London tips
 

Going through my stuff now that we're home from our trip, I remembered there were a few things I wanted to pass along that aren't in any of the guidebooks I read. There is no longer a tourist information desk in Selfridges Department store (though it's a wonderful store and the Beanie Babies are 1 lb cheaper there than in Hambley's). Victoria station (where the TI desk is) is undergoing renovations most of the summer so avoid it at all costs during rush hour. They no longer let you into Westminster Abbey for free on Wednesday evenings, though it is less expensive then, and you can still take pictures at that time, but even though it closes at 8, they stop letting people in a little after 7. The Great Fire experience in the Museum of London sounds much better in the guide books than it really is, but the WWI trench experience at the Imperial War museum is cool. Also, see my note in the "Groovy tourists in their 30's" post about finding your way around. Finally, the science museum and the London transport museum were rated tops by my kids, ages 9-14, and the longest escalator in the Underground system is at the Angel station, and yes we did have to go there and ride on it once we found that out.

<BR>To add to the great tips above, Marks and Spencer has a great currency exchange rate and does not charge a commission. This is VERY handy.

Marks and Spencer DOES do very well on foreign exchange. One warning: The exchange desk is supposed to be for M&S customers only. So, if you are asked if you are buying, just smile and say you are. I doubt, however, that any one is ever sent to M&S jail for just exchanging and not spending. <BR> <BR> M&S is, by the way, a pretty neat store with lots of mid-priced goods. The company makes a big thing of trying always to sell British-made goods although this might be affected by the new European Union. <BR> <BR> There ARE other department stores besides Harrod's, by the way, although tourists flock to H's. They're worth visiting.

Oops, I forgot to mention the other two tips I wanted to pass along. The London for Less Card is not as good a deal for families when using the discounts for the tourist sites like the Tower, etc. The Family ticket was a better deal without the London for Less Coupons just about everywhere we went. On the other hand, a family White Card was a great deal £50 for the card which got us into just about every museum we went to (it covers 13 of them, I think) We went to the Science Museum, V&A, Museum of London, Imperial War Museum, London Transport, and Royal Observatory. It also got us into the special Science of Sport exhibit at the Science museum, which the kids loved. Anyway, just a couple more tips. Have fun! <BR> Anna

GEt on the tube and simply get lost. It's the best time I've had in London and I try to do it on every visit. I even encourage my students to do the same. <BR>I know.. crazy, but fun!