Park Plaza County Hall ... to where?

duncan32

Hello,
Well, I am really just hoping for someone to read this thread who is savy with getting around London.
I have booked two nights at the Park Plaza County Hall as a surprise for my 8 year old lad's birthday (my wife and 11 year old daughter will be surprised also!). Not very moneysaving I must admit, but will be memorable hopefully.
My plan is to drive from Kettering (where I live) to Cockfosters and get the train / tube down to Waterloo tube station.
Things that I'd like us to do: go on the London Eye (probably going to go for the online order and go for the any time of the day tickets rather than fix on a set time, in case the weather is not great or queues too long); go to Natural History and Science Museum; Hamleys; Thames River Boat Cruise (possibly on the last one). Being based right by the eye I think a lot of this is certainly walkable? Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best / cheapest way to do it, please? I imagine buses might be a good option (in addition to some reasonable walks) to do what we want to do? Where does this leave me with getting Oyster Cards?
Anyway, thanks for reading. Any advice appreciated.
Duncan

LondonDiva

You're fine to get oyster cards for you and the wife as the cost will be capped at the best rate whether you take the bus / tube or a combo and the kids will go free - buses would seem to be your best bet as the kids will see more and most of where you want to go is either walkable or accessible by bus.

Lots on your list, but I'm not sure you'll have enough time to enjoy if you don't start early or better yet trim a little so you're not struggling to fit it all in (just my opinion). Have they 'done' London before?

I'd suggest grouping things together and allowing walking / wandering time so they can see things that crop up:

London Eye's on your door step and so are lots of buses, but also the Southbank is great to have a wander with kids - have a look at the National Theatre's website to see if they've got the giant furniture sets out (great for pics and for chilling out) or the 'yuff' who sometimes skateboard under the Southbank. You can then walk across the bridge to Embankment - walk along the river to the Spinxes and Cleopatra's needle (great photo ops). Walk though Embankment Gardens and up to the Strand. Either go left to Trafalgar Square and the National / Portrait Galleries or right and up to Covent Garden, lots to see and do and the must see Transport museum.

You can also come to Trafalgar Square by crossing the bridge at Waterloo nr St Thomas' Hospital and to Parliament and Big Ben, it's worth walking down Whitehall to Horseguards and also Downing Street.

Possibly worth walking down the Southbank along the river to the Globe / Tate etc. You can then take them to Borough market and then the Shard for a 'tasting / grazing' session along the stalls there. Along the way, they will see the Globe, Tower Bridge, Golden Hinde and Winchester Palace (remains of).


Natural History and Science Museum are side by side in South Kensington - you can also jump on a bus from there and maybe visit Harrods so the kids can play with, and later dream of, £25k toys:D. If you decide to go, best way is to walk across the bridge to Embankment and then jump on the district line, rather than trying to change tubes.

Hamleys is on Regent Street, v close to Piccadilly Circus and then to Leicester Square. All of these are quite close, but in peak season, so allow time and also patience- there's so much to see in London that when you take the time even the journey is an adventure.

Have fun

duncan32

Thank you so much for that brilliant reply, it is really appreciated. I have one last question as you seem to know what you are talking about! For the Oyster cards, what sort of amount would we need to put on our cards to cover the journey down (and back) from Cockfosters and whatever little trips we take in London (although we will by the looks of your reply be able to walk pretty much everywhere we want to go). Thanks again, you are a star. Duncan

browneyedbazzi

Cockfosters to Waterloo is £4.60 at peak times (mon-fri 6:30 to 9:30) or £3.00 at other times using an Oyster card. For any other journeys you are thinking of there is a fare finder of the tfl website that's quite easy to use.

I agree with the other poster that buses and walking will probably be a good option for getting around so you can see some sights as you go. The 87 bus is quite good as it goes from Vauxhall (you can see the MI6 building on the river as you go over the bridge), along the river to the Houses of Parliament, to Trafalgar Square and then along the Strand - from there it's only a short walk in to Covent Garden where there are often plenty of street performers about for a bit of 'free' (unless you choose to contribute) family entertainment. If the kids get fed up of walking it could make for a nice change.

bilty

don't forget that if your going by train you can use the 2 for 1 deals. Also lovely outdoor play area just at the side of the London eye and free!

googler

If you get tired of walking, the open-top bus tour goes right past your hotel. You can get a joint ticket that also gets you on the river cruises, and which is valid for 48 hours.

The aquarium is right next to the eye, and if the queues aren't too bad.....

Avoid Madame Tussauds, I went by on the open-top in the last week or so and they were queueing a full block outside there.....

Is it two nights weekday or weekend?

Remember with the Oyster card that even if you credit it with too much on this trip, it's still valid for your next visit - the credit doesn't expire.

susancs

LondonDiva wrote: »

You're fine to get oyster cards for you and the wife as the cost will be capped at the best rate whether you take the bus / tube or a combo and the kids will go free - buses would seem to be your best bet as the kids will see more and most of where you want to go is either walkable or accessible by bus.

It is only children aged 10 and under who travel free in London, you will need to a daily travelcard for your 11 year old to use on buses, tubes etc. It would cost £3.40 for a zones 1-6 (to cover journey from Cockfosters in zone 5) or zone 1 TC for other days or £2 if you have certain railcards. There is a child's 11-15 photo zip oyster you can order online in advance for collection on arrival in London but it is a £10 admin fee. Easier to get a daily Tc when not planning to use a child's oyster regularly IMO.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14416.aspx

ailuro2

Take a wander past the Houses of Paliament too while you're at the London Eye, it's only a minute over the bridge.

Nice to see Big Ben up close.

The open top buses are a one way circuit, we thought we'd use them to get around but it wastes a lot of time going all the way around the circuit.

We liked the London Eye, riverboat trip, Tower of London and natural History Museum.

susan070571

Don't forget your kelloggs vouchers as well. Have offer on the side of the cereal boxes for adults go free when paying for a child. Works on The eye and The Dungeons, both of which are 2 minutes walk from your hotel.

duncan32

Thanks! It is on Thursday and Friday night..... still be busy I imagine!

googler wrote: »

If you get tired of walking, the open-top bus tour goes right past your hotel. You can get a joint ticket that also gets you on the river cruises, and which is valid for 48 hours.

The aquarium is right next to the eye, and if the queues aren't too bad.....

Avoid Madame Tussauds, I went by on the open-top in the last week or so and they were queueing a full block outside there.....

Is it two nights weekday or weekend?

Remember with the Oyster card that even if you credit it with too much on this trip, it's still valid for your next visit - the credit doesn't expire.

duncan32

susan070571 wrote: »

Don't forget your kelloggs vouchers as well. Have offer on the side of the cereal boxes for adults go free when paying for a child. Works on The eye and The Dungeons, both of which are 2 minutes walk from your hotel.

Thanks! Have I left it a bit late to do that though?