I am trying to decide whether to use a free week at the beginning of August to travel to London. I have been there before but never in the summer. Unfortunately, none of my usual travel companions can go at that time so I am trying to decide whether to go on my own. My question is, what can I expect during August in terms of closures of museums, theatres, restraunts, etc. I have heard that August is a slow month in London and I'd hate to find myself there alone without much to do. Can anyone give me an idea of what I'll encounter at that time of year? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>Betsy

We were in London last August for 10 days. We were told by our hotel that August is one of their busiest months. We did not find anything closed. On the contrary, there were lines to practically every sight. The British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Imperial War Museum were all open. Suggest you take The Big Bus and buy advance tickets for the Tower of London. Gets you in early. I believe they also have advance tickets for some other sights. You may want to do an online search for The Big Bus London and check out their web sight.

It is only on the Continent that anything closes in August. Nothing in the UK is closed during the month - in fact the hours for many sites are extended. London is crowded year round so the extra crowds at August won't be much different than other times - the main downside is much mre expensive airfares in August than any other month.

Everything in London is open, but as a previous poster has indicated, everything is also extremely busy. I have to say that August is my very least favorite month to visit, since the crowds and humidity don't make for much fun. I love London, but had my first visit been in August and not April, I wonder whether I ever would have rated the place as worthy of a return visit: it was just too darn crowded, dirty and humid when I was there last August. Hmm, I probably still wouldn't turn down an offer to go, but I'd venture further off the A-list trail and search out the many hidden curiosities and wonders that London has to offer.

Thanks very much for the information. Makes the decision on whether or not to go easier. I guess solo travel is still better than staying home and hanging out until it's time to go back to work -or going back to work early! <BR>

If you only have two options (going ANYWHERE or going back to work early), then go to the "anywhere". And, if the "anywhere" is London, there is no other option, IMHO.