We'll be in London with our adult sons this fall. We'll be there one afternoon and 2 full days. We then go to another city, but will be back in London 1 more afternoon before leaving. We're staying at the Motel One - TowerHill. Rick says in his Great Britain book that it may be cheaper for a party of 3 or more to travel by taxi vs the tube. We're going to want to see as much as we can without stressing ourselves out. We're considering doing the hop on hop off bus our first full day, and then using second full day to see what we missed or want to return to. Not sure what we'll want to do on the 1/2 days as they'll both come at the end of long travel days. What would you recommend as to the best way to get around? Are we better off just getting 4 Oyster cards and traveling on the Tube?
Posted by
CA
2076 posts
I am not an expert on London but I did stay at a Tower Hill hotel and used an oyster card for the tube and busses. I had no problem getting around at all. Just have a good map and know where you want to go. I did the hop on and off bus many years ago but not the last two times I was there.
Have a great trip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16296 posts
With 4 people you might consider a one-day paper Travelcard so you can access the 2-4-1 offers on that day. https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london. On your first full day, if you want to do the HOHO bus, visit the free attractions. The next day get a paper Travelcard and you can use the 2-4-1 offers to visit 2-3 paid attractions, and have transport covered.
On the day you arrive, with half a day after long travel, I suggest you get out and walk. Cross Tower Briege and walk the south bank Themes Path along the river, with shops and restaurants on one side and views across the river to iconic London sights on the other side. cross back, maybe on thevMillrnium Bridge connecting the Tate Modern with St. Paul's, and ride the #15 bus back toTower Hill.
Posted by
Kansas, United States
1078 posts
I find the Tube much faster in London than a taxi to see the main sites, be sure to visit the Tower, Westminster Abby and The British Museum (go on a night when they are open late). Covent gardens is a fun place to spend several hours. A tour of Downton Abby (Highclere Castle) is awesome.
Posted by
Land of La
8679 posts
Tube and your own two feet.
I find it an easy city to explore on foot and if I tire there always seems to be a tube station close by.
Here's a walk to consider. From Motel One walk the Tower of London. ( something I believe you family of 4 would enjoy and with the TravelCard added to your Oyster card you'll qualify for the 2 for 1 deal). From there it's a short stroll up to the glass covered Leadenhall market adjacent to the futuristic looking Lloyd's of London building. From there walk past The Gherkin and up and over to Spitaflields market and BRick lane. Lots of eye candy on this walk. Architecture, neighborhoods, art, etc. you'll get a good sense of the hustle and bustle of London. Then a return walk to Motel One.
Use Google Satellite imagery and street view options to see what I mean.
Enjoy your brief stay. Great city!