London Advice
 

My husband, older teen & I will be in London for 4 days. On our first day and a half, we plan to ride the double decker bus around London to see the sights. We want to visit the Tower, British Museum, London Museum, St Paul's & Westminster Abbey (unfortunately, we won't be able to devote a lot of time at any one of these). We have one day in Bath planned and a show one evening. <BR>My son isn't really into doing touristy things, but he knows we don't have time for much else. We'd love a suggestion or two of a less traveled spot where he could take pictures (he's into Photography). Also, feedback on our general plans would be great. We're staying near the Marble Arch.

My first thought is, if he is an older teen, why he would have to tag along with his parents at all, if there are things that he would more enjoy doing? I would probably make him visit the Museum of London, because it is so important in understanding how London became what it is. For the rest, if he doesn’t care about old churches or a museum full of junk from around the world collected (stolen some say) during Britain’s imperial heyday, why force it on him? Although I can’t imagine even a jaded teenager finding the tower of London uninteresting.<BR><BR>Most of my best photos were taken from or alongside the Thames. While many are shots of standard tourist sights, others were not - the Albert Bridge at night, the Peace Pagoda in the early morning with mist rising off the river, Isleworth, approaching Greenwich by boat.<BR><BR>The Regent’s Canal from Little Venice to the Camden Locks offers a number of photo ops - take the water bus or better yet, walk the towpath.

Some of our best photos were of the Changing of the Horseguards Ceremony, especially towards the end of the ceremony--very colorful. My husband also loved photographing some of the beautiful water fowl at St. James Park. He also got a very lovely shot looking down St. James Park towards the London Eye. <BR><BR>I think the Tower of London appeals to both adults and kids alike. I would arrive there early, see the Crown Jewels first and then take one of the Yeoman Warder tours. Personally, I would skip the St. Paul's tour and visit the Cabinet War Rooms near Parliament. This was one of the highlights of our trip. And of course you must go up in the London Eye. Another good opportunity for some interesting photos.

For interesting shots:<BR><BR>Highgate Cemetery<BR>Abbey Road <BR>St James Park (the water fowl are just ducky)<BR>Richmond Park (see Bambi run)<BR>London from Waterloo Bridge (halfway across, closer to Southbank than the City)<BR>Street performers around Covent Garden<BR>

My teen son used up LOTS of film at the Tower of London, between the architecture, Yeomen Warders, armor, execution sites, ravens, etc.<BR><BR>I agree with bettyk that the Cabinet War Rooms are worth fitting in, though they're not a photo op (almost everything is behind glass).

Thanks for the advice! I'm adding it to my folder of stuff to do.