London Trip Advice/Tips, Safety Points

[wicket2005]

Hiya pals

We are off to London shortly to show the kids the sights but have been reading some nasty reports on the net that the place is violent, we will be accosted by drug dealers and get our valuables pick pocketed. Is it really that bad?

We will be staying at the Novotel Euston London up by Euston Station (travelling to Kings Cross) and touring the sights probably by foot, been scared off the Tube now. How far is it from Euston Station to Buckingham Palace by foot?

Does anyone have any advice, tips or general comments about London. Obviously we will be on red alert with valuables, etc. Also any recommended sights, places to eat, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Bev

 

[mikki.young]

Do not be scared of the tube -that is by far the easiest and safest way to travel around London. If you are going somewhere in the small hours of the morning I wouldn't want to be alone but during the day/evening it is not a problem.

There are so many places to see! Museums in South Kensington. Shopping in Harrods there and in Oxford/Regent street (Oxford Circus). Tower of London, Tower Bridge (near Tower Hill tube). Take a big bus tour or a duck tour (that takes you on the river and the roads). Must see the London Eye! (Waterloo)

Two tube stations near Euston - the main station that gets you onto the Victoris Line or Euston Square for Circle and Hammersmith. It really is THE way to get around London.

 

[Madjock]

Whatever you have been reading or hearing is grossly exaggerated, seriously London is nowhere near as bad as that. The tube is safe to use and if you are going to avoid it you will find it difficult and time consuming to travel around. London is the same as any big city you obviously have to be careful wandering around very late at night and take care not to flash valuables around but its just common sense you would use visiting anywhere.

enjoy and have a great time.

 

[KayleeUK]

Just like any big city keep your wits about you I have no problem travelling on the tube at all.

Have a great time!

 

[Ware Bears]

We do a lot of walking when we're in London and I always feel perfectly safe (especially if you're sticking to the main tourist areas) and will walk back to our hotel if it's still light but always get a cab once it gets dark. Mind you, I wouldn't wander around Bournemouth in the dark either!

Not sure how old your kids are. We took ours to the Tower of London a couple of years ago and then back again in the evening to watch the Ceremony of the Keys where they lock the Tower up. I'd also recommend the Tower Bridge Exhibition, London Eye and Duck Tours. London Zoo is a lovely, restful day out.

For eating out I like Rainforest Cafe and Planet Hollywood. If we're watching the budget a bit we go for Pizza Hut, Pizza Express or something like that.

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks that is reassuring, just felt a little bit uneasy after reading a load of stuff on a website. I expected some 'dangers' just because it is a city but no way as much as the website shown, from entries from different people. I will just keep my wits about me, same as we do in Orlando then and brave the tube! We have used it years ago.

We plan to see all the sights, visit the museums in Kensington and go on The London Eye.

 

[wils]

Have a great time and remember that people will always post about their bad experiences but are less likely to post when their trip has been uneventful!

How old are your kids?

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

Have a lovely time. We've been tons of times and never had a problem. We just tuck our cameras under our jackets and keep cash either in an inside zipped up pocket or in my case a bum bag which under my coat makes me look pregnant!!!!

 

[Chilly]

The tube is great if sometimes a little over crowded. I doubt you'd be any safer walking and you'd see far less.

Other places to visit include Madame Tussauds. This often has very long entry lines but if you don't mind paying a little bit more money go into the London Planetarium first which normally has no queue and then into Madame Tussauds from there. The Science Museum and Natural History are both great and free to get into.

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks for help and suggestions. The 'kids' are 18 and 16.

 

[Spook]

Thanks for help and suggestions. The 'kids' are 18 and 16.

Hi Bev, how about Camden market and Covent Garden as your kids are teenagers. If you are coming at the weekend they will be heaving with tourists. Tip for Covent Garden if you are travelling by tube. The station is really tiny. It's just a short walk from either Charing Cross or Leicester Square. And google all the places you want to visit for additional info.

Hope you have a great visit

Jan

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks Jan. I have read quite a few bad reports on Camden Town for violence so I think I will give it a miss. A poor lad has just been murdered there, chased by a gang of youths, just what is the world coming to?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Covent Garden is a must, a great place for shopping/dining, the sunday market in particular is well worth seeing.

Petticoat Lane and Camden Market also recommended - it is these places where you need to just keep an eye on your valuables.
London is a safe place to visit, if there are any risks then they are no worse than any other big city.

Maybe worth getting a map of the tube from a diary or off the internet, it could prove very useful - you can also buy day tickets to cover all your travel on the tube and this may save money.

By the way it is feasible to walk from Euston to Buckingham Palace but would take about an hour, better by tube I think.

In addition, slightly off your subject I know, but 40 minutes or so from Paddington is Windsor, really nice place and well worth the short journey.

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks Johnny, I have bought a little pocket sized map book that has the tube on the back. Quite a discrete book to get out with I need to, instead of spreading out a map.

I didn't realise it would take an hour from Euston, so the tube is a must. We are only there for 3 days so have to make the most of the time.

I feel more unsafe going there than I do going to Orlando. A bit worried about getting my camera out as it is a bridge camera so it is quite bulky and needs a bag but I love taking photos so cannot envisage not taking it with me.

 

[Chilly]

Get Travelcards, then you can just hop on and off the tube all day long.

 

[wicket2005]

Get Travelcards, then you can just hop on and off the tube all day long.

Will do, thanks.

 

[Dimplenose]

Other places to visit include Madame Tussauds. This often has very long entry lines but if you don't mind paying a little bit more money go into the London Planetarium first which normally has no queue and then into Madame Tussauds from there.

I don't think the planetarium is open any more.

Libby

 

[Laurafoster]

No the planetarium has closed but it is now something else -

http://www.madame-tussauds.co.uk/thestardome.htm

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks for the link Laura.

 

[carolfoy]

Like others have said whtaever you've been reading is grossly exagerated, my DS and i go for a london weekend every two or three months (in fact we're there again next weekend) and we've never had a problem, we wander around the westend and soho at night (he's now 11 and we've been doing this for years) and always do camden market on a sunday (although will be doing Kingston for the dis meet next sunday!)