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Rick Steves' London Audio Walks

Posted by on

Has anyone done one of the audio walks Rick has available for download? I'm thinking either the Historic City walk and/or the Westminster walk. My husband have been before but it's our kids first trip out of the US. We are in London for one day (post plane landing from the States at 8:40a) and want to stay busy that day to keep the kids (14 and 11) moving through the jet lag. We're staying at the Hampton Inn at Gatwick and taking the express train into the city. Unfortunately, as we are there on a Sunday, most of the things I was thinking we could do aren't offering tours (Westminster, St. Paul's, Buckingham Palace) or we likely can't make in time (Royal Mews, Changing of the Guard-maybe we could make it for this at 11:30a?). Any idea the time frame it will take getting off the plane to getting into Victoria Station?

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
6535 posts

A couple trips ago, my wife and I did the historic walk. It was moderately interesting to us, but I’m not certain 14 and 11 year olds would appreciate or enjoy it. They might better enjoy the Tower or the Eye. If they like Harry Potter, then platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross. Even if you can’t go in walk by Buckingham Palace. If the children are boys, they may like the Imperial War Museum, Churchill’s underground war rooms, or the HMS Belfast. For weird building fronts, there’s always Camden Lock.

Posted by
11316 posts

The Westminster Walk is compact and will keep you moving, allowing your kids to at least see some of the famous buildings in London. It might be fun for them to have their own experience with RIck's voice in their ears and finding their way. The London Eye will surely attract them and though it is a big budget item, probably worth it to keep everyone entertained. Buy tickets in advance, though.

Be sure to have a nice Sunday Pub Lunch.

Posted by
919 posts

I’ll second London Walks. I think your kids (and you) might appreciate the local perspective and the dash of humor that goes with it.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you for the walks.com recommendation. I spent a bit of time checking out the options for Sunday and there are many great choices...even a Harry Potter filming locations walk. I was going to skip The Eye but will re-look at this as it's something my girls might enjoy and I'm sure would be memorable.

Thanks to all for the great recommendations. We certainly want to make the most of our short period of time and this helps!

Posted by
346 posts

According to the always accurate Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=P8JgWt7EGNCxzwKr_a3oAQ&q=heathrow+to+victoria+station+London&oq=heathrow+to+victoria+station+London&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30k1l10.1189.7933.0.8299.36.22.0.11.11.0.193.2342.0j16.16.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..9.27.2590.0..0j0i131k1.0.glYVy2QMy1A), it will take you 45-55 minutes by rail from Heathrow to Victoria Station. You might consider getting a Travel card before you go to save time.

I don't think you can go wrong visiting the British Museum which is open until 5:30PM. There are things they should see-like the Magna Carta, Elgin marbles and the Rosetta Stone as well as things they'd find cool like Beatles songs scribbled on napkins and bog people.
Have a good trip.

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