We would like some tips on things to see and do in London we'll be going next year (not yet decided when) possible Oct. Also a nice hotel or B-B to stay at. <BR> Thanks for your help

Hi Steve. I have been to London a few times, but I am by no means an expert. <BR>First, it is an expensive city. That needs to be factored in to your thinking,. Second, it is so vast, you will need to prioritize your tourist goals, unless you have 4 weeks or so. <BR>I like concerts and plays, so my trip was scheduled around those events, at least the ones for which I could find tickets. Naturally there are the standard tourist stops of the Houses of Parliament, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods Department Store, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Greenwich Observatory, and so on. <BR> <BR>Let me suggest that you gather as much advice as you can, get maps of the bus and tube system and learn the routes you need, pinpoint your objectives, and make a priority list of places to visit. I did and had the various places and events categorized I, II, and III. I never got out the II category in 9 days of marathon touring. (We did take an out of towner to Salisbury and Stonehenge.) Good luck, and your question should draw a lot of attention. <BR>Also search the archives on this forum because London has been a very frequent topic. People who have responded before don't like to keep repeating what they have already said. <BR> <BR>There are several guide books you can consult. I find Nicholson's London Guide to be handy because of the maps and index list of streets. Because of the immense size of the place, and the wide variety of attractions, you need to inform yourself well to maximize your time and money.

Steve, we've been to London twice in the past 4 years. Our favorite hotel was the Vicarage in Kensington. It close to Kensington Palace - a very nice neighborhood. Book at least 3 -4 months ahead. http://londonvicaragehotel.com/ is the url. They ran us 60 pounds ($100) a nite but they do not have an elevator. Another good link for hotels in London is Smooth Hound at http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/london.html <BR>We also bought Cheap Eats in London by Gustafson and every restaurant she recommended was good. We saw three Musicals and just walked up to the ticket office at the Theatre and bought tickets. Don't waste your time with the half price ticket booths. The lines are long and the offerings are limited at best. Enjoy!

Just returned last week from London..VERY expensive--plan on doing lots of walking and using the tube...EVERYBODY helpful--they will take you literally by the hand to the right exit or train...London very crowded with shoppers from the rest of Europe... Don't try to do everything--Westminister Abbey a must, get to Leicester Square for 1/2 price tickets very early...Tower of London--do recommend taking a bus tour--also getting a tube pass for Section One... So much about London....to see and do--don't drive yourself crazy... stayed at Royal National Hotel, tourist hotel, clean...

<BR>Most people agree that London is expensive, especially if you have a family with you. But it does not have to be like that. <BR>Come off season because nothing ever closes really. <BR>Stay in a good-value hotel. <BR>Use the London Transport Travelcards. If you are here for a week, buy one for about £17 and that will give you all travel on tubes, buses and trains within Zones 1 and 2 which is where most of the sites are. {In fact, a Zone 1 pass could easily suffice.} Ask for family tickets too to save more money. <BR>Don't eat at the touristy places! I know this sounds trite, but walk away from the Leicester Squares and Piccadilly Circuses and prices fall. <BR>Do what Brits do - buy sandwiches and drinks from Marks and Spencer or Boots. They start at about £1 a sandwich with cans at 50p. <BR>Don't feel you have to tip the barstaff at pubs. Most Brits don't. Likewise with taxi drivers. Avoid cabs as much as possible anyway. <BR>If you fancy a posh meal, try some of the set menus at lunch or pre- 7.30 p m. <BR>Look in Time Out magazine for the best places to eat and drink. Ask your hotel staff, or look out for the special magazines for the Ozzies and New Zealanders who live here, called T N T magazine and Southern Cross. <BR>Try to find the small chain of Stockpot restaurants which are cheap and cheerful and very popular. <BR>Ask for tap water in restaurants. As in the U S and elsewhere, mineral water is overpriced. And always check that service is included, as it often is. If not, tipping at 10 - 12% is acceptable, so no need to go higher! <BR>If you buy things here, check out before you come with the tourist office what you need to do to reclaim the Value Added Tax at 17.5%. That will bring the prices down. <BR>If you take the train to places like Cambridge, Windsor etc., check the prices. Travelling after rush hour is cheaper. Ask for a cheap day return if you are planning on coming back the same day, and always ask if it is the best deal for your requirements. <BR>Walk around, with your eyes open and you'll find plenty of free things to see. A walk along the Thames or in Regent's Park can be very memorable, and completely free! <BR>I do all of the above, and I live here!

Steve, I am currently planning a trip to London. Arriving DEc. 19 for a week.. I have used the net to gather all of my information. This forum is outstanding. You will find many good tips for your trip. Several of the same people have responded to both of us. The advice gotten here is very good advbise. Use it.

London has an official and very complete website: www.londontown.com with events, hotels, restaurants, etc. etc. <BR>

<BR>Hi, <BR>I have a timeshare at the Allen House in Kensington - London <BR>It's a sleep-4 suite with evreything <BR>inside . <BR>Its available only July 10th till July 17th , 1999 . <BR>if you interested email me . <BR>you can get it for half price. <BR>bye <BR>Thank you <BR>L. Zeev

Use the tube for transportation in the City. Works great. Visit the War Rooms near Parliament. Interesting along with the other standard stuff already mentioned. We got great day of play tickets at Harrods. Take a Grey Line tour to see the big stuff. Saves trying to do it on your own and you can return to areas you really enjoy. Plays are not the bargain they once were. Good ones sometimes sold out for your time there. You can book from the US. Get info from British travel website mentioned above. Have a good time. <BR>

I would disagree that London is expensive. My wife and I went the week of Thanksgiving this year expecting the worst but were pleasantly suprised. Restaurants away from the very center (like near Earls Court) were better and cheaper than in Atlanta and pub prices are very low. There are, of course, exceptions: Hotels are expensive, use hotel frequent stay points if you can and taxi's are never worth the extra cost. <BR> <BR>Be sure to see the very nice neighborhood of Hampstead (just north of the center) and the great pubs just south of the Thames (I think the neighborhood is called Southwark). Picadilly is overrated and overcrowded. <BR> <BR>You can save money on bus tours by simply using your tube pass on the cities double decker buses. There are easy to use bus maps available when you buy your pass. You'll need a passport photo to buy a weeklong pass, but there are machines located in the train stations if you don't have an extra one from home. <BR>

For some economical hotel suggestions, check out Sandra Gustafson's "Cheap Sleeps in London". Visited London in November & I stayed at a small B&B "Hart House Hotel", which I found in the Cheap Sleeps book. Good accomodations and conveniently located midway between two tube stops (Marble Arch & Bakers St). And yes, as everyone will tell you London is a pricey place, but can be managed with advance planning. Definitely take advantage of their fabulous public transportation system - one can travel everywhere using the "tube". I paid as I went, and if I return, I'd definitely buy a Travel Card to save a few pence.