well, we have a last minute trip to southern Africa and 10 plus hours between planes at Heathrow on FRIDAYthis Friday. My bride would really love to see the British Museum. Are we crazy to try and get into and out of London Friday between 0800 and 1600 hours? Thoughts on the best way for the two of us to get in and out of London? Thought we would take the Tube but would there be a better way on Friday? Restaurant suggestions near the British Museum? Rick
Posted by
aberdeen, scotland & london, uk
241 posts
Yes, you would be crazy! Heathrow Is a very slow, very big airport. I wouldn't recommend this normally, but London will be packed on Friday (people are already sleeping on the pavement outside the abbey). Tubes will be mobbed. Plus, it's a holiday. There won't be any taxis. Locals going anywhere efficiently will cycling.
Please, don't try this. Can you change your flight?
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Even without the wedding, it's an iffy idea. It will take you an hour or so to get off the plane, clear passport control, and leave the airport. The fastest way into London the Heathrow Express train to Paddington takes 15-20 minutes. Tube and taxis take about an hour. Then, on departure, you really do need to be at Heathrow about 3 hours before flight time. That's gonna cut those 10 hours almost in half. But, on the wedding day, when every transport system in and near London will be taxed, I wouldn't chance it. Too great a risk, too, of something going wrong and making you miss your flight out. The British Museum is a wonderful place and deserves a full day. Maybe on the return trip? There are a number of cafes and pubs near the museum, but it runs a pretty good white table cloth restaurant itself, plus a cafeteria line and a coffee/sandwich line.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
If you really want to get out of the airport and don't mind all the hassle getting out and back in, what about a trip to Windsor? It's about 20 minutes by taxi. Should be enough time to walk around and have a bit of lunch.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33851 posts
We have been briefed that upwards of a million extra people will be in London on Friday. I wouldn't do it. You may like the sense of adventure...
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
Here's a link that might help you decide.
If you Google 'London Transport 29 April' you'll find some more links. Good luck! http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/19677.aspx
Posted by
OP
Nashville
2 posts
Thanks to all for the great advice! Windsor, it isa chance to get out of the airport for a bit and see some sights. Having never been to Windsor, this will be a new adventure. Bus or taxi? Sounds like the bus is a great way to see things on the way.
Posted by
Chicago, IL
61 posts
Bus would be perfect. It's not the most scenic drive, but it's a short ride.