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Post by janet on Aug 23, 2024 14:52:55 GMT
My daughter and I are going to London in a couple of weeks - she is studying at Westminster University this entire year and I have to leave her there  We fly into Heathrow and our hotel is in the Notting Hill area. What's the best way to get there from Heathrow? There is a Tube station relatively close to the hotel, but we'll have a few suitcases with us. Thanks for any advice! Oh, and if there are some "DO NOT MISS" things to do, let me know. Our schedule is somewhat packed but we have a little free time to fill up. Thanks! |
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,073
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Aug 23, 2024 15:12:07 GMT
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Post by gar on Aug 23, 2024 15:46:34 GMT
I'm not much help with transport I'm afraid but she's in a nice area  It's not far from Covent Garden, The National Gallery, Hyde Park, Regents Park, Liberty's for some retail pleasure ...all good places to visit in the vicinity. I hope she has a fab time  |
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Post by janet on Aug 23, 2024 16:08:38 GMT
This is a GREAT help, thank you!! |
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Post by malibou on Aug 23, 2024 16:08:53 GMT
There are easy to follow directions on getting into London from Heathrow, as well as several options. We always just take the tube into London. You may have to transfer, but that isn't a big deal either. As far as must see places, may I suggest Biscuiteer it's fantastic! |
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Post by lucyg on Aug 23, 2024 16:29:45 GMT
Everything in London is DO NOT MISS.
What are you most interested in? History (what period?), art, architecture, theatre, walking tours, parks/flowers, museums, shopping, afternoon tea …
I recommend taking one of the hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tours to start with. They congregate near Piccadilly Circus, maybe by the Ritz? I forget.
If you only have one day, I’d go with Buckingham Palace/St. James’ Park/Westminster Abbey/Big Ben/Westminster Bridge. And the London Eye (giant Ferris wheel, can see the whole city) if that’s your thing. You could finish up with afternoon tea at the Ritz or another good hotel, but you’ll need a reservation.
Personally, I LOVE the Tower of London, but that could be an all-day visit all by itself. You can also do a Harry Potter studio tour if you’re HP fans … it’s outside of London but there’s a bus or train or something that goes there. I haven’t been, but my sister went and enjoyed it.
(not a UK pea, just a London-phile)
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Post by malibou on Aug 23, 2024 16:44:04 GMT
How long will you be there? Are you interested in must see sites, or are you looking for things a bit different? Food? Markets? Rooftop bars? Walking tours? Houses of notable people?
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Post by janet on Aug 23, 2024 16:49:01 GMT
How long will you be there? Are you interested in must see sites, or are you looking for things a bit different? Food? Markets? Rooftop bars? Walking tours? Houses of notable people? Basically 4 full days. One of those days we are taking the train up to Liverpool to visit friends. I do want to see the Tower of London as that is one place I haven't been in my trips there before (not since 1987 so really I feel like I've never been) One day will be devoted to moving her into her dorm and exploring the school area and surrounding spots - and probably shopping for supplies...i'm a foodie but she is picky so I'm hoping to find stuff she will like. We are seeing two shows during the evening so that will be fun. I'm a rooftop bar person  and she's legal there so she may be also! Oh and Westminster Abbey is a must see also, thank you lucy for the reminder! |
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Post by malibou on Aug 23, 2024 17:05:50 GMT
For an amazing rooftop bar experience, I recommend Madison's. It is in the multi storied mall adjacent to St Paul's Cathedral. You take a glass elevator up that has the cathedral highlighted for all 6 floors. At sunset it is truly a site to see. They also make an amazing Paper Plane cocktail.
Be sure to check out the grocery stores nearest to her lodgings. They have a lot of prepared foods that are really good. It would be an easy and inexpensive way for her to explore different types of cuisine without the expense of restaurants.
Sky Garden is totally worth it. You can try to score free tickets, or you can go online and get a reservation for a cocktail and not have to stand in the queue. I recommended about an hour before sunset, so you can see the city in the daylight and then hang around as it transitions to night.
Enjoy!
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 23, 2024 18:30:30 GMT
Depending on how close you are to the hotel from the station, you can always call an Uber/taxi from the station to the hotel. Or you can Uber/taxi from the airport but it will obviously be expensive. The website will tell you, but I seem to remember an express train from the airport into the city. But it’s been years and I could be confusing it with another trip.
We did a half day at the Tower and it wasn’t nearly enough time. And we didn’t even wait in line to see the Crown Jewels.
The Harry Potter Leavesden studios tour is excellent. It will definitely need an entire day, so plan accordingly if you go. But it’s an easy train ride to Watford Junction and there are shuttle busses to the studio.
For sightseeing, I’d pick an area and explore it, then do another area on a return trip. Otherwise you will spend all of your time with travel.
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Post by ~summer~ on Aug 23, 2024 18:45:36 GMT
If you are staying in Notting Hill, Gold on Portobello Rd is fun for drinks or dinner. goldnottinghill.com/ |
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We fly into Heathrow and our hotel is in the Notting Hill area. What's the best way to get there from Heathrow? There is a Tube station relatively close to the hotel, but we'll have a few suitcases with us.
It's not far from Covent Garden, The National Gallery, Hyde Park, Regents Park, Liberty's for some retail pleasure ...all good places to visit in the vicinity.
and she's legal there so she may be also!
