Of course, I am biased, but my favorite London neighborhoods were where the quaint, multi-storied bookshops were!

I am a sucker for pomp and circumstance, so of course loved the changing of the guard, bearskin hats and all....

Just a thought ---lazing around those huge parks!

If I can find it I'll post my itinerary from my trip in '86. My travel agent said to write down things I wouldn't want to miss and she made it up. and left free time.
I loved the Pub walks - if they still have them - and also the regular walks. Like murder walks (Jack the Ripper) or Shakespeare sites etc.

I loved the changing of the guard and also planned and saw the Queen's Birthday where she reviews the troops.
I found Sherlock Holmes building (is it 221B Baker Street?)
Also the Dickens house
I could live in the London Area for years (if I had enough money!!) I went to a matinee in the afternoon and took the tube to a show at night coming back via the cabs.
Also found the way to Stonehenge, went on a murder mystery tour by bus at night and stopped at a haunted house and pub.

Vee, if they read AT ALL, suggest the British Library Special Documents Room with all that original stuff like Magna Carta, Lindesfarne Gospels, Gutenberg Bible, Alice in Wonderland, Shakespeare, Dickens, even a Beatles lyric scrawled on the back of an envelope. Even the benches in the lobby are shaped like open books.

Of course, a walk-by of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; a docent's tour of Westminster Abbey; not a favorite of mine but seems to be everyone else's--the Tower of London; St. Paul's; the museums, e.g., British, V&A; the Churchill War Rooms; strolls in the parks; London Walks (they can look at these on walks.com); theater with tickets purchased half price on the day of the play from the original free-standing TKTS booth in Leicester Square (not the wannabees nearer the tube stop); Harrods; the book stores; the old churches; . . . I could go on.

My daughter and I like to do a daytrip by train somewhere each time to somewhere like Canterbury, Stratford upon Avon, Oxford, Rye, Hever Castle. We have done a couple of day coach tours through Evans & Evans. They are fairly expensive but give good, though fast, overviews. We went to Windsor Castle and the outdoor part of Hampton Court with them once.

If they think they would like to see the changing of the guard, the view is better at the Horse Guards. The crowd is tremendous at Buckingham Palace, making the best view that of them marching toward the park and turning up toward the palace.

We like to stay in the South Kensington area near the Gloucester Road tube stop the best, and last year a Paul's Patisserie had opened just across the street. They have those lovely French macarons, among other things. We also like to eat at Brown's Restaurant on St. Martin's Lane, mostly for the Steak, Mushroom, & Guinness Pie and the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Oh, my! Can you tell you've hit my hot button?

I loved the Tower of London -- the jewels, the armory, the Roman wall, and the ravens! I also really enjoyed Westminster Abbey, the sheer age of the place and the history it held just impressed me so much. I also enjoyed day trips like those Carolyn described, with Stratford-on-Avon and Bath as my favorites. I'd definitely recommend taking in at least one show, as well.

I just did the math and I'm appalled to note that it's been nearly 17 years since my last trip to England. Argh! I would love to visit again. Vee, I do envy your cousins-in-law!

I agree with The Tower-so much history there-walk up those narrow stairs where so many went to their prison and later beheading...aross the road to Westminster Abbey so steeped in history too. I enjoyed it much more years ago when we could wander around at our pace, but understand with so many visitors now that they have to hustle people through.

St. Paul's also a must and my DH's favorite The British Museum, and what about a Thames Cruise from Westminister Bridge...a trip to Hampton Court and how about Bath-those amazing Roman Baths...there is so much to see...but I would skip Stratford-on-Avon since that is where I had my wallet stolen....

It has been 8 years since I was there last..might be time to renew my passport!

Pat

As someone who has been to the Tower of London within the last six months, may I also add my two-penn'orth? Yes, go - it's great - but get there early - as soon as it opens. If you do that, you'll be able to literally walk straight in to see the Crown Jewels, and get a good look at them. There is a moving walkway going past the most famous Jewels, and our family went back and round it again about three or four times. By 2:30 in the afternoon, the queue was out of the building and round the corner - you'd be queueing for an hour or more.

Hey VeeR. I'm from Knoxville, where the first log buildings went up about 1792. So dazzle them with old. Knoxville straddles a river so be sure to let them know that rivers have disappeared underground in London.

Well, we're sounding like a broken record, aren't we? (You youngsters don't even know what that means, do you?) I can't help but continue in the same vein. I too loved the Tower of London - though I skipped the jewels. Westminster Abbey is a must. Windsor castle, Hampton Court. I really enjoyed the Churchill War Rooms. And yes, the changing of the guard is fun because we have nothing of the sort here. I also really enjoyed the London Walks. I did Legal London, The Hidden City, and yes, Jack the Ripper (which actually was a bit scary). And do you know how different Harrod's is from any department store in the U.S.? Amazingly so. And the British Museum. And tearooms that serve clotted cream. And fish and chips. And, and, and... You live in a wonderful place, Vee!

I am probably one of the few people unimpressed by the Tower or Buckinham Palace/Changing of the Guards (this might have to do with the very large swarms of tourists at each of these sites) - tho I have to admit that the Beefeaters at the Tower make the tour fun. Brit Museum, Brit Library, the V&A, the London Gallery are all top in my book, as is the area around Picadilly Circus for window shopping. Also: Harrods, Hampton Court, Windsor, Westminster Abbey, St Paul (and St Barts, a lovely little temple nearby), Colchester for Roman sites (Dover btw has a wonderful Roman House).

Day trips: Dover, Plymouth, Greenwich, Bath, Cantebury, Salisbury.

I need to go through my itineraries and see where else - we've been there six times, one would think I'd come up with something interesting and unusual!

I liked the Tower, but love Westminster Abbey AND Westminster Cathedral, which is the Catholic one and not so often mentioned. My favourites are The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Loved Hampton Court, an intial bus tour is a good idea, British museum with the old documents.........not a bad starting list.

Yes to everything above.

Plus a thought: There is so much wonder in that city that I doubt you could go wrong. For those of you living in the UK, you may not realize what an amazing city London seems to most of us here in the USA. You PRESERVE your old buildings. You cherish your history in a way many cities in the USA do not. Ever been to New York City? Sure, you can find history... but for the most part, money talks, not history. London is not only full of energy, but it is also quaint, and old, and we feel like it's a homecoming of sorts when we get there... okay, maybe that's just me. But it's something very special. There is no wrong course of action to take. But if I needed to suggest one thing, perhaps a tour of Tower Bridge if the day is good for taking in views.

PAM

Tell them to go to South Kensington tube station - that's where they'll find the Natural History Museum (My favourite building in the city), the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Hmmm, I feel as though I've left out a museum there, but I can't remember it.

If they get a map, London A-Z (ask for the A to Zed in the shop), and start walking at Trafalgar Square, they can go through Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, Soho, China Town, and over to Oxford Street in as much time as they want to take. This way, if they are 'arty' people, they can go to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and 'shop 'til they drop' on Oxford Street if they prefer it, although I think both things must be experienced.

There are lots of walks that are lead by walks.com, which are fantastic, but there are also others that you can print off from the internet and do your own, that way you can stop as long as you want at a certain place, or stop for lunch at a pub that they can't resist!

How could I have forgotten to mention the Museum of London? Hampstead Heath was good, too. We went through the Kenwood House on that walk.

Oh I loved the London Museum! Next best museum of city life was the one in York. But the one in London covers so much history, in a very user friendly way. Think my fav part was the diorama of the 1666 fire, with Pepys description being read as lights started up where the fire spread.

I agree with PAM. My first visit was for a short week. Just being in that vibrant place, where you do keep your history close to you, fascinated me (I come from the west coast where any building older than the 70s usually disappears). So just being there is half the pleasure. And yes to walks; explore the place. The route she gives is perfect. I'd add to take the bus (oh what is it called) that you can jump on at various places, go to the next stop, jump off, visit, then jump back on again. Wonderful way to explore for first timers.

Dang it, now I have London fever. I'll be in NYC this summer, but its not the same...

I know, Vee, that you specifically asked non-UK RP-er's to comment.

But I work in London - surely I'm allowed a suggestion?

And that is the London Eye. It's a bit pricey for only a half-hour (though you'll probably queue for a bit longer than that!) - but IMHO it's one of the best ways of getting a look over London that I know. Brilliant.

Oh, and check out 2 for 1 deals with an Oyster Card - it's a card you can get which gives you good (relatively) fares on the tube, but also gets you good deals on tourist attractions.

Oh I'd love a spin on the London Eye! It was built since my last visit. I'll put that on my TBE (to be experienced) list. Vee - forget about your relatives, the rest of us are now planning our next visits.

I just remembered a wonderful little park that I visited once in London, but I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it or tell you where it's located. Perhaps Vee or Martin will know. It had a monument to everyday heros (can't remember if that's the name of it, but that's the gist of it). It was covered with tiles on which were written snippets of stories about ordinary people who had done heroic feats - like saving a child from drowning in the river, etc. It might be located near a post office. Does this ring a bell with anyone?

Some wonderful suggestions coming in; very many thanks.
You have all obviously been to London far more recently than me. Hansom Cabs were still running when I was last there; one was picking up Sherlock Holmes in Baker St.
Martin thanks for your ideas. I only thought of US people because they would have more 'touristy' input; the sort of things first-timers would be keen to see.
The DD lives in London, rather near the Finsbury Park mosque and describes, as a 'girl', having to be so careful not to make eye contact with certain local men lolling out side shops etc. She cannot understand why I'm not keen to visit there. She does have a season ticket to the Tate Modern if the relations are interested in 'culture'.
John (DH) only 'discovered' this family of cousins a few months ago. An Aunt had married a GI in WWII against family 'advice', gone out to Pittsburg and lost contact with home. Through the wonders of the internet we have found some of the younger generation (who in the traditions of DH's difficult family don't communicate with each other) so all we know is that he looks like John Goodman (think Dan Connors) . . . we are sure his wife is nothing like Roseanne. :-)

http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

This is a MUST visit - even if you cant get to London the web site is wonderful.

I've been really rather ill for weeks - but often just come to RP to keep in touch - gradually feeling better now.
Interesting re finding family - as an only child with a father who was 50 when I was born I was totally out of touch with family on that side - however have now found loads of McDonald offspring etc., in Mississauga - it is so strange and quite reassuring to see one's facial characteristics in another human being so far removed in time and distance.

Jan, sorry to hear you haven't been feeling 'quite the ticket'; maybe this warmer Spring weather will help put you right.
I have seen a number of TV progs. on Server' house (isn't he an American?) and the whole area of Spitalfields. Thank goodness at least some of the East End hasn't been 'redeveloped'.
I read somewhere that after so many cities were bombed in WWII many local councils took the opportunity to pull down huge areas of 'older' Georgian/Victorian buildings whether they were damaged or not to make way for the dreadful '60's style 'boxes'/tower blocks which have now become urban slums.
I remember visiting the ancient cathedral city of Worcester
and watching decayed but beautiful buildings being bull-dozed to be replaced by a souless shopping 'complex'.
Our nearest city, Gloucester (with a beautiful cathedral) is awaiting a much-needed face-lift. This time they are promising to save the old buildings in the hope of bringing in much needed tourist money.
It is not just in the US where this civic vandalism takes place.

Here is a link that might be useful: London's Spitalfields

Previous posters have recommended many of the important sights. One addition and one comment:

When visitors first arrive, I highly recommend the Big Bus tour. It's one of those hop-on/hop-off tours where you ride around to see the major sights and get your bearings. We found this a great way to recover from jet lag and to get our first excited views of London's many sights, both the ones named and smaller ones we might not have a chance to fully explore. London has so much to see that there are several routes for these bus tours.

My second comment is that the place that had the greatest emotional impact on me was not even on our itinerary. A Brit we chatted with in a pub recommended it. Churchill's War Cabinet rooms. My parents were the war generation and my childhood was filled with description and images of the war--my father and all my uncles in uniform, around the globe. Churchill was my girlhood idol. This collection of spaces and artifacts, preserved just as they left it in 1945, left me deeply moved. Never have so few done so much for so many....

sorry veer if IÂm going a little off topic for what concerns this thread, but IÂm in topic for what
concern this forum
This thread made came up to my mind a book I read , I think more then ten years ago.
The title is England England by James Barnes. ItÂs about a crook bilionair who buys an
island in order to build a fake England with the main touristic atractions: Westminster, Big Ben ...a
quaint shop where you can savour strawberies with ice, a typical litle town, how it might be
Hampstead perhaps, and the white cliff coasts and so on, he succeds even to engages tha Royal
Family who wave from a Buckingham palace window fiteen minutes a day, as from the deed.
Everything works perfectly, and soon tourists begin to avoid the true England, (so uncomfortable to
spend days and days to see things, while in the fake one you can see all but everything in one day or
two). Even the English citizens start moving to this island , so the old England lose all his prestige
and fall in a second middle age era

I think this book is topical nowadays , where everything has to be easy to get. You don't have to work hard in order to build or achieve something.
It is sufficient to switch on the tv set, to see programs, like the big brother and the like, where they give them the illusion that is enough to be in the frame to be...what?

grelobe

p.s. by the way, when I've been to London nine years ago, I fall in love with Hampstead, and since then I say to my wife , if by any chance we won at the lottery, first thing , we 've got to buy a house over there. But I think only one lottery win, it's not enough

I might do this differently, less Londoncentric if you know what I mean especially as the trip from London to Swansea cuts across such a beautiful landscape. On the way you might see evidence of kings that predate the Tower of London, the rolling Wiltshire downs, Wantage the birthplace of King Alfred, the stone circles at Avebury, white horses carved into the hillside, Silbury hill, Solsbury hill, Bath, Bristol with its suspension bridge that takes you to Wales. Swansea, the home of Shirley Bassey.

Just a suggestion, I've never been out of the US except to cross the border into Canada (one day, I'll make it there!). Besides all the wonderful suggestions already made, what about the road the Beatles made famous, Abbey Road I think it's called. Perhaps your relatives might like to see that too. Forgive my ignorance, but I think it's in London (if not the city proper, perhaps nearby?)

I avoided Abbey Road for the same reason I avoided the Bard's Stratford upon Avon - too over touristy and gimmicky. But here is a link to more information

inkognito, we did something similar after our first few trips. I think tho the first trip, you gotta do London!

Here is a link that might be useful: Abbey Road Studios

jankin, thanks so much for posting the link http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/
I found this info in a travel book before I went to England back in 1986 and did go to the house. It was wonderful. He only took so many people at a time per evening. What a delight. one room was like going inside a Beatrix Potter book with little mice popping out of tea cups and cupboards. at one point we had to be very quiet and we could hear footsteps outside as we were told the story of Jack the Ripper. It was one of my favorite evenings.

Another note; when I went to Stratford on Avon I signed up for the backstage tour of the Globe and it was very nice. They might still offer it. Where or where is my diary of my trip. . . . .

Actually, London has a replica of the Globe, that is quite splendid to visit. They give you a tour of the theatre, and you can also visit the very user friendly exhibits about the time period. Do try to get tickets to a show there. We saw Midsummers Night Dream, and its great fun.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shakespear's Globe Theatre

They were just laying the foundation for the Globe in London when I was there ('86). I remember on the Shakespeare Walk we looked at it I think it was after we stopped by the pub where the dog/bear fights used to be held.
I stayed at Beverly House Hotel
142 Sussex Gardens, London, GB W2 1UB
I paid 28 or 30 pounds a day for my room and had to walk up a flight to use the shower and/or bathroom..Just a room with a sink. It had a nice breakfast room and was very close to Paddington station. I didn't want anything fancy since I was really only using it to sleep. I spent 4 weeks there and I think I left a suitcase with them when I went to Scotland the last week. I came back early since I didn't care for the area in Scotland and got my old room back.
Well, thanks for bringing back a lot of happy memories.

It is good to read so many of your positive memories of London. Minnie sorry Scotland didn't suite you, there are some really beautiful areas but much can depend on the weather . . . and the midges.
I think B&B cost a few more £££'s than you paid way back, in fact London is probably one of the most expensive places to stay in the world.
I'm glad no-one suggested Madame Tussards waxworks. Even as a child I remember some of the exhibits were a bit moth-eaten and the Chamber of Horrors was not so gruesome as we were led to believe. Perhaps touists go to the London Dungeon these days for goulish thrills.

Glad to see Carolyn mentioned favourite meals (wot no chocolate?!).
I realise eating places change with the speed of light but does anyone remember/recommend meals that might tickle US taste-buds . . . other than well-known burger chains?
Did you really enjoy fish and chips or the 'All Day' pub grub? Breakfast always seems good value for money and keeps you going for a few hours.

Grelobe thanks for mentioning the book England England It is by Julian Barnes and he put his 'theme park' on the Isle of Wight, just off the coast below Southampton
Abbey Road is only a spit away from Hampstead; they could always walk over the zebra crossing and then go up to the Heath; not suitable at night as it has a 'reputation'.

Vee the last time I stayed in London it was in a hotel on the Bayswater Rd and we ate a lot of our meals at the nearby pub-The Swan, they had a great selection of hot food, tasty and good prices.
The friend that was with me on that trip had never been to England before and she thoroughly enjoyed those meals.

I wish I could recommend the hotel where we stayed!
Yes-London can be expensive, especially a decent place to stay, all the times I have been I have never stayed at the same place twice, nor would I recommend any of them!

Pat

I love fish and chips but obviously it depends on the quality. And you never know. However, last summer when I was in England, I ate the Ploughman's Lunch everywhere I went. Got quite addicted to chutney, I did. Also drank a lot of elderflower frisse (I think that's the name). Absolutely delicious and refreshing on a hot day.

Ha, Vee, I get my chocolate fix at the Charbonnel et Walker chocolate shop on Old Bond Street across Picadilly from Fortnum & Mason. Expensive, but wonderful.

We are pretty frugal travelers and have not eaten at upscale restaurants. Places we have liked besides Brown's are Maggie Jones off Kensington High Street, Gerrard's Corner in Chinatown, Savoir Faire on New Oxford Street, ASK Pizza (but offers good Italian food, also), Noor Jahan for Indian; and for fish and chips, North Sea and Rock and Sole Plaice. For afternoon tea, the Richoux chain is less expensive than the big hotels or Harrods and quite good. For lunch, Pret a Manger has good sandwiches.

You didn't mention price levels, but if the family is watching their expenses, suggest they try Priceline for a hotel. They should read biddingfortravel.com before they bid and bid on at least a three-star but preferable a four-star hotel in the area of choice. Choosing a Priceline vacation package that includes the airfare permits the choice of hotel from a list in the chosen area. The prices can be surprisingly reasonable; e.g., US$85 or 90 for a double room. P-line does not allow more than two people per room, however.

Murder One is a great secondhand mystery bookshop on Charing Cross Road.

More than you wanted to know, probably; but I do love it so.

>They were just laying the foundation for the Globe in London when I was there ('86)

That makes senes, we were there in the late 90s when we saw it, soon after it opened.

We loved pub food. And since we usually stayed at Bed and Breakfasts, we ate enough in the morning to keep us going till pub time. Perfect. And sometimes we happened upon a live music performance, extra nice for us.

I can't remember the name of the place where we had the best fish and chips I ever tasted, but it was a little place next to a bay in a small town. We sat up on the wall and ate, watching the boats. Mmmm, that was good

There is also (or was 7 years ago) a great Middle Eastern place, hole in the wall type, with really good food that was inexpensive. Its right across from the Brit Museum (I know, that helps a lot...)

Is Eat at Joes still in London? We went just for fun, and to see what they'd do to American food. It was fun, but not something we'd do again.

If you go to a travel agent in the states they can buy all the different tickets and tours ahead of time and it is supposed to be much cheaper. At least it was way back when.

(I don't know if they still have travel agents anymore)

If you fancy a sit down sght-see - friends of ours really enjoyed this ride - sorry I cant mske the link live but it's easy to cut and paste - you see all the sights by road and then the amphibian just drives onto the river for a trip by water.

http://www.londonducktours.co.uk/

I also liked the Ploughman's Lunches, especially in pubs.And the cider!

Do they still have the BritRail Pass you buy in the U.S. for unlimited train travel in the UK? (I traveled a lot that way when I was there).

I have to add this because I get a laugh out of it now and then. If I could find my travel journal I could be more specific but our tour bus parked at a really old inn on one of the trips. We sat at a large table in the pub area and I thought I'd get one of the famous meat pies I'd heard so much about. We were all served and I was just about to put my fork into it when the waitress came over and whisked it away - from under my nose - "Sorry Luv wrong pie!!"I can't remember what was served instead but we all had a good laugh that day!!

Since BritRail has been split up, I don't think you can get those tickets anymore, at least not here (and may I just say, as an American who became very spoiled by the trains in Britain and Europe, that the new system is a shadow of its former self. Hope its gotten better since we were there five years ago)

After the airlines stopped paying commissions to travel agents, most of the small ones went under. There are some, but anymore I find I can do most of the research and planning myself on the net.

I am surprised 'Ploughmen's' lunches are so popular in London, especially when you consider the lack of agriculture in the area . . . although my late Mother could remember sheep grazing in Hyde Park and it is possible to see horses being exercised in Rotten Row.
Mary, a TV ad. claimes that more cider is being drunk in the UK these days, but it's from an Irish co. that produces the stuff. In this neck-of-the-woods they make a local 'rip-gut' variety; powerful strong. There should be a better choice of beer/ale about these days, other than the dreaded Watney's Red Barrel that used to dominate the market some years ago.

Britrail passes are still available but you may need a second mortgage to travel by train. Travellers are in the ridiculous situation of using trains to get away from the over-crowded roads, only to find there are not nearly enough seats, especially for peak-time journeys. The rail co's increase the fares partly to put people off from this method of travelling, plus general greed and claims to spend the extra cash on 'upgrading' the service.
Still the best way of seeing the country IMO. An elderly US Aunt always uses the train when over her . . .often going in totally the wrong direction . . . and has made endless 'friends' on these journeys.

Here is a link that might be useful: Britrail passes

We always use the travel agents at AAA-free (if you are a member,) helpful, knowledgable and hardworking.

My husband and I have been to London many times and have seen most of the usual sights. Now we try to find somewhat out of the way places and events. A favourite is Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields No. 13. It is a magic place, not only for the exhibits, some of them unusual, but also for the house itself with its Regency décor. I like to think that one of Jane Austen's rich relatives may have had such a house as their London home.

On our latest visit in October we had the full English breakfast at the café in the crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and later the same day we had afternoon tea in the Orangery at Kensington Palace. Tea there is much cheaper than in expensive hotels like the Ritz and there is no need to wear a tie. My husband wouldn't have come with me otherwise. These meals kept us going all day until the pub sandwich in London's only surviving galleried coaching inn, George Inn, rebuilt in 1676. Shakespeare's company may have played in the yard by the look of it.

These are touristy places but less so than some of the more famous ones and they all have a lot of atmosphere.

>we had the full English breakfast at the café in the crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

We did this as well, and happened upon it on the same day as a St Martin in concert. Just lovely. I didn't know about the tea - have to remember that next time