218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 12, 2017 13:19:01 GMT
Wow, there are enough good idea's here to fill several London trips! Many of these I wouldn't have found myself just on Google. I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply and making me feel welcome on this board. TallPaul Everybody's Talking About Jamie seems like a great show and it's now on my list to see. Will try to get tickets closer to the date. Had overlooked this show so a great recommendation. emicardiff Great tips and I would definitely like to see some Christmas markets. Thank you very much andromedadench for all your great suggestions, the links and for explaining how I can still get tickets for Follies. I had heard of a Panto before but didn't really know what it was. You're right, it would be good to also see things that I can't on Broadway. Thank you shady23 . The Sky Garden seems very popular and a must do. Had no idea there were cable cars in London, how cool! Xanderl Amazing that it's possible to see a play for just ยฃ10! Flim Flam Thank you, that looks very interesting. ๐
|
|
3,919 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Nov 12, 2017 18:23:42 GMT
I don't think anyone else had yet mentioned the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens. We went last year & were so impressed that we're going back again this year. There are photos on the website www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas-at-kew that give an idea of the illuminations.
|
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on Nov 12, 2017 20:35:42 GMT
Another area that hasn't been mentioned is a walk around the Olympic Park in Stratford - a wander from Westfield shopping centre past the Olympic stadium and down alongside the river is lovely. Not sure if the boat tours have finished for the winter or if they're running them all year round. Just avoid Saturday afternoons in case there's a football match in the stadium! Another lovely river walk is doing any or all of the stretch that takes you through Camden, Regent's Park and Little Venice.
For a completely free panoramic view of London that you don't have to book, head up Primrose Hill, climb up to the Observatory in Greenwich Park (if it's not closed off there is a part of the meridian line outside the perimeter fence at the top of the hill that you can stand either side without having to pay the admission fee!) or head to Hampstead Heath - all perfect for a bit of peace and quiet away from the chaos of inner Central London.
I saw you were put off by the prices of afternoon tea - you can get a cheaper version that isn't the full works in many cafes - e.g. it will only be scones and possibly cake or sandwiches rather than all 3. My favourite is in the lovely Cafe in the Crypt at St Martin in the Fields church in Trafalgar Square - highly recommended.
|
|
5,571 posts
|
Post by lynette on Nov 12, 2017 20:41:53 GMT
Elle, welcome to the Board and welcome to London. Keep us posted and keep checking in for advice. And tell us what you do and what you like.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2017 21:02:01 GMT
I used to enjoy going to the TKTS Booth in the middle of Leicester Square to queue up and see what day seats they have.
There are also the big museums (if you do not know). British Museum, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, National Gallery (all free).
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 13, 2017 12:30:38 GMT
Dawnstar Thank you, the Kew Gardens look lovely! poster J Those are great suggestions, thank you very much. The Cafรฉ in the Crypt looks like an interesting place and not a cafรฉ that I would have found myself I think. The menu is very affordable, I will go check it out. In general for the fancy places the cream tea seems to be a better option than the full afternoon tea. I'm most interested in the scones anyway. ๐ lynette Thank you! I'm looking forward to the trip. Thanks @time4t . I'm sure I will be buying a ticket at TKTS at some point during my trip. Used to get many of my tickets in NYC there. It's wonderful that the museums in London are free, which means that so many more people can visit them and learn. I will pick a few to go to for sure.
|
|
1,238 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Nov 13, 2017 13:31:49 GMT
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 13, 2017 14:10:33 GMT
Thank you londonmzfitz , that looks interesting. ๐ I arrive in London on December 15th and starting with 42nd Street that night. I'm excited to see that show as the reviews seem to be excellent.
|
|
1,238 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Nov 13, 2017 14:15:14 GMT
I've sent an email to a friend about this, she missed Simon Callow reading this last Christmas (I loved it) ... I've seen it's being recorded live, presume for radio.
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Nov 13, 2017 17:22:38 GMT
Wow, there are enough good idea's here to fill several London trips! Many of these I wouldn't have found myself just on Google. I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply and making me feel welcome on this board. TallPaul Everybody's Talking About Jamie seems like a great show and it's now on my list to see. Will try to get tickets closer to the date. Had overlooked this show so a great recommendation. emicardiff Great tips and I would definitely like to see some Christmas markets. Thank you very much andromedadench for all your great suggestions, the links and for explaining how I can still get tickets for Follies. I had heard of a Panto before but didn't really know what it was. You're right, it would be good to also see things that I can't on Broadway. Thank you shady23 . The Sky Garden seems very popular and a must do. Had no idea there were cable cars in London, how cool! Xanderl Amazing that it's possible to see a play for just ยฃ10! Flim Flam Thank you, that looks very interesting. ๐ Okay as you say you have enough information to fill several trips. Think now it is prudent to consillitate the information you have and see how we can help you further and make your trip more effective, say you wanted to see Everyone is Talking About Jamie at the Apollo, then I would suggest taking a walk behind the theatre and check out Soho, which is one of my favoirite places in London, or opposite the theatre is Chinatown, two great tourist attractions. this can be done more effectively in London, than New York as the theatre is more spread out. Say I was in New York and said I want to visit Macys, then I am sure you would say visit Empire State Building, as they are next to each other and is more efficient doing the two together, than visit separately. If you coming over to maximise the amount of theatre you are seeing, West End does Tuesday and Wednesday matinee, check out Theatremonkey show time guide for a great timetable.
|
|
721 posts
|
Post by hulmeman on Nov 13, 2017 19:09:37 GMT
Sorry to be boring, but a reminder to please stay safe. You are obviously at home in big cities, but don't let your guard down, but still have fun!!
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 14, 2017 13:54:23 GMT
londonmzfitz At first I didn't recognize Simon Callow but now I remember him. He's a very good actor. Thank you Phantom of London . I agree, that is indeed the way to do it. To find sights close together in one area. I will definitely be visiting Soho and Chinatown. I need to check that timetable because I had seen some Wednesday matinees but not Tuesday ones. It's great that there are matinees on many days. I do want to see as many shows as possible. @theatremonkey Thanks, I will be consulting the guide for sure. Thank you hulmeman , I agree with you. My motto is to not be afraid but to be careful. When I plan things safety is always at the back of my mind. As a woman traveling alone you have to take that aspect into consideration and be smart about it.
|
|
|
Post by Mr Snow on Nov 14, 2017 15:41:44 GMT
If you have time, it's worth popping in to the Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields, part of a square of fine houses near Holborn tube station (it's a bit tucked away but it'll be signposted). It's free to visit (but closed Mondays and Tuesdays) - it's the historic house / museum of a collector and has been left almost unaltered for nearly 200 years - very atmospheric and like stepping back in time. Great recommendation above. Go at dusk as its lit by (fake?) candles and so atmospheric in winter. If you have a strong stomach visit the Royal College of Surgeons Museum directly opposite in the very elegant Lincolns inn Fields. Some to the instruments are truly bizarre. And if you can find a partner and want to promote a little romance, then how about going Ice Skating in the Quad of Somerset House? Another one I donโt think mentioned above. Is walk through either the Temple or Grays Inn (approx. north and south of Lincolns Inn Fields) Wonderfully atmospheric and I belive the Tempest was first performed in the latter? For free theatre you can while away an hour in either The Old Bailey or the Royal Courts of Justice . Also strongly back Emicardiffโs suggestion of walking the river along the South Bank from opposite the houses of Parliament to shad Thames (beyond Tower Bridge). If no time for that then thereโs great views from Harvey Nicks Restaurant at the top of the Oxo Tower on this route. A boat trip to Greenwich is another great day out. If you want to get round faster use a Boris Bike? You did say you were here for a year, didnโt you?
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 15, 2017 9:00:47 GMT
Mr Snow Thank you, more great suggestions to add to the list. Somerset House seems to have a lot to offer. I live outside of the U.K and will be visiting London for a week. ๐
|
|
4,943 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Nov 15, 2017 15:48:31 GMT
You did say you were here for a year, didnโt you? Elle , Mr Snow was using irony. It's what we do in Britain! The West End has matinees every day apart from Mondays and Fridays, including Sunday. (Though as Theatremonkey has already pointed out, schedules can, and do, change in the period around Christmas, so do check his site nearer the time.) If you are going to be using public transport in London, and assuming you don't have a UK issued contactless debit card, then it will make financial sense for you to get an Oyster card. You can pre-order from home if you prefer, but it's probably easier (and certainly cheaper) just to get one when you arrive in London.
|
|
2,946 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Nov 15, 2017 20:29:08 GMT
If you have a strong stomach visit the Royal College of Surgeons Museum directly opposite in the very elegant Lincolns inn Fields. Some to the instruments are truly bizarre. Sadly, the Royal College of Surgeons Museum (aka The Hunterian), which is on the other side of the square, is currently closed for refurbishment which will apparently be for several years! It's a real shame, because it's astonishing - they have Jonathan Wilde's skeleton - he was hanged at Tyburn, Babbage's brain, the Irish Giant, bits of Auk and Dodo, Winnie the Pooh's skull (really! Winnie was a bear in a London zoo), and the most amazing but frankly harrowing collection of preserved specimens, human and every other creature you can think of.
|
|
2,302 posts
|
Post by Tibidabo on Nov 15, 2017 21:15:07 GMT
Sadly, the Royal College of Surgeons Museum (aka The Hunterian), which is on the other side of the square, is currently closed for refurbishment Anyone after grisly should try the Kings College London Gordon Museum where there are 8000 pathological specimens, many housed in canopic jars, that may be too graphic for some. Enthralling, however, for those who are interested in the history of medicine.
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 16, 2017 11:15:26 GMT
TallPaul I do enjoy the British humour! ๐ Ah yes, the Oyster card. The most important thing to buy on arrival I believe. crowblack, Thank you for the info. You make it sound real fascinating. Tibidabo Thank you, good to know. Compared to other cities where you have to buy some museum tickets in advance the free entrance gives so much more freedom in the schedule, it's great. Seems also a good way to escape the cold and more money left for theatre tix!
|
|
2,946 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Nov 16, 2017 23:42:05 GMT
those who are interested in the history of medicine. The 'Medicine Man' room on the floor above the cafe floor of the Wellcome Collection, opposite Euston station, is very interesting too - I often nip in to kill time before getting the train back up North. It's a mixture of medical stuff and other curiosities, such as a guillotine blade, folk medicine masks and the like.
|
|
2,946 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Nov 17, 2017 14:32:59 GMT
and what does your analyst say about that particular habit, crowblack Oh, you should see our house! A friend suggested yesterday I supplement my income with Kabeiroi-style tours.
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Nov 19, 2017 16:38:55 GMT
I decided to buy a ticket for An American in Paris after all, since I am drawn to the story and enjoy these big Broadway productions. Made the purchase on TodayTix and used your code for the discount kathryn . ๐
|
|
4,943 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Dec 1, 2017 14:59:35 GMT
Just a fortnight to go now, Elle. You must be getting excited. As an unjaded outsider, I am pleased to report that the Christmas lights in London this year are particularly spectacular. The West End really is glittering! May I be terribly presumptuous, and suggest a walking route? Start at Fortnum & Mason, halfway along Piccadilly. (Free samples at this time of year.) Cross over and walk through the Burlington Arcade. (Strictly no whistling allowed, or open umbrellas.) Turn left, then right, onto Bond Street. Walk up Bond Street to Oxford Street. Turn right and walk along Oxford Street to Oxford Circus. Turn right onto Regent Street. Walk down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, or beyond. At this time of year, it starts to get dark at 3.30/4pm.
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Dec 1, 2017 18:39:21 GMT
Yes, not long now and very excited for this trip! As I wrote in another thread I managed to get a ticket for Dreamgirls as well so now have 6 out of 8 shows sorted. Then have also purchased the backstage tour at the National Theatre which was only ยฃ10 and I think it will be worth every cent. Thanks for that tip emicardiff. Thank you, I love this walking tour that you suggested TallPaul and will do that. Good to know about the no whistling rule. ๐ Think it will be really nice to discover the Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair area on foot. I can't wait to see London all lit up and in festive mode. ๐
|
|
|
Post by emicardiff on Dec 1, 2017 19:10:33 GMT
Glad we could help Elle do report back on your trip!
|
|
Xanderl
Member
Not always very high value in terms of ticket yield or donations
|
Post by Xanderl on Dec 1, 2017 19:18:57 GMT
If you still have spare slots for shows, "A Christmas Carol" at the Old Vic is excellent and getting some rave reviews on here.
|
|
18,697 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 2, 2017 14:07:19 GMT
Bananaman The Musical preview on Saturday 16th matinee - ยฃ14. Not a recommendation because we know nothing about it yet and it could be rubbish, but the Southwark Playhouse has a good reputation for musicals and it might be an amusing afternoon. Only a couple of seats left though!
|
|
4,943 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Dec 2, 2017 14:50:32 GMT
Good to know about the no whistling rule. It's a very old rule, enforced by the resident Beadles, that dates back to the days when some of the Arcade's upper rooms were used by a certain kind of lady, if you catch my drift. Why not be a rebel and whistle one of your favourite musical tunes? I'd somehow missed that you'd booked for Dreamgirls. You may already know that the Savoy Theatre was the London home of Legally Blonde, so you should feel right at home. If theatre architecture is your thing, then the interior of the Savoy Theatre is an Art Deco masterpiece. (If you go down the steps to the Stage Door, and around the corner, you will see that it's actually a much older building.) Savoy Court, which is the short road that leads to both The Savoy hotel and Savoy Theatre, is the only road in the UK were vehicles drive on the right, rather than the left. You asked for suggestions in a previous post about places to eat with a theatrical link. I've never been, because I don't really do healthy food, but the Shaftesbury Avenue branch of Leon is staffed by musical theatre graduates and hopefuls. It looks like there's a good deal if you eat after 5pm. Here's the link: leonrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/westend/. Who knows, you could see a star of the future!!
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Dec 3, 2017 21:55:48 GMT
emicardiff Sure, will do! You guys have definitely been a big help and offered a lot of original idea's for things to do. Xanderl A Christmas Carol looks good and I would like to see it. Not sure I can fit it in though. So many shows, so little time... I could see an extra show on Sunday afternoon but there's less choice then. BurlyBeaR Thank you for the info. TallPaul I appreciate all the information and the many great suggestions that you have provided, thank you very much! I wouldn't be able to keep a straight face to whistle. ๐
|
|
4,943 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Dec 14, 2017 13:32:17 GMT
I think all that is left now, Elle, is to wish you bon voyage. As you probably already know, the British are obsessed with the weather. Your timing is almost perfect! Friday and Saturday are going to feel cold, there may be a little rain on Sunday, but next week is going to be positively balmy, with daytime temperatures in double figures. I know you are a seasoned traveller, but I think we all want you to remember London for all the right reasons: -Stay safe. -Keep alert. -Don't fall for any scams. -Watch out for rogue cyclists. -Most of all, have a FAB-U-LOUS time. And don't forget to send the Board a postcard!
|
|
218 posts
|
Post by Elle on Dec 14, 2017 15:50:36 GMT
Thank you TallPaul, can't wait! I'm obsessed with the weather too so that's great news. ๐ Should hopefully arrive around lunch time at Gatwick and already have my tickets for the Gatwick Express. From Victoria station I can take a cab or bus to the hotel. Will buy the Oyster card there. Then later in the afternoon I'm going to walk around Covent Garden and Soho to discover the area. First show tomorrow night is 42nd Street. Have high expectations for that because of all the great reviews here and am looking forward to seeing it. Thank you everyone for the help planning this trip, I think it will be a great one. See you tomorrow London! ๐
|
|