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!

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.

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.

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.

I think "reamed" is a bit strong. You were also being what I would call "pig headed"

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.

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!

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).

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.

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.

If you visit Salisbury Cathedral, try to do the Tower Tour...amazing!