Top UK Visitor Experiences

[jersey shark]

Okay, time to turn the tables and ask the UK perspective on what the top visitor experiences should be when Americans descend on the London area.

To clarify, if you had 5 days to spend in London as a tourist, what are some of the must-sees and must-dos?

I'm not necessarily looking for the classic touristy things (Buckingham Palace etc...) but rather a blend of classic tourist and "inside scoop" places/events etc...

Looking for ideas of all types....restaurants, events, places to sight-see...I'll be all set with accomodations.

Many thanks and looking forward to your responses!

 

[Dimplenose]

That's a tough question there is so much to see. I'll just give a taste of what my family enjoy.

1. Buckingham Palace. The changing of the guard takes place outside (not every day during winter). I've never been inside it but it is open for tours during August.

2. If you've a Girl Scout in the family then the Guide headquarters and shop may be of interest and is nearby in Buckingham Palace Road.

3. The museums in Kensington, particularly the Science and Natural History.

4. Finding Peter Pan's statue in Kensington Gardens. (I've not been recently but I beleive the Princess Diana/Peter Pan playground is popular.)

5. The Tower of London. Be sure to have a guided tour by one of the Beefeaters.

6. The Trooping of the Colour. 2nd Saturday in June. You need a special ticket/invitation to see the actual ceremony but it's very impressive just to wait along the Mall and watch the soldiers and Royal family getting there.

7. On the theme of parades - The Lord mayor's show takes place on 2nd Saturday in November. It takes place in the City (the financial district around St. Paul's cathedral).

8. Out of London but not too far is Hampton Court Palace. This is famous for being the home of Henry VIII. Again take the guided tours - fantastic place.

9. Again out of town is Windsor - go for the history. The castle is beautiful, it's the main home of the Queen or....

10. ....If you've young children (under 12 probably) you'd enjoy a day at Legoland, also at Windsor.

Then there's the London Eye, Bus tours, boat trips, art galleries, shopping, cathedrals, covent garden .......

Libby

 

[Sue & Co.]

There is just so much to see and do in London here are my suggestions.

The Natural History and Science museums are both great (and free).

The London Eye.

The Tower of London.

Take a boat down the river to The National Maritime Museum at Greenwich.

Climb the Monument.

Visit the Bank of England Museum (only Mon. to Fri.)

London Zoo.

Kew Gardens are wonderful (we went again just a few weeks ago).

If you have children - Hamleys Toy shop in Regent Street.

Good Luck and if you need any further info, just post away.

Sue

 

[IAN5150]

David Blaine

Highbury-Home of Football!

The Salon!

 

[SandraM]

The Science Museum

I brought my kids in for a quick look and dragged them out screaming in protest several hours later. It's brilliant!

 

[profdsny]

Look into walking tours. They are great, and very reasonably priced.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

A visit to the House of Commons is not on every tourists list of must do's, but can be an interesting half day. It's free but you will probably have to queue to get in. During the Summer Recess guided tours are now available for a modest fee. This will include a visit to the Queen's Robing Room and Gallery, Lords' Chamber, Central Lobby, Commons' Chamber, the Noe Lobby and Westminster Hall. This is very worthwhile if you are interested in politics or gothic architecture.

Regards

Rob

 

[BONZO]

Check out this thread

Post or PM me with any questions.

 

[jersey shark]

Many thanks to all responders on this topic....it is greatly appreciated. Our trip to London will take place next year and kids will be 3 and 5 then.

Quick follow-up question: Any all-suite hotels in London? I can't seem to find the standard US chains with all-suite properties in London (and wouldn't know the British ones)...a suite is definitely preferred with a family of four of course!

Thanks in advance for all of your help everyone