London/Military couple/need experienced traveler help

WOW...THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOURE HELP ON THIS. Being a military family member you always have to be weary of where you go, even if the country is our ally. I look forward to more advice from everyone, so far I have found lots of local papers online and am gonna research some of the local bands. The hotel we are staying at is in Victoria. Is this a good central location for everything? Like I said, we live here and can get to there for like 20 dollars via ryan air so if we like it well definately go back.

Here are a few suggestions (and the RSTEVES book will help):

A hop on hop off bus tour to get a quick overview and lay of the land...

Immerse yourself in the Westminster area (accessible by the tube) and in the heart of it all...there you have a choice of historic sights (Parliment is a great tour; Westminister Abbey is BEAUTIFUL; Take a photo with Big Ben....)

Tower of London is high on the list of great places to visit...

Kew Gardens....

Any pub will offer a good spot for local culture and fish and chips....

A boat trip for an hour to Greenwich gives you great views of the Tower Bridge, some different experiences in a walkable atmosphere different from London and many sights...

Picadilly Circus and a show would make your time most memorable and the discount ticket sales in the heart of PC will make for a good bargain!

Wishing you the best!

Let us know how you spend your time!

Beth

You would like to be safe? Where do you plan to be? In blasting zones? Serving as the obstacles on a steeplechase course for horses? England is very safe (far moreso than, say, the US). London has an amazing number of sights and could easily fill your time. Nearby places that are interesting and nice are Avebury and Bath and Cambridge. We would recommend just seeing London, as you will have such a short time and you will probably be back in England soon

Melissa, put London in the search box for this site and you'll get a lot of advice. It's been a while since I've been to London so my advice is dated. The tourist sites will be easy to find. London is a very diverse city so be ready for a local culture that beyond fish and chips. You might start reading some local papers online to give you some ideas of local issues. Since you're in Germany, you've at least got easy access to understanding European issues. Some things that people have done is to look for local pubs vs the tourist ones. You can google pubs in London and find some great resources. Another idea might be to google for a local gig guide and see if there are some local bands playing. They might pull in local people more than tourists. These days you can easily listen to a sample online. I'm sure it will be a great visit.

Pam

ALWAYS willing to help first time travelers, especially when they are going to London, one of my most favorite cities in the world. Can't help but wonder why you think London is unsafe? Been 6 times as a solo older female traveler and NEVER a worry. Walkable city. Good bus and tube system. Use Google Maps on your computer. Type in Buckingham Palace London England. When the map comes up click on Buckingham Palace on the left side of the screen. On the map it will be point A. Click on the satellite button, zoom out 2 clicks and you'll have a bird's eye POV of how close things are in the City. Westminster Abbey, Parliment are by the tube stop Westminster. Across the Thames you can see the London Eye.

Stay here http://www.bb-belgravia.com/. Nice area of London.

Do the hop on and off bus tour when you arrive. Good overview. See the Tower of London. Have Fun.

Definitely get Rick's book on London....its walking tours will cover the highlights for first-time visitors, and whet your appetite to go back for more. There MUST be one floating around on base somewhere! Great suggestions in it for accommodations and restaurants too, altho you may find better deals on hotels by looking on the web...many offer peoples' reviews of their stay. Be aware you'll have to take the train or the bus to get into London itself, since Stansted is actually outsid the city. CHeck https://www.stanstedexpress.com and http://www.nationalexpress.com .

Melissa, you say that being a military you have to be careful where you go, even if a country is your ally. (I paraphrase.) I don't understand. Do you travel with some kind of sign saying that you are a military family?

Hi Melissa,

The best fish and chips in London in my humble opinion can be found at The Seashell at Lisson Grove. They have a take-out and they have a restaurant in the same building. We usually do the take out and walk up the block a hundred yards or so to the bus stop and sit there to eat. In fact we will be there in London at this time next week and may just roam on over to the Seashell for our first dinner of fish and chips!!

Mollie B

I would take an hop on hop off bus to get a good overview of the city. Then head for 1) Tower of London, 2) Westminister Abbey; 3) Cruise on the River Thames, and 4) ride the London Eye. Work in a trip to Harrod's food court (unbelievable). Use the tube and walk. It is easy, safe. Victoria is good location. London is my favorite city and it is so easy to get around. Enjoy!

Don’t worry – it’s safe and Victoria is a nice, central, cosmopolitan area to stay in.

I’m really glad you want to experience a bit of local culture. The best way to do that is to spend time in a local pub. The “Bag ‘O Nails” in central Victoria ( on Buckingham Palace Road ) isn’t a bad place to start but it’s worth wandering down to the river around Pimlico ( not far on foot ) and finding a few ‘hidden’ pubs for yourself. There’s a lot of ‘born and bred’ Londoners in Pimlico and it’s not a bad topic of conversation to ask at the bar about where to find the best local fish ‘n chips. Don’t expect a definitive answer, in fact expect as many opinions as there are drinkers but it will ease you into the community. Whatever you do you must remember to order mushy peas with your fish and chips ( mushy peas is the food of the gods ).

Just one small issue – as it’s your first visit to the UK and as you are service personnel. Every year we get one or two members of the US armed forces, who are stationed in Germany, turning up at our airports without passports. As a member of the US services they don’t need a passport to enter Germany. The UK does require a passport. It’s a bit of an embarrassing mistake all round. I’m sure you won’t make that mistake.

Have a great time.

Melissa, haha, I think you've been watching too much of the propoganda on AFN!!! My husband and I were in London via Ryan Air this past April and we had a blast. When you get to Stansted, after going through customs (which for us was quite funny, they didn't ask us for our passports but for our military id's, my husband has his camo backpack on, and told us to not get into any trouble because they have many American military get into trouble) after we finished talking with the customs people, we made our way downstairs to the ticket stand for the bus that goes directly to Victoria Station (about 55 minutes), I can't remember the name of the bus, its on the tip of my tongue. Anyhoo, once you get to Victoria Station, get yourself aquainted with the tube station map, it took my husband and I a quick minute to figure it out. As for seeing all the sites, we went for a 4 day weekend and stayed in Richmond with a friend, we were on a strict schedule, if you would like it, send me a PM and i'll send it to you. Our tight schedule allowed us to see all the major sites we wanted to see. Have a great time, and don't worry about being safe, and stop watching the AFN commercials!

You should consider staying at the Union Jack Club which is literally across the street from Waterloo Station, walking distance to the London Eye, Globe Theater, etc. and next door to a pub. It is for military only (UK and "partners" including USA and Australia) so the price is based on the rank, and in 2004 was lots cheaper than other places in the city center. There is a full restaurant, bar, laundromat, computer access, etc.

I think you have to pay a nominal temporary membership fee to "join the club" and then you can make reservations to stay there as much as you want for the lifetime of the membership.

As far as your safety goes, you must show military ID to get in the lobby. My mother and I stayed there alone and felt safe at all times - she and my stepdad have stayed there several times.

You can catch frequent buses to London Victoria Station from Stansted on National Express or Terravision. I usually go with who is leaving first. Terravision is slightly cheaper. You can buy return tickets. They arrive around the corner from the main Victoria underground and train station. Very easy. This is a great neighborhood for exploring London.

The hop on and off buses depart in front of the station too. This is a great way to see the city in a short time.

Melissa, I have a few suggestions to add. London is a wonderful city, and one of my favourites. I don't think you'll need to worry about being "safe" (use normal precautions). The Victoria station neighborhood is a fantastic "home base" area. Which Hotel have you booked?

For 3 days, you might consider getting a travel or Oyster card if you're going to be using the Tube a lot. Some of the main sights are easily walkable from there - Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, etc. If you're going a longer distance, the Tube is fantastic!

There is so much to see and do in London, I'd suggest you plan carefully so that you don't waste ANY time. Some sights you might consider:

• Imperial War Museum (as you're military, you might find that interesting)

• BA London Eye (great view of the city from the top)

• British Museum

• National Gallery

• Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guard (get there EARLY)

• Cabinet War Rooms (Churchill's headquarters during the war - good displays)

• HMS Belfast & "The South Bank" (I really enjoyed climbing around on the ship, but probably not for everyone)

• Tate Modern and the Millenium Bridge

• Harrod's (shopping)

• Tower of London (very interesting, albeit somewhat gruesome history - the Yeoman Warders / Beefeaters provide an excellent tour, and the Crown Jewels are an interesting sight).

• Musicals (if you like those, there are LOTS to choose from - check the TKTS Booth in Leicester Square for half price tickets - if the show you want to see isn't for sale there, just buy at the theatre)

If you can get a copy of Rick's London guidebook before you go, it will provide lots more ideas. If you order from this website, you should have it long before you depart for London.

If you want a great meal, try Santini Restaurant (29 Ebury St.) - Sinatra's favourite.

I'm sure after your visit, you'll be anxious to go back!

Cheers!

For the sites, follow Rick's guidance in his London book to see the one's that top your list. Rick gives very good advice for the first time visitor.

For lodging, you may be able to take advantage of military lodging which is probably worth looking into. If not, Rick gives good lodging advice, Michelin guides might be another good source of lodging choices. When you read the guides you can get a sense of which choices sound like they suit you.

For food, don't follow a guide. Just ask a local where to get some decent pub grub (I always add "nothing fancy" so they don't send me to an expensive restaurant). You'll get the best food at reasonable prices.

I just had to tell this to all of you who don't understand Melissa's concerns about "being safe." We all know she should be just fine with normal precautions. However, the military takes a "watch out for terrorists" view and give their members and their families a lot of information. How do I know?

When living in the UK, my children were bused to another base for school about 20 miles away. The school buses were always escorted by a military vehicle. Sometimes the escort vehicle was American military (unarmed), and sometimes it was British military (armed), depending on the alert status. We were constantly "reassured" that we didn't have to worry about the school bus being hijacked and all of our children being taken hostage - or worse. As you can imagine, that kind of "reassurance" only created fear, rather than relieving it.

When is the last time your children had a military escort to school so they wouldn't fall into the hands of terrorists? In case you are wondering if this was a special situation just for a couple of weeks or so, it lasted the entire 7 years we were there.

Our military members and their families are just WAY more aware of "incidents" and potential dangers than we are here in the States. Hmmm. Sounds like a culture we don't know a lot about.

Jo...the kids, identifiable as military family members, going from one military base to another, are definitely an identifiable target, and extra caution and protection is warranted. But I think others wanted to assure Melissa that, as one of millions of American tourists in Britain, there's no special need for concern in this case.

Melissa, don't be concerned, really. You will be, as Norm said, one of a million tourists here (just don't do the whole plastered-american-flag-on-your-shirt or hat thing, or i-support-bush t-shirt thing ;-)). You're staying in a very safe area as well. As for where to go and what to do and see, we've got brochures and books and tickets and maps and everything you'll need. Plus you have us, who live here, have eaten at all the local restaurants in our area and will give you little "secrets" even ;-) We'll help you plan to make the most of your time.

And I know of an absolutely fantastic fish and chips shop just two blocks away from here. You're going to love it!

Email me if you want, or use our chat. I've travelled all my life, or at least 40 years of it.

Melissa,
If memory serves, Buckingham Palace will be open in Sept. for tours. It was something they started a few years ago. We did one. Just happened to be there at the right time. Bought tickets outside at the ticket stand for a set tour time. We had a large group and had to coordinate with everyone, so having a time to show up for the tour worked very well. Do a hop on/off bus to get an over view of the city, then go back to the places that interest you. British Museum, Nat'l Gallery, Covent Garden, Big Ben, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey. There will be more things to do than you have time for. Go to see a play or musical. You can get discount tickets in Leiscester Square. Great Britain has a long history with India, and there are many good Indian restaurants in London. Try one. Also try to get to the China Town.

We were supposed to go to London in Sept. on a military trip, but looks like we aren't going to be able to make it. I am totally disappointed. I love London and the theatre district.

Enjoy

Debby

Melissa,

Another great option for lodging for active duty military is the Victory Services Club over by Marble Arch -- allied servicemembers are eligible to stay there. Ridiculously inexpensive, rooms are simple and clean, they even have their own pub (one night when I was there a few years ago they were having a singalong of WWII songs!). Very helpful and friendly staff, great breakfast, porters' lodge to check bags, etc. And the location is tough to beat.
I'll second others' opinions on safety - you'll have no problems. But as always, keep your eyes open. Like NYC and DC, London is unfortunately a terrorist target too.

Melissa- One of my favorite things to do in London (and Great Britain in general) is to find a fun place for tea and scones in the afternoon. Two of my favorites are "Cafe in the Crypt" which is across the street from Trafalgar Square and is in the basement of the St. Martins in the Field church. According to my journal, we paid 4.25 GBP (in 2003) and got tea, scones, and fudge cake. If the weather is nice, you might go to Hyde Park. There is a lake in the middle of the park and on the south side there is a place called "Park Cafe" (at least that is what my London map calls it) Food is served cafeteria style. We love stopping there and getting a couple orders of tea and scones and then relaxing at an outdoor table by the lake. There is indoor seating if the weather isn't perfect. You can also do "High Tea" at some of the nicer restaurants, but that is quite a bit pricier (you get sandwiches, etc) and I haven't tried it. Have a great trip.

As fellow military family living in Schweinfurt I had to write! We have been to London and feel that you will love it. We also flew into Stanstead (but not Ryan air since we hate driving to Hahn airport). We took a bus into the city but opted to take the train back out, it may have been more expensive but it was much less of a headache. There is so much to do in London. Definitly get the Rick Steves book (although I am not sure if the library has it and I know the shopette does not). Be sure to check out the tower of London and take the beefeater tour (those guys are a stitch). Enjoy your time and just remember you can acutally read and understand all the the advertisements and the TV!!!

Melissa: I'm retired USAF married to a gal from Somerset. Catch a live show in/near Leicester Square. There's a ticket booth that sells 1/2 price tickets or at least a discount for that day. Check out their web site:

http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/tkts/today/

Put a little culture in your life. While in London, don't eat in every restaurant you see. Go into a grocery store and buy some fresh cold cuts, cheese and cold cuts for sandwichs and have a picnic in Hyde Park or watching the speakers at speaker's corner. Or look for a shope called Pret a Manager. This a a chain of take away sandwiches made fresh daily. Its a privately held corporation that is expanding to the USA. McDonalds owns 33% of the company. You'll love London...just watch for the pickpockets on the underground.

Melissa, these people are not warning you of the one true danger we encountered in London......

Really crappy greasy fish n' chips for way too much money... LOL
Make sure someone here gives you the name/location of a good fish shop.. I have no idea, since have not been lucky!

Totally second going to the Tower of London and taking the Beefeater tour. It is exspensive, but it is really worth it,, the tour is great( it is included in admission,not extra) and the Beefeaters are very good at what they do, and funny too.
The Royal British Museum is free and always worth a visit, check out the Egytian mummies!

Have fun, and relax,, next time you take a trip out of Germany you must visit Paris, it is fabulous, and totally safe.

Melissa, I also suggest , since you are on holiday,, that you just be a couple on holiday, and not go around waving the flag or military label so to speak. Millions of us tourists have to do this, some of us may be doctors , nurses, firemen or policemen or policwomen, but when on holiday ,, we are just holidayers..