You Fodorites really helped us plan our recent 5 day trip to London. You suggested we had planned too see much in such a short period, and you were right! We went over Easter break (parts of the tube were closed for scheduled maintenance, and some places were closed on Easter) and amazingly the weather was balmy & just right for walking, walking, walking. I had never heard of the London Walks before this board, but we had time for two (Thames Evening Pub Walk & Westminster Abby) and will definitely come back for more.

My husband did well in his race at beautiful Hyde Park, and didn't even mind walking over to Kensington Palace afterward. We still managed to see Tower of London, Windsor, Harrod's, London Eye, a play, a river cruise, St Paul's, The British Museum, and eat the best pub food.

The people seemed more reserved than Americans, but at the same time more approachable & polite (if that makes sense). London's underground is so efficient; that 7-day Travelcard was our best purchase. We bought the GBHPass, but unfortunately didn't have the time to properly enjoy enough of the sites. Next time. How do the women walk around so fast in those beautiful pointy shoes??

South Kensington was a great location for our hotel (as suggested here), and Wegamama & British Museum cafe (also mentioned here) were good for affordable eats.

Thanks for the advice about getting our pounds from an ATM over there. Every penny saved helped w/our poor American dollar. British Airways was very relaxing w/those seat-back monitors (I am claustrophobic).

Anyway, you are so helpful! Happy trails to you.
Sue

Glad you enjoyed it.You remembered to pack the most important thing - the right attitude!

Hi Sue,

where did you stay?

thanks,

Mary

marymarra: We stayed for three days at Abcone Hotel just a block from the Gloucester Rd tube station (about 80 GBP a night, w/decent bathroom & bedroom, no AC but French doors opened out to a pation, wonderful fresh air). Then we transferred to Victoria Inn (two blocks from Pimlico tube station, 90 GBP/night) since we'd heard we might not like European/small hotels. Anyway, both were fine: the first had fewer English-speaking staff but was somehow more comfy and better located. They were both near restaurants & shops but still very quiet & relaxing. Good luck.

Can you share more about your "pub food" experence? At which ones did you eat, what did you have, and what was the cost?

<i>&quot;How do the women walk around so fast in those beautiful pointy shoes??&quot;</i>

They're walking quickly so they can get to somewhere they can sit faster.

Glad you had a great trip. Isn't London da bomb!

Those pointy shoes are not uncomfortable in the least as long as they are kitten heels instead of stilettos. Seriously, you would be surprised. If they are kitten heels, they don't shove your foot very far forward at all.

My pointy toed boots are some of my most comfortable shoes. I promise.

runnerjeff,
I really enjoyed your trip report, sounds like you were able to see a lot.

Like MCV asked, I'd also like to hear what type of meals you had, the costs, and specifics, if you can remember!

We just booked today for one week in early Sept., will be staying at the Milennium Bailey's, also in South kensington. It's our 1st trip to London, and we're a little anxious about the cost of meals, as everyone keeps warning of &quot;sticker shock&quot;.

hagan,

Don't worry about the prices, maybe I'm jaded, but I didn't find the prices that outrageous, of course, I was by myself and didn't have to pay for two. There are expensives places and there are reasonable places, I think it all depends what price range restaurants you eat at when you're at home. Besides, you're vacation, splurge a little and don't worry about it.