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Original poster

To go on holiday in London?

65 replies

RessicaJabbit · 14/10/2025 22:54

We live near Stevenage, and DD is 6 and loves visiting London, but it's a long old day.

We're thinking of going on holiday there like Mon-Fri or something. Is this mad??

Would do things like the museums, cable cars etc but not have to spend hours on the train getting there and back again in one day.

OP posts:
kellygoeswest · 15/10/2025 16:35

I grew up in Croydon and we'd sometimes go on trips to London (anything from 3-5 days) when I was growing up. It helped that my aunt was a hotel manager so we got to stay on Park Lane and a few other places for her family rate!

I always loved the trips, it was really fun getting dressed up and going to shows (this was back when you could get discounted show tickets if you queued up in Leicester Square on the day) and generally just exploring, going to Planet Hollywood (the peak of cool for 8 year old me)...

Snugglemonkey · 15/10/2025 16:25

Not mad at all. We go for a four night stay every year. We all have a great time.

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 15/10/2025 14:06

Fab idea, we’re in Yorkshire but live a few days in London. We usually stay in a family room in a Premier Inn, favourite being the one at Angel as we love it around there, easy to get to and great local restaurants.

ViolaChomp · 15/10/2025 13:42

We have 3 nights in London every summer. I love it 😀

ApolloandDaphne · 15/10/2025 09:42

You absolutely should do this. I live fairly close to Edinburgh but next week we are going to stay there for 4 nights as we want to go to shows, galleries and restaurants without having to trek home in between. I'm really looking forward to it.

AbsentosaurusRex · 15/10/2025 09:38

No of course YANBU! It’s the best city in the world! I lived there for 20years and still go back when I can. Enjoy! x

GreyLion · 15/10/2025 09:36

Go for it. I live in Leicestershire and go to London alone a few times a year. Often stay in Premier Inns and love to just relax after a long day instead of travelling straight back home again.

dottiedodah · 15/10/2025 09:26

I think it's a great idea to go for it! I lived in London in pre historic times as a child ,(well the 60s !) and well remember all the sights and Buildings I was so impressed by. I love a day out in London now(Live SC these days) so a week would be lovely for you and DC.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 15/10/2025 09:17

If you can afford it please have afternoon tea at the ampersand hotel. It's not far from the museums in Kensington and they dinosaur and science themed teas.

mouldedacrylic · 15/10/2025 09:16

Do it! You have such a different experience when you know you're not running for a train at 7pm. I rate the Premier Inns for a good budget stay.

Denim4ever · 15/10/2025 09:13

London is a big place, so I do get this. However, some of the things you might want to do are all over the place and staying near one of them would only shorten trooping about on the tube.

Westfacing · 15/10/2025 09:11

squashyhat · 15/10/2025 08:55

I commuted in or to London all my working life - latterly an hour's train journey each way. During retirement I have continued to go for theatre, exhibitions etc but decided I would never again be running for a train home after an event, especially late at night. So I always book an overnight stay in a Premier Inn. It turns the trip into a mini holiday. I have two coming up which I'm really looking forward to.

but decided I would never again be running for a train home after an event, especially late at night.

Yes you often see people leaving just before the end of an event - no doubt rushing off to get the last train!

KittyEmK · 15/10/2025 09:08

Sounds really fun! It's a great idea

Westfacing · 15/10/2025 09:07

Sounds like a great idea. You'll have just the one return journey to navigate then each morning after the hotel breakfast off you go for that day's adventure.

Day trips are often curtailed because you have to make sure you get to the station on time to return home, factor in delays, etc and miss out on evening activities.

Original poster
RessicaJabbit · 15/10/2025 08:58

Swiftie1878 · 15/10/2025 08:22

We stay at the Novotel (Blackfriars).
Great access to the South Bank, and it even has a pool!

Show quote history

Oooh shall investigate. Thanks!

OP posts:
squashyhat · 15/10/2025 08:55

I commuted in or to London all my working life - latterly an hour's train journey each way. During retirement I have continued to go for theatre, exhibitions etc but decided I would never again be running for a train home after an event, especially late at night. So I always book an overnight stay in a Premier Inn. It turns the trip into a mini holiday. I have two coming up which I'm really looking forward to.

Swiftie1878 · 15/10/2025 08:22

RessicaJabbit · 15/10/2025 07:53

Just need to find somewhere that isn't going to be more than my mortgage 😂😂😂

We stay at the Novotel (Blackfriars).
Great access to the South Bank, and it even has a pool!

Randomchat · 15/10/2025 08:16

Hotel breakfast!

Staying over is so different to going home. You can wander around and see everything lit up. Definitely stay.

Cynic17 · 15/10/2025 08:13

It's a fantastic idea - there is do much to do. I "go on holiday" to London a couple of times a year.

LaurieFairyCake · 15/10/2025 08:13

Do it ! I live in London and stayed at a posh hotel for my anniversary last year just for a change. Was wonderful

chillichoclove · 15/10/2025 08:01

In reality getting anywhere in London takes time so going to cable cars is exhausting regardless? Unless you stay far east. Then getting to the museums takes time. But a short break in London is lovely and do what makes you happy!

Original poster
RessicaJabbit · 15/10/2025 07:53

Just need to find somewhere that isn't going to be more than my mortgage 😂😂😂

OP posts:
MellowPinkDeer · 15/10/2025 07:44

It’s 35 minutes to central London from here and we often have London weekenders! I love staying in a fancy hotel and walking about! Go for it Op!

gannett · 15/10/2025 07:42

You'll have a nicer time, won't be as rushed and won't be short of things to do. Depends whether you think those benefits outweigh the cost of overnight accommodation or not.

mamagogo1 · 15/10/2025 07:41

We do it once a year, just 1 or 2 nights though. Stayed at an amazing place by natural history museum this time

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