We are taking our 2 teenage grandchildren to London and Scandinavia this summer. We will only be in London on a Sunday and Monday - this is the last part of June - high tourist season, yet we had no choice on when we could go. My husband and I have been to Madame Tussauds twice - once last year when we traveled with my cousin who really wanted to go there! We bought advance tickets - the line to get in wasn't that long, but when we got inside it was shoulder-to-shoulder people. You could hardly get up close to see anything. I'm not so sure what I'm asking here - guess I just want to know if it can vary by the time of day you go? What have been your experiences? I really don't want to go again but do think my granddaughters would probably enjoy this. Thanks.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
Thanks for your comments, Rebecca! You help to reinforce my thinking. We are definitely planning to go to the Tower (and be there when they open), Westminster, walk through St. James to see Buckingham Palace. My one granddaughter wants to see the Globe - we will do that. I have tickets for a play one night - perhaps the London Museum and the British Museum. I think just being there for them will be wonderful in itself. They have never been out of the country and have wanted to go to London. We were just able to work it in for a bit of time since we are heading to Sweden for a family reunion. Thanks so much for your comments!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
Ask you granddaughters:) In order to foster family harmony during vacations like this it's important that everyone have input on the itinerary. If it's something they really want to do you may have to bite the bullet. IMO it's essential to mix it up a bit, you can't just visit cathedrals and art museums everyday;) As a compromise perhaps you could visit Tussauds' sister attraction the London Dungeon, which effective March 1 is moving to it's new location at the County Hall next to the London Eye. I was in London last week and was able to take part in a private sneak preview and was very impressed! They've spent big bucks on expanding and modernizing it; it's now a first rate theme park type attraction.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3791 posts
I would go with your instincts on this. You said, "I really don't want to go again", so I wouldn't, "but do think my granddaughters would probably enjoy this." Not necessarily true. The crowds will be just as you expect them to be that time of year, elbow to elbow. You may not be able to see much of anything for the crowds. Yes, it may help a little to get there as soon as they open in the morning, to answer your question. My personal opinion is that it is an overpriced boring tourist trap which is a waste of valuable time in London. I believe your granddaughters would enjoy the Tower of London a lot more. Again, get there as soon as they open in the morning. They will love the jewel display, and hearing the history of the tower; real English history instead of wax figures depicting pop culture icons. I also believe they would enjoy seeing Westminster Abbey, where the royals got married. Next on the list of amazing stuff they will love: British Museum (the Egyptian stuff alone is worth going for) and Victoria and Albert Museum (beautiful decorative art items and costumes). With only two days in London, I would put the four things I've named on your list and bump Madame Tussauds off. My experience is that it is not worth it, especially with the crowds.