London in January--Need Input!
Oct 25th, 2007, 03:20 AM
#42
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We don't find London that cold even in mid-January. But if you're a warm weather creature, you may find it chilly and damp.
In January, IMHO, Bath is preferable to Oxford or Cambridge for an out of town day trip. Lots to see and do.
www.visitbath.co.uk
Plus, if you do get chilled to the bone, you can warm yourself up with a long hot soak in the new(ish) Thermae Bath Spa.
http://www.thermaebathspa.com/index.html
Or, if you decide to stick closer to home, just go to Windsor, also plenty to do there for a day. And again, if you find yourself chilled, try the brand new day spa facilities (and I do mean new, the spa opens in Jan. 2008) at the Harte & Garter Hotel, which has a cracking location across from the castle and has just finished a £7.5 million refurb. (their new brasserie looks good, but if you want more casual dining, there's a Wagamama in the basement level).
http://www.foliohotels.com/harteandgarter/
In January, IMHO, Bath is preferable to Oxford or Cambridge for an out of town day trip. Lots to see and do.
www.visitbath.co.uk
Plus, if you do get chilled to the bone, you can warm yourself up with a long hot soak in the new(ish) Thermae Bath Spa.
http://www.thermaebathspa.com/index.html
Or, if you decide to stick closer to home, just go to Windsor, also plenty to do there for a day. And again, if you find yourself chilled, try the brand new day spa facilities (and I do mean new, the spa opens in Jan. 2008) at the Harte & Garter Hotel, which has a cracking location across from the castle and has just finished a £7.5 million refurb. (their new brasserie looks good, but if you want more casual dining, there's a Wagamama in the basement level).
http://www.foliohotels.com/harteandgarter/
Oct 25th, 2007, 09:50 AM
#43
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Unless there is a "heat wave" here in January, I would plan on the long puffy coat. Lots of women wear them, and you can just take it off when you go inside. I have a friend here from NYC and she is just as cold here because of the damp. She wears the same coats that she would wear in NY. Plus I agree with the point that it gets dark (and cold) early.
Are your boots cute? Lots of women wear boots here, but I am having trouble visualizing what yours are. If they look like hiking boots, keep them at home. If they are something that you would tuck jeans into, you will fit right in. It is mostly the wind and the damp that makes you feel cold so I don't know that your footwear makes a huge difference.
Check the week before you go and if the highs are in the single digits (in Celcius) then you will need the puffy coat IMO. If the highs are 14ish with lows 8ish, you could get away with the overcoat.
Are your boots cute? Lots of women wear boots here, but I am having trouble visualizing what yours are. If they look like hiking boots, keep them at home. If they are something that you would tuck jeans into, you will fit right in. It is mostly the wind and the damp that makes you feel cold so I don't know that your footwear makes a huge difference.
Check the week before you go and if the highs are in the single digits (in Celcius) then you will need the puffy coat IMO. If the highs are 14ish with lows 8ish, you could get away with the overcoat.
Oct 25th, 2007, 04:02 PM
#44
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where2---you helped a lot with your exact numbers. I think it terms of Fahrenheit--
You are all very helpful---
Now, my husband--ok, my DH, is interested in books, books, and more books...What book store should we go to that has a great used history book section?
You are all very helpful---
Now, my husband--ok, my DH, is interested in books, books, and more books...What book store should we go to that has a great used history book section?
Oct 27th, 2007, 10:23 PM
#46
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Nov 2nd, 2007, 01:33 PM
#47
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SCORE!!!!!! DCJONES, thank you, thank you, thank you! I put us on a mailing list that would notify us if more tickets to the Terracotta Soldiers at the British Museum were made available. Apparently, today they released more and we were able to scoop some up!!!
Nov 2nd, 2007, 08:58 PM
#48
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I don't know what their winter schedule is but London Walks Explorer Day walks are great! I've taken the explorer day trips to Oxford, Canterbury, Bath, and to the Dickens Christmas festival last December. All were great. While you could do these on your own, we enjoyed the expertise of the guides. Another walk that is very interesting (I don't know if it's an Explorer walk or a regular London walk) is the Hampton Court walk.
As for weather, the December trip was mild in the day, cooler at night. Our early February trip was cold, damp and windy. I had a lined all-weather coat and underneath wore silk long johns, wool slacks, a light weight wool sweater and a lightweight fleece cardigan (so I could peel off inside museums) and had gloves, scarf and headband (instead of a hat). I'm from the south and don't have many winter clothes, but layers worked fine. We took an independent day trip to York by train and enjoyed seeing the city in the snow. Besides the other sights mentioned, we enjoyed the Wallace Collection, Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House, Wigmore concert hall, the Imperial War Museum, the Globe Theatre. There is almost no end of wonderful things to do in London. Hmmm-- maybe it's time for another trip there ---
As for weather, the December trip was mild in the day, cooler at night. Our early February trip was cold, damp and windy. I had a lined all-weather coat and underneath wore silk long johns, wool slacks, a light weight wool sweater and a lightweight fleece cardigan (so I could peel off inside museums) and had gloves, scarf and headband (instead of a hat). I'm from the south and don't have many winter clothes, but layers worked fine. We took an independent day trip to York by train and enjoyed seeing the city in the snow. Besides the other sights mentioned, we enjoyed the Wallace Collection, Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House, Wigmore concert hall, the Imperial War Museum, the Globe Theatre. There is almost no end of wonderful things to do in London. Hmmm-- maybe it's time for another trip there ---
Nov 3rd, 2007, 05:11 AM
#49
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We will definitely do some of the London Walks--I think they would really enhance our visit...thanks to all of you for your info...
Would you think a ride on the Thames is just out of the question at this time of year?
Would you think a ride on the Thames is just out of the question at this time of year?
Nov 3rd, 2007, 05:35 AM
#50
No need to decide about a boat ride untill you are there. If the weather is bad you can do something else. But if you luck out and get a cool, clear day, I'd do it. Just really bundle up - the boats do have inside seating but you'd want to be out on deck at least for part of the voyage.
Nov 3rd, 2007, 05:42 AM
#51
Hi, Wren,
apart from short hops on boats, two nice trips are east down to Greenwich, and west up to Hampton Court.
In both cases, it's only worth doing on a nice day, when you've had a early start. Get the train back.
if you are going west, you could also think about Kew Gardens, where as well as the hot houses and shrub borders, you could take in an exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures.
In central london, you might also take in a wander around the Temple with its ancient church, [think Da Vinci Code] gardens, & old buildings. It's just south of Fleet Street, opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
Have a great trip,
regards, ann
apart from short hops on boats, two nice trips are east down to Greenwich, and west up to Hampton Court.
In both cases, it's only worth doing on a nice day, when you've had a early start. Get the train back.
if you are going west, you could also think about Kew Gardens, where as well as the hot houses and shrub borders, you could take in an exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures.
In central london, you might also take in a wander around the Temple with its ancient church, [think Da Vinci Code] gardens, & old buildings. It's just south of Fleet Street, opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
Have a great trip,
regards, ann
Dec 26th, 2007, 11:34 PM
#53
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Just an addition on the clothing front - bring thick socks, or wear two pairs together.
January often has bright sunny days but as soon as it gets dark the temperature drops and your feet will freeze.
oh and enjoy yourselves.
January often has bright sunny days but as soon as it gets dark the temperature drops and your feet will freeze.
oh and enjoy yourselves.
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:11 PM
#54
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Thanks for the tip---I think I might even bring some black boots that have a toasty lining in them just in case! Since we will be in one place for a week, it will be nice to have the space and time to unpack our things.
We found out the London Eye will be under maintenance while we are there---so we will do it another time.
We found out the London Eye will be under maintenance while we are there---so we will do it another time.
Dec 27th, 2007, 07:36 PM
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Having just spent 10 days in London in late November, I can not wait to return. There were many "winter London walks" to choose. In fact, I would love to spend a week just doing those. They have morning walks and afternoon ones. All ages seem to attend these walks including locals.
I showed up at the theater for Hair Spray and snagged a ticket. It was well worth paying double (the lowly US dollar).Hilarious!
Blenheim may be worth a day trip as it has a wonderful Churchill exhibt. The highlights were reading some of his letters.
Also they have recently added a wonderful exhibition
Grace Ridley appears as a ghostly figure to reveal its hidden history about the Marlborough family and their servants.You will meet the ghostly mistress of King Charles II that had an affair with the1st Duke’s
As the doors open and close on their own you will walk through history. Highly entertaining
Getting dark soo soo early was a little off putting and I did need some warm woolies. Love love London
I showed up at the theater for Hair Spray and snagged a ticket. It was well worth paying double (the lowly US dollar).Hilarious!
Blenheim may be worth a day trip as it has a wonderful Churchill exhibt. The highlights were reading some of his letters.
Also they have recently added a wonderful exhibition
Grace Ridley appears as a ghostly figure to reveal its hidden history about the Marlborough family and their servants.You will meet the ghostly mistress of King Charles II that had an affair with the1st Duke’s
As the doors open and close on their own you will walk through history. Highly entertaining
Getting dark soo soo early was a little off putting and I did need some warm woolies. Love love London
Jan 29th, 2008, 04:18 PM
#57
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Many thanks to you all for your help! We absolutely loved London...we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed literally everything we did. We saw everything on our original list except for the Tate--maybe next time.
We attended two worship services at St. Paul's and evensong at Westminster.
We felt that we really had a feel for the city by the time we left---loved hanging out in neighborhood pubs. Riding the tube became a natural for us. We went to Borough Market which was a nice little bonus. Shopping is not our thing--we can do that here (w/ better prices!). We considered going to a show, but we were so busy during the evening that it just did not work out--next time?
One thing that was really amazing was that the Inner Temple and Middle Temple were opened for the first time in 400 years---and we were there! It was a phenomenal experience! We had spoken to a couple at our hotel who were from Western England who told us about it and said this particular weekend was special because they were opening up things that had never been opened to the public before---it was amazing and everyone was very helpful and happy to have us there. They showed us to a library that had a copy of the Declaration of Independence that had the signatures of men who had their legal training at the Middle Temple-it was just another one of the travel moments that you feel privileged to experience.
So once again, thank you to all who helped on this thread and to all the others who have contributed to Fodors!
We attended two worship services at St. Paul's and evensong at Westminster.
We felt that we really had a feel for the city by the time we left---loved hanging out in neighborhood pubs. Riding the tube became a natural for us. We went to Borough Market which was a nice little bonus. Shopping is not our thing--we can do that here (w/ better prices!). We considered going to a show, but we were so busy during the evening that it just did not work out--next time?
One thing that was really amazing was that the Inner Temple and Middle Temple were opened for the first time in 400 years---and we were there! It was a phenomenal experience! We had spoken to a couple at our hotel who were from Western England who told us about it and said this particular weekend was special because they were opening up things that had never been opened to the public before---it was amazing and everyone was very helpful and happy to have us there. They showed us to a library that had a copy of the Declaration of Independence that had the signatures of men who had their legal training at the Middle Temple-it was just another one of the travel moments that you feel privileged to experience.
So once again, thank you to all who helped on this thread and to all the others who have contributed to Fodors!
Jan 29th, 2008, 05:14 PM
#58
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It's great to get your impressions, wren. A couple of questions:
1. were you warm enough (what coat did you bring?) and
2. did you take any day trips?
Although I was raised outside New York, and was just there for a wonderful visit last week, London is my favorite city. I hope you do a trip report - love reading about London.
1. were you warm enough (what coat did you bring?) and
2. did you take any day trips?
Although I was raised outside New York, and was just there for a wonderful visit last week, London is my favorite city. I hope you do a trip report - love reading about London.
Jan 31st, 2008, 01:46 PM
#59
hi, wren,
glad you had a good time, especially in the Temple. I've never seen the documents you mention and i worked in the Temple for about 15 years! sadly this time of year the gardens are not at their best, but they are lovely in summer and open at lunchtimes.
do you know how long this opening is going on? [I ought to i suppose but I can't be bothered to read all the bumph they send me]
hoping for a longer trip report,
regards, ann
PS - did you go into the church and see the crusaders?
glad you had a good time, especially in the Temple. I've never seen the documents you mention and i worked in the Temple for about 15 years! sadly this time of year the gardens are not at their best, but they are lovely in summer and open at lunchtimes.
do you know how long this opening is going on? [I ought to i suppose but I can't be bothered to read all the bumph they send me]
hoping for a longer trip report,
regards, ann
PS - did you go into the church and see the crusaders?
Feb 2nd, 2008, 03:00 PM
#60
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Hi Ann and NOE, Unfortunately, the Inner and Middle Temple were only open to the public that weekend...don't worry, you can always return in the year, 2408! hehehe! We did see the effigies of the Knights at the Temple.
Before we left, I bought an all-weather coat w/ a warm lining, and it worked great. The weather never deterred us at all--we are used to heavy rain here in Florida, and the most precipitation we experienced was a steady drizzle. My pashminas came in very handy as well.
We walked and walked---loved the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms; it left a great impression on us. In addition to visiting the British Museum, we were able to get tickets for the Terracotta soldiers; as well as do a London Walks for the museum. Loved the Library and all the amazing documents from Shakespeare to the Beatles! How cool was it to see a piece of scratch paper with the words of John Lennon---the words that are permanently etched on my mind! The National Portrait Gallery was interesting...got to see my ancestor, Sir Christopher. Loved walking around Covent Garden, seeing the familiar flower market--Hollywood did a great job in "My Fair Lady" and "Mary Poppins" at St. Paul's.
We socialized with others at several pubs and really enjoyed our conversations. I can't really think of any way we could have improved on the trip---we liked the location of our hotel near Blackfriars b/c we like the history of the area. Everything we did went well---from buying the Oyster pass and riding the tube, to just walking around and finding the right pubs and restaurants--we were both just really enamored with the city and would go back in a heartbeat!
Before we left, I bought an all-weather coat w/ a warm lining, and it worked great. The weather never deterred us at all--we are used to heavy rain here in Florida, and the most precipitation we experienced was a steady drizzle. My pashminas came in very handy as well.
We walked and walked---loved the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms; it left a great impression on us. In addition to visiting the British Museum, we were able to get tickets for the Terracotta soldiers; as well as do a London Walks for the museum. Loved the Library and all the amazing documents from Shakespeare to the Beatles! How cool was it to see a piece of scratch paper with the words of John Lennon---the words that are permanently etched on my mind! The National Portrait Gallery was interesting...got to see my ancestor, Sir Christopher. Loved walking around Covent Garden, seeing the familiar flower market--Hollywood did a great job in "My Fair Lady" and "Mary Poppins" at St. Paul's.
We socialized with others at several pubs and really enjoyed our conversations. I can't really think of any way we could have improved on the trip---we liked the location of our hotel near Blackfriars b/c we like the history of the area. Everything we did went well---from buying the Oyster pass and riding the tube, to just walking around and finding the right pubs and restaurants--we were both just really enamored with the city and would go back in a heartbeat!
