Family trip to London at end of May

[pastimesteve 51]

Hi all - I know we have a lot of UK members on TC, so I thought I'd ask for pointers. 

We're traveling to London from the U.S. at the end of May for about six days. It's my first time to the UK and my wife's second. We're on a budget, so no rental car. We'll be using the tube and Uber I guess, along with a lot of walking. Unfortunately, we won't be able to take unguided trips outside of London while we're there due to budget. 

Any general advice from TC members (safety, travel, dining options that aren't tourist traps, etc.)? It doesn't look like there are any good hobby shops left in London, right?

Thanks!

Steve

[Superluminal 3841]

Where abouts is your accommodation? Are you staying in one place for the six days?

[Alex97 453]

Most things are cashless now so I'd suggest bringing a card that doesn't charge you a foreign currency fee. The tube is also contactless so you  just tap your card and don't need a ticket and it will calculate your total spend at the end of the day which is capped at £10 I think(the same card can't be used for multiple travellers). The tube will normally be quicker and cheaper than a Uber. 

Google is pretty handy for reviews for food places however Caden Market & Borough Market have some really nice food places.

Overrated places  - 

Battersea power station lift, ArcelorMittal Orbit & the London eye. You get a better view of London from the sky garden (FOC but you need to pre book) or go to the bar near St Paul's cathedral as you get a pretty good view of London for the price of a drink. 

Cable car near the O2

Madame Tussauds

Anything to do with the royal family is just a tourist trap 🤣

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ziddan 983]

When i was in London i enjoyed the Imperial War Museum but that might not be something all that interesting to most wives, recommended if she is into it.

[Frog Jumper 3801]

When I went to London 25+ years ago, we were told to go to Wagamama’s for lunch.  It was awesome and we went 5 days in a row.

[pastimesteve 51]

Thanks all. Lots of good advice. We appreciate it!  We'll be staying at the Bob W commercial house. We will be getting an oyster pass card for public transportation. 

And agreed about the royal family stuff!

Steve

[Alex97 453]

1 hour ago, pastimesteve said:

We will be getting an oyster pass card for public transportation

You don't need too, there's no price difference between using your normal contactless card and a Oyster. It saves you having to add money to your Oyster card and set it up.  As long as you use the same debit or credit card throughout the day you'll be billed at the end of the day. It just saves you having having to keep topping it up and potentially the having money left on there after your stay. 

 

Richmond park is also worth a visit to see the deer. 

[JimBear 811]

Try not to cram everything into the schedule ... noddle around a bit, check out the local pub and spend some time just being.

I liked Brixton, but that's too many years ago - I've no idea how it is like these days. I remember some great indian food, and s fabulous afternoon tea with a chocolate cake - I think food is a good way to enjoy London. Going by bus somewhere has also turned out to be a good way to get a feel for a city - I've done that in many places.

[Frog Jumper 3801]

1 hour ago, JimBear said:

Try not to cram everything into the schedule ... noddle around a bit, check out the local pub and spend some time just being.

I liked Brixton, but that's too many years ago - I've no idea how it is like these days. I remember some great indian food, and s fabulous afternoon tea with a chocolate cake - I think food is a good way to enjoy London. Going by bus somewhere has also turned out to be a good way to get a feel for a city - I've done that in many places.

Yeah definitely take a day to do nothing but wander and be lazy.  One of my best memories of London was napping in a park with my head on my GFs lap.

[Busdriver 6270]

On 5/4/2024 at 5:09 PM, Alex97 said:

You don't need too, there's no price difference between using your normal contactless card and a Oyster. It saves you having to add money to your Oyster card and set it up.  As long as you use the same debit or credit card throughout the day you'll be billed at the end of the day. It just saves you having having to keep topping it up and potentially the having money left on there after your stay. 

 

Richmond park is also worth a visit to see the deer. 

The Oyster card would be better for you if not every one has their own debit card. I card one person. Also be aware that some non UK debit cards sometimes don’t work!! Believe me I know what I’m talking about( look at my title😃) 

[Alex97 453]

58 minutes ago, Busdriver said:

 Believe me I know what I’m talking about( look at my title😃) 

Fingers crossed TFL aren't on strike when is over 🤣

[pastimesteve 51]

Thanks all.  Sheesh, I hope there's no strike! So, there are no good hobby shops left in or near London?

[Superluminal 3841]

Not that I can think of and not that you wont be paying about 50% more for the same things over here than you will in the US.