Traveling to London England in 2007

[ga9497]

We are planning a vacation to London for one week during our kids spring break late March, early April 2007. We are a family of 4, 2 adults, 2 children age 12 & 10. We will be there a full 7 days not including travel days

Any tips, hints, not to miss sights, restaurants, etc that anyone can recommend would be wonderful. Do to the exchange rate not being kind towards the U.S. Dollar any budget tips would be most welcomed

We have our hotel picked out already and our airfare purchased
The hotel we are staying at is Le Meridien Piccadilly

So far our list of sights include the following
Westminster Abbey
London Eye
Tower of London
Cabinet War Rooms
Royal Mews
London Walk tour
Take in a play one or two evenings
Kensington Palace and playground
Boat trip on a canal boat near Regents park into little venice
Boat trip on the Thames maybe heading down to Greenwich

Day trip to Windsor and another to Hampton Court

 

[magicmouse2]

You have to visit Harrods department store even if you dont purchase anything

 

[rosiejo]

Check out some of the museums - they're free to get in - the science museum might be good for your kids.

If you want to go see some shows there is a ticket booth in Leicester Square just opposite the cinema that sells cheap tickets.


I'm sure there must be plenty of people here who can help you out with some better info

 

[Miffy2003]

Just going to pop this over to UK Community

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

You've got quite a few things listed there already but I would add the Tower of London (especially to see the Crown jewels) while you are nearby you can go on the Tower Bridge (the one that lifts up) into a museum and walk along the walkway at the top for some good views up and down the river. St Pauls cathedral looking down from the Whispering Gallery is worth a look as well. London Bus Tours take in a lot of the sights with a tour guide as well you can learn a lot.

Edited - sorry you have already mentioned the Tower. Silly me!!!

 

[kristieuk]

The Natural History Musuem is really worth a visit - the building itself is awesome, but it's also home to literally every animal you could think of. And as Rosiejo says, there is no charge for entry.

If you are up near to Regents Park, London Zoo is well worth a visit too.

The are literally thousands of places to eat as you would imagine, but good budget places include the chinese restaurants in Chinatown which is really close to Picadilly. Also, the Rainforest Cafe is just behind Picadilly Circus and is well worth a visit just to epxerience the atmosphere.

The other plans you have sound wonderful - I'm sure you'll have a fabulous trip

 

[CrazyChik]

London dungeons-did you have that on there i think its book in advance and quite expensive but ou should look it it it's brill

p.s. why would anyone want to visit the UK

 

[Hilary]

If you want to go see some shows there is a ticket booth in Leicester Square just opposite the cinema that sells cheap tickets.

Just wanted to add to this excellent budget-conscious tip - the full price tickets for a lot of London shows will cost you close to £200 for four of you. As you don't mention any specific shows and have said you'd like some budget tips, then Leicester Square is a great place to pick up tickets at a much cheaper price (we paid a total of about £60 for four of us - although that was a few years ago!), especially if you have a few in mind that you'd be happy to see.

However, there are lots of unofficial ticket touts in Leicester Square as well as authorised outlets. I haven't been there for a while, so maybe someone else can give more up to date information, but I would try to stick to the official booths at the bottom end of the square

As others have said, I'd also definitely add the free-entry Natural History and Science museums

Pre-book your London Eye trip (or be prepared to wait in line if your visit coincides with the British Easter school holidays!)

 

[gilld]

Definitely St Pauls Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle. The open top buses give a good overview and I always think the Victoria and Albert Museum is good, plus the Tate Modern - if that's "your thing."

I'm afraid London is very expensive so be prepared that even sticking to a budget, you'll spend a lot of money.

 

[rosiejo]

Just wanted to add to this excellent budget-conscious tip - the full price tickets for a lot of London shows will cost you close to £200 for four of you. As you don't mention any specific shows and have said you'd like some budget tips, then Leicester Square is a great place to pick up tickets at a much cheaper price (we paid a total of about £60 for four of us - although that was a few years ago!), especially if you have a few in mind that you'd be happy to see.

However, there are lots of unofficial ticket touts in Leicester Square as well as authorised outlets. I haven't been there for a while, so maybe someone else can give more up to date information, but I would try to stick to the official booths at the bottom end of the square

Good point - I didn't realise there were unauthorised touts there - it's been a while since we used them but I meant the authorised booth

 

[katytrott]

We are planning a vacation to London for one week during our kids spring break late March, early April 2007. We are a family of 4, 2 adults, 2 children age 12 & 10. We will be there a full 7 days not including travel days

Any tips, hints, not to miss sights, restaurants, etc that anyone can recommend would be wonderful. Do to the exchange rate not being kind towards the U.S. Dollar any budget tips would be most welcomed

We have our hotel picked out already and our airfare purchased
The hotel we are staying at is Le Meridien Piccadilly

So far our list of sights include the following
Westminster Abbey
London Eye
Tower of London
Cabinet War Rooms
Royal Mews
London Walk tour
Take in a play one or two evenings
Kensington Palace and playground
Boat trip on a canal boat near Regents park into little venice
Boat trip on the Thames maybe heading down to Greenwich

Day trip to Windsor and another to Hampton Court

Sounds like you have a pretty good list already. I would only add a trip to Covent Garden. When we visit London, we never miss popping in. It's got the best atmosphere in London, particularly in the evening. There is a great market (during daytime), shops and a huge choice of great restaurants. We have our meal there and then just wander round the main square, shop browsing, watching the great street performers and taking in the atmosphere. Your kids will love the street performers. They are mostly from the music and drama schools or commedians/magicians. They are vetted, so are very talented and suitable for kids.

I would also recommend the open top buses for a tour round London. Whenever we have visitors from abroad we always take them on this (likewise we always use them when we are abroad eg Manhatten). It gives you a overview of the whole city with a commentary. You can also hop on and hop off wherever and buy a variety of tickets at any bus stop. There are two or three reputable companies, but couldn't tell you the best. If you don't do this tour, I would recommend using the normal buses to get around instead of the underground. We have only recently discovered this tip, as it means you do the same journey above ground and see all the sights (if in a rush, underground probably more practical though)

Shop around for the cheapest travel ticket, there are loads of different options and you wont always be offered the best deal. The transport system are in trouble at the moment for tickets being too confusing, so be careful.
The same anywhere, cabs are quickest and most canvenient, but more expensive. Probably worth one trip just for the experience though, cab drivers are great fun to talk to, normally a typical cockney, and very knowledgable on London (much friendlier then the ones in Manhatten I remember).

 

[Lesley_Perschky]

When tourists come to London, they always concentrate on the West End and the City.

Get a Travelcard and explore all of London. If you like markets go to the Longest market in London at Hoe Street Walthamstow. Try going greyhound racing or visit a car boot fair.

Nice to do something different rather than the normal museums and art galleries JMOHO

 

[castanea1985]

Hi I would agree, Covent Garden is a great place to visit. Very unique, and great for gifts. I never miss going there, when I visit London.
There is a great little Pasty place for a quick bite at lunch time. It has a roof garden, where you can eat your pasty, and watch the world go by!!
Also, why not cross the river to see Shakespear's Globe Theatre, and go experience a play, as it was performed in his heyday!!
I'd also take a river ride from the Tower of London down to Hampton Court.
Kew Gardens is also a great place, but might be a bit barren in March!
Happy Planning!!
Have a great trip.
Tracy

 

[Joan1]

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[ga9497]

Thank you everyone, great information

One more question that may seem strange
Other then an umbrella for everyone what else would you pack to make sure you have for a rainy day. I mean when we are home we don't really take anything other then an umbrella when it rains but then again we aren't spending hours walking around in the rain like we would when on vacation.

Also any recommendations for shoes that hold up well in the rain and don't get soaked through

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

Why do people assume it rains cats and dogs!!!!

Try a baseball cap (it keeps my glasses covered, don't mind getting wet but like to see where I am going) and a good breathable waterproof (not showerproof). Never had a problem with shoes, just wear a stout pair of walking boots. Never had any trouble anywhere except for Bond Street. The boys legs were aching and they sat on a shop step while DH had to have a quick look at the map and the shop assistant of this very posh shop asked us no told us to move. Talk about feeling like riff raff!!! When I win the lottery I'll go any buy something from there in my waterproof and boots.