Any tips for a 1st timer to London? About This Page:

[TZMOM]

My 14 y.o. son & I will be taking our 1st trip abroad this August. I've always wanted to go to London and thanks to United's $99 companion airfare, we're heading out!!!

I've booked with a tour group, but for an "independent" tour staying a full week at the Rubens Hotel (near Buckingham Palace.) The tour includes a 3-day pass of some sort that enables us to use public transport after 9:30 a.m. I'm just a little concerned with the Tube (being directionally challenged) and could use any tips on how to figure it out. I've bought Fodor's, Unofficial and Rick Steve's guide books which give a good foundation - or so I think right now.

We (OK, me) want to see all the "biggies", but is anyone familiar with skating parks around the city? My son is a big skateboarder and I've promised him at least a few hours of skating time while we're there.

Thanks for any help!!

Jane

[statelady01]

Sent you an email!!!!!!!

[chezp]

I'm sure Maureen's sent you all you need to know!

Just one other thing. As far as the tube goes, it is really simple to navigate. You'll find that on all the platforms, as well as marking whether they're east / west / north / soundbound, they will list the stations which are on that line, which makes it really easy. It's a lot simpler than some places I've been (i.e. NYC subway!)

I can't help you on the skateboarding sites, as it's not really my thing. Have you tried a search engine, like google and put in "skateboarding" and "London"? That will probably net you some results.

If you've got anymore questions, ask away and I'll do what I can to help! I'm sure Maureen will too..

[wdwlovers]

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Just one other thing. As far as the tube goes, it is really simple to navigate. You'll find that on all the platforms, as well as marking whether they're east / west / north / soundbound, they will list the stations which are on that line, which makes it really easy.

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I gotta agree here! I found the tube very easy to navigate! I highly suggest the British Museum (awesome), the Tower, taking in a show (My Fair Lady is good, but your son probably wouldn't appreciate it), the London Eye, boy I could go on an on. I'm sure Maureen's email helped you tons too since she just got back. My trip was almost 2years ago now. Also go to Harrod's if you can!

[HiddenMickey]

We visited for the first time in April 2002. The favorites for our family were: 1) The Tower of London....get a kid's tour guide and use it to explore the place. We would have missed a lot if we had done it on our own. And make sure to try and catch some of the demonstrations and reinactments. 2) London Museum....very interesting to see the way the city has changed and developed over the years and see all the artifacts that have been dug up. 3) British Museum....you'll need a couple days to get through the place, so decide what you most want to see when you go. 4) Big Red Bus tour....a great way to see all parts of the city with great commentary by many of the guides (some were better than others), you can get off wherever you like and get back on at any time. 5) St James park....really nice place to relax with really nice port-a-johns .

The kids like the Aquarium and disliked the Wheel. We didn't get to see Westminster or the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace because we happened to be there when just after the Queen Mother died and a lot was closed off or canceled due to her viewing. We did get to see lots of people from all over the country that came to pay respects, and the was interesting.

We are hoping to go back this Spring and will venture further from the city if we get the chance this time.

-HiddenMickey

[TZMOM]

Thanks everyone for your replies

Keep the suggestions coming. I just rec'd mail from Big Bus Company Tours. I think we'll definately be taking advantage of that for around the City!! Have any of you ever taken one of their tours to Bath/Stonehenge? My Insight tour is a "sister company" with Evan Evans Tours. All the day trips that I've found online to Stonehenge look about the same and are w/in 5 GBS of each. Any thoughts/suggestions on which one to take would be appreciated - not sure if it really makes a difference. I'm leaning toward Evan Evans since it looks like the bus picks up/drops off from right outside our hotel.

Thanks again for your help -

Don't forget - GO EAGLES!!!!

[Main Street Magic]

Although the tubes seem to be a minboggle, as mentioned above, it is rather easy to navigate. We spent two weekends in London (surrounding a business trip) and we were able to see all the major sights in town. We didn't do any museums, though (that's next trip!). Do the one's mentioned above and don't forget Westminster Abby and, if you're a Disney nut, you have to drop by St. Paul's (feed the birds.....). If you are near Big Ben, stop in and eat at Hard Rock Cafe, too!

[Muffycat]

I was there with my daughter a few years ago for my Grandmothers 100th Birthday. We went to the Rock N Roll Wax Musuem. It has the music piped in when you stand near an artist or other music related items. For example the pinball machine has the Who singing Pinball Wizard. I believe it was located around the Piccadally area (not exactly sure).
We loved the the tour buses. You can get on and off as much as you like.
Enjoy your trip!

[chezp]

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We went to the Rock N Roll Wax Musuem. It has the music piped in when you stand near an artist or other music related items. I believe it was located around the Piccadally area (not exactly sure).

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That's called Rock Circus and it is at Piccadilly Circus.

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We loved the the tour buses. You can get on and off as much as you like.

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They are a great way of seeing the capital and the commentary is good on many of them. I've not been on those buses in London, but have tried them in other British cities and have been impressed by them.