One day in London...London Eye?

follow Rick's quickie one day tour, or look for similar at Fodors or Frommers. You need to know what 3 "kids" in their 20s want to see, it might be something trendy that doesn't register with you (some particular store or street, for example).

There seem to be mixed reviews about the Eye, the general take is it's slow and expensive and you don't necessarily see anything you can't see better at ground level. Try searching Hannah Ricketts on Youtube for her take, she also does the Battersea smokestack elevator.

My advice would be, walk your feet off or grab one of Rick's suggested city buses.

In reality, you only have about six hours. You need to check in for your return journey no less than 90 minutes before departure.

If your kids want to do the London Eye then you have to do the London Eye. Anything you can do to save time will help. Fast track can save you up to 30 minutes wait.

What else do your kids want to see?

Thanks phred :) Hubby and I have been to London, so we're happy to do whatever the "kids" want to do :)

Ticket says to arrive 45-60mins before departure, but ok :) They arent sure what else they want to see yet :)

you should google up the current state of Eurostar, it ain't pretty. Brexit really messed up the logistics and the timing.

In what sense is it not pretty?

Edit: Oh yes, the protests/delays. Hoping its calmed down in 2mths time!! lol

burkesNZ, not the protests, but since England is no longer in the EU, you will have to go through security at the Eurostar, and it's not the quick wave through it used to be. We took the Eurostar from Belgium to London a few weeks ago, and security resembled that in an airport. Long lines, careful checks... We were very lucky not to have missed our train.

I've seen recent recommendations to arrive 2 hours before train departure time, and I think there have been some occasions when that was inadequate. Do check carefully.

OK, thanks everyone! Initially I was told in forums 2-hrs, then majority said 90mins, then the ticket said 60mins lol.

Is that at both ends or London end?

I’d focus on sites close to the London Eye. That gives you all of Westminster. Westminster Abbey, Parliment, Churchill War Rooms, walk by Buckingham Palace, etc. All within walking distance.

OK, only one time on the Eye, and that was 2017. Even with tickets in hand, the line to go through security and wait for our turn to board was over 2.5 hours. The novelty wore off during the one hour ride, jockeying with the other folks in the car trying to get a look out the window. So even if you get in faster, thats still about half a day of your too little time. that could be better spent on almost anything. And the view - well to me, many cities look alike from that far above.

Righty, had a look around at the closest attractions, we will likely do London Eye, Westminster, Big Ben & the aquarium, all time permitting :) Thanks everyone :)

since England is no longer in the EU, you will have to go through security at the Eurostar

That has nothing to do with Brexit.

With The Eye, what if it’s rainy or cloudy on the day?

Alternatively you could go up the Shard or the Sky Garden (aka the Walkie Talkie), the latter is considered preferable. Cheaper and faster.

I did the London eye years ago. I went to the Sky garden more recently. For me it’s hands down the better view was from the Sky garden. Get free timed entry tickets online or make a reservation to one of the bars or restaurants.

https://skygarden.london/

Doesnt matter what the weather is I guess, we go :) Its the only thing the kids want to do in London, so off we go :) I will show them the Sky Garden, but Im betting they would prefer the London Eye. There is a slim chance we are all going to be too tired to actually go to London, or maybe even love Paris too much, therefore this all becomes mute and we wont be going.

remember the same time for check in leaving Paris. Up the stairs and along the little corridor, read ticket, Security, French Border Control (depends what mood they are in), then UK Border Control before you get to the little waiting room. Then down stairs to the train and find your seats. Don't expect to shortcut the time. In London you just walk off and go for the long walk round and round gently descending while being observed from behind the mirrors. At the bottom you walk through a Customs door and out into the station.

Similar check in at St Pancras to board the train to Paris. At Paris Gare du Nord you just walk off the train and walk forward. When you reach the front of the train you are back in the station concourse. No mirrored glass.