London Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

[jcwarr]

i just moved back from london and miss it so much!!!! just wanted to let anyone who may be going to let me know if you want some suggestions for things to do/see. you are going to love it!!!!

 

[Chefgirl2]

YES!! YES!! YES!!

We were looking at buying the London pass and travel pass that goes with it, but we were told it isn't that great of a bargain.

What should we not miss? Where are some great affordable places to eat? Where should we splurge?

I know our dollar is weak so I want to see as much as I can without going broke.

Thanks for offering to help!

 

[jcwarr]

let me put together some ideas - and i will post them all at once. bump me if i forget!!! i have a terrible mom's brain!! :blushing:

 

[ljeffries]

The travel pass is typically a great bargain - if it is the one that gets you on the tube for free. The one that we typically get is BritRail, if I am not mistaken. You get x number of days on the tube, plus x number of 'excursion' trips. It does save money.

Another way to get more for your $$- don't convert money before you go. Use your credit card everywhere and you can even use it at the ATM's there! You get a much better exchange rate because the bank transactions are all lumped together, so the rate is better.

 

[legacypc46]

What's also nice is that a lot of the museums are free or have minimal costs. (And the London museums tend to be very interactive.) I'm also a fan of the Pauline Frommer Guidebook series. They specialize in getting the most out a locale without breaking the bank. (Just ordered the London one! Can't wait to start planning our trip....thank you Pampered Chef!)

 

[rennea]

What's also nice is that a lot of the museums are free or have minimal costs. (And the London museums tend to be very interactive.) I'm also a fan of the Pauline Frommer Guidebook series. They specialize in getting the most out a locale without breaking the bank. (Just ordered the London one! Can't wait to start planning our trip....thank you Pampered Chef!)

The British Museum is one of the best museums in the world. I go back everytime we go to London and spend about an 2 hours and that's twice a year for us.

 

[legacypc46]

The Imperial War Museum is our favorite....and not at all what you might think. Strongly suggest it...no matter what you personal perspective may be. We also enjoy the Victoria and Albert.

 

[rennea]

The Imperial War Museum is our favorite....and not at all what you might think. Strongly suggest it...no matter what you personal perspective may be. We also enjoy the Victoria and Albert.

Yup, been to both. I like the V&A it's so different everytime we go.

 

[Gina M]

I was in London 22 years ago - when I was a senior in high school - it is fantastic! We went to a ton of places and saw 5 different plays while we were there as well. The Tube was an easy way for us to get around as well. I would love to go back with my family - ah someday!

 

[jcwarr]

here it is...ok - i have taken a long time to write this up. i am sure i have left out a million things - and will add them when i think of them - but didn't want anyone to think i dropped the ball. there is so much to see and do and eat and hear in london - that i could go on for pages and pages and pages!! also - since i lived there i had a lot more time to explore - but i hope this helps and please let me know if you have any questions!!!
have fun!!!
jen

london stuff
i didn't get one - but people swear by the london pass - London Pass: London Sightseeing Pass For Sightseeing At London Tourist Attractions & Sights

for travel...
get a pass for the tube (i had an oyster card) - it is cheaper to buy a week's pass if you will be there that long and you will be able to use it on the tube and the buses as well as some discounts at places like the london eye. their public transportation is super easy - and there are always attendants in the tube station to ask for help. don't be shy - they couldn't be nicer. just be a polite american you can also go online to www.journeyplanner.co.uk - Journey Plan Train Tickets Cheap Flights Cheap Hotels Plan Your Journey Heathrow Airport Gatwick Air and figure out exactly what you need to take. it really makes traveling easy!

if you have the time - jump on the rail and go to windsor castle! (The Royal Residences > Windsor Castle) grab a tube to paddington station and then take a train to windsor. (check times before you go so you don't miss the train!!) it is a really great town - the castle is fun to explore and we always got cream tea, scones and sandwiches at the crooked house (Crooked House of Windsor) i also liked watching the changing of the guard here as it is not as crowded as buckingham palace.

sites and more things to do...
really cool thing - most people do not know about!! the ceremony of the keys at the tower of london. it is basically the guards locking up and only a few people are allowed in - you have to mail a letter requesting tickets which are free. i have a sample letter if you want me to email it to you. http://www.toweroflondontour.com/keys.html
Ceremony of the Keys Office
HM Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB
United Kingdom

changing of the guard at buckingham palace (The Royal Collection - Changing the Guard) get there early if you want a spot up close - otherwise you cannot see. we often stood on the street side so we could see the procession coming down the road and then into the gates. and then we just listened to the music. not much to see anyways. the first time we went - they played the beatles!! also - depending on which flag is being flown - you will know if the queen is in residence. if you go in the summer you can go around the corner to the royal mews (where the stables for the horses are).

hampton court - LOVED this place! beautiful gardens, great food and really interesting castle to tour. get the headset!!! they even have the kitchens set up like a living history museum - food, smells, sounds!! Historic Royal Palaces > Home > Hampton Court Palace

london eye - beautiful views!!! we were able to use my oyster card for a discount. if you don't have a lot of time - opt for the line cutter. it is more expensive but we felt it was worth it when the line would have taken hours to wait!! also - we planned it one time right at sunset - so gorgeous!!!!

right near the london eye is borough market - very tasty fish and chips and so much other delicious yumminess! (open thurs, fri and sat)
also - shakespeare's globe theater, the millenium bridge which goes from the tate modern musem across the thames to the road which leads to st. paul's cathedral is cool to walk over - as are all those sites mentioned. i saw a christmas hymn service at the cathedral which was...well it left me speechless!!!

westminter abbey and big ben and parliament are across the river from the london eye as well - but in the opposite direction from the tate and everything mentioned above. we went to see an evensong (evening service through hymns) that was neat to hear.

portobello market - great flea/antique market on saturdays - go early as it gets very crowded!!! there is a really yummy cupcake store on it too! Portobello Road - The World's Largest Antiques Market plus notting hill is fun to explore - this is where the hugh grant movie notting hill was filmed.

the most amazing playground ever - is right next door to kensington palace where princess di lived called princess of wales memorial playground - we called it the pirate ship playground! go to this link and see why! (just think...peter pan)http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/diana_playground.cfm

the best walking tours of london - http://www.walks.com/

grab a seat on one of the tour buses - i didn't do it - but i had friends who came over who did and they enjoyed it. they actually started their stay this way so that they could get an overview of where everything was.

this has some cool ideas - Do London Like a Local - Get the insiders' guide to London - Visit London

see a show!!! we saw wicked and LOVED it!!!

to eat...
my favorite place is called amoul's deli. it is right near the warwick tube stop. here is their website for the address. (:: Amoul ::) it is a small family style shop where amoul hand makes everything!! i would get a mocha everyday there (usually with a blueberry muffin) - and oftentimes a fresh chocolate chip cookie in the afternoon. i also LOVE her habib's chicken dish and would often get it as a wrap sandwich (called a bride with fatoush inside) or bring it home and serve it over rice. another favorite was chicken and onion stew, mushroom and leek lasagna, pork roast, lentils with carmelized onions, and the list goes on and on!!!

in the same part of town as amoul's there is a nursery called clifton nurseries (http://www.daylesfordorganic.com/scat/cliftongarden ) where daylesford organics has a store and eatery. it is a great place to grab a bite and walk around a beautiful nursery from the 1830's. they also have lots of great gifts!

just down the road is the town of maida vale and we loved grabbing takeout or a coffee and treat from raoul's. there's a new place on the corner

carluccio's is a chain italian restaurant - but very good!!!! there are many all over town - you can search for one online that is close by - way yummy!!!!!

eat indian food somewhere!!! ask someone for a recommendation. i am not too into hot and spicy food but i loved trying it and murgh korma (chicken korma) was my favorite - not too hot. and i always got some naan (bread).

pret-a-manger and costa coffee are great for quick coffee and bites to eat.
marks and spencer (dept store) has delicious chocolate chip cookies in their bakery section.


shopping...
i hate to shop - but LOVED walking around oxford circus - regent street. some of the great stores are selfridge's, john lewis, hambly's (toys), liberty (the oldest dept store i think), molton brown, jo malone, marks and spencer and so much more!!

fortnum and mason is one of the oldest 'grocery' stores and has good food to sit down and eat. i love their welsh rarebit!!

harrod's - pizza and gelato in the food hall is amazing!!!!! plus it's fun to look around! i got several of their gusset bags for gifts - really cute and usable for every age!!

books...
fodor's "around london with kids" is a great resource - even if you do not have kids!

 

[legacypc46]

awesome list; thank you!

 

[crissy11]

I had gotten this information from our local weatherman who goes to London alot. It might be of some use for you who are going. I missed it intentionaly by 450 points. The family wanted to go on the cruise so I didn't push for sales. Enjoy and have fun. Well you are going to my favourite city in the world. Have been 9 times and there are still tons of things I have yet to see. I have a close friend in Wrexham in North Wales so I get to the UK once a year usually.

The grosvenor is 5 star I believe so it will be nice. I usually stay at the travel Inn at either County Hall (Across from Parliament) or the one right by the Putney Bridge tube station.The Aquarium is in county hall and I have never been..the Zoo is in Regents Park and that whole area is a must see. If you want a really nice walk, then go to chalk farm tube stop and walk to the top of parliament hill (just follow the signs and when you get to the hill go up it! You will be looking down on the zoo. After the zoo walk through Regents park. Bear right from the long straight walk and see the lake and then go through Queen Mary's gardens and then bear back toward Greater Portland Street tube stop.

I warn you now that to really see London..you will need to be in shape to walk 4-5 miles per day. I usually do 7-8 miles a day.

Close to your hotel is Berkeley square and that is a nice place to see on a sunny day. Not far is Grosvenor Square which is also nice.

St. James Tube is very close to St. James Park and that is a beautiful park in the Spring and you can walk up past Buckingham Palace and into Green Park. Tube stop right next to the Ritz on the opposite end of the park.

Must sees in London for first timers.
The Tower of London (Ticket is expensive but it is worth it.)
Westminster Abbey
V&A museum
London Eye
St. Paul's

You will pay for a tour of the Abbey and St. Paul's but go to an evensong service and listen to the choir. There is nothing like listening to a cathedral choir in a 500 year old massive stone cathedral...evensong is FREE in both the Abbey and in St. Paul's.

National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is thought by many to be better than the Louvre..they have many FAMOUS impressionists such as Monet, Manet and Van Gogh. Somerset house also has GREAT paintings but skip the Gilbert Collection and just see the paintings by Manet, Monet and Vincent (Van Gogh).

London Walks is well worth it.
London Walks - "first and best of the walking tour firms" Fodors - Homepage

Take the Jack the Ripper Walk through White Chapel if Donald R. is doing it. Very cool.

Other Free things:
Walk across the Hungerford pedestrian bridge in daylight and at dusk...great views of big Ben. Millennium Bridge is Great walk from the South Bank across the Thames to St. Paul's.

Get an Oyster card for the tube..you can use it on the buses as well. Black Cabs are great and the drivers can find anything...the job pays well and requires years of study to get a black cab lic. The tube and buses are all you really need but a black cab can save you if your feet give out! Buses and tubes are SAFE at any hour.The chunnel train leaves from Waterloo Station..across the river and right by County Hall and the London Eye. Buying a ticket online before you go is MUCH cheaper.

If you do not have transport from the airport then just take southern trains into Victoria station..(Gatwick) if you are going into Heathrow..take the Heathrow express.

London is a HUGE city and a bit overwhelming for first timers but take it as an adventure and you will fall in love with it like I have!

If there are any questions I have not covered..email me..I know the city quite well.
BBC 1 on TV has the news and some great brit programming. Best radio station in the world is BBC Radio 4..your daughter will likely like Radio one though

Dan
ps The park around Fulham Palace (Putney Bridge Tube) is wonderfull with an old church yard..well off the tourist track if you want to see real Londoners.

 

[rennea]

I'm going to London in two weeks!!! Can't wait to get away.

 

[NooraK]

Another way to get more for your $$- don't convert money before you go. Use your credit card everywhere and you can even use it at the ATM's there! You get a much better exchange rate because the bank transactions are all lumped together, so the rate is better.

Caveat on the credit cards. The currency conversion is actually done by Visa or MasterCard respectively, depending on the card you use. The rate used is the one in effect the day your transaction is processed which may be different than the day you make the purchase, or the day the charge is posted to your card. They also add a 1% currency conversion fee to the exchange rate as their fee, which doesn't show separately on your card, because it's in the exchange rate.

Also, since the bank doesn't make money on the conversion, they often charge a fee (even though they don't do the work ). This fee is often up to 3%. I would highly recommend checking these rates with your bank when choosing which card to take.

And don't forget, even though you can use your credit card at the ATM, it is a credit card, and it is a cash advance, which means finance charges and cash advance fees. Check those out too. If you have a debit card with a Visa or MC logo, you won't have finance charges, but your bank may charge you for using an ATM that isn't theirs, and the ATM will probably charge you too. Since most places accept Visa and MC these days, cash shouldn't really be a big issue though.

In the end, you probably won't save much with a credit card over cash, but the benefit is the protection. If your cash is stolen, that's it, it's gone. If your card is stolen, you're 100% protected against any fraudulent charges made on the card. Just make sure you have the international collect number from the card written down, just in case.

Oh, and if any merchant says they need your PIN to take the card, it's not true. Tell the merchant it's a foreign credit card, and not a Chip & PIN card. It's a feature now required on all UK credit cards to combat fraud, but they are still able to swipe your magnetic card and accept a signature on the slip.

(Can you tell I work with credit cards?)

HTH!