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pre-book in London?

Posted by (San Francisco) on

Hi all:

Here is what we plan to do in London - I usually book everything in advance and do anything to avoid waiting in line. I would schedule out everything and pre-book all of it, but wondering if we should keep some flexibility with London Eye to try to catch good weather? (We are there last week in July). I still think we should book London Eye 24 hours in advance to avoid that ticket line I suppose, but at least if we wait until that week we would have a slightly more reliable idea of the weather?

Which of these sites do you think we should book in advance, mainly I guess because ticket lines would be long? Some seem to have you pick the date, so that is why I ask.

Tower of London - but you can pick a 7 day window?
Churchill War Rooms - by date
IWM - free
Natural History - free
HMS Belfast - by date
London Eye - by date, and weather....
Wembley Stadium Tour -by date I think
Westminster Abbey - by date
Wicked matinee - will definitely book in advance

everything else is sort of wandering around, so we are good!

Thanks!!!
Kim

Posted by
795 posts

London can be very hot in late July and your chance of rain is 50%. It would be hard to predict if it will rain or not any given day. Your other attractions are mostly indoors so it won't matter so much if it is raining. I'd wait till I got there and plan it depending on the weather forecast the particular days you are there though it is possible you might not get the date you want if a lot of others pre-plan and reserve.

Posted by
9261 posts

You'll be in London at the height of tourist season. Embrace the madness. Best not to pre book the Eye. London like SF weather can change in an instant. Think of July tourist season in SF when so many tourists expect warm temps and sun only to find low 60's and fog. Pre book The Abbey and The Tower. Even though you've prebooked both there may still be lines, smaller and quick moving but lines (queues) none the less. Get early starts each morning. At the Tower walk in and head right to the Crown Jewels. Given the crowds in the Abbey I'd pre book not only an entrance time but a tour. BEST way to learn about it's history. Lastly, if you find yourselves meandering along Piccadilly away from Piccadilly Circus heading towards Fortum and Mason, stop at St James of Piccadilly church. To the right of the front door is a small hidden park and an adjacent Caffe Nero. Perfect spot for a respite.
Have a great trip.

Posted by
802 posts

We'll be in London in early June, arriving in the morning. I was tentatively planning on Westminster Abbey in the afternoon of our first day, but I'd hate to buy advance tickets good only on that day and then run into problems. Are we likely to encounter long lines in the afternoon? Are advance tickets only good that day or are they flexible at all?

Posted by
1008 posts

All good advice... I will treat it very much like Disneyland, where I am an expert!! We will arrive the crowded places early and eat at off times! I will also be prepared for the changing weather (where I wasn't last weekend at my kids' soccer games, thought about changing into shorts because it was warm before we left home decided against it, thought to bring my coat but forgot, and then ended up huddled under a beach blanket I had in my car freezing to death by the end of the 2nd game! ugh!)

Maybe I will book the morning stuff that is more crucial, and try to leave a couple afternoons/evenings more fluid that can be switched around and pick the best of those for the Eye.

Thanks for your help!!! :)

Kim

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