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London
May 5, 2011 21:21:40 GMT -5
Post by Jim Boylston on May 5, 2011 21:21:40 GMT -5
Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive place to stay in London? I'm trying to plan a visit and do a little sight-seeing. I'll probably be flying in to Heathrow, but will need to be on foot or use public transportation most of the time. Traveling alone.
Thanks, Jim
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London
May 6, 2011 11:42:47 GMT -5
Post by Paul Sylvain on May 6, 2011 11:42:47 GMT -5
I haven't been to Britain since 1976 but can tell you the "Tube" and a good pair of walking shoes will get you most anywhere you want to go in London. Plan on ample time to explore the Tower. It's fascinating, to be sure.
As far as hotels, no idea, but as I recall Heathrow is a bit of a ride from downtown London. The exchange rate has made London a bit expensive to visit. Food? Hang out and enjoy some pub fare. Love those little sandwiches.
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London
May 22, 2011 13:50:50 GMT -5
Post by stuart on May 22, 2011 13:50:50 GMT -5
Can't help you on the hotels, but if you want to pm me I can recommend a very good bed and breakfast establishment in Kew. Its not really central London but close enough to a tube station. As Paul says the tube (subway) will take you pretty well anywhere.
As to the sightseeing, if time is limited I'd recommend just running around looking from the outside. Cost aside, places like the Tower are so big they will soak up an entire day looking at them properly, best use your time literally sight-seeing - and before you start visit a convenience store for food and drink to throw in a day-sack rather than pay tourist prices in cafes and delis.
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London
May 22, 2011 20:33:54 GMT -5
Post by Allen Wiener on May 22, 2011 20:33:54 GMT -5
I was there in 2005 and I agree with Stuart. TOL was highlight for me, but I would allow a day for that, or at least a very good part of the day. I loved riding the London Eye, got terrific pictures, and it did not take that long. We took a ride down the Thames to Greenwich, which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed spending some time in Dickens' house and, of course, visiting 221B Baker Street. And, if time permits and weather cooperates, do not miss at least some of London's fantastic parks, including St. James (across from Buckingham Palace), Hyde Park, etc. And stop at one local pub (at least) and order a pint (or a half) of the good stuff, even if it's not your cup of tea.
We stayed at a B&B within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, which was very nice, included a terrific breakfast (which eliminated the need for lunch), but was a bit pricey.
I really like London and would go back anytime. Cannot say the same of Paris; once was enough! Riding the Chunnel train was a hoot though and the rest of France, between Paris and Normandy was great.
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London
May 23, 2011 3:28:56 GMT -5
Post by steves on May 23, 2011 3:28:56 GMT -5
All I would add.....View it as two halves...The City on the East with the Tower,Museum of London,St.Pauls, then the Westminster area in the west with Parliament, Whitehall, the Palace and Abbey and the Army museum...You can stroll between the two & there's lots to see en route,but it's easier to divide the two up!..As with most cities,the guided bus tours are a good intro.
Steve(ex-Londoner...)
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London
May 23, 2011 6:54:10 GMT -5
Post by Jim Boylston on May 23, 2011 6:54:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the input. I found a cheap hotel in Paddington, near the station. I can get a train from Heathrow that will drop me there. The hotel is across from Hyde Park and is supposedly close to a number of tube stations. I only have two days in London, and am planning on joining a couple of walking tours (the "London Walks" Jack the Ripper tour, for one) and poking around on my own part of the time. I'd like to visit 221B, but the Dickens museum looks like it might be closed for renovation while I'm in town.
Jim
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London
May 23, 2011 7:45:48 GMT -5
Post by steves on May 23, 2011 7:45:48 GMT -5
I'm a bit of a Ripper afficianado myself...My Dad used to work at Spitalfields market in a building built over one of the murder sites...Paddington is on the circle underground line which takes you straight to Aldgate.....If you get to the Mall,my re-enactment group marched down it last year to commemorate the Regicides execution...strange feeling a Republican 'army' marching on the palace with drums beating and colours flying!
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London
May 23, 2011 8:17:37 GMT -5
Post by Allen Wiener on May 23, 2011 8:17:37 GMT -5
Sounds like a good plan; try to get into Westminster at least long enough to see the graves of so many giants all in one place.
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johnk
Full Member
Posts: 67
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London
Oct 23, 2011 12:36:11 GMT -5
Post by johnk on Oct 23, 2011 12:36:11 GMT -5
Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive place to stay in London? I'm trying to plan a visit and do a little sight-seeing. I'll probably be flying in to Heathrow, but will need to be on foot or use public transportation most of the time. Traveling alone. Thanks, Jim You might want to find a small guest house rather then a Hotel in the suburbs and travel on a daily basis on the Undergrond .Hotels can be very expensive ......Google Guesthouses within 15 mile radius of London.I would go for Travellodge myself as they are reasonable and you dont pay through the nose..........John (London)
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johnk
Full Member
Posts: 67
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London
Oct 24, 2011 1:03:24 GMT -5
Post by johnk on Oct 24, 2011 1:03:24 GMT -5
I would steer clear of Paddington ...not very nice area........I used to live there. I now live in Wendover in Buckinghamshire....Its about 35 miles from London but its a nice English Town/Village.....Google it and you will see...You will get a flavour of our country side as a contrast to the city...Worth considering....Train service 40 mins into central London...Hope that helps.John
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