Things to do in dat der London

[ferg_g]

If you're partial to mussells I'd suggest the Belgo beer Co for lunch or tea. War Horse if you fancy a show

[Mozzaretti]

london dungeon is good fun if you have bin lids. The walk across london bridge is good too great views up and down the river.

[RedNoodle]

Originally Posted by Kopacabana

Try not to speak to anyone, and avoid Golders Green.

What's wrong with Golders Green?

[Hunt 23]

Brick Lane - good mix of shops, market and cheap ethnic eateries.

Best salt beef sandwich I've ever had.

(I've only had three, but it was good).

[rixf666]

Originally Posted by RedNoodle

What's wrong with Golders Green?

nothing, if you like being surrounded by big silly hats and curly sideburns.

[SteelWool]

Originally Posted by rixf666

nothing, if you like being surrounded by big silly hats and curly sideburns.

Slade live there?

[3 star jumper]

Some great suggestions there, now part of our itinery. Sounds like a bit to cram in in 2 days, but we'll do our best. Thanks very much.

Didn't want to arrive & do the usual "where do you wanna go then", and being overawed by the scale of everything, rushing around but seeing nothing but the usual touristy bits.

[dicko1969]

Starting point Big Ben
Walk up to Traffalgar Square (oh I miss the pidgeons) ; on route Downing Street.

Could pop into National Gallery (partly free)

Then walk up the mall (left side through the park, spot the pink flamingos) up to Buckingham palace.

Go right side of the Palace, another park, cross it, you end up on oxford st; go down it to picadilly circus, then arrive to Leicester square.. if feeling fit and healthy; then walk up to Covent garden brisk 20 minutes walk.

[kellysheroes]

'We'll be staying in the Tower Bridge area '

Where exactly?

Anyway Luca's right - do a show - there is only one - Les Miserables!
If you are near the Embankment & Northumberland avenue go in the Sherlock Holmes pub
Might even see Prince!
Decent food - reasonable prices
I've done the boat trip to Greenwich & Flood Barrier from the Tower Hotel
If you are near St Katherines Dock have a walk round - and a beer in the Dickens Inn
The Tower is also worth a spin round if youve never been in.

[kellysheroes]

Originally Posted by 3 star jumper

Some great suggestions there, now part of our itinery. Sounds like a bit to cram in in 2 days, but we'll do our best. Thanks very much.

Didn't want to arrive & do the usual "where do you wanna go then", and being overawed by the scale of everything, rushing around but seeing nothing but the usual touristy bits.

Get your plan sorted out before you get there.
Best thing

[Wembley 86]

Get up really early and go to the National Gallery before it opens.

You will be stood there with 3 Canadians and a couple from Japan.

Walk in when it opens and go directly to section containing the very oldest paintings (all religious).

The paintings are displayed in chronological order and there is a very sudden upturn in the quality of technique - likeness to real form, particularly human, through the use of perspective etc.

The Renaissance artists.

I'd read books, watched TV programmes and been generally aware of their legendary cultural status.

But only visiting that place really brings it home to you.

Get in early and get out before the crowds.

[Matt R]

Without sounding like a complete yokel, where does one go for a pint in central-ish London after 11pm without it being a club or similar?

There obviously are many such establishments but I was fucked if I could find any last time I was down for the League Cup (around Baker St and then SoHo). When I kept enquiring as to their closing time, all the staff seemed to be bemused that anywhere would be open after 10.30 on a Sunday.

'It is Sunday''
'It's also 2012 in one of the main cities of the world love, I'd expect to be able to get a pint after half fucking 10'.

[kopite321]

Originally Posted by red_pad

Agree with the Prince. Do the boat trip from Westminster to Greenwich. Excellent. Can also recommend the walk from St Pauls across the millennium bridge to te Tate/ globe/ borough market and then walk along to the southbank London eye area.

I agree... I did the night time trip also, that was fantastic with many buildings, both old and new lit with LED lighting now... fantastic sight.. we took a boat with a bar and food options... night time cruise on the Thames... couple of hours in total but well worth it... think we went all the way down to the Thames Barrier..

[kopite321]

Originally Posted by Matt R

Without sounding like a complete yokel, where does one go for a pint in central-ish London after 11pm without it being a club or similar?

There obviously are many such establishments but I was fucked if I could find any last time I was down for the League Cup (around Baker St and then SoHo). When I kept enquiring as to their closing time, all the staff seemed to be bemused that anywhere would be open after 10.30 on a Sunday.

'It is Sunday''
'It's also 2012 in one of the main cities of the world love, I'd expect to be able to get a pint after half fucking 10'.

Even here in Qatar you can get a drink till three in the morning any time of the week... fucked if your coming over for the olympics then for a drink London.

[Matt R]

More London help required please people.

What's it like round Kensington High St/Earls Court kind of area? I mean specifically for pubs, food etc. I believe the area in general may be on the smart side (although I could be massively mistaken).

Have found a hotel that isn't fucking horrible, isn't a week's wages and isn't the far side of Heathrow and is not too badly located for the Oval.