London Trip Report 3/19 - 3/26 (Long)
 

Hi everyone,<BR> After all the great advice I got here I just wanted to let everyone know we had a great time in London and here is some of what happened in case anyone is interested:<BR><BR>Left Wednesday morning from Houston and arrived in Dallas for a change over. Not much security that we could really see at IAH or DFW and we got through security fairly quickly. While waiting at DFW news came over the televisions that war had started but no changes were made to our flights so we boarded our plane for Gatwick. Long bumpy flight and we were three rows from the back so we had no choice in dinner but that's okay we were on vacation and on our way to London. Purchased vacation package with American Airlines and stayed at the Thistle Euston. When we arrived at Gatwick we went through customs and got a faint stamp with an unreadable date. First stop the atm and pulled out enough pound notes for the first couple of our six days. No problem with the atm or finding one. Boarded the Thameslink instead of the Gatwick Express as we were going to Kings Cross station and had no problems. I think it took about 45 minutes or so. Due to some construction or our jet lag we got lost outside Kings Cross looking for the bus and ended up walking around with our luggage for what seemed like forever until we stumbled on Euston Station and were able to get directions to the Thistle Euston. It was about 9:30 and no non smoking rooms were available so we checked our luggage in and left to get started. First stop the Big Bus and we found the closest stop pretty easy at Russell Square. Got on and prepared to see everything. This was only our second visit to London and on the first we really enjoyed the bus tour and so were expecting the same experience. We were disapointed as due to the construction the buses were not on their scheduled route and two had only recorded commentary which was no good since we had to detour. I think there was some problems due to protests as well but since I didn't go to London to sit in traffic, I can do that here on the way to work and back. We got off and decided to do the river cruise which is free with the bus tour. Got sidetracked when we ate and then it started to get dark. Made our way to the pier anyway but had just missed the last boat. Had tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys so made our way to the Tower and waited in the freezing cold for the ceremony to start. Disapointed that parts of the tower were behind massive white shrouds as they were doing some preservation to the walls. It took something from the experience. Only a backdrop of white and not dark stone. But the ceremony was worth seeing at least once and there was a large group. After that feeling tired we made our way via tube and walking back to the hotel to check into our room and rest. The hotel was nice and roomier than we expected. It had two hairdryers, electric coffee and/or tea pot, a bathtub/shower and a view of the street and Euston Station and the noise that goes with it. But it was okay becouse everynight we went to sleep we were so tired the noise never kept us up. Day two coming in next post.<BR>

London, Day two<BR><BR>Had tickets pre purchased over the web for Windsor Castle so we set out bright and early after eating breakfast that had been included in the package. It was good, but by day five I was getting tired of the same choices of (juice 3 types, coffee, tea or hot chocolate, three types of cereal, and rolls) but it was convenient and already paid for so we made do. Got tickets at Euston Station for the tube to Waterloo and for the train to Windsor and back and we were off...in rush hour tube traffic. Okay though becouse we finally got on and the Southwest Train wasn't full at all going away from London. Enjoyed seeing the countryside for the short trip....I think it was 30 to 40 minutes. I think Windsor Castle was my favorite of the Royal Castles and Palace's we saw. It was cold in the morning but it soon warmed up. Took pictures outside as non were allowed inside. Took the guided tour but didn't get the sound tour(at first) Were told Prince Philip was in residence and that the Queen would be there later that day. We would be able to tell when the flag over the round tower changed to her standard which it did late that afternoon. Not that we saw either of them since their personal part was very much away from the visitor part and blocked by guards and a large black fence. The doll house collection was not what I was expecting. It was in one small room and behind glass and just not as interesting as I thought. The dolls too were not so exciting. But when we got to the state apartments...WOW I was impressed. Room after room of gorgeous furniture, tapestries, pictures, and well more than I can describe. Luckily in purchasing my tickets on the web I noticed that these would be closed on Monday the day I had originally planned on going and moved it back to Friday. St. George's chapel was wonderfull and seeing the crypt with all the burried royalty was great. We left the castle then for lunch as there was no where to eat inside. Found a nice little place where we had, of course, fish and chips then made our way back in. Oops, we didn't get wrist bands to get back in but the guards were super nice and let us in after joking with us. By the way there is a metal detecter much like the one at the airport you have to go through before entering the castle. After re-entering we decided to do the state rooms again, but this time with a sound guide and boy it was even better the second time when we knew what we were looking at. The guided tours do not go inside they only take and tell you about the outside of the castle. Well we were the last ones inside and the guards who one in each room closing up behind us but they didn't hurry us. After leaving the castle as it was closing we decided to walk around the town a bit before heading back to London as we had set aside the day for Windsor. Didn't go to Eton though since we were not sure how far it was so we looked at some of shops until they too began to close. Went back to the train station and returned to London. Had dinner in our room, sandwiches from Upper Crust and tried to find something on beside war news. Couldn't so made the best of it and flipped between CNN and BBC. By the way the only negative coments we heard were while on the train back from Windsor and a group talking about Bush but they weren't angry just discusing and so we never felt threatened at any time. Next post day three...

Saturday<BR><BR>Got up extra early to go to Portobello Road Market as we missed it last time and even as early as it was (8:00)we only had to follow the crowd off the tube to the start of the market. We wandered around for a couple of hours but to our great disapointent and not for lack of trying we didn't purchase a thing. Large selection of just about everything but nothing that caought our eye. Not sure if we walked far enough though for we stopped and turned around when we got to the fruit and vegetable stands. Had planned this time on doing more walking and less tube taking so didn't purchase travel cards but we soon tired quickly and ended up buying zone one tube tickets everytime we went somewhere. In hindsight I think next time we will get the daily travelcard. Next stop St. Pauls Cathedral looking forward to this since we didn't get to go in last time we were here. But like the Tower of London they were undergoing extensive preservation and the inside did not look like any picture we had ever seen. Very very disapointed in the scaffolding and wood covered floor. Temporary wooden passages that took you around without seeing anything but fresh wood. We did walk up the steps to the top and it was worth the climb but took us a while to catch our breath. Very cold up there but great view and good pictures. Despite the construction there was a lot of people there and all were trying to whisper to each other without actually hearing the words. Left St. Pauls for the Museum of London as it was down the street. Enjoyed the exhibits and being able to see Roman, Saxon/Norman, Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian London artifacts. Had some hot tea(is there any other kind) in the cafe and purchased some books in the gift shop. Next the Millenium Bridge which was very cold as we walked across but worth it. Decided to try the Texas Embassy for dinner and took the tube to Trafalgar Square. The restuarant was busy and we had to wait about half an hour for a table but the food was good though the restaurant was very noisy. Went back to the room and tried to find Ground Force, What not to wear, Eastenders, The Office, or something we recognized on BBC but couldn't. They do have some interesing shows there and though it sounds crazy I liked watching their commercials. Next report day four.

Forgot to mention that we did the Jack the Ripper tour Sunday night. Simon was the guide and the group was large but we had a good time and though we only did one other walking tour we wished we had time for more. <BR>

Dear Eme,<BR> Thanks for your informative and interesting trip report.<BR> In future, would you please put spaces between paragraphs? It was very hard to read.

I'll second that paragraph motion. I'm glad you had a good trip, Eme, but it makes it much easier reading if you use paragraphs.

Day 4 Sunday<BR><BR>Kensington Palace today and with our tickets already purchased we were able to go past the already lengthening line. <BR><BR>The wedding dress collection was worth the visit as was the rest of the palace we were able to see. <BR><BR>Had lunch at The Orangery and took a walk through the park.<BR><BR>Tube to Charring Cross then we walked to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and to Trafalgar Square. <BR><BR>We didn't see any extra security in front of Buckingham Palace like we did when we walked past Grosvener Square where the American Embassy is. They had that part closed to road traffic and several police all with visible guns.<BR><BR>

Monday Day 5<BR><BR>Up early and to Hampton Court. Short train ride from Waterloo and we were able to walk through the gardens as Hampton Court was not open yet. We were surprised to see so many flowers as it was still chilly but we took advantage and walked throughout. <BR><BR>When Hampton Court opened we took both costumed tours available and all recorded tours. It was impressive and the costumed guides were very knowledgable about the history they were imparting.<BR><BR>It took most of the day to see everthing and get lost in the maze.(we cheated and finally followed out a guided tour or we might still be there now.)<BR><BR>Westminster by Gaslight walking tour that night was well worth the 2+hours it took to see it all. At the end we were informed we would be able to see members of parliament debate for as long as they did that night. We almost didn't get in as it was already after 10:00pm. After going through a tight security including signing a paper stating we wouldn't speak or clap we were allowed in. It was one of the highlights of our trip as I had thought that Parliament was closed and especially to visitors in the strangers gallery and was not expecting to be able to see it.<BR><BR>

Eme,<BR>Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. My husband and I are seriously considering going to London (for our 2nd time) in June, and your report is reinforcing that idea! Please keep sharing.

Great report Eme! I was in London at the same time you were (3/19-3/25). We may have bumped into each other at Portbello Rd.<BR><BR>Did you run into any snags because of the demonstrations on Thursday or Saturday? We were in South Kensington on Saturday and couldn't get a cabbie to take us to St Paul's because the protester's had the roads blocked. He suggested Kensington Palace, so we revised our plans on the fly and went there on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks for the report! although I live very close to London, I find it interesting to see what tourists do when they come over here. Just curiosity... I can't wait for my trip to New Orleans/Memphis in May :O)

Wonderful post.

Eme, <BR> We were in London a day later than you were and like you had a great time and will post report later, but I wanted to agree with you about the bus tour. It was very much of a disappointment. The recorded commentary wasn't understandable, the bus's brakes were horribly loud, and the driver was trying his best to run down a pedestrian at every corner. <BR> We too went on the Westminster by Gaslight tour on a different day and were also able to get into Parliament. Angela was our guide and was very good, (but a very fast walker!)

When you reach Kings Cross Thameslink station you look for the stairs marked Underground, Piccadilly Line, go down one flight cross beneath the rails, and take the escalator up to street level. You step out of glass door onto the pavement (sidewalk) and resist all inclinations to budge until a bus come along, marked Euston. Kings Cross St Pancras is crowded and constricted. <BR><BR>[email protected]<BR>

Just a note in case some comments here scare people away from the Big Bus Tour. The busses have small placards in the window to indicate which have recorded commentaries and which have live. We just took the tour this month again and had all live commentaries and found them very enjoyable and informative. The only problem with being on top is that it gets cold!

Great report Eme - glad you had a good time. Did you find any restaurants that you really enjoyed while there?<BR><BR>How did you do the trip from the Thistle Euston back to the airport?