Hello, We are planning to visit London in a week for 4 nights. A family of three, one suitcase each. Would anyone be willing to recommend an efficient itinerary & recommended sights to see during this time frame? It's our first time to London & it seems overwhelming. Also: 1. What's the best way to get to the hotel (by Buckingham Palace) from the Eurostar stop (St. Pancras)?
2. What's the best way to get to Heathrow at the conclusion of our trip? Thank you, Gary
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
595 posts
Depending on the time of day, your ages, and how exhausted you are, you could take the tube - depending on where the hotel is exactly you probably want the Victoria Line. Or take a cab if it's not rush hour. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
for a map of the underground. Use the journey planner and put in your hotel's address. To get to Heathrow again it depends on the time of day and your ages, but I'd take the underground - it's less expensive but takes longer.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
595 posts
Oh- missed the request for an itinerary. What are your interests? Do you know how well you cope with jet lag? Here's what I'd recommend for my family:
day 1 - hop on/hop off tour of the city, wander through St. James part and maybe ride the London Eye. We would be too jet lagged to do much. day 2 - Tower of London followed by a river cruise back to wherever your hotel is. day 3 - photo shoot at Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross station followed by tube ride out to the RAF museum in Colindale. Back to the hotel and freshen up, then a night at the theater. If you don't care for planes, maybe Kew Gardens or the British Museum? day 4 - Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms. There's no way to fit everything in 4 days. Look at a guidebook and see what appeals to you. Plan your trip with the notion that you will be back.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It is overwhelming. London has enough for many 4 days trips. But, no one can choose for you, as we don't know the likes and dislikes of you or your family. Start by getting Rick Steves London. This will answer your transportation questions (getting from train station to hotel to airport), as well as lots of other questions you didn't even know you had. It also has a suggested itinerary for a 4 day visit. Then, adjust this by seeing what interests you and what doesn't. I can't find his 4 day list online, but here are his tips for "taming" London: http://tinyurl.com/425k8gv and here's what he feels are London's top sights: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/britain/698lonsight.htm. Again, these lists are just his opinions.
Posted by
Land of La
8645 posts
Same answer I posted to your previous question regarding transport from St. Pancras to your hotel. Will reiterate London is a fabulous city. Don't short change it or yourselves by not taking the time to read Rick's helpful travel guide. Read it on the plane if you must but get it. Safe travels.
Posted by
OP
Fresno, CA
7 posts
Thank you. Gary
Posted by
sarasota, fl, usa
48 posts
Yes, buy a Rick Steve's guide to the city, it's worth every penny. Figure out what your main sights you want to see. If you buy a ticket for the Tower of London-the cruise is free-just make sure you use that the same day. Hop on Off-if gives you a great overview of the city-plus you can take pictures on top. Great for places you don't have time to stop at. The London Library is great to, it's next to the St. Pancras station. It's free, and worth about 2 hours(Magna Carta).
Have fun! I did!
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
83 posts
British Museum is a must see as well. I highly recommend you go to walks.com and check out London Walks schedule and consider taking one of the walks. London is overwhelming with all the history and the higgly piggly streets a guided walk can help you see very interesting and hidden parts of London. I took three of their walks this past June and enjoyed each and the guides are very knowledgable and made each walk fascinating. Enjoy your trip, London is amazing. The tube would be the way I would get about to and from.