London for lay-over
 

Alright Fodorites,

I normally post in the Africa forum but I thought I'd be able to get some help here on this subject. We have all day to spend in London (arrive at 7:45am, depart @ 9pm) and have decided we will take the Heathrow connect return to Paddington Station. My question is, which station should we then take the tube to spend the day? Another question, do we need to check-in our luggage upon arrival at Heathrow even though both legs of the flight are with BA or will it be automatically done for us? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Juliet

There is a similar thread on here about a layover. Go to trafalgar square and take the tour bus, one can hop off and on at will.(buy yout tickets at the bus) then you can decided where to spend your remaining hours.You luggage should be checked through to your final destination if it is the same airline for both legs.

You aren't going to save much time by taking the HEC (or even HEX) in order to get to the tourist areas of London.

You may as well just get a day travelcard for zones 1-6 and use the Tube into London

Then you can get the Tube to Hammersmith, walk across the platform, take a Tube to Westminster, leave by the Bridge Street exit and enjoy the iconic view.

It then puts you in the middle of one of the main tourist areas of London which includes London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Cabinet War Rooms, Whitehall, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden...

As for luggage, NORMALLY it will be checked through but I've had 7 hours between flights and had to collect my bags at Heathrow - and pay for storage

Since you plan to take a few tube rides after you get to central London, why not save some money and skip the Heathrow Connect altogether? Single tube rides are now 4 GBP if you pay cash. However, a one-day travelcard for zones 1-6 costs 6.70 GBP (after 09:30 on weekdays or anytime on weekends and holidays) or 13.20 GBP (before 09:30 on weekdays). Go to http://tinyurl.com/25p633 to download and print a two-page map, one page for tube and train and the other page for major bus routes.

Go to

I agree - the heathrow connect and/or heathrow express are very useful in your situation. They get you to Paddington fast - but then you have to get from Paddington to anywhere interesting.

the Tube will be faster and much cheaper. alanRow's directions are exactly what I would have recommended. Tube to Hammersmith. Get off the Piccadilly line there and cross the platform to hop on a District Line train. No stairs - just a few feet across the platform. Exit at Westminster and Big Ben is looming in front of you, Westminster Abbey is basically across the street, and the Eye is just over your left shoulder. the perfect intro to London . . . .

Oops - major typo there . . .

Should have read - &quot;I agree - the heathrow connect and/or heathrow express <b>aren't</b> very useful in your situation.&quot;

Thanks everyone. Will take the tube then to Westminister. Thanks as well for the detailed isntructions.

Cheers,
Juliet (a greatful newbie :-))

If it's a nice day (or at least one with good visibility) the London Eye is to be recommended. If you get a Discovery Flight you'll get a guide to tell you what's what