Spencer House - London

I have been there and I do recommend it. I went in April 2010 in the early afternoon and was able to just walk up. A tour had just started (perhaps 5 minutes prior) so they asked if I wanted to join the tour late or wait for the next one. I joined the tour in progress (they were in the first room) and it was just a small group (maybe 10 people). The tour was very well done. When the tour ended, I saw just a couple of people waiting for the next tour. I don't think many people know about it so I don't think it is necessary to queue up before it opens.

Thanks so much Laura. That's exactly the info I was looking for. It seems far enough off the tourist radar it wouldn't appear to be a problem but since it's only open 6 hours a week, that had me a little concerned. Thanks much!

I went in early September last year. I got there shortly after opening and waited just a few minutes for the first tour. I also enjoyed the tour, quite interesting historically and the rooms that have been restored are lovely.

Thanks Chani. I posted the same question on TA and it appears I picked a 'not so touristy' spot. Yeah! What I'm looking for this time :) Thanks for the help!

Another less frequented site is Bletchley Park. It's about an hour from London by train, but quite easy to get to. There are guided tours for parts of it. My guide (all are volunteers, I believe) had worked on some of the secret stuff, though quite a while after WWII. It was a fascinating day, with lots of exhibits about daily life in England during the war years. It combines well with a visit to the Churchill War Rooms.

I forgot about Bletchley Park. I remember seeing something in a documentary recently about it. Three of us are history geeks and the other two are fancy house enthusiasts so that may be another winner. Thanks!

Leslie, here's what I found in my notes: WEEKDAY Direct trains (no changes) leave from Euston Station to Bletchley Park often. There are a couple of a.m. trains that take 36 minutes, BUT they are during "peak" time, and a round-trip ticket is £29.70. If you wait until the off-peak fare kicks in, it is only £14.00. The first leaves at 9.24. These trains take 51-52 minutes. Even taking the off-peak train, I had plenty of time to enjoy the various exhibits and even have a light lunch in the cafeteria. And a PUB recommendation: go to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese at 145 Fleet Street. It dates back to the 1600's and has tons of atmosphere. You go through one small room after another as you descend to the lowest, where there is a bar and kitchen. Lovely lunch, excellent cider. If you've never been, try to get to Borough Market. I believe it's open Thurs, Fri and Sat. Go hungry, as all the sellers push samples on you. There is one stand that grills cheese sandwiches - absolutely the best I have ever eaten. But if you stop there first, you really won't be able to swallow any of the samples afterwards.

The later/cheaper/longer train is more in line with this group so thanks for the info. Getting these people out the door by 10am is going to be a miracle. We have 10 days in one spot so I imagine I won't be threatening anyone :) (I'm sure I'll edit out that bit later). I LOVE the Burough Market too. I think I must have eaten from the same grilled cheese stall! My husband and I went this same week a couple of years ago and hung out on that side of the river a good bit of the trip as that's where all the holiday action was. Mulled wine everywhere. It made the interpretive dance exhibits in front of the Tate much more appreciable :) I'll try the Olde Cheshire too. Never been there but it was always busy when I have walked by in the past so I'd love to try it. Next ticking of the box: a good Sunday roast. I got a few good ideas from the TA folks but they are on the pricey side. I'm already doing a Gordon Ramsey restaurant (hubby's request) so I think we just broke the grocery budget. Thanks Chani! You are a great resource here.

Oh Leslie, you've made me blush. . . . and want to get on a plane to London next week too. Do let me know if you find any other gems - my next visit to London is early July. Wish I could help with the roast, but as a vegetarian . . . . I did find a good veggie Thai place in the theatre district (eat in or take-out) that was quite cheap. If you're interested, PM me and I'll hunt up the name and address.

I was there several years ago and really liked it. If you have done a lot in London already, it is something new to add that not everyone gets to. I see they still have their Sunday only hours. If you need any other suggestions for new sites to check out, I have a bunch.

Thanks for the input Valerie. I went a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the Spencer House. There was an elderly couple in our tour group who where French aristocrats (didn't know that still went on but the guide assured us it does) and they gave a lot of colorful commentary about life on that side of the fence. I think it was the highlight of the trip for my Mom-in-law. There was no line, just a wait as the tours start hourly. I was surprised it wasn't more popular. Also, thanks Chani for Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. I went there for lunch one day. Cool place! It was Christmas Party season so it was filled with City types in expensive suits and Santa caps singing carols and drinking cider at 11am. Fantastic time! 2nd time to London this time of year. I can't wait for the 3rd.