to not go to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland thingy.

[littlegreenlight1]

Going to London with my children (10 and 14) before Christmas.
Never done the Winter wonderland thing.
Want to do something christmassy while we are there but not prepared to spend a mad amount and what Ive heard is its not really worth the amount you spend while there. Or is it? How much would you budget for a day out there?
I apologise if this has been done to death - I just cant think what else to do!!

I went in 2010 when it snowed. It was magical! I went again in the evening of 2012 and it was ducking nightmare - I couldn't move!!!

I will go again but I suggest week night evenings if possible or daytimr. Avoid Fri and sat as it is a 'place' to go and drink so will be busy. Book ice skating/observation tower/performances etc in advance as those sell out.

Rides are no more expensive than any other fun fair as with food. You'll pay about £5 for a bratwurst.

Avoid south bank 'festival' it's absolute shit in comparison.

Have fun!!

Absolute hell. I've tried to go twice in the past but never got in - it was just too busy and the queue was unmoving. Beats me how on earth people managed to have any fun once they got through the gate. We gave up.

We have already booked to go but a bit concerned reading this!!!
Anyone know where the nearest McDonald's is to Hyde park. Might be in need of cheap food!

I went on Saturday and it was way, way too crowded with stewards telling you to keep moving which you had no choice but to do as it was that bad. You couldn't relays top and see anything, food was overpriced, stores were overpriced and the fairground rides again were very overpriced for the 60 second rides!!!

I have been for the past 4 years but unless they start limiting numbers that go in so you can actually stroll around and see stuff I won't be going again.

I was in London at the weekend and the tube was absolutely crammed
They were announcing for people to get off at the stop before Hyde park and to walk to WW as it was so busy, so not good if you have young children
We went a couple of years ago, early in the day, and it was fine but I declined this year as could not stand the crush

Oh and the nearest tube went to exit only and me and 5 DS had to walk to Victoria station. Not an issue normally but we had been on out feet since 0945 that day, standing room only on trains from Sussex.

Marking

Bloody hell. I'm supposed to be going here 5 days before Christmas with my DH and three children aged 8 months, 6 and 8.

It sounds like maybe I should reconsider??

Went about 3 years ago. Didn't find it very magical. Ended up getting out of there as fast as possible. Lots of mud, crowds and plastic stalls selling sausages from memory.

SmokedSalmon - hyde park corner has fast food restaurants.

Ok this has made me a bit nervous! Supposed to be taking a teenager here on Sunday!
Any Christmassy places to go to?

I went to London last weekend and would definitely recommend the south bank christmas markets instead. Had a lovely time sampling all sorts of different things, fab atmosphere and found everything to be reasonably priced. Hyde park was insanely crowded and it was difficult to see anything. We had to queue for an age to get in too. Definitely would not go again. But if you do would recommend you go as early as possible.