London Calling
 

Today we booked our flight to London. We'll be there March 13 through the 21st Staying at a B&B in Belgravia - near Victoria Station.

Neither of us have ever been there before, so were excited and eager to hear what some of you UK veterans might recommend. Tell us what sights, sounds, eats, and atmosphere you think we ought to consider. We're there for 8 days, and we're planning on really getting to know the city.

Cheers,

€

Yay! I'd heard thru the grapevine that you two were pining for an adventurous getaway. Congratulations on jumping in with both feet and venturing across the pond to Jolly Old.


I have no recommendations to give, since I've never been. But I can't wait to hear all about it, post. And I'm very happy and excited for you guys.

Hip Hip, and all that rot.

Congratulations on making this journey! Our resident car expert has been there several times.

H & I will come up with a bunch of suggestions... but the first and best one I can think of is to grab Time Out London the minute you get off the plane. It is hands down the best guide to where to go and what to do every week.

I can't believe we're actually going! I've now dedicated myself to books and maps and internet research when I can get it. I bought a small journal that I can copy key information into and, now that flight and hotel ressies are made, we can start planning our days.


The early list of things to do:

Tate(s) (and the Tate to Tate boat)
Highgate Cemetery
British Museum
A Show - Probably Mary Poppins
Westminster Abby
Tower of London
Saint Paul's
Saatchi Gallery
White Cube
London Eye (weather permitting)

Other things that may make the list:
Kew Gardens (or another park area)
National Gallery
Victoria & Albert
London Zoo
Royal Observatory
A palace or two, perhaps.

I have half of mind to look up my old friend Maia Norman, now wife of Damien Hirst, but they're probably miles away at their Gothic Manor.

I've wanted to go to England for YEARS!

Cool! you've got three of my favourite places on your list: The Tate Modern, St Paul's and Westminster Abbey. Definitely check out the National Gallery if you have time too - it's wonderful. If the weather is okay, you can walk from St Paul's over the Millennium Bridge to the tate Modern, which is fun. A day trip to Windsor is always a good time too:)

Westminster Abbey
Tower of London
National Gallery
Portrait Gallery
Tait Museum
Covent Garden
Hampton Court Castle
Leister Square
Trafalgar Square
Victoria & Albert
Madame Trousseau's Wax Museum - for kitch factor
Take one of the ghost tours of london
Tower Bridge
Buckingham Palace - changing of the guards, all that
Harrod's - see the Diana memorial... it's cheesy!
Diana Memorial Fountain
Kensington Palace
Go see a show with someone famous in it. Ian Holm, Dame Judi, Diana Rigg, Maggie Smith, Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart etc often star in productions in the theatre district...

I'd go see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang instead of Poppins... if you just had to see one.

Since my favorite record store (Beano's in Croydon) is closing. I'd make sure that €uro gets to spend some time at Music and Video Exchange at 38 Notting Hill Gate.

Also, remember that London, like NYC or Tokyo, is a living city. While tourist attractions and museums are mainstays and "musts", you should also try to get out and do lots of nighttime stuff - get yourself to where the action is...

agreed. Windsor is a must see. a wonderful country inn serves the best scones and high:coffee:

:snap: if that can't fit into the schedule, try to at least get to some tiny little village pub in the countryside somewhere. a pint of guiness and a game of darts you will not forget!

stop by Harrod's. at least to see the amazing lower level food department, oh, and take the lift.

avoid the LIVE sex shows in sojo. a friend of a friend of mine says they get you in, lock the door, and after you get a £175 check for a :cheers: and pleasant conversation with a "companion" expect you to pay up.:eek: there is no show.:mad: er, i mean:rolleyes:

For a theater visit, be sure to take advantage of the half-price ticket booth in Trafalgar square. Good seats are always available, dirt cheap.

If you have time for day trips, Bath is fascinating, as well as Stratford and, of course, Stonehenge.

If you'd like to go to the tower, get there early, the lines get atrocious.

For a good meal at a swanky hotel, check out The Carvery buffet at the Strand Palace Hotel. Mmmm.