Page 4 | Can anyone who knows London advise me please

hungryhippo25 · 2023-08-20T18:03:17+00:00

Next week dh and I are taking dc to London for the day. Neither of us have been before (never even been abroad) so we are not the most savvy of travellers. I'm trying to create a bit of an itinerary but am struggling to gauge the distances and practicality of what we've planned. Our plan is to hop straight on the underground to green park so we can walk to Buckingham palace. This doesn't look too far to walk. We were then hoping to walk up to Covent Garden from here, stopping via Trafalgar sq. Google maps says this is a distance of about 1.6 miles which isn't far but I'm conscious that with the crowds and heat and not knowing where we're going it could seem longer. Is walking practical? Is it a straightforward route? And if there are any other travel tips you may have for total tourists it would be greatly appreciated. I know we each need a contactless card for the tube (kids have Go Henry cards which I'm hoping will work).

Minesril · 21/08/2023 14:06

limitedperiodonly · 21/08/2023 13:17

Do not try the stairs at Covent Garden.

Oh God, yes, don't try this! I did this when I was 15 and there was a big queue for the lifts and I couldn't be bothered to wait. I was a very fit girl so thought I'd be all right. Part way up my legs started to wobble. I had to sit down and rest at one point and wondered how I would every get out without crawling. I made it in the end but I learned my lesson. There are warning signs at the bottom but like a teenager, I ignored them.

You only ever do it once 😂 I think I was in my twenties when I thought I'd give it a go, so can't even blame teenage idiocy.

CoffeeCantata · 21/08/2023 16:35

If your children are old enough to walk a bit, how about a walk along the South Bank of the Thames from Westminster down to Tower Bridge (or as much or as little as you fancy)? You'll get a great view of so many landmarks and the river itself. Lots of places for coffee stops en route and a buzzy atmosphere.

I hope you have a lovely time!

Original poster

hungryhippo25 · 21/08/2023 16:44

So many good tips I'm taking note! Realistically I don't think we are going to get to do a fraction of the things that we want to in one day. I don't want to have too strict of an itinerary because I'd like to spend time at the places we actually make it to and soak them in. I'd love to nip into a couple of the galleries too if we have time and I know dc will want to go in various shops.

Dh (who has an unusually weak bladder for a man) has also asked me to ask what public toilets are like? Are there many dotted about? Do you have to pay? Is it possible to nip into pubs and use the loo or is that frowned upon? Do they have them in all tube stations?

OP posts:

Legoroses · 21/08/2023 16:46

I think your route sounds great. While 120 Fenchurch Street is pretty good, it's literally miles and miles from your planned route and would require getting the tube. It's really not worth it given you've got plenty to see from Buck Palace to Covent Grd. If you do actually run out of stuff to do at Covent Grd, head down to the Strand and go across the river at Embankment - there's a pedestrian bridge that takes you to the South Bank. There's a Wagamama and other big chains directly down from the bridge. And as others have said - walking along the river there at the South Bank is v nice.

bryceQ · 21/08/2023 16:48

The galleries and museums have toilets. Places like coffee shops and pubs will but you might need to buy a drink. Tube stations don't as far as I'm away. I wouldnt use a public toilet as it would be grim. I'd say he needs to just time it.

If you don't have time to do everything I'd skip Buckingham Palace... I don't really get what there is to see. Loads more galleries at trafalgar sq and lots of street entertainment in Covent Garden

londonmummy1966 · 21/08/2023 16:49

hungryhippo25 · 21/08/2023 16:44

So many good tips I'm taking note! Realistically I don't think we are going to get to do a fraction of the things that we want to in one day. I don't want to have too strict of an itinerary because I'd like to spend time at the places we actually make it to and soak them in. I'd love to nip into a couple of the galleries too if we have time and I know dc will want to go in various shops.

Dh (who has an unusually weak bladder for a man) has also asked me to ask what public toilets are like? Are there many dotted about? Do you have to pay? Is it possible to nip into pubs and use the loo or is that frowned upon? Do they have them in all tube stations?

THere are loos in Green Park tube - just before the exit into the park which technically have a charge but I've see lots of people hop over the turnstile... Otherwise most coffee places have loos.

There are however much nicer loos in Fortnum & Mason (think 1st floor for ladies not sure about men) so if you arrive at Green Park and need the facilities I'd pop in there.

beguilingeyes · 21/08/2023 16:52

If you go near it, there's a really nice ice-cream parlour in Fortnum and Mason on the second floor that is lovely and reasonably priced.
There's is ice cream everywhere in London at the moment. It seems like every other shop.
I've lived here for 40 years and there are still bits I stumble across that Ivr never seen before.

dressedforcomfort · 21/08/2023 16:56

If you do need to use public transport, recommend using TfL journey planner pages on their website. You can navigate anywhere in London using any form of public transport.

tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/

TherealmrsT · 21/08/2023 16:56

Mainline Train stations have loos (mostly free now), eg Victoria, Charing Cross and Waterloo. Last time I was there there were also free toilets in Trafalgar sq which were not grim, and I think there are some round Westminster and in the parks but it's been a while (they might charge, but some took contactless)
I also have the "Toilet finder" app which is also helpful.

WoolyMammoth55 · 21/08/2023 17:06

MakeItRain · 20/08/2023 19:20

I would recommend thinking about where and when you want to eat and book a table online before you go. Places can fill up fast and it's depressing to be turned away! Maxwells (recommended above) does online bookings. Or there's a Pizza Express in Charing Cross Road if you want something easy.

I grew up in London (suburbs!) and moved out to raise kids in the middle of nowhere...

AMAZING FOOD is the thing I most miss! If your kids are even slightly adventurous eaters then please take them to eat somewhere exciting.

Dim sum in Chinatown, or sushi, or Vietnamese... You can order kid-friendly noodles at any of them but also get some exciting sides! It's all authentic and delicious and a million miles better than any rural 'ethnic' food will ever be.

Hope you have a great fun trip :)

XelaM · 21/08/2023 17:10

Henddraig · 20/08/2023 19:14

Apply for a zip Oyster card and travel is free up to 15.

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/11-15-zip-oyster-photocard?intcmp=55575#on-this-page-1

Free only on buses. Discounted (but not free) on the tube

Charley50 · 21/08/2023 18:36

hungryhippo25 · 21/08/2023 16:44

So many good tips I'm taking note! Realistically I don't think we are going to get to do a fraction of the things that we want to in one day. I don't want to have too strict of an itinerary because I'd like to spend time at the places we actually make it to and soak them in. I'd love to nip into a couple of the galleries too if we have time and I know dc will want to go in various shops.

Dh (who has an unusually weak bladder for a man) has also asked me to ask what public toilets are like? Are there many dotted about? Do you have to pay? Is it possible to nip into pubs and use the loo or is that frowned upon? Do they have them in all tube stations?

Dunno if it's just me, but if i really need to go t'toilet in London or anywhere, I'll go into a pub, smile at bar staff (if it's fairly empty), looking around for my (imaginary) friends. Then I'll nip into the loo, and come out saying 'where are you? Im here...' into my phone. Probably is just me 🤣.

Charley50 · 21/08/2023 18:38

I used to walk up those stairs in Covent Garden all the time 😇.

I agree not to pack too much in. It's nice just being in London and if you're in a rush you'll be constantly thinking of the next place you have to get to.

CatherinedeBourgh · 21/08/2023 18:44

hungryhippo25 · 21/08/2023 16:44

So many good tips I'm taking note! Realistically I don't think we are going to get to do a fraction of the things that we want to in one day. I don't want to have too strict of an itinerary because I'd like to spend time at the places we actually make it to and soak them in. I'd love to nip into a couple of the galleries too if we have time and I know dc will want to go in various shops.

Dh (who has an unusually weak bladder for a man) has also asked me to ask what public toilets are like? Are there many dotted about? Do you have to pay? Is it possible to nip into pubs and use the loo or is that frowned upon? Do they have them in all tube stations?

There are very good toilets in all the museums in London, which are all free to go into. National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, Natural History museum or V&A in South Ken and British Museum in Bloomsbury.

The wonderful thing about the museums in London being free is that you don't have to make any visit an epic, you can literally go in, look at one painting/object and leave. And they have decent toilets. The British Museum is a firm favourite with my dc, head for the Assyrian or the Egyptian galleries (lots of giant statues).

AndyWarholShoes · 21/08/2023 18:51

elenaf · 21/08/2023 08:10

An alternative option would be to get the train to London Bridge, look at Borough Market, then walk along the South Bank to Waterloo. You go past the Golden Hinde, the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge (featured in Harry Potter), the Globe Theatre, St Paul's, the OXO tower and there is often a little book market by the National Theatre. It's a nice relaxing walk, as there is no traffic.

At Waterloo, you are right by the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. If you cross the Golden Jubilee footbridge, you are close to Trafalgar Square (National Portrait Gallery) or cross Waterloo Bridge for Covent Garden.

Alternatively, you can rest your legs by getting a boat at Waterloo - Thames Clippers to Greenwich are great. Or there is the Terrible Thames boat.

If you're not used to London, I think this area is a bit more relaxing just because you're not dealing with traffic and there's more space. Lots of restaurants and picnic spots along the way.

I would prefer this route.

I would not bother with Buckingham Palace, the big museums, St James’ etc.

And definitely not Mme Tussauds, the Lego or M and M shop! Busy and pretty underwhelming once you are in.

Legoroses · 21/08/2023 23:04

On your original route - toilets - there are toilets in St JamesPark (which is adjacent to Buck Palace). Two standalone blocks at either end of the park and also in the Inn in the Park or whatever the big cafe is called now. Then there are loos in the subway for Westminster Station - best entrance for the loos is the one right outside HMRC/DCMS on corner of Parliament Street. Am not so sure as you get to Charing Cross but would feel reasonably confident about the mainline station. Plus theres a Maccy Ds just there. And in Covent Gdn there always used to be loos just behind where the performers are and also a less well known (& my favourite) ladies (but there must be a bloke's loo, I just haven't noticed) in the alley way to the right of the London Transport Museum. If you cross the river, there's great toilets in the Royal Festival Hall.