London Eye and/or High tea?
 

We will be going to London mid-March with a 12 year old and a fifteen year old. Is the London Eye worth it? Does anyone have suggestions for a good place for an authentic high tea? Thanks!

I have been on the London eye in the Summer and went on a trip around dusk when the city was just lighting up. THe view was beautiful. The wheel takes half an hour to rotate and rotates very slowly, so you do get a chance to see all major landmarks. I think it is a worthwhile trip. Try and book in advance as it does get busier during the Summer months, however March shouldnt be that busy. Enjoy your trip.<BR><BR>The website is below :<BR>http://www.londoneye.com/

Try booking The Savoy (within walking distance of The Eye and located on the Thames). Otherwise, Claridges is a good choice. Book as soon as you can. There are lots of other hotels which do a nice tea. Hotels from the Red Carnation group are another good choice. Happy eating!

The London Eye is definitely worth it as a fantastic view of the city. Hard to know whether a 12 or 15 year old would like it unless they had some knowledge or interest in London. It's not a thrill ride.<BR><BR>I agree with suggestions offered for afternoon tea but don't call it high tea. An authentic high tea is a bit low brow -- sort of an early evening meal for the working class.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

An authentic high tea is a meal with bread and butter, scones, jam, cakes, a pot of tea, and a hot dish such as fish and chips. They were served in England till perhaps the 1960s and lasted a lot longer in Scotland. They were available in restaurants after about five o'clock, and people didn't then need to eat till &quot;supper&quot; which was a snack before going to bed.

I think Geoff's forgetting the tinned salmon and/or plate of shellfish, the ham and beetroot, the sticks of celery and the jelly with tinned fruit chunks. Well that's what high tea meant in my mother's house in the 1950s...

London Eye: We took both our girls 15 &amp;17 in 2000 and they we at first reluctant to even go to Europe, but once we were there they can't wait to go back. We would recommend the London Eye for the view and also the Tower of London for the history. We are now in the proces of planning a trip to Italy 2004 and the girls can't wait. Have a great trip.

<BR>We took our 11 yr old to the Orangerie for tea. He loved it and so did we!

I was recently treated to tea at Claridges (by a visiting Fodorite) and it was an interesting experience!<BR><BR>It consisted of a plate of sandwiches, various fillings. When we'd finished we were asked if we'd like more sandwiches before continuing.<BR><BR>Next came scones - really lovely, and served with clotted cream and jam.<BR><BR>Last we were given a small selection of miniature pastries/ desserts.<BR><BR>With tea (a menu offered about 10 blends) the bill was &pound;26 per person.<BR><BR>To me that's incredibly high for the content but it's more about the experience, I think.<BR><BR>Certainly, one could have the tea late afternoon, before a theatre show or something, and have just a very light snack in the evening.<BR><BR>The tea room itself was very pretty with a pianist playing in the corner.

High Tea is still eaten in Yorkshire and also in Scotland. My Scottish in-laws always refer to the evening meal as tea.<BR>I don't know why some Americans insist on calling afternoon tea &quot;high&quot; tea. I suspect it's from some websites where they think that &quot;high&quot; equals &quot;posh&quot;.

Hi, Just returned from London where my two children 10 and 13 loved the London Eye. $50 for family of four. The &quot;Map&quot; is extra but it allows you to pick out many, many sites so I would have to say it was worth it. Truly a marvel of engineering.<BR>Every child is different but my children LOVE London and Paris.<BR> Try going shopping at Covent Garden.<BR>==Mike

I would recommend The Ritz for tea. It is a great experience and the food and tea are amazing. Great service and atmosphere as well. Definitely worth it.<BR>I think that a 12 and 15 year old would enjoy the Eye. It's a modern day ferris wheel.<BR><BR>Book in advance for both.<BR><BR>http://www.theritzlondon.com

Hi Bee,<BR>I'm a Londoner/tour guide and took my 6 year old twins on the 'Eye'a while ago, we loved it. I would not book in advance as it may be cloudy on the day of your ride. Pick a clear day and be there at around 8.45am, London is not so busy in March!<BR>If you are looking for an hotel for afternoon tea try 'Dukes'located at a hidden cul de sac called St James's Place off St James's St. One of London's hidden treasures!

Went to London in mid November. My 12 year old daughter loved the London Eye. No lines at all at that time. Only the 5 of us in our &quot;pod&quot;. Seemed like every other &quot;pod&quot; was empty.<BR><BR>Have a great trip.