help with 4 day london trip Nov 5
 

My husband and I and our sons (10 & 11) will be in London Nov 5th through the 9th.

I've pretty much planned out our itinerary - but have a few questions.

1. I would love to take them to see the fireworks on Nov. 5th (if I'm still awake). I see that there are quite a few to choose from. Does anyone have a recomendation which one would be the most kid & tourist friendly?

2. On a Sunday do you need to get to the TKTS booth early in the day to get tickets, or will we still be able to get something after 4pm? With the kids I think it would have to be a musical. Are we better off trying for tickets (if we can't make it to the booth early) on Monday?

3. Is there anything to do with the kids after 6pm (aside from the theater and the walks).

Thanks for your help.

A lot of shows are dark (day off) on either Sunday night or Monday night, so keep that in mind - check to see which shows that might interest you are likely to be available which days.

There are only a very, VERY few plays/musicals on Sundays. The most well known one will be the Lion King - but it generally sells out and will not be at TKTS. The vast majority of theatres are dark on Sunday - and some are dark on Mondays too.

No matter what day of the week - you really don't have to go to TKTS early - in fact at opening is the only time of day you will almost guarantee a long queue (because so many people think they have to get there early). There is usually a good selection right up until TKTS closing time.

But you will have a much wider choice of shows is you plan on going to the theatre on Tuesday. Monday will be OK - but Tues will be better.

Can't really help w/ where to go for the fireworks - since the venues do change a bit from year to year. Maybe one of the London Fodorites will see your post and advise where the best ones will be this year.

The London Eye is a great after dark activity. I would have suggested the Ceremony of the Keys - but it is really too late to write away for the tickets.

Perhaps on the Sunday you could consider a concert instead of the theatre.

Most London Boroughs will have safe public firework displays and bonfires in a local park. There are usually big ones at Alexandra Palace and Blackheath, but these are presumably a long way from where you're staying, and if you're jetlagged on arrival, I wouldn't recommend trailing halfway across London with a couple of children. Whereabouts are you staying? You could ask your hotel when you arrive.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies.
We are actually staying with my brother in a flat in the Marylebone section of London. I think that's pretty central. He's there on business for a few months.

I knew Sunday and Monday were not the best nights for the theater but unfortunetly they're my only choices, as we are taking a full day trip to Bath and Stonehange on Tuesday.

I'll appreciate any more input on the fireworks question, thanks.

Well - the best solution would be to take the tour to Bath/Stonehenge on Sunday. (hope you haven't already booked the tour - not usually necessary to book ahead, especially at this time of year)

And if your brother is living in London - he can easily find out where any fireworks displays are. Have him pick up Time Out and it will have all the info you need.

London Walks, www.walks.com, has a Sunday walking/boat ride tour to Greenwich which your kids might like -- great maritime museum, observatory, and more. There is also a nice zoo near the Marylebone area.

Yes, Greenwich would be a splendid choice - you could even do it on your own, i.e. travel one way on the water, and return via the Docklands train. Whilst at Greenwich, don't overlook The Wernher Collection at Ranger's House on the outskirts of Greenwich. It is an English Heritage property so check it out on the Google site. Great viewing for all age tourists. Jay
ps...I noted for my own interest that the London property of the Earl of Spencer is opened to the public Sundays only. Might be worth checking hours of inspection, address etc. if old English homes is one of your priorities.
pps. By favorite visit in London is to view the Wallace Collection. Suitable and enjoyable for all aged-groups.

The Spencer House lomajay mentions is a good choice - especially if you are going to Buckingham Palace/changing of the Guard/walking the Mall. It is in St James Place right off Green Park between the Palace and Green Park tube station.

It costs £9 or £10 for adults - don't know about kids - probably about £6 ea. Sundays only . . . .

I went to a display at Primrose Hill a couple of years ago. It was magnificent.
But any organised display will be fab. Remember to wrap up warm... it can get very cold at night in November. Especially, and I hope this is the case for you, if the skies are crystal clear and cloud free.