Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

London logistics...help for a first timer!

Search

London logistics...help for a first timer!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:05 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
London logistics...help for a first timer!

I posted a bit ago about an itinerary for a week in and around London. I'm back to ask about my tweaked itinerary and some logistics around London.

I was the poster that was considering staying at a b&b in Kennington and I got reamed for it! I'm back to say that I found a hotel that I hope you will all find suitable for the central sights. I have decided on the Lime Tree Hotel in the Belgravia neighborhood. It is between the Victoria and Sloane Square underground stations.
1) What is the opinion on this hotel?

I was also considering on my previous post of landing and driving to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and then onto Bath. I was told by so many that was not the way to start the trip. Driving after an overnight flight would not be the best idea. Here is the new, rough draft, itinerary:
Saturday May 17- Arrive in London; check into hotel; venture out to get our bearings
Sunday May 18- London
Monday May 19- London
Tuesday May 20- London
Wednesday May 21- Get a rental car; Windsor Castle; drive to Winchester
Thursday May 22- Stonehenge, Old Sarum, Wiltshire White Horses
Friday May 23- Bath; overnight at Heathrow hotel for Saturday May 24 flight home
2) What is the opinion on our itinerary?

London logistics:
3) What is the best way to get from Heathrow to the Lime Tree Hotel?
4) Should we get any tickets at home...Tower of London...or not worry about it?

Thanks!
louistraveler5 is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:12 PM
  #2  
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,836
Likes: 26
Questions:

Have you booked yet at the Lime Tree Hotel? It seems to be popular, which will tell you something about it, so book ASAP if you haven't yet.

Where will you stay the night of the 22nd? I'd go on to Bath so you'll have time for a leisurely visit before the drive back to Heathrow next day.
MmePerdu is online now  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:12 PM
  #3  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30,555
Likes: 4
If you get to Old Sarum it is worth visiting Salisbury Cathedral. The best walk is in from The Legacy Rose & Crown and walk in over the meadows.
bilboburgler is online now  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:17 PM
  #4  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,619
Likes: 0
On the other thread did anyone mention "the London tool kit" - google it, lots of info!. Look for details on the 2-4-1 deals for the Tower and other sights - you need to buy a tube ticket from a railway station, then you can get the 2-4-1 entries - will save you quite a few pounds.

We took the tube from Heathrow to our hotel. If you can manage it bag wise, it's the cheapest. I studied the map of the system ahead of time to make sure we would not have to deal with alot of stairs.
suec1 is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:22 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 0
I think "reamed" is a bit strong. You were also being what I would call "pig headed"
newtome is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:23 PM
  #6  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,619
Likes: 0
One more thought - your last night - we stayed at the Swan Hotel in Staines which is super convenient to Heathrow but definately NOT an airport hotel. Lovely old inn on the banks of the Thames - swans a-swimming, lovely path to walk along, you can watch the sculls go by. Very nice patio that looks out on the river. It was like being in the english countryside about 10 minutes from Heathrow. Decent pub grub too. You might want to check it out for your last night.
suec1 is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 12:31 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
I actually did book the Lime Tree Hotel this morning. All they needed was cc info, no payment, so I booked it.

The 22nd we are going to stay in Bath.

I'll check out the London tool kit...thanks!

We will add Salisbury Cathedral to our list!
louistraveler5 is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 01:49 PM
  #8  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
Likes: 0
www.daysoutguide.co.uk - that's where you get the 2for1 offers. Check it out next APRIL because the offers do change and some places cycle on and off the list (most notably, St. Paul's).

And the Day's Out Guide vouchers have to be presented the day of your admission to the ticket agent, so this means no pre-purchasing covered attractions (Tower, War Rooms, Hampton Ct Palace). The savings can be immense ($32 for the Tower for two people).
BigRuss is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 04:07 PM
  #9  
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 0
From LHR either the Tube (cheapest, might not want to travel with luggage, depends on you and how much luggage you have, probably an hourish ride?)

OR arrange a car pickup; we used justairports twice very happily (rode the Tube twice too, so I do have some comparison). Find current info on line and make reservations before you go.

For the Tower--I'd just plan to be there 15-20 minutes before it opens; you should not find too long a line then and can go right in. Go directly to the Crown Jewels and see that first before THAT line gets long. Then do rest. (I took my first Yeoman Warder's tour, in my 4 visits there, in June and loved it.)

You will love Salisbury Cathedral, I think.
texasbookworm is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 04:29 PM
  #10  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,589
Likes: 0
Can't you still buy Tower of London tickets at tube stations other than Tower Station? That lets you bypass the line at the entry gate.
carolyn is offline  
Old Aug 5th, 2013 | 04:41 PM
  #11  
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 0
If you visit Salisbury Cathedral, try to do the Tower Tour...amazing!
historytraveler is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lyndie9
Europe
13
Mar 27th, 2014 09:59 AM
Kristina_Bona
Europe
9
Apr 5th, 2012 02:17 PM
drkathej
Europe
5
Dec 25th, 2007 09:18 AM
tsm0885
Europe
24
Nov 17th, 2005 11:41 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -