Self exploration of London or a guided tour?
Oct 6th, 2012, 08:10 AM
#21
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We were just in London for three nights. DH had a conference, and I was free to visit sites on my own. One really fun day I spent at Victoria and Albert, then walked through the neighborhood and window shopped at Chanel and the other couture shops on my way to see Harrods. It was a really interesting and charming little area.
All you have to do is take the tube to South Kensington for the V&A. Walk to Harrod's and take the tube there from Knightsbridge. Really easy, and a great day of walking and exploring. Actually you could do this in a half day and catch lunch. I think I spent 2 hours at V&A, and probably a total of 4 hours exploring, without sitting for a meal.
All you have to do is take the tube to South Kensington for the V&A. Walk to Harrod's and take the tube there from Knightsbridge. Really easy, and a great day of walking and exploring. Actually you could do this in a half day and catch lunch. I think I spent 2 hours at V&A, and probably a total of 4 hours exploring, without sitting for a meal.
Oct 6th, 2012, 12:59 PM
#22
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Johnsonng1954, I agree with Kelsey:
“The HoHo buses might be overpriced but I still contend with a limited amount of time and wanting to get an overview of the things that most people want to see in London for the first time for a limited time, it is a good alternative.”
The trip gives you an excellent overview of London. And remember your ticket is good for 24 hours and includes a cruise of the Thames (highly recommended) and a walking tour.
The HOHO tours only run during daylight hours.
Enjoy London….
“The HoHo buses might be overpriced but I still contend with a limited amount of time and wanting to get an overview of the things that most people want to see in London for the first time for a limited time, it is a good alternative.”
The trip gives you an excellent overview of London. And remember your ticket is good for 24 hours and includes a cruise of the Thames (highly recommended) and a walking tour.
The HOHO tours only run during daylight hours.
Enjoy London….
Oct 6th, 2012, 03:05 PM
#23
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If you follow PeaceOut's advice, as you walk from the V&A, and on the same side of the street, just before you get to Harrod's there is a Richoux Tea Shop where you can have lunch, a full afternoon tea, or just tea and a scone. There are three or four of the shops in London, and they are cozy and cost less than having tea in one of the big hotels--not as special but still quite nice. Harrod's Georgian Room has a lovely afternoon tea.
Oct 6th, 2012, 03:25 PM
#24
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Forgot to specify that the little area with designer shops was a y-shaped right-hand lane I took off Old Brompton Rd, as I walked from the V&A to Harrods. I think the lanes were Beauchamp, Pont and Sloane.
It was partially residential with very nice brownstones, too. Reminded me of Boston or New York. (Gee, why would that be?? haha)
The Brompton Oratory is in that area, too, but I missed it.
It was partially residential with very nice brownstones, too. Reminded me of Boston or New York. (Gee, why would that be?? haha)
The Brompton Oratory is in that area, too, but I missed it.
Oct 7th, 2012, 12:10 AM
#26
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I would do it on my own as opposed to a tour. I wish I had taken the hop on hop off bus but the public transport in London is really good. I would also recommend getting a London Pass if you want to go into some places like Tower of London or Westminster Abbey - it is well worth it.
Definitely make a list of things you want to do because London is very large and if you only have a few days you might find having a to do list easier. I was there for ten days and I still didn't get to Westminster Abbey because there is so much to do!!
London is a great place for exploring and an awesome city - I am planning my 2nd trip there for Sept next year.
Definitely make a list of things you want to do because London is very large and if you only have a few days you might find having a to do list easier. I was there for ten days and I still didn't get to Westminster Abbey because there is so much to do!!
London is a great place for exploring and an awesome city - I am planning my 2nd trip there for Sept next year.
Oct 7th, 2012, 04:18 AM
#27
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The London pass is generally a waste of money for most tourists! Do a search here for 2for1 deals if there are more than 1 of you for information on how to get deals on the tower and lots of other sites or look here: www.daysoutguide.co.uk
Oct 7th, 2012, 08:20 PM
#28
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I agree with Surfergirl. You need to make list of the top 5-10 things you want to see or do in London. You should also try to group things by neighborhood, so that you make good use of your time.
I would not take the Hop On Hop Off bus. It costs a lot more than public transport and you can only take the company bus you book.
Public transport is easy to use, and you have the option of taking the subway known as the tube or underground or a bus. Take a look at a map of London, and at the underground and bus maps. there are also public transport boats on the Themes.
I have taken London Walks. excellent tours and the guides are knowledgeable. there are many tours of different parts of London. take a look at their website.
National museums in London are free, except for visiting exhibits.
If you want to go to the Tower of London you can book in advance and the tours within the tower are included.
Consult a few guide books and the Visit Britain website for starters.
I would not take the Hop On Hop Off bus. It costs a lot more than public transport and you can only take the company bus you book.
Public transport is easy to use, and you have the option of taking the subway known as the tube or underground or a bus. Take a look at a map of London, and at the underground and bus maps. there are also public transport boats on the Themes.
I have taken London Walks. excellent tours and the guides are knowledgeable. there are many tours of different parts of London. take a look at their website.
National museums in London are free, except for visiting exhibits.
If you want to go to the Tower of London you can book in advance and the tours within the tower are included.
Consult a few guide books and the Visit Britain website for starters.
Oct 8th, 2012, 06:59 AM
#29
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Dear all,
Thank you once again for sharing your experiences and offering your advice on London. I will definitely make a list of the places to visit and plan my itinerary from there.
Looks like there is so much to see and do in London.
Cheers.
Thank you once again for sharing your experiences and offering your advice on London. I will definitely make a list of the places to visit and plan my itinerary from there.
Looks like there is so much to see and do in London.
Cheers.
Oct 8th, 2012, 08:49 AM
#30
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An interesting, and free, thing to do is the Ceremony of the Keys, at the Tower. You go to the website and find out how to request tickets in advance. It is a process, requiring international postage, etc.
It is an authentic ritual which takes place in the Tower grounds at sunset. We liked it a lot.
It is an authentic ritual which takes place in the Tower grounds at sunset. We liked it a lot.
