My folks and I are going to have 2 days (including the day we land) in London prior to our trip to Ireland and there are a few things I would really like to do and at least one thing on my Dad's bucket list that is a must. Our flight from DFW lands at LHR at 7:50am so I am figuring on leaving the airport as late as 10:00am. My first thought was to take a taxi to Windsor Castle straight from the airport (since it is near Heathrow) as that is the item on the bucket list. We'd have lunch in Windsor and then head back to Heathrow to pick up our checked luggage and go to our hotel in the Victoria Station area. at that point, a nap might be in order. Then that evening we would take in a show. The next morning, following Rick's advice, we would hit the Tower of London as soon as it opens and then take a cruise on the Thames back to Westminster. Later that afternoon, a few hours at the British Museum and maybe catch an evening concert at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. One thing to keep in mind: my father has mobility issues due to a stroke and will need to be able to sit frequently (we will likely have a folding wheelchair with us for him). The main reason we are staying in London at all is for my Dad to cross off Windsor Castle (he has been to London many times before and that is the one thing he's missed). I figure I will be back, so if there is anything in the itinerary that can/should be cut other than Windsor Castle, let me know. Thoughts? Based on past experience, I know we can probably last until around 2:00 or 3:00 the first day and possibly later without ill effect. Also, taking taxis as opposed to the Tube (due to my father's disabilities) is always a possibility to help reduce fatigue.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Nancy
I'd rethink the show on your first day.I did that last year (as I was there for a 1 day layover) and I almost fell asleep during Spamalot. You may try to squeeze in a nap, but that may not happen.
Here's what I'm guessing
10:00 visit Windsor
1:30 lunch
2:30: Get to London from Heathrow. If you take a taxi, you're not guaranteed on traffic. Taking the tube takes at least an hour.
Approx arrival time to London: 3-4 pm
The theatre is usually at 8:00 pm. Do you plan on eating before? There's no real food at the theatre except candies and drinks.
By the time you unpack, freshen up, there won't be time for a "cat nap"... and you really wouldn't want to nap if you're going to sleep in a few hours.
I say cut out the theatre the first day, and just relax after Windsor
Posted by
OP
Taylor, TX, USA
416 posts
Thanks Michelle! We were actually looking at taking the Heathrow Express from the airport and then the tube from Paddington to Victoria, so I figured we might get to the hotel a little earlier than you were thinking. However, we could do the show the 2nd night instead of the concert.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
have you considered staying in Windsor? the Castle hotel is nice. Then you could see the castle, and walk around town- even do a Thames Cruise the first day. 2nd day take train in to London- see the Tower, and maybe one other thing. Train back to Windsor. That makes it easy to get to airport next morning.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
I agree... since your dad has been to London before, why not do as Toni suggest and stay in the Windsor area? That area is very cozy and I really liked the shops and restaurants in the area. I was treated to great tea at a shop near Windsor and picked up a wonderful scarf too.
If your dad is not very mobile, and you are limited to 2 days, why not stay where you are, and come back to London proper on another visit?
Here's a link to what Windsor has
http://www.windsor.gov.uk/
Posted by
OP
Taylor, TX, USA
416 posts
Excellent idea about staying in Windsor. I had thought about that as well and will suggest that to my folks.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
If you stay in Windsor which I highly recommend, I would suggest staying at Ye Harte and Garter Hotel which is fantastic~http://www.foliohotels.com/harteandgarter~it is right across the street from the castle. You probably could get a room the faces the castle so your dad could enjoy seeing it from his room. It is really pretty at night with all the lights. We have stayed there several times.
Posted by
Ballwin, MO, USA
7 posts
Nancy, thought you might want to check out "Dot2Dot" airport shuttle service. My daughter will be in London for school this summer. We were apprehensive of her taking the subway from the airport with baggage and a taxi was frightfully expensive. We found Dot2Dot on the heathrow airport web page. You pre-register, giving them your flight info and pay for your shuttle service in advance. They take you from the airport to your hotel. (This is a shared bus). For my daughter the cost is 19 pounds or $31 dollars.
This may work better for your father. Do a google search for the web site or check out Heathrows very good website for assistance.
Posted by
OP
Taylor, TX, USA
416 posts
Robin,
That looks like a great place, but far too expensive for us. I found a place outside of Windsor called Oakley Court that is a Victorian Gothic Country House. Average rate for the nights I need is $146.14. They even have a boat slip where you can rent a boat which means my Dad would also get to see Windsor Castle from the Thames if we do that. A little fun fact: it was one of the locations for the filming of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I may have to do the time warp at least once while there, LOL! I think that even though it is outside of town (5 miles from the castle), it will be worth the extra taxi fare.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
Hi Nancy, yes the Harte and Garter would be a great place but it is a little high now. I see that since their refurishment last year that their standard double it up to £129.00 and a single is £109.00. They do have special a lot of the times so if you ever get back to Windsor you might check it out. I'm glad you found a place which it sounds nice, your dad would love the boad ride and see the castle from the Thames, it's a beautiful view from the Thames. Hope you and your family have a great and safe trip.