Hello, we will be staying for 3 days in London before cruising out of Southampton. This is our first trip to London. What area do you recommend that is close to sightseeing? We would prefer to walk or take public transportation for sightseeing. I was thinking of Hilton London Bridge as I am a Hilton member but it looks pretty far. What about the Nadler Hotels? I would prefer a Queen or larger bed and most areas I see are double beds, also we would need 2 rooms. What recommendation would you have for transportation for 4 adults from Heathrow Terminal 5 and to Southampton cruise terminal? Lastly, what are the top 3 "must see" in London? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
No one area of London is particularly central to all the sightseeing, because it's rather spread out. That Hilton location is an easy walk from the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Tate Modern.
It's also served by two Tube lines and some buses. I used to like to stay near a Circle Line station, but this past year had no problem with a different south bank hotel, closer to Southwark station. Four people can share a taxi pretty affordably, particularly when you need to head to Waterloo station with your luggage, for a direct trains to Southampton. From the airport, you might look into a pre-booked car service, which should be cheaper than a regular taxi; see some discussions in https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england, rather than this review section.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16261 posts
Do you mean the Hilton London Tower Bridge? We love that location---spent three weeks in an apartment near there last May. It is great for walking---you have the traffic-free Thames Path which is a treat to walk. Laura mentioned some of the main sights in this area. I will add St. Paul's and the H.M.S. Belfast. To go further, you can catch a water bus up to Westminster from the nearby City dock---a fun way to move around London. Or cross Tower Bridge and catch the No. 15 bus to Aldwych, in the thick of things---Covent Garden, British Museum, Trafalgar Square. You can change there to a bus to the Kensington/Knightsbridge area. Or catch a District Line tube train at Tower Hill station.
Posted by
OP
San Jose
6 posts
Thank you both for your prompt response and for taking the time to respond. It is greatly appreciated. Yep, you are correct, I meant Hilton London Tower Bridge, sorry my mistake. This is a great forum and I learn so much before exploring a new city. It is very helpful. I look forward to visiting London.
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
41 posts
Forget about catching a train from London to Southampton the fare is £41 each. The cheapest for 4 people and best way even for 2 people, is to pre-book a mini-cab or a limo service. I travelled by mini-cab from central London to Portsmouth (further than Southampton) last Oct and it cost £118. I booked through minicabit.com before I left Australia.
Posted by
Atlanta
4829 posts
For four people hiring a mini cab or car service is the best way to go, in my opinion. No hassles, door to door service, and very close to the same price as the train if not cheaper.
Posted by
Maryland, USA
533 posts
A car service may be the most convenient, but it's not the cheapest way to get there, even for a group. Booked well in advance, tickets on National Express coaches can be as little as 5 pounds. Even at the last minute, fares don't rise much about 15-18 pounds a person.