The Floppy clan is off to the UK next month. I was born and raised in North London (East Finchley) but have lived in the US since 1989.
I have not been back to the UK since 1998. I’m sure a lot has changed.
So…I have about 5 days in London.
I certainly want to do the London Eye and the Tate Modern which are new (to me) but what else would you recommend? How about some good pubs that weren’t there in the 80s and are worth a visit?
Mr and Mrs Floppy are in our early 40s. We will be carting kids around (11,13).
We plan to use the Underground and I have researched the Oyster card. What about cell phone (mobile) use? We both have service through TMobile here in the US. Will my Blackberry 7105t work over there in London? Will her Razr V3 work?
We’re then driving up to Edinburgh. Is it worth getting a diesel now that fuelprices have skyrocketed?
Any hints or tips would be appreciated.
Both the Eye and the Tate Modern are worth a go, but honestly, my skin is crawling right now thinking of the swarms of people… and the heat… and the people and heat in the underground… I highly recommend you spend a day in each borough and include some walking (e.g. go to Notting Hill, visit Portobello Market, have a picnic lunch and dinner in the area) rather than tubing it from location to location. You might also want to try swimming and a picnic at Hampstead Heath.
Your Blackberry should work here, according to this review: http://www.mobiledia.com/phones/rim/blackberry-7105t.html
Her Razr will also work, but both might turn out to be expensive, in roaming fees. This is something you will have to talk to T-Mobile about; will they allow you to roam on the T-Mobile network in the UK?
You might want to look into buying tickets for the Eye beforehand to avoid standing in line with the rest of the crowd: The lastminute.com London Eye: The Official Tickets Website
The Tube can definitely be very crowded and hot in July - carry water with you and try to avoid travelling during peak times. Unfortunately, in London in July, most times apart from early morning and late evening are peak times, especially around the touristy bits like the Museums. Definitely get an Oyster card and put a 3-day travelcard on it, if you plan to be travelling a lot around London. If you’re taking things more sedately, a pay-as-you-go card might be a better deal. Unfortunately, your kids are too old to travel free (the cut-off is 11), so they’ll need cards of their own.
Speaking of museums, I would certainly try to fit some in, depending on your family’s interests - the Science, Natural History, British and Victoria & Albert are all worth a visit. London’s parks are also a great way to spend some time - I’m particularly fond of Regent’s Park.
London to Edinburgh is about 400 miles. Going by a mid-range estimate of running costs at around 13p per mile for diesel (Car running costs and cost of fuel | The AA) and about 15p per mile for petrol (Car running costs and cost of fuel | The AA), you’ll be saving £8 in fuel costs. I’m not sure that makes it worthwhile, to be honest.
Just ask if you need to know Edinburgh stuff…
Fairly comprehensive ‘what’s on’ guide - Edinburgh Oracle
The main modern art galleries
I haven’t lived in the area since 2003, so my information is slightly out of date.
Normally, I tell people to go to Greenwich. I would do it this way: take the train from Charing Cross to Greenwich or the DLR from Bank/Tower Gateway to Cutty Sark. Check out the Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Observatory, and spend some time wandering in Greenwich Park.
Have lunch or dinner in the Trafalgar pub. The food is average but it’s right on the river. Then when you’re done, take the boat back along the river to Westminster.
I used to like flying kites on Blackheath. It’s kinda cheesy, but what the hell. Of course, you need a bit of wind for that.
Phone wise, you probably need to set up international roaming before you leave the US, but otherwise it should work.
If you’re not too pushed for time why not use the buses instead of the Tube its a much more pleasant experience and you get to see Londons monuments and normal life in comparative comfort.
As you like art The National gallery is a must and personally I much prefer the original Tate to the Tate modern which to my eyes seems pretentious and self conscious.
Howabout a boat tip down the river and a visit to the Imperial War museum?
Its been a while since you were away so some of the old facourites will seem fresh and interesting again.
Must mention,one of my best mates was landlord of the Trafalgar some years ago.
I’m not a London doper myself but recently visited for a few days. Along with the places listed above I really enjoyed the waxworks the London Dungeon. (clicky) It’s very clever and has a little bit of London history and there were people there of all ages enjoying it when I was there.