northerners guide to london (beginner level)

bylromarha

If you have a 4 year old, then I recommend a visit to Princess Diana memorial play ground in Kensington Gardens. If you're visiting Natural History/Science Museums you're a short walk/bus ride away from it.

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/diana_playground.cfm

Corams fields is also a short walk from Euston and a good place to blow off steam http://www.coramsfields.org/

I love London - often take the kids for the day. So much to see and do - you really have to plan the day carefully with the travelling across the city to make best use of time IME.

bylromarha

megela wrote: »

Although not sure I'd want to visit London with a 4year old & a baby!

I used to go for the day with my 2 year old and 6 month old. Hubby thought I was mad as he went off to work, dropped me at the train station and off we went.

Did it quite a few times when the kids were little. They loved it, as did I. Nothing like underground trains and double decker buses when you're small.

cheesemelts

Some amazing tips, brill read

cheesemelts

Mudchute Farm they will love it

Tealady_2

If you are travelling from Wakefield or Bradford on the train I would recommend looking at Grand Central Trains for rail fares rather than East Coast as tend to be a lot cheaper.

laurel7172

Around the time, check this site for vouchers for the "posh" burger joints, which afaik all have a veggie option.

Tfl has maps of tube stations with disabled (pushchair) access. Alternatively, I used to tie a bit of rope to a fold-up buggy, sling it over one shoulder, plonk baby on the other hip and down the rabbit hole I'd go...

I've been in King's Cross at all times of day and night (lone female) and I think its reputation is exaggerated. Maybe it was that bad 20 years ago, and it isn't Knightsbridge, but there are always plenty of people around and I've never felt threatened.

lingolady21

You can get the cheap rail tickets if you book far enough in advance. I've often found there are more from Wakefield than Leeds, not sure why!


Re Megabus, this is also possible at cheap rates, but if you are thinking Wakefield/Leeds for departure, then I guess you are possibly near enough to Castleford to go from there? You can get the Megatrain from there, from Xscape/Junction 32. It leaves around 7.30 am from the bus stop outside Next, and you get a coach to East Midlands Parkway. They then put everyone on a train that goes directly into St Pancras. If you can't find cheap tickets on East Coast/Grand Central, then it's another option. I've done it a few times, and even booking fairly close to the date, it's cheap (starts around £9 each, I think).

As everyone else has said use any train tickets you do have to do the 2 for 1 days out. We've done some fantastic things in London using those, including the London Eye.

susancs

laurel7172 wrote: »

I've been in King's Cross at all times of day and night (lone female) and I think its reputation is exaggerated. Maybe it was that bad 20 years ago, and it isn't Knightsbridge, but there are always plenty of people around and I've never felt threatened.

I agree that Kings Cross has had a lot of investment in the area in recent years and it has improved a lot both crime wise and in apperance but Kings Cross/St Pancras train Station area is still in the top ten list of the England's crime hotspots areas as are Euston and Victoria stations. Like you I have never felt unsafe in the area, but for those visiting London I do think there are better areas away from the train station to stay at IMO.

miss_scrooge

Could get national express they have cheap fares aswell I've bought a ticket for 6 pound to leeds there and 6 pound back to london.Mega bus is also cheap. There's a childrens park near kings cross can't remember what it's called no adults without children are alllowed in has animals in aswell would tell you what it's like but not allowed in and haven't been to Kings cross yet. Take lots of money with you quite a few places in London are expensive dearer then Yorkshire and money for the toilet have to spend a penny to get in.

susancs

miss_scrooge wrote: »

Could get national express they have cheap fares aswell I've bought a ticket for 6 pound to leeds there and 6 pound back to london.Mega bus is also cheap. There's a childrens park near kings cross can't remember what it's called no adults without children are alllowed in has animals in aswell would tell you what it's like but not allowed in and haven't been to Kings cross yet. Take lots of money with you quite a few places in London are expensive dearer then Yorkshire and money for the toilet have to spend a penny to get in.

That is Coram Fields in Bloomsbury which has a nice little farm. It is near Russell Square tube station or about 20 minutes walk from Kings Cross. There is a Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury near Russell Square tube station.
http://www.coramsfields.org/