London/UK help/advice...please...

[Halo]

Hi Bjakmom,

As DF99 says you will get more responses if you post your queries as a new thread, in the meantime however :-

I don't know the actual Crowne Plaza London City hotel but it is in a business district rather than the main tourist area. Yes it is near St Pauls and the Thames, and The Tate Modern, and The Globe Theatre, but you might prefer to be closer to the main tourist area (see DF99's hotel choice - which is near the Hard Rock Cafe).

I don't know Oakley Court, but it looks very nice, and apparently was where they filmed The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
www.lastminute.com features savings of up to 65% on the Oakley Court Hotel (just search for the name under hotels).

Aside from the Castle, the changing of the guard, and Eton school, I don't believe there's that much to see in Windsor, so I would agree with your DH and take in Oxford too - it would be a shame to miss it if you are so close.

I hope this helps. Have a great trip.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks again, Halo!~I will take a look at the link you provided, and also purchase the LE ticket in advance. What types of ATM machines are available/accessible? Should I use my CC in these machines? Are there fees associated with using them? TIA for all your assistance with my infinite questions!

TTFN...DF99

P.S. Where is Beckenham? (W/respect to London, etc.). DD found the info on the schools fascinating, and wishes to send her gratitude as well. The "bedlam" and "St John of Bethleham" info is amazing/shocking. Europe has SO much more of a "history" than America.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Regards Oxford and Cambridge Unis, certainly look round both but once you get to the stage of applying, over here anyway, you are only permitted to apply for one of them. (Came as a big surprise to us).
Again, I don't know the conditions for overseas - I should do as I looked into this for an American relative's son - but that was a while ago and the computer with the info crashed


If you can make a visit to Windsor Castle comfortably, I'd recommend it!

If you are coming "off-season" then I would not buy a ticket in advance for the London Eye - it is not worth going on this if the weather is bad - you won't see much. I'd take a risk and when there is a nice clear day, (not weekend), I'd go early and buy the ticket there.

There are some past threads with hotel suggestions on them - I'd use the Search to locate them all

 

[WDWfan uk]

... okay, I couldn't resist putting London into the Search for UK Community Board as I know we have had so many threads in the past - here are just a couple of threads, but I'd really recommend browsing all past London threads on this board for suggestions for places of interest etc.

Example one

Example two!

(...... I do remember The Rembrandt in Kensington and the Travel Inn City Hall being recommended hotels in the past too).

 

[Halo]

ATM Machines will accept MC and Visa. Possibly Amex too. For charges it depends on your card issuer. If you withdraw the cash from your checking account rather than as a cash advance on your cc your charges will be minimised. The machines are predominantly located outside banks although you will also find them in large shops and in principal railway stations too.

Beckenham is a suburb of London to the south/south-east. Officially part of Kent, it is in the London Borough of Bromley. It is approx.12miles from the centre of London (20 mins by slow stopping train). There are no less than 9 train stations into London in and around Beckenham - which is more than anywhere else in London I believe.

http://www.beckenham.net/articles.asp?option=sp&item=1502

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks, Halo & WDWfan,uk!I appreciate the information and the links!

Everyone keeps mentioning "pickpockets & safety" issues. Please, tell me~is this TRULY a terrible problem/concern for DD and I?

Thank you.

TTFN...DF99

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
[B}
Everyone keeps mentioning "pickpockets & safety" issues. Please, tell me~is this TRULY a terrible problem/concern for DD and I? [/B]

Take all the precautions you would at home. London is no worse nor no better, than any other large city in the world.

Crowds and tourists attract pickpockets everywhere.

Leave all inessential valuables in the hotel safe. Keep your purse secure. Carry only one credit card and the minimum necessary cash (for one day) with you. Have records of credit card numbers. Don't leave your bags open. All the things you would do at home.

Andrew

 

[Halo]

I agree with Andrew. London is a cosmopolitan city of 15m or so with a crowded public transport system - notably the subway ("underground" or "tube"). You do get pickpockets (notably foreign gangs) but you are really unlikely to encounter them and as long as you take basic precautions you will not be a target. Violent crime remains extremely rare compared to most other urban centres - certainly US ones. The following link has some guidance:

http://www.met.police.uk/youth/street_safety.htm

As an illustration of how rare crime against tourists is, just try to take out travel insurance - you will find that you will have no trouble getting cover. Would insurers really provide cover so readily if London was a hot bed of crime?

 

[TracyK]

I would agree that you need to take precautions. I travel extensively with my son and have had my purse lifted from my backpack while using the underground system in Barcelona. My fault entirely as I had my purse at the top of the backpack for easy access. I was not aware of anybody pushing up against me but somebody managed to lift the flap on my bag and take my purse.
I visit London regularly and can honestly say I feel safer there than many other cities I've visited throughout Europe and the US.
Hope you have a great trip
Tracy

 

[dreamflight99]

I'll use the necessary caution, and appreciate all the tips, advice and especially the LINK provided by Halo!

I am certainly EXCITED as we begin the countdown to about 5 weeks out! I just opened the envelope containing the ticket for DD & I to attend the famous KEY CEREMONY in the London Tower (in the evening).

Does anyone have any information or details regarding this tour? Is it worth the time? Is it fun, and entertaining, as well as educational? Any/All input is welcomed!

We are changing plams all the time, and may extend our stay in Paris to three eves, (taking day trips to Bath, Oxford and Cambridge)! This will permit us time to visit with DD's close friend (lives near the Swiss border), whom can come to Paris for a day! This leaves 12 eves in England, which should prove to be plenty to get a little "feel" of the place (I hope).

I have to make reservations for some other tours, etc. Any ideas as what NOT to miss? I want to extend my gratitude again, for all your kindness. I've read some disheartening posts on the AOL LONDON board, in regards to the ENGLISH contempt for AMERICANS. Especially with regards to our current political position, president, etc. I do not wish to get involved in politics while traveling for pleasure...especially trying to see the area with my college-bound daughter. Of course, I take such posts with a grain of salt, and believe people receive/treat me the same way in which I treat them (very friendly, welcome and kind). I do not anticipate any apathy or ill feelings toward DD & I simply because we are visiting YANKS. I'll just tell the nosies (whom actually inquire) we're from CANADA!! (LOL).

I hope this does not upset anyone. I only looked at AOL this past week...as I saw some info on my homepage. Everyone on this forum is has treated me exceptionally well. Thank you.

TTFN...DF99

 

[Miffy2003]

DF,

I am sure you will be made welcome There are xenophobes all over the world but I hope we are no worse than anywhere else. London in particular has visitors from all over the world, and I am sure you will be fine

Just don't expect the fantastic customer service we love to experience in Florida (and no doubt elsewhere in America); we aren't quite as effusive over here!

I can't help you with your other questions though, sorry!

I hope you will have a great time here and I for one would love to know what you thought when you get home again! When are you off??

Best wishes,

Karen

 

[bjakmom]

The posts on this thread were so helpful to me on my London trip, that I just wanted to add my wonderful experiences for future 'searchers' - We had a FABULOUS trip (actually enjoyed all 5 days without a drop of rain)!!! Much too short, but we'll be back !

First few nights we stayed at Crown Plaza right off Blackfriars tube stop - lovely hotel - convenient location - couldn't have been a better choice for us! The tube was super - clean, safe, easy - very convenient to get around. We did all the 'tourist' stops via the double decker bus - I particularly enjoyed The Globe theater. Every meal we had was delicious (why do you have a reputation for bad food?). We thoroughly enjoyed the Rock 'n Roll tour (especially my DS 15 and his friend (musicians) - it went through all of the suburbs around London - stopped at Abbie Road on John's birthday - lots of candles, cards and balloons for him.

The last two nights we spent at Oakley Court near Windsor - beautiful and very unique hotel right on the Thames- we all LOVED it !!! Saw the castle, etc, visited friends - ate more great meals. . . .

All I can say is WOW !!! I was a bit hesitant to fly overseas this year - but not one single problem - we loved the UK and can't wait for a longer trip to see more of your beautiful country. Your cities put us to shame - having spent time in both NYC and DC, I was expecting similar - I was truly shocked at how clean the city and the tube are - we even walked back to our hotel from the theater district at night and felt perfectly safe at all times. Every person we met was delightful - no wonder I love WDW at the end of Aug when so many Brits are there !

Thanks again for all the help here !

dreamflight99- have a wonderful time (London Tower was AWESOME !!!) !

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Miffy2003
DF,

I am sure you will be made welcome There are xenophobes all over the world but I hope we are no worse than anywhere else. London in particular has visitors from all over the world, and I am sure you will be fine

Just don't expect the fantastic customer service we love to experience in Florida (and no doubt elsewhere in America); we aren't quite as effusive over here!

I can't help you with your other questions though, sorry!

I hope you will have a great time here and I for one would love to know what you thought when you get home again! When are you off??

Best wishes,

Karen

We are off the end of November! Thanks for the wonderful post. Would you happen to know if it is okay to ride in the TOP of the bus (Open part)? Many sites warn against this...but I'm planning to do this with DD. Any trouble with this?

I had a dream last eve, I did not have the $$$ thing down, and didn't plan properly. LOL...I'm still trying to figure out how/when to exchange American $$$ for B. pounds. And what to do when visiting France. Decisions...decisions...ugh.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to ALL!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Miffy2003]

Riding on the top of an opentopped bus? Apart from it being wet and cold in November I can't personally think of a reason why not to? What did the other sites say? Is it a security thing? You get a great view from these but wrap up very warm!!!

We will be on the outskirts of London on 8th December so I'll be sure to wave in your direction

 

[Dimplenose]

We rode on the open top of the bus in Dublin a couple of years ago. The view was excellent but we found it hard to hear the commentry because of the background noises (traffic, wind etc.).

Libby

 

[dreamflight99]

Miffy~You are SO nice! (Always happy & cheerful...like me!!). The other site said a person would be "cut off" sitting on the top. It was a security issue. I really do not think I will experience any such issues. At 5'10", very secure, confident and physically fit...I don't anticipate too many problems. I reside in California...but moved here from NY! I still have family in NY, and sometimes just can't shake small pieces of that infamous "NY" attitude!! (LOL...are you LOOKING at me?!?)

But, California is SO LAID BACK....it has softened my NY edges. I love it here...on the WEST coast, and have been here for more than 1/2 of my life. The ideals embraced and represented here are more on track with the rest of the "WORLD" as opposed to merely the country.

I just bought some polar artic ear muffs for our travels in Europe. Should I purchase a special carrier (one which hangs from a strap around the neck...like on Rick Steve's site) for my $$ and CC's, etc? I usually NEVER carry a purse in the city. Hailing from NY, I used to "turn" my rings around, and only carry my license...CC, and some $$ when out shopping, etc. I'm sure I'll do this in London and Paris too. When I wear gloves in the winter, I carry these items INSIDE my glove...in the palm of my closed hand. I've never experienced any problems. I seem to be able to "make" the thieves...and with "eye contact" they KNOW IT. I'm astute...and always observant. It's just in my nature.

I'm bringing Travel "brellies" to offset the rain. Does wind accompany the rains in the winter? Thank you, again, for all your help.

TTFN...DF99

 

[sallybrealey]

Hiya,

Ive only skim read parts of the thread so I am sorry if you have mentioned this, are you going to see a West End show ? If you cant get tickets in the evening there are some great matenees.

Also, if your daughter is coming up to college age you should take her to Camden, this is the cool, hip area of London. Basically it is one long street with shops and market stalls that sell clothes, jewlary etc. Its one my favourite areas, its easily reachable on the tube.

Also, crimewise you will find that the Paris tube is worse than London adn I know 2 people who have been pickpocketed here (we actually caught one young boy in the act !) so I would reccomend just making sure you have a hand on your wallet whilst on the tube esp when it gets very busy.

Hope this helps

Sally

 

[dreamflight99]

Yes, we will visit Camden, as I've heard it is FUN and ENTERTAINING! I'll be VERY conscientious of my $$ & CC's while traveling. I do this where ever I travel. Most of the time in Paris...I'll hail cabs for transport.
DD applied to a few UK schools online this weekend, and a rep from Oxford called for the dates we are arriving *(to insure a tour, etc). Very nice! We are visiting the "other" school as well (*Cambridge!), among others. It's an exciting time...and should prove entertaining too. ^_^

Thanks again, for all the great advice! We are confirmed with Justairports.com, and only need to reserve a few more things (London Eye Hosted tour, rail pass and Eurostar), before we leave.

TTFN...DF99

 

[TracyK]

dreamflight 99.

just opened the envelope containing the ticket for DD & I to attend the famous KEY CEREMONY in the London Tower (in the evening).

You will love this. The Beefeater we had was extremely entertaining as well as informative.

bjakmom
Glad you had such a great time in the UK

Tracy

 

[bjakmom]

Thanks, Tracy - I can't wait to come back !!!

Our one big regret was that we did not have time to see a show- DH and I did walk down to the theater district one night and had a lovely dinner and enjoyed walking around while everyone was outside the theaters during intermissions - fabulous area !! - Oh well, like WDW, just means we need another trip to London !!!