Christmas in London! Help!!!

[larry_poppins]

After visiting DLP and Paris we are going to take the Chunnel to London for 5 nights. I am very excited about my visit to London. I have not been there since 1988!

However we will be in London for Christmas Day! I am afraid everything will be closed! If whether permits we can go to church, walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Park, and see a movie.

Any ideas as to what else we can do on December 25th in London? Any ideas on where to eat Christmas Dinner?

Will there be taxis on Christmas Day? I know that the metro and the trains are closed.

Sincerely,

Larry Poppins

 

[TracyK]

I usually go to London just before Christmas to do my shopping. I have not been there for Christmas day so am not sure what to suggest. Church and a walk in the parks sounds like a great idea. Where are you staying?
Here are some links which may help you
www.londontown.com
www.thisislondon.com
Have a great trip. DLP is beautiful at Christmas.
Tracy

 

[WDWfan uk]

Where are you staying in London? I'd recommend booking your Christmas lunch as soon as you possibly can - either in your own hotel if it has a decent restaurant or splash out on one of the good hotel or London restaurants - but do not delay, as they are bound to be getting booked up.

 

[WDWfan uk]

....... I've looked at some earlier threads, and regards eating in London generally, I came across this post from Vernon - he mentions Joe Allen's in Covent Garden which I've had recommended by several people - you need to book. Also, an American poster recommended Topo Gigios in Brewer Street, just off Piccadilly Circus (but hadn't been for a couple of years)

<font="blue">Vernon's post:

"Don't know much about the rest of the UK, but I know London has some of the best restaurants in the world ( if you're prepared to pay for them)

I can't say enough good things about Ramsey's , it was simply the best food I've had anywhere ( but it was £150 a head inc wine, the food was £80 for an eight course meal I think) I believe his restaurant at Claridges has lunch menus from £30 which isn't too bad. You can get some pretty good Japanese in London, Benehana's has never let me down and the adventurous might like the sushi at Yo Sushi. Other good restaurants that I like are, Butler's Wharf Chop House (steaks and chops) , The Greenhouse ( modern European) , Mju (european/asian infusions), Smith's @ Smithfield ( Steaks and modern European), Titanic ( good food and this also has a "clubbie" type area with music.It is open to about 3 in the morning so it's a good place if you're out in a group with no kids and staying in town). In Covent Garden area Christopher's and Joe Allen's are both really good places to go.

I think in "pub food" the "All Bar One " chain are pretty good, Smollenski's are also quite reasonable, There are a number of outstanding Indian restaurants as well as any number of Chinese and Thai restaurants. "</font>

There is another thread of general interest here

 

[larry_poppins]

I would like to thank everyone for responding! I haven't been to this board in a while. I forgot I made this post!

We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express - Southwark. It is near Waterloo Station. This should be very convenient for arriving in London from DLP. I believe it is also in walking distance to the BA Eye, the Tate Modern, the New Globe, and St. Paul's Cathedral (perhaps this last one may be a stretch!).

There is no restaurant there, but I will look into the suggestions you have given me. Joe Allen's and Topo Gigios sound good. I am sure there are many fine hotel restaurants we can make a reservation at. Hopefully they won't all cost 150 pounds!

Do you think I can wait until Dec. 22 or should I try to make a ressie from the States?

Thanks again,

Larry

 

[Olaf]

Remember the Brits do two days for Christmas. Smart people.

 

[BevS97]

I would make a ressie now, Dinner on Christmas Day will book up very early, and yes, most things will be closed Christmas Day. Some things will be closed on the 26th but not as many as on Christmas Day.

If you want to go on the London Eye, you can prebook your tickets here http://www.londoneye.com/ I think you need to do this to stand a reasonable chance of getting on. It looks like it's closed on Christmas Day though.

Have you seen the
Visit Britain Website. It has quite a lot of useful info on it.

Bev

 

[BONZO]

London? Christmas Day?


Are you mad? - We're not geared up for tourists at the best of times! - LOL


I'll have a look around to see what's open but I'd get that meal booked up pronto.

 

[BONZO]

Larry,


I haven't forgotten about this - I've asked my mate (A London Blue Badge Guide) for info on what's on during the Christmas period.


I'll post back soon.