Questions from floridian visiting UK - part 1

[daisylove]

I say Part 1 in the title because I am sure there will be many more questions until our trip.
We just got the news that we will be spending Christmas 2005 not in WDW but in the UK and Paris (couple of days only) It will be MIL, FIl DH me and our DD5. My first question is should I bring my DD's maclaren volo stroller. It is umbrella like and I know she is 5 but it will be Much colder than we are used to and we will be walking or on the tube all day each day. Is there any UK/London taboo on an older child in a stroller? I know this is off topic. In fact the exact opposite of UKers coming to FLA. But I knew if anyone could help me figure out these practical issues that you guys could. Thanks!!!

 

[vernon]

Couple of questions. Daisy are you committed to going over in December? The weather is pretty unattractive at that time of year ( cold and WET) , if you could arrange to go at a different time ( Easter or summer) you'll find you'll be able to get a lot more out of the experience.

You won't have any extra problems with the stroller as far as having a 5 Y old in it, but the practicalities of using a stroller in central London over the holidays mean it's probably not worth the effort, particularly as your DD is old enought o be able to walk on her own. The streets will be REALLY busy with shoppers and workers, IMHO it's going to be more trouble than it's worth.

How are you getting from London to Paris, if possible I would suggest taking the Eurostar train service, it's by far the easiest way to travel and taking a train under a large body of water (the English chanel) isn't something you'll get the chance to do very often. It's a much quicker and more fun way to travel.

 

[Miffy2003]

Just to add to what Vernon says - a pushchair / stroller may be more of a trial than a help for you. Getting on and off buses, tubes etc is much more difficult!

Please let us know how your plans progress. Have you visited the UK before?

 

[daisylove]

Thank you guys for such a quick response. My husband and I spent our honeymoon in London with just a day trip to Paris. We did take the train and it was very neat. Well he promised that we would be back before our 10th anniversary. Nov. will be our 8th so we are ahead of schedule. December for Christmas seems to be the only option if we are to go in the next 2 years. We loved it so much on our honeymoon that I think we will take our chances weather wise. We were there the first week of November before. Of course then we were cash poorer then we are now and this time we will have our daughter and inlaws and friends (who live there) around. It should be a different experience. I had not thoought of the holiday crowds regarding the stroller. That will give me seriously something to consider. I am just unsure on how well she will hold up in the cold weather (from South Florida born and raised) and the (I am sure it will be) busy agenda. We will only have 2 weeks tops to see "everything" Oh well I have 11 months to worry and plan. Thank you for your thoughts. Please keep them coming. Anything you may think of for a trip of very thin blooded floridians at Christmas with a 5 yr old, feel free to share.

 

[Miffy2003]

You will need some wrapping up warm clothes, that's for sure

If you think of anything else, please ask

 

[AlisonB]

Although it may be a bit cold and damp, you'll be inside a fair bit - shops, various transportation, attractions etc etc so she probably won't feel the cold too much. Make sure she (well all of you really!) have a warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves and then peel off and pack them in a rucksack as you go indoors. Sorted!

 

[vernon]

I'd agree with the suggestions for layering your clothing. Going in and out of the heating in shops and buildings can make it uncomfortable if you don't have things that are quick and easy to remove.

If you haven't been to Hampton Court Palace I would give that a strong recommendation to visit. You will miss out by not seeing the gardens in their full splender but the insides of the palace make the short trip from central London worthwhile. You can take the train service from London's Waterloo station to Hampton Court (takes about 30-40 minutes) http://www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/hampton_home.asp .

The London Eye is probably something you haven't seen the like of before, again the 5 Y old should enjoy this. http://www.londoneye.com/

The Victoria and Albert museum http://www.vam.ac.uk/your_visit/va_museums/index.html have some interesting exibits and affiliated to it is the Museum of childhood that is in the Bethnal Green area of East London http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/nmc/history1.htm . Bethnal Green is quite close to the Tower of London, so it might be a good choice to do both in one day if you're short on time. Here are links for the tower of London http://www.toweroflondontour.com/ and also to their kids tour section http://www.toweroflondontour.com/kids/

The Nation History museum in London is a good day out with a 5 Y old http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

The British museum is a wonderful place to visit, with a 5 Y old it is though, IMHO, a little more borderline, it does depend on the child. It's a spectacular museum and probably worth going to ( as it's free ) , even if your DD gets fidgetty after an hour or two.

 

[Dimplenose]

December isn't quite the coldest month but if you're used to Florida temperatures you will probably want to alternate your outdoor sightseeing with some indoor ones.
Had you thought about going to see a pantomime? Definitely suitable for a 5 year old. Otherwise there are usually some other childrens shows on over Christmas.
There is also an icerink at Somerset House and other locations in London during December.
Covent Garden has a lovely atmosphere at Christmas.
If you're in London for Christmas day itself it would be lovely to attend a service at St. Paul's cathedral.
If you're near Kensington Gardens (in the same area as the science, natural history and V&A museums) your DD might like to find Peter Pan's statue and also the children's playground.

Libby

 

[daisylove]

Hi Guys
Thank you everyone for the information. I actually posted something yesterday and it is not showing up. Does anyone else see two posts from me. The original and then a followup? Very curious. Thank you.

 

[florry]

You may like to consider the Childrens Christmas Carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The children love it with all the family christmas songs, snow falling over the audience and, of course, a visit from Santa. Children are also invited onto the stage to sing !