London weekend on the cheap for one adult and 2 kids 24th April one night

Wildside

poorandindenial wrote: »

Hello Bluenose

Random thoughts that sprung to my mind:

Personally I would rather poke my eyeballs out than go to Harrods (vastly overpriced - even compared to other London dept stores - and a living hell) but if you do really want to you I would suggest either as early or as late as possible. If you want to go for a big swanky department store than I would go for Harvey Nic's or Selfridges.

Phew - am rambling.....

I agree, would definitely skip Harrods (can't see that you will have time to do your full list anyway), Way too expensive and the children will probably find it boring. I only go there at Christmas to see it when the lights are on. Inside it's just a department store but more expensive. Selfridges isn't quite as bad if you really think you will have time.

If you are going to be buying any snacks, drinks or food at the station get yourself a Bite Card (It's free) that will give you 20% discount at places like Uppercrust, Burgerking etc at rail staions.

http://www.bitecard.co.uk/home.asp

Museums are worth visiting, depending on your children’s interests (probably totally different to one another due to the different ages).
Try looking at the websites for any that you are considering and get an idea if they will (and you of course) enjoy it.

There are some reviews of the main museums on Timeout website, V&A museum of childhood sounds quite good, there is extra info like whether you can eat a packed lunch in there or not etc.

http://www.timeout.com/london/kids/features/7323/4.html

I just pop into a Tesco Metro or Sainsbury and pick up a sandwich & drink.

http://www.tesco.com/storeLocator/ or http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/storelocator/storelocator_landing.jsp?bmForm=stores_main_search&bmFormID=1266787100659&bmUID=1266787100659&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=%2Fsol%2Fstorelocator%2Fstorelocator_landing.jsp&bmText=search_string_field&search_string_field=london&bmHidden=notifysearchcontroller&notifysearchcontroller=fromsrchmechnsm&bmSubmit=Go&bmHidden=isJavascriptEnabled&isJavascriptEnabled=true&redirectto=mapView

bluenose1

Thanks again for all your advise.
I have now printed out several maps, including bus routes etc, (I will probably have more paperwork to take than clothes the way I am going on.)
I have now scrapped Harrods off my plan, though would like to know if Hamleys is worth visiting??
Also I def want to go on London Eye, and I am hoping that Fast passes will make it speedier.
Also thinking of using airmiles to go on London Eye boat tour, though not sure if I can collect these tickets when I collect my fast track ticket.
Was half thinking of paying the extra for the champagne London Eye (airmiles of course) but think I am getting a bit carried away.

liames

Hi bluenose1

I was very impressed with your London weekend on the cheap. Did you book Jurys Inn Hotel from the internet? Whatever dates I put in for Saturday in May or June says ...no availability. By the way its for 2 Adults and 2 children 8 and 10 years old.

Wildside

bluenose1 wrote: »

Thanks again for all your advise.
I have now printed out several maps, including bus routes etc, (I will probably have more paperwork to take than clothes the way I am going on.)
I have now scrapped Harrods off my plan, though would like to know if Hamleys is worth visiting??
Also I def want to go on London Eye, and I am hoping that Fast passes will make it speedier.
Also thinking of using airmiles to go on London Eye boat tour, though not sure if I can collect these tickets when I collect my fast track ticket.
Was half thinking of paying the extra for the champagne London Eye (airmiles of course) but think I am getting a bit carried away.

London Eye is great and suitable all ages, you will enjoy it as well. Don't forget your camera's, hope you have a clear day so you can see everything.
Would I say Hamleys is worth seeing? :think:......:think: well it is not as bad as Harrods, children will like it but at the end of day it is just a Toy shop, rather large and there are always a few staff demonstrating/playing with some of the toys on the ground floor. Could be a bit tempting for the children, I can't imagine taking a 13 & 6 year old in there without buying them something;). I think it will come down to time.
Remember getting around in London is never quick. I would try & pick a few places that are near (walking distance) to each other. Buses sit in traffic & with the tube you have all the extra walking & esculators.
By the way, the less you have to carry/hold on to the better, I know you said you are taking a back pack but don't put any valuables in it, don't want to put you off but as with any crowded big city there are pick pockets around.

bluenose1

liames wrote: »

Hi bluenose1

I was very impressed with your London weekend on the cheap. Did you book Jurys Inn Hotel from the internet? Whatever dates I put in for Saturday in May or June says ...no availability. By the way its for 2 Adults and 2 children 8 and 10 years old.

Hi,
yes I booked it from the Jurys website. I had a quick look for you and for some reason it only seems to have availabilty for £35 at Jurys for 3 in the room (one double and one single bed)
It may be worth ringing them direct as can't believe every room is booked for 4.
Good luck

Wildside

liames wrote: »

Hi bluenose1

I was very impressed with your London weekend on the cheap. Did you book Jurys Inn Hotel from the internet? Whatever dates I put in for Saturday in May or June says ...no availability. By the way its for 2 Adults and 2 children 8 and 10 years old.

Travel lodge at Tower bridge or Liverpool Street have rooms at £29 (saver Rate) for 1st Sat in May, didn't try any other dates but here is the link. Don't know if it is worse/better than the watford hotel but much nearer everthing.

http://www.travelodge.co.uk

Wildside

Just remembered another link I have that might be helpful

Free stuff
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london

2 for 1 deals (probably of more use to the poster booking for 2 adult & 2 children rather than the OP)
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/attraction-types/2for1london-list.aspx?page=3 need to check T&C's on these, depends on type of rail tickets http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/faq.aspx#1

susancs

Hi bluenose1, I did not realise a child travelcard to/from Watford Junction is £7.10, It would be cheaper to get your eldest son a single child national Rail ticket from Harrow and Wealdstone (in zone 6 and train stops there) to Watford Jct for £1.75 (and reverse journey on Sunday) and a zone 1-6 accompanied child £1 travelcard using your F&F rail card. You can buy both ticket and Travelcard at Euston and Watford before you start your journey. £2.75 travel costs each day instead of £7.10.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/faresandtickets/oneand3daytickets/2908.aspx

Apparently having 2 tickets for the same journey is Ok. This copied off the MSE website.

"This is the big trick everyone should know. Instead of buying tickets for the whole journey, buying tickets for its constituent parts separately can bizarrely slash the price – even though you're travelling on exactly the same train.
It’s perfectly allowed within the National Rail Conditions of Carriage, and has been confirmed by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC). The only rule is that the train must call at the stations you've bought tickets for".
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-train-tickets See Trick 2

As you are travelling with a free younger child, go to the lugguage/ pushchair barriers at the stations and your youngest child will just follow you through. Your eldest can go through here too or may want to put his ticket in the barriers and meet you on the other side.

You and the lads might enjoy watching a bit of the marathon as the runners usually dress up and the atmosphere is great.

I think a boat trip is good and the eye is fun, especially if you do not pay the full price. Your teenager would love the Dungeons and it is good for history, but I honestly think they should warn parents of under 10's that it is maybe a bit too scarey for them. When I went some younger children were really upset. It is pitched just right for the teenagers, who are scared, but enjoy it all the same. The Science and NH museums are great and my two children have always loved them. I am sure your 6 year old will love the dinosuar bit in the NH. The Earthquake simulation is fun too. Go in via the side entrance as often this has no queues ( around the corner from the main entrance, beside the Science museum, and has a earth sign above the door). Be prepared to have bags searched at Museums and Eye by the way. My eldest is so sad she spends everytime on the escalator up through the planets saying I can see your uranus and makes out she is innocently refering to the planet! I totally agree with other comments that the shops are ok if you have plenty of time to kill, but on your short visit, I would prioritise others things first and go to the shops only if you have time.

bluenose1

susancs wrote: »

. My eldest is so sad she spends everytime on the escalator up through the planets saying I can see your uranus and makes out she is innocently refering to the planet! .

The above made me laugh, I can just imagine it.

Brilliant advise re train tickets, will amend my list.
The side entrance advise at the NH is great to know (thank you)

This trip must be worrying me as I even had a nightmare about it yesterday. :eek:

purpleheather2810

Hi all, I am hoping to visit London for a day trip in the Easter Hols with my 2 daughters (5 and 2) - I thought I would join this thread rather than start a new one. I have read the whole thread and there are some useful links which I will take a look at. We will be arriving at Marylebone station and hoping perhaps to do Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Science Museum and any other general mooching we can squeeze in. Does anyone have any tips for me? TIA and bluenose, I hope you have a fab time!