Photo courtesy flappingwings
I leave Sunday night for a 9 day trip to Scotland with my father. The travel around Scotland will be planned as we go along by my father and I. At this point, the priority of things I want to see consist of 1) family roots and places my father went to school while there as a child, 2) Scottish history, specifically some William Wallace stuff as well as the highlands, and 3) anything else we decide to go see.
I fly into London, where I’ll have about 24 hours to see the sights before hopping on the train to Scotland where I will hook up with my dad. So this week’s question (nothing like waiting until the last minute):
What are some things I should be sure to see while in London?
Bear in mind, this is my first time to Europe so I will want to see some of the mainstays. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament, etc. What else should I try to take in along the way?
Please give me your recommendations or experiences in the comments below. Thanks a lot. I will try and update you as to what I see after my 24 hour London plunge is complete. Updates will be in the comments as well.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great adventure! Where does your father live now? Kansas?
Sorry, but my experience in other countries is limited to an afternoon in Tijuana. But is it were me, I would find Abbie Road and other things associated with the Beatles! I think I just dated myself.
If you’re going to see Parliment then you should walk from there along the south bank to Tower bridge. That way you’ll pass the Dali exhibition (if it’s still there) with Dali’s long legged elephants outside. Tate Modern, and the Millenium bridge (which you cross to go to St Pauls), The Globe, which you have to keep an eye open for, I think there’s an old sailing ship in a dock on that walk too – plus you’ll see Tower Bridge, which is awesome. It’s a great walk and I love doing it. I’ll do a google map for you if you’re interested – email me as I may not check back on the comments.
I love London, but it’s years since I’ve been.
One of the things I find interesting about London is the skyline. It doesn’t have many/any skyscrapers in the center of town because of St Pauls, the authorities wont let anyone build something that will obscure the view of it. All the large London buildings are on the isle of dogs, which I’m pretty sure you can see from tower bridge.
I’m from the UK by the way!
I usually go here first when visiting new places – it’s got lots of information in one place:
http://www.10best.com/London,UK_-_England/
@Emma- Thanks for the idea for a walking route. I look forward to the journey.
@Mandy- Great link. Thanks.
We were in London for only one weekend so we took a double decker bus tour. They pass all the important spots so at least we saw the outside of them!
I loved the British Museum. Admission is free (donations) so you won’t feel bad if you only have time for a small part of it. Also, if you want to see a show, try the last minute ticket booth. Bon Voyage!
Your should go on the London Tower Tour for sure. It is very interesting. Westminster Abbey tour was very good also. If you have time, feeding the gidgeons at Trafalgar Square was cool if they are still there. The British museam and the wax museum were intersting aslo. Have a great trip.
I’ve made a map with most/all the places linked to on here.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=51.504656,-0.109177&spn=0.014959,0.04549&t=h&z=15&msid=106135473221028607906.0004536bde9be27496760
Take a look!
Tourist London Map
@Emma- Way too cool! Thanks.
@Everyone, including a few emails I’ve received- Thanks for the ideas. I’ll see if I can work some of these suggestions in. I’ve thought about the bus tour, or walking a bit. It may be a last moment decision.
There are no pigeons in Trafalgar Square anymore. It’s an interesting story: http://thenightwriterblog.powerblogs.com/posts/1147821245.shtml
We were there a couple of years ago and spent a couple of days in London before going to Scotland. St. Andrews is one of my favorite places in the world (the whole town, not just the golf course); very worth a visit and you can walk the whole town in about an afternoon. It’s also on the ocean, which makes it dramatic at times. If you can get up into Inverness (and Loch Ness since you’re in the neighborhood) you get some great scenery and a feel for the Highlands. Have fun!
I agree to most of the list in top10 by mandy. If you have time in evening then you can just have icecream and sit in Liecester square. Also Traflgar square is close by so you can spend some time there too.
If your tennis buff then you can visit wimbledon and take a tour inside. Also since it is summer the buckingham staterooms are open to public.. i liked going inside buckingham palace !
If you’re in Leicester Square later on in the day, I highly recommend getting an espresso (hand expressed!) and canoli from Bar Italia in Soho:
http://www.urbanpath.com/london/cafes/bar-italia.htm
You’ll want to hit Soho anyway, its just so fun. Amazing food.
If you want a fancy meal, you can check toptable.co.uk or lastminute.com and book before you leave.
If you’re a geek — especially a Dr Who or Tolkien geek — don’t miss Forbidden Planet, near Covent Garden! http://www.forbiddenplanet.com/WhereWeAre.html
Sunday’s not supposed to be too great. Bring an umbrella. It just got cold here overnight.