Calling all Londoners..

[pigby]

We are off to London next week attending an awards ceremony - Tuesday to Thursday - we will have a free day on the Thursday to do a bit of sightseeing and/or shopping. As time is obviously limited, wonder if you have any recommendations on places to go with a 13yo DD.

Also the Travelodge doesn't have a left luggage - we wondered if we could leave our luggage at Euston on our last day until our train home or do you have other recommendations (we were thinking of taking a couple of ruckracks (DLP ones, not big things) but knowing DD these won't be big enough for all her stuff.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We are off to London next week attending an awards ceremony - Tuesday to Thursday - we will have a free day on the Thursday to do a bit of sightseeing and/or shopping. As time is obviously limited, wonder if you have any recommendations on places to go with a 13yo DD.

Also the Travelodge doesn't have a left luggage - we wondered if we could leave our luggage at Euston on our last day until our train home or do you have other recommendations (we were thinking of taking a couple of ruckracks (DLP ones, not big things) but knowing DD these won't be big enough for all her stuff.

Book the London eye, walk Regent street visit Hamleys. Not sure if they allow luggage to be left nowadays at Stations, but the hotels should do it.

 

[Dimplenose]

My DD (also 13) really enjoyed the London Dungeons. She also enjoys shopping (probably because I'm paying!) we usually start at Marble Arch and walk our way to Oxford Circus.

There's a nice and reasonably priced cafe in Debenhams. We've also gone a bit further and walked down Regent's Street and had a meal at TGI Friday's near Picadilly Circus.

Things I like to do (bearing in mind I'm 45 not 13) are any of the museums in Kensington, or the British Museum (which has the Terracotta Army exhibition on at the moment). A lot of the museums have cloakrooms where you can leave bags - I don't know if there is a size limit or a charge.

Waterstone's have an amazing bookshop in Picadilly where I can lose a lot of time (&money).

Libby

 

[orangebreezer]

Looked on the Network Rail site for you, this is what is said about left luggage
at Euston

Left Luggage is a secure place where you can leave items of luggage for collection later. The left luggage office is at the top of the ramp to platforms 16 – 18 and is open between 07.00 – 23.00. Please call 020 7387 1499 for more information.

My daughter is 12 and she loves Harrods, she loves to see how the rich people live and she just adores the sweet section. The last time we were there we seen Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster shopping so you never know who you might bump into. When browsing around the make up section try to look like you might buy something or be really chatty to the girls, the girls are normally happy to give you a free makeover.
London Dungeons is another fav, but I would avoid Madam Tuessards, too crowded and a waste of money.
The Natural History Museum or Science Museum are also good if your daughter likes that sort of thing. Do remember to pick up an Oyster Card for the couple of days you are here, it is a lot cheaper than paying full fares. Info can be found here
Hope this helps

 

[Ware Bears]

My girls are 15, 12 and 11 and they all love going on the London Eye. They also liked the Tower of London and walking over Tower Bridge. They all enjoyed the Natural History Museum but hated the British one!

Have a great time.

 

[pigby]

Thanks for all the suggestions - DH really wants to try the Natural History museum - I went once but that was years ago - how much time do you need to allow for this? They also want to try London Eye - can we do both in one day?

Also does anyone know what time the shops stay open until on Oxford Street on a Tuesday and a Wednesday?

We have seen a website for the Original London Ghost Walk which we are thinking of trying on the Wednesday evening - any thoughts? We have been to the one in York and also the one in Brixham this year and they are usually fun.

 

[Ware Bears]

If you book the London Eye online you can pick a time so won't need to queue.

We spent between two to three hours at the Natural History Museum so can easily do both in one day.

The Ghost Walk sounds great. DH did the one in York when he was up there for work, he really enjoyed it.

 

[pigby]

We got back on Thursday night and had a fantastic time - got a 3 day pass on the underground and zipped round London like pros. Visited London Eye (in the dark), Science Museum - they've got a simulator of Spongebob Squarepants - great - thought we were in Universal for a minute, went to Natural History museum. Shopped at Harrods, briefly Visited Oxford Street, ate at Hard rock, walked round Hyde Park wearing t-shirts on Thursday (how warm was it for October>???).

Went to Young Critics awards at Leicester Square (my DD was a nominee in her category) but didn't win unfortunately, but still had a great time and brought home a few freebies.

Can't wait till next time ...worth the sore feet. Thanks for all your advice.

 

[Dimplenose]

I'm glad you had a good time. And well done to your daughter for getting nominated.

Libby