Have been reading some suggestions to avoid the jet lag thing and keep trucking on the first day. I like the suggestion to go to little Venice via tube? And walk to Camden market. Any input on taking in hamstead Heath, walk the area and go for roast dinner somewhere? What about the markets in east London? I have a memory of taking the tube a few years ago to a market filled with clothing and crafts etc and resturants and I believe it was open on Sunday. We are staying on Belgrade street in Victoria so would use that or pimlico tube once we arrive from the airport. Helpful hints welcome to get us through the first day.
Posted by
OP
Saskatchewan
308 posts
Any help appreciated!
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
I missing something I think. Is it a market you want to visit the Sunday you arrive? http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/sunday-markets-in-london
Personally I love starting a Sunday morning by traveling via the Tube to Hampstead. Exiting and following Flask Walk into the Heath. If weather is good it's a wonderful way to walk off the jet lag, enjoy a gorgeous park and have fun watching all the dogs romping. From there I walk thru the Heath make the climb up Parliament Hill for the view of London then down the hill to Highgate Road and follow it to it becomes Kentish Town road and keep going to Camden Town and the market. Sounds far but it's only a 2 hour stroll if you feel up to it.
OR
After you've checked in have a nice meal in your neighborhood and explore what's around your accommodation. If its a Sunday roast you wish to enjoy when you find a pub that's open check to see if they are serving later in the day and reserve your table.
Posted by
OP
Saskatchewan
308 posts
Thanks Claudia, I think that sounds like what we need to do. I had Camden market on the radar and this is a good way to spend a Sunday, still see things but no stress. Will work on this itinerary suggestion.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Happy to help. Other options would be simply walk from your accommodation to and into Hyde Park then up Kensington Gardens. Both much closer than the Heath. Then stroll along Bayswater road as it morphs into Holland Park Ave after Nottinghill Gate. Walk up to the lovely Castle Pub ( Claredon and Holland park) and enjoy your Sunday roast there. Really nice neighborhood, some nice boutique shops and cafes. Hopefully most will open by noon on a Sunday.
OR
Walk to Buckingham Palace, then down the Mall to Whitehall and follow it up to Trafalger Square.
OR
Walk to the Palace, walk back through St James Park ( follow Bird Cage walk) to Parliament Square for your first view of Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben.
Very walkable city. Enjoy yourselves.
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
"a market filled with clothing and crafts etc and resturants and I believe it was open on Sunday" that almost perfectly describes Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. Closest tube is Liverpool Street, endless nick-naks and good street food. Personally i'd avoid Camden at weekends; go during the week when it's quieter.
Posted by
92 posts
We always arrive on an early morning flight and press through the day, avoiding naps and staying moving and outside as much as possible. You have some good suggestions here.
Mine to add is now our standard activity for the afternoon of arrival day (since most of the morning is usually taken up with arrival, immigration, getting to our accommodations and checking in/dropping luggage), which is anything London Walks has on offer that sounds interesting. This way I stay outdoors and walking but don't have to make decisions or navigate for a couple of hours.
Otherwise there are plenty of nice walks you can do on your own, and I'd include a park as a nice antidote to the hours of bieng in airports and airplanes. Hope you enjoy your visit.