Just got back, London
 

Hi again, <BR> <BR>My husband and I just returned from a wonderful trip to London and Paris. I already did a report on Paris and now will try to share some of our experiences in London. Day 1: We arrived from the west coast about 6:30 am in London. Before we left the airport we found the transportation area where we picked up our 4 day passes that we had purchased in the US. We bought these because we had one pass for 4 days and you can board the tube before 9:30 am, a real convience compared to the regular viitor passes purchased in London. We took the Heathrow Express into Paddigton from the airport. This is very quick and very easy to do. I later saw many people trying to manage there luggage in the tube during peak times and I am so glad we did not opt for that. We then took a taxi to our B&B, the Abbey House in South Kensignton. The neighborhood is wonderful and very close to Nottinghill. Lots of little stores and good restaurants. You can walk around the neighborhood and really not feel like you are in a big city. The Abbey House was good, not great. We choose it because of the location and price. It was 74 pounds and the rooms were fine, tv, and included breakfast. We did have to share a bath. This was never a problem and we would do it again. We were a little worried about this prior to the trip. We dropped off our luggage and soon found ourselves riding the tube to Westminster. What a awesome sight coming out of the tube sight; Parliment, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. We headed for the Abbey and really enjoed seeing it. I think next time I would try a tour. We then walked down Bird Cage Walk through Hyde Park to the Changing of the Guards. I had to see it...Get as close as you can to the gates. It was interesting and I can say I saw it. I also learned carry your umbrella. About half way through it started to rain. We moved to the right side of the palace and noticed gates opening up. The Queen was leaving, we saw her leave the palace and quickly get in her car. I had already put away my camera, and the small crowd of people beside me were very excited. She left in a black sedan with tinted black windows and a small police escort. Not a lot of hoopla...We then walked down to Tralager Square. It was a great walk and we had lunch. We pooped in the National Portrait Gallery and saw a few things at the National Gallery. The National Gallery is a must for art lovers. We were getting very tired and had to stay up alittle longer because we had a 4:oo reservation at the London Eye. It is a great thing to do and they are very unorganized. I had brought my Visa statement as proof of payment, but they did not bother to check they just gave us tickets. Anyone, I think could just go up to the young workers and say they have reservations. Who Knows? Anyway, it is worth it and it gave us a sense of the city. I would also love to go at night. We went to sleep for over 12 hours.... <BR> <BR>Day 2: Off to Windsor from Paddigton. A nice, quick, easy train ride, and Eaton is a lovely town. We beat the tour buses and really enjoed the Queen's State rooms. You see a lot more of the Palace when she is not in residence. I really enjoed Windsor Palace a lot and again we saw the Changing of the Guards here. Actaully, it was less crowded and just as interesting. We shopped in Eaton for awhile and had a great lunch at Cafe Flo near the train station. We then went to Kensignton Palace, it is ok and I would not recommend it. I enjoyed it because it had an exhibit of 14 of Diana's dresses. Other than that pass. We had theatre at 5:00 to see Chicago. Great play and well worth the quick dash over there. We had Chinese food after and then went to the Ceremony of the Keys. This was a highlight and very interesting to witness. Write early and enjoy this special event. <BR> <BR>Day3: Today we went back to the Tower in the morning. We first saw the crown jewels before it was crowded. I was able to go around 3 times on the little walk way. The Queen has many lovely things. Amazing...We then took a great tour by the Yoeman. He was full of stories, history and humour. I never knew the brits were so funny...just kidding. This was a highlight...We then went across the Tower Bridge. It was lovely just like th e night before. We did not do the bridge experience. We ate a brunch at Butler's Wharf at the Chop House-I think that was the name? Anyway, it was great and I had tradional fish and chips and bread pudding. We ate outdoors and even saw the bridge open its drawbidge for a ship. We then headed to St. Paul's Cathederal. This was amazing and seeing it is unbeleivable. I sat there and just tried to take it all in. We did climb up to the Whispering Gallery. I climbed the stairs too quickly and had vertigo. I went down and my husband continued to the top. It had a wonderful view of the city and next time I will do it. We took a long nap after this just in time to wake up for theatre. We saw Starlight Express which was good, but not great. If you have children I would take them to see this. <BR> <BR>Day 4: Our last day...A very drizzly morning and we set out for the Victoria Albert Musuem. It is a mixture of everything and worth a pop into it. We also peeked in the Brompton Oratory. It was Sunday so we just layed low in the back. We walke to Harrod's, unfortunetly, it was closed. Well, that is an American for you expecting the stores to be open on Sunday. Now I really need to get back to London. I did manage to shop at the airport Harrod's, but it is not the same. We then went to the Aspley House and enjoyed the tour there. It is a great English House with a lot of history. After lunch at Pret a Manger we went to the British Musuem. Like the Louvre a bit over whelming. We saw some of the highlights and will go back next time. <BR>We had a nice dinner at a local Italian restaurant. I had the best tiramatsu I've ever eaten. A nice stroll around South Kensignton before saying goodbye to LOndon. <BR> <BR>I can't wait to go back...I hope this is imformative and as you can tell we had a great trip. Thanks again to the great books and this forum.

Sondra, <BR>Really enjoyed your trip reports. We're leaving for Paris and London soon. Where is the train station in Windsor? Is it within walking distance of the castle or did you have to get a cab?

Sondra, I enjoyed reading of your trip to London. My husband and I and our three kids are leaving in a few days for London. We are also staying in Paddington at a place called the Belmont Hotel. Did you happen to see it while you were there? I booked it from the internet and am hoping that it is ok. Do you think that the London Eye would be better to do at night or in the day? Thanks for all the info. Debbie

Beverly, <BR>We just returned from London and Paris too. Upon arrival in Windsor, the castle <BR>is directly across the street from the train station. Well worth the trip, I might add. The entry is a little pricey 10GBP,but you do see alot of the castle, and don't miss the "doll house", the wait can be a several minutes..but it really is worth it too. Another suggestion I would offer, if time permits, is to take a boat ride <BR>on the Thames to Greenwich (to see the observatory-Prime Meridian -Greenwich Mean Time) and the Cutty Sark. Boats depart from Embankment..Another really neat tour is the Cabinet War rooms-near <BR>Westminster...it is where Churchill strategized during WWII... <BR>Have fun... <BR> <BR>

Diane, <BR>Thanks! Actually I spent a wonderful day in Windsor 3 years ago and can't wait to show it to my family that will be going for the first time. This time we're taking the train and knowing where the station is will be a big help! The Doll House is awesome and I'll ditto the remarks about the Cabinet War Rooms. I'll certainly work in the trip to Greenwich, haven't done that and it sounds great. Thanks.

Dear Beverly, <BR> <BR>The train is very close to the palace. I really was surprised how close it was. When you arrive on the train it will be on your left side. The town of Eaton is lovely and worth some time too.

Hi Debbie, <BR> <BR>I am sorry I did not see your hotel. Our hotel was closer to Kensignton Palace and I really did not see that much around the Paddington area. I am sure you will have a wonderful trip.

Sondra, lovely report. Thanks. <BR>Yours is the first post I can recall that mentioned Apsley House. <BR>Since you did not say what it was, I will, so maybe even more folks will visit it. <BR>Apsley House was given by a grateful nation to the Duke of Wellington, the general who beat Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo (ca. 1815). The magnificent town house (really, a mansion, in US terms) has recently been redone and is quite splendid. If you love history (as I obviously do), you will enjoy seeing this place. Or, go just for the beauty of it.

Sondra: <BR>What was the name of the local italian restaurant that served terrific tiramisu? We are going to be South Kensington in 8 days and loved your travel report! Thanks!

Sondra, what type of 4-day pass are you referring to that you bought in the US? Your post was unclear to me in that regard. I've been to London before, but plan to take the Heathrow Express this time (first time) to my hotel in SW1. <BR> <BR>Please explain. Thanks!

Hi Michelle and Lu B; <BR> <BR>MIchelle-I am soory I don't have the name of the little Italian restaurant. It could have been on Church Street? I am sorry I lent my book to my freind. I also had a good chicken with mashed potatoes at this restaurant. I would just ask around at your hotel and be open for a variety of food. Have fun... <BR> <BR>Lu B.- The pass was bought in the US through Brit Rail by phone. I beleive th number is 1-800-Brit-rail. They are also sold by travel agents. You can't by them in LOndon. They are sold by zones 1-2 and 1-6. They are also sold by days 3, 4, and 7. No photo is needed and they are good anytime of day and also on the buses. I think our 4 day pass was $26 a person, but I can't remember. I liked them because we had one pass for our trip and we could use the tube earlier than their visitor passes that start at9:30 to avoid the commute. I hope this helps. Have a great time.

Lu B., <BR>take a look at the London Transport website at http://www.londontransport.co.uk/info/index.htm <BR>There you can find further information on the London Visitor Travel Card and also where to get it. I think it's a rather good value - maybe not much cheaper than getting day passes or so but comfortable to use and valid all the way to Heathrow if you want (ask if for anything else than the tube from Heathrow though - I remember having read something that it is not valid for the Express but can't find this anymore). Have fun exploring London!