London "Must Do's"

[ClareH37]

I'm really looking forward to Hampton Court Palace. I think the gardens sound wonderful. Would you suggest hitting one of the pubs in Hampton Court for lunch?

The Tower is included in the ABD tour, but I'm definitely going to check out the Ceremony of the keys. I've heard it's really cool. A lot of people have recommended the British Museum. I'm definitely adding that to my list!

Thanks!
Sayhello

The Prince of Wales I feel is the best of the bunch, they serve real ales and the food is standard pub fayre, I've attached the pub's website here, and there's a link to the main menu.

If you want more of a restaurant, there's a restaurant directly opposite the Palace called Blubeckers which is pretty good (I've eaten there numerous times and never had a bad meal), details here.

Also the cafe in the Palace itself serves lighter food such as sandwiches and light hot lunches, nothing fancy but pretty good.

 

[kristilew]

Also the cafe in the Palace itself serves lighter food such as sandwiches and light hot lunches, nothing fancy but pretty good.

SayHello, this cafe is where I had the fabulous Bacon Roll sandwich. You could kill two birds with one stone that way!


Also, on the food front, be sure to eat breakfast one morning at a Pret A Manger (they're everywhere). Best. Porridge. Ever.

 

[ColoradoDisney]

In addition to the places mentioned, here are few more:

Hyde Park. It is sorta like Central Park in NYC. The Princess Diana Memorial is in Hyde Park.

Harrods. Large department store. Not too far from Hyde Park. I recommending eating lunch in the "food court".

London Eye. Giant Ferris Wheel. Great Views.

British Museum. I know this was mentioned but it is an absolutely do not miss.

Westminster Abbey.

Here are a few activities not to miss:

Take cab somewhere

Ride the Tube (Subway)

Take a train

See a show (play, musical, anything). If you are flexible, you can get discounted tickets the day of the show. There are a million 1/2 price ticket places in London. We saw Blue Man Group for $35 per ticket a few years ago.

Have Afternoon Tea. Go to a hotel and order afternoon tea.

Eat a Pasty

Here is a list of don'ts

-Don't eat at McDonalds. It is even worse than the US
-Don't get run over. Look three times before crossing the road.
-Don't complain that everything is expensive. All large cities are expensive.
-Don't expect London to be like the US. Be a gracious visitor.

 

[sayhello]

Don't know if it's part of the ABD itinerary, but the Churchill War Cabinet rooms were fascinating. My kids (12 & 8) were even very intrigued by that. We did the audio tour in about 90 minutes or so. It is right by Parliament & the Abbey.

We also did Hampton Court palace and loved it.

Another day trip we really enjoyed that isn't "mainstream" was Leeds Castle. It is a short train trip and taxi out there, and just beautiful. They have a super cool garden maze - my youngest found his way to the center in about 15 minutes and then had to vector in my DH & I. If he wasn't there helping from the "tower" in the middle, I think we'd still be there wandering in the hedges! They also did a falconry demonstration. Gorgeous grounds, and, being from Virginia, we were interested to learn about the ties between Leeds & various cities/counties here in the VA/MD area - Culpeper and Faixfax County!

I've never heard about the Churchill War Cabinet rooms. I'll definitely look into that. And Leeds Castle sounds interesting, too. Is it actually *in* Leeds? My sister's husband has family in Leeds, maybe I should visit? I think I'm trying to cram too much into a few days, but oh well, isn't that how it always works? I do love garden mazes.

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

All of the above suggestions are fantastic. London is really a place you cannot do in a day or two, but need more like 2 or 3 weeks to get it all in. Anyway, one thing I have not seen mentioned is that if you are a history buff at all, then I would suggest a trip to the Imperial War Museum. I believe if you get there after 4 pm(?) you can get in for half price.

I know, I really do intend to go back & spend more time in England, but this trip was just such a spectacular opportunity. I will check out the Imperial War Museum. Thanks. One thing I've heard is that London has a ton of fabulous Museums, and many of them are free or inexpensive.

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

Wow, this thread is making me think Knights & Lights is high on my list of things to do! Have a fantastic time, sayhello!!

Thanks, tracyz! It's been high on my list for a while, and it all just came together for this year. I'm really looking forward to it! I'm so grateful for all the input folks are giving me here! I love it.

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

When we did Hampton Court, we were there about 6 hours, including lunch. This was plenty of time to see everything inside, but we felt rushed at the end and would have enjoyed more time walking around the beautiful grounds. The audio tour is quite extensive and takes time to listen to all of it. If you're more inclined to take a quick glance and move on, you won't need as much time.

We did everything we wanted to at the Tower in a morning (there right when they opened) and were ready to leave after lunch.

We spent an entire Sunday in the British museum and still hadn't seen all we wanted to when they kicked us out.

So excited for you - it's going to be a great trip!

6 hours? OK, that gives me a good indication it's going to be an all-day thing for me. Because I am *SO* not the type to "take a quick glance and move on"!!!! I am a lingerer, who reads every little placard beneath each piece of art, and listens to everything on an audio tour, and stops & looks again & maybe goes back, etc. I can infuriate other people on occasion!

The Tower is a part of the ABD, so I won't do that on my alone time. But so many people have recommended the British Museum. I definitely plan on spending some significant time there!

Thanks, kristilew! I don't know how I'm going to last until September!

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

OK - well we are British but we go to London 2 or three times a year as 'tourists'. We go for up to a week at a time (only 2 nights though in a months time). We have been going for a while - we live a couple of hours away by train and trust me, the attractions would take you much much longer than the suggested 2/3 weeks to get around.

Our favourite things to do include :

London Zoo - hope to go again end May - it's worth it to walk through Regents Park when all the flowers are out.

Speaking of parks, we love to walk through Hyde Park - to see the Diana fountain (free attraction) or the adjacent St James Park.

Other free attractions included the museums - been to a few - favourite free one is Natural History Museum - wasn't so entralled with the British Musem - but maybe that's just me. Also love the Imperial War Museum - this is FREE - they only charge for special events.

Also been to Tussauds (good but very very crowded) go first thing in the morning - always discount vouchers about for this one. Right across the street is a little museum with a old style British 'bobby' stood outside - it's 10b (is that the right number?) Baker Street - Sherlock Holmes house (not really he was fictional but they've decked out the house like the books) - it's also right by the entrance to REgent Park (for the zoo)

Tower of London was OK to see once.

Agree with the shows - we love Wicked - seen 3 times - we've also booked in advance but you can go the booth that's been mentioned in Leicester Square - go early and you might score front row seats for as little as £25.

You can go on a Ghost Walk or a Jack the Ripper walk - ran by UK TV celebrity Richard Jones - both were excellent and a great way to spend an evening. We are also doing a Harry Potter walking tour - seeing the sights in the books - it's a daytime tour and we have this planned for a months time.

We love the London Dungeons - gruesome but great fun and not far from Waterloo.

We also went on a sightseeing bus tour last time (January) but it was freezing - you'll have better luck in August.

If you have only got 3 days though, I wouldnt stray too far from Central London - theres loads to do there - I think Hampton Court is a bit of a way off and that's only 35 mins by train from Waterloo. I could go on about Windsor Castle and theme parks reachable by train but I wouldnt recommend in a short trip - you'll just have to go back again. I probably missed loads out anyway - do a search on London Pass if you're planning to do lots of attractions and see if that's worth buying.

Thanks, pigby! This is all such great information. Who are you doing the Harry Potter walking tour through? That really sounds like something I'd enjoy. Mix walking tours with Harry Potter -- what's not to love? I really do intend to come back to London for a longer trip (of course, I said that 31 years ago, and look what happened! )

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

I did Knights and Lights in May 2010. We spent an extra week in London. When you are tired of walking and your back and feet are crying "uncle", go aboard the Thames Clipper boats and ride from the O2 arena to the London Eye and back. Touring by fast boat with a bar and bathroom on board. I rode the Tornado Clipper for 4 hours and had a wonderful time and a conversation with a crew member named Sean who thought it was great that a Crazy American was riding his boat up and down the Thames River.

Oh, thank you!! That's a wonderful idea! A way to have some down time, and yet still be out, seeing London. I really like that idea. I'm staying not too far from the London Eye (walking distance, really) so it might even be a fun way just to get back to the hotel!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[kristilew]

But so many people have recommended the British Museum. I definitely plan on spending some significant time there!

Thanks, kristilew! I don't know how I'm going to last until September!

Sayhello

One way to pass the time til September: download the podcast series "A History of the World in 100 Objects." The director of the British Museum details objects from the collection and their signifcance in an historical context. Each podcast is about 15-20 minutes and they are all fascinating. When you get to the museum, special placards point out the 100 objects, which are throughout the museum. There is even a map for where to find them. This was a great way to organize our touring there, and helped to put what we were seeing in persepctive. Plus, it was fun to know a little bit more about what we were seeing than just what the signs said.

Also, if you enjoy historical fiction, you may want to check out Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily mysteries. Or, the first few anyway. (the first one is "And Only to Deceive") As a sideline to the mystery, there is a lot of history of the beginning of the British Museum. The stories include details about the private collections that were popular and led to the establishment of the Museum. When we toured the Museum, there is one room that is set up like one of these "gentlemen's collections" and I especially enjoyed it after reading these books. (I did eventually get tired of the later ones, as it's not the very best writing, but the first few were enjoyable!)

 

[sayhello]

I agree you must see a show. Madam Tussaud's is up there as well. I love London Dungeon. So gruesome it's borderline campy! But a must do? Ehh..
You should squeeze in Harrod's. They have everything. EVERYTHING! And while you're there you might as well stay for afternoon tea.

Thanks! What exactly is the London Dungeon?

I do intend to hit Harrod's. A lot of folks on the tour have said they intend to hit Harrod's during our free time, so I'll probably save it for that.

Is Harrod's a good place for afternoon tea? Or does anyone have a suggestion for a good spot? I'd really love to do a traditional afternoon tea!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

The Prince of Wales I feel is the best of the bunch, they serve real ales and the food is standard pub fayre, I've attached the pub's website here, and there's a link to the main menu.

If you want more of a restaurant, there's a restaurant directly opposite the Palace called Blubeckers which is pretty good (I've eaten there numerous times and never had a bad meal), details here.

Also the cafe in the Palace itself serves lighter food such as sandwiches and light hot lunches, nothing fancy but pretty good.

Thanks for the recommendation. I would love to do a meal at a good pub, with standard pub fare. Maybe for a spot of dinner before heading back to Waterloo...

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

SayHello, this cafe is where I had the fabulous Bacon Roll sandwich. You could kill two birds with one stone that way!

Also, on the food front, be sure to eat breakfast one morning at a Pret A Manger (they're everywhere). Best. Porridge. Ever.

Oh, cool! I definitely need to go back & read your post about your day at Hampton Court Palace!

And I assume Pret A Manger is like a chain restaurant? This sounds SO good to me! I never have time to make hot cereal, and I love a good porridge. I will DEFINITELY check this out. It would be so cool if there's one near my hotel in Waterloo. Breakfast solved!

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

When we did Knights and Lights a few years ago, Harrods was included (along with tea)--is that still part of the tour? If so, you'll have some time to roam around there--and do hit the food area!

Leeds: great maze as mentioned by another poster (we went to Leeds with Disney as a pre-tour before the Baltic cruise). The castle tour is interesting (multi-generation owned it--many periods represented), but I especially loved the grounds and the walk to and from the castle to the parking lot (fairly long walk), and got lost in the maze!!

Another dining option: they have redone the central area of the British Museum, with a cafe there--so that is a possibility; and the crypt cafe in St. Paul's is cafe style--quick, not too expensive--have tea in the crypt area of St Pauls for a cool experience!

 

[Gigi22]

Harrod's--I highly recommend the food halls. There are a couple of restaurants as well. Not to be missed is the toy department. When we were there, a long time ago, there were wonderful wooden rocking horses. Also the linens area--I remember seeing a complete set of linens for a four poster bed. Amazing!

 

[rachel09985]

I have never been on the Adventures by Disney trip but I went in college and my favorites were Princess Diana's fountain, the big park I forget the name, Harrod's- it smelled so yummy, and just walking around the streets.

I am not sure if you are going with family but my absolute favorite was the Absolute Vodka Ice Bar! It was pricey but I loved it. They give you a drink with the price and it is served in an ice glass. They give you robes as well.

Forgot to say the Changing of the Guards at the palace. That is a definite must do as well!

 

[DisneyDee27]

We took a boat ride on the Thames from the Tower of London. There's so much to do...get the Oyster card it was quite useful.
Honorary Diva
Dee

 

[NotUrsula]

Imperial War Museum, definitely. If you're brave, do the WW1 trench experience; really creepy in the tunnels. There is also a Blitz Experience; my sister and I did it and she starting shaking -- she was 5 during the Blitz, and it all came back to her instantly. Also, the building itself is actually the old Bethehem Hospital, aka "Bedlam" -- it was once the most infamous insane asylum in the world. The Cabinet War Rooms are part of this museum complex, though they are in a separate location, so I think you can still save money on a joint ticket.

If anyone in your party likes to sew, the Victoria & Albert Museum is an absolute must. The costume galleries are out of this world. The V&A is a decorative arts museum, so it also houses a lot of furniture and silver, and some really magnificent Rembrandt "cartoons" -- pencil drawings for large room size murals.

 

[Tiggeriffic79]

Just as a heads up Leeds Castle is in Maidstone, Kent which is on the outskirts of London (approx. 40 miles from the centre) in the South of England. Leeds (the city), Yorkshire, is approx. 200 miles from London, in the North of England and several hours away. This is probably where your family lives.

Also know that, much like WDW, prices in London are highly inflated compared to comparable prices in the rest of the UK.

 

[Gigi22]

And the Tate Gallery. DH and I like the size of the Tate, and the content--the Pre-Raphaelite pictures alone make the trip to the Tate worthwhile.