BMW
X1 / X2
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums Off-Topic Discussions Board Traveling to London with my family....need suggestions

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-28-2020, 06:25 PM   #1
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

Traveling to London with my family....need suggestions

So this April we booked a trip to London. Me, my wife and two sons (ages 9 & 11) will be our very first time visiting and I have no idea of where to go, what is worth the time and what's not worth the time

We booked our flights from New York City to Heathrow. I have a list of things I want to see, the typical touristy stuff (Buckingham, Big Ben, London bridge) but also looking for recommendations from the locals. I'm a big music guy and would love to visit the Royal Albert hall. My kids are Harry Potter fanatics and we have already booked the Harry Potter Warner brothers tour thing. They also want to check out the legoland outside of London.

Being that I'm traveling with my kids, I want to make sure that the area we stay in is relatively safe. Being a lifelong New Yorker I know how the big cities can be both beautiful and suspect at the same time. We are looking into the amba hotel at charing cross. Seems like a nice part of town and central to most. Any recommendations on where NOT to stay and what areas are pretty decent and convenient?

Food wise I know London has everything. I've heard the Indian food is fantastic. Any restaurants (any types) that are a must try?

I know. A lot crammed into this post. I'm active on the x3m forum and know there are a lot of member from across the pond there.
Thanks for any advice you can provide
Appreciate 0
      01-28-2020, 06:40 PM   #2
2000cs
Captain
3444
Rep
1,004
Posts

Drives: Potato
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: USA

iTrader: (1)

Indian food is fantastic.
Hop on Hop off bus is a great way to get at sense of what is where. Take a day for that. Then go back to the things you liked most. Tower tour is cool. Eye is too. Take a bus (coach) tour to Leeds, or the other way to Oxford. Tour the Diana garden in Kensington gardens. We loved the Churchill War Rooms tour, which is very near government buildings so lots to see there. And Westminster Abby. Changing of the guards at Buckingham? So many options.
Try to stay someplace British, not Hilton or other American chains, to get more of a local feel. I suggest trying to figure out what types of things you are likely to want to do, then get a close hotel so you can walk or cab there easily/cheaply.
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 06:43 PM   #3
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

I was going to suggest Mala Indian Restaurant by Tower Bridge, but it wasn't showing up on Google Maps. It seems that location is closing, but they say they'll open up at a new location. The food there was fabulous and so was the location. What a shame they're moving.

Anyway, here's the link. Maybe they'll open up again before your trip.

http://malarestaurant.com/

This memorial to Albert is directly across from Albert Hall. That whole park is worth seeing. It's where the Princess Di memorial is as well. Plus you might see the acrobats training if the weather is nice.
Attached Images
  
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 06:45 PM   #4
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

You're going to be disappointed in Big Ben and Parliament. Both are undergoing maintenance work that is supposed to last years. This was last summer just after it started.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 06:47 PM   #5
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

Tower Bridge is cool and the kids will love the see-thru walkway up top. That whole area is awesome. Lots to see there.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 2
vreihen1614882.00
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 06:53 PM   #6
kscarrol
Brigadier General
kscarrol's Avatar
United_States
8776
Rep
4,105
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 1974 2002 Tii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Greenville, SC

iTrader: (0)

Not a local but folks used to live there so traveled often with my kids...

The London Transport Museum is great for kids, old trains and buses they can climb on. It's right off Covent Garden so you can also wander there and watch the street performers which can be quite entertaining.

You didn't list it but I'm sure the Tower is on your list of touristy things. The Imperial War Museum is excellent as well. Churchill War Rooms are great as well. For really kind of cheesy, my kids love the London Dungeon. The Natural History Museum (a great dinosaur collection!) and the Science Museum are very close to each other and something boys always wanted to go back to.

My kids loved the tube. Do your research as its been too many years for me but kids ride free up to a certain age. Either way get an Oyster card for use on the tubes if you choose to go that route. Easy to top up and cheaper than buying individual tickets for every ride.

For Indian, a more casual place we love is The Punjab on Neal St, just off Shaftsbury, an easy walk from the Covent Garden tube stop. And a word of warning, DON'T let your kids talk you into walking up the stairs in the Covent Garden tube station.... made that mistake ONCE! For something a bit more upscale Indian, we love Amaya which is just off Belgrave Square.

If the kids get a craving for pizza Pizza Express is a chain which is solid. We usually stopped at the one on Brompton Road. More adult but excellent italian try Sale e Pepe just off Sloan Street.

Edit: If you get a chance for some adult time, wander around, stop in the local pub. Personally I avoid the big pubs near the tourist areas. My local pub was the Plumbers Arms near Victoria Station.
__________________
2021 X3 M40i
1974 2002tii, Inka, 5 sp manual
BMWCCA # 327475

Last edited by kscarrol; 01-28-2020 at 07:03 PM..
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 06:55 PM   #7
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

You may be a bit surprised when it comes to feeling like you're in England. We were in London just shy of two weeks and I think we spoke to 2 or 3 native Brits. Almost everyone in the hotel and service industry is eastern European. Nothing wrong with that. London is a very cosmopolitan city. Just don't expect a lot of British accents.

And if you travel by subway (The Tube), be somewhere else during rush hour in the evening. The trains are seriously packed, although that's probably nothing new to a New Yorker.
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 3
kscarrol8775.50
DC X3M40i663.00
P111541.50
      01-28-2020, 06:58 PM   #8
kscarrol
Brigadier General
kscarrol's Avatar
United_States
8776
Rep
4,105
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 1974 2002 Tii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Greenville, SC

iTrader: (0)

^ True
__________________
2021 X3 M40i
1974 2002tii, Inka, 5 sp manual
BMWCCA # 327475
Appreciate 2
M_Six16535.00
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 07:17 PM   #9
DocL
Captain
DocL's Avatar
United_States
1923
Rep
863
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Delray Beach

iTrader: (2)

I've travelled to London a few times, get the London Pass. It includes admission to everywhere you'll possibly want to go. You should also take the family to a show and you can get tickets the same day at a discount broker. We saw Matilda there last March.

BTW, my twins were 6yrs old when we took them last year and they loved it.

I'd skip the Legoland Amusement Park. Not worth it and you can go to the ione n Orlando.

https://www.londonpass.com/?utm_medi...97178d39c89abe
__________________
2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals.
"Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."

Last edited by DocL; 01-28-2020 at 07:24 PM..
Appreciate 2
kscarrol8775.50
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 07:24 PM   #10
kscarrol
Brigadier General
kscarrol's Avatar
United_States
8776
Rep
4,105
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 1974 2002 Tii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Greenville, SC

iTrader: (0)

Good call, forgot about the London Pass!!
__________________
2021 X3 M40i
1974 2002tii, Inka, 5 sp manual
BMWCCA # 327475
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 07:28 PM   #11
kscarrol
Brigadier General
kscarrol's Avatar
United_States
8776
Rep
4,105
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 1974 2002 Tii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Greenville, SC

iTrader: (0)

Don't forget the British Museum.... MUMMIES!!
__________________
2021 X3 M40i
1974 2002tii, Inka, 5 sp manual
BMWCCA # 327475
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 07:37 PM   #12
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

Another thing that's probably familiar to a New Yorker is the cost of hotel breakfasts. Unless you book a room that comes with breakfast, the cost is ridiculous. But like NYC, there's always a little breakfast place nearby that'll run you 1/3 of the cost and be just as good. Scope one out when you get there.

If your flight is overnight, be prepared to not have access to your room until 3 or 4PM. That can suck if you don't sleep on your flight and still need to function through the next day until your room is available.

All the museums are free there. So if the weather isn't great, take advantage of that. And if you want to browse the big stores, check out Selfridge's. I like it way better than Harrod's, although Harrod's is also cool to walk through.

You can buy SIM cards for your phones that will allow them to work over there. We usually find a plan that has unlimited texting and calling and about 15GB of data for 15 BP per phone. I like EE (https://ee.co.uk/), but there are plenty of other telcos there. If you do that, have the guy setting up your phone program your new numbers in so you can add them as your contacts while you're there. And make sure the tech labels your stateside SIM cards properly so you know which is which when you switch back.

Before you leave the US, download the Customs and Immigration mobile app. It'll save you a ton of time when you come back into the US. You only need it on one phone. Make sure you switch back to your stateside SIM card before using the app. https://www.cbp.gov/about/mobile-apps-directory
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 07:38 PM   #13
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

I posted less than an hour ago and already so much useful information. Thank you to the BMW community.

Yea...I would love to skip the LEGO land thing...however my younger one is obsessed and wants to visit. Was hoping I could get him to change his mind being that they are opening a New York location this summer. Alas....he’s a stubborn son of a gun. So that will chew up a day of our trip.

My wife also works for Bloomberg and they have an office there. Apparently there are many corporate perks that we can take advantage of.. will have to cross shop with the London pass to see if it’s worth it taking Into consideration her corporate perks.

Sucks that they are doin renovations to some of the major sights. But must be done at some point in time. Everything you guys have noted abt the major attractions is on the list.

Someone recommended taking a black taxi ride? Not sure what that was about. Also have to see if Uber is still operating as I heard they lost their license in London. Also want to ride a double decker bus. So much to cram into 8 days.

I’m anticipating for it to be not too much different from New York City. Will encounter mostly tourists...not as many locals. I work across from the World Trade Center...so I assume London landmarks will be par for the course.

Thank you all again...keep the recommendations coming...it’s greatly appreciated
Appreciate 2
kscarrol8775.50
M_Six16535.00
      01-28-2020, 07:48 PM   #14
kscarrol
Brigadier General
kscarrol's Avatar
United_States
8776
Rep
4,105
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 1974 2002 Tii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Greenville, SC

iTrader: (0)

The black taxis (not all black these days but you'll recognize them) are great but not cheap... The drivers are always very knowledgeable and usually very friendly, happily offering advice/suggestions for things to see and do. More expensive than the hop on/hop off but a nice way to see some of the city.
__________________
2021 X3 M40i
1974 2002tii, Inka, 5 sp manual
BMWCCA # 327475
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 07:53 PM   #15
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

Your boys might like the HMS Belfast tour. It's sitting on the Thames right by Tower Bridge. You could easily burn up a whole day just walking both sides of the river between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 3
kscarrol8775.50
DC X3M40i663.00
CANGRKE70813.50
      01-28-2020, 08:02 PM   #16
DocL
Captain
DocL's Avatar
United_States
1923
Rep
863
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Delray Beach

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M_Six View Post
Your boys might like the HMS Belfast tour. It's sitting on the Thames right by Tower Bridge. You could easily burn up a whole day just walking both sides of the river between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
That was definitely a great exhibit. When I was there, there was an active Irish Naval boat tied up next to it and they were giving tours. It started to sleet so they let us hang out in the bridge for a while. I got to ask about the nav and gun systems on board.
__________________
2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals.
"Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 08:13 PM   #17
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

And right there at the HMS Belfast gangway is Hay's Galleria, in case Wifey isn't into touring a battleship. This is where having UK cell phone SIMs comes in handy.

https://goo.gl/maps/R2ZVENG2cvqsxGPo7
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 08:17 PM   #18
Clark_Kent
Lieutenant Colonel
Clark_Kent's Avatar
2208
Rep
1,889
Posts

Drives: Retired
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Stumbled across this little gem when my wife and I visited last. Enjoy!

https://www.punjab.co.uk/
__________________
Retired: 2018 BMW M3 CS, 2018 BMW M3 ZCP, 2016 BMW M3
Appreciate 1
DC X3M40i663.00
      01-28-2020, 08:33 PM   #19
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M_Six View Post
And right there at the HMS Belfast gangway is Hay's Galleria, in case Wifey isn't into touring a battleship. This is where having UK cell phone SIMs comes in handy.

https://goo.gl/maps/R2ZVENG2cvqsxGPo7
she will probably just hop a train to paris to go buy some ridiculously overpriced handbags. Guess i cant complain..i get my x3m... she gets whatever she wants.. lol
her money is her money.. and my money is her money
Appreciate 1
M_Six16535.00
      01-28-2020, 08:36 PM   #20
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clark_Kent View Post
Stumbled across this little gem when my wife and I visited last. Enjoy!

https://www.punjab.co.uk/
just scoped out the menu... sounds good. i've never really sampled alot of indian cuisine outside of naan and tikka masala... but my wife loves it... and my older son has taken a liking to it. My younger son is just happy that the hotel we might book has a mcdonalds and burger king nearby...
Appreciate 0
      01-28-2020, 08:39 PM   #21
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M_Six View Post
Your boys might like the HMS Belfast tour. It's sitting on the Thames right by Tower Bridge. You could easily burn up a whole day just walking both sides of the river between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
i'm totally into this stuff too. we have the uss intrepid here in new york city which i went to when i was younger. Two years ago in california i toured the aircraft carrier in san diego.. that was amazing.

i hear what you say abt burning a whole day in london bridge area. we have 8 days to cram all this stuff in. and fortunatley / unfortunatley.. my kids have a somewhat short attention span.. so sometimes we can blaze through an attraction in record time.

my wife is queen of excel spreadsheet.. she probably has a whole itinerary planned out already without me even knowing
Appreciate 0
      01-28-2020, 08:41 PM   #22
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kscarrol View Post
Not a local but folks used to live there so traveled often with my kids...

The London Transport Museum is great for kids, old trains and buses they can climb on. It's right off Covent Garden so you can also wander there and watch the street performers which can be quite entertaining.

You didn't list it but I'm sure the Tower is on your list of touristy things. The Imperial War Museum is excellent as well. Churchill War Rooms are great as well. For really kind of cheesy, my kids love the London Dungeon. The Natural History Museum (a great dinosaur collection!) and the Science Museum are very close to each other and something boys always wanted to go back to.

My kids loved the tube. Do your research as its been too many years for me but kids ride free up to a certain age. Either way get an Oyster card for use on the tubes if you choose to go that route. Easy to top up and cheaper than buying individual tickets for every ride.

For Indian, a more casual place we love is The Punjab on Neal St, just off Shaftsbury, an easy walk from the Covent Garden tube stop. And a word of warning, DON'T let your kids talk you into walking up the stairs in the Covent Garden tube station.... made that mistake ONCE! For something a bit more upscale Indian, we love Amaya which is just off Belgrave Square.

If the kids get a craving for pizza Pizza Express is a chain which is solid. We usually stopped at the one on Brompton Road. More adult but excellent italian try Sale e Pepe just off Sloan Street.

Edit: If you get a chance for some adult time, wander around, stop in the local pub. Personally I avoid the big pubs near the tourist areas. My local pub was the Plumbers Arms near Victoria Station.
natural history museum? check! love that stuff... kids enjoy teh dinosaur exhibits as well. so im sure that will be added to the list. transportation museums are fun as well. we have the transit museum here in NYC, although not huge..i can spend a good amount of time just sitting in an old train car soaking in the historic nature

thank you for your recommendations
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:19 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST