Hi its Wendy from Twist of Lime.....I asked Tina for some ideas,. and although Tina has traveled extensively through Europe, she has not had the pleasure of visiting London! This is my first time too, so in light of my trip in less than 2 weeks and hopefully Tina's trip later this year, hoping you can help!
I am thinking that Tina's loyal readers can help me with some 411 on London and helping me discover all there is to do in this fabulous city!
So please if you have been can you tell us...
Where to do shop, eat, sightsee, play?
What are the lesser known treats in the London?
Where is the best place for High Tea?
Do you have a favorite pub that serves Fish and Chips?
What are a few "absolute must dos"?
Any customs that are important to know ahead of time?
Any one restaurant I shouldn't miss?
Thank you so much in advance for any and all information you can share. I so appreciate it. Can't wait to march along to the London beat!
Just posting this has me craving a trip to London. Lucky you Wendy! Looks like so much fun, and do tell "Elizabeth" I said hello...... the queen mother of course! What a fabulous city.......don't forget to share your highlights with us in the comments section if you've been so Wendy can take notes! Thanks from both Wendy and I and wishing you all a wonderful day. Tally ho!
Just posting this has me craving a trip to London. Lucky you Wendy! Looks like so much fun, and do tell "Elizabeth" I said hello...... the queen mother of course! What a fabulous city.......don't forget to share your highlights with us in the comments section if you've been so Wendy can take notes! Thanks from both Wendy and I and wishing you all a wonderful day. Tally ho!
We have been twice, once with kids and once without. We loved of course taking in St. Pauls cathedral, Buckingham Palace and the Millennium bridge, all of the main spots you would probably know to go to. For restaurants we recently tried Gordon Ramsays and were really happy there (no kids on that trip) and we loved Barbecoa which overlooks St. Pauls. I highly recommend both.
ReplyDeleteYou are in for a great time, London is one of my most favorite European cities and we are planning to go back next June as a graduation gift for my daughter. Have a wonderful time.
Stayed at Claridges about 2 years ago and loved it. Unless you are coming from NY, see a show, War Horse, Priscilla queen of the desert both good choices. Your hotel concierge will also be able to help you a lot.
ReplyDeleteHave never been but intend to go!! I am going to bookmark this post when all of the comments are in.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Teresa
xoxo
Tina-
Hope all is going well, friend!
How nice for you to help a friend, Tina and you should go, London is a fascinating and wonderful city. We have been several times, my husband goes every year twice for medical conference but besides the normal places that everyone knows to viist, I also if you like art, suggest the Victoria and Albert musuem, try getting tickets to the Royal Opera House and we saw Wicked last time we were there and it was fabulous. We don't eat meat so are limited with where we eat, but our favorite restaurant in London is for sure, Nobu overlooking Hyde Park. If you like sushi, you must go!
ReplyDeleteHello Tina!
ReplyDeleteLondon... how great is that? Add some "fish and chips" and it gets even better! :-)
Have a lovely day, my friend!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
PS: Love when you drop by. Thanks, my friend!!! :-)
Haven't been since I was a girl, but we went to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, tried our best to make them make any facial expressions (they stand like statues), we saw Big Ben the famous clock, and of course London Bridge.
ReplyDeleteLucky girl! Being a gardener, the last time I was in London was for the Chelsea Flower show - but that was walking distance to Harrods! Must go!
ReplyDeleteWindsor Castle! Of course! And a bit of a drive away.....dinner at the Waterside Inn in Bray - unforgettable!
Now if you needed gardens to visit....there I can assist!
We're going this year to see family. I adore London and I see something new each time I visit.
ReplyDeleteFor high tea, Fortnum and Mason is a shrine. It's an absolute must, and be sure to pick up tea to take home, and a box of Buck's Fizz truffles from the store. Enjoy your trip.
Oh- I haven't been either...but my daughter has and she loved it. I will just live vicariously, I guess. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteBeing English this could take a while - I will try and be brief.
ReplyDeleteThe V & A is definately the best museum, and it's not far from Harrods. Go and see the amazing food halls in Harrods, but remember to look up !
Harvey Nichols is a gorgeous department store nearby - very trendy. Sloane Street is here also - very exclusive and gorgeous shops. Find VVRouleaux near Sloane Square - fantastic trimming and ribbon shop.
Also in this side of town, look for Oka - a gorgeous homewares store. The famous Conran shop is on the same road and has the highly recommended oyster bar - Bibendum.
Centrally there is Bond Street and Regent Street (Oxford Street is very mainstream so I would miss it). Zara home and Anthropologie are here with top designers. I would eat at Veeraswammy's - gorgeous contemporary Indian food with views over Regent's Street. Book a seat near the window if you can !
Afternoon tea is usually The Ritz, but I would go to the Savoy - it's been done up recently and is just a lovely hotel (you may have to book, even for tea).
Take a trip on the water to Greenwich, to see all the sights on the way,or maybe walk along the south of the river to the Tate Modern.
Most of all - enjoy !!!
Hi! I´m living in Europe...more places to visit London Tower (crown jewels), Tower Bridge, London Eye, Royal Botanic Kew Flowers. For glamorous shoppings go to Knightsbridge,Old Bond Street, Oxford Street there you get the last news in fashion. For night go to Picadilly Circus in Soho there are a lot of pubs. Don´t forget to visit Nothing Hill and known for attractive terraces of large Victorian townhouses. Castles...Palaces...Gardens...one more thing, MUST take a "London cab or taxi". :)
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ana Maria
I too live in London, and I think Fiona has said it all!!
ReplyDeleteI highly, HIGHLY recommend the Courthauld exhibition at Somerset House. It is on The Strand.
The 23 bus is a good "sit upstairs and sight see bus" it goes from Notting Hill (hello: Portobello Market!!-but Fri. and Sat only) all the way to Liverpool St. past Marble Arch, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square...see what I mean?!!
If you can-beg, steal or borrow to get tickets to Warhorse. Trust me.
High Tea... all the "top" hotels do a great one: I loved Tea at The Waldorf, as it was a tea dance. Tea at The Lanesborough is also pretty fab.
Fortnum and Masons is a must. Kew Gardens; Kensington Gardens, and the palace there, (a cuppa in the orangery in ken gdns is lovely) Brick Lane has fantastic curry houses...I could go on and on!! Buy a Timeout and an A TO Z (map)- vital. Catch at least one cab-and if the driver is friendly, cross examine them about local 'hotspots' HAVE FUN!!! ooh...ps: you will need an "Oyster Card" for public transport-buy one in a tube station.
Be sure to see The War Rooms, where Winston Churchill worked during WWII.
ReplyDeleteTake a day trip to Oxford. Also take a day trip to a village in the Cotswalds.
Go to the British Museum, too.....see the Elgin Marbles.
Hi, I am Londoner too, would recommend Spitalfields market on a Thursday morning for prints and junk with lunch at nearby Le Galvin restaurant - good french cheap lunch.
ReplyDeleteYou should definately make a reservation to enjoy High Tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace - its beautiful, luxurious and the clotted cream is not to be missed!
ReplyDeleteI would skip the changing of the guards. Its exactly that, and as boring as it sounds.
If you take any day trips and wanted to see Stonehenge, I would pass that to go to Avebury. It contains other henges, the largest stone circle in Europe-and you can walk out to it. Stonehenge you can't. And its a great place for some good fish and chips.
Also, if you're in for a show, Agatha Christie's 'Mousetrap' is the longest running show in the world at St. Martin's Theatre. It will make for a night of fun and mystery!
I'm in the UK and my brother lives in London, I think most things have been covered by the other bloggers but if you like theatre/shows do not miss out on seeing 'The Lion King' I really wasn't sold on the idea when I went, I thought it would be ok for kids but boy I 'really' loved it, so much fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteAn absolute MUST DO? Double check the hours and days of operation for anyplace that you want to go in the city, ie. museums, historic sights...they have a lot of 'banking holidays' which I had no knowledge of prior to missing out on two of my most important venues! Do this when you get to the city! If you have even one day to set aside, take a car trip, or quick tour, to the Cotswolds...like going back in time, so picturesque, green, Roman Ruins (!), fox running across the cricket fields, not to mention the nattily dressed cricket players-out in the middle of nowhere, it seems, streams that you must forge, stone manor houses galore...heaven. In the early summer, Queen Anne's Lace (weeds to them...fairly land plantings to me!) grows against the ancient stone field fences that are everywhere! If you have more time, stay in the Lord of the Manor in Upper Staughter! Unbelieveable...
ReplyDeleteI've never been to London either, but it's on my bucket list!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely cannot believe how fabulous all of your readers are, Tina! I am so excited to look into these suggestions. The tips and tidbits are so much better than any tour book!
ReplyDeleteI think you should start a new series "Where would you go?" and let readers comment about their favorite places in different cities in the world. Wouldn't that be fun and helpful!
Thanks so much, Tina and thanks all of your wonderful readers!
xoxo,
Wendy
Having been to London several times, Wendy if this is your first time you should see (despite the bad rap for being "touristy") all of the special sites that are hallmarks of London, and even the "boring" changing of the guard which I personally never find boring, just fascinating. Victoria and Albert museum is perhaps one of the best I have been to. I love going every time I go!
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed high tea at both The Ritz and Claridges but it can be enjoyed at most major hotels and some restaurants. Might I suggest War Horse as I think a few suggested, it was truly an amazing show in every sense and so worth the crazy price we ended up having to pay to score the tickets.
Last visiting Dianas grave at Althorp as a day trip was such a highlight for me, as I was such a fan of hers. There is also a wonderful exhibition called Diana, a celebration so worth seeing.
I am sure you are going to have a superb time, there is really something for everyone in London and thats part of its charm. So many wonerful ethnic restaurants too which we how we like to eat. We almost never eat in the same restaurant twice! Have a wonderful trip and Tina hope you get to go this year too.
Hello Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of London... I spend enough time there so I should be.... and I wrote a list of many of my must see and do's... http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/2009/02/rule-britannia.html
There may be some places of interest on there for you...
Hope it helps and have a fabulous time... xv
Nobody has mentioned the Tower of London that, I believe, shouldn't be missed.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you plan a day-trip in the country, I suggest a small village half way to Oxford in the Thames Valley called Sotwell cum Brightwell. It's one of the most wonderful places I've ever visited! Not much know but a real jewel of traditional architecture, gardens and nature.
OK, I'm from London so will do my best to give you some good recommendations:
ReplyDeletei) Fabulous place to eat is Roules (where Dickens used to pen his works), The Guinea Fowl is a fab "gastro-pub" in Mayfair
ii) Shopping-I would check out Harvey Nichols and Selfridges as well as Harrods.
iii)High tea- Fortnum & Masons, The Lanesborough hotel, The Ritz, Claridges or Simpsons
Not sure when you are going, but if within the next 10 weeks strongly recommend going to see Midnight Tango at the Adelphi Theatre.
I too would recommend a trip to The Cotswold, maybe Stratford-upon-Avon (home of Shakespeare)., Hampton Court, Windsor.
Have a lovely trip and e.mail if you need more info ;-) Happy to oblige x
Go to Hakkasan if you like Chinese food...its incredibly good. I think the only Chinese restaurant in London to be awareded a Michelin star (or so we were told by our friends who took us) It is very glamorous and beautiful and the food was sensational! Also if you can get away to Cotswolds, that might have been my favorite excursion it is so beautiful, I couldnt' stop taking pictures!
ReplyDeletePart of the fun is also exploring but looks like you have gotten some great recommendations here. Have a great time. London is definitely one of my favorite cities, be sure to take a bus ride as well, thats a must do! If its your first time, a guided tour is a touristy thing but the fastest way to get "educated" on the city.
Oh, I love London, too. Only been there once and it was a while ago, so I don't have great travel tips. But, Browns is supposed to be great for tea. I saw Le Mi in one of the Opera houses and it's such a beautiful experience - different than Broadway.
ReplyDeleteJust being in a place where things are done a little differently, yet you can communicate will be so invigorating/relaxing!
Have the best time!
xo Elizabeth
Beautiful post. Makes me want to visit again and again.
ReplyDeleteMake reservations for tea asap! The Ritz was booked when we were there but Claridges squeezed us in. Tower of London was my favorite. Ditto with the theatre, but prebook it asap because the best shows sell out fast. Diane
ReplyDeleteThis is simply amazing. I have no idea when I will be traveling to London... trips to Colorado to see Graham are going to be a regular thing for me, but I am saving this post! I can't believe the incredible recommendations.
ReplyDeleteI may just get brave enough to travel to England by myself!!
I went to London this past summer and had a great time. Afternoon tea at The Dorchester was a wonderful experience. They have an option for a champagne tea if you're not a tea drinker. You can make your reservations online, see photos and I promise it really looks like that in person! My other favorite places were The Tower of London, Windsor Castle and Harrod's. I could spend half a day in Harrod's looking at the Mulberry bags, lunching at one of the cafes, and then going to the champagne bar after a hard day of shopping. Yes, a champagne bar! The coolest experience though was hanging out in the pubs and meeting the locals. My husband and I met two palace guards at a pub near the Buckingham Palace. We were out all night and they introduced us to equally interesting people. We still keep in touch with one of them via facebook. The shopping is AMAZING. I thought the shopping in Paris was going to be great, but London tops it by far. I really, really wish we had taken a day trip to the Cotswolds, but we didn't have time. It looks beautiful. There are guided trips online you can book. A few of the towns you can get to by train, which is what we did to get to Windsor. No matter what you do, you'll have a great time!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite restaurant is the Criterion Restaurant in Piccadilly Circus, just a stunning restaurant with delicious food: http://www.criterionrestaurant.com/. I went there for lunch on a trip last summer and it was just indulgent to get a great deal on lunch and eat it in such a beautiful setting. I second the British Museum, which has a glorious glass-ceiling atrium and apparently a library in the inner circle part which I have yet to visit but hear is worth a visit. I also recommend the Covent Garden Market which is a charming collection of shops and stalls with unique handmade items for sale. Whittards has the best tea and hot chocolate in my opinion , and they have a shop in the Covent Garden Market (plus they also have several samples of each throughout their two floors), along with a Laduree for delicious french macarons. For shopping, Selfridges is a great place to go, but Harrods and it's food markets really give it an edge for my top shopping destination.
ReplyDeleteI wish London was calling me. It all looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI would second all the comments.....so I will give you my quick list.....British Museum, tour of Kensington Palace (Princess Diana's gowns were on display at one time), tea at the Orangery there or the Ritz,Windsor Castle, Fortnum & Mason, a show at The Adelphi Theatre, Chinese at New World 1 Gerrard Place - not too far from theatre, Tower of London (the royal jewels a must) and the Indian food there is amazing! Knightsbridge has some great spots for fish & chips & mushy peas! and boutique shopping! Have a great time!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have been to London only once and it was fabulous but COLD and it was a damp cold too. So pack warm layers. We did all the mainstream touristy stuff so I do not have any great off the beaten path ideas for you but HAVE FUN!
ReplyDeleteOh one thing.... we did love the shopping on Bond St.
I have been about 6-7 times. We just spent 9 glorious days in England and London this past Christmas. I would be happy to chat with her. My email is barbgarrettnc@yahoo.com. And yes! yes! Yes! Get thouself to London this year!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh ps - forgot to share. I have been posting about our trip. We rented a car and drove through the Cotswalds. Our fave? hever Castle, home of Anne Boleyn. Magical! I am soooo ready to go back.
ReplyDeleteOh I just love London! Been there two times but the first time was 15 years ago and the last time was 2 years ago. Last time I stayed at the Grosvenor Hotel and that was wonderful. Also had drinks atop of the Hilton hotel, called Galvin at Windows restaurant that overlooks Hyde Park. It was amazing!
ReplyDeleteHave fun! :)
You will love it there! I think all my suggestions have already been mentioned, so I'll just say ... have fun and be careful crossing the street :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I have so many suggestions.
ReplyDeleteFor afternoon tea I would suggest Fortnum &Mason, but on the 5th floor to avoid the tourists ;-)
I like Selfridges better than Harrods and the always go next door to the Marble Arch Marks and Spencer's to stock up on lingerie
We always have dinner at Simpsons, it's next to the Savoy hotel.
it's a good idea to do a bus tour, it's a great way to see a lot.
I love the Victoria and Albert museum especially the costume gallery
I love to shop at the Burlington Arcade, especially Lauderee and Pickett
For traditional country clothing no one does it better than Cordings. I also love Hobbs.
Go to the theater, Calendar Girls is hilarious but I also love to see Shakespeare at the Rose
There are just so many wonderful things to do...
:-)
All the above suggestions are great, and bring back so many memories of when I used to go regularly to London. Can't wait to go back sometime! If you like antiquing, Bermondsey Market on Friday morning ---- as early as it gets light ---- is great, as is Portobello Rd. on Saturday. The last is fun even if you don't like antiquing. Also in the Cotswolds --- loved Stow-on-the-Wold,Moreton on Marsh and Burford------all darling little towns. We started out taking the "tube" (subway) everyplace, which was the fastest, but with my claustrophia, we soon changed to double decker buses. And you see SOOO much more that way. You can buy a pass that entitles you to ride either all the time you're there. Have a wonderful time for all of us!!
ReplyDeleteLondon is amazing, as everyone who has been there has already told you. I have only been once, but plan to go back as soon as possible. I love history so I was really interested in the Churchill's underground cabinet war rooms. For a history lover, it's not to be missed. Here's a link to their website: http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
ReplyDeleteAlso, Sunday Taylor who writes the blog Ciao Domenica wrote an interesting piece last fall about her recent trip to London that really got me wanting to stay at The Stafford Hotel. She says that the main building at The Stafford was originally a grand late-17th century townhouse with a stable courtyard at the rear. Here's a link to the post: http://ciaodomenica.blogspot.com/2011/10/very-british-affair.html
Whatever you do, I know you'll enjoy it!! Good luck and have fun!
Keri
Breakfast in bed, lunch at the Wolesely, tea at the Ritz, dinner at Hakkasan, nightcaps at Claridges...
ReplyDeleteOops.. meant "in Churchill's underground cabinet war rooms". Sorry about the typo. :|
ReplyDeleteAlso, I forgot to mention: one of my other favorite places was Harrods, but judging from the photo, you already plan to go there!
Hello Tina!
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well and getting settled in.
As for London, love it! I cannot reccommmend anything that all of the comments above have not already suggested, there are so many great ideas I have to file them for my nexe trip in July.
I did want to suggest, Jeanne at Collage of Life is currently living in London and she has had some fabulous suggestions on that blog and her other, Finding my Way in England. JEanne is a lovely blog friend and she would be more than happy to offer up a few of her favorite places.
Tell her I sent you if you visit her!
Elizabeth
Love England! Have a great and safe trip full of adventures, and share all your great finds with us!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
I enjoy Claridge's for afternoon tea the most. The Ritz is standard for many, but I find it vulgar. Fortnum & Mason is also a fine establishment, but I prefer them for their selection of loose leaf teas, which is unparalleled.
ReplyDeleteBuckingham Palace is only open to the public during August, if I'm not mistaken. But do tour the Tower of London for intriguing history and the crown jewels. Other "touristy" sites include Houses of Parliament and St. Stephen's Tower (Big Ben is the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself!), Westminster Abbey (attend an Evensong service, which is free, rather short in duration, and quite enjoyable; otherwise there is an entrance fee), War Cabinet Rooms (quite incredible to see things as they were left several decades ago), National Gallery in Trafalgar Square for world-renowned art, British Museum (Warning: you can spend 5,6,7+ hours there--it's huge!), V&A Museum (as other's have noted, it is amazing), London Eye (pre-book your ride online for a discount and choose a time slot during sunset--in good weather, the lighting and view are incredible). If possible, catch one of the Southwest trains from Waterloo station for a jaunt to Windsor Castle and the adjoining town of Eton, home of the boys' school by the same name. The Castle is amazing and so is the surrounding town. Very quaint and picturesque.
Definitely catch a show in the West End. Early afternoon shows are discounted (and VERY reasonably priced), but if you fancy a popular show, be sure to get there early (8am-ish) to stand in line for tickets.
Harrod's is standard for shopping, and the food halls in particular are not to be missed. However, it is constantly packed with gawkers, which almost always results in an unpleasant experience for me. Yes, Harrod's is enormous and wonderfully appointed, but it's very 2011 if you catch my drift. I prefer Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Oxford Street/Oxford Circus is very commercial (think Times Square), while the shops on Knightsbridge, Sloane, and Brompton Streets are generally luxury retailers (think 5th and Madison Avenues). For men, Savile Row for bespoke tailoring, Jermyn Street for shirting (Swaine Adeney Brigg is also located at the end for handmade umbrellas, fine leather goods, and the famous Indiana Jones poet's hat), Burlington Arcade and Old Bond Street for foreign and quintessentially British luxury retailers.
Continued...
ReplyDeleteEveryone's palate is different, so I won't suggest specific restaurants. But Covent Garden is a fantastic neighborhood with all types at varying price points. Most restaurants there are good at minimum, if not very good. If you want to pick up snacks while sightseeing between meals, I suggest you locate a Waitrose (there are quite a few around the city center) and check out their prepared foods. Think Whole Foods but without the hoity-toity "natural foods" schtick.
If you will be staying the weekend, Portobello Road market is a must! It is simply superb. Authentic street food, great farm fresh fruits and veggies, antiques out the wazoo--and it goes on for blocks and blocks. As Angela Lansbury sang in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, "Everything and anything a chap can unload, you'll find it right here on Portobello Road." She wasn't joking.
Bits and bobs:
Charles Dickens Museum is cute if that's your sort of thing.
Monument to the Great Fire of 1666 (located at Monument tube stop) is cool from a historical standpoint.
If you're a legal beagle, check out Fleet Street where the Royal Courts of Justice and the several Inns of Court are located.
Be sure to ask Londoners for tips. While shopping, for example, ask the check-out associate where is a good place for fish and chips. They almost always will point you in the right direction. Those who live and work there know the best and least touristy spots.
Plan on riding a double-decker bus. If you can snag seats in the first row on the upper level, it's quite a thrill! (Warning: you may get anxious and slightly nauseous).
Finally, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO SEE EVERYTHING AND EAT EVERYWHERE, SO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE! London is truly an incredible city.
-JR
P.S. If you haven't yet picked up a travel guide, I suggest acquiring one by D.K. Publishing. They have accurate and detailed maps, tips, tricks, and everything (and more) you'd expect from a proper travel guide. I have their guides for London, Paris, and many cities in Italy. All are really great. Perfect for scanning and dog-earing while on the plane!
ReplyDeleteWindsor Castle is a worth a visit for the magnificent cabinets full of china alone. For shopping - the General Trading Company in South Kensington was one of my favourites. Enjoy! x Sharon
ReplyDeleteWow what great bloggers you all are. I've made a list for my visit there too. Thanks to all of you! Should be exciting during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee which is in 2012, marking 60 years of The Queen’s reign. I'd love to be going as well. It's on my list too.
ReplyDeleteI used to go there often for work....but never got out much so my suggestions are going to go back to the few weeks I were there in college for a class. You can get amazing deals on plays at the last minute...I think I saw three musicals ....each with an amazing seat....for less than $100 (granted that was almost 15 years ago!). Also, wouldn't miss a twirl through Liberty. Not much help, I know. Enjoy the trip.
ReplyDeleteGOOD MORNING TINA!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you today! I know you are busy unpacking, but just wanted to come by to cheer you on! Cherrio......Anita
Take a look at Melissa Morris's blog - she was just in London and always is spot on with the latest!
ReplyDeleteI myself love Fortnum & Mason, Liberty of London, all the classic sites, the V & A Museum...Harrods, and walking in Kensington. Love Hotel Number Sixteen.
Cheerio.
pve
I'm so glad to see this post and will be saving it since I have not visited London , but sent our son to the UK (which included a trip to London) when he was in junior high school. He absolutely loved London and said he could see himself living there one day. He loved the London Eye, the changing of the guard, the castle tours, riding on the double decker buses, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament among other things.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! Hope you'll blog about it on your return.
Hi Wendy! We spent a month in London as my in-laws lived there (father-in-law is British and my sister-in-law is British too) so I have a reccomendations for you! We went in December and it was colder than anything I've ever known. I wore tights and/or long underwear under my clothes most of the time. Be prepared to miss the sun, it made an appearance just once while we were there! We took a tour of Hampton Court Palace (where Henry the 8th reined) and it was amazing! You must set aside one full day for Harrods, it is that big (an entire city block) and do eat in the food halls and buy what you can! I came home with a Harrod's teapot and a few cups and saucers! Be forewarned, the fish and chips over there is traditionally served with the fish skin left on! But it was still delish! And served in newspaper! Ride the tube (subway)! It is easy to figure out and we spent the day in the city and ended up on the tube very late at night but felt safe nonetheless, just people going home from the pubs after drinking a bit much singing! Go into a small, old pub even if you don't drink! Walk through Hyde park, the Imperial War Museum had a great exhibit on the blitz and WWII. Try to go to a small village for a bit to get a feel for real life. As for high tea, the Savoy is probably the best but even in one of the small villages will be great! Do these things I've mentioned on top of all of the other tourist things everyone else mentioned. Have fun!!!! Oh, I just remembered, on a Sunday go into a pub for a pub lunch of roast beef and yorkshire pudding!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite cities in the world! Headed back in October myself (or maybe in April as a quick stop over en route to Edinburgh)....I took my daughter who was 8 at the time 2 yrs ago and we had a great time on a day trip to Oxford (She was totally into Harry Potter at the time), and one day went to Paddington station, bought a ticket and day tripped to Windsor. The changing of the guard is not worth it at Buckingham and if you have the time and it's on the correct day, I highly recommend Windsor, it's quite lovely and virutally no queue's at all! We saw Lion King and Wicked and both were phenomenal. We always take the red eye flight over and hit the ground running after an early check in at our hotel. We love wandering the Mayfair district and always happen on an amazing Lebanese restaurant. I daydream about a chicken schwarma and hummus we had! We utlizied our concierge and our dear friends that were living in South Kensington for recommendations and never had a bad experience. It might have been mentioned but only take a BLACK LONDON CAB, this is a must! The tube is fantastic but try to avoid at rush hour and I hear alot of the stops are under construction and it can be a little confusing at present due to preparations for the Olympics this summer. My daughter even had the tube figured out and we never had an issue at all. It's a great city to "get lost in". Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteA favorite place for dinner is the Wolesley. It's in a gorgeous building that was built for making carriages, so the architecture is beautiful, grand but not fussy. Great food and atmosphere. I also enjoyed Picadilly Circus and the antique fair that takes place there once per week. GREAT silver and old cool things. My favorite place is staying in the town of Windsor (or anywhere in the English countryside) at an old inn and going on the castle tour. The homes and winding roads with stone fences and carriage houses will take your breath away. I love London!
ReplyDeleteforgot to add that coincidentally Remodelista posted about the Wolesley today, so you can see photos!
ReplyDeleteA performance at the Globe Theatre is not to be missed. The National Gallery has some unmissable paintings.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I didn't find afternoon tea at the Ritz "vulgar", and enjoyed it as a lovely break from all of the sightseeing.
Bronwyn
My mother was born and raised in England, and I have been to London many times (lived there three summers). The previous responses have been very thorough, but I will add a few of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, when spending the summer in London, I spent several weeks looking for the best fish and chips. Hands down, my favorite was the Golden Hind, located in the heart of Marylebone - it's incredible. Try the mushy peas, they are surprisingly good! The restaurant is BYOB.
If you go to the V&A or are in the Holland Park/Kensington area, and want an afternoon tea that is a small fraction of the price of the hotel teas (with a casual and local atmosphere), try the Muffin Man.
Yelp is also a fantastic resource for restaurants in London.
Have a wonderful trip!
I think the best thing any first-time visitor to London can do is jump on a tour bus. That way, you can tick off all the major sights and narrow down the list of the ones you want to see in more detail. Sadly, you often find that no matter how much time you have in the city, it's never enough to see everything you want to see or do everything you want to do.
ReplyDeleteLesser known treats in London? These are usually best discovered yourself. And you do that just by having a wander and seeing what you come across, what catches your interest. Of course, take the same precautions as you would in any unfamiliar city, but there's no reason why you shouldn't explore London.
Must sees... For me, it'd be Covent Garden. It's got such a lovely atmosphere and all these little individual shops. And the street theatre there is fantastic. My mum and I had a weekend there the December before last, we'd been talking about it for ages and we just decided to book ourselves into London serviced apartments and do it. And it's still one of the best holidays I've had, that weekend in Covent Garden.
The Globe is also wonderful, if you like Shakespeare. The tour is well worth it but if you can see a production, that's even better. (A word to the wise - if you do see a production, rent a cushion. Even if you think you won't need one. Trust me on that.)
I'd also make a point of buying lunch one day and eating it in St James's Park. Watch out for the squirrels, they're very tame and not above running up your leg, as my mum found out the hard way.
I don't think there are any customs that immediately spring to mind, unless standing on the wrong side of the escalator counts. London commuters can be downright venomous on occasion and there's no better way to annoy them than to stand on the left side of the escalator.
Try and find a place with really cheap fish and chips, I imagine that's where all the locals actually eat.
ReplyDeletewow , all pictures are amazing. I will love to go on a tour to London.thanks for sharing.
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