mileaday

Trying to fine tune my surprise bithday trip from my husband. Feel free to add or delete. Haven't chosen any restaurants so suggestions are welcome. We are not foodies so basic is fine. We don't have time this trip to spend valuable time at dinner anyway. I'm fine with almost anything but my husband has food allergies and is best sticking to the boring meat and potatoes without sauces. I did come across a post for a Thai-Vietnamese-Cambodian restaurant on this board but I don't recall where it was located. Since we will be visiting these countries next fall, I thought it might be worth trying if anyone is familiar with it. Anything smoke free would be a plus.
Day 1 Arrive at Gatwick 8:30AM Express to city and tube to Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel. We're extremely light packers and will only have a carry-on wheelies. No problems if we have to do stairs. Doubt if we'll be able to check into the hotel room because of the early time so we'll just drop off our bags. Planning on getting some lunch near the hotel. Need suggestions. Then to Sir John Soane's Museum. Back to the hotel for a nap and shower and then on the go again. Thought maybe a concert at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields or the Somerset House to see the skaters. Although,we are planning to be there on Mon. to see the Courthauld Gallery. But I would like to see the rink after dark. Will also need something to eat before it gets too late.
Day 2 Sun. The National Gallery and then lunch nearby. We ate in the cafe in the crypt in St. Martin's-in-the-Fields on a previous trip and would be willing to return. After lunch the British Library. We thought we'd try to have afternoon tea as late as possible. The Landmark Winter Garden tea is served from 15:00 to 18:00 but I haven't heard any comments on it. I'm thinking this could work as my dinner but not sure about hubbie. The evening is still open and depends somewhat on what we choose for Sat. night.
Day 3 Mon. Somerset House to see the Courthauld Gallery. Maybe a trial at Old Bailey but I don't know what we'll do about the cameras that we'll want to use the rest of the day. I really don't want to have to go back to the hotel to drop them off and then again to retrieve them. Isn't there anywhere or anyone who would hold them (and return them, of course) for an hour or so? Lunch maybe at the Cheshire Cheese? A tour of St. Paul's - visited on a Sun. before and only attended a service. Evening performance of the Woman in White. Dinner suggestions?

Day 4 Tues. We need to pick up Parliament passes at the American Embassy so we'll probably head there first thing in the morning. Were told to be at Parliament at 10:45 but not sure how long we'll be there. On the list for the day in no particular order - Tate Britain, boat to the Eye, tour of the Globe and a walk across the Millenium Bridge. We have tickets for the theatre this evening. Suggestions for lunch and dinner? And anything else we could fit in?
Wed. Back home, unfortunately. We're seasoned travellers and expect to be on the go the entire trip. We can rest when we return to work. I welcome your comments as long as they are constuctive and not nasty or sarcastic. Thanks, Suzy

elaine

Suzy,

Could you cut and paste yours into another response to this thread, and add some separations among the days and events, by adding spaces?

It's really hard (for me) to read the block of text.

thanks

mileaday

Message: Trying to fine tune my surprise bithday trip from my husband. Feel free to add or delete.Haven't chosen any restaurants so suggestions are welcome. We are not foodies so basic is fine. We don't have time this trip to spend valuable time at dinner anyway. I'm fine with almost anything but my husband has food allergies and is best sticking to the boring meat and potatoes without sauces.

I did come across a post for a Thai-Vietnamese-Cambodian restaurant on this board but I don't recall where it was located. Since we will be visiting these countries next fall, I thought it might be worth trying if anyone is familiar with it. Anything smoke free would be a plus.

Day 1 Arrive at Gatwick 8:30AM Express to city and tube to Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel. We're extremely light packers and will only have a carry-on wheelies. No problems if we have to do stairs. Doubt if we'll be able to check into the hotel room because of the early time so we'll just drop off our bags. Planning on getting some lunch near the hotel. Need suggestions. Then to Sir John Soane's Museum. Back to the hotel for a nap and shower and then on the go again. Thought maybe a concert at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields or the Somerset House to see the skaters. Although,we are planning to be there on Mon. to see the Courthauld Gallery. But I would like to see the rink after dark. Will also need something to eat before it gets too late.

Day 2 Sun. The National Gallery and then lunch nearby. We ate in the cafe in the crypt in St. Martin's-in-the-Fields on a previous trip and would be willing to return. After lunch the British Library. We thought we'd try to have afternoon tea as late as possible. The Landmark Winter Garden tea is served from 15:00 to 18:00 but I haven't heard any comments on it. I'm thinking this could work as my dinner but not sure about hubbie. The evening is still open and depends somewhat on what we choose for Sat. night.

Day 3 Mon. Somerset House to see the Courthauld Gallery. Maybe a trial at Old Bailey but I don't know what we'll do about the cameras that we'll want to use the rest of the day. I really don't want to have to go back to the hotel to drop them off and then again to retrieve them. Isn't there anywhere or anyone who would hold them (and return them, of course) for an hour or so? Lunch maybe at the Cheshire Cheese? A tour of St. Paul's - visited on a Sun. before and only attended a service. Evening performance of the Woman in White. Dinner suggestions?

Day 4 Tues. We need to pick up Parliament passes at the American Embassy so we'll probably head there first thing in the morning. Were told to be at Parliament at 10:45 but not sure how long we'll be there. On the list for the day in no particular order - Tate Britain, boat to the Eye, tour of the Globe and a walk across the Millenium Bridge. We have tickets for the theatre this evening. Suggestions for lunch and dinner? And anything else we could fit in?

Wed. Back home, unfortunately. We're seasoned travellers and expect to be on the go the entire trip. We can rest when we return to work. I welcome your comments as long as they are constuctive and not nasty or sarcastic. Thanks, Suzy

I know this is long and I didn't know it had gotten so jumbled. Sorry but thanks for the reply

obxgirl

Day 1. Are you travelling from the US? I would not be able to stay awake during a concert my first night in London. I've tried it twice. So I'd opt for the skating rink.

Day 3. My husband visited Old Bailey a couple of years ago. He overheard someone in line who'd left their cells and cameras at a nearby pub. Sorry not to have more specific info.

Day 4. I think you've got a lot planned for the afternoon, not sure you could realistically fit all that in. Are you planning on riding the Eye after the boatride? Both might be skipped if it's a dreary day. Also, if there's time after visiting St Paul's, you could do the Millenium Bridge on Day 3.

Have a great trip! What a super birthday present.

adamhornets

Just a couple of points:

1) Try and get to The Sir John Soanes House at 2.00pm for 2.30pm as that is when they have the only guided tour. £3.00 but worth it. First come first served.

2) The Ice Rink at Somerset House closes on Jan 30th. Good fun though.

3) Sunday evening. Theatres are all closed as are some restaurants. Could be the day to have a really nice long meal. Suggestions later.

4) The Courthold is not that big. Time your visit for between 10.00 and 2.00 when admission is free. You could also see The Gilbert Collection at Somerset House. A wonderful collection of gold, silver, micro-mosiacs and the finest Russian Imperial Snuff Boxes - wear sun glasses!

Food - I'm not a expert on Eastern food but The Time Out Eating Guide has some good sounding listings. Let me know if you want more info by e-mailing [email protected]
One great cheap eating place in The Stockpot in Panton Street near Leicester Square. Good simple food at amazingly low prices.
Soho and all the famous Chinese retaurants are very close to The Palace Theatre where Woman In White is on. Most of them have cheap pre-theatre menus.

Hope that gives you some ideas and have a great trip!
Adam C

oldie

I know that the culture in these matters is different in the US and that trials are televised over there. However, I am always uneasy when people talk about the Old Bailey as a tourist attraction. Surely human, wickedness, misery and folly aren't a spectator sport to be enjoyed as part of your holiday. If you want to see an English trial, why not go to the Royal Courts of Justice where the public are admitted to civil trials.
Alternatively, if you want to see barristers in wigs, you could do a tour of legal London. London walks do quite a good one.

adamhornets

Mileaday - Good point from Oldie and The Royal Courts of Justice is a very short walk from Somerset House and it's on the way to Fleet Street and St Pauls!

obxgirl

With all due respect, oldie, half the queues at Old Bailey are typically school groups. Regarding the culture matter being different in the US, I was in London for an extended time during Paul Burrell's trial at Old Bailey's. The British public and media obsession was something less than understated.

MissPrism

I too am with our aged (learned) friend on this one.

" With all due respect, oldie, half the queues at Old Bailey are typically school groups"

That doesn't make it better in my opinion. I would certainly be against televising trials.

elaine

Not sure about Britain, but in the US, even civil trials can be equally about suffering, mayhem, or wickedness.
I know the intent or values of the visitor can't be ascertained, but there is a value to learning to appreciate the British judicial system which was exported all around the world.

Suzy, that Parliament/Tate/Globe/Eye day seems a killer to me also, if you're going to go to the theatre that night. I agree to take one of those and add it on to the St Paul's day (although, I was also going to suggest, instead, adding in the Museum of London which is practically next door to St Paul's)

Enjoy your trip

mileaday

Thanks for the suggestions. We're on the fence about Parliament as we both have toured it in the past. My tour was over 30 yrs. ago tho. Having served on a U.S. jury, I thought seeing the differences might be interesting at the Old Bailey. I will do some research on the courts of Justice per your suggestions. We are not riding the Eye -did that with the kids a couple of years ago. And I'm not sure why my husband wanted to do the boat ride. If we skip Parliament, could someone re do a day plan for me. Just need to include the Tate and the Globe. Thanks for your help.

Walter_Walltotti

Having spent a fair bit of time (for very proper reasons)in and around British Courts I can't think why you'd really want to go to the Old Bailey. Trials, typically, are anything but exciting. These days Trials are also rare. Delay Delay Delay and then eventually

(i)some bargaining seems to get done behind the scenes and the the accused pleads guilty to a couple of charges with no evidence being offered on the remainder.

(ii) half the witnesses don't show and we either adjourn the case or offer no evidence.

(iii) the accused sees which witnesses turns up and then decides if he is going to change his plea.

If you want excitement go along to a Magistrates Court first thing in the morning and ask to be pointed in the direction of the Court that is dealing with various persons who were arrested the night before.

Whatever you do, do not bring your camera into Court. Last year I heard some poor so and so was giving 6 months for using a mobile phone with Camera in a Court.

janis

You know London pretty well and have worked out a pretty decent itinerary, so I'm only going to make a couple of minor suggestions.

1) You can take the Tate to Tate boats - don't get off at the Eye but ride it to the end of the route at Tate Modern and then be only a short walk from the Globe.

2) If you visit St Paul's in the afternoon be sure to be there early enough to tour the whole cathedral. After 3 p.m. they start to close off parts in preparation for evensong. So I'd be there by 1:30 or 2 at the latest.

carolyn

I did the Legal & Illegal London walk, and our guide told us there was a pub that would hold cameras while you visited the Old Bailey. Unfortunately, I,too, don't remember the name of it; but maybe the guard at the information desk could tell you.