We are going to be in London July 22 - July 29 (leaving to Paris the 29th) and staying in the Dalston area. I'm wondering if we should buy oyster cards ahead of time? I've read that they can be bought right at Heathrow, but not sure if buying it ahead of time and having one less thing to do once we arrive would be a good idea?
Another question. We are going on a day trip to the Cotswolds. We will need to leave from Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh. From what I've read that is on the GWR. Do I need to book those tickets ahead of time? I'm still trying to learn about the differences between the different types of rail transportation.
Last question (for now :) ), we are interested in seeing a play while we are there. Is that something we can buy tickets for once we are there? We don't know what or where we would want to go yet, just trying to get a few suggestions of theaters. We will have our daughters ages 9 and 17 with us so trying to find something that they will both enjoy is part of the question (they've both seen and liked Phantom and Wicked and Sound of Music).
Thank you so much!
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
Don't bother buying oyster cards before you arrive (they'll, be visitor oysters), they are more limited than a normal oyster card, plus you don't get your £3 charge back (and pay postage), whereas with a normal oyster you get your £5 deposit back.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
There's no advantage in buying a visitor Oyster card ahead of time - in fact there's a disadvantage as you can't get a refund on the purchase price - so just buy a "normal" one at LHR, then you get your £5 back when you leave.
You don't need to book your train tickets in advance unless you want to save money. Advance tickets (which is what they're called) must be bought in err… advance, and you're bound to a particular train. Other types of tickets - Anytime, Off-Peak -you can buy on the day but may cost more.
Posted by
Land of La
9264 posts
Agree don't buy Oyster card ahead of time. Buy them when you arrive.
Secondly, seeing the Cotswolds properly needs to be done by automobile. Simple as that. Use this websites search engine for more posts regarding exploring the Cotswolds. Other wise it's a train ride and waiting for local busses. Not sure the children will have the patience for that. As far as rail transport I'm hopeful that Nigel will chime in and answer any questions you might have.
Lastly, in Leicester Square is the 1/2 price ticket booth where you can purchase tickets for theatre on the same day. Waaaayyyy back it was cash only and names of productions written in chalk on a small sign board. A bit more spiffy and tourist friendly these days. There's a website showing which play tix will be available, credit cards accepted and a nice electronic sign board. http://www.tkts.co.uk/leicester-square/
These websites will tell what newer plays will be open during your travel dates: http://www.theatremonkey.com and http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk.
Theatre in London is fabulous. One of my favorite things to do when I'm there. Love telling folks I saw the most impressive version of the most iconic American Musical, Guys and Dolls, in London. Still one of my fondest memories!!
Happy travels!
Posted by
Denver
53 posts
Re: plays, I like to book ahead if there's something I really want to see. Last summer I had two theatre nights. I booked The Audience ahead and visited the Leicester Square ticket booth for the other show.
You might want to check out Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, which my husband and I really enjoyed a couple of years ago. A very well-done musical.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Keep in mind the Globe has performances then. They are staging A Midsummer's Night Dream this summer and it is playing 4 of the dates you have mentioned, at least three times as matinee. You would not have to purchase tickets so soon and would have plenty of time to fill in the rest of your plans before deciding. I find Globe performances tremendously enjoyable. There are always folks of all ages in the audience. Perhaps your daughters would enjoy being groundlings?
Just something to think about and not an experience you would get anywhere else.
Posted by
OP
PNW
141 posts
Thank you all! Sounds like buying the Oyster card at Heathrow is the way to do it.
I think I will get the GWR tickets when they are released so I have that taken care of. I would love if we could stay in the Cotswolds but this time we are trying to not rent a car. On this forum I read about Secret Cottage Tours and it sounds like a fun way to see the Cotswolds in a day. I'm pretty sure it won't feel long enough but that means we will have to go back for a longer trip and hopefully add Ireland and more of the English countryside then.
Love all the ideas for theatre! Charlie and the chocolate Factory sounds great, but then so does seeing Shakespeare at the Globe...
I appreciate all the help!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
*You would not have to purchase tickets so soon and would have plenty of time to fill in the rest of your plans before deciding. *
Sorry, no. This might have been true years ago but now tickets for Shakespeare performances at the Globe sell out a long time in advance, especially for a very well-known crowd pleaser like "Dream". Booking for the summer season hasn't opened yet, but if you want to go start checking the site DAILY and book as soon as it opens.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Thanks for the head's up Philip. That has not been my experience, maybe because I attend solo, but I agree that Dream will move more quickly than some. I will set a daily watch. Debbie