London with someone who 'doesn't like' London?!?

naughty_10382

As the title suggests, I am hoping to get some ideas on something to do in London with someone who isn't a fan!

It's my birthday in 3 weeks, and I want to spend the day with my mum as I don't see her that much. I have suggested that she come up to me (in South London) and we spend a few hours in central London. We will probably only be there for the afternoon, and don't want anything too expensive. I'm not a great one for wandering around the shops, although that would suit her down to the ground!

I'm hoping to get a few suggestions, otherwise I may have to look at something elsewhere and I don't want to do that! London has so much to do that I'm sure there must be loads that I'm not thinking of!

Woolwich_Kim

Do you have a budget in mind?

I would suggest afternoon tea in fortnum & mason as it's a department store too but the products there isn't cheap though, mind. The afternoon tea is marvellous though.

Otherwise could you give some ideas of what you enjoy doing and what she enjoys doing too and we can try work out something form there. BTW, I'm in south london also.

LilacLillie

Travelzoo do a guided bus tour for £9.50.
I live in, and pride myself for 'knowing' London, yet they told me a few things I didn't know.
I also told the guide a couple of useful things he didn't know, he was a South Londoner himself.
I enjoyed it as well, you can get a hop on hop off, but I did the 2hr straight tour.
LL

susancs

if the weather is nice a boat trip on the Thames can be fun. Keep an eye on the group buying sites (Groupon, wowcher) as they often have some good offers for afternoon tea, lunches etc).

Doshwaster

susancs wrote: »

if the weather is nice a boat trip on the Thames can be fun. Keep an eye on the group buying sites (Groupon, wowcher) as they often have some good offers for afternoon tea, lunches etc).

Take a boat trip down to Greenwich. Lots to see and do there and the perfect place to go for anyone who "doesn't like" London. There's much more to the city than wandering down Oxford Street.

geri1965_2

I was going to suggest a boat trip to Greenwich as well. We went on one once and it was lovely.

I also like it around the city area, the Tower of London and St Katherine's Dock.

Another thing I enjoyed was going on the overground train on the Isle of Dogs.

[Deleted User]

Lunch in fortnum & mason, walk down to Green Park then across to Buckingham Palace and do some touristy things, maybe go see the Diana fountain.. i.e. see the 'green and leafy' bit of central london

There's always the Ice Bar (http://www.belowzerolondon.com/) just round the corner from F&M. If she loves the shops, then let her enjoy herself and wander up Regents street to Oxford St.

Paula_Smith

The British Museum is fantastic and the building itself is quite spectacular IMHO.
Has she ever seen the changing of the guard? (Not sure if they do it every day). Kensington Gardens is nice if the weather is good. All of those are free as well.

paddyrg

Does she not like the crowds, the walking, the noise, the size, the tube, the commerciality? Knowing why she 'doesn't like' London will be the key to finding what she does like.

Personally I could spend the whole day in the royal parks - space, quiet, things to see and do, birds, water, no cars, nice atmosphere - always feels a shame to have to go back into busyworld again!

Syman

I would go to Covent Garden. Plenty of shops and stalls for mum, entertainment for you coffee shops and cafes for the together time.

whatmichaelsays

paddyrg wrote: »

Does she not like the crowds, the walking, the noise, the size, the tube, the commerciality? Knowing why she 'doesn't like' London will be the key to finding what she does like.

Personally I could spend the whole day in the royal parks - space, quiet, things to see and do, birds, water, no cars, nice atmosphere - always feels a shame to have to go back into busyworld again!

Pretty much this.

I'm down in London a lot for business or for sporting events, so much of the stuff in Central London doesn't hold much appeal to me - I've seen and done it. However, I could happily sit with my feet in the Diana fountain for hours.

My partner on the other hand loves her shopping / theatre visits down there (although she hates the tube).

Knowing what your mum does and doesn't like will help here. If she doesn't like crowds, heading to tourist traps like Covent Garden isn't going to be for her.