We will have a 24 stopover going/coming from NYC-Europe. We have been to London, but ourkids, 9, 13 have not. What are some key things to do--maybe 1 "big" sight each way. It will be in Aug. and Buckingham Palace will be open--I was thinking that and the Tower--any other ideas?
We will arrive at LHR 10AM inbound and 1 PM outbound and have the rest of those days. Also, do you recommend taking the LHR Express and staying at a central London hotel vs. a LHR hotel? Our flights the next day are at 9AM (to Europe) and noon (to NYC)--I assume we can count on the Express to be on time and quickly zip us to LHR?? thanks, Elaine
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
If you stay at a hotel near Paddington you can make a quick entrance and exit from the city. There is a Tube stop at Paddington with connections with several Tube lines. A double-decker bus (I think it is #15) leaves from in front of Paddington Station and crosses town to the Tower, passing Trafalgar Square and St Pauls along the way. Buck Palace is walking distance from Trafalgar Square. The Heathrow Connect train to Paddington costs much less and takes only about 15 minutes longer than the Express.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Elaine,
Last June I was in London for 24 hours and chose to stay near LHR. I would not do that again. I should have picked a hotel near the city.
Don't get me wrong. Staying near the airport was convenient, but it took an hour to get to the city.
Also, I wouldn't take the express to London. Just take the tube.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Elaine, I think children might enjoy a ride on the "Eye" and The Tower Bridge Tour as well.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I agree that the Tower is a good activitiy for your children. You might also consider the British Museum. Or just "wander" around the city- see the markets (Covent Garden, St. Martin's in the Field, St. John's on Picadilly, and whichever others are open on the day you are there), stop in Leciester and Trafalger Square for some people watching, walk over the Thames Bridge near Parlimanet, walk down Pall Mall to see Buckinham. There are several samller hotels near Paddington that are often mentioned on this board. The only time we stayed in that part of the city, we indulged ourselves and stayed at the Paddington Hilton, which is right in the station!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5530 posts
Definitely stay in London. Another option is to pick a hotel on the Piccadilly line and just take the tube into London. Gloucester Road or South Kensington are very convenient for both Heathrow and getting into central London.
A "flight" on the London Eye and a walk along the South Bank is a nice intro to London.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
You may want to consider "hop on and off Bus". a great way to enjoy alot w/out getting tired or if weather is rainy. Take tube in to London get off at Oxford st and a surface dble decker "hop on off " bus will be around regularly.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
3 posts
I agree with the idea of the hop on/hop off... especially on your first layover. Then based on that maybe pick what they/you want to do for the second one.
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
83 posts
Kennsington Palace would be another option as well. It has a large park with lots to see and also just relax; the Peter Pan area, Princess Diana fountain, the Orangery for tea and a sunken garden. The V&A Museum and Science Museum are both nearby as well. Whatever you decide, enjoy!
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
We stayed at Jurys Inn Heathrow and were very pleasantly surprised (check them out on Trip Advisor). The rooms are absolutely soundproof; clean, neat, adequate space & nice bathrooms. We also ate in the hotel bar/cafe, and the food was surprisingly good.
We bought Oyster Cards and went into London. Since we were going to Athens the next day, we first went to the British Museum to see the "Elgin" or Parthenon marbles that used to be on the Parthenon in Athens. The Egyptian and Assyrian collections were also amazing.
We went to Covent Garden -- a fun place for everyone to explore. Walked to Leicester Square.
Walked to the Thames to see Big Ben. You could take a ride on the London Eye.
By this time, we were jet lagged out, but many have provided good suggestions, and there are so many things to see and do, you will have fun choosing.
Posted by
Oakville, ON, Canada
12 posts
I suggest you start from Trafalgar Square, where Nelson's column,and the National gallery are, (though you may not want to spend time there, although it is one of the world's finest art galleries, and free), and walk to Charing Cross station, (about 5 minutes away) (ask directions if you dont have a map), walk over Hungerford Bridge to the south Bank and the London eye. The Bridge walk over the Thames is SPECTATULAR - you can see St. Pauls, on your left, and Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament on your right , ad the London Eye right in front of you - which would be a great ride for the kids if its fine weather.
Take a Central London Hotel - you may want to rest that afternoon - jet lag!