Nathan, where and what did you eat in England?

Any recommendations or warnings?

Nathan -

The tour at the Tower of London was one of the highlights of our first trip as well. I plan on taking my niece when she is a bit older and can't wait to go back.

The changing of the guard at Buckhingham Palace is notoriously crowded. For a better experience go to the changing of the Royal Horseguards. It is just across St. James Park from the palace. It is wonderful and not nearly as crowded. If you have kids they will love the horses and the gleaming swords. You only stand behind a rope barrier so you are right up front with the action. It is a bit long though.

The Wax museum was a huge disappointment.

Eli -

Mostly we ate at little restaurants near the hostel. We were just a few blocks away from the Russel Square tube stop, and there were maybe two dozen small places nearby.

The best in that neighborhood were the Tavistock Tandoori (the Chicken Tikka Masala was incredible) and a little lunch counter place called Valencia (good, large breakfasts, and the largest serving of Fish and Chips I found anywhere).

At either place I was able to eat for under 10 pounds. We tried to find small places that were frequented mostly by locals.

I agree with several of your recommendations...especially the Tube:

http://www.emmaclarke.com/fun/mind-the-gap/spoof-london-underground-announcements

How you could fail to include London Theater is beyond me...as for food...pub food is really a lot better than people have been led to believe, and the London Chinatown is fantastic for food(and relatively close to the Theater district)

I agree with you about the Tube and Buckingham. If you really want to see the changing- go to Windsor and watch it there- you can be much closer and there are fewer crowds. I'd add Kew Gardens as one of the best things! Also Covent Garden Market and Leciester Square for people watching.

My favorite places in London are the British Museum
and Library as well as the Trafalger Square area.
As several have confirmed, the tube is the best public transport system in the world.

My worst was, as everyone said: flying into Heathrow! Our plane was delayed then diverted before we even got into Newark, so once we got to Heathrow it was just icing on the cake! Another bad thing was taking too many clothes. Travel in early spring can be soo unpredictable!

My best was our Travelodge hotel in Caterham Whyteleafe, which was only a few yards from the southern line train service. The Jolly Farmer's pub in Purley, a couple of stops up on the rail line from our hotel. And of course I can't praise their mass transit system enough! We also enjoyed shopping in Tesco. If you're lucky enough to do so, the reuseable cloth tote bags with drink holders made GREAT inexpensive souvineers!

Mary, we are leaving in three weeks and I find myself second guessing about how much clothes to take.

How much was too much for you? I know it's different from everyone, but these comments can be so useful for those of us who are still "thinking" of what to pack.

Did you go to a Tesco in London? Whereabouts was it?

Thanks for the tip on Kew Gardens Toni. I had wondered whether we should go this time.

Eli -
Here is the complete list of clothing and similar items that I packed for a two week trip to London and Paris(in early spring).

2x Long pants (1 khakis, 1 blue jeans)
3x short sleeved Polo Shirts (dark, solid colors)
4x white undershirts
4x boxers
4x pairs of good,thick, socks
1x pair of well broken-in shoes
1x pajama bottoms
1x comfy T-shirt (to sleep in)
1x light micro fleece jacket
1x felt cap
1x long sleeved shirt for layering (never wore it)
1x travel towel (the really big RS one) & Washcloth

I did laundry three times during the trip, and used febreeze on the clothes to get an extra day of wear out of them.

Nathan, that was helpful. Thank you.

Did you use a carryon bag?

for those old enough to remember Churchill, a couple of hours in the Churchill Museum and Underground Cabinet War Rooms located in Westminster on King Charles St....an amazing experience, I've done it twice and think I could go back again.

Eli - I used the Sky Train made by Red Oxx. It's a convertible carry-on. A little expensive, but that thing is SOLID. All of the clothes I mentioned (except what I was wearing) fit in one large compartment, about half of the bag.

Nathan-

Where did you stay? I'm trying to find a cheap accomodation, either an hostel or a cheap hotel, located centrally in London.

Any suggestions?

Can anyone tell me what's so special about the Tower of London? I've seen everyone saying they loved it but I can't seem to understand why I would pay 30-35$ for that.

Vanessa, I liked the Tower of London because of the history. I'm not really a history buff, per se, but hearing the description of what went on, and the pieces of heirlooms really gave me an impression of what "England" was about. Being said that, I took the trip to Windsor Castle, and enjoyed that too.

I also liked the London Eye. Its not cheap, but I really do like the slow ride (gives me time to relax) and the view. My first time I went during sunset... beautiful! The second time I went at night (nice too!). This time (in June) I'm aiming for daylight. :)

I also liked Harrods. Even though its cheesy, that place is amazing.

We stayed at the Generator Hostel. It's pretty cheap, for London. It's mostly a young crowd and has a real party atmosphere (Bar on the premises, if that's any indication). It's a good time, and there are plenty of small, inexpensive restaurants nearby, and a grocery store about a block away.

http://www.generatorhostels.com/London/

I liked the Tower for the history, and the tour was informative and funnier than i expected.