I am planning on a European trip beginning in London for 3 days and then travelling to Paris via train for another 3 days before heading to Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
We are planning on taking an overnight flight that would arrive in London in the morning. We would like to spend the first evening enjoying the ambiance of an authentic pub. Then next day would be spent visiting the Tower of London an/or Churchill's War Room. The third day is open with taking the Chunnel Train to Paris.
Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1075 posts
Pre-purchase timed tickets for Tower and War Rooms. Many people spend much longer in Tower than RS suggests; it’s fabulous.
Don’t book anything timed for the first day because you may have delays or jet lag.
Other things I really like in London are Shakespeare Globe tour and Westminster Abbey.
Also people call it the Eurostar now, not the Chunnel. :)
Posted by
London
81 posts
Are you looking for pub suggestions? Just mention the area you are in if you do.
Both your target places are worth booking tickets for. If the Tower is doing timed slots on your day of visit aim for the opening one.
Generally people spend 3 to 4 hours at the time and about 2.5 at the CWR. Easy connection between them via the District line from Tower Hill to Westminster
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Sorry for the faux pas. Shows my age! :)
Excellent suggestions
Posted by
Land of La
8669 posts
When is the trip? This year? Next?
Where are you staying in London?
Happy to share pub suggestions near your accommodation.
A few of “ traditional and historic “ pubs are The Guinea, Ye Olde Mitre, Prospect of Whitby.
The Grapes, Citi of York and the Cross Keys are good. Other favorites are The Dove, Princess Louise and the White Cross.
Cheers!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7299 posts
It sounds like you have a lot to do each day, with only part of three days in London and Paris each. Eurostar tickets are priced like air tickets, widely varying prices, cheaper in advance but non-changeable if discounted. Do not ignore their warning to arrive 90 minutes (or whatever they are now saying) before departure. They have to do customs and Immigration before you get on the train, and they are very strict about deadlines. Many people consider the renovated London station for this, St. Pancras, to be an historic sight in itself.
I was interested to read here that they sell Paris Metro tickets at the snack bar/bar on the Eurostar! Lines can be VERY long at the Metro station for Gare du Nord.
I hope your flight home is from the last stop, not from London. If this is your first trip to Europe, it may be helpful to scan our host's free Travel Tips on the menu top left:
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips
Most of his books also cater to first-time visitors, in even greater detail. You can often find them in libraries, if you don't want to buy all five (?) that you might need for this trip. You always get the best advice here if you give the month and year of the trip, and the number of persons, plus the general "budget" level.