What are some great places to see the "real" life of London? I REALLY don't want to go to ever "tourist" place! And I am not a fan of museums and art galleries? Any help would be great. I will only be staying overnight near Heathrow. Plan arrives at 2:00pm on October 31st. How about some information about the weather in October?
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
When you're at or near Heathrow buy a copy of 'Time Out'. Look in the entertainment section for a place near you and for the 31st October.
Pub entertainment is, in my opinion, the real deal and something that most tourists never experience.
You won't be too far away from The Ealing Alehouse on Ealing Broadway, that has some good entertainment most Friday nights.
The weather should be cold with a slight frost but nobody can predict English weather.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Jackie, your schedule sounds like mine. I arrive at 2 pm on June 22nd for 1 day. After dumping my bags at the hotel (near LHR) I'm going to hop on the tube and into the city. I'm going to get a bite to eat, then get some of my favorite truffles at "Hotel de Chocolat", and then catch the 8 pm performance of Spamalot.
I think your choices depends on what you like. Since you don't like museums or galleries, do you like shopping?? Do you like eating?? Do you like shows??
I was there last October 2007 and it was cool and rainy. Layers is the way to go.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
As far as weather is concerned. Bring many lightweight layers, expect cold and hopefully be pleasantly surprised. Be ready for rain always. We once dropped our raingear at our hotel after lunch because it was "such a nice day"; three hours later we were drenched.
The best way to avoid the touristy stuff is ask locals for recommendations.
To find a place to eat, ask an average looking person for a good place to get some decent pub grub "nothing fancy", or for a nice pub to visit in the evening.
If you like music, go to a music store and ask about the best venues for the type of music you like, where a good dance club is or ask for music from the best rising bands; bringing home CD's from bands before they are famous is a good souvenir.
If you like sports, ask where you can watch amateur teams play on weekends. I don't know the seasons, football and rugby should be going.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
To see the "real" life of London... hang around the cafes and pubs around the financial institutions of the City (notice the capital "C") during lunch hours. This is the REAL workaday London, but I can't promise you that you'll find it interesting.