London in February -- suggestions
Jan 3rd, 2014, 03:09 AM
#41
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I'd add to Southam's suggestion the idea that the teenagers can make themselves the experts on the buses (which are almost all double-deckers, including the new Boris-inspired model) and underground:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/15101.aspx
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/15101.aspx
Jan 3rd, 2014, 04:24 AM
#42
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The London dungeon ?!?
No, heck no!
Unless you run out of EVERYTHING else to do in and around the city.>
janis - my teen son loved the London Dungeon and any teens would - try to put yourself into the teen mind and what they would like - the London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds are at the very top of London's paid attractions for good reasons.
and yes kids that age will love seeing their idols on display at Madame Tussauds too - the famous wax museum.
http://www.madametussauds.com/london/
Yes they cost some money but in a city where on another thread you said $500 a night for a hotel was not extravagant well 20 or so quid for something teens will love is chump change!
Again try to think from young folks points of view!
No, heck no!
Unless you run out of EVERYTHING else to do in and around the city.>
janis - my teen son loved the London Dungeon and any teens would - try to put yourself into the teen mind and what they would like - the London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds are at the very top of London's paid attractions for good reasons.
and yes kids that age will love seeing their idols on display at Madame Tussauds too - the famous wax museum.
http://www.madametussauds.com/london/
Yes they cost some money but in a city where on another thread you said $500 a night for a hotel was not extravagant well 20 or so quid for something teens will love is chump change!
Again try to think from young folks points of view!
Jan 3rd, 2014, 06:30 AM
#43
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Ksbeem,
Hope you have a great time in London. Weather uncertain, but I had the same experience as an above poster years ago – beautiful in late February with daffodils everywhere.
On my last solo trip to London, I took note of those venues that I thought my grandchildren would enjoy (when they visit with mum and dad
including:
the HOUSEHOLD CALVALRY MUSEUM (horseguards on Whitehall) where they can try on the military paraphernalia and see horses up close
http://www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk/
the ROYAL MEWS near Buckingham Palace with coaches, limos etc. which should be especially of interest to boys
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/royalmews
the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE MUSEUM near Trafalgar Square, with effective “historical experience”
http://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/sit...ns/default.htm
Also the BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM (free) in the heart of the City where visitors can “touch real gold”
http://bankofengland.co.uk/education...m/default.aspx
As you can see, I have an historical inclination, but these sites might be of interest to the boys – especially since they are indoors if the weather does not cooperate.
Hope you have a great time in London. Weather uncertain, but I had the same experience as an above poster years ago – beautiful in late February with daffodils everywhere.
On my last solo trip to London, I took note of those venues that I thought my grandchildren would enjoy (when they visit with mum and dad
including: the HOUSEHOLD CALVALRY MUSEUM (horseguards on Whitehall) where they can try on the military paraphernalia and see horses up close
http://www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk/
the ROYAL MEWS near Buckingham Palace with coaches, limos etc. which should be especially of interest to boys
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/royalmews
the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE MUSEUM near Trafalgar Square, with effective “historical experience”
http://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/sit...ns/default.htm
Also the BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM (free) in the heart of the City where visitors can “touch real gold”
http://bankofengland.co.uk/education...m/default.aspx
As you can see, I have an historical inclination, but these sites might be of interest to the boys – especially since they are indoors if the weather does not cooperate.
Jan 3rd, 2014, 07:41 AM
#44
even if the kids think they might enjoy the Dungeon (and most wouldn't ) unless one has time to kill why indulge that silliness? what would you toss out to make time for the schlocky Dungeon? Even Madame Tussaud's would be a better use of the time/£££
Jan 4th, 2014, 01:37 AM
#45
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The main spring holiday week in 2014 is the first week of March (Carnival), when much of Germany, all of Belgium and part of France and the Netherlands have a week's holiday. February should be fine.
Jan 4th, 2014, 08:13 AM
#46
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even if the kids think they might enjoy the Dungeon (and most wouldn't )>
oh come on what kid would not enjoy the London Dungeon? Have you actually been there - certainly not to make such a ridiculous statement - why is it one of the top paying if not the top paying attraction in London now for years - I guess there are a lot of stupid folks out there.
what you call silliness insults the zillions of folks who pay a lot of money to go there - again it has been the top or one of the top paid attractions in London for years - yup a lot of silly folks I guess.
What would I substitute - well I don't know but too often adults plan trips without thinking about what kids may like - what is the difference between the Dungeon and say the Jack the Ripper Tours, also fabulously popular.
oh come on what kid would not enjoy the London Dungeon? Have you actually been there - certainly not to make such a ridiculous statement - why is it one of the top paying if not the top paying attraction in London now for years - I guess there are a lot of stupid folks out there.
what you call silliness insults the zillions of folks who pay a lot of money to go there - again it has been the top or one of the top paid attractions in London for years - yup a lot of silly folks I guess.
What would I substitute - well I don't know but too often adults plan trips without thinking about what kids may like - what is the difference between the Dungeon and say the Jack the Ripper Tours, also fabulously popular.
Jan 4th, 2014, 08:22 AM
#47
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I haven't been to the Dungeon, and my kids never asked to go, so cannot comment.
What my teenagers did like, was Camden market.
Go to Primrose Hill, to see the view over London, and walk along the canal to Camden Lock.
What my teenagers did like, was Camden market.
Go to Primrose Hill, to see the view over London, and walk along the canal to Camden Lock.
Jan 4th, 2014, 09:27 AM
#48
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If you are at Oxford, you are not far from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. When my twin sons were 16, we went there among other places in England and they enjoyed it. We also went to Stratford, an easy day trip from London, as well as Warwick Castle. Another day we went to Canterbury and visited the cathedral there. Their next year of high school when they were enrolled in a British literature course, they felt very smart because they had been to these places and had learned quite a bit about the context for the works they were reading. Your 17-year-olds may have already read those standard British works and might appreciate getting to see the associated sites. My sons also liked the Tate Gallery, so if your boys enjoy art they might, too.
Jan 4th, 2014, 12:23 PM
#49
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We enjoyed the Dickens Museum http://www.dickensmuseum.com/your-visit/
My kids also liked the London Dungeon when they were that age. They LOVED Hampton Court.
My kids also liked the London Dungeon when they were that age. They LOVED Hampton Court.
Jan 4th, 2014, 12:49 PM
#50
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My kids also liked the London Dungeon when they were that age.>
what kind of kid would not like the London Dungeon at that age? Some who call the Dungeon 'silly' are just so so out of touch with the younger generation - and would no doubt be appalled by what kids these days love in video games - to call it - the Dungeon silliness to me represents a haughty cultural attitude - that families in London should only do adult things and to me that is downright silly nonsense.
Not saying the London Dungeon is a must for families with teens but it is one things they nearly all will teens will love and it only takes about two hours or less out of their day - in fact if the Dungeon is where it was a few years back (official site says it has moved) - if it was then you could twin it with something more "culturally approved" - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Experience - along with the Dungeon I did drag my then teen son to the Globe Experience as well - in fact they could be bundled together.
And The Globe is not only educational but can be fun too for teens even though they may have suffered already through Shakespeare in school - adds a new personal twist to the dull old Bard writing in some archaic language - seeing the Pit and who was in the Pit - the ribald nature of the plays - the fact that boys and men played women - the rabble in the Pit throwing things and not just insults, etc.
what kind of kid would not like the London Dungeon at that age? Some who call the Dungeon 'silly' are just so so out of touch with the younger generation - and would no doubt be appalled by what kids these days love in video games - to call it - the Dungeon silliness to me represents a haughty cultural attitude - that families in London should only do adult things and to me that is downright silly nonsense.
Not saying the London Dungeon is a must for families with teens but it is one things they nearly all will teens will love and it only takes about two hours or less out of their day - in fact if the Dungeon is where it was a few years back (official site says it has moved) - if it was then you could twin it with something more "culturally approved" - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Experience - along with the Dungeon I did drag my then teen son to the Globe Experience as well - in fact they could be bundled together.
And The Globe is not only educational but can be fun too for teens even though they may have suffered already through Shakespeare in school - adds a new personal twist to the dull old Bard writing in some archaic language - seeing the Pit and who was in the Pit - the ribald nature of the plays - the fact that boys and men played women - the rabble in the Pit throwing things and not just insults, etc.
Jan 4th, 2014, 12:53 PM
#51
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http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/?gc...FbBAMgodaHYA6A
Official site of The Globe - I would have the kids take in a Shakespeare play here in this replica of his original Globe - they may not like it much but it would be so so educational.
Don't think 2 for 1 entry tickets work for plays but probably do for The Globe museum, experience - whatever you call it.
Official site of The Globe - I would have the kids take in a Shakespeare play here in this replica of his original Globe - they may not like it much but it would be so so educational.
Don't think 2 for 1 entry tickets work for plays but probably do for The Globe museum, experience - whatever you call it.
Jan 4th, 2014, 02:20 PM
#52
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https://www.google.com/search?q=lond...=1600&bih=1074
Well I would say that some parents may not want their kids to see the gore and blood that the London Dungeon is kind of over the top with IMO - and that is a legitimate concern but again the way it is presented makes it less terrifying than one would think.
But a valid concern I do agree.
Well I would say that some parents may not want their kids to see the gore and blood that the London Dungeon is kind of over the top with IMO - and that is a legitimate concern but again the way it is presented makes it less terrifying than one would think.
But a valid concern I do agree.
Jan 4th, 2014, 07:58 PM
#54
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As for the London Dungeon--I took my three kids there 15 years ago when they were 15, 13 and 10 and they loved it. That was the one purely "fun" thing on the list among museums, tours, etc. I didn't think it was a waste of time or money at the time. It's at a different location now and Rick Steves is no fan, so it may have changed significantly.
Jan 4th, 2014, 08:01 PM
#55
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I've been polling my kids and nephew as to what they want to do. My two have been to London before, so we've done many of the things suggested. However, they'd like to do some again -- they want to show their cousin.
We're thinking of doing a Harry Potter London Walk. We did a ghost walk last time -- lots of fun. The hubs and I have taken the London Walk British Museum walk, and that was deluxe.
We're thinking of doing a Harry Potter London Walk. We did a ghost walk last time -- lots of fun. The hubs and I have taken the London Walk British Museum walk, and that was deluxe.
Jan 5th, 2014, 06:32 AM
#56
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We visited London in May. I have several recommendations that I think your 'kids' will love.
1) The Rock and Roll Tour is outstanding covering all the important Rock musicians over the past 50 years. You can even recreate yourself in the famous Abbey Road Album cover.
2) The Fawlty Towers Dining Experience at the Charing C
1) The Rock and Roll Tour is outstanding covering all the important Rock musicians over the past 50 years. You can even recreate yourself in the famous Abbey Road Album cover.
2) The Fawlty Towers Dining Experience at the Charing C
Jan 5th, 2014, 06:46 AM
#57
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Sorry, my computer isn't co-operating. continuing......Cross Hotel is perhaps one of the funniest shows we have seen.Your kids will love the cheeky irreverence of Sybil, Basil and Manuel.
3)The quirky off-beat 'Old Operating Room and Museum' was rediscovered after being shut up for almost 100 years has a fascinating display of 18th and 19th century medical instruments and practises - Thank your lucky stars that we live in 2014.
4)The 'Hop On/Hop Off' Bus Tour on a double decker bus is a good way to get an overview of London.
5) A stand-out outdoor walking tour that we highly recommend is the 'Jack the Ripper' tour. We went with 'London Tours'. The guide who was a part time actor enthralled us.
Have a good time!!
3)The quirky off-beat 'Old Operating Room and Museum' was rediscovered after being shut up for almost 100 years has a fascinating display of 18th and 19th century medical instruments and practises - Thank your lucky stars that we live in 2014.
4)The 'Hop On/Hop Off' Bus Tour on a double decker bus is a good way to get an overview of London.
5) A stand-out outdoor walking tour that we highly recommend is the 'Jack the Ripper' tour. We went with 'London Tours'. The guide who was a part time actor enthralled us.
Have a good time!!
Jan 5th, 2014, 08:59 AM
#58
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Jan 5th, 2014, 12:50 PM
#59
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http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-teenagers.cfm
though 4 years old this old Fodor's thread may be of interest.
though 4 years old this old Fodor's thread may be of interest.
Jan 5th, 2014, 09:45 PM
#60
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For a show, you might want to check out what's going at the Globe Theatre: There's a new, candlelit playhouse now, where they are doing a series of lesser known ELizabethan plays.
http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
they're doing The Dutchess of Malfi, a cracking revenge play with lots and murders and blood. In the second half of february it's The Knight of the Burning Pestle: a play with in a play broad comedy.
There's a Nando's at Bankside, as is a Pizza Express, Wagamama, so, adolescent tastes are amply catered for, dinner-wise.
http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
they're doing The Dutchess of Malfi, a cracking revenge play with lots and murders and blood. In the second half of february it's The Knight of the Burning Pestle: a play with in a play broad comedy.
There's a Nando's at Bankside, as is a Pizza Express, Wagamama, so, adolescent tastes are amply catered for, dinner-wise.
