What exactly are the things that are closed on a bank holiday?

[Deb in IA]

The first day we are in London next year is May 30, 2016, which I understand is a bank holiday.

So, in planning my itinerary, what are the things that will be closed?
Thanks!

 

[A Small World]

To be honest not a lot that affects the average tourist - its mainly banks, most work places (offices etc) , schools, post offices, some transport systems run on a sunday or reduced service but there will still be plenty of transport in and around London. The majority of shops and tourist attractions will be open as normal it might just be a bit busier than normal due to the long weekend

 

[Deb in IA]

What about the museums and galleries?

 

[A Small World]

They should be open as normal as are classed as tourist attractions

 

[Dimplenose]

The only Bank Holidays that usually affect London attractions are the ones at Christmas and New Year.

Shops may have slightly shorter opening hours but I don't think you'll notice that in London.

Be aware that 30th May is the start of the half term break when most UK school have a week long holiday from school. It is certainly worth getting to popular places before 10am as that is when the cheap train tickets attract families to London on a normal week day begin.

 

[Jon84]

Be aware that 30th May is the start of the half term break when most UK school have a week long holiday from school. It is certainly worth getting to popular places before 10am as that is when the cheap train tickets attract families to London on a normal week day begin.

I was jut going to mention that!

You'll find it a little quieter during commuter times, pre 9am (you you have to pay peak travel), but busier at attractions during the day.

Some shops around the City Business Areas may shut, but on the whole it's a regular day.

 

[Deb in IA]

Great! Thanks, this is good to know.
I assume the Tube and bus systems will be running as usual?

 

[pampat]

I think you will also find that there is a big 10K charity run around the city on that day. It might make getting around a bit more tricky.

Pam

 

[Vicki106]

We just decided to surprise our kids with a week in London December 29-January 5. They won't know about it until Christmas morning. I'm trying to make plans for our week and after reading this post, I am wondering: What is likely to be closed on January 1 that I should know about? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Jon84]

We just decided to surprise our kids with a week in London December 29-January 5. They won't know about it until Christmas morning. I'm trying to make plans for our week and after reading this post, I am wondering: What is likely to be closed on January 1 that I should know about? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

I would carefully plan your New Year Celebrations, the 31st becomes a standstill with multiple road closures in Central London, and events booked up early. The Fireworks by the London Eye are now a ticketed event to prevent overcrowding.

On the 1st, I think it is a usual Bank Hol, some shops will close. Resturants and Tourist attractions are most probably open. Transport on Sunday Service.

 

[Vicki106]

I would carefully plan your New Year Celebrations, the 31st becomes a standstill with multiple road closures in Central London, and events booked up early. The Fireworks by the London Eye are now a ticketed event to prevent overcrowding.

On the 1st, I think it is a usual Bank Hol, some shops will close. Resturants and Tourist attractions are most probably open. Transport on Sunday Service.

Thank you for this info. Last week I emailed the Mayor's Office regarding tickets for the Fireworks by the London Eye. From what I read online, additional tickets will be available the end of this month, and I followed the instructions and sent an email. I am hoping to get lucky enough to be able to purchase tickets. Fingers crossed!

 

[Dimplenose]

I think you will need to check each place you want to go to individually to check they are open on the 1st Jan.

I believe that The National Gallery and The British Museum are closed on 1st Jan but I am sure that there will be others.

You might find this article useful.
http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/things-to-do-on-new-years-day-in-london

 

[A Small World]

Thank you for this info. Last week I emailed the Mayor's Office regarding tickets for the Fireworks by the London Eye. From what I read online, additional tickets will be available the end of this month, and I followed the instructions and sent an email. I am hoping to get lucky enough to be able to purchase tickets. Fingers crossed!

I don't know what its like now its a ticket event but we went a couple of years ago to watch the fireworks and had a fab evening however it was about 2.30am before we got back to our hotel. It was probably about 12.30 before we left the area and the tube stations closely are all closed to avoid overcrowding so we decided it was just as easy to walk back to the hotel. It might mean you don't end up doing much on New Years Day if you have been out til the early hours

 

[Jon84]

I don't know what its like now its a ticket event but we went a couple of years ago to watch the fireworks and had a fab evening however it was about 2.30am before we got back to our hotel. It was probably about 12.30 before we left the area and the tube stations closely are all closed to avoid overcrowding so we decided it was just as easy to walk back to the hotel. It might mean you don't end up doing much on New Years Day if you have been out til the early hours

It's almost always easier to walk. Or, get a tube in other direction to the crowds, then switch and go back. That works well!

 

[Vicki106]

Thank you for all the info. I am not sure that my crew will be up for walking back after fireworks, but I guess we'll figure that out if we are able to get fireworks tickets.

 

[A Small World]

Thank you for all the info. I am not sure that my crew will be up for walking back after fireworks, but I guess we'll figure that out if we are able to get fireworks tickets.

Where are you staying? We found info on a website about transportation after the fireworks and it said which stations were closed to avoid everyone crowding into them - so it will be worth checking closer to the time

 

[Vicki106]

Where are you staying? We found info on a website about transportation after the fireworks and it said which stations were closed to avoid everyone crowding into them - so it will be worth checking closer to the time

We are staying at the Hilton Angel/Islington near Kings Cross Station. We were hoping to find a good spot closer to the action in Central London, but this is close to the Tube and it isn't breaking our bank as much as those in town would. I'd love it if you could send me the link to the website with after fireworks transportation info!

 

[A Small World]

We are staying at the Hilton Angel/Islington near Kings Cross Station. We were hoping to find a good spot closer to the action in Central London, but this is close to the Tube and it isn't breaking our bank as much as those in town would. I'd love it if you could send me the link to the website with after fireworks transportation info!

I think this is the one we used - this is for New Years Eve 2014 but it will give you an idea and it will be updated nearer the time with this years info

 

[Jon84]

Just bear in mind that the Northern line is the busiest line of them all, so try working around that in your plans

 

[Vicki106]

Just bear in mind that the Northern line is the busiest line of them all, so try working around that in your plans

I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. I will definitely plan for that.