London Dungeon or Ripleys or ?

amc1

Neither seem to get the best of reviews but advice appreciated for things to do with two 15 year old girls in London (after the shopping of course). Thanks.

k12479

Science Museum, Natural History Museum (both free)
Victoria & Albert Museum (have to pay I think)
Art gallery - Tate, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery(?)
London Eye (expensive)
River Tour (might be nice in hot weather)

Own_My_Own

k12479 wrote: »

Science Museum, Natural History Museum (both free)
Victoria & Albert Museum (have to pay I think)
Art gallery - Tate, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery(?)
London Eye (expensive)
River Tour (might be nice in hot weather)

V&A only charge for exhibitions.

RuthnJasper

I've been to the London Dungeon - I took a friend's son to give my friend and her husband a bit of a break.

Bit grisly in places, but I felt that it was excellent value for money. Entertaining, plenty to see there (with about three sections with live actors). Compared to Madame Tussauds, which is the same price, it was hands-down better value and more entertaining.

The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery (Trafalgar Square) are free.

The open-top buses are good as you can get on and off as you like. Very handy if you get hot and tired too! Walking tours are good as well - http://www.walks.com/London_Walks_Home/Harry_Potter/default.aspx - there are Harry Potter ones and all sorts, and the actor-guides are great.

Make sure you get a one day travelcard with your train ticket (valid on tubes and buses, as well as Docklands Light Railway), as it saves a packet. Also look out for these deals - http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london - see if there's anything that the girls would like to do on here.

Have a great day! x

newgirly

Definatley dungeons if they are anything like my dd and her friends

converted

avoid Ripley's - expensive and a load of rubbish.

Rib tours are good

loulou123

I quite liked madame tussauds in a childish sort of way, but there isn't really anything "to do" except take photos and look at wax works! They have a small chamber of horrors walk through too (i didn't go through, the explanation as to why is below!)

Ripleys was a complete waste of money, although I did go a fair few years back when it 1st opened, it may have improved.

The London dungeons I absolutely HATED, I panicked and had to be taken out the emergency exit (i was 27 at the time, so not my finest moment!) The dark and claustrophobic-Ness got me before the actors had even attempted to scare me! So I'd make sure the girls are really ok with it, if you consider it.

susancs

Teens tend to love London Dungeons even if they are really scared, It is kind of a kudos brag thing to say they went and were not scared (when they were). I would get there before opening time as you will get in quickly then, but although it only lasts an hour when we came out out (had Merlin annual passes so have been a few times) there was a huge queue up the road to get in, which was moving very slowly. The tour only lasts about an hour so not great value, but it is not crowded as you are taken in small groups to each part. As the above poster says if they are of a nervous disposition I would not go as the actors are in full character and it is dark and a musty smell in there and has a few surprises build in.

We haven't been to the London Ripleys, but we went to the Ripleys in Niagara Falls and maybe our expectations were a bit too high but we didn't think it was very good, so didn't bother with the London one.

My teens love Camden market for shopping and Westfields in White City is also popular.

susan070571

At the moment you can get free adult entry into The Dungeons with a voucher off the side of Kelloggs products. Also look on 2 for 1 entry when using trains, we have used these lots and you can save an awful lot. I have always fancied The London Bridge experience, looks similar to The Dungeons but cheaper, you can get that on 2 for 1.
We went on The eye last time, used the kelloggs vouchers, but still not really worth the money.
The Tower of London is really good (available on train 2 for 1 site)
Even if you are not travelling by train then it is worth buying a cheap local ticket to use the vouchers, some places ask to see the ticket others don't.
Buckingham Palace is great as well, never any offers on for there, however, if you get your ticket validated on the way out then you can go anytime you want (whilst it is open) for about £2.

heart_free

Have you thought of the Ghost Bus Tour? Looks fab, we couldn't get on last time we were in London, but will plan better next time.

liney

Just a note to anyone who liked the London Dungeons. I though the dungeons at Warwick Castle are far superior. Because they are actually under the castle, much more authentic; cold, damp, trip you up in the dark. The actors were exceptional. LD was good, but WC is brilliant if you get the chance.

Go to Covent Garden for a wander in the evening with your daughter. The Tower of London is one of my favorite places. You can normally get a buy 1 get 1 free voucher online somewhere.