London Itinery - Review and Suggest
May 27th, 2004 | 07:40 AM
#1
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London Itinery - Review and Suggest
Hi! This is our first go-round for Itinerary for our London Trip. I have loosely used a London Walk?s book to organize our time and the direction for each day. I have appreciated all the help here (organizing, where to find information and even packing and what to wear in July in London J) Here goes!
Day 1 Sun: Arrive London 1:05, Just Airports to pu and take to hotel. Check into hotel (Hilton Metropole/Edgeware Road), Big Bus Tour, dinner, normal bed time. (any suggestions for breakfast around this area?)
Day 2 Mon: Tower of London, boat back to Parliament (latter part of Big Bus Tour), last half of Westminster walk; Siesta, Blood Brothers 7:45
Day 3 Tues: St. James walk (includes Buckingham Palace and surrounds); complete first ? of Westminster Walk (National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery). Afternoon ? Dickens?s London (Soanes House, Old Curiosity Shop, Dicken?s House) Chelsea House (Sr. Thomas More?s House by Albert Bridge. Key Ceremony in PM.
Day 4 Wed. City Walk (St. Pauls, Museum of London, Courtold Gallery); Verger?s Tour of Westminster PM Evensong ? St. Martins in the Field possibly V&A for late opening
Day 5 Thurs Kensington Place Dress Collection, Orangery/lunch, British Museum w/ high lights tour at 3:00 (late opening night.)
Day 6 Fri Hampton Court; a smaller gallery or museum or pick up a visit to Harrods; Book Shops near Charing Cross, etc.; possible theater in PM
Day 7 Sat: Portabello or Camden Passages Markets EARLY a.m., come back to hotel, get ready for departure next day; Open Air Theater (Camelot @ 2:30)
Day 8 Sunday: Church (Any church suggestions around Edgeware? (We are of Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational background so are open to most anything) Noon. Just Airports will PU and take to Heathrow for flight to Edinburgh at 3:55
I have made a separate data base of London Eateries and have a few that we would like to try, especially Speck, that sounded great and will be making reservations on line in the next week or so after I get Itinerary firmed up and know areas for sure. Thanks!
Julie
Day 1 Sun: Arrive London 1:05, Just Airports to pu and take to hotel. Check into hotel (Hilton Metropole/Edgeware Road), Big Bus Tour, dinner, normal bed time. (any suggestions for breakfast around this area?)
Day 2 Mon: Tower of London, boat back to Parliament (latter part of Big Bus Tour), last half of Westminster walk; Siesta, Blood Brothers 7:45
Day 3 Tues: St. James walk (includes Buckingham Palace and surrounds); complete first ? of Westminster Walk (National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery). Afternoon ? Dickens?s London (Soanes House, Old Curiosity Shop, Dicken?s House) Chelsea House (Sr. Thomas More?s House by Albert Bridge. Key Ceremony in PM.
Day 4 Wed. City Walk (St. Pauls, Museum of London, Courtold Gallery); Verger?s Tour of Westminster PM Evensong ? St. Martins in the Field possibly V&A for late opening
Day 5 Thurs Kensington Place Dress Collection, Orangery/lunch, British Museum w/ high lights tour at 3:00 (late opening night.)
Day 6 Fri Hampton Court; a smaller gallery or museum or pick up a visit to Harrods; Book Shops near Charing Cross, etc.; possible theater in PM
Day 7 Sat: Portabello or Camden Passages Markets EARLY a.m., come back to hotel, get ready for departure next day; Open Air Theater (Camelot @ 2:30)
Day 8 Sunday: Church (Any church suggestions around Edgeware? (We are of Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational background so are open to most anything) Noon. Just Airports will PU and take to Heathrow for flight to Edinburgh at 3:55
I have made a separate data base of London Eateries and have a few that we would like to try, especially Speck, that sounded great and will be making reservations on line in the next week or so after I get Itinerary firmed up and know areas for sure. Thanks!
Julie
May 27th, 2004 | 09:03 AM
#2
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We did the British Museum tour with London Walks and were so bored we left it early. You were just rushed from one thing to another and weren't given any time to see what was of interest to you.
We were at Westminister on Wednesday and they closed in the early afternoon and didn't have any tours in the afternoon. Be sure and check on the closing times so you don't miss the Verger tour, we really enjoyed that.
We were at Westminister on Wednesday and they closed in the early afternoon and didn't have any tours in the afternoon. Be sure and check on the closing times so you don't miss the Verger tour, we really enjoyed that.
May 27th, 2004 | 10:02 AM
#3
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A couple of your days are hectic but none are horribly crammed.
However -- some of your sites are not well organized geographically.
Some examples:
- the V&A, Kens Palace and Harrods are all in the same general area but you have them on three different days.
- The tower is a better fit w/ St Pauls than Westminster Abbey is. I'd do the Tower/St Pauls on the same day. Also Sir John Soanes museum is much closer to St Pauls than to some of the places you have it groupped with.
- The Albert Bridge is miles from Soanes/curiosity shop, Dicken's house. And then it is miles back to the Tower for the ceremony of the Keys.
Your list of sites is fine -- but you need to look at a map of London and arrange things more efficiently . . . . .
However -- some of your sites are not well organized geographically.
Some examples:
- the V&A, Kens Palace and Harrods are all in the same general area but you have them on three different days.
- The tower is a better fit w/ St Pauls than Westminster Abbey is. I'd do the Tower/St Pauls on the same day. Also Sir John Soanes museum is much closer to St Pauls than to some of the places you have it groupped with.
- The Albert Bridge is miles from Soanes/curiosity shop, Dicken's house. And then it is miles back to the Tower for the ceremony of the Keys.
Your list of sites is fine -- but you need to look at a map of London and arrange things more efficiently . . . . .
May 27th, 2004 | 10:03 AM
#4
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Julie,
The British Museum is open late on Thurs. and Fri nights. Particularly after 7:00pm you have many exhibits all to yourself.
If you are looking for a small gallery, I can recommend the Courtauld Gallery in the Somerset House. Very small in comparison to the Tate's and the National Galleries, but unbelievably rich in quality. Plus admission is free on Monday mornings.
What else were you thinking for dining spots?
JoeG
The British Museum is open late on Thurs. and Fri nights. Particularly after 7:00pm you have many exhibits all to yourself.
If you are looking for a small gallery, I can recommend the Courtauld Gallery in the Somerset House. Very small in comparison to the Tate's and the National Galleries, but unbelievably rich in quality. Plus admission is free on Monday mornings.
What else were you thinking for dining spots?
JoeG
May 27th, 2004 | 10:42 AM
#5
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Thanks for the responses so far.
As far as dining, Rules, Porters are the couple I can think of off the top of my head, there have been several Thai and Chinese restaurants mentioned, we love Indian and middle eastern. We live in Albuquerque and want to stay away from Mexican and steak houses. We will probably do simple, budgety type things (marks and spencers, and some of the other healthier sounding "take out" type of things) for lunches, but a sit down dinner is always a treat for us because we are always on the run in "real time" and that is a luxury for us! (Especially with the 6 and 8 year old left at home
Janis: I've had my London Mapguide at my side, but I still get mixed up by areas. Thanks for your suggestions!
I'll tweak things and run them by again!
Many thanks!
Julie
As far as dining, Rules, Porters are the couple I can think of off the top of my head, there have been several Thai and Chinese restaurants mentioned, we love Indian and middle eastern. We live in Albuquerque and want to stay away from Mexican and steak houses. We will probably do simple, budgety type things (marks and spencers, and some of the other healthier sounding "take out" type of things) for lunches, but a sit down dinner is always a treat for us because we are always on the run in "real time" and that is a luxury for us! (Especially with the 6 and 8 year old left at home
Janis: I've had my London Mapguide at my side, but I still get mixed up by areas. Thanks for your suggestions!
I'll tweak things and run them by again!
Many thanks!
Julie
May 27th, 2004 | 11:08 AM
#6
Joined: Oct 2003
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Day 5- the hats collection at Kensington is hilarious. If you get the headphones don't bother listening to any other sections of the monologue other than the hats and the dresses. It is way too monotonous.
The Orangery was so much fun to eat at. We had lunch, not tea, but my mom, sister and I each ordered a seperate dessert, which are beautifully displayed as you walk in the door, and shared.
I think you are doing the highlights tour led by a museum docent at the British Museum and not the London Walks tour, right. We took the docent led tour and it was well worth the money. They took us to all of the "important" exhibits. That museum is so vast that it would be impossible to see everything on the tour on your own, unless you had unlimited time. They have great gift shops there.
Have fun, Lynnie
The Orangery was so much fun to eat at. We had lunch, not tea, but my mom, sister and I each ordered a seperate dessert, which are beautifully displayed as you walk in the door, and shared.
I think you are doing the highlights tour led by a museum docent at the British Museum and not the London Walks tour, right. We took the docent led tour and it was well worth the money. They took us to all of the "important" exhibits. That museum is so vast that it would be impossible to see everything on the tour on your own, unless you had unlimited time. They have great gift shops there.
Have fun, Lynnie
May 27th, 2004 | 05:50 PM
#7
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Message: Hi! This is our tweaked Itinerary for our London Trip. I have loosely used a Frommers London Walks book to organize our time and the direction of each day. I have appreciated all the help here (organizing, where to find information and even packing and what to wear in July in London J) Here goes!
The days are arranged by AM, PM, Evening, some things we understand will take a ride in the tube to get to the next place, or a bus or a walk.
Day 1 Sun: Arrive London 1:05, Just Airports to pu and take to hotel. Check into hotel (Hilton Metropole/Edgeware Road), Big Bus Tour, dinner, normal bedtime. (any suggestions for breakfast around this area?)
Day 2 Mon: Tower of London, boat back to Parliament (latter part of Big Bus Tour); City Walk (St. Pauls, Museum of London, Courtold Gallery); Siesta, Blood Brothers 7:45
Day 3 Tues: St. James walk (includes Buckingham Palace and surrounds); Afternoon - Dickens London (From Frommers London Walks) (Soanes House, Old Curiosity Shop, Dickens House); Key Ceremony in PM.
Day 4 Wed. Westminster Walk (National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery); Vergers Tour of Westminster Abby; PM Evensong @ St. Martins in the Field; possibly V&A for late opening afterward.
Day 5 Thurs Kensington Palace Dress Collection, Orangery/lunch, British Museum w/ high lights (Not London Walks) tour at 3:00 (late opening night.)
Day 6 Fri Hampton Court; a smaller gallery or museum or pick up a visit to Harrods; Book Shops near Charing Cross,etc.; possible theater in PM
Day 7 Sat: Portabello or Camden Passages Markets EARLY a.m., come back to hotel, get ready for departure next day; Open Air Theater (Camelot @ 2:30)
Day 8 Sunday: Church (Any church suggestions around Edgeware? (We are of Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational background so are open to most anything) Noon. Just Airports will PU and take to Heathrow for flight to Edinburgh at 3:55
I have made a separate data base of London Eateries and have a few that we would like to try, especially Speck, that sounded great and will be making reservations on line in the next week or so after I get Itinerary firmed up and know areas for sure. Thanks!
Julie
The days are arranged by AM, PM, Evening, some things we understand will take a ride in the tube to get to the next place, or a bus or a walk.
Day 1 Sun: Arrive London 1:05, Just Airports to pu and take to hotel. Check into hotel (Hilton Metropole/Edgeware Road), Big Bus Tour, dinner, normal bedtime. (any suggestions for breakfast around this area?)
Day 2 Mon: Tower of London, boat back to Parliament (latter part of Big Bus Tour); City Walk (St. Pauls, Museum of London, Courtold Gallery); Siesta, Blood Brothers 7:45
Day 3 Tues: St. James walk (includes Buckingham Palace and surrounds); Afternoon - Dickens London (From Frommers London Walks) (Soanes House, Old Curiosity Shop, Dickens House); Key Ceremony in PM.
Day 4 Wed. Westminster Walk (National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery); Vergers Tour of Westminster Abby; PM Evensong @ St. Martins in the Field; possibly V&A for late opening afterward.
Day 5 Thurs Kensington Palace Dress Collection, Orangery/lunch, British Museum w/ high lights (Not London Walks) tour at 3:00 (late opening night.)
Day 6 Fri Hampton Court; a smaller gallery or museum or pick up a visit to Harrods; Book Shops near Charing Cross,etc.; possible theater in PM
Day 7 Sat: Portabello or Camden Passages Markets EARLY a.m., come back to hotel, get ready for departure next day; Open Air Theater (Camelot @ 2:30)
Day 8 Sunday: Church (Any church suggestions around Edgeware? (We are of Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational background so are open to most anything) Noon. Just Airports will PU and take to Heathrow for flight to Edinburgh at 3:55
I have made a separate data base of London Eateries and have a few that we would like to try, especially Speck, that sounded great and will be making reservations on line in the next week or so after I get Itinerary firmed up and know areas for sure. Thanks!
Julie
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May 27th, 2004 | 05:54 PM
#8
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Thanks, I have heard good things of Kensington Palace exhibits and the Orangery sounded perfect. We have the rest of the day planned for the British Museum and will have the Docent's tour (again another Fodorite's suggestion) so we will have a good 8 plus hours for touring and will take advantage of the on site restaurants for time outs! Should be fun..only 54 days...but who is counting any how! Laugh! Thanks for the help!
Julie
Julie
May 27th, 2004 | 08:14 PM
#9
Joined: Feb 2003
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Hi Julie. Your itinerary sounds great! I've eaten at Porter's several times and definitely recommend it. You've probably already seen their website (which includes the complete menu), but just in case you haven't, it's http://www.porters.uk.com (and if you like chocolate, try the dark chocolate chip pudding for dessert!).
Jamie
Jamie
May 28th, 2004 | 10:29 AM
#10
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Julie,
Here are some fairly reasonable eating options to consider:
Wagamama is a noodle type restaurant with a location about a block and a half from the British Museum.(there are several locations) It is bright, clean, with fast service. It's not really a destination restaurant but fit's the bill if you are looking for a quick fix.
North Sea Fish Restaurant on Leigh St is four or five blocks north of the BM. It is a very comfortable, cozy neighborhood place for fish & chips, fresh fish, great beers and a decent reasonable wine list.
Belgo Centraal is closer to Covent Garden and is a good late night option (or lunch, dinner) - Steamed Mussels & Frites and tons of Belgian beers.
You didn't mention going to the Tate Modern but they have a great restaurant - CAFE 7 on the top floor with spectacular views, creative menu, good wine list, reasonable prices.
JoeG
Here are some fairly reasonable eating options to consider:
Wagamama is a noodle type restaurant with a location about a block and a half from the British Museum.(there are several locations) It is bright, clean, with fast service. It's not really a destination restaurant but fit's the bill if you are looking for a quick fix.
North Sea Fish Restaurant on Leigh St is four or five blocks north of the BM. It is a very comfortable, cozy neighborhood place for fish & chips, fresh fish, great beers and a decent reasonable wine list.
Belgo Centraal is closer to Covent Garden and is a good late night option (or lunch, dinner) - Steamed Mussels & Frites and tons of Belgian beers.
You didn't mention going to the Tate Modern but they have a great restaurant - CAFE 7 on the top floor with spectacular views, creative menu, good wine list, reasonable prices.
JoeG
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