Probably done a million times - things to do/where to eat in London

[MyAngels]

We're off to London for the weekend next week with DH and DD(7) and DS(4) I am armed with:

Kellogs vouchers for London Eye
241 Vouchers for HMS Belfast/Cutty Sark/River Cruises
Timed ticket for Dinosaurs at Natural History Museum (is there a best time to go Saturday/Sunday BTW?)

Was also planning to see the changing of the guard.

Is the Olympic park worth a visit?
What about one of those hop on hop off bus tour thingys? Worth it?

Eating:
I had planned a meal in Chinatown (early eve and quick) for Saturday evening
Pizza Express?
Better options?

We are staying at the Premier Inn near Monument if that helps with any suggestions (I know Tower of London is nearby but the 241 is not valid in the summer hols (grrrr) - worth the price?)

Thanks all
x

Depending on how energetic you and your brood are, from Monument, you could walk to Borough Market, past the Golden Hind (I think) and down to the Southbank. It's pretty lively down there, you can get an ice cream and walk along the Southbank towards the London Eye. The Aquarium is down there too, but I would imagine it will be rammed. For food - unless there is something you specifically want to see around Chinatown, I would maybe stick along the Southbank. There are the usual chains around there, but there's also a really nice independent pizza restaurant at Gabriel's Wharf called the Gourmet Pizza Company. Not too expensive and they have outdoor seating, it's just a nice experience.

swap pizza express for Prezzo and you can use Tesco vouchers. PE don't accept Tesco vouchers in London

Lots of good free stuff in a walk along the South Bank esp with summer festival on - giant sandpit, great buskers, free galleries, singing lift at Festival Hall, etc.

The Transport Museum is brilliant but pricey - unless you go back frequently, in which case it's cheaper as the ticket is an annual. Mind you, all my DS is talking about after a day out yesterday is the fountains in Trafalgar Square.

What about the Museum of Childhood, Corams Fields, or Battersea Park?

Have you looked at the free events London website?

Tas (Turkish) and Wahaca (Mexican) are both good value and they have them in different parts of London. I've been there when on expenses but noted them as affordable and good places to eat when paying myself!

If you find yourself near Oxford Circus/Tottenham Court Road then head to "Market Place" (behind/north east of Topshop) or Charlotte Street for non tourist places to eat. Ecco pizza on the corner of Charlotte and Goodge Streets is very good value at lunchtime. I would only bother going to these areas in the week as they are dead at weekends tho.

The hop on hop off bus is horrible and hideously expensive. Do a self guided tour for the price of a travelcard:
www.londonforfree.net/outdoors/bustour/bustour.shtml

There is a Wahaca on South Bank.

The south bank is great for kids. Loads going on, water fountains/splash park if hot and a big sand pit under the trees which mine loved.

Science museum was absolutely brilliant and not busy. Natural history museum was packed and really hot. MASSIVE queue to see the T. rex.

We had a fabulous time and it left me wanting to move back to London! Enjoy.

I love wahaca.
Get me some fish tacos if you're going!

Holborn Whippet does good pizza!

Something to do? How about www.booksabouttown.org.uk/?action=ListBenches.

Go to ' mayflower' Chinese on edge of china town. Not a fancy Chinese restaurant but good prose and one of the bet Chinese restaurants I have eaten at. It's open 5pm-5am or similar and is always full at every hour ( have basement as restive also which fills up first)

If you're on Southbank, go to the Appearing Rooms fountain by the Royal Festival Hall if it's hot. And for food, there is a brilliant street food market behind the Royal Festival Hall (the opposite side to the river, next to Canteen Restaurant). A huge variety of really great food that is a waaay better bet than all the chains along the riverfront.

Go up Monument - it's a good view over London and much cheaper than other things-you-go-up.