London sightseeing?

Question

If I have 2 days to fill in what would be my best plan of action to see the sights, will be based in London and recovering from a 24 hour flight first. Also what will the weather be like early September-much rain? Transfers from Heathrow to central London by mini bus-can they be booked on arrival or is it safer to book them over the net-due to arrive at 0630. I will have the day in London on my last day and a 10pm flight are there any shower facilities at the airport or a hotel like in Singapore where you can have a day room?

Also I will be travelling to Ireland and believe I need Euros-are handibanks easily accessable or would I be best changing currency in London before I leave? Any hints for ireland about food specilities etc would be much appreciated. Apart from Crystal any mustt have souvenirs?

Answer 1

Hi there,

The tube from Heathrow to central London costs only £3-4 or £5 if you buy day travel card which will allow you to travel anywhere in London on that day by train, tube or bus. Highly recommended.

In early September it is usually very warm. London does not get a huge amount of rain these days (contrary to reputation). We had a drought this year but then it rained non stop in August. September and October were gorgeous.

The South Bank is a great way to spend a day. The London Eye is £9 per person and the views are tremendous. Then you can walk along the river (going east) to the Festival Hall where the Hayward Gallery is and lots of shops and smaller galleries. Keep going east and you will find yourself at the Tate Modern (free entry) and Shakespeare Globe if you fancy some theatre. Keep going further east and you will end up at Borough Market - open on Fridays and Saturdays (fantastic) and then further east to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

You can get a boat trip back to the Houses of Parliament and Westminister Abbey if you feel up to it. Or you could go further east to Greenwich by boat. Be sure to show your travel card for discount rates.

Buses are great in London. The number 11 will take you the same route as the sightseeing buses. Your travel pass lets you take as many bus journeys as you want. Buckingham Palace is a short distance from Trafalgar Square and you can walk through some great parks.

Yes, there are showers at the airport!

Well that should keep you busy! Have a great trip.

Answer 2

OK, here's my view:
Ireland first.
Jags, there are plenty of ATMs/Handibanks in Dublin (& all the smaller towns) , plus the usual Amex or other currency exchange places at Heathrow & Dublin airports. Whichever bit of Ireland you're going to, try to visit the coast. As a European, I have always been fascinated by the Irish coast, so I hope it holds the same appeal for you.

Heathrow/Central London:
You should have no trouble getting a tube (London Underground) from Heathrow at that time in the morning. However, if you need a minibus or taxi because you've lots of luggage, then it is better to book in advance.
If you want to relax on the first day, then the Science & Natural History museums (one just round the corner from the other) are low cost & relaxing. Plus, within 5 minutes walk you have lots of places to eat around South Kensington Station, like some very reasonible Italian restaurants.
I have never needed to stay at a hotel near Heathrow, but there are certainly plenty nearby (I used to work there).

One more thing - you can buy a one day 'travel card' for the tube/busses in London, and also use this as part fair for some of the Thames river boats.

Answer 3

emmmm ok u will have to go for a ride on the london eye about £30, do buckingham palace and big ben the houses of parliment and the millenium dome rain is always possible in britain and its very cold here. transfers run all the time when the airport is open so dont worry too much about it. heathrow im afraid does not have shower cubicals i think there is a hotel nearby but to be honest i think it will probably be a little pricey

hope this helps

Answer 4

Depends on your interests.

There are museums, galleries so on if you want to be inspired.
There's a ton of shopping to be had... Areas depending on if you are rich or not so rich.
(Chelsea, Regent Street, Harrods, Hampstead if you're flush. Camden, Soho, Covent Garden if you're not so flush.)

There's lots of sight seeing. You can book a river boat ride, go by bus on a tour or find your own way round by walking,tube,taxi or bus! Best way to make the most of sights is to do a tour though.


Check out this book for EVERY THING you need to know.
http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9781405310888,00.html

But its England. so you are guaranteed rain!

Have a great time though. I lived there for 5 years and its a great city with loads to do.


With re. to Ireland...
You can get linen, crystal and usual tat with shamrocks and Celtic symbols. You can pick up some really nice crafts and jewellery though, if that's what you're in to! There are also lots of Guinness products available too.
Check out PROPER Irish pubs. Not the themed stuff you get every where.
If you're going to Dublin, check out Grafton Street. If you can tour to the South West for the real old Irish charm and fantastic scenery.

Answer 5

I think the one i went on was Big Bus but im not sure... Worth checking though cos one of them offers or atleast did then offer a boat tout too. That was pretty interesting. The one i went on offered a route and you could "hop on, hop off" at any point throughout the day on their many busses. The first bus i was on we were on the top of the bus, open aired, where everything he said was clear but the secon bujs we got on after the river boat tour we were on the bottom level and the acoustics where absolute rubbish, i couldnt understand a word the guide was saying.. BUT all that said it was a few years ago. Best of luck hope you have a great time.

Answer 6

Expect rain in London all year round. September can be quite pleasant though.
To see everything, I suggest getting on one of the sightseeing buses. You can jump on and off at different stops, and see anything that interests you.
You don't really need a mini-bus transfer into central London. The underground system goes straight into the centre and takes about 1/2 hour.

Answer 7

London is absolutely amazing, i went there on a band trip and we did everything, You could go to any of the castles, London Dungeon, See the crown Jewels and Windsor castle, go on the Londo eye, go shopping at Harrods, picadilly square is awesome at night almost like Time Square. go see the changin of the guards and buckingham palace, go to St. James place. There is so much to do and nothing a let down, if anything i would take a guided tour at the london dungeon, it is kind of eerie but cool.

Answer 8

Londons a big place you will never cover it in a month,ask a Black Cab driver (taxi)tell them your interests and they will put you right

Answer 9

i don't know, but i ALWAYS wanted to go to london!!!