London trip planning advice.....WAY in advance!

[escriven75]

Hello UK Disboard members....I don't know if I'm allowed to post on here as I'm not in the UK but rather in the US. However, my kids and I are planning our first trip to England next summer and I'd LOVE to get any advice I can from other like-minded theme park fanatics on here!!

 

[Jon84]

Hey!

Do you have any ideas of where you'd like to go? What age groups are going?

Also, do you know where you'd be staying?

 

[BudgieMama]

Have you decided whereabouts you're going to stay? Are you thinking London, or somewhere a bit different? (I'm a northerner, and I think it's much better than the south!! )

 

[Dimplenose]

There are a few theme parks in the south London area.

http://www.chessington.com/ (good for families - includes a zoo)
https://www.thorpepark.com/ (better for thrill rides)
http://www.legoland.co.uk/ (better for under 10s)

But our biggest park is about 3 hours drive from London.
https://www.altontowers.com/


If you are planning a lot of trips a Merlin Pass may be good value as it covers a lot of attractions including the 4 parks above, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeons, Warwick Castle ...
(It states there are restrictions on the cheapest pass, so you may need to check it covers your dates or go for a more expensive one.)

http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/

 

[escriven75]

Hi all,

I've honestly done almost zero planning so far!! I do think, since it is our first time anywhere in Europe, and since it will be just me and my kids most likely (DD10, DS8) that we will stick to London and its outskirts. I do not know yet where we plan to stay yet. It depends on both our budget and on the proximity to the things we want to do and see (I would like to not have to rent a car but need to be somewhere safe for me and my kids to walk about). I have just started compiling a list of must do/must see and would love to hear from you if it is too ambitious or if we're missing anything obvious....
1. we'd love to go on the Harry Potter Studio tour
2. see the Tower of London
3. ride on the Eye
4. spend at least one day just wandering (hopefully that is a safe thing to do) eating, having a beer (me only of course), shopping, chatting with some locals
5. Sherlock Holmes museum
6. an art/culture museum (open to suggestions)
7. Big Ben, Parliment, some castles (I'm a huge Henry the VIIIth junkie), changing of the guards
8. take our photo at Paddington Station (the kids are Paddington fans)
9. have fancy tea somewhere (we just don't have anything like that here, and I'd love for us to experience it)
10. maybe see Stonehenge if it is possible without having to rent a car and drive (I'm not sure England needs me trying to drive over there!!!)
11. see some Shakespeare
12. check out a library there just to see it and compare, maybe see a movie while we're there too
? I'm sure there is so much more that I'm forgetting to mention. We want to hit all the "touristy" stops but we also want to see a little local action too if we can.

We plan on being there a week and a half to two weeks (depends on how much lodging costs based on where we chose to stay).
I was thinking of going early next August before my kids start school.....roughly around Aug 5 - ?? It would be nice to pick one place to stay and be there the entire vs. packing up and moving about. That being said the high end resorts are probably not in the budget based on the airfare I'm seeing. Yikes. I'm curious has anyone flown from Heathrow to the O'hare anytime recently....and how much did it cost if you do not mind sharing?

I'd love to venture way beyond just London but I think we'll end up exhausting ourselves. We will just have to plan a second trip!!! I appreciate any and all advice, suggestions, tips etc that anyone can provide!

 

[Dimplenose]

Hello Again,

I don’t think any hotels in London will be cheap during August but the Premier Inn is a good chain. Their County Hall hotel (there is also a Marriott on the same site but their prices are a bit scary!!) is in a very good location but gets booked up very early. Be careful when checking their website and check out the hotel locations on a map as their idea of London can be quite a long way from the centre. (Travel Lodge is also a reliable, but more basic, chain.)

1. we'd love to go on the Harry Potter Studio tour

This is just outside London. You can get a train from London, Euston to Watford Junction where you can get on a special shuttle bus to the studios. (You will need to buy your Studio Tour Ticket online as you can’t buy them on the door.)

https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/plan-your-visit/getting-here

2. see the Tower of London

Quite expensive but very, very interesting. Make sure you have a “Beefeater” tour as it is included in your ticket. Food here is expensive and not to my fussy kids’ taste.

3. ride on the Eye

I’ve not had the nerve to do this! Great reviews (Right next to County Hall hotel)

4. spend at least one day just wandering (hopefully that is a safe thing to do) eating, having a beer (me only of course), shopping, chatting with some locals

Not sure how many locals you will find in London in August. I’ve always felt safe walking around – take normal big city precautions agains pickpockets etc. You might find this website interesting

http://www.londonforfree.net/walks/

5. Sherlock Holmes museum

I’ve not been here, but it gets good reviews.

6. an art/culture museum (open to suggestions)

Plenty of choice in London. Most are free. Most have children’s trails/activities if you ask at the info desk.

My favourite is the V&A http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/the-collections/ (not too far from Harrods)

The National Gallery http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ in Trafalgar Square (walkable from County Hall)

7. Big Ben, Parliment, some castles (I'm a huge Henry the VIIIth junkie), changing of the guards

Big Ben is the bell inside the tower that we usually know by that name. (Opposite County Hall)

Hampton Court Palace is 30 minutes by train from Waterloo (the station near County Hall). Probably the easiest train journey you can make as each end of the line is a terminus station. I have been here many times and can easily spend 5 or 6 hours here listening to the audio tour and the many costumed guides. (Again food expensive but you could take a picnic and eat it in the gardens.)

http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/

8. take our photo at Paddington Station (the kids are Paddington fans)

9. have fancy tea somewhere (we just don't have anything like that here, and I'd love for us to experience it)

My friend took me here for my birthday

http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/london/dining/palm-court/

Very expensive but absolutely wonderful. I’m sure there a plenty of other locations in London.

10. maybe see Stonehenge if it is possible without having to rent a car and drive (I'm not sure England needs me trying to drive over there!!!)

Lots of companies run trips here. Not a lot to see to be honest. Maybe combine it with a trip to Salisbury a beautiful town with a cathedral.

11. see some Shakespeare

You should be able to do this at the Globe, Barbican or national theatre, depending on their summer programmes.

12. check out a library there just to see it and compare, maybe see a movie while we're there too

The British Library is more of a museum than a regular library http://www.bl.uk/

I used to use Holborn Library when I worked in London http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/naviga...earning-centres/holborn-library/?context=live

(It’s not far from The British Museum)

Happy Planning.

 

[escriven75]

Hello Again,

I don’t think any hotels in London will be cheap during August but the Premier Inn is a good chain. Their County Hall hotel (there is also a Marriott on the same site but their prices are a bit scary!!) is in a very good location but gets booked up very early. Be careful when checking their website and check out the hotel locations on a map as their idea of London can be quite a long way from the centre. (Travel Lodge is also a reliable, but more basic, chain.)

1. we'd love to go on the Harry Potter Studio tour

This is just outside London. You can get a train from London, Euston to Watford Junction where you can get on a special shuttle bus to the studios. (You will need to buy your Studio Tour Ticket online as you can’t buy them on the door.)

https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/plan-your-visit/getting-here

2. see the Tower of London

Quite expensive but very, very interesting. Make sure you have a “Beefeater” tour as it is included in your ticket. Food here is expensive and not to my fussy kids’ taste.

3. ride on the Eye

I’ve not had the nerve to do this! Great reviews (Right next to County Hall hotel)

4. spend at least one day just wandering (hopefully that is a safe thing to do) eating, having a beer (me only of course), shopping, chatting with some locals

Not sure how many locals you will find in London in August. I’ve always felt safe walking around – take normal big city precautions agains pickpockets etc. You might find this website interesting

http://www.londonforfree.net/walks/

5. Sherlock Holmes museum

I’ve not been here, but it gets good reviews.

6. an art/culture museum (open to suggestions)

Plenty of choice in London. Most are free. Most have children’s trails/activities if you ask at the info desk.

My favourite is the V&A http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/the-collections/ (not too far from Harrods)

The National Gallery http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ in Trafalgar Square (walkable from County Hall)

7. Big Ben, Parliment, some castles (I'm a huge Henry the VIIIth junkie), changing of the guards

Big Ben is the bell inside the tower that we usually know by that name. (Opposite County Hall)

Hampton Court Palace is 30 minutes by train from Waterloo (the station near County Hall). Probably the easiest train journey you can make as each end of the line is a terminus station. I have been here many times and can easily spend 5 or 6 hours here listening to the audio tour and the many costumed guides. (Again food expensive but you could take a picnic and eat it in the gardens.)

http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/

8. take our photo at Paddington Station (the kids are Paddington fans)

9. have fancy tea somewhere (we just don't have anything like that here, and I'd love for us to experience it)

My friend took me here for my birthday

http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/london/dining/palm-court/

Very expensive but absolutely wonderful. I’m sure there a plenty of other locations in London.

10. maybe see Stonehenge if it is possible without having to rent a car and drive (I'm not sure England needs me trying to drive over there!!!)

Lots of companies run trips here. Not a lot to see to be honest. Maybe combine it with a trip to Salisbury a beautiful town with a cathedral.

11. see some Shakespeare

You should be able to do this at the Globe, Barbican or national theatre, depending on their summer programmes.

12. check out a library there just to see it and compare, maybe see a movie while we're there too

The British Library is more of a museum than a regular library http://www.bl.uk/

I used to use Holborn Library when I worked in London http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/naviga...earning-centres/holborn-library/?context=live

(It’s not far from The British Museum)

Happy Planning.

Oh my goodness, that is so much useful information!!! Thank you!!!! I think my very first planning decision needs to be WHERE TO STAY. I've had friends who have stayed at.....I don't know what to call them....not hotels but more of an "Inn" maybe? A multi-story walk up type lodging with quite small rooms but usually in good locations for the things that we want to see and do.
One thing I was afraid of and you mentioned it, a lot of locals won't be around and a ton of tourists will be. I truly wish we could visit sometime other than summer. But knowing that I want to spend at least a week and a half there, I didn't want to take my kids out of school for that long. Maybe on subsequent trips when we've already seen some things and can trim it down to a week we could come at another time of year. Any suggestions on whats best?
Based on your answers, I think I'll cut Stonehenge out. I don't think my kids will marvel over it like I'd want them to if we went all the way there anyway.
I am usually an overplanner so I did intend to buy tickets to sites ahead of time online if I can so thank you for that reminder. I bought a refillable subway card already (Oyster card???) Is the subway relatively safe to take there?

 

[escriven75]

If visiting in summer time is our only option, is early summer right when our schools get out (early June) or mid or late summer (first few weeks of August) be our "best" choice?

 

[Dimplenose]

I'd go for June. Longer days (light until nearly 10pm), usually better weather, UK schools don't finish until mid/late July. You might also time your trip with the Trooping the Colour (the Queen's official Birthday Parade) you won't see the ceremony without an invitation/ticket but you can see the soldiers, horses and members of the Royal family processing along The Mall before or after the ceremony.

http://www.householddivision.org.uk/trooping-the-colour

If you are there any other day your children might enjoy the short ceremony of changing of the horse guard (I'm sure it has a proper title )

http://changing-guard.com/life-guard-schedule.html

If you stick with August there may be more school holiday events at the museums and you could get tickets to visit Buckingham Palace which is only open to the public in the summer.

London is crowded with tourist from Easter until September but it is always busy.

 

[BagOLaughs]

Hello another UK native here. A couple of things to add.

8. take our photo at Paddington Station (the kids are Paddington fans)

That is a statue of Paddington bear in the train station. Paddington station is also very easy to get to via underground

Is the subway relatively safe to take there?

Yes but you must have your wits about you. Don't have open bags or valuables on display. The only dangerous thing about the underground is pickpockets.

When using the undergroud I'd download an phone app to make life easy for yourself. For overground trains you can use "national rail" app. To get to Watford Junction for Harry Potter (which is fantastic BTW)

 

[escriven75]

Yes but you must have your wits about you. Don't have open bags or valuables on display. The only dangerous thing about the underground is pickpockets.

So I shouldn't take out a giant stack of cash and count it to make sure I have enough?? It sounds basically like riding the "El" here in Chicago in most areas. Common sense/streets smarts needed.

Yes, we absolutely insist on seeing the HP/WB studio tour. The kids and I are all huge Potter fans!
I need to start typing up all these notes into a spreadsheet so I have them!

Does anyone know if we can use our ATM cards over there to withdraw money? How hard is it to exchange to get local currency? Do we need to have a electric outlet converter? I don't know how/if our mobile phones work and if we can get hook up to wifi over there? Oh my....so many questions....so much research to do!!

 

[Chilly]

Yes you'll be able to get money out at ATMs and there are plenty of places to change money. You'll be able to connect to Wifi as well. You will need a plug adapter as we have 3 pinned plugs and different voltage.

Other museums not yet mentioned are the Science Museum and Natural History museum which are both free.

Another Castle option is Windsor Castle but again that's a little way outside London.

As well as Buckingham Palace there is Kensington Palace where Princess Diana lived and now Kate and Wills live.

There is London Zoo inside Regents Park.

Maybe a West End show?

 

[c3h3a3r]

If you are staying in London there in no point hiring a car. I would definitely cut out stone henge. Although I don't think the London Eye is worth a stand alone ticket, you can get various Merlin attraction tickets which include it, you have to do it once. I would also suggest visiting the natural history museum and the science museum (both free). Also I think the London Dungeon is amazing. Definitely book accommodation then start your planning

 

[LiquidSunshine]

Hi @escriven75

I wouldn't recommend hiring a car in London. The tube and bus services are very convenient.

2. see the Tower of London

We love visiting the Tower. Highly recommended. Next time, we want to do the tour with one of the Yeoman Wardens. We just missed one last time.

3. ride on the Eye

Again, worth a visit but tickets are pricey. Although if you are going to buy a stand alone ticket (various Merlin attractions include a ride on the London Eye) maybe consider Fast Track. The "normal" line has always been very long anytime we have seen it.

4. spend at least one day just wandering (hopefully that is a safe thing to do) eating, having a beer (me only of course), shopping, chatting with some locals

Take a walk past Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminister Abbey. Cross over for Whitehall and the cenotaph, Downing Street, Horse Guards & Churchill War Rooms are also a short walk away. You will also be close to St. James Park, The Mall, Buckingham Palace...

6. an art/culture museum (open to suggestions)

The National Gallery, V&A, Tate, British Museum, British Library.

7. Big Ben, Parliment, some castles (I'm a huge Henry the VIIIth junkie), changing of the guards

I am a Henry VIIIth fan too. Last trip we headed to Hampton Court Palace. Very worthwhile. Take the train from Waterloo to Hampton Court. Takes about 40 mins, and a lovely 5 min stroll to the Palace from the train station - very easy to find, just cross the road from the train station exit and head straight on. The Palace will appear on your right.

You can't miss Hampton Court stop either. It is the end of the line!

9. have fancy tea somewhere (we just don't have anything like that here, and I'd love for us to experience it)

The Ritz springs to mind. Although it may be pricey.

10. maybe see Stonehenge if it is possible without having to rent a car and drive (I'm not sure England needs me trying to drive over there!!!)

Any reviews I have seen is Stonehenge is not worth the trip. As other posters have said, I would not include this one in my plans.

11. see some Shakespeare

Check out The Globe!

12. check out a library there just to see it and compare, maybe see a movie while we're there too

Try the Odeon cinema at Leicester Square.

? I'm sure there is so much more that I'm forgetting to mention. We want to hit all the "touristy" stops but we also want to see a little local action too if we can.

I would also recommend taking a walk somewhere like Carnaby Street. Look up ChoccyWoccyDoDah who have a chocolate cafe nearby.

Hello Again,

I don’t think any hotels in London will be cheap during August but the Premier Inn is a good chain. Their County Hall hotel (there is also a Marriott on the same site but their prices are a bit scary!!) is in a very good location but gets booked up very early. Be careful when checking their website and check out the hotel locations on a map as their idea of London can be quite a long way from the centre. (Travel Lodge is also a reliable, but more basic, chain.)

I can recommend Premier Inn at County Hall. It was about £400 for 3 nights (I think?!) and is right behind the London Eye. I did a review on TripAdvisor a while ago. Not sure if I am allowed to link, so I have just copied it below.

“Great location & exceeded expectations”

Reviewed 21 June 2013
Stayed here recently for 3 nights, and it exceeded my expectations. Hotel was much more modern and tidy than I expected.

Hotel is located in the County Hall building, behind the London Eye, entrance is located on the Belvedere Road side of the building.

Nearest tubes are Waterloo (about 5 minute walk away along York Road), or Westminster which is about 5-10 minute walk away just across Westminster bridge. Plenty of bus stops also nearby, including the stops for the bus tours, and the London by Night tour (highly recommended!) Also just up from the hotel entrance, directly behind London Eye and Jubilee Gardens, plenty of taxis are sitting about.

Directly across the road is a 24 hour convenience store, selling the usual toiletries, drinks (handy as we bought a couple of litre bottles of water as it was so warm.) There are also a number of restaurants and a Starbucks.

Friendly staff are always available at reception (which is manned 24 hours). Lobby area clean and tidy, with a self-serve Costa Coffee machine - very handy for any late night caffeine fixes! Also does hot chocolate, and caramel hot chocolate.

Bar and restaurant were not what I expected. Very clean, modern and comfy, and the menu has plenty of choice at good prices. I would recommend trying dinner in the restaurant during your stay. The waiting staff were all very friendly.

Our room was located on the 4th floor, off the main corridor, which was nice. Room was very clean. The bed was very comfy and was nice having the choice of pillows available (firm and soft). Kettle with tea and coffee was in the room, as well as a fan (no air-con, and it was really warm during our stay so air-con would have been nice).In room safe is available at £1.50 per day and wifi is available at £3.00 per day - you can add this when you are checking in, or the reception staff can add it later on during your stay. There is also 30mins free wifi, per device, per day.

Bathroom was incredibly clean, modern, and had a brilliant shower! Instead of toiletries, there were dispensers, which I thought were better. One dispenser by the bath containing Imperial Leather hair & body wash, and another dispenser by the sink containing Cusson anti-bacterial handwash. 3 towels were provided in the bathroom, and a further 2 can be found in the room above the hangers.

Not much of a view, our window looked out onto a central courtyard (with London Eye in the background) which seems to be were delivers took place. I did read a previous review saying there was a lot of noise from about 4.30am if your room overlooked the courtyard, so I was worried when I first seen the view that we were going to be woken up early in the morning each day. However this was not the case! Yes there is some noise, but it didn't wake us up at all, and isn't all that noticeable when you are awake.

There is no pool or fitness centre in this hotel.

Hotel is centrally located. London Eye is just a stroll away. You also have the London Dungeons, Sea Life Aquarium, and a number of restaurants and a McDonalds, all located in County Hall. Also, just beside London Eye you have the London Eye pier for the river bus, and river cruise services. We enjoy travelling by the Thames Clippers - but they are slightly on the expensive side (£12 return per adult). We took the Thames Clipper to the Tower of London - there is a pier literally right in front of the Tower, and loved it! From there you have Tower Bridge, and HMS Belfast.

We were also going to The O2 Arena for a concert, and I would recommend if you are staying here or in the area and are looking to visit The O2 Arena, look online at the O2 Express, offered by the Thames Clipper service. The boat collects you from the London Eye pier and takes you to the O2 Arena (again pier is just a few minutes walk from the doors into the O2) and you can also arrange for a return journey back. We did this and found it to be a brilliant way to travel to the O2. But be warned, get out of the Arena and down to the pier as fast as you can as the boat does not wait about! We managed to get out of the arena very quickly, and while heading towards the pier the staff were shouting there was only 2 minutes to go!

Just across the river you have Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, all within walking distance. It took us about 10-15 minutes to walk to Westminster Abbey.

We also easily walked to Churchill War Rooms (highly recommended) and just a stroll further along you have 10 Downing Street and the Cenotaph. Again Westminster Tube station is beside all this for travelling onward.

I would recommend getting a Visitor Oyster card if you plan on travelling about by tube and bus. Google "Visitor Oyster Card" to find the website. They come pre-paid with your choice - we got cards with £20 loaded onto them, which we found more than enough for the 3 days. Don't worry if you think you are running out of credit on your card, you can check your balance and top up at the machines in the stations.

As this was our first experience of a Premier Inn, I was pleasantly surprised. I would highly recommend this hotel if you want to be close to the main attractions, but also close enough to transport if you want to travel further afield - St Pauls, British Museum, The Shard, are all a few tube stops away.

We definitely plan on returning to London again, and Premier Inn County Hall will be our 1st choice. Thanks for a wonderful stay.

(The View from The Shard is another recommendation by the way. 69 floors up and such a fabulous view! Take the stairs to the 73rd floor also. When you enter The Shard, you will be taken up in a lift, going 6 metres per second! Ear popping stuff!)

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUs...r_Inn_London_County_Hall-London_England.html#

Happy Planning! London is a fabulous place.

 

[escriven75]

I would also recommend taking a walk somewhere like Carnaby Street. Look up ChoccyWoccyDoDah who have a chocolate cafe nearby.

This is precisely the kind of suggestions I was hoping I'd get on the disboards. My kids (DD espeicially) are chocolate maniacs and would LOVE to see this. Also, this photo on their website, looks like the shop in the new Paddington movie where they go to see where Paddington's hat was made. Any idea if that IS the location where they filmed that scene?
https://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/locations.html

 

[escriven75]

When it is suggested that we "take the train" to see something does that refer to the underground (subway) or an above ground train? I ask because in Chicago there is a subway system (albeit above ground, called the El) and also a train system (regular commuter trains from outer suburbs into the city center). Just want to make sure I'm researching correctly!!

Also, looks like this american better start practicing telling time military style or we will have some mix-ups and confusion for sure!
Thanks again everyone for the continued advice.

 

[LiquidSunshine]

This is precisely the kind of suggestions I was hoping I'd get on the disboards. My kids (DD espeicially) are chocolate maniacs and would LOVE to see this. Also, this photo on their website, looks like the shop in the new Paddington movie where they go to see where Paddington's hat was made. Any idea if that IS the location where they filmed that scene?
https://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/locations.html

The black shop front, where the door is on a corner, is the Carnaby store. The only other store is in Brighton.

When it is suggested that we "take the train" to see something does that refer to the underground (subway) or an above ground train? I ask because in Chicago there is a subway system (albeit above ground, called the El) and also a train system (regular commuter trains from outer suburbs into the city center). Just want to make sure I'm researching correctly!!

Also, looks like this american better start practicing telling time military style or we will have some mix-ups and confusion for sure!
Thanks again everyone for the continued advice.

Tube is the underground. The train would be overground and travelling further afield i.e. Hampton Court.

If you have a smartphone, I would suggest a free app called CityMapper. We find it incredibly handy when in London. It will allow you to input your start and end destinations, and will calculate the quickest route. It will tell you the tube and/or bus lines, stops etc. in order to complete your journey.

https://citymapper.com/london

(Sorry mods if I am not allowed to link!)

 

[A Small World]

We have just returned home from a few days in London (we live in the North of the UK) and had a fantastic time (Myself and my 15 yr old daughter)

We have been a few times before and last time (2 yrs ago) did the open top bus tour - its a 24hr hop on and off ticket which gave us chance to see quite a lot of things

This time we wanted to concentrate on seeing a few specific things - Kensington Palace, Hampton Court and the Tower of London so bought a Palace pass - http://www.hrp.org.uk/SupportUs/Membership/ which saved money over buying tickets for each thing separately

We both really enjoyed the Tower of London and spent almost all day there and still didn't see everything - The tour by the Yeoman Guard (Beefeater) was very interesting and worth doing first to get a feel of the place.

We had afternoon tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace which was cheaper than at some of the hotels or Harrods but was still 'special' and more expensive than we would normally pay. A lot of the hotels have a strict dress code for the tea which you need to be aware of as well. Its also best to book in advance.

 

[Dimplenose]

Some of the train lines near London are part of the Oyster Card scheme. Hampton Court is one of these. If you are not using an Oyster Card you can buy a return ticket from Waterloo Station.

 

[escriven75]

Thank you again for all the input....you all are wonderful.

Some of the train lines near London are part of the Oyster Card scheme. Hampton Court is one of these. If you are not using an Oyster Card you can buy a return ticket from Waterloo Station.

I actually got pretty excited when I first started researching this trip and bought us an Oyster Card online (it already arrive and is pinned on our board at home). So I'll definitely use that.

We had afternoon tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace which was cheaper than at some of the hotels or Harrods but was still 'special' and more expensive than we would normally pay. A lot of the hotels have a strict dress code for the tea which you need to be aware of as well. Its also best to book in advance.

I will look into this location for tea because Kensington Palace is on our list of places to visit. I did figure we would need to dress nicely for this. When you suggest to book in advance...how far in advance do you suggest? Part of my struggle now especially with selecting and booking lodging is knowing how far ahead we should book. If we're not planning to go until Aug of 2016 how soon is too soon to book a hotel? I do not want to wait too long and not have any options but some hotels don't show availability now for stays next Aug. And I most likely won't book our airfare until around May 2015 I think (unless someone suggests I do differently???).
Does anyone have any advice for WHEN to book hotel/inn reservations??