Tentative London Itinerary
Mar 6th, 2011, 07:44 AM
#1
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Tentative London Itinerary
Saturday, April 16, 2011
• Arrive at Heathrow
• Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station
• Harrod’s
• Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
• Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
• Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
• Tower of London
• Walk around London Bridge
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben
• Globe
• Parliament
• London Eye
The London Eye is tentative and weather dependent. I also need something else for Sunday. We are staying in Bayswater if that helps. Do you think this is doable? It will be our first time in London. Thanks!
• Arrive at Heathrow
• Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station
• Harrod’s
• Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
• Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
• Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
• Tower of London
• Walk around London Bridge
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben
• Globe
• Parliament
• London Eye
The London Eye is tentative and weather dependent. I also need something else for Sunday. We are staying in Bayswater if that helps. Do you think this is doable? It will be our first time in London. Thanks!
Mar 6th, 2011, 11:01 AM
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You could spend the greater portion of a day at Hampton Court, and then take a boat from Hampton Court Palace to Richmond, and catch either a train or a tube back in to London.
http://www.turks.co.uk/river-trips
We like Don Fernandos (next to the Richmond station) for tapas, if you get into Richmond near dinner time...
http://www.donfernando.co.uk/
http://www.turks.co.uk/river-trips
We like Don Fernandos (next to the Richmond station) for tapas, if you get into Richmond near dinner time...
http://www.donfernando.co.uk/
Mar 6th, 2011, 11:27 AM
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1.Prepare to be flexible and know that transport takes longer, often, than you think.
2.I don't think you can do all that on Saturday. You can probably get this done: Tower, walk across TOWER Bridge, go along South Bank, go to/by Globe, then keep going to Westminster Bridge and wonderful view--but don't PLAN on getting to Westminster Abbey that day.
3.Why not NOT do a guided walking tour the first day? A good map, your own interests, and your own timing will be a better idea, maybe.
You don't say when you arrive, but if it's in the morning, you can get to your rooms, settle in (DON'T nap!), then go to Westminster Abbey instead of a walking tour. You are going to be back in the Tower Hill area later--why not use this first afternoon to see Westminster Abbey (not the best plan to see something so important on a maybe-jet-lagged day, but it may be the best time in your itinerary). I know I learn more about a city and how to get around in it by doing it myself (and you won't remember all the info or trivia tidbits a guide will give you, anyway--so why not just make your own tour?)
Going out of town twice doesn't leave you much/any time in London, so you can't do a ton! But if you go to the Abbey, see the "icons," visit a park or two, see the Tower and experience the Southbank, then you will have scratched the surface.
Enjoy!
2.I don't think you can do all that on Saturday. You can probably get this done: Tower, walk across TOWER Bridge, go along South Bank, go to/by Globe, then keep going to Westminster Bridge and wonderful view--but don't PLAN on getting to Westminster Abbey that day.
3.Why not NOT do a guided walking tour the first day? A good map, your own interests, and your own timing will be a better idea, maybe.
You don't say when you arrive, but if it's in the morning, you can get to your rooms, settle in (DON'T nap!), then go to Westminster Abbey instead of a walking tour. You are going to be back in the Tower Hill area later--why not use this first afternoon to see Westminster Abbey (not the best plan to see something so important on a maybe-jet-lagged day, but it may be the best time in your itinerary). I know I learn more about a city and how to get around in it by doing it myself (and you won't remember all the info or trivia tidbits a guide will give you, anyway--so why not just make your own tour?)
Going out of town twice doesn't leave you much/any time in London, so you can't do a ton! But if you go to the Abbey, see the "icons," visit a park or two, see the Tower and experience the Southbank, then you will have scratched the surface.
Enjoy!
Mar 6th, 2011, 11:37 AM
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Thanks alanRow! I think the Globe would be the one to go.
We are flying from NYC and are supposed to arrive at Heathrow around 11 am. We are hoping to hit the ground running. The main event Saturday would be the walking tour. The others were on the way back towards the hotel. Annettetx- that restaurant looks delicious! Please keep the suggestions/recommendations coming. Thanks!
We are flying from NYC and are supposed to arrive at Heathrow around 11 am. We are hoping to hit the ground running. The main event Saturday would be the walking tour. The others were on the way back towards the hotel. Annettetx- that restaurant looks delicious! Please keep the suggestions/recommendations coming. Thanks!
Mar 6th, 2011, 12:45 PM
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Well, if it takes you what it could take you to get from LHR to rooms (might take over 2 hours) and you see that you might not make a 2 pm tour, then maybe try just heading to the Westminster area and see what all you can get done on your own. Just good to have an alternative for things--you definitely MIGHT make it to the 2 pm tour, but you definitely might not or might be very rushed. So----
Have a good look at a map--even googlemaps (use Get Directions and walking option) will be fine--to get good idea of how far stuff is. Depending on where in Bayswater you are, and where you get back to after your walking tour which might already leave you foot-weary, Harrods may be a bit of a walk. We were in Bayswater last summer, on Tenniel Close near Queensway, and that is almost 2 miles from Harrods. But we did walk over to Kensington Gardens a couple evenings--but not all the way to Hyde Park (not at the end of busy, full days!)
Have a good look at a map--even googlemaps (use Get Directions and walking option) will be fine--to get good idea of how far stuff is. Depending on where in Bayswater you are, and where you get back to after your walking tour which might already leave you foot-weary, Harrods may be a bit of a walk. We were in Bayswater last summer, on Tenniel Close near Queensway, and that is almost 2 miles from Harrods. But we did walk over to Kensington Gardens a couple evenings--but not all the way to Hyde Park (not at the end of busy, full days!)
Mar 6th, 2011, 01:23 PM
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I don't see why you "need" something more for the Sunday. Hampton Court could keep you busy most of the day (especially if you go into the Maze!) - and you need a rest at some point in what looks like a pretty exhausting schedule. Take some time to just stroll......
Mar 6th, 2011, 03:19 PM
#11
"<i>We are flying from NYC and are supposed to arrive at Heathrow around 11 am. We are hoping to hit the ground running.</i>"
If you don't land until 11:00 -- you will not be at the Tower Hill station by 2PM. Where are you staying? You will have to get to your hotel and check in or at least leave your bags. Depending on where you are staying - Sat really doesn't make a lot of sense -- crossing London from LHR to wherever the hotel is, then on to the Tower, then all the way back across London to Harrods and the parks. Just a real mish mash.
Tues has the same sort of issues -- sites in the far east end and in Westminster and back again.
And w/ only 2 days in London -- you are hitting the Tower area twice. There are more efficient ways to arrange these sites.
If you don't land until 11:00 -- you will not be at the Tower Hill station by 2PM. Where are you staying? You will have to get to your hotel and check in or at least leave your bags. Depending on where you are staying - Sat really doesn't make a lot of sense -- crossing London from LHR to wherever the hotel is, then on to the Tower, then all the way back across London to Harrods and the parks. Just a real mish mash.
Tues has the same sort of issues -- sites in the far east end and in Westminster and back again.
And w/ only 2 days in London -- you are hitting the Tower area twice. There are more efficient ways to arrange these sites.
Mar 7th, 2011, 04:16 PM
#12
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Janisj do you have any ideas as to how arrange the sites to make more sense? I have found this board so helpful and that is why I came here for help. I am definitely thinking that we should keep Sunday open because I really would like to go through the maze. We are planning on taking the underground as needed. Thanks again!
Mar 7th, 2011, 06:37 PM
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The attractions are quite spread out so you have to allow for travel time between sites.
Saturday once you land you have to stand on line at customs--that could take a long time too and you have to get your bags if you checked any of them, plus Heathrow is not that close to the city--It takes a while to get into the city from there.
For Tuesday, we did a similar schedule and this is how we did it.
Tower of London first thing in the morning. Get there at opening. We spent over 4 hours there. Go to crown jewels first, then head back to entrance to take a beef eater tour. Don't miss the White Tower with a fantastic display of arms and armour.
When you exit, Tower Bridge is right there. The city cruise dock is also right there where you can board a boat to go over to Westminster. See Big Ben and Parliament. We went to the Cabinet War Rooms which was also great. After we walked across the Westminster Bridge and took a ride on the London Eye in the evening. The only thing though is doing this does not leave any time to enter Westminster Abbey. We did that on a different day.
You could probably go on Saturday to visit Westminster Abbey and then while in the area see Big Ben, Parliament and I recommend to check out the Cabinet War Rooms. They are open until 6PM. The Abbey closes early to visitors so you want to do that first. Then save Tuesday for the Tower and something else.
For Hampton Court you do need most of the day especially to tour the garden areas too.
Harrods is a department store and if you had to skip something I would skip that.
The walk in Kensignton Gardens can be done toward evening since I think you are staying not too far from there.
Saturday once you land you have to stand on line at customs--that could take a long time too and you have to get your bags if you checked any of them, plus Heathrow is not that close to the city--It takes a while to get into the city from there.
For Tuesday, we did a similar schedule and this is how we did it.
Tower of London first thing in the morning. Get there at opening. We spent over 4 hours there. Go to crown jewels first, then head back to entrance to take a beef eater tour. Don't miss the White Tower with a fantastic display of arms and armour.
When you exit, Tower Bridge is right there. The city cruise dock is also right there where you can board a boat to go over to Westminster. See Big Ben and Parliament. We went to the Cabinet War Rooms which was also great. After we walked across the Westminster Bridge and took a ride on the London Eye in the evening. The only thing though is doing this does not leave any time to enter Westminster Abbey. We did that on a different day.
You could probably go on Saturday to visit Westminster Abbey and then while in the area see Big Ben, Parliament and I recommend to check out the Cabinet War Rooms. They are open until 6PM. The Abbey closes early to visitors so you want to do that first. Then save Tuesday for the Tower and something else.
For Hampton Court you do need most of the day especially to tour the garden areas too.
Harrods is a department store and if you had to skip something I would skip that.
The walk in Kensignton Gardens can be done toward evening since I think you are staying not too far from there.
Mar 7th, 2011, 11:31 PM
#14
"<i>Janisj do you have any ideas as to how arrange the sites to make more sense? </i>"
Sure -- but first of all where are you staying? You need to travel from LHR to Your hotel - so its location has a bearing on what you can do on day 1.
Sure -- but first of all where are you staying? You need to travel from LHR to Your hotel - so its location has a bearing on what you can do on day 1.
Mar 8th, 2011, 01:59 AM
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Agree - you have put sites from all corners of London together which makes no sense.
Get a map of London and group the sites you want to see together to save transport time.
I really dont think you have much of a chance of getting to Tower Hill station for 2pm, 3 hours after you land at Heathrow unless your hotel is there.
This would make more sense:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Arrive at Heathrow at 11am get to hotel
Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station (you may miss this depending where your hotel is)
Walk around London Bridge area along Southbank (include borough market http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/)
Globe
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tower of London - spend 1/2 day
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
I organized this way , even though you are criss crossing a bit because Borough Market is not open on Tues around London Bridge but is on Sat.
If you are not interested in food or in Borough Market you could do this, as the sites are in closer proximity:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Arrive at Heathrow at 11am
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tower of London - spend 1/2 a day
Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station
Walk around London Bridge
Globe
Get a map of London and group the sites you want to see together to save transport time.
I really dont think you have much of a chance of getting to Tower Hill station for 2pm, 3 hours after you land at Heathrow unless your hotel is there.
This would make more sense:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Arrive at Heathrow at 11am get to hotel
Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station (you may miss this depending where your hotel is)
Walk around London Bridge area along Southbank (include borough market http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/)
Globe
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tower of London - spend 1/2 day
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
I organized this way , even though you are criss crossing a bit because Borough Market is not open on Tues around London Bridge but is on Sat.
If you are not interested in food or in Borough Market you could do this, as the sites are in closer proximity:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Arrive at Heathrow at 11am
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tower of London - spend 1/2 a day
Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station
Walk around London Bridge
Globe
Mar 8th, 2011, 02:00 AM
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Sorry the first one should read:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Arrive at Heathrow at 11am get to hotel
Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station (you may miss this depending where your hotel is)
Walk around London Bridge area along Southbank (include borough market http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/)
Globe
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tower of London - spend 1/2 day
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Arrive at Heathrow at 11am get to hotel
Walking tour 2pm- next to Tower Hill Tube Station (you may miss this depending where your hotel is)
Walk around London Bridge area along Southbank (include borough market http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/)
Globe
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hampton Court
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour with International Friends
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tower of London - spend 1/2 day
Harrod’s
Walk around Kensington Gardens (Hyde Park)
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Parliament
Mar 8th, 2011, 02:49 PM
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Good ideas above.
Here's hoping you can make your 2 pm walking tour with an 11 am plane landing. This assumes the plane isn't delayed, which can happen. Expect to spend a boatload of time (perhaps an hour, maybe more) going through customs after getting your bags, and at least an hour tube ride into the city.
Here's hoping you can make your 2 pm walking tour with an 11 am plane landing. This assumes the plane isn't delayed, which can happen. Expect to spend a boatload of time (perhaps an hour, maybe more) going through customs after getting your bags, and at least an hour tube ride into the city.
Mar 8th, 2011, 04:13 PM
#18
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We are staying at the London House Hotel in Bayswater. I did not realize it would take that long to go through customs. The walking tour was mostly to get ourselves acquainted with a part of the city. If we make it great if not it won't be devastating. The borough market looks like fun. Thank you all for your help. We are eagerly counting down the days.
Mar 8th, 2011, 06:47 PM
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In August 2010 we landed at LHR about 1:15, had a car service pick us up, and stayed very near where your hotel is; we got to our rooms a little after 3 (so about 2 hours after landing). We had an extremely lucky fast trip throug passport control (it is this, and not customs, that can have LONG lines) and also no trouble with luggage. We then had to check in and re-group. We would not have been able to be all the way to the Tower Hill area, with any semblance of sanity and calm, in less than another hour.
All that to say, that, as you seem to be willing to do, you need to not count on making that tour. I'd again urge you to just do your own tour. From your rooms you can get the tube from Bayswater Tube stop to Westminster and look around, maybe even go on in Westminster Abbey (allow 2 hours at minimum), and then the Bridge, Big Ben, Parliament, etc.--this is a great area to first see. Then go back towards rooms--past Buckingham Palace OR go to Trafalgar Square (which doesn't close) OR head back to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Then you have two out of town days. Then you will see the Tower Hill area (and Tower Bridge) on the morning you go to the the Tower of London, then the Southbank past the Globe.
Borough Market will not be good to try to get to on your arrival day; it's only open til 5 on Saturdays and there are tons of more "must see" things for a first trip, IMHO; and then you plan to be gone Sunday and it's not open Monday and Tuesday. Won't fit.
Have you figured out how you are getting from LHR to your hotel? I'd highly recommend a car service like justairports. Cheaper than taxi/Heathrow Express and a taxi, and taking the tube isn't terifically convenient to where you will be. Have to pre-book.
All that to say, that, as you seem to be willing to do, you need to not count on making that tour. I'd again urge you to just do your own tour. From your rooms you can get the tube from Bayswater Tube stop to Westminster and look around, maybe even go on in Westminster Abbey (allow 2 hours at minimum), and then the Bridge, Big Ben, Parliament, etc.--this is a great area to first see. Then go back towards rooms--past Buckingham Palace OR go to Trafalgar Square (which doesn't close) OR head back to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Then you have two out of town days. Then you will see the Tower Hill area (and Tower Bridge) on the morning you go to the the Tower of London, then the Southbank past the Globe.
Borough Market will not be good to try to get to on your arrival day; it's only open til 5 on Saturdays and there are tons of more "must see" things for a first trip, IMHO; and then you plan to be gone Sunday and it's not open Monday and Tuesday. Won't fit.
Have you figured out how you are getting from LHR to your hotel? I'd highly recommend a car service like justairports. Cheaper than taxi/Heathrow Express and a taxi, and taking the tube isn't terifically convenient to where you will be. Have to pre-book.
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:01 PM
#20
"<i>We are staying at the London House Hotel in Bayswater</i>"
In that case you need to totally regroup. Look at a map of London. Bayswater is as far as you can get from the Tower and Borough Market and still be in central London. First there is about a 5-10 minute walk to Bayswater tube station and then a nearly 30 minute tube ride to Tower Hill.
(Do you have to stay there? Is it pre-paid? Because that hotel is pretty far from any sites except for Kensington Gardens. On a short stay you will spend a lot of time just w/ transport.)
In that case you need to totally regroup. Look at a map of London. Bayswater is as far as you can get from the Tower and Borough Market and still be in central London. First there is about a 5-10 minute walk to Bayswater tube station and then a nearly 30 minute tube ride to Tower Hill.
(Do you have to stay there? Is it pre-paid? Because that hotel is pretty far from any sites except for Kensington Gardens. On a short stay you will spend a lot of time just w/ transport.)
