Thanks a million to all ya'll who have helped with our anniversary trip in December! <BR>This will be our 5th anniversary and we are flying Continental and Virgin Atlantic(partners) 1st class from Austin to Gatwick on 12/11 then Heathrow though Newark back to Austin on 12/23. <BR>Staying at the Lanesborough in an executive double at a rate of 235 (GBP) including transfers and breakfast. <BR>Our itenerary is (I think?!): <BR>SUNDAY-12/12 <BR>Arrive Gatwick at 6:30 AM. Transfers to the Lanesborough, after taking advantge of the Virgin lounge shower rooms since our room obviously won't be ready. Then a city tour (do the red buses run the Hop-on Hop-off tours on Sunday?) followed by the British Library to see Magna Carta, etc. Then back to the hotel to unpack and settle in. We plan to buy postcards and mail them this day so they will get back before we do! Then a leisurely dinner (where?) and a suprise Private tour of London at night. Then early to bed-exhausted! <BR> <BR>MONDAY-12/13 <BR>Tower of London when it opens (where do we by tickets?) where we will see the Crown Jewels first then tour with a Beefeater or two. Then maybe Tower Bridge and High Tea (where? Browns or Harrods?) And top it off with a later night at the Ceremony of the Keys! <BR> <BR>TUESDAY-12/14 <BR>St. Pauls then Westminster Abbey and Evensong at 5:00. The see Mousetrap in the evening. <BR> <BR>WEDNESDAY-12/15 <BR>Changing of the Guard at Whitehall, the Royal Mews, Guards Museum and Cabinet War Rooms. <BR> <BR>THURSDAY-12/16 <BR>Windsor and Hampton Court (do we go it alone or take a tour like with Evan-Evans?) <BR> <BR>FRIDAY-12/17 <BR>At 3:30 we have passes to the Houses of Parliament (who should we get to guide us-a blue badge or go it alone?) But the rest of the day the misses wants to shop-Harrod's, Liberty, etc. (she is loking specificly for china tea pots and a nice sofa size picture/painting). <BR> <BR>SATURDAY-12/18 <BR>Camden Passage, Portabello Road <BR>Musical in the evening-she has not decided which one to see. <BR> <BR>SUNDAY-12/19 <BR>Imperial War Museum and mre shopping (Oxford Street). <BR> <BR>MONDAY & TUESDAY-12/20 & 12/21 <BR>She wants to see "castles" out side London. I have planned to do day trips to: Dover, Canterbury, Leeds and Warwick but can't decide if we should go it alone or take a tour (see Windsor and Hampton). <BR> <BR>WEDNESDAY-12/22 <BR>Re-visiting whatever she wants to or anther day trip. <BR> <BR>THURSDAY-12/23 <BR>Leave <BR>Plane departs Heathrow at 1:00, back just in time for Christmas! <BR> <BR>It should be noted that she has never traveled outside the country brfore and I have. I have seen most of this but it's been 10 years. I would also like a recommendation on a good resturand with a nice view. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, everyone!!

Your itinerary looks great - I would highly recommend some "unplanned" time to wander around London, though. You can happen upon so many wonderful spots just by wandering. Also, don't forget Hyde Park - it's great for a relaxing stroll. <BR> <BR>I recommend bus tours to the castles - Evans Evans is a nice one - you'll probably be able to book thru your hotel. And, if you have time or want to take an extra side trip, take a bus tour to the beautiful town of Bath - it's a lovely place and well worth a visit - the ruins of the Roman baths there are interesting - our tour to Bath also included Stonehenge and Salisbury. <BR> <BR>We had a terrific dinner at Brown's and lots of great pub lunches. We can also recommend a great little Polish restaurant in South Kensington, near the tube station called Daquise. Best potato pancakes I've ever had! And if you like Mexican food, Cafe Pacifico, about a block away from the tube station at Covent Garden, was good - very casual. <BR> <BR>For a musical - Les Mis, definitely! It was wonderful! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!

Hi Scott. It looks like you have a great trip planned! <BR> <BR>We're usually exhausted by late afternoon the day we arrive so we try not to schedule anything on the first evening as we would probably be snoozing through it. <BR> <BR>Tower of London tickets can be purchased at the Tower Hill tube station or at the Tower itself. If you go early, there shouldn't be much of a line. You are right to see the jewels first and don't skip the beefeater tour. <BR> <BR>You might want to schedule Hampton Court and Windsor Castle for separate days as they are both a 1/2 hour or so out of London in different directions. <BR> <BR>Hampton Court is easily toured by yourself. Take the 1/2 hour train ride to Hampton Court from the Waterloo Station (get a cheap day return ticket, trains leave every 1/2 hour)and its a short walk to the palace. There are several guided tours and there are also audio tours included with the admission. I can't imagine what extra value a tour guide could bring to Hampton Court. <BR> <BR>Windsor Castle is also toured easily by yourself. Take the train from Paddington Station, change at Slough (once again, get the cheap day return tickets). The town of Windsor itself is very quaint, with lots of shops. Headphones/guidebooks are not included with admission. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't put Leeds high on the day trip list, especially in December. You might enjoy a trip to Bath more. I haven't been to Warwick but a lot of people on this forum have recommended it. <BR> <BR>If you have any extra time on your agenda and enjoy history, we really enjoyed the Museum of London. It was free every day after 4:30 so we popped in one afternoon and ended up going back the next day to finish up. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

Your itinerary looks great. If you have time, visit the National Gallery and St. Martins in the Field next door. The crypt in St. Martins is a great place to enjoy a snack and maybe warm up with tea. <BR> <BR>When I visited Portobello Road on a Saturday in April it was quite crowded by 11am. Didn't get a chance to visit Camden Market, but I'm saving that for my next trip. <BR> <BR>You also might want to go to Sunday service at Westminster Abbey. I went to the 10:30am service and it was wonderful to be in the Abbey without all the crowds other tourists. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.

Scott, <BR>Sounds good but you will be pretty busy. I'd suggest some "down time" for the unexpected or just to take a walk down a side street that looks interesting, or a stroll through the park or something. Sometimes a bit of "relaxation" really turns into the highlight of the trip. <BR> <BR>I would not bother with bus tours of Windsor, Hampton or Warwick. All are very easy to get to and do by yourself and one of the other posters mentioned how to get to Hampton & Windsor. (Warwick is reached from Marylebone Station). (We hate tours but if you don't -- well go for it I guess). If you are an independent person you won't enjoy being herded around tho. <BR> <BR>I hope you got tickets in advance for the Ceremony of the Keys tho, otherwise you won't get in. Get to the Tower early for you daytime visit, otherwise it is very crowded. Don't plan on taking any pictures or doing any talking during the Ceremony of the Keys by the way, they are very strict about it and it's important to honor the tradition. <BR> <BR>You will be pretty tired that first night so don't plan much for the first day that you want clear memories of Just stay outdoors and have an early dinner and get to bed early. <BR> <BR>I don't think I'd attempt Windsor and Hampton Court in the same day, there is just too much to see and do, also consider you will want to eat lunch and perhaps do some shopping in Windsor & Hampton. The day goes by pretty quickly believe me. <BR> <BR>You might want to consider a boat trip down the Thames to Greenwich - it's very worthwhile. <BR> <BR>I'd skip Leeds Castle on this trip if I were you, your schedule looks pretty full already and like a I said allow for some "unplanned" time. You might also find yourselves staying someplace longer than you thought so you don't want to be too locked into a tight schedule. Consider the weather too - it might be cold and rainy and your schedule might need to be changed! If you find you need an "indoor" place for awhile The British Musuem is fantastic. <BR> <BR>Your first class flight and hotel sound lovely, just slow down and enjoy the trip. <BR> <BR>

Wow Scott, you've really done your homework! <BR>A few random thoughts, just personal opinions, you've done a wonderful job. <BR>Some on this forum have recommended that rather than a sightseeing bus for much less money and more mingling with the locals you can take city buses that travel extensive routes. At one of the Tourist offices you can pick up a Central London Bus Guide. Lines like <BR>#11, 15, 38 will allow you to see most of the tourist landmarks, thought of course without commentary. <BR> <BR>Both Windsor and Hampton Court are easy enough to do on your own and at your own leisurely pace, but there is a certain <BR>efficiency to taking a bus tour as long as you don't mind being told how long you can stay in each place. Since the lines at Windsor aren't as long in Dec as they are at other times, the bus tour won't give you the advantage of <BR>passing by the lines. Really it's your call, but I do recommend seeing both. <BR> <BR>I'm assuming you're not much interested in art museums since you haven't mentioned any, but if you want to try <BR>one <BR>The National Gallery has a feature in which you can go to a computer terminal <BR>and design your own tour, only seeing what you like. <BR>The nearby National Portrait Gallery <BR>is a painless museum, lots of very famous faces from Elizabeth I to <BR>Princess Di and everyone in between. <BR> <BR>I envy your staying at the Lanesborough and having the luxury of an early shower in the Virgin lounge. <BR>Have a wonderful trip. <BR> <BR>

Scott <BR>It just occurs to me that sometimes in December Windsor Castle is closed to the public if the royal family will be in residence for the holidays and such. <BR>You might want to check in advance. <BR>

A little more about Hampton Court.. I agree with the previous posters who recommended splitting Hampton and Windsor. There are something like 6 different tours at Hampton Court. The audio tour of the Tudor kitchens is very worthwhile, and we also did the guided tour of Henry the VIII's state rooms. We were there for about half a day, and that and the gardens was all we had time for. I really wanted to see more. The lunchroom at Hampton court was surprisingly good, so if you do spend the better part of the day there, you can eat lunch right on the premises. <BR> <BR>Consider lunch or tea at Fortnum and Mason in London. I think they have one of the best lunches around, and Ilove to browse all the interesting foodstuffs on the first floor of the store.

Scott- <BR>Make sure you get to the Tower of London when it opens- we were the first in & got a special tour of the Crown Jewels & then caught the 2nd Beefeater tour which is the least crowded of the day. The Ceremony of the Keys is very special - ask your Beefeater to tell you some ghost stories. <BR> <BR>DO NOT do the Tower Bridge experience.It is a total waste of time & money. It was the major disappointment of our trip. If you want an interesting view of London go to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral or take the Thames boat cruise to Greenwich. <BR> <BR>Make sure you make it to the British Library as there is so much more there than the Magna Carta & it really doesn't take up much of your time. <BR> <BR>The British Museum is quite close to the Library & has some terrific exhibits. <BR> <BR>If at all possible take the last guided tour at Westminster Abbey (3:00) & stay for Evensong. If you are on the last tour they seat you with the choir & it is fantastic. <BR> <BR>What ever you do you will have a great time.

Scott, <BR>I just thought of another place you might consider (particularly if you want to get in out of the cold)- The Wallace Collection, it's right near Bond Street and is a great place and usually not too crowded. Check it out in your guide books and see if it interests you or your wife (you can combine it with a visit to the stores on Bond Street too). <BR>Incidentally, we've been to London in Dec. and it can be pretty cold (more so then Texas!) so be prepared.

Scott: Great itinerary! The Beefeater tour at the Tower was a highlight our trip. They're very entertaining and included in your admission to the Tower. The Dungeon museum is the worst money ever spent-SKIP IT. If you or your wife is into art - the National Gallery and the Tate are wonderful. Entrance is free (w/ a suggested donation) The National Gallery and the British Museum are a stones throw away from each other - then coffee at St. Martins in the Field.

Nice job, Scott. I rarely plan in 'downtime' (too obsessive to do that) but it occurs by itself - if you're too pooped to do anything, don't fret and get anal about 'we MUST do this!' Just relax and enjoy whatever you're doing. <BR> <BR>You can buy the Tower of London tickets at any underground station; Harrod's does a nice tea, but it's "commercial". Brown's is supposed to be less so. No need for a bus tour to Hampton Court - very easy to visit (the Tudor kitchens are fascinating, especially if you cook) and easy to get to; it might be efficient, though, to book a tour that takes in Windsor AND Hampton Court in the same day. Harrod's definitely has teapots out the wahzoo, but keep an eye open as you wander around - there are lots of small shops that sell teapots as well. Paintings are a different matter; you'll need to have it shipped home, so you'll need to buy it somewhere that has those facilities. <BR>

Just a comment or two. First, I truly believe that taking the train on your own is far better than an escorted bus tour. You will have the additional flexability not available while on a tour. If I had only one castle to visit it would be the old mostly razed one in carphilly Wales. Doable for a day trip To Cardiff Wales and the shuttle train. Also you could visit Cardiff castle and the old keep. Makes for a full day but I have done it and It was a lot of fun. Even if you didn't make it to the old one, the one in Cardiff is very special.

As people have said, it's a bit crowded. In particular, I doubt you'll get a lot out of the British Library on the Sunday you arrive from a night plane trip. Can you move it to Saturday the 18th, to combine with Camden Passage, fairly nearby ? <BR> <BR>Wednesday the 15th is particularly well articulated, with a set of things near each other. Could you ajust Friday, the 17th in the ame way, by putting Westminister Abbey Evensong straight after the visit to parliament ? That lightens Tuesday the 14th, which might be a day for what Americans call High Tea and we Londoners call afternoon tea. I say this as I think on Monday the 13th, in the Tower area, you'd enjoy a visit at teatime to the Bramah Tea Museum, on Shad Thames at the southern end of Tower Bridge then downstream. When you ask for tea there you can see it correctly made: they warm the pot and use loose tea, not bags. Also, they sell a great range of teapots. What they don't serve is full afternoon tea. Brown's is a good idea, but I've not heard much about tea a Harrod's. No, I'd choose the Strand lounge in the Charing Cross Hotel, next to Charing Cross Main Line station: if available you'd like a table with views of the Strand towards Trafalgar Square. <BR> <BR>As people have said, Hampton Court with Windsor in a single day will be a hard day. The best connection I can find you is bus 726 from Hampton Court to Feltham, then the train from Feltham to Windsor and Eton Riverside. You can sort out bus times if you ring 0171 222 1234, then press 3. As to train times, trains leave Feltham at 27 and 57 minutes past each hour and take 25 minutes to Windsor. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to London <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR>

Scott, <BR>A thought or two! Any number of travelers I've spoken with have,upon arrival in London, immediately taken one of the Hop-on, Hop-off red buses. Almost without exception, they usually fall dead asleep within minutes. Since you've been in London before, consider taking the #11, #15 or #38 city buses which will pass by most of London'sights. (True, you'll miss Buckingham Palace and Harrod's, but you'll only pay one tenth what it would cost on a tour bus.) <BR> <BR>You mention London Bridge, high tea and china tea pots not all in the same breath, fortunately. You (or more likely your wife) might consider visiting the Bramah Tea and Coffee Museum in The Clove Building on Maguire St, Butler's Wharf, quite near Tower Bridge. The museum has a huge and fascinating collection of tea and coffee pots, china, tea caddies and samples of tea and coffee. When it comes to purchasing a pot however, consider Wedgewood, which has a retail shop on Regent Street.

Scott, your trip sounds great. I found a wonderful guidebook called London for Less which provided discounts on almost all the places you've mentioned. It was very easy to use, small enough to take along, and nice to recieve a pound off here and ten percent off there, especially when you'd be seeing the sight anyway. They sell them here and in London as well. Look for a discount (I got mine at 20% off at my local bookshop, but you may have to order it, or just buy it in London). We did take an organized tour to Oxford/Blenheim Palace, and I'd never do that again. Absolutely go on your own to Windsor and Hampton Court, but look into the walking tours of London. There's a company that offers hundreds of these tours (not all offered every day, and winter may make a difference too). We did Jack the Ripper which was lots of fun and took us into a neighborhood we'd never have found or wanted to walk through alone, and I took the Hempstead tour which was very nice as well. We saw many others we would have liked to do if we'd had more time. <BR> <BR>One restaurant we enjoyed with a very nice view was the Anchor Pub near the new Globe Theater on the south side of the river. We ate in a diningroom on the second floor overlooking St. Pauls across the river. Very good food, reasonable prices. You might be able to take a tour of the theater but they don't perform in the winter. The tour is very interesting. <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>

Scott - we just returned this week from London. I second Diane's on comment on the Tower Bridge - it is a total waste of time. The main reason being is that you can't do it at your own pace (it is a controlled 'guided' tour) and when you can finally get up to the top to take pictures the views aren't that great - climbing to the top galleries of St. Paul's would be much better. Hampton Court was great - we did it on our own, took a train from Waterloo Station and the Palace is a short walk from the station. We also did one of the Original London Walks and thoroughly enjoyed it. Make sure and leave enough time for the Tower of London - go first thing, see the crown jewels and do the beefeater tour. There is also an interesting display in the White Tower on the 'zoo' they used to keep there. Have a great time!