Hello, everyone. My hubby and I are already getting excited about our first RS tour in June 2015. We haven't booked our flight yet and have been going back and forth trying to decide when to arrive and when to leave. We are thinking maybe one day before and one day after the tour. Any suggestions/ideas? We would be most grateful for the guidance. Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
359 posts
i personally think you should do two days before and one day after (which will probably equate to 1.5 days of sightseeing time). I think there is a lot to do in London! Have fun!
Posted by
Fremont, CA, USA
3 posts
I agree with the previous response. I arrived in May 2014 on a Friday afternoon and stayed at the tour hotel for two nights before we met on Sunday afternoon/evening. So glad I did so! This gave me time to visit two museums I wanted to visit that were not on the tour schedule. I joined the Best of England tour immediately afterwards, so I headed to Bath on the train, where I stayed for one extra night before the second tour met. Otherwise, I would recommend staying an extra day (or two?) in London to go to the theatre, either for a matinee or evening performance. So much to do in London!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for the advice! We will definitely try to arrive a day or two early. Who knows, I might even talk the hubby into staying a day or two after, as well. Is it June yet?
Posted by
Land of La
8660 posts
Not knowing exactly which RS tour you are taking I too jump on the "arrive two days before and leave two days after" bandwagon. London is a vibrant city, ever changing, yet always the same. Stellar museums, (most of them free), lovely parks, hidden gems, ( Wilton Music Hall) unique experiences
( seeing a debate in Parliament or watching a performance at Shakespeare's Globe), shopping ( Liberty, Harrods, Selfridges, Penhaligons) art galleries, pubs, markets, etc., etc., etc. if Hampton Court isn't on the itinerary add it. Or Kew gardens, or merely strolling along the Regents Canal. So much to enjoy in London. You'll not be sorry you spent a few extra days.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks, everyone! I greatly appreciate the advice. I am so looking forward to this trip and will shoot for 2 days before and 2 days after, if I can get hubby on board. Thanks again.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
Think about maybe adding even more time afterwards...there are bound to be places that you visit more quickly on the tour than you would want to. If you leave 3 or 4 days after the tour you have time to go back and spend more time and visit places not on the tour depending on where you are going.