Budget Travel in London

I think it should be a great time. London weather is similar to what we get here in Charlotte, NC. At least in July and Nov-Dec it has been. That is when we've traveled to London (more than 40 times in 20 years). Take a light weight windbreaker-type jacket with a hood and you will be fine. Let me know if you have questions about day trips out of London. Happy travels.

Thanks for the tip? When you were traveling in November-December, what were the crowds like getting in to museums, London Eye, etc.?

I hope all works out for you. However, do make sure you make back up plans in case your son makes the flight and you don't since nothing is guaranteed when going as a NR. Hopefully, you will have a meeting place picked out or make sure he is able to check into the hotel without you in case you are delayed by a day or so.

London is one of the world's major cities so of course there will always be crowds, just as there are always crowds in New York. But what does that matter? You are getting a free flight, the museums are free, walking the streets of London is free. You will have a great time and be part of the crowds.

Cindy,, just one note,, I find London cold and damp,( except in summer, ie, july and august.. LOL ) , take more then a windbreaker if going after mid October. Take gloves if going after mid November. I went one year in March and it sleeted and was really windy and cold,, no "dry cold" at all.. LOL

We usually don't go to many museums... but never found the crowds very bad at any time of year. Never did the Eye either.. we like to go to markets, do day trips, look at gardens.. etc. By the way, Kew Gardens are a wonderful place. We did find the resturants less crowded in the late fall than in summer. Theatre is great then too. Do take clothes to layer - T shirts, long sleeve and short, sweater or "big shirt" to go over, then jacket. I would suggest a hat or scarf and gloves in case needed. It is damp- but I'm used to that. Late fall is also good for festivals, check the areas you are interested in. I also agree about setting up contingency plans for your son. How old is he? Also- research the travel card/oyster card info on this site. We like to get a BritRail pass and do day trips also. Windsor is great, and so are Cardiff, Canturbury, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Dover, Winchester..... just pick what you are intersted in.

Hi Cindy,

I've gone to London the past two Octobers, both around the same time that you are planning on going, and have been really lucky with the weather (very mild 16-20 degrees Celsius; as I mentioned alhought I was lucky weatherwise I still brought a rain poncho and a sweater I could put on over my t-shirts if the weather looked, or was forecasted to be inclement.

In terms of crowds, I haven't experienced as many crowds at this time of year, as many foreginers are back home as the school year has already begun. That being said,I have seen more groups of kids than I have adults [tour groups/ tourists] at this time of year. As to the costs of the sites most of the major museums / galleries and the British Library are free. Also, for those that do charge, your son as a student might be able to get a discount, make sure he goes and gets an international student card if he is at university/college from his student union to prove his eligibility. You may want to see on the websites for any of the sites that you intend to see if they have shoulder or off-peak fares/fees and if so how much they are.

Cheers,

Elaine

We've visited the UK a few times in September and October. It can be cool, cloudy and/or windy in October but it's a good shoulder season to go. We've had more days with good weather than truly lousy weather.

My Husband and I only travel to London during November or December. We much prefer to travel during November. The weather is cold, but lines are non-existent. Since we go over in their low period, we feel we are treated better. We stay in the Earls Court area, and just love it. Just bundle up, & enjoy! Cheers