London Vacation tips !!
Nov 23rd 2003, 6:50 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
London Vacation tips !!
Hi Everybody,
First of all, Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier questions
about transportation in London.
Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
two half days to see as much as possible.
We are still debating on whether to take a)Big bus tour or b)3 day
London Pass. c)Take a travel card
This is our first trip to London and hence would be comfortable taking
the Big bus tour as they have the guides to tell us the big picture.
Here are the places we want to visit.
1-Buckingham Palace
2-Westminster Abbey
3-Tower Bridge
4-Tower of London
5-Big Ben
6-British Museum
7-Hyde Park
8-St Paul Cathedral
9-Covent Garden
10-Trafalgar Square
11-London Eye
12-Windsor Castle
13-London Dungeon
14-Tate Modern
I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee and how much
time each of these takes to cover.
It would be great if someone could give me a headsup on this. I would
have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
possible this time.Also pls let me know which of the places above
aren't worth visiting so we can skip. Pls do include if I've missed
any must sees..
We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
Thanks in advance ,
Mahesha
First of all, Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier questions
about transportation in London.
Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
two half days to see as much as possible.
We are still debating on whether to take a)Big bus tour or b)3 day
London Pass. c)Take a travel card
This is our first trip to London and hence would be comfortable taking
the Big bus tour as they have the guides to tell us the big picture.
Here are the places we want to visit.
1-Buckingham Palace
2-Westminster Abbey
3-Tower Bridge
4-Tower of London
5-Big Ben
6-British Museum
7-Hyde Park
8-St Paul Cathedral
9-Covent Garden
10-Trafalgar Square
11-London Eye
12-Windsor Castle
13-London Dungeon
14-Tate Modern
I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee and how much
time each of these takes to cover.
It would be great if someone could give me a headsup on this. I would
have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
possible this time.Also pls let me know which of the places above
aren't worth visiting so we can skip. Pls do include if I've missed
any must sees..
We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
Thanks in advance ,
Mahesha
Nov 23rd 2003, 7:12 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Mahesha wrote:
> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
> two half days to see as much as possible.
Take a bus-round-trip first. So you will see much of London's sights.
> 1-Buckingham Palace
You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
> 3-Tower Bridge
You can pay an entrance fee for it and see the interior but as your time is
limited leave it.
> 5-Big Ben
Part of the Houses of Parliament.
> 6-British Museum
Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to London.
> 7-Hyde Park
Which part? Leave it if you do not have time left.
> 8-St Paul Cathedral
Climb it up! Great view and skip London Eye!
> 11-London Eye
Skip it! Just expensive IMO!
> 12-Windsor Castle
IMO a day trip from London! Skip it! You don't have the time. Nevertheless a
nice place.
> 13-London Dungeon
Skip it! Nothing special! I was disappointed.
> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee
Most places! And London is not cheap! :-)
> I would
> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
> possible this time.
Why not? This is in the evening anyway! Just book your tickets from abroad.
Then you do not have the hassle to get the tickets whilst in London.
lg Gernot
> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
> two half days to see as much as possible.
Take a bus-round-trip first. So you will see much of London's sights.
> 1-Buckingham Palace
You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
> 3-Tower Bridge
You can pay an entrance fee for it and see the interior but as your time is
limited leave it.
> 5-Big Ben
Part of the Houses of Parliament.
> 6-British Museum
Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to London.
> 7-Hyde Park
Which part? Leave it if you do not have time left.
> 8-St Paul Cathedral
Climb it up! Great view and skip London Eye!
> 11-London Eye
Skip it! Just expensive IMO!
> 12-Windsor Castle
IMO a day trip from London! Skip it! You don't have the time. Nevertheless a
nice place.
> 13-London Dungeon
Skip it! Nothing special! I was disappointed.
> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee
Most places! And London is not cheap! :-)
> I would
> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
> possible this time.
Why not? This is in the evening anyway! Just book your tickets from abroad.
Then you do not have the hassle to get the tickets whilst in London.
lg Gernot
Nov 23rd 2003, 7:23 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Mahesha wrote:
> We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
John Betjeman was arguably Britain's favourite poet, also arguably, his
best known work was <http://www-cdr.stanford.edu/intuition/Slough.html>.
You may well agree with him.
Phil
> We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
John Betjeman was arguably Britain's favourite poet, also arguably, his
best known work was <http://www-cdr.stanford.edu/intuition/Slough.html>.
You may well agree with him.
Phil
Nov 23rd 2003, 9:20 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
I don't think it it too late. There are at least a couple of internet
booking agents that will work with you, we have used
http://www.albemarle-london.com/news.html quite a number of times. Have
not used the Web form but did it by telephone. There was one screwup but
the was sorted out at the theater (to our advantage, no less). You may
also want to look at http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/. I love
London theater, probably because I spent 12 years there as a teenager
then an undergrad. The theaters a much smaller than the US, or at least
the Kennedy Center(!!) which makes it a very different experience.
Doug.
Mahesha wrote:
> Hi Everybody,
> First of all, Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier questions
> about transportation in London.
> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
> I would
> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
> possible this time.
> Thanks in advance ,
> Mahesha
booking agents that will work with you, we have used
http://www.albemarle-london.com/news.html quite a number of times. Have
not used the Web form but did it by telephone. There was one screwup but
the was sorted out at the theater (to our advantage, no less). You may
also want to look at http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/. I love
London theater, probably because I spent 12 years there as a teenager
then an undergrad. The theaters a much smaller than the US, or at least
the Kennedy Center(!!) which makes it a very different experience.
Doug.
Mahesha wrote:
> Hi Everybody,
> First of all, Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier questions
> about transportation in London.
> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
> I would
> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
> possible this time.
> Thanks in advance ,
> Mahesha
Nov 23rd 2003, 9:48 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
On Sun, 23 Nov 2003 21:12:41 +0100, "Gernot Egger" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Mahesha wrote:
>> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
>> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
>> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
>> two half days to see as much as possible.
>Take a bus-round-trip first. So you will see much of London's sights.
>> 1-Buckingham Palace
>You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
>> 3-Tower Bridge
>You can pay an entrance fee for it and see the interior but as your time is
>limited leave it.
>> 5-Big Ben
>Part of the Houses of Parliament.
And, of course, Big Ben is the bell within the famous clock tower
at Westminster, and accordingingly out of sight of tourists.
>> 6-British Museum
>Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to London.
Eh? Browsing can be part of the fun.
[...]
>> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee
>Most places! And London is not cheap! :-)
But not the British Museum.
>> I would
>> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
>> possible this time.
>Why not? This is in the evening anyway! Just book your tickets from abroad.
>Then you do not have the hassle to get the tickets whilst in London.
Or, take your chances on what might be available at a discount at
the ticket stand in Leicester Square (theater roulette, so to
speak).
[...]
************* DAVE HATUNEN ([email protected]) *************
* Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow *
* My typos & mispellings are intentional copyright traps *
wrote:
>Mahesha wrote:
>> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
>> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
>> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
>> two half days to see as much as possible.
>Take a bus-round-trip first. So you will see much of London's sights.
>> 1-Buckingham Palace
>You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
>> 3-Tower Bridge
>You can pay an entrance fee for it and see the interior but as your time is
>limited leave it.
>> 5-Big Ben
>Part of the Houses of Parliament.
And, of course, Big Ben is the bell within the famous clock tower
at Westminster, and accordingingly out of sight of tourists.
>> 6-British Museum
>Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to London.
Eh? Browsing can be part of the fun.
[...]
>> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee
>Most places! And London is not cheap! :-)
But not the British Museum.
>> I would
>> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
>> possible this time.
>Why not? This is in the evening anyway! Just book your tickets from abroad.
>Then you do not have the hassle to get the tickets whilst in London.
Or, take your chances on what might be available at a discount at
the ticket stand in Leicester Square (theater roulette, so to
speak).
[...]
************* DAVE HATUNEN ([email protected]) *************
* Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow *
* My typos & mispellings are intentional copyright traps *
Nov 23rd 2003, 9:54 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
"Gernot Egger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mahesha wrote:
> Take a bus-round-trip first. So you will see much of London's sights.
> > 1-Buckingham Palace
> You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
But you can of course see the changing of the guards:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page570.asp
>>2-Westminster Abbey
Might be crowded, but it's worth the wait. Remember to check if it is open
http://www.westminster-abbey.org/
> > 3-Tower Bridge
> You can pay an entrance fee for it and see the interior but as your time
is
> limited leave it.
Agree. It's not that expensive but not very interesting. £4.5
http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/
> > 6-British Museum
> Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to London.
I like the British museum very much and it's free, but don't spend to much
time there. I like the Rosetta stone, the mummies and the reading room. One
hour will give you a quick overview and you can spend more time there the
next time you visit London.
> > 7-Hyde Park
> Which part? Leave it if you do not have time left.
The Big Bus starts at the corner of Hyde Park/Speakers corner. Take a quick
stroll if you feel like it, but nothing special about it IMHO. St. James's
park is smaller and nicer.
> > 8-St Paul Cathedral
> Climb it up! Great view and skip London Eye!
A MUST when in London. The view is excellent. £6
> > 11-London Eye
> Skip it! Just expensive IMO!
Only if you have the time. I liked the view
> > 13-London Dungeon
> Skip it! Nothing special! I was disappointed.
Children might insist on going there, but wouldn't recommend it if you are
short on time.
news:[email protected]...
> Mahesha wrote:
> Take a bus-round-trip first. So you will see much of London's sights.
> > 1-Buckingham Palace
> You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
But you can of course see the changing of the guards:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page570.asp
>>2-Westminster Abbey
Might be crowded, but it's worth the wait. Remember to check if it is open
http://www.westminster-abbey.org/
> > 3-Tower Bridge
> You can pay an entrance fee for it and see the interior but as your time
is
> limited leave it.
Agree. It's not that expensive but not very interesting. £4.5
http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/
> > 6-British Museum
> Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to London.
I like the British museum very much and it's free, but don't spend to much
time there. I like the Rosetta stone, the mummies and the reading room. One
hour will give you a quick overview and you can spend more time there the
next time you visit London.
> > 7-Hyde Park
> Which part? Leave it if you do not have time left.
The Big Bus starts at the corner of Hyde Park/Speakers corner. Take a quick
stroll if you feel like it, but nothing special about it IMHO. St. James's
park is smaller and nicer.
> > 8-St Paul Cathedral
> Climb it up! Great view and skip London Eye!
A MUST when in London. The view is excellent. £6
> > 11-London Eye
> Skip it! Just expensive IMO!
Only if you have the time. I liked the view
> > 13-London Dungeon
> Skip it! Nothing special! I was disappointed.
Children might insist on going there, but wouldn't recommend it if you are
short on time.
Nov 23rd 2003, 12:37 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
In article <[email protected] >,
[email protected] (Mahesha) wrote:
> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
> two half days to see as much as possible.
> Wm are still debating on whether to take a)Big bus tour or b)3 day
> London Pass. c)Take a travel card
> This is our first trip to London and hence would be comfortable taking
> the Big bus tour as they have the guides to tell us the big picture.
> Here are the places we want to visit.
>
> 1-Buckingham Palace
> 2-Westminster Abbey
> 3-Tower Bridge
> 4-Tower of London
> 5-Big Ben
> 6-British Museum
> 7-Hyde Park
> 8-St Paul Cathedral
> 9-Covent Garden
> 10-Trafalgar Square
> 11-London Eye
> 12-Windsor Castle
> 13-London Dungeon
> 14-Tate Modern
In the short time you have available, I would suggest you visit
Westminster Abbey (you can also see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
from close by), either St. Paul's Cathedral or the London Eye (for the
views), and either the British Museum or the Tower of London.
Be aware that despite its name, the British Museum is not particularly
about British artefacts - if you want a dose of English history you will
be better off at the Tower.
Windsor Castle is a bit out of London and realistically will eat up a
whole day. Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are just places - if you're
going to the theatre in the evening you can easily see them both in a
spare hour before!
If you are interested in modern art, certainly drop any or all of the
above in favour of Tate Modern. If not, but you would still like to visit
an art gallery, the National Gallery or the smaller and much less-visited
National Portrait Gallery are both very central (right on Trafalgar
Square, in fact).
[email protected] (Mahesha) wrote:
> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
> two half days to see as much as possible.
> Wm are still debating on whether to take a)Big bus tour or b)3 day
> London Pass. c)Take a travel card
> This is our first trip to London and hence would be comfortable taking
> the Big bus tour as they have the guides to tell us the big picture.
> Here are the places we want to visit.
>
> 1-Buckingham Palace
> 2-Westminster Abbey
> 3-Tower Bridge
> 4-Tower of London
> 5-Big Ben
> 6-British Museum
> 7-Hyde Park
> 8-St Paul Cathedral
> 9-Covent Garden
> 10-Trafalgar Square
> 11-London Eye
> 12-Windsor Castle
> 13-London Dungeon
> 14-Tate Modern
In the short time you have available, I would suggest you visit
Westminster Abbey (you can also see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
from close by), either St. Paul's Cathedral or the London Eye (for the
views), and either the British Museum or the Tower of London.
Be aware that despite its name, the British Museum is not particularly
about British artefacts - if you want a dose of English history you will
be better off at the Tower.
Windsor Castle is a bit out of London and realistically will eat up a
whole day. Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are just places - if you're
going to the theatre in the evening you can easily see them both in a
spare hour before!
If you are interested in modern art, certainly drop any or all of the
above in favour of Tate Modern. If not, but you would still like to visit
an art gallery, the National Gallery or the smaller and much less-visited
National Portrait Gallery are both very central (right on Trafalgar
Square, in fact).
Nov 23rd 2003, 3:10 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Actually, Speaker's Corner is really quite interesting- but I think
people only gather there to speak on Sundays. Does anyone know?
Hyde Park/Speakers corner. Take a quick
> stroll if you feel like it, but nothing special about it IMHO. St. James's
> park is smaller and nicer.
people only gather there to speak on Sundays. Does anyone know?
Hyde Park/Speakers corner. Take a quick
> stroll if you feel like it, but nothing special about it IMHO. St. James's
> park is smaller and nicer.
Nov 23rd 2003, 8:20 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Jon Hanstein wrote:
>>> 1-Buckingham Palace
>> You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
> But you can of course see the changing of the guards:
> http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page570.asp
Sure! Changing of the guards is a major event. Horse guards has a changing
of the guards too. I do not when but it is a nice alternative.
>>> 2-Westminster Abbey
> Might be crowded, but it's worth the wait. Remember to check if it is
> open http://www.westminster-abbey.org/
It is worth a visit IMO but remember the Stone of Scone is back to Scotland.
lg Gernot
>>> 1-Buckingham Palace
>> You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
> But you can of course see the changing of the guards:
> http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page570.asp
Sure! Changing of the guards is a major event. Horse guards has a changing
of the guards too. I do not when but it is a nice alternative.
>>> 2-Westminster Abbey
> Might be crowded, but it's worth the wait. Remember to check if it is
> open http://www.westminster-abbey.org/
It is worth a visit IMO but remember the Stone of Scone is back to Scotland.
lg Gernot
Nov 23rd 2003, 8:25 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
"Hatunen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 23 Nov 2003 21:12:41 +0100, "Gernot Egger" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
> >> 1-Buckingham Palace
> >
> >You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
True. But I thought it was worth a walk down the Mall just go to and peer
through the fence. Just one of those things it's nice to say that you've
seen it.
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 23 Nov 2003 21:12:41 +0100, "Gernot Egger" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
> >> 1-Buckingham Palace
> >
> >You can't enter it. (apart from Summer IIRC)
True. But I thought it was worth a walk down the Mall just go to and peer
through the fence. Just one of those things it's nice to say that you've
seen it.
Nov 23rd 2003, 8:26 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Hatunen wrote:
>>> 6-British Museum
>> Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to
>> London.
> Eh? Browsing can be part of the fun.
Sure. The British Museum is simply great!
What I was meaning is that the OP should inform himself before going to the
British Museum what he wants to see otherwise there is simply to much there.
BTW: I liked the Natural History Museum in Kensington. Might be a good place
for kids.
>>> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee
>> Most places! And London is not cheap! :-)
> But not the British Museum.
Sure. State run museums are free in Britain. Natural History Museum,
National Gallery etc.
> Or, take your chances on what might be available at a discount at
> the ticket stand in Leicester Square (theater roulette, so to
> speak).
But that takes time the OP won't have.
If he knows what he wants to see, ordering the tickets from home could be
more easier. (but more expensive!)
BTW: There are night tours of the tour. A closing ceremony. IIRC it was free
ages ago but you needed to qualify for tickets.
lg Gernot
>>> 6-British Museum
>> Skip it or make sure what you want to see there before getting to
>> London.
> Eh? Browsing can be part of the fun.
Sure. The British Museum is simply great!
What I was meaning is that the OP should inform himself before going to the
British Museum what he wants to see otherwise there is simply to much there.
BTW: I liked the Natural History Museum in Kensington. Might be a good place
for kids.
>>> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee
>> Most places! And London is not cheap! :-)
> But not the British Museum.
Sure. State run museums are free in Britain. Natural History Museum,
National Gallery etc.
> Or, take your chances on what might be available at a discount at
> the ticket stand in Leicester Square (theater roulette, so to
> speak).
But that takes time the OP won't have.
If he knows what he wants to see, ordering the tickets from home could be
more easier. (but more expensive!)
BTW: There are night tours of the tour. A closing ceremony. IIRC it was free
ages ago but you needed to qualify for tickets.
lg Gernot
Nov 24th 2003, 2:13 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
"Mahesha" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi Everybody,
> First of all, Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier questions
> about transportation in London.
> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
> two half days to see as much as possible.
> We are still debating on whether to take a)Big bus tour or b)3 day
> London Pass. c)Take a travel card
> This is our first trip to London and hence would be comfortable taking
> the Big bus tour as they have the guides to tell us the big picture.
> Here are the places we want to visit.
> 1-Buckingham Palace
> 2-Westminster Abbey
> 3-Tower Bridge
> 4-Tower of London
> 5-Big Ben
> 6-British Museum
> 7-Hyde Park
> 8-St Paul Cathedral
> 9-Covent Garden
> 10-Trafalgar Square
> 11-London Eye
> 12-Windsor Castle
> 13-London Dungeon
> 14-Tate Modern
> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee and how much
> time each of these takes to cover.
> It would be great if someone could give me a headsup on this. I would
> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
> possible this time.Also pls let me know which of the places above
> aren't worth visiting so we can skip. Pls do include if I've missed
> any must sees..
> We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
> Thanks in advance ,
> Mahesha
My wife and I just got back from London last week. We spent 7 days there and
just barely got in all the sights you listed. I would definitely suggest
that you book the Big Bus Tour. They will take you right by most of the
locations that you have listed and you can hop off to see them up close then
catch the next bus. The changing og the guard is only every other day right
now, weather permitting. The Big Bus Company has a walking tour that takes
you to both St. James Palace where the Changing of the Guard starts and you
follow them to Buckingham Palace. The walking tour takes about 2 hours and
cover about 1 1/2 miles. Just as a note, we also took the Original Bus Tour
and the Big Bus Tours are much better seem to have more busses running and
better guides.Tickets for both companies include a 20 minute boat tour on
the Thames, which was fun.
Another thing that you need to think of is that it is getting dark in London
at about 4 pm right now which will limit the amount of time that you have to
sightsee.
My choices to see in the time frame you have is as follows:
Buckingham Palace
Tower of London ( worth seeing allow at least two hours) (you can catch the
boat tour here which drops you off at Parliament Square and not far from the
London Eye)
Parliament Square ( which includes Big Ben, Westminster Abby, and St.
Margaret's Church)
British Museum ( two hours minimum, but you could spend days there to see
everything)
St. Pauls Cathedral
news:[email protected]...
> Hi Everybody,
> First of all, Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier questions
> about transportation in London.
> Now I do need some advice on planning the sightseeing in London.
> we(me & my wife) will be reaching London on 27th Dec around 10.00 a.m
> and leaving on 29th Dec around 6.00 p.m. So, we have 1 full day and
> two half days to see as much as possible.
> We are still debating on whether to take a)Big bus tour or b)3 day
> London Pass. c)Take a travel card
> This is our first trip to London and hence would be comfortable taking
> the Big bus tour as they have the guides to tell us the big picture.
> Here are the places we want to visit.
> 1-Buckingham Palace
> 2-Westminster Abbey
> 3-Tower Bridge
> 4-Tower of London
> 5-Big Ben
> 6-British Museum
> 7-Hyde Park
> 8-St Paul Cathedral
> 9-Covent Garden
> 10-Trafalgar Square
> 11-London Eye
> 12-Windsor Castle
> 13-London Dungeon
> 14-Tate Modern
> I do not know which of these places need a entrance fee and how much
> time each of these takes to cover.
> It would be great if someone could give me a headsup on this. I would
> have loved to include a musical or theater. I don't think its
> possible this time.Also pls let me know which of the places above
> aren't worth visiting so we can skip. Pls do include if I've missed
> any must sees..
> We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
> Thanks in advance ,
> Mahesha
My wife and I just got back from London last week. We spent 7 days there and
just barely got in all the sights you listed. I would definitely suggest
that you book the Big Bus Tour. They will take you right by most of the
locations that you have listed and you can hop off to see them up close then
catch the next bus. The changing og the guard is only every other day right
now, weather permitting. The Big Bus Company has a walking tour that takes
you to both St. James Palace where the Changing of the Guard starts and you
follow them to Buckingham Palace. The walking tour takes about 2 hours and
cover about 1 1/2 miles. Just as a note, we also took the Original Bus Tour
and the Big Bus Tours are much better seem to have more busses running and
better guides.Tickets for both companies include a 20 minute boat tour on
the Thames, which was fun.
Another thing that you need to think of is that it is getting dark in London
at about 4 pm right now which will limit the amount of time that you have to
sightsee.
My choices to see in the time frame you have is as follows:
Buckingham Palace
Tower of London ( worth seeing allow at least two hours) (you can catch the
boat tour here which drops you off at Parliament Square and not far from the
London Eye)
Parliament Square ( which includes Big Ben, Westminster Abby, and St.
Margaret's Church)
British Museum ( two hours minimum, but you could spend days there to see
everything)
St. Pauls Cathedral
Nov 25th 2003, 9:23 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Mahesha wrote:
> We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
Why Slough? Is it too late to change?
Slough is an enormous council estate with office blocks and a Mars Bar
factory.
Most of the Slough hotels are nowhere near the station for connections to
London.
When you get to London, you'll be in Paddington and need a tube to the
centre. Allow 1.5-2 hours from your hotel to Buckingham Palace, for
example, and may even be worse Christmas week due to reduced services. The
London Dungeon/Tower/Bridge may take longer. I wouldn't even think about
trying to get into London for your "half-day".
The night buses in Slough are non-existent when you want to get back to
your hotel from the station after an evening in London. There is most
certainly nothing to do in Slough in the evening.
I should know. I live in Slough!
On the plus side, Windsor Castle is about 10 minutes from Slough.
Russell
> We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
Why Slough? Is it too late to change?
Slough is an enormous council estate with office blocks and a Mars Bar
factory.
Most of the Slough hotels are nowhere near the station for connections to
London.
When you get to London, you'll be in Paddington and need a tube to the
centre. Allow 1.5-2 hours from your hotel to Buckingham Palace, for
example, and may even be worse Christmas week due to reduced services. The
London Dungeon/Tower/Bridge may take longer. I wouldn't even think about
trying to get into London for your "half-day".
The night buses in Slough are non-existent when you want to get back to
your hotel from the station after an evening in London. There is most
certainly nothing to do in Slough in the evening.
I should know. I live in Slough!
On the plus side, Windsor Castle is about 10 minutes from Slough.
Russell
Nov 25th 2003, 2:29 pm
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
Hi Folks,
Thanks a ton for all the tips and advice and also for everyone who
discouraged me from taking up hotel in Slough. I changed the hotel now
to Britannia international hotel. Location info says its very close to
buckingham palace and tower bridge. I tried my best to get a hotel
near paddington.. There was nothing available for these dates and my
budget. Thanks once again for all the help.Best Regards,
Mahesha
Russell <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Mahesha wrote:
>
> > We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
> >
> >
>
> Why Slough? Is it too late to change?
> Slough is an enormous council estate with office blocks and a Mars Bar
> factory.
> Most of the Slough hotels are nowhere near the station for connections to
> London.
> When you get to London, you'll be in Paddington and need a tube to the
> centre. Allow 1.5-2 hours from your hotel to Buckingham Palace, for
> example, and may even be worse Christmas week due to reduced services. The
> London Dungeon/Tower/Bridge may take longer. I wouldn't even think about
> trying to get into London for your "half-day".
> The night buses in Slough are non-existent when you want to get back to
> your hotel from the station after an evening in London. There is most
> certainly nothing to do in Slough in the evening.
>
> I should know. I live in Slough!
>
> On the plus side, Windsor Castle is about 10 minutes from Slough.
>
> Russell
Thanks a ton for all the tips and advice and also for everyone who
discouraged me from taking up hotel in Slough. I changed the hotel now
to Britannia international hotel. Location info says its very close to
buckingham palace and tower bridge. I tried my best to get a hotel
near paddington.. There was nothing available for these dates and my
budget. Thanks once again for all the help.Best Regards,
Mahesha
Russell <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Mahesha wrote:
>
> > We are going to stay in a hotel in Slough(litte far from London).
> >
> >
>
> Why Slough? Is it too late to change?
> Slough is an enormous council estate with office blocks and a Mars Bar
> factory.
> Most of the Slough hotels are nowhere near the station for connections to
> London.
> When you get to London, you'll be in Paddington and need a tube to the
> centre. Allow 1.5-2 hours from your hotel to Buckingham Palace, for
> example, and may even be worse Christmas week due to reduced services. The
> London Dungeon/Tower/Bridge may take longer. I wouldn't even think about
> trying to get into London for your "half-day".
> The night buses in Slough are non-existent when you want to get back to
> your hotel from the station after an evening in London. There is most
> certainly nothing to do in Slough in the evening.
>
> I should know. I live in Slough!
>
> On the plus side, Windsor Castle is about 10 minutes from Slough.
>
> Russell
Nov 25th 2003, 5:10 pm
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: London Vacation tips !!
In article <[email protected] >, Mahesha
<[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi Folks,
> Thanks a ton for all the tips and advice and also for everyone who
> discouraged me from taking up hotel in Slough. I changed the hotel now
> to Britannia international hotel. Location info says its very close to
> buckingham palace and tower bridge. I tried my best to get a hotel
> near paddington.. There was nothing available for these dates and my
> budget. Thanks once again for all the help.Best Regards,
> Mahesha
Am I missing something - but how can a hotel be close to both the Tower
Bridge and Buckingham Palace? Aren't they in opposite sides of town?
I was a little puzzled and did a quick search. The Britannia In'tl
Hotel that I found was in Canary Wharf, which is really not that close
to either (I suppose it all depends on how one defines "close"). It is
convenient to commute to both though, I believe, on the tube (Jubilee
line, I think). So unless it's another branch of the hotel that you're
referring to, just be prepared to do a little bit of commuting to get
to most London attractions. But still, much, much, much closer and
more convenient than Slough either way.
Vicky
<[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi Folks,
> Thanks a ton for all the tips and advice and also for everyone who
> discouraged me from taking up hotel in Slough. I changed the hotel now
> to Britannia international hotel. Location info says its very close to
> buckingham palace and tower bridge. I tried my best to get a hotel
> near paddington.. There was nothing available for these dates and my
> budget. Thanks once again for all the help.Best Regards,
> Mahesha
Am I missing something - but how can a hotel be close to both the Tower
Bridge and Buckingham Palace? Aren't they in opposite sides of town?
I was a little puzzled and did a quick search. The Britannia In'tl
Hotel that I found was in Canary Wharf, which is really not that close
to either (I suppose it all depends on how one defines "close"). It is
convenient to commute to both though, I believe, on the tube (Jubilee
line, I think). So unless it's another branch of the hotel that you're
referring to, just be prepared to do a little bit of commuting to get
to most London attractions. But still, much, much, much closer and
more convenient than Slough either way.
Vicky
