are London theatres air conditioned yet? are the major museums (e.g., the BM, V&A)?

Question

I'll be in London for two weeks, last in August, first in September 2006. I've just learned that the tube has no A/C (yikes!), and I hear that many of the inter-city trains don't either. I live in San Francisco, and I'm spoiled, I guess. I start to sweat at 77 degrees F (25 C). I'm getting worried that I won't be able to leave my hotel room wihtout being miserable getting to, or being in, all the places I want to visit.

Answer 1

Hey, I'm from Toronto and also love my A/C. I just visited London this past weekend and it was about 33 C every day! And you are completely right -> the tube has no air conditioning, the theatre I went to see Footloose in had no air conditioning, and none of the major attractions I visited had air conditioning =( It was rough. If you're lucky you might find a restaurant or two and a couple of stores sporting the good ole A/C...

I won't speak for the BM, or the V&A as I didn't visit them.. if you find yourself on a really hot day the Tower of London is a good place to go because the stone walls really keep the heat out.

Answer 2

None of these are air conditioned. You can'y use air conditioning in museums and galleries unless you want to damage the collections. Hotel rooms will probably have it and Virgin Trains too. You'll be ok sweating along with the rest of the population. Just don't stand next to very tall people on the tube!!!!

Answer 3

Laura B is pretty much correct in what she is saying about London but you have to remember that this type of heat is rare in the UK and that AC is not a necessity for anyone in this country. Alot of restaurants do have AC. However its unlikely that the weather will be like this by the time you reach London. If you want a good rescource check out http://www.londonvacationguide.com which will help you with anything you need for your trip. Good Luck and enjoy your stay.

Answer 4

Hi. Air conditioning is pretty uncommon outside North America you know, just because we don't waste energy with air-con at every posssble opportunity doesn't make us uncivilised in some way.

Yes we have been having a heatwave here in the UK recently (like 35C), but clearly you are mistaken about the UK climate, it is not normally very hot and certainly not as hot as San Francisco. At the time you are coming over here it will not be very hot at all. About 18C maximum so I wouldn't worry about it.