London
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: British Museum; British Library; Changing of the Guard; Tower of London; Shakespeare's Globe; National Gallery
Why: Wonderful history; some have great, step-by-step tours direct from this book; must mention that Globe offers 5-pound groundling tickets
Randy in San Francisco, CA USA 06/30/2008
Best: Evensong, Westminster Abbey
Why: What a wonderful and solemn tradition. We felt privledged to be there
Garret Glennon in Baltimore, MD USA 06/28/2008
Best: Kew Gardens outside London
Why: Rick: We can't believe you only gave this one triangle!! All your other tips and sights were right on (thanks for the tip about getting tickets to the Tower of London from the store instead of waiting in line). Kew is one of the most beautiful places we have visited in Europe and you don't have to be a botanist to enjoy it! Just a short tube ride and you are in the middle of a beautiful park with a walking tree house for kids (and big kids). There are plants that are found all over the world and no where else on earth can you find them all together. A nice break from the bustle of the city of London. We can't believe you rated this magnificent place the same as visiting a sewer! There is a nice little plaza at the tube station by Kew where you can purchase bread and sandwiches to take into the park. Please reconsider your rating!
Worst: Stratford Upon Avon
Why: Mostly shopping and little on history. Go to Warwick Castle instead.
gail argenbright in beaverdam, va USA 06/28/2008
Best: National Gallery & St. Paul's Cathedral
Why: The National Gallery has an astounding collection of Renaissance art and Impressionist painting. We could not believe the rooms full of paintings of a particular artist! St. Paul's Cathedral was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking inside. The memorial behind the high altar to the more than 28,000 Americans who died in Great Britain during WWII was a wonderful tribute from the people. Climbing the Dome was worthwhile.
Lana in Richmond, TX USA 06/23/2008
Best: The Tower of London
Why: While it's touted as being expensive, the Tower is a must-see, and can be an all day experience. I think there's more history in this spot than any other in the city.
Worst: London Eye
Why: I know, Rick recommends it. I personally just don't get it. I guess for those who crave the ariel views and can't do stairs it would be worth it, but for those who are able bodied, there are many more less expensive, more historical locations around London that give wonderful vieww: St. Paul's Cathedral; the Monument; Wellington Arch (okay, not great views of the city itself, but still very nice); The OXO Tower (and they have an elevator!).
Sue in Boston, MA USA 06/20/2008
Best: Thames cruises
Why: Nice relaxing way to spend some time. Great narration on our trip.
Vaughn Smith in Victoria, BC Canada 06/13/2008
Best: St. Paul's
Why: We were there at EvenSong, and were invited to sit in the Choir and take part!
Dave Lewis in Denver, CO USA 06/08/2008
Best: St Pauls cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Churchill Cabinent War Rooms, and Tower of London
Why: we spent 10 days seeing all and these were our favorites
Michael Dontje in Cleveland, OH USA 05/31/2008
Best: Tower of London
Why: So much history packed in such a small area. Knowledgeable and entertaining 'Beefeaters' giving tours. The Crown Jewels alone would make this a major tourist attraction. You could spend all day here; the more you know about the Tower before you visit, the better your visit will be.
Worst: The Tower of London
Why: I had just finished my snack in the new café at the Tower last week, when a screeching alarm began to go off. The café staff starting running around, telling people to leave the building, as it was the fire alarm that was going off. I was seated far from the only entrance, so I sat down awhile to let the large crowd, with many mothers pushing baby carriages, get out that one door. After a few moments a staff member came up to me and told me breathlessly that I needed to leave right away. I noticed a door much nearer me, marked ‘Emergency Exit’ and started towards it. The staff member got upset, and yelled at me that I couldn’t use that door, it was only for emergencies! I stood there staring at him a moment. as the alarm continued to screech, and the crowd of people continued to jam the main entrance. Finally, the staff member said something to the effect of, ‘Right then, maybe we should use that door, too’. I went out that exit, holding the door open behind me for many of the mothers who were pushing baby carriages. The alarm turned out to be false, thankfully. I hate to think what would have happened in a ‘real’ emergency.
Ed in Newton, MA USA 05/02/2008
Worst: Belgravia Rooms Ebury Street Victoria London
Why: I arrived late one night and was give a room which was advertised as a double room with an ensuite, the roomactually had one double one bunk bed and one single bed, the room was damp, dirty and badly in need of decoration. The odour made me sick, this is not a hotel it can be best described as very very poor low budget accomodation at an inflated price I paid 42.00 I could have stayed at a tourist class in the area for a similar price but was duped by the website and the person taking my reservation.
Joseph Jimenez in London, UK 04/04/2008
Best: London's Tube (subway system)
Why: It was great to walk into terminal 4 at Heathrow and know exactly what to do, where to go, and how to get there. We still had a little trouble at first but then it was great!
Toni Valenzuela in Murrieta, CA USA 04/01/2008
Best: Alan Price's Celtic Tours
Why: Celtic Horizons, Alan Price's Bath tour group, deserves a bigger write-up. He was very flexible in planning our tour - offering to pick us up & return us to our flat in London - as well as extraordinarily well-versed in the ancient history of England when visiting Avesbury & Stonehenge. [This may have been helped by his daughter's upcoming PhD in archaeology.] He was widely knowledgeable in architecture, history, but stunningly well-versed in Bronze Age history. He used maps I've never seen before to illustrate the connections among the various sites like Stonehenge & Avesbury. We have traveled widely and used many St. Rick recommended tour guides, but Mr. Price was definitely the best.
Teresa Reveley in London, UK 03/23/2008
Best: Everything was great
Why: We've had short visits to Venice, Rome, and now London, and I think I'm most eager to go back to London. Rick's book with the info on major sights, transportation details, walking tours, and museum tours have been spot-on and so helpful. In 3 days we saw Tower of London, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Churchill Museum & War Rooms, Westminster Walk, National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, St. Paul's, and Natural History Museum. Probably the best were the Tower, the Churchill Museum, St. Paul's, and the Imperial War Museum. For me planning the visit using Rick's book is almost as much fun as the visit itself.
Worst: Changing of the Guard at Westminster
Why: Even from the good vantage point on the Victoria Monument, it was hard to see things well. Most of the time nothing interesting was going on, and even the few highlights could not compare with the other great sights we saw during our visit.
Rob Craig in Ellicott City, MD USA 03/15/2008
Best: London Theatre
Why: Wonderful actors, great plays. Met some great people sitting around me every time.
Tan Milang in Nashville, TN USA 02/22/2008
Best: Churchill Museum/Cabinet War Rooms, Westminster Abbey and London Walks
Why: The verger tour in Westminster Abbey was the ideal way to see it. You're allowed access to places that other tourists aren't and the guide we had was very knowledgeable!
We did three London Walks - Soho Pub Crawl, British Museum and Greenwich. We LOVED all three. Greenwich has many interesting things to see and do (and most are free!). The guides are entertaining and extremely informative. Well worth £6.
Karis in Cross Plains, WI USA 02/20/2008
Worst: Lack of public facilities
Why: For a city of 8 million people, we found the public bathroom facilities were sorely lacking. Would hate to ever have a bladder infection or prostate problem there.
Helen Read in Calgary, AB Canada 01/03/2008
Best: Borough Market
Why: Variety, variety, and variety. If you love food, you have to go.
For readers who enjoy Chimes and its English food and real cider (!), they should look out for New Forest Cider at the Borough Market for the real thing, drawn from barrels on the spot.
Sue Canavan in Quincy, MA USA 12/30/2007
Best: Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
Why: Simply put, all museums should be this good. The audio guide is excellent, the layout easy to follow and the exhibits are remarkable. The Churchill Museum is engaging and easily takes an hour to fully appreciate. It touches on all aspects of his life, not just his time as Prime Minister during WWII.
A close second favorite experience was attending a play at Shakespeare's Globe Theater. I had a cheap "groundling" ticket for the Merchant of Venice and it was stellar. Most of us only see Shakespeare in a buttoned-down atmosphere, but this is like Shakespeare in a rock concert atmosphere. Stand in the crowd, drink a beer, cheer--just plain fun, especially for those of us who aren't regular theatergoers.
Worst: National Portrait Gallery
Why: Not that interesting. See the excellent National Gallery next door and enjoy a few minutes in Trafalgar Square instead.
J.D. D'Amico in Sanford, FL USA 09/27/2007
Best: The Globe Theater
Why: Saw "Merchant of Venice" and it was wonderful to see it in such a fine theater space. You felt that the entire audience knew how special it was to see it here. The accoustics were wonderful, the evening comfortable, and having parts of the play performed amongst the "groundlings" made it even better.
Ron in Damascus, MD USA 09/04/2007
Best: British Museum, British Library
Why: Fun, fascinating and free! The British Library has a cafe that is a great place to recharge and have tea with a view of their book collection.
Worst: Buckingham Palace
Why: We hung out with the crowd forming in front of the gates for an hour before we all figured out the changing of the guard was NOT going to happen. They should put out better signs to let people know so they don't waste their time.
Aimee in Oakland, CA USA 08/26/2007
Best: British Museum
Why: Incredible art - loved the Egyptian exhibit!
Sharon & Leo Marty in Olympia, WA USA 08/21/2007
Worst: Madam Tussads
Why: Yes, we knew it was touristy...but it was horrible. Not worth the money and mainly geared toward teenagers. A big waste of time!
Cindy Hauke in Eugene, OR USA 08/21/2007
Best: Tower of London
Why: So much of interest to see. The Beefeater tour was great! The guidebook says to plan 2 hours. We spent 4 (including lunch at the cafeteria) and still didn't see everything.
Alison in Arkadelphia, AR USA 08/21/2007
Best: Trooping of Colour
Why: Seeing the Trooping of Colour is fantastic. If you want a seat in the stands, then you must send a letter in January or February requesting the number of tickes. You will then receive a letter with a reference number. If you are lucky enough to get tickets you will be informed in March. This year the tickets were 20.00BP, must be made by check in British Sterling Pounds. But anyone can see the Trooping of Colour, you will just have to stand. Either way it is well worth it.
London Oh USA 08/17/2007
Best: Ceremony of the Keys - Tower of London
Why: Great suggestion to get the free tickets for this event. Better than Changing of the Guard with the same ceremonial feeling. We were in a small group of 30+ and easier to see. My children mention it as a highlight.
Kathy Woods in San Diego, Ca USA 08/04/2007
Worst: Harrods - a nightmare!
Why: I finally visited the so-famous Harrods that I had heard so much about - wow, it has changed. First, gone are all the royal coats of arms that used to adorn the front. Inside it was nothing more than an overpriced department store that was uncomfortably packed with tourists. I was warned it had a dress code - not now, it hasn't! I was told you would see wealthy Brits, some even with their own staff. Well the only people I saw with 'staff' were veiled Arab women with bodyguards. The mock Egyptian decor was awful. After 20 minutes (it nearly took that long to get out) we fled.
Tom Kelly in San Jose, CA USA 08/01/2007
Best: Benjamin Franklin House, London
Why: A 'must see' while in London is the house that Benjamin Franklin lived in - only 2 minutes from Trafalgar Square. This hidden gem was recommended to us by Kevin at the Blades Hotel (he is passionate about this place). It was here at 36 Craven Street that Franklin invited Thomas Paine to come to America. And it was Thomas Paine who was the first person to use the words "the united states of America". This should be a place of pilgrimage for all American visitors to London (www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org)
Cindly and Arron Carmichael in San Jose, CA USA 07/22/2007
Best: St Paul's Cathedral
Why: The Cathedral itself is stunningly beautiful and an awe-inspiring sight, and the climb to the top is well worth the exertion. Do try to see the world-class choir sing evensong as it does every afternoon - it's free and breathtakingly beautiful, even for the non-religious. Monday is always a boys-only evensong, while Thursdays are men-only. Just a note of warning, however: the choir is on break from now until the first week of September (as I think are the choirs of all of the major churches in London). Evensongs are thus being sung by guest choirs, or being said instead of sung.
Linda Canada 07/20/2007
Best: The British Museum and The National Gallery
Why: Both totally blew us away. The tour guides in the book was so helpful.
The Tube is awesome ! We went to Wembley to see The Who and the system worked so well. It saved us a bundle on Taxi rides. Also, the 4 day Brit Rail passes were great. Our trip started with a journey to Penzance, which used two days . The train ride was a highlight. Then we used 2 of the days on the Heathrow Expresss. It was such a bargain.
Worst: terrorism problems ! (not your book)
Why: Not your fault, but we went to The Comedy Store in Piccadilly, last Friday night, and walked right by The Tiger Tiger Club prior to the discovery of the car bomb. Makes you think...but we were having fun !
Steve Roddy in Penn Valley, CA USA 07/03/2007
Best: Quiet Place for Lunch, Covent Gardens
Why: After buying sandwiches at deli, as Rick and others recommend, discovered a beautiful little park behind St Paul's Church (not cathedral) at Covent Gardens area - full of flowers, roses and locals enjoying their lunch while sitting on the grass under mostly shade. A nice break from the crowds and noise. There are also clean public restrooms beside the same church.
William Carnahan in Huntsville, UT USA 07/02/2007
Best: too difficult to choose all GOOD Churchill Museum excellent!
Why: My husband & I were in London for 2 wks. Followed recommendations for many sights, all proved correct as written. LOVED the book & plan to purchase others. Saw other tourists w/same book and shared experiences, all comments good! My husband & I plan to join a RS tour in 2008. Cannot emphasize enuf - "pack light" (and to London, bring more money!!) VERY MUCH enjoyed the theatre. 1/2 price tickets picked up same day at Leicester Sq tend to be about same price as states. Tube map and oyster card process absolutely the best way to get around. Took train to Bath for recommended 2 da stay. Very easy also. This was our first experience & since we were "on our own" the London 2007 book was invaluable. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Worst: Buckingham Palace changing of guard
Why: Just too many people to really enjoy & see, not really worth the effort for our tastes
Dallas & Karen Renoud in Petersburg, IL USA 06/16/2007
Best: Harrods!
Why: OK, everyone has to experience Harrods at least once. Just take a deep breath and plunge in. This trip I especially went to see the Diana & Dodi Memorial. It's beautifully done with flowers, a wine glass they used on their last night and the ring that Dodi was going to give her. Two large photos adorn the area and it's in a small alcove at the bottom of the Egyptian escalator, (that's something to see in itself!)
After that go into the food halls and treat yourself to the best ice cream sundae you will ever have. Take note, it's expensive but an event in itself. And right next door to the soda fountain are the singing pizza chefs. You can spoon up that delicious chocolate and carmel while listening to beautiful Italian Opera. YUM!
Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/14/2007
Best: Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Why: This was a very doable museum in half a day. Gave us time to do other things. Very informative and well done as far as displays, etc.
Brenda VanDerHeyden in Naples, FL USA 05/28/2007
Best: Getting to sights early!
Why: It made all the difference! Especially at the Tower of London which seems to be the most visited place in the city. By noon, hoards of people were descending on the gates! Luckily, we were on our way out by then.
Worst: The London Eye
Why: Major tourist trap and very expensive. Crowds were unbelievable.
Diane in Mansfield, PA USA 05/25/2007
Best: Bath, St. Paul's, British Museum, Hampton Ct.
Why: Bath: Immerses you in the Georgian period, Roman Baths excellent, take a guided tour, St. Pauls: Take steps to top, an incomparable experience. British Museum: Any lover of ancient Egypt or Rome will be fascinated, Hampton Court: Costumed guides brought us right into Henry 8th court, they made the experience fun, highly recommend kitchen tour as well
Worst: Bus trip to Bath
Why: We had to fly into Gatwick, take a 1 hour bus trip to Heathrow, then a 3 hour trip to Bath after an 8 hour flight. The bus station at Heathrow was like Hell and the Bus to Bath was crowded and noisy with no chance to catch a nap
sharon quinn in Grafton, Wi USA 05/18/2007
Best: the british museum was a hightlight due to the guide that was set up by toni and his name was tom hopper and if you get him he is great.
Why: he was a exlawer who was both informative and fun. the tales of the kings and the collection was one of the best i have ever encounted.
Jerry DeWitt in franklin, tn USA 05/09/2007
Best: Thames to Greenwich cruise, and Greenwich
Why: Interesting historical perspective of London by cruising down the Thames to Greenwich. It puts things in perspective more.
Martina EF Horwitz in Chicago, IL USA 05/01/2007
Best: So many world class free museums in London
Why: These really took the sting out of high prices for lodging and eating in this wonderful city. Brought my average daily costs way down. Now if Paris would do the same it would be a huge gift to tourists who are now losing so much on xchg rates $ to Euros every yr.
JS CA USA 04/08/2007
Best: York and York Minster
Why: Great day trip from London.
Hank Thon in Roswell, GA USA 04/03/2007
Best: Westminister Abbey
Why: Awe inspiring architecture coupled with the centuries of history made the place very special. The on site daily chaplin will visit with tourists anytime.
George Glines in Independence, KS USA 03/30/2007
Best: Harrods Department Store
Why: Unbelievable range of products and food courts. Something there for EVERY interest and EVERY budget. Eating there is a must-do!! We spent our last day in London there eating, buying coffee, tea, gifts, and specialty foods to take home.
George Glines in Independence, KS USA 03/30/2007
Best: Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
Why: Don't miss this site: very well done, entertaining without being gimmicky, and just a pleasure to visit. You'll love it.
Alison in Chicago, IL USA 03/26/2007
Best: Tower of London / Westminster Walk
Why: We followed the instruction from the book exactly. All was enjoyable and worth every minute of my limited time in London. When I asked for a one-way ticket from Tower to Westminster on the Cruise and showing my travelcard for discount, the person said, "Another Rick Steves student". Thanks Rick.
Bill in Buena Park, CA USA 03/26/2007
Best: Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
Why: Rick's advice to head for the Crown Jewels as soon as the Tower opens is absolutely correct (just like his advice to run for the Mona Lisa as soon as the Louvre opens). Furthermore, Rick mentions in the book that the guards by the jewels are "actually there to provide information," and that is a great tip. We had the Crown Jewels all to ourselves for about 10 minutes and received several private lectures from the (very well-informed) guards! That was one of the high points of our trip.
Worst: London Eye
Why: It wasn't a horrible experience, but I don't think it deserves a three-pyramid rating in the book. It is expensive (approximately $28 per person, with no available discounts that we could find), and although the view is great if it's a nice day, I just don't agree that as a tourist attraction it rates on the same level as Rick's other three-pyramid London recommendations (which all have great historical and/or artistic merit).
Irving Jaye in Memphis, TN USA 03/22/2007
Best: Tower of London
Why: The one must-see for every visit to London. So much to see. Pricey, but worth it. Always something new (if that's the right word to use) to discover.
Ed Butts in Newton , MA USA 03/15/2007
Best: Westminster Abbey
Why: The architecture and history were amazing. Pay the five pounds to get the guided tour...you'll learn some pretty cool stuff and get to see (up close) some things the general public doesn't get to see.
Anita Elder in Seattle, WA USA 03/03/2007
Best: Too many to choose from.
Why: We loved the museum guides/commentaries. They REALLY helped and made the huge places manageable. It was because of this book that I ended up going to: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, British Library, V&A, Churchill Museum and War Rooms, Somerset House (all 3), Kenwood House, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, St. Martin in the Field, Parliament, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and even saw 3 fabulous shows.(and even toured Lloyds of London). Buying tickets at the box office early in the day was definitely the cheapest way to get tickets. TKTS was more expensive. Many movies are made here, it might be fun if you mentioned some: Notting Hill, Bridget Jones Diary, Venus, Scoop.
[Editor's Note: We list movies that are set in London in our Introduction chapter, p. 9 of the 2007 edition.]
Worst: Thames cruise
Why: Choosing the right boat was confusing. Looking on the web was not easy either as we were there in January. The one we chose went from Tower of London and back but didn't pass Parliament! We could see it right over there! Darn.
Nancy Mulder in Minneapolis, MN USA 01/28/2007
Best: The reminder to just "experience" London
Why: It's easy to run from one fabulous museum to another, but some of the best moments find you...when you've done your planning!!!
Worst: London Eye
Why: Only worth the price if you - or your children, as in our case - REALLY want to go. We couldn't find any discounts the week before Christmas, so the cost for 5 was about $90.
Beth AL USA 01/22/2007
Best: V & A Museum, National Portrait Museum
Why: Very wonderful museums, exp. the portrait museum and your "tours" of them was very helpful
Lois Stober in Reinholds, PA USA 01/17/2007
Best: Tower of London
Why: The history of this place is amazing! The Beefeater tour, free of charge, was hosted by Kevin, who was very entertaining, and everyone there was so helpful. Would visit again! Also, Wesminster Abbey was a great self-guided tour--thanks!
Worst: Changing of the Guard
Why: The "perfect storm of Redcoat pagentry" was underwhelming. The Changing of the Horse Guard was just as good, with horses.
Carrie McKenzie in Wauwatosa, WI USA 01/04/2007
Best: London is wonderful
Why: Of all the cities I've visited, I feel London is the best walking city. One should purchase a bus travelcard, too, though. It's always possible to either take a bus to a particular area and explore as long as you like and easily find a return bus from wherever you end up. You can't go wrong!
Judith Beck in Perkasie, PA USA 12/29/2006
Best: Westminster Cathedral
Why: Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey. the cathedral is only 100 years old and is Roman Catholic. The Abbey is nearly 1000 years old and now Anglican (since Henry the Eight). Westminster Cathedral is near Victoria Station and is amnazing, the architecture is Byzantine (Turkish), though only 100 years old it has such a powerful spiritual feeling it is awesome. Though not a Catholic I have attended a few services there and the choir and music is breathtaking. Unlike some other grear churches in London they charge no admission and live on donations. The body of the last priest to be executed is in his robes on display in a glass tomb - excecuted 350 years ago for being a priest. Worth a visit. I am currently living in London and the cathedral has been my number one find!
Jane Mc Carthy in New York, NY USA 12/27/2006
Best: Churchhill War Rooms
Why: Interesting and fun
Leah in Eugene, OR USA 12/21/2006
Best: Temple Church with a trip to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Tavern
Why: Wonderful experience, however, e-mail Temple Church for hours - they are only open some days for 45 minutes and others for 2 hours due to some construction. The Tavern was a wonderful ending to the experience.
Ann Slemmer in Show Low, Az USA 12/20/2006
Best: Houses of Parliament and British Library
Why: Two free events that allow you to see living and past history. Debates in House of Commons were facinating, and seeing the Magna Carta and some of the earliest Bibles gave the same feeling as seeing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in Washington.
Andy Ramey in Alpharetta, GA USA 11/27/2006
Best: Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House
Why: In one museum that you can easily see in an hour or two, you'll see some of the greatest art around, including many early 20th c. masterpieces. And their cafe serves great sandwiches at a price that's easy on the budget. We went back to the cafe twice.
Stephen Sander in West Chester, PA USA 11/03/2006
Best: London 2-for-1 deals
Why: Discounts, discounts, discounts. Traveling as a family, it saved us a lot of gbp's which we used for food/souveniers. Also had a wonderful time at St. Paul's. What a marvel!
Worst: weak dollar
Why: I had to keep reminding myself that a pound is not a dollar..... =)
NC USA 10/29/2006
Best: Wagamama
Why: Lot's has already been said about them...but do you know that you can register at their website (wagamama.com) and print out coupons. Every week they have 2 for 1 coupons at one or more of their London locations. My wife and I ate there three times last trip (May 05) and will do the same when we return next week. The locations vary each week, but it is definitely worth going where the second meal is free.
Steve Sander in West Chester, PA USA 10/20/2006
Best: Pub Walk -- with Bob Steele
Why: Very insightful view of Victorian England
Randy Koslo in Princeton Junction, NJ USA 10/15/2006
Best: The Original Bus Tour/St Pauls/Tower of London
Why: It was a great way to see the city and get and idea of where we were in the city and the sites. Plus the stories of the guides were entertaining. St Pauls was wonderful...the guide book helped us get to where we wanted and explained alot. Tower....was the best, and the guide book helped there as well. The Warders were the best.
Corinne Yonker in Edmonds, WA USA 10/14/2006
Best: Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms
Why: Very modern displays with interactive kiosks, as well as many videos and actual articles from his life. Even my wife enjoyed the museum.
Timothy Roesing in Glenside, PA USA 10/13/2006
Best: Hampton Court Palace & Gardens
Why: Lovely old palace & beautiful gardens. We were there on 09/21/06. Perfect sunny day. A really fun (& tasty) lunch at the cafe near the Tudor Kitchens. Great atomosphere. Loved the geese, they wander everywhere in the gardens. And the dressed up tour guides were a lot of fun.
Toni Stickrath in Garden Grove, CA USA 09/25/2006
Best: Big Bus Tour
Why: The tour provided a great overview of the city. I loved the live guides.
jodi in burnsville, mn USA 09/21/2006
Best: Tower of London
Why: The Beafeaters are fantastic. They are highly entertaining and make the visit to the Tower well worth the trip.
Worst: Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Why: Boring! Took about an hour for the few troops involved in the ceremony to actually do anything. The changing of the guard is a great time to tour Buckingham Palace since everyone else is standing around outside waiting for something to happen.
Paul Ranken in Baton Rouge, LA USA 09/20/2006
Best: Churchill museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Why: You really get a sense of the atmosphere during WWII and get a much better understanding of the man - it was very much worth the time.
Bill Gegenheimer in Fremont, CA USA 08/30/2006
Worst: Private City Tour-substitute
Why: Sally Botwright is said to be a good tour guide. I'm sure she is but unfortunately just before the trip she called in a substitute tour guide. It was aweful. A waiste of time. We had asked for a ghost tour of London-which is usually a highlight of our trip. We got no ghost stories and the guide was a bore to the kids. We would have been better off on our own.
Hellen in Westlake, Ohio, USA 08/26/2006
Best: London Walks guided tour, the Old London walk
Why: Our guide was great, with lots of knowledge about history and a fun way of presenting it. We saw lots of old buildings and historic sights and out-of-the-way places we wouldn't have otherwise seen. Of course, by the end of the walk we were too tired of old churches to actually go and tour St. Paul's -- so we never saw it. But we learned a tremondous amount about Christopher Wren and the city's history -- a great way to appreciate London.
Worst: British Museum crowds
Why: The Museum itself is great, and we took a London Walks tour of it, which was very nice -- I recommend it. But the Museum was incredibly crowded, so much so that it was hard to appreciate the collection. Be forwarned -- and do what you can to avoid the croweds.
Summers Henderson in Somverville, MA USA 08/18/2006
Worst: Changing of Horse Guard
Why: We expected a bit more pageantry. Without the summer crowds, we'd suggest watching the horses enter (@ 1100a) and then run over to Buckingham Palace to see the real show. This consisted of 99% horses trying to stand still.
Joel & Stacy in Emeryville, CA USA 08/13/2006
Best: The National Gallery
Why: It's the National Gallery!
Worst: Tate to Tate cruise with a stop at London Eye
Why: Well, it wasn't really that bad- but later in the week we would climb to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the view of the city was just as spectacular, and we saw these people playing rooftop chess with life size pieces. It was really much cooler , less expensive and you didn't have to wait in line. The Tate to Tate was a little lame and kind of expensive.
Sandra Williams in Lincoln, NE USA 08/08/2006
Best: Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, Parliament Summer Tour
Why: This museum is packed with memorabilia, videos and photos of a remarkable man including film footage of his funeral at St. Paul's. It's very modern and interactive. Parliament tour was worth more than the 7 pound price of admission. To stand on the floor of the Houses of Lords and Commons felt like a real privilege.
Worst: The last 1/3 of the St. Paul's Dome Climb
Why: The view is incredible, but the narrow, spiral steps got me a little weak-kneed and there is so little room at the top. I don't think I'll do that again. The view from the lower section is just as good, and there's lots more room to move around.
Linda in El Segundo, CA USA 08/04/2006
Best: Original Bus Discount and London at a Glance
Why: Great orientation to London, book saved us $9. We were able to structure our trip and try to hit things by location.
Worst: Reccomendation on Jack the Ripper tour
Why: Actually after having done a lot of research on the web we booked Don Rumbelow's tour through London Walks and it was great. You have to be careful to get just this guy though since he only does it a couple of nights a month (there are tons of other tours. as you point out)
Anthony O'Connor in Alexandria , VA USA 07/28/2006
Best: The Double Decker bus tours
Why: During the hot days in London, traveling on the top of an uncovered bus is the way to go! Also included in the price of the ticket is a boat trip on the Thames. Had a suprisingly good time.
Worst: There isn't one :-)
Why: THere is so much to see and do in London, it just depends on personal tastes. I never have to go back to the Tate Modern again, but my daughter loved it.
Sonja Kalbfleisch in Portland, OR USA 07/16/2006
Best: Theatre discount ticket office at Leicester Square
Why: We were able to secure 5 tickets at half price for Guys and Dolls and we were able to all sit together.
Sarah Kraeszig in Island Lake, Il USA 07/16/2006
Best: Westminster Abbey; with National Gallery second
Why: Your description of Westminster Abbey was fantastic. Since there was a wait to get in, I read through everything once and then knew what to do when we were inside. I also could follow along easily when we were inside. (2) The National Gallery has to be second. Your descriptions were good for part of the museum, hard to find for some, and they closed off part of the wings for another set of paintings (described in your book) that we wanted to see.
A. Lee in Boulder, CO USA 07/09/2006
Best: Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Why: The costumed actor who put on the courtyard show was a lot of fun and very entertaining
Worst: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Why: We took a day trip to Greenwich by boat from Westminster. The boat ride was nice. We visited the National Maritime Museum 20 years ago, and it was very interesting. It has since been totally redone and was extremely boring, and geared to children. I was astounded to see the large model of the Mauretania on a giant incline. The Royal Observatory was much better.
David Patlovany in Houston, Te USA 07/02/2006
Best: Finding a good place to stay, Ranking of sights to see. Just walking the city.
Why: London is a great place to walk from destination to destination. Shopping is very fun, even if you don't buy a thing.
Worst: The dollar being so bad.
Why: Entry fees are fairly expensive. A quick list in the book of free sights to see would be helpful. Even though the prices are listed in the decription of each attraction, a quick list would be great.
Rose Wisner in Newcastle, WA USA 07/02/2006
Worst: GBP VALUE
Why: I wise I was British and I were visiting the US. The exchange rate is almost $2.00 USD per British pound. For example a McDonalds quarter pound, fries, and cike cost almost $10USD. Fish and Chips and pint cost about over $20USD at two pubs I visited. Great city, but just too expensive for most of us.
Max M in Rochester, MI USA 06/29/2006
Worst: Congestion Penalty London
Why: Rented a car at Hertz Marble Arch location and drove three blocks to Marriott Grovesner Square to pick up my lady and luggage. This took less then one hour. London street cameras photographed my licensce plate, which I was not aware of. Upon return to USA I received an additional bill from Hertz for 85 GBP ($170) Wow. Warning: check with your car rental company about this penalty that I was not told about. You all have been informed.
[Editor's Note: Rick's London 2007 book mentions this "congestion charge" on pages 13 and 27. The fee for driving in central London began in Feb 2003 and is currently £8/day (about $16). The boundaries of the area it affects increased in Feb 2007 to incorporate Hyde Park and surrounding areas. To avoid a ticket, you need to pay the charge by midnight of the same day you drive in the restricted zone. You can pay at certain convenience stores, gas stations, parking facilities, online, and several other ways. For up-to-date information, go to www.cclondon.com. We agree, it would have been nice if either your car rental company or the hotel had mentioned this charge.]
Max M in Rochester, MI USA 06/29/2006
Best: Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge
Why: It was magical going under all the little bridges, a perfect picture over and over. Cambridge is a great day trip from London.
Worst: Tube system, aka "the Underground"
Why: Delays, disruptions. But using the Oyster card was fantastic.
Jean Mackie in Nanaimo, BC Canada 06/28/2006
Best: Specifics about open/close times and costs of museums and sightseeing destinations along with the details about weather etc are terrific.
Why: It really saves so much time in the planning if you know how much, what time and when to go.
Linda Pisano in Bloomington, IN USA 06/13/2006
Best: Windsor Castle
Why: Very informative tour, beautiful and interesting sites. It's amazing to see something so historic still in such use.
Rob Phillips in League City, TX USA 06/07/2006
Best: Tower of London
Why: Crown Jewels, free tour by resident beefeater, and magnificent White Tower were all amazing and fun.
Worst: Roman and Medieval Baths
Why: This certainly wasn't the "worst" place we visited, but it was still disappointing. It's basically some bathtubs, and the audioguides are boring and too long-winded.
Kristy in Albany, NY USA 06/07/2006
Best: Oyster card
Why: So quick to get in to the tube, no worries about where to buy more tickets and so easy to use. We used the buses for short distances, and then went to a tube station.
Worst: Crossing the roads
Why: Very agressive drivers, no regard to pedestrians. They also come at you from the opposite side than you are used to.
Elisabeth Bier in Milwaukee, WI USA 05/30/2006
Best: National Library
Why: The Magna Carta, original writing from scores of famous authors, in addition to original music.
Elisabeth Bier in Milwaukee, WI USA 05/23/2006
Best: Westminster Walk
Why: It was the first day, the sun was shining, and the sights are fabulous. This is a great intro/kickoff to a London vacation.
Worst: Tate Modern
Why: one floor closed,basement art deinstalled. It was still worthwile, but dissapointing
Pat Siwajek in Toledo, Oh USA 05/14/2006
Best: London itself
Why: There are just too many wonderful and wondrous things to see here to pick just one. We loved the London Eye, the Churchill Museum, the Children's War exhibit at the Imperial War Museum, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, the Beefeater tour at the Tower of London (not to be missed!), the British Library -- all fabulous and the list goes on...
Worst: Vinopolis, City of Wine
Why: It was expensive at 15 GBP per person, and this was the cheapest tour option. This price included five wine (maybe 6?) tastings and one at the Bombay Sapphire Experience (the best of all). the price did not include the audiotour. They have tried hard here, but have missed the mark. The placards are too long and too difficult to read (small, etc.) Too much information and could be arrnaged much, much better. We were really disappointed that we wasted our last day in London! Skip this, and see something else on your list.
Ellen Barski in Atlanta, GA USA 05/13/2006
Best: National Gallery
Why: With the guide book I was able to go quickly and throughly through the gallery
Linda Young in Springfield, OR USA 05/04/2006
Best: all the sites I saw were entertaining
Why: cuz it was nice weather and fun to explore
Lisa in Victor, MT USA 05/03/2006
Best: Original Walking Tours/Going with the flow of London
Why: Good knowledgable guides, small groups.
Had a great two weeks, learned to , Mind the Gap, not hesitate when crossing the street and rush hour on the Tube is an intimate experience.
Worst: Astral tour to stonehenge and other out of town sites
Why: We discovered that you can fit 16 people into a mini-van.
Michael Curry in Graeagle, CA USA 04/16/2006
Worst: Westminster Abbey
Why: Built as a church, a thousand years of burials and monuments have turned this into an expensive meta-tomb. Not really worth the time or money.
David Sisk in St. Paul, MN USA 04/13/2006
Worst: Underground sytem
Why: Overcrowded and expensive
Noel silva in Pasadena, Ca USA 04/07/2006
Best: St. Paul Cathedral
Why: So many moving experiences there. See above.
Myron Marty in Monticello, IL USA 04/03/2006
Best: Tower of London
Why: Surprisingly enthralling and interesting. I think it hard to understand the span of (written) history that England encompasses anywhere else but at the Tower. But, as Rick says, you must take the Beefeater Tour to have the best of experiences.
Dan Deans in Ashburn, VA USA 03/28/2006
Best: The Treasures Room at the British Library
Why: It is stunning to walk into the Treasures Room and find original manuscripts of everything from Shakespeare to the Beatles. And it was empty (3/10/06)! For our family (son-12, daughter-15, me and my husband) it was our favorite room in any museum we saw in London.
Worst: The (partially closed) Tate Modern.
Why: If you are going to the Tate Modern to see Impressionists or Post Impressionists, you will be very disappointed.
Charlotte McNally in Atlanta, GA USA 03/22/2006
Best: An exceptionalyy wonderful tour guide, Sally Botwright, at www.sallybotwright.co.uk
Why: She is very warm, personable, funny and really knows what she's talking about. If you check out her website, you will see all the many options she offers and her prices are very reasonable. We loved her.
Susan Russell in Corte Madera, Ca USA 03/21/2006
Best: Ceremony of the Keys; Museum of London
Why: Both of these were free and fascinating...and child-friendly (our kids are 8 and 14).
Worst: Bank of England Museum
Why: closed for refurbishment until early May 2006 - check their website to avoid the disappointment we encountered!
Diane Graber in Iowa City, IA USA 03/20/2006
Best: Can't choose just one.
Why: We enjoyed the sights in London and weren't disappointed in any of them. Rick's advice to see the crown jewels at the Tower of London first thing was excellent; it was really crowded later in the day. Also, his "tips" on tipping, using the Tube, etc. were excellent.
Worst: Stratford on Avon
Why: It was disappointing. Luckily we were on a day's guided trip and didn't spend much time there.
Barb in Tacoma, WA USA 03/16/2006
Best: Walking Tour of Cambridge
Why: Must do!!!! You were right about this one. My guide had quite the British dry sense of humor and made it even more enjoyable.
Kandy Cassano in Memphis, TN USA 02/15/2006
Best: 7-day Tube Pass in London
Why: The pass allowed me to use the Tube whenever I wanted to. Single Tube rides in London are now 3GBP and the pass cost 22GBP and starts the day you purchase it. You can buy it at Victoria Train Station in London. It was a godsend!
Susan in San Francisco, Ca USA 02/10/2006
Best: The tube
Why: We were really impressed with how easy it was to get around London and inexpensive to ride. It was such a pleasure and never met one unfriendly person.
David McWaters in Wheat Ridge, CO USA 01/22/2006
Best: Changing of the Guard
Why: Totally fun :)
Worst: Harrods
Why: INSANELY crowded but worth it for the Laduree tea room!
Wanderlust Chick in New York, NY USA 01/04/2006
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