Eva

Pearce, only one more thing.Some museums have "Late Opening".National Gallery on Wed, British Museum on Thu, Fri and , until 8.30. pm.No groups, no schoolchildren.It makes a real difference.I'm a museum fan, but after 2-3 hours usually I'm too tired to enjoy.As the museums are free, you can split your visit in British or Nat . Gal

Doug

RE London Travel Card - I was traveling alone but when I exchanged my voucher for a Travel Card last week they did not ask for ID, so I assume one person can exchange multiple travel cards - but I'm not certain. Hope that helps a little.

Joanne

For further help in strategizing for a visit to the British Museum, I strongly recommend Rick Steeves' book on London, the chapter about the Brit Museum is very engaging.<BR><BR>My 14-yo son insists that the full name of the place should be "The British Museum of Colonial Loot".

valuent

In November I spent 3 and a half days in London.<BR><BR>I purchased Lion King tickets via Ticketmaster 2 weeks in advance. It was very enjoyable - the staging is amazing. Many sightseeing spots close around 4pm, so theater and walks would be great for evenings. <BR><BR>We experienced a delay in the tube but we just exited and went to another station (a 10 minute walk). We had a train delay which made the next train crowded but we got where we were going and just stood.<BR><BR>The Tower of London was a good stop. We took the tube to it and then took a boat ride on the Thames to Westminster Abbey. I don't like smoke either but we sat inside and didn't have any problem with bothersome smoke. It was a smooth ride and warm inside vs. cold outside. We got to the Abbey early afternoon but all the guided tours were already booked. So perhaps earlier would be better if you are interested in a tour. We did not get the audio tour and I regret that because it would have been much more interesting with narration.<BR><BR>We took a bus tour around the city (hop on and hop off) which is a great orientation to get your bearings.<BR><BR>We also visited the British Museum (no entrance fees). London Walks has a tour of it which I may take on my next visit. It is so large that I would like more narration and guidance.<BR><BR>I was assured by many people collecting the VAT was a waste of my time because they keep too much in fees.<BR><BR>I scheduled a day of shopping and was glad I did because it was a lot of fun. If you like bath products, check out the Lush shops.<BR><BR>I stayed in the city the entire time; I'll return in a month and will defintely spend a day at Hampton Court and do a walk.<BR><BR>We went to the Courtauld Collection at Somerset House and were disappointed. I believe a number of Impressionist works must be out on loan. A number of years ago we saw the Collection in Chicago and it was much larger than what was there in November. <BR><BR>I've been going directly to the web sites for a number of sightseeing stops to get accurate information on times, special exhibits, and fees. The guides in the bookstore are outdated.

Pearce

Since everyone has been so helpful, I thought I'd impose again with one more question. Lately I've come across a lantern tour at Hampton Court. It doesn't give you any information about it on the Royal Palaces' site, but I've gleaned information from other sites except the times. Does anyone know anything definite? If there is a gap between when the other tours there close (I think at 4:30) and this one, is there someplace we can go (inside) to wait?<BR><BR>Thank you once again!

mary lewis

Both times we have used the London Travel Cards my husband has traded them in for both of us - doesn't seem to be a need for everyone to stand in line. However, the last time was 2 years ago - things change. Have fun - I am jealous!

Marilyn

We just returned from a Christmas trip to London - 11 days and we still saw only about half the things on our list.<BR><BR>1. Yes, one person can exchange your visitorcard vouchers. We appreciated the convenience - and didn't have to bother with photos, etc.<BR><BR>2. For art - we thought the National Gallery was wonderful.<BR><BR>3. Definitely Sir John Soane's Museum was a highlight.<BR><BR>4. Be sure to take in the theater. There is a Mayor's special on right now - all seats &pound;10, &pound;15, or &pound;20 plus a discount on dinner and free bus tickets. See http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/index.cfm?page=ken<BR><BR>3.The Millenium Bridge is not open. However at the southern end there is posted a fascinating explanation of the problems - fascinating to my engineer husband and son.<BR><BR>4. Cheap, convenient eating places: don't overlook the churches. We had afternoon tea at the Cafe in the Crypt at St. Martin's in the Field, just across from the National Gallery, and a nice lunch in the crypt at St. Paul's Cathedral. We also noticed a cafe/refectory at Southwark Cathedral.<BR><BR>5. Bus vs tube: we found the buses much easier to get on and off - no long stairways and walkways. The view is more interesting, and they seem to go almost everywhere. With the visitorcard you don't have to worry about switching from one to another. There are neat explanations and maps posted at every bus stop.<BR><BR>I hope you have a wonderful time - as we did.

topping

Just checking to see if there has been any progress on the Millenium Bridge? We're visiting in April-May. Thx.

Karen Blixen

they would like to open it by Easter.<BR><BR>not sure if this will happen..

Helen

My husband, 2 teenages and I will also be in London in January and we are thinking of staying at Inverness Court Hotel. Sounds good on the web sites, but has any readers stayed there?