December week in London

Hey Gerrie- I'll be there the same time too this time with my in-laws in tow. I was there in 2009 the same week and it was one of the funnest times I have had in London. Check out timeout.com/london for a list of ALL the festivals and concerts. It's a very busy time and we found something new to do every day. We had been a few times before so we had seen almost everything on the grand tourist map so we had plenty of time to do the seasonal stuff. Walk along the south bank from Westminster bridge to London Bridge. It was a market most of the way along with random mulled wine and chestnut stands. Same thing in the south end of Hyde Park. I believe the Santa Run will be that week too. It must be concentrated around the West End as we came out of the theatre and the streets were full of people in santa suits. Lots of fun that night. I've never stayed near Victoria, so can't help you there. Have fun!

For many years we went to London in late Nov or early Dec. We loved staying at either the Mountbatten in Covent Garden (it is with the Edwardian Raddison chain and may have changed names) or the Victoria Thistle/Grosvenor. The Grosvenor is right inside Victoria Station. Great location- but not a 'less expensive' option. It is a true , old fashioned station hotel- though they have been in the process of renovating the rooms for several years. I have heard good things about the Lime Tree and the Luna & Simone on this board and both are in that general area. It is easy to get to Bath by train from Paddington Station. You might want to look into purchasing your tickets now in order to get the discounted fares (if they are still available- they go on sale about 12 weeks prior to travel and are of a limited number). We have really ejoyed the Bath Christmas market- it is one of the largest. Excellent craftsmen! If you have time check out Kew Gardens- they decorate for winter- even have ice skating some years and their shop is one of my favorites.

There's an annual Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park that you might enjoy: http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

Never took the bus,, have taken the train twice,, quite pleasant.

Thanks for the great tips so far!! Pat, did you get your train tickets before you left Canada? or when you got to London? We've done the Britrail pass before, but with only one round trip ticket needed this time I wasn't sure what the best choice would be.

Charlotte, did you buy your tickets from the National Rail web site? If you did, how did you get them? did you just print out a boarding pass? or have them mailed? or? I can't find that info on any of their web page.

See a traditional panto. Look for a copy of Timeout magazine when you arrive at Heathrow. Will list which pantos (pantomimes) are playing, cost, location. The magazine will also list choral events and nothing says Christmas season (to me at least) than hearing a choir sing to the rafters. I'd check to see what's happening at St. Martin's of the Field. Something very easy to do is to view the Christmas window displays at Selfridges and Fortum and Mason. Great time to visit London. Enjoy.

If the only train trips you will be making are Paddington-Bath-Paddington, can I suggest you look at the First Great Western website. That's the company who provide trains over that route. Have a look at FGW Buy Online Collect At Station webpage at
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1553 Tickets by post cannot be posted to the US.

I think you ment me when you said "Charlotte"- We have always used a BritRail pass. However, we were usually taking multiple train trips and we also like the flexibilty of the pass. Follow Nigel's advice (he actually works for one of the UK train companies!!!)

Thanks Toni!!! Sorry about the wrong name.
I am looking forward to the market in Bath and I will check out Nigel's advice. (Thanks Nigel.)

I took the bus (coach) to Bath. National Express Funfares in December are currently £5.50 one-way. Takes 3 hrs, 20 mins. http://goo.gl/rXlLQ