website is very helpful <http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/>, and you can book tickets online. We got good tickets because I happened to go to the website in February, when they had just announced the productions for the coming season and opened the box office. Walk across the Millenium Bridge from St. Pauls to the theatre, or take a riverboat from Westminster Pier, and maybe eat at the Tate Modern next door.
- St Pauls Cathedral, if they are done with the renovations. If you like choral singing, try to attend a service.
- Tough to pick a favorite museum with so many to choose from, and a limited time to visit. If your plan is to learn more about London, the Museum of London (near St Pauls) is a fascinating history.
- I love The National Gallery at Trafalgar Square, which is right next to St Martins-in-the-Fields (excellent crypt restaurant where you can eat reasonably).
- For a glimpse of places you might not otherwise find, take an Original London Walk -- terrific guides and they walk (about 2 hours) all over, every day, all year round. We did a memorable pub walk around Hampstead which was fun. You'll find a list of walks on the website, or at Heathrow in the info racks. <http://www.walks.com/>
There's no doubt that London is an expensive city, especially with the current $ exchange rate, but there are ways to make it more affordable -- you'll find lots of posts here if you search. I have used londontown.com to search for hotels, with very good results: one of our favorites is Millenium Baileys at Gloucester Road (not sure what price range that's in now, may be less affordable these days...)
One thing I know for sure. Your "taste" of London will have you coming back for more! ;-)
As Coastergirl suggested, the BigBus on-and-off tour is a great way to get oriented and see where you want to go back for more in-depth visit.
My personal faves (YMMV):
- Cabinet War Room -- a fascinating glimpse into recent history, accessible and engaging.
- The Globe Theatre -- we did a tour there, which is very interesting, then went to a production of Romeo and Juliet on another visit. Because half the audience stands in the open, the season is from May to October only -- not sure when you are visiting. Their website is very helpful <http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/>, and you can book tickets online. We got good tickets because I happened to go to the website in February, when they had just announced the productions for the coming season and opened the box office. Walk across the Millenium Bridge from St. Pauls to the theatre, or take a riverboat from Westminster Pier, and maybe eat at the Tate Modern next door.
- St Pauls Cathedral, if they are done with the renovations. If you like choral singing, try to attend a service.
- Tough to pick a favorite museum with so many to choose from, and a limited time to visit. If your plan is to learn more about London, the Museum of London (near St Pauls) is a fascinating history.
- I love The National Gallery at Trafalgar Square, which is right next to St Martins-in-the-Fields (excellent crypt restaurant where you can eat reasonably).
- For a glimpse of places you might not otherwise find, take an Original London Walk -- terrific guides and they walk (about 2 hours) all over, every day, all year round. We did a memorable pub walk around Hampstead which was fun. You'll find a list of walks on the website, or at Heathrow in the info racks. <http://www.walks.com/>
There's no doubt that London is an expensive city, especially with the current $ exchange rate, but there are ways to make it more affordable -- you'll find lots of posts here if you search. I have used londontown.com to search for hotels, with very good results: one of our favorites is Millenium Baileys at Gloucester Road (not sure what price range that's in now, may be less affordable these days...)
One thing I know for sure. Your "taste" of London will have you coming back for more! ;-)
Oct 10th, 2005, 07:52 AM
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The <i>AAA Spiral Guide - London</i> contains several walks (Mayfair Squares, The City, Greenwich, Hampstead) and one bus tour that describes all the sights along the route of the #15 from Marble Arch to The Tower.
Since you can buy the book for about half the cost of one hop on/off bus ticket, it's an attractive alternative.
Since you can buy the book for about half the cost of one hop on/off bus ticket, it's an attractive alternative.
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:49 PM
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Hi again Dejais..
I just remembered that I hadn't mentioned the London Eye. It is fantastic! I really would not miss it... Go to www.londoneye.co.uk for more information.
If you want to see any of my photos of it, just post here or e-mail me and I will put them on my website.
Hope this helps!
Rachel
I just remembered that I hadn't mentioned the London Eye. It is fantastic! I really would not miss it... Go to www.londoneye.co.uk for more information.
If you want to see any of my photos of it, just post here or e-mail me and I will put them on my website.
Hope this helps!
Rachel
Oct 12th, 2005, 01:53 PM
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I just wanted to respond to a comment that was made about the tubes running after midnight. . .
On Sundays the trains run until 11:30 and on Monday through Saturday only until 12:30. I don't know if you're planning on being out that late anyway, but I know that if we were trying to catch a train within 40 minutes of closing it was not always so easy. Especially as you begin to remove yourself from busier routes.
Second, buses don't exactly run all night. There are night routes which cover most of the areas (especially busy places), but may only pass as little as every 45 minutes. Also all of the night bus routes are posted pretty clearly at bus stops on the street.
Check out the transports website http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ it has maps, schedules, etc. As well as any line closings, which could be a bit of hindrance especially if it happens to disrupt Heathrow travel. Although we had that happen and they had buses for passengers, but it certainly took more time.
On Sundays the trains run until 11:30 and on Monday through Saturday only until 12:30. I don't know if you're planning on being out that late anyway, but I know that if we were trying to catch a train within 40 minutes of closing it was not always so easy. Especially as you begin to remove yourself from busier routes.
Second, buses don't exactly run all night. There are night routes which cover most of the areas (especially busy places), but may only pass as little as every 45 minutes. Also all of the night bus routes are posted pretty clearly at bus stops on the street.
Check out the transports website http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ it has maps, schedules, etc. As well as any line closings, which could be a bit of hindrance especially if it happens to disrupt Heathrow travel. Although we had that happen and they had buses for passengers, but it certainly took more time.
Oct 12th, 2005, 06:49 PM
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As a first time visitor with limited time, I would suggest the hop on/hop off bus. It is good for 24 hours from purchase.
We used it this way:
1:00pm-purchased ticket and rode the bus around the main loop (with the big sights) and enjoyed listening to the commentary. It also allowed us to get our bearings on how the city is set-up. Got about 3/4 way around and got off to do a Beatles walk (which is included in the price). We had so much fun, that evening was a pub and ghost tour (also included in price). So we did that also!
9:00am- got on the other loop to see the rest of the area. Got off at Tower of London and walked around that area. *Did not do Tower then* Went on the boat ride (included in price) before ticket expired at 1:00pm.
You have time to do the London Eye which is fun to get a different view of everything. We ordered our ticket on line and got the special eye trip with a guide which offered a discount which was the same amount as the regular ticket by the time we finished with no wait when we arrived. We had six people in our bubble. Otherwise, they put up to 20 people in one.
Globe Theater was a wonderful tour. And Westminster Abby has a Verger tour which is fabulous. Or even going there and walking through yourself is great.
We were there for six days! Get an overview of the city this time around and I know you will return!
Have fun. We are headed to Paris in November. Our first time to that city.
We used it this way:
1:00pm-purchased ticket and rode the bus around the main loop (with the big sights) and enjoyed listening to the commentary. It also allowed us to get our bearings on how the city is set-up. Got about 3/4 way around and got off to do a Beatles walk (which is included in the price). We had so much fun, that evening was a pub and ghost tour (also included in price). So we did that also!
9:00am- got on the other loop to see the rest of the area. Got off at Tower of London and walked around that area. *Did not do Tower then* Went on the boat ride (included in price) before ticket expired at 1:00pm.
You have time to do the London Eye which is fun to get a different view of everything. We ordered our ticket on line and got the special eye trip with a guide which offered a discount which was the same amount as the regular ticket by the time we finished with no wait when we arrived. We had six people in our bubble. Otherwise, they put up to 20 people in one.
Globe Theater was a wonderful tour. And Westminster Abby has a Verger tour which is fabulous. Or even going there and walking through yourself is great.
We were there for six days! Get an overview of the city this time around and I know you will return!
Have fun. We are headed to Paris in November. Our first time to that city.
Oct 12th, 2005, 07:51 PM
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Are you going in the summer? If so, my very favorite London and totally favorite theater experience is the Outdoor Theater at Regent's Park. They do a lot of Shakespeare and mix in a few other things. The setting is fabulous and the shows are good.
Kensington Palace with your mother would be great. There is a great clothing museum in there, and a wonderful lunch or tea can be had there at the Orangerie. We love all of London's parks, including Kensington Gardens.
Art abounds. You have some suggestions already, and I would say that if there is a "don't miss" it is probably the National Gallery. But there is a lot more.
What are your tastes? What do you and your mother generally like to do when traveling?
Kensington Palace with your mother would be great. There is a great clothing museum in there, and a wonderful lunch or tea can be had there at the Orangerie. We love all of London's parks, including Kensington Gardens.
Art abounds. You have some suggestions already, and I would say that if there is a "don't miss" it is probably the National Gallery. But there is a lot more.
What are your tastes? What do you and your mother generally like to do when traveling?
