Refining London and Scotland
 

Hello Fodorites- you were all very helpful with initial structure of our trip (March posts) . Recap fam of 4 11 y/o boy, 7 girl. Active, adventurous eaters, Potter fans. Booked: flight Toronto (huge discount over Detroit) to London arrive on Aug 1, hotel in London aug 1-4 (St Ermins), Caledonia sleeper on the 4 th to Edinburgh for the fun of the train ( to be booked promptly at 4 am Detroit time this fri as I have called last 2 weeks in a row), Mon & Tues The Links hotel in Edinburgh, tues night tickets to Tattoo received. Wednesday open yet. Thurs & fri with family in Glasgow area. Open jaw home Sat am out of Edinburgh.
1. We missed getting tickets for the Tower Keys ceremony. I was a bit saddened as I didn't realize that had to be booked so far in advance. Is there anything else anyone would recommend booking ahead? I am trying to book Warner Bros tour for fri am early ahead. Walking or bus tours, tea, St Paul, Tower of London, Magna Carta, Brittish Museum, London Eye I was gonna take these on more flexibly. should I plan more concretely? (Daughter wants Paddington Station to see bear, son wants King Cross for 93/4)
2. The 2 for 1 ticket thing- train from Heathrow to hotel no help? Caledonia? Oyster for Thurs - Sun?
3. Still undecided for wed in Scotland- day trip to country? Loch Ness? B&B rent a car?
4. Any advice for still enjoying Edinburgh despite the Fringe? Favorite places to eat?
5. I love a good street market - Camden? Other favorites?
6. Evening places to hang out with kids in either city? Live music? Street acts?
I know I probably tried to cover too much in one post- eh I've seen what you brilliant people can do. Thanks in advance!

"Walking or bus tours, tea, St Paul, Tower of London, Magna Carta, Brittish Museum, London Eye I was gonna take these on more flexibly. should I plan more concretely?"

No need to tie yourself down to any of these, but I'd advise getting to the Tower first thing, if you're going at all, before the crowds build up.

"The 2 for 1 ticket thing- train from Heathrow to hotel no help?"

No. And to get to the St Ermin's from Heathrow, the Heathrow Express is an expensive detour as well. Take the Piccadilly Line tube, at Hammersmith walk a few steps across the platform and take the eastbound District Line to St James's Park. Might take a bit longer, but it's cheaper. Your fare from Heathrow would come on an Oyster, but you could get one-day paper travelcards for the days you plan on using 2for1 vouchers, at Victoria mainline station, which isn't too far to walk from the St Ermin's (you can buy the travelcards in advance of the days you want to use them - just tell the clerk you want travelcards for zones 1-2 for whatever day it is).

" Evening places to hang out with kids in either city? Live music? Street acts?"

Not sure about this myself, but in London probably Covent Garden or the South Bank near the Festival Hall and outside Tate Modern, depending on the weather and on whether the street performers think there will be any business for them in the evenings.

Just so no disappointment the Magna Carta is a contemporary copy (1 of 4) as the original got lost, still looks good.

<i>Just so no disappointment the Magna Carta is a contemporary copy (1 of 4) as the original got lost, still looks good.</i>

Contemporary, as in 1215 contemporary, as opposed to 21st century contemporary -- just to clarify. Pretty amazing to see, IMO.

Magna Carta - "did she die in vain?"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNZosqiJISs

PatrickLondon- thanks for the advice on the route to the hotel. We will check out festival hall.

Will grab a copy of Time Out or check it online to see what's happening. I was really hoping to get the skinny on some off the beaten path yummies. We are looking for the Brittish version. Of DDD, diners, drive ins and dives. Thanks all.

You are killing me with "hoping to get the skinny on some off the beaten path yummies," but I am offering these excellent recommendations because I think I understand what you're talking about:

Masters Super Fish, not far from Waterloo.

It takes planning to avoid the long queue, but Tayyabs, although not a dive, is certainly inexpensive and off the beaten path.

http://www.tayyabs.co.uk/

I have eaten at both these places on multiple visits to London. Recommended by locals and really very good.

do try Masters Super Fish! yum