London

pollyanna24

Just wondered what people do when they come to London.

I actually work in London and live just outside it, but we never make the efforts to see our city (you don't really do you, because you can do it any time, but you just never do).

It's my birthday this weekend and thought I would spend tomorrow maybe wandering around some of the sights. I know some of them are ridiculously expensive, i.e. I don't wish to spent £10 to spent 1/2 hour walking around something as they could be very expensive by the end of the day.

I wouldn't mind seeing a show, but do you have to book them in advance? And what about cheap places to eat?

Also, I know the weather ain't going to be too good (maybe I should just stay at home!).

[Deleted User]

pollyanna - i'm in the exact same situation, work in Paddington, live in Hertfordshire and commute every day...

I would say take a look at lastminute.com for food and theatre deals - there's some great deals around covent garden (e.g. meals for a tenner).

Yes, book your ticket in advance or go to one of the ticket booths in Leicster sq. (go in the morning) and try to get a deal. Personally i'd always do it online.

If you want to sight see, why not get a bus that takes you round most of central london - check this map to find out where the attractions are : http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/central_bus_map.pdf

pollyanna24

ringo_24601 wrote: »

pollyanna - i'm in the exact same situation, work in Paddington, live in Hertfordshire and commute every day...

Thanks for that, I'll have a looksie. Scared me with the above, you might get on my train. I live in Herts, and get off the train 4 stops after Paddington at Regents Park! Spooky!

pollyanna24

If you want to sight see, why not get a bus that takes you round most of central london - check this map to find out where the attractions are : http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/central_bus_map.pdf[/quote]

Might as well make use of the handy travel card I get for free (there are some advantages to having family work on London Underground ).

pollyanna24

Which is the museum with the big whale in the entrance? I've always wanted to see that.

part-timer

Have you thought about visiting the many museums in London - they are all free. Also the national portrait gallery (not sure if they charge an entrance fee or not).

I can definitely recommend the Natural History Musuem - stunning architecture inside & out imo and also the British Musuem - could spend all day in there alone!

Fen1

Log on to Time Out. Loads of ideas there. I find it's pretty reliable for cafes and restaurants, especially if you want something cheap or tasty or a bit different or even a bit fancy, away from the usual naff tourist places.

All the big museums and galleries are free ( or have free entrance days e.g. Courtauld). Some of the quirky ones are great e.g John Soanes House near Temple and the Wallace Collection.

[Deleted User]

pollyanna24 wrote: »

ringo_24601 wrote: »

pollyanna - i'm in the exact same situation, work in Paddington, live in Hertfordshire and commute every day...

Thanks for that, I'll have a looksie. Scared me with the above, you might get on my train. I live in Herts, and get off the train 4 stops after Paddington at Regents Park! Spooky!

haha, we probably do...

I get on the train at Elstree, off at West Hampstead, then get the tube to Baker Street, switch to the bakerloo line to get to Paddington

pollyanna24 wrote: »

Which is the museum with the big whale in the entrance? I've always wanted to see that.

You probably mean the Natural History Museum - it's not in the entrance though, but it's HUGE!