We are looking at spending a week in London in November over the Thanksgiving week. Family of four (two daughters) + one grandparent. We are looking for recommended areas to stay while in London that are central to sightseeing or the Tube. We are considering 4 days in London then three days (Bath-Windsor-Oxford), unless you have recommendations for other areas to visit in the vicinity of London.
Kind Regards,
Matt
Hi Matt,
London was the first place in Europe we took our kids. It might be helpful to know how old your girls are. In any case, I've always found staying on the Piccadilly line was useful - you can get Oyster Cards and top up as necessary. Just ride in from Heathrow to your hotel and you have easy access, as well, to many places of interest. I like to stay near the Gloucester Road Stop, but South Kensington, Earls Court, and Russell Square have all been great. From Gloucester Road and South Kensington you can walk to quite a few museum and parks. The same is true of Russell Square.
You will enjoy the build up to Christmas in late November.
It is easy to day trip to Oxford (bus or train) and to Windsor. We went to Bath on a bus tour that also visited Stonehenge. One of the great advantages to London is that there are many free museums. Depending on the ages of your children, you might also consider London Walks and the half price theater ticket booth at Leicester Square. My kids loved the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms - but it might not be for everyone. Enjoy!
You probably have already researched the probable weather in London in November.
Matt I am often in London in November. In fact one of my favorite months to be there. Yes, take a water proof jacket and layer but know in the past decade over numerous visits very little rain. Some but not daily nor torrential.
Neighborhoods: Kensington, Chelsea, Fitzrovia, Pimlico and Earl’s Court. Sites are spread out but with Oyster cards you’ll be able to see all that you wish.
London will be decked out for Christmas. The fun, colorful (neon lights) and free WinterWonderLand will Be On in Hyde Park. Check the web for turn on dates for Carnaby Street, Regent and Oxford Street Lights, and those at Kew Gardens.
Also Time Out Magazine for Santa Runs, Pantos and other interesting events in November.
Use Google Satellite View and type in Big Ben. Zoom out a little and you’ll see what’s close to Parliament Square. Easy to walk from there across Westminster Bridge to the Eye OR up Whitehall to the Horse Guards and past 10 Downing Street to Trafalgar Square and over to Covent Garden OR up Birdcage Walk through St James Park to the Palace. Looking at London via the satellite view you will also be able to see all the Underground stations. Look for the iconic Red circle with horizontal dark blue line thru it.
If there is an interest in Henry VIII an easy train trip to Hampton Court Castle is a must. It will all decked out for Christmas.
Great choice Matt. Have a great visit.
One other factor to consider: By mid- to late November, daylight fades early, starting around 3:30 p.m.
