jb

can someone e-mail me info on that jack the ripper tour that was mentioned earlier. thanks

Dave

Save the day trips for the next time. London itself has so much it makes my head hurt trying to sort it all out. <BR><BR>Rather than spend time leaving town, coming back, and hanging around the train stations, take that time and see more of the innumerable sights of London itself. I have been there at least 8 times, some of those for a month at a time. Every time I find new (for me) and exciting things that I missed before. All of the other suggestions are good and I won't add anymore. <BR><BR>I really think the most effective use of time is to stay in town and save the day trips for next time. Decide what you like in life (history,art, music, drama, coins, clocks, stamps, animals, clothes, rock and roll, gardens, literature, or whatever)and you have too much of it in London. <BR><BR>Oh, yeah. Have fun.

David White

Susie,<BR><BR>Some good advice posted here so far. I would second the opinion to focus your tour on central London, given that you have only 4 days. <BR><BR>Just back from London (with my 14 year old son), so here's our "two pence worth":<BR><BR>Science Museum should be on your must-see list, especially if your son enjoys science, technology, and hands-on exhibits. The museum is also a good choice if the weather is iffy. For what it is worth, my son reported that he was less impressed with the Natural History Museum than the Science Museum (they are next door to each other).<BR><BR>Tower of London. Can't imagine many 10 year old boys who wouldn't enjoy a visit to the Tower. Go early to avoid long lines.<BR><BR>Changing of the Guard. Most first time visitors include this on their iteneraries. I'd suggest seeing the changing of the mounted horseguards near Whitehall, rather than the Buckingham Palace guards. Less crowded, by far.<BR><BR>Hamley's toy store on Regent Street. 5+ floors of toys. Bring your credit cards.<BR><BR>London Eye. Despite occasional crowding and sell-outs at this popular attraction, we were able to walk up and purchase tickets for a ride at sunset on a Saturday evening last month. It was well worth it.<BR><BR>Cadbury machines. What's so special about chocolate bar vending machines? My son swears that Cadbury's in England are far superior to the product sold in the U.S. Beware....there's a Cadbury machine on every London Underground platform.<BR><BR>IF you still want to take a "field trip" outside of central London, consider hopping on the Docklands Light Railway and riding to Greenwich. The newly re-done Nautical Museum is great for kids, as is the thrill of standing on the zero merridian line dividing the eastern and western hemispheres (up the hill at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich). Riding the driverless, automated Docklands Light Railway train is also a big hit with some kids.<BR><BR>Hope this is helpful<BR><BR>David White<BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com<BR>[email protected]<BR>< BR>

bettyk

Susie, if you do plan to do both the Tower of London AND Hampton Court, be aware that you can buy a combination ticket for both for less money than two separate tickets. We saved over 3 pounds for each adult ticket. I believe you can only buy the combination tickets at the ticket office however.

xxx

Warwick Castle is nowhere near London - Why would you want to go there if you've only 4 days? Ditto Stratford (which is just full of US tourists, not much else to see)<BR>PS A large number of us Brits still avoid the beef.....

Yank in the uk

I am a Yank living outside Cambridge for the past 5 years. I also have 2 kids (8 and 10) who LOVE going to London! I think 4 days just touches the iceberg of this facinating city and saves you from having to drive. Don't forget we Americans arent use to the narrow roads and those round abouts can be scary. Things my kids enjoy, The Markets and all the array of goodies and personalities to be seen. They adore going to the Theater! Chitty,Chitty Bang, Bang or Lion King can't be beat for both kids and adults. Get tickets at the half price stands in Leister square. Don't save by NOT going to the teater this is WESTEND! We also like the British Museum my kids especially love the Egyptian area (Real Mummies!). If you want a taste of Shakespeare go to the Globe theater. I myself love to go to the National Gallery to see the Art and on Saturdays they have kids clubs, just check out their website. I know I might be boo'd by the parents but my kids Love the big arcade in Picadilly Super Sonic Hedgehog or something like that?? 5 stories tall. Just enjoy the diversity of London. Eat dinner in China town, try a curry, a Kabob and go for high tea at the Ritz (not a kid thing but Harrods does kids and caters to them). My biggest piece of advise is, England is Not America and sometimes things are not done as we do them in the USA that's not to say they are done better or worse just diferent<BR> so ENJOY and see another perspective of life. Let travel open your mind!