my first trip to London, Scotland and Ireland

[Disney_rider]

Im a long time Dis'er but I mainly stay on the Swap and scrapbook Forum's but I'm happy to come to this neck of the woods.
My new husband and I just got married on 10-2-10 right now my husband is on his way to Afghanistan but in April he gets a Vacation. We will making it our honeymoon and we are planning 15 days in London, Scotland and Ireland.
I'm super excited.
This will be my first trip across the pond. Im a big tudors fan so I will def be taking the Tudor Tour.
My biggest question is where to stay. something in a less busy almost neighborhood feel would be great. Maybe the Knotting Hill area.
I really want to go to any weekly markets that are held in the london area.
I will do the dorky tourist stuff for a day or two. but I would really rather see everyday London. I'm big on Local finds and hidden treasures and antiques.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated and prolly be put in my note book LOL

Thank you all and Im so excited about my trip.

 

[kevin harrison]

Im a long time Dis'er but I mainly stay on the Swap and scrapbook Forum's but I'm happy to come to this neck of the woods.
My new husband and I just got married on 10-2-10 right now my husband is on his way to Afghanistan but in April he gets a Vacation. We will making it our honeymoon and we are planning 15 days in London, Scotland and Ireland.
I'm super excited.
This will be my first trip across the pond. Im a big tudors fan so I will def be taking the Tudor Tour.
My biggest question is where to stay. something in a less busy almost neighborhood feel would be great. Maybe the Knotting Hill area.
I really want to go to any weekly markets that are held in the london area.
I will do the dorky tourist stuff for a day or two. but I would really rather see everyday London. I'm big on Local finds and hidden treasures and antiques.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated and prolly be put in my note book LOL

Thank you all and Im so excited about my trip.

We visit London regularly, but it's really hard to recommend a good hotel in a less busy area, the less busy areas, the hotels tend to not be as salubrious - it's your honeymoon for gods sake! Book a stay at the Dorchester.

http://www.homefromhome.co.uk/ - here you can find short term vacation apartments for rent.

Another thing tourists find coming east - it's very expensive in London.

The market at Portobello road is good - especially for antiques,, http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/

Spend some time at Covent Garden, many a lovely afternoon spent there.

 

[torsie24]

I lived in London until I went to University, and now live a few miles outside.

Areas I always take foreign friends to are Covent Garden, Selfridges (in my opinion the best department store, I never bit her with Harrods), Buckingham Palace, go on the London Eye,

I personally shop at Canary Wharf, but I like it because it feels more like being in America and a lot in China Town when I go up there now, but Im never there to 'see London' if that makes sense?

 

[Dimplenose]

I've never stayed here as I live so close but this Hotel always looks attractive and is just steps away from Hampton Court Palace. (You'd only need a night or two here.)
http://www.carltonhotels.co.uk/mitre/

If you're into Tudor history then Hampton Court is a great place to visit - even if you don't stay at the hotel it is only 30 minutes by train from central London. The Tower of London is good too, but I prefer visiting Hampton Court as it gives more of a "daily life" feel.
http://www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace/

My DD(16) loves visiting Camden Market. This is open every day but gets busier (and more stalls open) towards the end of the week and at weekends.

http://www.camdenlock.net/

There are lots of walking tour guide books available that take you off the beaten track.
I have this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/London-AA-History-Mystery-Publishing/dp/0749554177

and there is a series by Andew Duncan that my father-in-law thinks are very good.

Have fun planning.

 

[jackieleanne]

Another thumbs up for visiting Hampton Court Palace and Tower of London we love it there. I'm also a huge Tudor fan.

Another place to stop by could be the Globe Theatre.

Happy Planning

 

[Disney_rider]

Wow thank you all what a wealth of knowledge!!!
Camden and Portobello Rd that's what I'm looking for.

Ok the Dorchester is Beautiful but thats expensive. Im looking at more towards $100-$200 pounds a night (I know thats not the symbol but I dont have it on my computer)
I really am not a big luxury hotel person even B&B's are good for me.We are going with a sizable budget but I'm a shopper so im taking that into consideration.

my friend stayed here
http://www.hamptoncourthotel.com/find.htm

 

[Li-sa]

Hi and congratulations!

If you want a nice but reasonally priced hotel, you could try these hotel chains.
http://www.premierinn.com
http://www.jurysinns.com
http://www.cityinn.com

I would recommend a visit to the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery if you have time.

 

[pad406]

Can't give much advice on UK or Scotland, but if you want any for Ireland feel free to pm me

 

[Dimplenose]

my friend stayed here
http://www.hamptoncourthotel.com/find.htm

That's in a nice position too.

 

[juliebro]

Both of the London Indigo 'boutique' hotels are fabulous - and you may be able to get a good price if you book in advance.

There's one in Paddington and the very recently-opened one near Tower Hill (handy for the Tower of London).

We've stayed at them both, and they are fantastic and ultra-modern. The staff at both are wonderful.

The one at Tower Hill has 4-poster beds. If you tell them it's your honeymoon, they may give you an upgrade too.

http://www.hipaddington.com/index.htm (Paddington)
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/in/1/en/hotel/LONLT/welcome?start=1 (Tower Hill)

 

[j9000]

If you're into antiques be sure to see the John Sloane Museum,
its a small place, (his house) but contains amazing artefacts from across the globe.

Also Camden is a good market for rumaging around and finding good stuff, be sure to see the horse market section, its bigger than you think!