Queen Leaves. Maitai Arrives. Coincidence. I Think Not. London Questions
 

I see the Queen looked at our travel schedule and decided to hightail it out of town while we are there. Smart lady! Here's my first of what I hope will not be too many London questions (who am I kidding).

When the royal family leaves during August and September, it looks like they have some special State Room tours of Buckingham Palace...one that includes a garden tour and another that is a really expensive night tour (but you do get a free glass of champagne...I'm a sucker for the bubbly).

Have any of you been on one of these tours while Elizabeth and the gang are frolicking in the Scottish highlands? I actually don't mind paying the hefty fee for the night tour, since it's not something I would ever get the chance to do again.

Opinions? Thanks.

((H))

Hi Maitai, that’s a good question which I can’t answer. I am going to London again at the end of June so that tour should not be available unfortunately. I am looking forward to the account of you and your dear lady’s adventures in London. So much to do and see.

What sites/museums/attractions are you planning so far? Where are you staying?

I've been on the daytime tour twice. The evening tour is a recent addition and I haven't been.

I personally think the regular tour is totally 'worth it' and I'll probably also go on an evening tour then next time I'm in the city when it is offered.

Apparently the evening tour you actually enter through the gates. The daytime tour you enter around to the side -but still go inside the Palace via the main entrance inside the courtyard. This one http://www.flickr.com/photos/british...hy/7341399882/ (Sans the coach and horses)

there is a thread from a couple of days ago where someone posted about doing the evening one just recently. A search will probably bring it up.

lateday - I'm just starting to put my London wish list together. Lots of things to see so trying too prioritize. Definitely will go out to Windsor castle and Hampton Court, see the British Museum, Tower of London (including the night time Key Thing, which I believe has a real name), Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, etc. Hoping to find a couple of offbeat places, too. We will have about 5 1/2 day depending on which over-priced flight I book. It looks like we will be in an apartment near Onslow Gardens, but I am awaiting confirmation.

janis - The night-time tour is £70 per person, so I'm trying to figure out if that champagne is really worth it, but it would be a once in a lifetime deal, so we are considering. For sure, I think we will do some sort of State Room tour. I will search for that post. Thanks.

((H))

Heck £70 is chicken feed (not really)

You want once in a life time? I'm spending £400+ for a ticket to the niner game at Wembley in Oct (and spent bou coup dinero to be on the river during the Jubilee flotilla last year)

I've decided if something is special enough I don't want to years from now say "myself - that sure was a neat game I <i>almost</i> went to"

Night time key thing,the "Ceremony of the Keys", has been performed nightly for 700 years (I think) and claims to be the oldest ongoing ceremony in the world. It's definitely worthwhile. You might also consider the Cabinet War Rooms in the basement of Whitehall and the London Eye at night. Agree with Janisj: If something is special enough, do it! Count me in with the group eagerly awaiting your trip report.

Reserve very early for the night time Key Thing - numbers are very limited and it is definitely worthwhile.

Tom, DD and i went to Buck house about 15 years ago and it was totally worth the £12 they stung me at the time. We were overwhelmed by all the gold and glitter and decided that their surroundings completely explained why the royals are all so weird.

The Temple is a nice place for a sumer stroll - lovely gardens and an oasis of peace just off Fleet Street.

We saw a play at The Globe Theatre which I really enjoyed, despite not being too keen when the idea was first suggested.

The Borough Market was great if you are interested in good food. We tasted our way around the stalls and then bought lunch and ate it sitting on the grass.

I am so looking forward to this trip. As many of you know, we like to pack in as many things as possible on our sojourns (Kim and Mary are the only other people as crazy as we are), so between London and the countryside, I doubt we will even sleep on this trip.

I'm already contemplating a return trip to London to see all the stuff we will miss on this one.

((H))

A second vote for Borough market http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ ( open Thurs, Fri, Sat). I believe there are a few wine bars on the outer perimeter of the market. :)

Looks like the Verger Tour of Westminster Abbey is the way to go. To make sure to get inside in time for 10 a.m. tour (Abbey opens at 9:30), what would be the best time to get in the queue before it opens? Thanks.

((H))

My husband and I and a friend stayed in an apartment on Onslow Square for a week last September, vrbo 277494; if that is the one you are looking at, it is a very good choice; it is absolutely lovely. We liked the area as well and plan to stay there again when we make another trip to London next year.
Ms.ImaginaryJazz

imaginary, we'd have to play Rock, Scissors, Paper with Kim and Mary to see who gets the master. Looks really nice.

((H))

If you see a play at the Globe, the Tate Modern is an easy near by addition. I'm not a huge modern art fan, but really enjoyed our brief visit.

Loved, loved Hampton Court. Have you read The Other Bolyn Girl? I swear I saw her right around the corner...

Ceremony of the Keys: outstanding. We were there on a drizzly night, and think we may have seen the 2 princes darting by. Not sure.

maitaitom - when is your trip to London? I'm going in early April and have tickets for the 6 PM tour of Buckingham Palace on 4/7. I'll post a report from the tour if you're still planning your trip and think it would help you decide. The evening tours are a smaller group too so that might be something to help you decide.

Buckingham Palace tour is good - I had lived in London for years, and finally went last summer. Pity you will miss Helen Mirren as the Queen in 'the Audience' - absolutely wonderful performance (on till middle of June).

One of my absolute favorite things to do in London in the summer is go to the Regents Park Open Air Theatre. This August it's The Sound of Music. Take a picnic, or enjoy the excellent food on offer there, and hope for good weather.

Onslow Square is a great area for a flat. Go to Elystan Street/Cale Street; lovely area with some small shops and restaurants. Good place to pick up food if you want to eat in your flat.
Or Bute Street; also good for food shopping.

"maitaitom - when is your trip to London?"

steve- Not until September. I will look forward to your review. Tell the Queen "hi" from our Corgis.

tulips - tell them to extend Sound Of Music until September. I'm just hoping there are a few roses left by the time we get there.

((H))

The National Portrait Gallery is fascinating and they have a good restaurant overlooking
Trafalgar Square. Don't forget a boat trip on the Thames. Hopefully you'll have better
weather than the Queen did!

Well, I finally pulled the trigger (£70 apiece...hey, it's only money), and we will now have champagne with the Corgis at the Buckingham Palace After Hours State Room Tour while the Queen is out of town. Hopefully, we won't do much damage while visiting.

((H))

If you're in London on a Monday evening I highly recommend this place (more of an experience than a museum):

http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

And you know about this, right?

http://www.soane.org/

We might have the Ceremony of The Keys on Monday night, but I have looked into Sir John Soane's Museum, and I think we will make an effort to see it.

((H))

Maitaitom -

We had our evening tour of the BP last night and it was a wonderful experience. I wouldn't hesitate spending the money to do it again. We entered via the Ambassador's entrance on the side and waited as everyone arrived. We had a small group of about 20 people. The group was taken along a hallway leading outside and then we re-entered via the grand entrance. The tour started and we then went up the grand staircase. There were two security guards along with the tour guide. As we entered one room the doors closed behind us and then eventually the doors opened to the next room. It was wonderful being in a small group. The pace was slow with as much time to walk around the rooms and/or asking questions. I was surprised how much access was available to the group. We walked right up to the chairs for Her Majesty and Prince Phillip in the throne room. Everyone was respectful though and didn't touch any furniture or artwork. At the end of the tour we went downstairs via the Prime Ministers staircase to the Marble Hall. It was time for refreshments! This part of the tour felt like a cocktail party at the palace. A bar was setup with champagne and non-alcoholic drinks. We were then given time to have drinks and walk around the Marble Hall and grand entrace. As each person/group was ready to leave they were escorted out the grand entrance past the Queens private apartments in the north wing. We went throught the courtyard and then to the front gates. It was wonderful! I hope you enjoy your tour as much as we did. have fun..

Thanks stevetx - Really looking forward to it. Glad you had a great time. Do they allow photo taking at all?

((H))

Stevetx - you sound as if you enjoyed it every bit as much as we did. We also thought it was worth every penny and would absolutely encourage anyone to go. I think we managed 3 glasses of champagne each so got some moneys-worth there. They kept pressing them on us, and we didn't want to be rude (it certainly helped combat the arctic winds crossing Green Park back to the tube). We got the tickets converted to a 12 month pass, so we'll go back in the summer for the DIY version and the garden tour.

Maitaitom - absolutely no photos, I'm afraid, even outside until we were through the gates. You do get a free guide book though.

" I think we managed 3 glasses of champagne each so got some moneys-worth there..."

Good job!! I will try and follow in your footsteps.

((H))

Anice: you are correct - I can't say enough about the tour. It was a highlight of the trip so far. We each had two glasses so you have us beat! : -)

We also had our tickets stamped which allows us to return for free. It was so funny when I tried to return my champagne glass. The women looked at me and declared "You still have a dribble left" and wouldn't take my glass. They were all very friendly and encouraged us to enjoy our time.

I guess I forgot to mention the photo policy. lol. There are no pictures anywhere as Anice mentioned. I passed through security and was waiting for my partner. I took a picture as he was passing through and a security guard quickly said out loud 'No Photos". They approached me and asked me to delete the picture I took.

The official guide book is a very nice quality. Don't forget you'll also receive a discount at the gift shop using your ticket the day of your visit.

If you are staying near Onslow Gardens you can visit our favorite pub the Anglsea Arms the also serve very good food. David West (CW) recommended it to us a few years ago and it's now ur "local"

Great stuff everyone. Thanks.

((H))

Avalon2, is this the place? http://www.fancyapint.com/Pub/london...esea-arms/1453 It looks great.

Lee Ann

mtt....

a few off the board suggestions...

Climb O2 - we just did this with kids and had a blast! very fun to do and a unique experience. (you do have to be 10 to do it, so act mature)

www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2



Fat Tire Bike Tours - We actually did a private tour because of scheduling issues. Very fun way to see the parks and bits of London.

http://fattirebiketours.com/london

In searching for the best Fish & Chips in London, Tracy found a place called Kerbisher & Malt that received a nice write-up in Esquire magazine. Has anyone heard of this place? Is it a good place to go when you have a haddock, and can I pick a Cod, any Cod?

I'm looking for a great Fish and Chips place and a spicy Indian restaurant to go along with my pubbing and fine dining. Thanks.

((H))

http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/rock-and-sole-plaice-london - my favorite for fish and chips in London.

the piece of Cod that passeth all understanding....

Is it a house of cods?

Hi Maitaitom:

Consider a river trip on the Thames Clipper - IMO it offers the best views of London, and is cheap - just a bit more than using the underground.

http://www.thamesclippers.com/routes...s-booking.html


You could take the eastbound leg to Greenwich, and visit the Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark and the park:

http://www1.rmg.co.uk/

Then, to save time, take the DLR back to London Bank Station.

The newly opened West-bound link goes to Putney (probably too far for you). You can hop off at Milbank to visit Tate Britain (home of the Turner exhibition and often has special exhibits).

Also, if you haven't seen been before, the Courtauld is a fine little gallery:

http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery/index.shtml

What about the Imperial War Museum? haven't been, but my sister has and found it facinating:

http://www.iwm.org.uk/

On a fine evening, the bar on top of Centrepoint (arguably one of the ugliest buildings on the planet) offers nice views of London, over a Maitai:

http://www.paramount.uk.net/level-32/bar/

Love the location of your apartment. A nice restaurant in the area is La Poule au Pot (20 mins walk, 7 mins by taxi):
http://www.pouleaupot.co.uk/

Also, as much as possible, if time permits, try to avoid the underground, and get to know the buses - I work in London, and try to take buses everywhere!. Journeys take much longer, but you get the same experience as the 'hop on/hop off' service for a fraction of the price (I'm sure you will be getting your Oyster card on day one, which also gives you a discount on the Clipper). TFL publish 4/5 maps that show the routes across all London. You can pick them up from large underground stations (e.g. Victoria, London Bridge). If you want, I can pick them up for you before your trip and mail them to you.

Enjoy your planning :)

Regards Ger

Maitaitom, Katie Parla has great recs for places to eat in London, including a couple of Indian recs (if I recall correctly). www.parlafood.com

It is touristy, but we had a great time riding the London Eye - and doing so at night would be wonderful!

Hi Tom

There's a great little chippy in Tetbury, just down from the Snooty Fox...

Actually, the river trip from Greenwich to Westminster (or wherever) is most enjoyable on a nice day, and makes a change from the tube and DLR. (I love Greenwich, always have done, and even more so now that my son is at university there so I have an excuse to visit!)

Re Tetbury, email me sometime [email protected] and let me know your dates. I am currently researching pubs with good food in the area!

HI,
Sounds like you have a great trip planned! A nice place for a late evening drink is at the Dukes Hotel in St.James.(around the corner and behind The Ritz) It has a very elegant yet comfortable bar where Alessandro will mix your martini right at your table. It is also the bar where Ian Flemming used to hang out and get his martinis "shaken not stirred". It proved to be the perfect ending to our day at the Royal Wedding and tea at The Ritz, it ain't cheap but caps off a great day.
Have a great trip.
Rich.

Forgot to mention, if you intend to visit Borough Market, you should plan a trip up the Shard - very much more exciting than the London Eye apparently:
http://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/

The area is pretty shite south of the market, so stay within the market if you want to eat. There are several pretty OK restaurants in the market: Roast, Black & Blue, Fish. In general, over-priced, but fairly decent food.

Regards Gre