ATTN: People Who Enjoy London

[Documad]

I am going to London in May. I used to visit fairly often and my brother used to live just west, but it's been TEN YEARS since my last time. There are a few things that I need to see (Tate Modern), and a few things I don't ever want to see again (Stonehenge).

My friend has never been to the UK and I'm a bit frustrated that she doesn't have anything that she's always longed to see or do in London (how can that be!!!). I've crossed a million crazy things off my list over the years. Thank god she's not interested in the royals. Sadly she likes shopping, so we will spend some time apart.

We are going to try and hit a number of cities in a rapid manner, but I'm trying to get a handle on what we should do in London. Can anyone suggest somethings in London that you absolutely should see or do?

She's still thinking that she can keep to a budget. :rollseyes:

She loves plays and musicals so any recommendation on that end would be appreciated too, but we will certainly hit the half price ticket booth. If it's a musical, the cheesier the better. That sort of thing we should book in advance.

If we stay near Russell Square will there be cafes nearby and will there be people walking on the street at night?

Is there a ticket broker that you would recommend if we decide to try and get into a sold out show or concert? I most certainly want to hear some music, but she's not a fan. :(

thanks for your attention

[THRILLHO]

I am going to London in May. I used to visit fairly often and my brother used to live just west, but it's been TEN YEARS since my last time. There are a few things that I need to see (Tate Modern), and a few things I don't ever want to see again (Stonehenge).

My friend has never been to the UK and I'm a bit frustrated that she doesn't have anything that she's always longed to see or do in London (how can that be!!!). I've crossed a million crazy things off my list over the years. Thank god she's not interested in the royals. Sadly she likes shopping, so we will spend some time apart.

We are going to try and hit a number of cities in a rapid manner, but I'm trying to get a handle on what we should do in London. Can anyone suggest somethings in London that you absolutely should see or do?

She's still thinking that she can keep to a budget. :rollseyes:

She loves plays and musicals so any recommendation on that end would be appreciated too, but we will certainly hit the half price ticket booth. If it's a musical, the cheesier the better. That sort of thing we should book in advance.

If we stay near Russell Square will there be cafes nearby and will there be people walking on the street at night?

Is there a ticket broker that you would recommend if we decide to try and get into a sold out show or concert? I most certainly want to hear some music, but she's not a fan. :(

thanks for your attention


Russell Square or Earl's Court get my vote as foreigner havens. (y)

[ms.peachy]

Well, first of all, if you are here in May, you can come see my brand new baby :)


Staying in the Russell Square area means you will be quite conveniently centrally located - much of the stuff you'd want to do is within walking distance. Another alternative to consider for you might be The Piccadilly Hotel, (http://www.piccadillyhotel.net/) a backpacker's hostel right off of Piccadilly Circus and in lively Soho. It's no frills but it's clean and cheap(ish) - I've met people who have stayed there who found it quite decent - and it's in a fun part of town with loads of pubs, clubs, cafes, drag queens, organic food stores, porn shops and designer boutiques. It's walking distance to all of the main theatres, Trafalgar Square, main shopping areas, St. James Park and Buckingham Palace, and within easy transport reach of all the main museums, and much more.

Off the top of my head, a few places well worth visiting:
Borough Market (Fri & Sat only; come hungry)
Thames Barrier ( a great boat ride on a nice day)
Kew Gardens (will be gorgeous that time of year)
Gordon's Wine Bar (a legend in its own right)
Highgate Cemetary (see Karl Marx's giant head!)
The Cork & Bottle Wine Bar (best friggin' hamburgers in London, I promise you)
Sir John Soane's Museum
Camden Market, esp Cyberdog in the Stables Market (mind the pickpockets though)
A walk along Regent's Canal to Little Venice

I'm sure I will think of lots of other things between now and then too - I'll try and put my mind to things that otherwise as a tourist you might not find on your own ;)

[Medellia]

When in May are you going, Doc? I'm (hopefully) going late April/early May.

[jabumbo]

picadilly circus sucks, it has no elephants :(

[Parkey]

Well, first of all, if you are here in May, you can come see my brand new baby :)


Staying in the Russell Square area means you will be quite conveniently centrally located - much of the stuff you'd want to do is within walking distance. Another alternative to consider for you might be The Piccadilly Hotel, (http://www.piccadillyhotel.net/) a backpacker's hostel right off of Piccadilly Circus and in lively Soho. It's no frills but it's clean and cheap(ish) - I've met people who have stayed there who found it quite decent - and it's in a fun part of town with loads of pubs, clubs, cafes, drag queens, organic food stores, porn shops and designer boutiques. It's walking distance to all of the main theatres, Trafalgar Square, main shopping areas, St. James Park and Buckingham Palace, and within easy transport reach of all the main museums, and much more.

Off the top of my head, a few places well worth visiting:
Borough Market (Fri & Sat only; come hungry)
Thames Barrier ( a great boat ride on a nice day)
Kew Gardens (will be gorgeous that time of year)
Gordon's Wine Bar (a legend in its own right)
Highgate Cemetary (see Karl Marx's giant head!)
The Cork & Bottle Wine Bar (best friggin' hamburgers in London, I promise you)
Sir John Soane's Museum
Camden Market, esp Cyberdog in the Stables Market (mind the pickpockets though)
A walk along Regent's Canal to Little Venice

I'm sure I will think of lots of other things between now and then too - I'll try and put my mind to things that otherwise as a tourist you might not find on your own ;)

She knows her onions! When you go to Borough Market (which is a MUST) you can wander down to the Tate Modern or up to the Design Museum. They're both worth a look.

[Beckalina]

picadilly circus sucks, it has no elephants :(
you should have went to elephant and castle for that.


oooh and, I am sure you've probably been before, documad, but you should go to london zoo, you can walk amoungsat the monkeys, who doesn't want to do that?

[Documad]

When in May are you going, Doc? I'm (hopefully) going late April/early May.
The last half of May. I refused to go in the summer because I've always had to go in August before. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it not being August. I would have liked to have gone even earlier in the spring but I have family issues and my friend is taking classes.

Are you going to London, or other places within Britain as well?

I would like to say at this time that you can call it Great Britain all you like, but when you're trying to research in US book stores, the books tend to be on "England" vs. "Scotland". I haven't seen any on poor Wales by itself, so they must jam it in the few books on "Great Britain".

[Documad]

you should have went to elephant and castle for that.


oooh and, I am sure you've probably been before, documad, but you should go to london zoo, you can walk amoungsat the monkeys, who doesn't want to do that?
Funny thing is that I went to the zoo on my very first trip because the friend I was with insisted on it. We were young, shy gals, and some guy outside the zoo put parrots on our shoulders and demanded 10 pounds and in exchange he promised to mail us the photos. We both coughed up the money (young Documad was a whole different person) and our addresses. Then we giggled throughout the rest of our trip through Europe about how we were complete suckers and we would never see the photos. About 4 months later, the photos came and that's the only photo I have of me and my friend together on that marvelous trip. And everytime I see a guy with a similar hook, I smile wistfully.

[Documad]

She knows her onions! When you go to Borough Market (which is a MUST) you can wander down to the Tate Modern or up to the Design Museum. They're both worth a look.
I am going to the Tate Modern for sure because it wasn't there before. I had never heard of the Design Museum, but I just checked out their website and I am definitely going. That appears to be right up my alley. Bless you.


Ms. Peachy: You have loads of good ideas that would never have occurred to me. Thanks for that. Anything else you come up with will be much appreciated. I usually pack a lot of stuff into my touristy travels, although we're trying to schedule enough time to relax now and then.



NEW QUESTIONS:

My friend has always wanted to have the high English tea. She has tried to talk me into it in English hotels in every big US city we've visited together. Because it's her only strong interest, we should probably do it and do it up right. Is that just the silliest thing ever? Is there someplace cool to do it, or someplace so uncool it's actually cool?

I've also spent most of this afternoon looking at travel books because we have to buy our plane tickets soon. We both have this tendency to think Britain is smaller than it is and we're not on a coach tour where they take you on a whirlwind tour of the "important" places, so no matter how long we stay we will never cover as much ground as we would like. She kind of wants to go to Scotland, and I'd love to go to Edinburgh again, but I don't want to spend 4-5 hours on the train to just get there and spend a night or two and take a train back. I'd rather rent a car and drive south and west because I don't think it would feel like I'm in England if you can't stop in small towns and get out, and how do you not walk through a big old manor or castle? Plus I'm a huge history nut, so I want to stumble into places of historical interest without telling her it's a history tour. That would be hard to do without renting a car.

That's more a rant than a question, but thanks for listening.

[Parkey]

Here's a couple of good sites to look for castles and that kind of shit; between them they own most of it!

National Trust (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/)

English Heritage (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/)

Why don't you hire a car and drive to Edinburgh? That way you could go through loads of cool places on your way up (Peak District, the Lakes, Nottingham, Manchester etc.) and still see a bit of Scotland. The UK if far more interesting London up than London down, if you get what I mean. The South of England (between London and the coast) can be pretty dull...

[b-grrrlie]

I used to live near Highgate Cemetary. There was a vampire grave in the old side, but that part of the cemetary wasn't easily accessible. Some friends of mine found it tho when they were taking publicity shots for their band.
I remember there used to be a ticket office by Leicester Square where you could get really cheap tickets to musicals on the same night, I remember I saw Bump boys and dinettes, with Gary Holton and Carlene Carter.

[Freebasser]

I don't know how anyone can like Edinburgh. It's fucking twee and the prices are sky-high.

Continue to trail the beaten path.

[Medellia]

Are you going to London, or other places within Britain as well?
Probably just London.

[fucktopgirl]

Is it true that in london(england)its always raining,,,i mean do you see the sun?? :D

[Freebasser]

Yes, and we all go round drinking tea all day long while talking about the Queen.

[ms.peachy]

Yes, and we all go round drinking tea all day long while talking about the Queen.
Don't forget that also the men all wear bowler hats and carry long black umbrellas, and street urchins scurry around offering to "shine your shoes for tuppence, guv'nor".

[voltanapricot]

I was going to post just that, with a GAVNAH though.

[voltanapricot]

She loves plays and musicals so any recommendation on that end would be appreciated too, but we will certainly hit the half price ticket booth. If it's a musical, the cheesier the better. That sort of thing we should book in advance.
Cheesy you say? I'd recommend Fame at the Aldwych Theatre (http://londontheatredirect.com/asp/Fame.htm). When I saw it last year I loved it so much and my arms nearly dropped off from clapping so hard, an excellent production.

Kew Gardens as suggested are indead beautiful, well from what I could see through watery eyes as I have hayfever, heh.

[fucktopgirl]

Yes, and we all go round drinking tea all day long while talking about the Queen.


yea, that what i though!I heard that the Quenn like to shoot herself with heroin!?MAybe its just a myth!

[ms.peachy]

yea, that what i though!I heard that the Quenn like to shoot herself with heroin!?MAybe its just a myth!
Well, it's no less plausible than a lot of other stuff you seem to believe, so go with it.

[Planetary]

Don't forget that also the men all wear bowler hats and carry long black umbrellas, and street urchins scurry around offering to "shine your shoes for tuppence, guv'nor".

don't fotget the chimney sweeps

[fucktopgirl]

Well, it's no less plausible than a lot of other stuff you seem to believe, so go with it.


haha,i heard the Queen trow big party and everybody snort hero and cocain,then after they make big orgy.I heard too that she enjoy sado-maso sex!!

i hope i dont offense you,citizen of england, and your beloved Queen!
Well she is kinda of our Queen too in canada ,anyway her face is still on our money!!

[paul jones]

some of my friends have gone to see Mogwai in London tonight

[Medellia]

don't fotget the chimney sweeps
Oooh, do they dance on the rooftops? I bet they dance.

[Nadia]

how about madame toussauds? it's lame, i know... but maybe your friend would like to see it.
or "london dungeons" (or what do they call it?) :p

[medler]

I suggest you head to tiny back streets for proper english tea. The older the lady behind the counter the better!

Also, go and see "We Will Rock You" in the west end. You'll find there are dozens of cheap ticket brokers in that area. My bro saw we will rock you a couple of days ago and he said it was awesome. It helps if you are die hard Queen fans - as we are!

You'd probably like covent garden at that time of year because there are always really talented street entertainers doing live shows, all they ask for is a couple of quid at the end.

Coming from London I would suggest you head outwards towards some royal parks, like Richmond park - where there are wild deer! Also try out Hampton Court, it's Henry VIII's gaffe and it is pretty dope (he had 6 wives he know!).

Of course you have to see tower bridge, big ben etc. but also check out places like Kensington where all the rich people hang out (I saw Michael Jackson about a month ago coming out of the Dorchester and Frank Bruno sat in front of me on the bus!).

You must check out places like Soho and esp. camden if you like hemp related things (basically, drugs) and underground music, there are some world-class record shops. If you need any more ideas just gimme a shout!

btw Madame Tussaud's is also brill (expensive though) and the dungeon part of it will make your stomach turn! It will be the only opportunity you'll have to get your photo taken with the queen.

ABOVE ALL ELSE YOU MUST GO TO THE LONDON EYE. It's really cool and you can see my bedroom from it!!

[Documad]

Why don't you hire a car and drive to Edinburgh? That way you could go through loads of cool places on your way up (Peak District, the Lakes, Nottingham, Manchester etc.) and still see a bit of Scotland. The UK if far more interesting London up than London down, if you get what I mean. The South of England (between London and the coast) can be pretty dull...
You got me thinking and after a few hours at the library, we're probably driving to Edinburgh and taking the plane home from there. My friend really wants to go to Edinburgh and a couple of places near there. I thought I'd done everything already, but I realize that I only saw part of the lake district and I hope it will be better in May than it was in August. I like some of the other logical places on the way. I want to go to Blenheim Palace, which will fill several roles.

We need to sketch in some kind of itinerary before buying plane tickets this week.

I don't know how anyone can like Edinburgh. It's fucking twee and the prices are sky-high.

Continue to trail the beaten path.
Hey, I'm a tourist for christ's sake! And sometimes the path was beaten for a reason. We're splitting up in London, but we need to agree on where we're driving the car. Every single book recommends the castle and it's my friend's first trip of this sort so she picked it!

You had to say "twee" didn't you? I love cheese and kitsch if it's ironic. I loved Graceland and the Madonna Hotel for about 30 minutes. But twee is just painful. All I remember of Edinburgh is the graveyard for police dogs and the fact that I ate at the only restaurant my mom ever selected on a trip (she still talks about it :)). In fact, can't seem to remember anything I did in Scotland except buy a sweater (still wear it 12 years later).

What in the hell do you recommend that's off the beaten path?

[Documad]

I suggest you head to tiny back streets for proper english tea. The older the lady behind the counter the better!
Some places where I live started doing scones and "English" tea at fancy converted houses. People hold baby showers at them. The only thing "English" is the china. Their clotted cream is ridiculous.

I had the best scone of my life at a farmhouse near the Lake District. The wife gave me the recipe, but there must be something about our ingredients or my skill because I can't come close.

[ms.peachy]

how about madame toussauds? it's lame, i know... but maybe your friend would like to see it.
or "london dungeons" (or what do they call it?) :p
Oh no, oh no, oh no. Unless you are 12 years old, I urge avoiding both of these at all costs.

[Freebasser]

You got me thinking and after a few hours at the library, we're probably driving to Edinburgh and taking the plane home from there. My friend really wants to go to Edinburgh and a couple of places near there. I thought I'd done everything already, but I realize that I only saw part of the lake district and I hope it will be better in May than it was in August. I like some of the other logical places on the way. I want to go to Blenheim Palace, which will fill several roles.

We need to sketch in some kind of itinerary before buying plane tickets this week.


Hey, I'm a tourist for christ's sake! And sometimes the path was beaten for a reason. We're splitting up in London, but we need to agree on where we're driving the car. Every single book recommends the castle and it's my friend's first trip of this sort so she picked it!

You had to say "twee" didn't you? I love cheese and kitsch if it's ironic. I loved Graceland and the Madonna Hotel for about 30 minutes. But twee is just painful. All I remember of Edinburgh is the graveyard for police dogs and the fact that I ate at the only restaurant my mom ever selected on a trip (she still talks about it :)). In fact, can't seem to remember anything I did in Scotland except buy a sweater (still wear it 12 years later).

What in the hell do you recommend that's off the beaten path?


Maybe it's because I've only seen it at Christmas when the decorations are up, but I felt like I was walking around in Toytown. I could swear I saw Noddy begging for cash outside the train station.

I much preferred Glasgow, but with the highest murder rate in Europe perhaps that's a little way further off the path than I'd advise you to go. I don't know - go and see the places that tourists never go to and leave with an impression that you've actually seen something not many people ever get to see instead of simply buying a haggis pin badge and a "I'm with McStupid" t-shirt. If I ever go to Scotland again it'll be for the rolling countryside and not the deep fried mars bars.

[venusvenus123]

I don't think anyone mentioned that camden market is only on at the weekends.

My advice would be to buy Time Out magazine as soon as you get here. I think it comes out on a Tuesday or Wednesday each week. That can really act as your bible.

I haven't much to add to others' lists but i think the original Tate is also worth a look. Time Out will obviously tell you what exhibitions are on. I also highly recommend the National Gallery, that's if you're into old art. The National Portrait Gallery, next door, is also worth a look.

If you want to do the tea thing, my recommendation would be The Wolseley (http://www.thewolseley.com/wolseley.htm) hotel which is apparently the hippest place to have tea in london at the moment. I haven't quite made it there, but my sister went for dinner the other week and said it was fabulous. The afternoon tea is extremely popular, so you must book!

I guess the eye is a good thing to do, but it makes me feel a little claustrophobic.

Spitalfields market and the east end in general are worth a look. it's becoming a little camden townish now though, ie. very touristy.

For getting around buy yourself a one-day travel card, which i think is still under a fiver after 9.30.

have fun!

[Parkey]

If you want to see a full-on castle that is still pretty much intact, you should pop into Warwick on your way up the country. Also, if you're passing through Manchester let me know and I'll meet you and show you around!

[medler]

Some places where I live started doing scones and "English" tea at fancy converted houses. People hold baby showers at them. The only thing "English" is the china. Their clotted cream is ridiculous.

I had the best scone of my life at a farmhouse near the Lake District. The wife gave me the recipe, but there must be something about our ingredients or my skill because I can't come close.

you must be going to the wrong places

[Documad]

you must be going to the wrong places
Yes, because they're in Minnesota--you wouldn't believe what passes for a "scone" here. :)

I will get Time Out because we arrive on Wednesday and we will be in London that first weekend. Thanks for the afternoon tea suggestion. I don't care much how silly I look anymore.

I was reading about Warwick Castle today (best medieval castle in England I think it said). In Italy, I wondered how many churches I could take. Now I wonder how many castles. Which reminds me of Eddie Izzard. Anyhow, I'm not sure of our course, but I think we might get to Warwick but still miss Manchester.

Today I realized that I've been saying Blenheim wrong. Which reminds me that I've made many a cabbie laugh. :rolleyes:

[Parkey]

You should try to drop into either Calke Abbey or Chatsworth House on your way up. They're both great for that Ye Olde kind of thing (y) And don't forget Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood...

[medler]

Also check out Windsor castle cos it is one of the few last "lived in" castles left. Windsor itself is a really nice picturesque place too - my mum used to live there and she loved it. I'm from London and I've only been there once and it was a nice breath of fresh air

[thegoodmrbrodie!]

i say. let the wind be your guide.

and come to reading if you want a dose of "realness".

[b-grrrlie]

Today I realized that I've been saying Blenheim wrong. Which reminds me that I've made many a cabbie laugh. :rolleyes:
It took me a while to learn to pronounce Leicester and Towcester.... :o

[voltanapricot]

I want to hear an American pronounce Gloucestershire.

[Freebasser]

Anerican?

[voltanapricot]

I told you to get your eyes tested love!

[b-grrrlie]

glostöshiö

[voltanapricot]

Did you just call me a twat? :(

[Freebasser]

Gee, I really haaaaave to go to Englaaaand LOL

[voltanapricot]

Oh mah gawd! You're from Manchesthair? Do y'all know the Qwoin?

[b-grrrlie]

Did you just call me a twat? :(
no it's just the Finnish way to say that klostershite.

[Kid Presentable]

I'm sure I went to Camden Market on weekdays too.

I picked up some wonderful B-Boys bootlegs, and an Atari T-shirt.

And there was a hot dog/ burger kiosk in the wall next to the tube station that we frequented. A good place to go after smoking up at the Lock.

buh.

/someone who doesn't live there.

[na§tee]

oh you should go to scotland. it's fab. if you do come, i will happily take you out on a good scottish lash, as we call it.
oh it would be so much FUN! glasgow is less than an hour from edinburgh. we can have a nice scottish supper and i know exactly what pub i'd take visitors to; uisge beatha. y'all welcome.

[Kid Presentable]

the shops are open on weekdays but the markets aren't

Like the T-shirt stalls and stuff? Am I Mental?

[marsdaddy]

As a former tourist, I found the big red bus tour helpful to scope out areas I wanted to go back to. It's very cheesy, which is half the fun. And if it rains, you can sit underneath while some poor slubs try to take action photos from the top.

[Documad]

Lots of free museums and galleries to go to. Again, depending on your interests, but I like the Imperial War Museum and I should go again soon. Of course the Natural History and Science Museums.

I was wondering about the Imperial War Museum. I'm a big WWII buff and I haven't ever been there. This is one reason I told my friend that we have to split up during the daytime. Also she shops and I don't (except that I'm going to Penhaglion (sp?)). (I went to the Spy Museum in D.C. because they have an enigma machine but the museum cost a bunch and it was set up for children with too many interactive exhibits and not enough substance. I wondered if they did that in London too. I hope not. Luckily the Spy Museum was around the corner from the Ford Theater which was much cooler than I expected.)

As a former tourist, I found the big red bus tour helpful to scope out areas I wanted to go back to. It's very cheesy, which is half the fun. And if it rains, you can sit underneath while some poor slubs try to take action photos from the top.
That's a good idea because my friend has never been and I haven't been in so long. I have done the bus tour in Manhattan and San Francisco and the graveyard bus tour and revolutary walking tour in Boston. I'm a big fan because they point out the things you shouldn't miss and you get driven to various areas of the city. I got really funny drivers on the Manhattan and San Francisco tours and a private walking tour in Boston because no one else turned up. I still remember something the Manhattan driver said to put down an irritating tourist. (I also had the worst walking tour ever in Harlem.)

[Documad]

My favorite things to do on vacation: eat, walk around and look at interesting buildings, sit in public places and look at people between chapters in a book, and talk to locals (especially old people). The old people in London used to be amazing and I sincerely hope the good ones haven't died off.

I hate to shop for clothes, but I love to shop for books and music (especially vinyl) and odd small things and fragrances.

I love art (more modern/more focused on small collections but not at snobby places but I can also whiz through a large art museum and get what I want out of it) and history (it used to be 19th and 20th century but lately I love the medieval too).

Besides high tea, I want to eat good Indian food and I will definitely eat fish and chips if they still sell it on the street.

I appreciate the Harrods recommendation because it looks like we'll be staying close to there and my friend is going to have to go inside.

I think we should hit the half price ticket booth, but we might want to get tickets to something Shakespeare ahead of time. I just hope it's a comedy. I like the comedies.


Everyone is being so helpful, and I'm getting very excited. This weekend, my mom and I watched the slides of my mom and dad's trips to London because her mind is going and she can't remember much. In the photos from the early 70s, you still see men with bowler hats and umbrellas, you still see "fog", no one is wearing jeans (someone once told me that if you had brought a suitcase full of Levis to London in the early 70s you could have paid for your plane ticket), no one is wearing sneakers, and the shots of my mom at the markets look like a scene from To Sir With Love. :) In the later trips, you clearly see American tourists as well as more Americanized Londoners.

P.S. In the early 70s, there were no ropes around the rocks at Stonehenge, few people visited so my dad's photos have no people in them, and it was difficult to find because the route wasn't marked.