2 Quick Nights in London

How are you travelling into and out of London? What airport?

Any particular sights you want to see in London? Do you want somewhere bustling and full of life?

If for example you were coming in from Scotland by train arriving at Kings Cross, and were later leaving from Heathrow, I would suggest Bloomsbury (nice, central, with quiet corners), Covent Garden (really bustling with lots of shops & restaurants) or Holborn (somewhere between the two).

The reason for these suggestions is they’re all on the Piccadilly tube line that runs from Kings Cross via all the above areas and directly on to Heathrow. Also they’re all really central with good bus links too.

However there are a million good places to stay in London. Another nice area is the south bank near the London Eye.

We are leaving out of Heathrow. Not sure what train station we'll be arriving to yet in London, as I still need to get that train ticket. I will look at the area by the London Eye. My husband and I tend to want to steer clear of super busy touristy places, but my teenage son digs those areas, so we'll probably pick a bustling place for him since we're in London for such a short time.

Thanks!

What time does your flight leave out of London? Is that the flight you are taking back home?
If it is early, I would stay on the Piccadilly line. If it is a later morning or afternoon it gives you an opportunity to stay further out. You could stay near Victoria, which is about 9 minutes from King's Cross and you would only have one change to get to Heathrow.

Southwark is very central and not very busy. Connections to Heathrow are poor from here however.

Many people take the Heathrow Express train from Heathrow Airport into London. It arrives into Paddington Station. There is a Hilton attached to Paddington Station. I would be tempted to stay there. Easy arrival from the airport; easy departure for the airport for your flight out. We have stayed there before. Very nice. Not expensive. With good tube and bus transportation from there, you can go anywhere in London.
Hilton London Paddington at 146 Praed St, Paddington, London.

Also look at hotels in the Bayswater area, a short walk from Paddington station, heading down toward Hyde Park.

Another option is to stay somewhere central to many major sights, such as Premier Inn County Hall, right behind the London Eye, looking across the river at Parliament buildings and Big Ben.
https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/london-county-hall.html?cid=GLBC_LONCOU

Another option is to look at hotels near the Piccadilly tube line which runs into London from Heathrow.
South Kensington area, many good hotels. Covent Garden area, good hotels. All have tube stations where the Piccadilly line runs through. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piccadilly_line#/media/File:Piccadilly_Line.svg

One more vote for Paddington - or maybe Bayswater. Easy access to Heathrow Express (Remember to buy tickets in advance. They are pricey if you buy them same day). Easy access by bus to Piccadilly Circus for your son. Easy access to Hyde Park for you

I am going to agree with Emma. But then again I don't take the Heathrow Express when I am in London. It isn't that much faster and isn't worth the price. If you want to be closer to Heathrow be on the Piccadilly line which connects directly to Heathrow.

Here is the map for the tube lines:

https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube

I think you would be at a decent spot with Green Park underground. There are three lines that meet there, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee. You would be able to hop on the Jubilee line and ride it to the Westminster stop and there is a lot to do in that area. The Abbey, the aquarium is across the bridge, the London Dungeon, and the Eye.

Also at Westminster you can take the Circle or District line and make your way to the Tower of London, and the Monument to the Fire. You can climb the Monument, aptly you can get off at the Monument stop for that. Near that stop is also Sky Garden, which has a great view of London, for FREE!!!

We always stays near the Gloucester tube stop (south Kensington) since it’s easy and direct to get to the airport. It’s not as hustle bustle as stops closer in, but the sites most tourists visit are a short tube ride away. Lots of choices, so it really comes down to personal preference.

Thanks for all of your feedback. I've been so focused on Ireland that I haven't really planned much about Scotland or London yet. However, I know that we will take the train from Edinburgh to London on 6/27, though not sure what station we'll be coming into. We are flying out of Heathrow at 7:40AM on 6/29.

Some sites we'd like to see:
Tower Bridge
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham
Big Ben
Ride the London Eye (probably the most touristy thing we'll do but I feel like I can't miss it!)

I'm going to agree with Emma and Katsrad. I don't find Paddington handy at all, but again, I've only taken the Heathrow express...maybe twice? We stay in the Victoria (Cherry Court Hotel) when we stay in a hotel (10 times at least) and easily walked to Buck House and/or Parliament, and all in between. Also, it is handy to tube and bus. That being said, I've never stayed near the strand or Covent Garden. Anywhere near or in Westminster will be pretty easy by tube to Heathrow. My daughter lived in Southwark for a while. While it was fine for visiting, I did not find it convenient for sites, but maybe if you were just on the edge of it near the Thames? Still, not a location I, personally, would pick.

"Big Ben", you do know that it's covered in scaffolding.

I've traveled to and stayed in London numerous times. A few things to consider if you are only there for 24 hours.

If you must do the London Eye buy the fast track ticket ahead of time. You are in London during the height of the tourist season and lines for the wheel will be HUGE.

Secondly, the most overrated "why did I wait to see this" touristy thing is watching the Changing of the Guards, especially when you are there. Crowds will be massive and unless you are there very early to secure an up front spot you'll see virtually nothing. And even if you do see it you'll have waited a long time for something that might take 12 minutes. Your preference of course. Merely advising there better things to see and do in the short amount of time you are there.

Easier to go stand by the Horse Guards Parade grounds and watch them leave and ride up the Mall to attend the ceremony. You'll find the parade grounds right next door to the building which houses the Churchill War rooms.

Third, Big Ben is indeed in scaffolding and will be for quite awhile.

If you want to please the son take him to Camden Lock Market and Brick Lane. Both intriguing. Lots of eye candy.

Camden Lock is near the Regents Canal. Most people have no clue there are canals in London. You could then walk from there to Primrose Hill for a POV of London.

You might also want to consider buying tickets for the Tower Bridge Experience, unless there's a fear of heights.

I would also suggest you all go see Woman in Black. Been there for ages but a fun evening of theatre! Or check to see what's on here: http://openairtheatre.com

Great city. Enjoy it!

My vote is also for South Kensington area. We are staying at Rydges Kensington London this time around, and the location seems pretty ideal.

For the changing of the guard, since it is crowded, go a few steps up on the statue of Queen Victoria. That will get you above the crowd so you can see the changing.

Maryam- I’ve stayed at Rydges twice and enjoyed it both times. Our other hotel of choice is Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt around the corner from Rydges on Cromwell.
Claudia- Camden Lock is indeed worth a visit. Love the storefronts. It was extremely crowded when I went there last November.

If Tina Tuner the musical interests u I suggest u get tickets asap. It opens in March and it is expected to be a sellout.

Claudia,
What time should we be at the Horse Grounds? I'm trying to convince my travel partners that trying to see the changing of the Guards the day before Harry gets married could be too insane to contemplate.

You will need to check the Changing of the Guards website for your date to check the time and to be certain it’s taking place.

I would go To the parade ground 30 minutes before the Changing of the Guard in front of the Palace is set to take place.

If your family wants to watch the Changing of the Guard then make the effort. I find it overrated and a time waster but others I’m sure have a different opinion. Getting viewing spots atop the steps of the Victoria statue can be a scrum. Go early and hold your ground.

Type Changing of the Guard in this Forums search engine and review all the posts.

If your flight leaves at 7:40 am I would consider positioning myself at a hotel at or near Heathrow the night before. Realistically, you are looking at one night in London and one night at the airport. Think about what it will mean to arrive at the airport to check in at 5 am.........

You need to prioritize as a group. What are your absolute must sees? I'd make that list 2-3 items and stick with it.

I have to agree with Carol about staying near the airport on your last night.

Even if you chose to stay in the Paddington area and take the 15 minute Heathrow Express train you'd be cutting it close.
First Heathrow Express train is at 5:10am

Always allow for a minimum of 2 hours before departure.

Believe the first underground train starts a 5am and with nearly an hour ride to the airport.

See where I'm going with this?

You will have had a fabulous trip. Don't let the last day be ruined by angst about getting to Heathrow on time.

These forums are so helpful! Thanks!
I did not know Big Ben is covered in scaffolding. :( Oh well.
We will be sure to get tickets to London Eye ahead of time.
Will re-think our plans about seeing the changing of the guard. This was a criteria from my son, and with further discussion, I found out he really just wants to see the guard in uniform.
Great idea to stay at Heathrow the night before our flight: I now have a reservation at Holiday Inn Express Southwark for the first night we’re there (it is super close to Blackfriars station for our arrival from Edinburgh). We can easily walk to Buckingham, as well as to the bridges and London Eye from that hotel, also seeing many sites along our walking route. And I have the last night booked at Ibis Heathrow, with a quick airport shuttle.