London

Favorite discoveries or tips:

- Wonderful Tube maps in the front - ATM fees much lower than CC fees - Oyster card is great and can refund the deposit when you are leaving London - Include two hotels we stayed at: easyHotel (near Victoria station) http://info.easyhotel.com/gb/Victoria.html; and Generator London (near Russell Square) http://www.generatorhostels.com/london - Pret a Manger: pretty good lunch-type sandwich chain, with environmentally minded food items

Randy in San Francisco, CA USA 06/30/2008

My husband and I each have our own copies of Rick Steves' book when we travel to Europe. We did for Florence, Paris (2006 & 2007) and now London. That way, we can mark notes in our own books and be reading sections at our own speed as we tour a site. When we went to the National Portrait Gallery, a staff member saw us with our books and she said that Rick's books are so good that we didn't need the audio tour!

Lana in Richmond, TX USA 06/23/2008

The Rose and Crown Pub at 90-92 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, London SW1 W8BU is a great find for an evening stop and for lunch. They also serve Asian quisine in the dinner hour, but we only had a post theatre snack. Lunch was great. Charming and delightful owner Bernie DeLaney is behind the bar most evenings. Originally from Ireland, she runs a great pub with good food reasonably prices. It became our favorite spot. If it's not in your London guide book, we think it should be. We were in London in May 2008 for a week and didn't have time beforehand to check your London Book. For other trips we use your books.

[We live in Seattle and use your Edmonds store regularly.]

Email us if you have questions because we leave for Europe on Wednesday.

Lan Mosher in Seattle, WA USA 06/20/2008

The extensive collection of self-guided walks and tours is fantastic! The museums in London, such as the National Gallery, the Tate, the V&A can be so overwhelming; the tours in the book don't babysit you, but they give you the tools you need to be able to navigate these museums and get the most out of the experience. No other guidebook offers anything like this.

Sue in Boston, MA USA 06/20/2008

London transit map. Immediately after getting through Heathrow customs, go to the wall of brochures ahead of you. They have a great, free map that shows the tube map on one side and the buses on the other side. It's a folded map that's big enough to read. Only the main bus routes are shown but there are a lot of them. The brochure rack also has ticket info for shows and stuff but I didn't find them too useful.

Vaughn Smith in Victoria, BC Canada 06/13/2008

Dave Lewis dlewis@samiro.com David.W.Lewis@hotmail.com

Dave Lewis in Denver, CO USA 06/08/2008

Bus 423 leaves from Heathrow Terminal 5 for Old Bath Road and on to Hounslow. A convenient service to some of the Heathrow hotels. I stay at the Heathrow Lodge Motel on Old Bath Road; it is the first stop on this new bus line. From London the Piccadilly line now goes to T5, making this a convenient and less expensive way to access my hotel from London. I like to stay there the night before my flight so I can take the (free) shuttle directly from Heathrow Lodge to my Terminal. United leaves from T3. Windsor is a bus-ride (#81) and short train ride away from Old Bath Road; the five-minute train ride begins at Slough.

Swan in Napa, CA USA 05/27/2008

The Geffreye Museum was well worth a trip a bit out of the way. It focuses on furniture and domestic interiors of the British middle class. They have 11 rooms made to look like living rooms of specific years between 1600 and 1990. I am very into history, and it was great to see how the middle class lived. Anyone with an interest in design or furniture would also enjoy it. It also has a beautiful garden, and a lovely courtyard in the front. Rick suggests the Tube to Liverpool Station and then a bus, but I took the Tube to Old Street---the museum is a 15 minute walk from Old Street through the "artisty" area of Hoxton. Plus, the museum is free! Spring for the audioguide....it only costs a pound and has great information.

Alison in Chicago, IL USA 04/26/2008

Beirut Express (65 Old Brompton, South Kensington, London SW7 3JS; one of a few Maroush Restaurants around London, www.maroush.com) serves some of the best Moroccan/Middle Eastern cuisine you'll find just about anywhere. Full seating restaurant in the back, quick serve barstools and take-away in the front. Excellent presentation, fresh well-prepared and very tasty. The gratis dessert platter was a really nice treat to finish an outstanding meal. Oddono's Gelati Italiani (14 Bute Street, South Kensington, London SW7 3EX): Outstanding gelato, remarkably flavorful and fresh with great natural flavor. Worth the trouble and the calories! We went back 3 times! Monmouth Coffee Company in Borough Market (short walk from the Borough tube stop)has well earned the loyalty of it's devoted locals who meet here regularly and add to the ambience of this unusual coffee shop offering a cup of drip coffee so fresh and flavorful (if not the finest you've ever had!) that you will find it hard to not come back again. The pastries play a strong supporting role. The Grosvenor Kensington provided reasonable priced accomadations with the convenience of a South Kensington tube stop 100 meters away. We needed a triple which averaged less than £140/night (through a budget hotel website). Very spacious rooms with older finishes. Stay here for it's quiet convenience and affordability in a great location (not for upscale hotel amenities).

Paul Zwiebel in Littleton, CO USA 04/04/2008

Favorite Tip: Westminster Abbey has a beautiful Evensong Service at 5 PM and it's FREE (not $20). London Walks tours are terrific (David is excellent). Churchill's War Rooms are very interesting. Marks & Spencer Simply Food sandwiches are terrific. Hampton Court is wonderful. (Just take the Picadilly Line to the end). For half price theater Tickets go the "the booth" at Leichester Square. Skip the Tate Modern. Strange art.

Maryann in Sacramento, USA 03/31/2008

Celtic Horizons, Alan Price's tour group, deserves a bigger plug. 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 be due to his daughter's upcoming PhD in archaeology. He was widely knowledgeable in architecture, history, but stunningly well versed in Bronze Age history. We have traveled widely and used many recommended tour guides, but Mr. Price was definitely our favourite.

Teresa Reveley in London, UK 03/23/2008

I have a further update to the comment below regarding the Terra Cotta warriors. First, thank you to the poster because it was thanks to you that I got there by 8:45 and got a ticket. However, I just barely got it. I was told at 9:00 that I probably wouldn't get in because I was too far back in the line, but if I wanted to wait for the 1 hour it would take for them to help everyone in front of me there was a small chance. I thought it would be worth the wait for the chance to see it, and luckily I was able to get in. I was told there were less than 10 left after my purchase. If you have your heart set on seeing them, you should probably arrive earlier than 8:45 to guarantee a ticket purchase. They are definitely worth it.

Cindy Henley in Eureka, CA USA 03/18/2008

Two different pubs let us share entrees for lunch. Food was good, portions were ample, and with the exchange rate so bad it really helps with the price. We (extended family group with 4 adults & 3 kids under 12) had 2 good meals at Walker's of Whitehall on Craig Court, right off Whitehall about a block from Trafalgar Square. The fish & chips was a disappointing but everything else was very good.

Rob Craig in Ellicott City, MD USA 03/15/2008

We just returned from a week in London and were able to see the "First Emperor - China's Terracotta Army" exhibit at the British Museum. It will only be there thru April 6th. 500 day-of tickets go on sale each morning at 9am. Arrive early and queue up outside the fence. We arrived at 9:15 and stood in line only to miss out by 20 tickets at 9:45. The next day, we arrived at 8:45 and had our tickets purchased by 9:15. If you're planning on taking a train trip while in London, go on line to the British Museum website and you can get a 20% discount voucher for the exhibit, by showing your train ticket when you purchase your exhibit tickets. Absolutely a must see!

Jan Robbins in Seattle, WA USA 02/25/2008

Travelodge is a great cheap place to stay! I signed up for their sale e-mails and paid £19 per night for their City Road location (their newest location which opened in October) and £49 for their Covent Garden location which was very convenient!

Karis in Cross Plains, WI USA 02/20/2008

After touring St. Paul's, my wife and I ducked into a small shop on the north side of the cathedral just outside the fence, called "Tea". It was by far the best cup of tea we had on the trip, and we found ourselves going back several times over the course of the week to re-experience it. It is a wonderful little place to unwind after climbing the stairs to the top of the dome!

Adam in Cary, NC USA 01/29/2008

A visit to the Canary Wharf area a wonderful escape from the maddening crowds. Dockyard Museum was very reasonably priced (free day we went) and extremely well done. Selfridge's bathrooms are the nicest in London. Le Suquet a quaint seafood restaurant $$ which we thoroughly enjoyed. Loved the Oyster weekly pass and it paid for itself in the first two days.

Helen Read in Calgary, AB Canada 01/03/2008

I highly recommend Citadines Holborn (I noticed another post for same). You can book online (and get some pretty good deals, plus you have the option to cancel if necessary 24 hours before your arrival date. Your credit card is not charged until arrival. Staff is friendly. It's v. convenient to theatre district and Covent Garden (walking distance) and almost across the street from the Holborn tube stop on the Piccadilly line, which means you can catch the tube at Heathrow and get off in Holborn about 50 minutes later. I've never had a problem checking in early. They have free high speed internet connections in the rooms, so if you are inclined to travel with a laptop, you're in business. There are chain super markets nearby, and what would a trip to London be without a trip to the Borough Market? With the kitchen in the room, you can prepare some pretty decent food.

I like taking the bus around the city on weekends (less traffic, so you get around pretty quickly and actually get to see something). The tube pass works on the bus as well! The only really slow spot for the bus is Oxford Street.

Sue Canavan in Quincy, MA USA 12/30/2007

Remember-those college ID cards aren't just for kids! I got one from the school where I am taking a graduate course before I left. I was 45, and it was accepted for the student discount without question at all the major sights. Every penny counts!

Beverly Smith in Purcellville, Va USA 11/12/2007

For getting to and from Heathrow we just used the Heathrow Connect from Paddington Station. It was fantastic. It runs every half hour (weekdays) and costs £6.90. Nice smooth ride and way better than the tube. Not as fast as the Heathrow Express but way cheaper.

Troy in Vancouver, BC Canada 10/13/2007

The London book was something we really used and found SO helpful. I'm loaning it to some friends who plan to go next year. Of course, I told them they should also buy the '08 version!

Nancy Mahoney in Springfield, OH USA 10/07/2007

Wow, the last 4 entries could have been written by me, (Highgate, Oyster Cards and Simply Foods, and the Prospect of Whitby). I have seen Highgate twice and yes, it is far up the Northern line but you won't ever forget it. Take the tour, worth the guide.

Oyster cards are a breeze, just load it up once and use it, use it, use it! You won't believe how many trips you can take before it runs out. Last May my husband and I did the Riverside Pub Crawl and went to the Whitby along with the Angel, Mayflower and Captain Kidd, and a few others. They all too are worth the ride, AND, their all within Zone 1-2.

For cheap eats go to Marks and Spencer Simply Foods. There's one inside Victoria Station and others around town. You won't believe the delicious food, drinks, good wines and deserts etc, that they have,. The pasta salads are out of this world. If your B & B or hotel has a little patio area it's the perfect way to end your day if going out again is too much after the days sightseeing. OK, now I'm getting "homesick" for London, damn!

Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 10/02/2007

Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, Wapping tube stop

This tavern dates back to 1520 and is well worth the tube ride out to see the tavern, town and the view of the river. A quick walk through the town and you feel that you are miles away from the bustle of London. A great idea for a lunch or dinner trip.

Beth Hutten in Winter Haven, FL USA 09/29/2007

The seven-day Oyster travel card works great for week-long visits. Costs around $44 but for the convenience its worth it. The Tube can be extremely crowded at peak times on weekdays due to the congestion charge levied on vehicles entering London. This seems to have convinced many Londoners to leave the car at home and take the public transit to work and back.

Those eating on a budget should consider the takeout sandwiches from Pret A Manger, Tesco's, Eat, or Marks and Spencer's Simply Food their best way to save money. The selection is good, drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) are inexpensive, and there's even plastic silverware by the exit for a handy picnic.

For the money its hard to beat a pub walk with Original London Walks in the evening. If going out to the theater or a club is too expensive, but sitting in your room isn't an option, consider one of their lively walks. The guides are superb, the beer is good, and you meet like-minded travelers. I used Rick's museum tours (within his city guidebooks) extensively on this trip. If a two to three hour visit to a museum, rather than an all-day expedition, is your speed, use his book.

J.D. D'Amico in Sanford, FL USA 09/27/2007

Highgate Cemetery, near Waterlow Park off the Archway Tube stop, was a fascinating and gorgeous walk through two wings of a 150+ year old cemetery. Full of old falling down tombstones and monuments covered with ivy and creaky British volunteers. Classic. Although you can't romp all over people's graves (and should not) and must be respectful, nor can you view the West cemetery without a tour, it's well well worth the visit. http://highgate-cemetery.org

Grace Seidel in Seattle, WA USA 09/25/2007

Though expensive, getting tickets to a Premier League game was very worth it. Walked the mile from the tube with the rest of the footballer fans to a Tottenham Hotspurs games through a neighborhood that was very diverse and full of locals. A great non-touristy experience.

Aimee in Oakland, CA USA 08/26/2007

If you have a current college ID card - bring it. You can use it get discounted prices at most attractions. Although the concession is small, with the poor exchange rate, it really added up.

Alison in Arkadelphia, AR USA 08/21/2007

If you are going to be in London in early June, you really must look into attending the Queen's official birthday celebration, Trooping the Colour, or one of the dress rehearsals which occurs on the preceding two Saturdays. These events require you to apply for tickets in January or February, then a drawing is held to determine whether or not you get tickets. The official ceremony, and the final dress rehearsal, both require you to pay for tickets, and this is where it gets tricky. You have to pay for the tickets by check, drawn on a British bank, in pounds sterling. We enlisted the help of our landlady to accomplish this, and had to send our payment form in by Fed Ex, but it was well worth the trouble and expense.

People who are planning a June trip to London really need to know about this as it would be a shame to be in town one of those Saturdays and be relegated to watching the parade up the Mall after the ceremony simply because one did not know to apply for tickets in January or February.

Tom Key in Wichita Falls, TX USA 08/16/2007

We were in London for a short visit (we had been in England because of a singing gig I had farther north in the country.) We used the London guide for our two night stay in the city and were so happy to have it! We really liked the self-guided tour for the British Museum and were happy for the maps at the front of the book. We were also pleased to have info for where to go and check our email.

We were also able to see some of the lovely nooks and crannies of the city by walking the whole time. No Tube for us - just our feet. But we were able to catch some cute little churches, buildings, and other treasures. (I only recommend this for people who have super good shoes and can manage the intense walking.)

Jennifer Graf in Hellertown, PA USA 08/12/2007

If the weather's good, take a stroll along the South Bank of the Thames. If you want to make a day of it, take the tube to Westminster station and walk across the bridge whilst taking in views of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. Walk past the street performers and the Carousel, and stop for a light lunch in Le Pain au Quotidien (to the side of Royal Festival Hall). If you keep walking, you'll eventually come to the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge, which is always fun to cross and gives you a fantastic view of St Paul's Cathedral. It's a lovely walk (if a bit long) and one Londoners seem to like too!

Linda Canada 07/20/2007

I must say we used the London guidebook like a bible. From hotel recommendation, transportation use, packing, restaurants, museum and gallery tours, to walks, every recommendation was right on, We had so much fun and a huge debt goes to the careful research and clear writing that you provide. Thanks so much !

Steve Roddy in Penn Valley, CA USA 07/03/2007

Trains from Gatwick Airport also go to handier stations than Victoria for many visitors. The trains may be packed with commuters at rush hour times, but are cheaper than the Gatwick Express. London Bridge - direct 30 minutes Blackfriars direct 38 minutes London City Thameslink direct 40 minutes Farringdon direct 43 minutes Kings Cross direct 47 minutes Waterloo with a change at Clapham Junction 47 minutes Other train connections are available by following the "to and from our airport" link at http://www.gatwickairport.com/

Chip IA USA 06/20/2007

LILLYWHITES! This was really a surprise. My husband is intrigued with all the different sports team jerseys in the UK. He was spotting a team store here and there and wouldn't buy a cheap one on the street. Our last night in London a local at the Pub said to try Lillywhites in Piccadilly Circus. I've seen that store for years but never knew it was probably the worlds biggest sports store, he went nuts. We got Football and Rugby shirts, really good ones fr an excellent price. It's worth it just to roam around. Oh, and if you need an extra suitcase to carry your souvenirs home in they have very reasonable ones as well.

Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/14/2007

Historic Pubs! We have been to London many times over the past 25 years and wanted to do something completely different this time. we researched all the older pubs in and around London and by far the best were 4 we visited in the Wapping/Rotherhilte area. (in Zone 2)

They are the Prospect of Whitby, Captain Kidd, Mayflower and Angel. They are a short walk from the tube stops and you will just soak up the history. Some are alongside the Thames and on a nice day you can just sit out back sipping on your brew and pretend you're way back in time. Do Go!

Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/13/2007

We visited the Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury in March 2007. It was terrific....I highly recommend a visit. In addition to interesting (and sad!) information about the fate of abandoned children in London, it has some great art, and a lot of information about Handel (who was a patron of the home for foundlings). Don't miss it.

Alison in Chicago, IL USA 06/07/2007

We stayed in Kensington and bus #9 which was recommended in the guide book saved our lives. One of us had some problems with a leg and of course it rained off and on during the trip. We used the bus just to get up and down the street to get from the tube stop to the hotel or returning from dinner. It was a great addition to the tube.

Brenda VanDerHeyden in Naples, FL USA 05/28/2007

Rick, I think it would be very helpful to note in your guidebooks that many hotels in the UK don't provide hand towels or face cloths. For personal hygiene reasons, tourists could then be encouraged to bring their own personal washing gear. We actually cut up a hand towel that I use to wrap my makeup mirror so it won't break in transit. We were able to create 4 face cloths out of it! Whew!

Diane in Mansfield, PA USA 05/25/2007

TRY THE BUS -- We just returned from a three week trip to England with over a week in London at the begining and end of the trip. We used the bus in London and have a much better feeling for the city by doing so. Most, if not all of the recommended sites can be reached by about 6 bus line, noted in Rick's guidebook. Also get the summary route map in any tube station. It really works and is an eye opener.

Jim Punches in Aptos, CA USA 05/24/2007

You only rate the British Museum of Natural History as a one star. We found it quite interesting esp the dinosaur exhibit and would suggest at least a 3 star rating esp for families with children

Maureen & Joe Schneider in Spokane, WA USA 05/23/2007

The hotel called Twenty Nevern Square.www.twentynevernsquare.co.uk The large buffet breakfast is included. Complimentary coffee or tea throughout the day & evening. No extra charge for room service. Free newspaper. The hotel is located near Earl's Court.Our room was small,but included a private terrace. The bathroom was large. The staff are very helpful.

Evelyn Clark in Montain View, Ca USA 05/21/2007

Sharon Quinn 201 Maple St. Grafton, Wi. 53024

sharon quinn in Grafton, Wi USA 05/18/2007

K & K Hotel near Earl's Court. Reasonably priced, outstanding full English breakfast buffet and really convenient.

lm in ny, ny USA 05/17/2007

we went on the london,paris 8 days with guide toni clark on 4/15/to 4 22. everything in the guide book was great and up to date. we saw as much as we wanted as long as our legs held out.

Jerry DeWitt in franklin, tn USA 05/09/2007

very bad hotel Avoid stonebridge park hotel in north london - complete pit. The place - which likes to alternate the Stonebridge name with "Bridge park hotel" and just "hotel" on the building itself - has little/no running water and is in a dirty condition. Food is questionable -- undercooked meat in the free breakfast, the free tea came with whole milk, but the milk was left unrefridgerated and was room-temprature warm by the time we checked in. Also, talk there is a beer garden is false, no room outdoors, unless they plan on using the street. the staff left exposed wiring (live?) across the floor, old sinks against the walls, unhelpful staff - one made us wait for 10 minutes at midnight just because of a game he didn't want to miss. yeah, it's cheap, but its NOT worth it. btw: it is NO WHERE NEAR the stonebridge park Tube stop

will in bergeron, tx USA 05/08/2007

My very favorite London hotel - Comfort Inn Hyde Park - has recently closed for renovation, but I have stayed there at least once a year for the past eight years. The location is super, rooms small, but clean and well furnished, exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, etc. I paid only £45 a night last November and have paid less at times. There are several hotels in the Bayswater area, some closer to Notting Hill, and a number of really budget hotels in the Paddington area. All the ones at which I have looked are well run, clean, adequate rooms, etc. I believe they defintely more than meet the standards for budget hotels. All include ensuite bathrooms. A few have no elevators, but some do.

Judith Beck in Perkasie, PA USA 05/07/2007

The Thames Cruise to Greenwish was an EXCELLENT recommendation -- and if you show your Oyster card, you get an additional discount on your tickets. We learned this by chance, when my husband had his card in his hand as he reached for the money -- the lady at the counter said we could use it to get a discounted fare. Keep in mind that each traveler needs to have an Oyster card to get the discoutned fare.

Martina EF Horwitz in Chicago, IL USA 05/01/2007

Just got back from a theatre trip and discovered a great reataurant for dinner either before or after theatre- Standed In London, 417 The Strand, WC2, The food was well presented and delicious. Excellent selection of Italian & British dishes. Good prices for the location. Owner Marco Arquati is a great host a loads of fun. Highly recommended. www.strandedin.com

L.C. Anderson in Woodland, CA USA 04/06/2007

The Scarsdale Pub on Edwardes Square about 100 yards south of Kensington High Street.

Hank Thon in Roswell, GA USA 04/03/2007

St. David and Norfolk Hotel is a family run 2-3 star hotel with a warm clean friendly atmosphere one block from Paddington Station, withing walking distance to Hyde Park. Ensuite water closet with shower available. A delicious full English breakfast is included in the daily rate. Great pubs and a great bakery with fresh pastries and sandwiches are within a block. Being at the front steps to Paddington Station was key in our everyday travel to see the sights.

George Glines in Independence, KS USA 03/30/2007

Luna & Simone Hotel, 10 minutes walk from Victoria Station on Belgrave Road, is recently renovated, very clean and bright, and has great staff. Before we booked this B&B we also considered Winchester Hotel (both were the same price), but we were very glad we went with Luna & Simone when we visited Winchester and found it to be rather dark with low ceilings, and the room we were shown was much smaller than our room at Luna & Simone.

The large Sainsbury's by Victoria Station is a great place to buy pasties, chocolate, etc. for picnic lunches and snacks to get through the day.

Irving Jaye in Memphis, TN USA 03/22/2007

The Troia Restaurant across Belvedere from the Travel Inn at the London Eye. We had dined at the Troia on 3 previous London trips; but there's always the possibility that our favorite will have moved, changed hands, gone out of business. It's still there! Wonderful and affordable Mediterranean, middle eastern, Turkish, however you want to define it, food. Friendly helpful staff. Should be combined with an Aquarium, Eye, South Bank walk. Highly recommended.

Carla in San Francisco, CA USA 03/18/2007

There has been, over the years, much pro and con discussion about the Cherry Court Hotel in London. We decided to stay there on our latest trip because it was the cheapest. We understood the rooms were going to be tiny. My word, they certainly were. No one who does not pack lightly can stay there; there is no room for a large suitcase. However, once we got used to the tininess (think living in a ship's cabin and not a cruise ship), we rather liked it. You surely cannot lose anything in the room. The big pluses were the breakfast basket, much of which became part lunch and snacks for the day (3 kinds of fruit, oj, a sort of power bar, cookies, and of course, there was tea and a teakettle in the room); and the Patel family. They were helpful, friendly, accommodating. We promised them that when we arrived home, we would become vocal (or typed) Patel Partisans. And we are.

Carla in San Francisco, CA USA 03/18/2007

For people taking the Tube to Healthrow - Most people from the states fly in and out of Terminal 4; most of the trains going to Healthrow are marked as Healthrow Terminals 1,2, and 3. This is a description of the last station the train stops at, not a description of which terminals the train goes to. Take any train marked Healthrow - if you wait for a train marked Terminal 4 you could have a long wait.

Ed Butts in Newton , MA USA 03/15/2007

The tube was very easy to figure out and was the best way to get around London. We bought a 3-day pass before we got there. The only snag was that we couldn't start using it until 9:30am, so it's best to make sure you get the right one if you want an earlier start.

Anita Elder in Seattle, WA USA 03/03/2007

Visitors coming into Gatwick airport can often find half-off promotional codes for the Gatwick Express (GEX) to Victoria station. Search on Google for "Gatwick Express" and promo code. Purchase your tickets online at http://www.gatwickexpress.com and enter in your code to receive your 14.90 pound ticket for only 7.45. Given the exchange rate, it's a measurable savings.

Catherine in Charlotte, NC USA 03/01/2007

Leaving early from Heathrow - Try the Jury's Inn at Heathrow which is only 5 minutes from the Hatton Cross station on the London Underground (Piccadilly line) and a 5 minute hotel bus service from therminals 1-2&3. Modern hotel with good rooms and restaurant and web prices for advance planning - www.jurysdoyle.com

Bob Jaspar in Walnut Creek, CA USA 02/26/2007

Unfortunately the Abbey House in Kensington is closing (per Rod of the Abbey House). No additional details, but tried to book room for 7/07 and received this advice. This is unfortunate since Abbey House was such a pleasant accommodation.

Fred Nehrling in New Berlin, WI USA 02/24/2007

Hampstead: Quaint suburb only 5 miles from central London, with 40 acre heath (great nature walk), Kenwood House (on the heath and the best guide we had bar none- David). The second floor has a wonderful view of the skyline of London- just past the pond with the swans; Highgate Cemetery (old west side- just like the cemetery scene in Phantom of the Opera). We even found a bench in Hampstead with FDR and Churchill statues like the one on Bond Street in Mayfair.

Nancy Mulder in Minneapolis, MN USA 01/28/2007

I booked tickets for "The 39 Steps" and got a 2-for-1" admission at the Cabinet War Rooms through www.lastminute.com and it was a breeze. We also bought cheap "Les Mis" and "Mary Poppins" tickets at the box office on the morning of the show.

Beth AL USA 01/22/2007

We loved traveling the Underground, very convenient and easy to use, plus a lot of fun!

Lois Stober in Reinholds, PA USA 01/17/2007

If you are flying into Gatwick, take Southern Railway instead of the Gatwick Express. It's 5 pounds cheaper pluse you get tons of 2 for 1 deals. We literally saved hundreds of dollars!! Just visit the southern railway website and click on 2 for 1. You can print out all your coupons before you leave home. Then when visiting the attractions present your coupon. We got 2 for 1 entry into the Cabinet War Rooms, Tower of London, City Cruise (on the Thames), Westminster Abbey, etc. They have lots more attractions to choose from but we were only there for three days. Some attractions may ask you to present your train ticket with the coupon (I know that Tower of London did).

Karen in Columbus, IN USA 01/17/2007

Clockmaker's Museum This place is amazing! It's located in the Guildhall Library (Tube: Bank). Admission is free and you will most likely have the place to yourself. It's only one room, but plan on about an hour to see all the exhibits. Many of the timepieces date back to the 1600s.

Karen in Columbus, IN USA 01/17/2007

When going to the theater in London, the section of seats called the "Stalls" are the best.

Robin Oh USA 01/16/2007

Planning to go to London in March. While researching the Oyster Card, I found that you can get 2 for 1 deals on some attractions, musicals, and shows when you buy the tickets online and then show your Oyster Card upon admission. I just bought 2 dress circle tickets for Les Mis for 25 pounds each, which would normally cost 50 pounds apiece. What a great deal! The catch is the deal is only valid between Jan-March 31. Looking forward to the show!

Debbie in Austin, TX USA 01/15/2007

Our famly of seven took a trip to London during the thanksgiving holiday and stayed at the Premeir Travel Inn- County Hall right on the Thames river and Westminster Bridge. For 92 pounds a night for four people to a room, it was the PERFECT location and great facilities! Families need to check this out. We've stayed near Victoria Station before and found this location quite superior in every way. The family LOVED the Shakespeare Globe, Cabinet War Rooms, and we have to drag the kids away from the Imperial War Museum. London is worth visiting just for the Imperial War Museum alone, and it's free!!!

Smith Family in rancho cucamonga, CA USA 01/01/2007

No one has mentioned The Imperial War Museum, Buckingham Palace Mews, a walk along the South Bank (which should include the Globe Theatre), Kensington Palace Gardens, the Albert Memorial, and the Royal Albert Hall. Also, a visit to the Royal Hospital of Chelsea (home for retired service people) is quite interesting and off the beaten path. A stroll through the various parks - St. James, Hyde Park, Green Park,Regents Park, Primrose Hill etc. always worthwhile and fascinating. The Victoria and Albert Museum is a must. There are so many, many things to do and see in London. The major sights are not to be missed, but London is full of interesting neighborhoods and other pleasant surprises. Get a good map, start out walking early in the day and just "let the walk take you." There's a wonderful book called "The Perfect London Walk" which shouldn't be missed by anyone spending any time in London.

Judith Beck in Perkasie, PA USA 12/29/2006

We found MapEasy's Guidemap to London invaluable. They also have Maps of Paris.... Saw many people carrying Rick Steves Books & MapEasy. Work very well together. MapEasy website is www.mapeasy.com

Ann Slemmer in Show Low, Az USA 12/20/2006

If you lose/have stolen a passport, things to know in advance: the hours of the embassy in London are M-F, 9-11 and 2-4. You must have an approved passport picture (not the UK passport picture that you can take yourself at the little picture booths at the train stations). You must have a police report. You will need to pay $97 for a temporary passport, but you can send it in within a year and get a permanent one without forking over another $97.

Joyce Looney in St. Petersburg, FL USA 11/28/2006

The musical "Wicked" was wonderful. Idina Menzel is amazing as Elphaba. She's in it through December. We also enjoyed the British Library (Magna Carta, Shakespeare First Folio, Gutenberg Bible), the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, and Evensong at Westminster Abbey. Everything is so expensive that it's nice to find free museums and experiences so I can spend my money on the musicals! The TKTS booth in Leicester Square was great for half price on some of the plays.

Julie in Provo, Ut USA 11/15/2006

TWO FOR ONE COUPONS: If you are flying to Gatwick, don't take the Gatwick Express. Take Southern Railway. The price is cheaper, and it only takes 5-8 minutes longer to get to Victoria. But the best part is this -- their web site has 2-for-1 coupons that you can use if you travel with them. Just print them out BEFORE you go and carry your ticket receipt with you (though I was only asked to show the receipt once). Almost all of the great sights are covered: St. Paul's, The Tower, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms, canal cruise, Thames cruise, many other museums, some restaurants. We saved nearly $200. The only catch: I'm not sure if they offer it in summer. We used them in May 2005 and October 2006. Go to http://www.southernrailway.com/promotions.php. ----- Wagamama's website also has 2-for-1 coupons. They run the offers at different locations each week, so check right before you leave the USA and print out the coupons.

Stephen Sander in West Chester, PA United States 11/03/2006

SMALL QUIRKY MUSEUMS WORTH A VISIT: ------ Pollock's Toy Museum, Scala St, near Goodge St tube Clock Museum, Aldermanbury, near Bank tube London Canal Museum, New Wharf Rd, near Kings Cross tube Jewish Museum, Albert St, near Camden Town tube ------ All three are specialized museums well worth a visit for afficionados or those who have already seen all the "biggies." The Clock Museum is free and the other two are inexpensive.

Stephen Sander in West Chester, PA USA 11/03/2006

A day-pass on the bus (coach) can save money. I bought a one-day pass in Warwick for 4.50 GBP and took several trips. There are similar passes available in Bath for that area.

Shana Woodfield in Calistoga, CA USA 11/03/2006

Arran House 77-79 Gower Street; phone: +44 (0)207 636 2186; e-mail: arran@dircon.co.uk

K. Zednick in Frankfort, IL USA 11/02/2006

Stonehenge, St. Paul's, London Countryside

NC USA 10/29/2006

In your handy bus list you might mention bus 188 goes to Grenwhich( Maybe farther ) on a Sunday( no traffic) took only 15 minutes from Russell Sq. much faster then any other way.

John in brangwin, Wa USA 10/28/2006

St. Margaret's hotel near Russell Sq is excellent budget choice I have resisted disclosing my find but as in this year's frommers London the secret is out I could pontificate but just check it out

John Brangwin in Bellevue, WA USA 10/26/2006

Dear Rick, I wanted to thank you for a wonderful experience in London and Venice due to your guidebooks. I took both books with me and they were invaluable. From transportation, money conversions, airports, and especially all the details in the guided tours. My sister and husband went on to Rome and she called me from Rome saying "We Miss Steve!!!" She didn't have the Rome guidebook! I wanted to recommend a lovely small hotel on San Marco in Venice around the corner from The Venice Theater (Venice Opera House) - it's called The Mercurio Hotel - it's rated a "2" but it is really sweet and Monica (fluent English) is a sweetheart. You should check it out (good price, clean, charming - some rooms overlook a canal - in fact, Mozart stayed right across the canal from The Mercurio). Oh, I used to watch your show on Sunday nights in Pgh and I don't see it anymore - aren't you showing in Pgh anymore?!! Again, thanks for a great vacation!!!!

Mary Louise Donovan in Pittsburgh, Pa USA 10/18/2006

Lebanese food near Marble Arch, near the new location of the Sumner Hotel. Great, inexpensive Middle Eastern food. Good pizza as well

Randy Koslo in Princeton Junction, NJ USA 10/15/2006

My family and I went on a tour with ASTRAL TRAVELS. We went on a small bus tour to Stonehenge, Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, Glastonbury Abbey and Avebury. David the tour guide was wonderful and informative. It was a great way to see many sights that would have taken us many days and travel arrangement to do on our own. www.astraltravels.co.uk

Corinne Yonker in Edmonds, WA USA 10/14/2006

St Paul's Catheral has a great tribute to the American people and military in the far end of the church. There is a book listing all the military that lost their lives during WWII, and the expressions of thanks to America for their sacrifices during that time was heart warming. The Brits are truly appreciative of what the good old USA does and stands for, unlike most of the rest of Europe, who doesn't seem to remember that they could all be under a Hitler style dictatorship, and speaking German today!

Dan WA USA 10/14/2006

Staying at the Aster House B&B; riding the Gatwick Express for 1/2 price by finding another couple to share the "4 for the price of 2" deal; and shopping at Frey Wille Jewelery (www.frey-wille.com) in the Burlington Arcade.

Timothy Roesing in Glenside, PA USA 10/13/2006

Make sure to purchase the 7-Day Travelcard if you plan on using the Tube in London for five days or more. The 7-Day travelcard currently costs 22.20 pounds (for zones 1 and 2), is put on the Oyster Card, and includes unlimited transportation on zones 1 and 2 for seven days. During the few times we traveled outside of zones 1 and 2, we simply added a couple of pounds to the Oyster Card. Considering we took the Tube 3-4 times each day, we saved a ton of money. Single fares within zone 1 with the Oyster card cost 1.50 pounds, and 3 pounds without the Oyster Card. Add that up over a couple of days, and the card will more than pay for itself! They also have a one day and three day Travelcard available, which isn't quite the value of the 7 day card, but still might save you money depending on the number of trips you take.

If you plan on visiting several of Historic Royal Palaces (Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hampton Court Palace), I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the Historic Royal Palaces Membership. The cost is 55 pounds for a joint membership of two adults and includes unlimited admission for one year to all five of the Historic Royal Palaces. The Tower of London itself costs 15 pounds per adult, so you will actually save money if you visit 4 or 5 of the places. The website is www.historicroyalpalaces.org and the membership can be bought by either calling, mailing the membership form in, or at any of the palaces.

Jennifer in Lynnwood, Wa USA 10/11/2006

I highly recommend the Gatwick Belmont Guest House(www.gatwickbelmont.com; stay@gatwickbelmont.com). Great B&B; friendly, large rooms (by European standards), free pickup and delivery to Gatwick Airport.

F.K. in Johnson City, TN USA 10/07/2006

For a 7 day stay the Oyster Card is a must for riding the tube and buses. It has no deposit fee for 7 day pass and allows unlimited rides in zones 1 and 2. In addition it has 2 for 1 deals on theatre tickets and a few other attractions. We were able to get advance tickets to the Producers at half price with their discount.

Dianne Lutzak in Brentwood, TN USA 09/30/2006

After you read a Rick's book the only way to be disappointed is disobey it. Yes Bath indeed deserves a separate trip, not to be mixed with Windsor/Stonehenge/Stratford/Cotswolds/Salisbury.

Michael Salop in Wheeling, IL USA 09/27/2006

So relaxing to walk along the Thames from Westminster Pier all the way to Tower Bridge. Stopped for pictures, a pint, lunch. And finished with a river cruise back to Westminster Pier and rode the London Eye. Great afternoon.

Toni Stickrath in Garden Grove, CA USA 09/25/2006

You can pick the The Big Bus at any of their stops. They take Credit cards on the spot.

Jeff Kane in North Tustin, CA USA 09/06/2006

As I am living in London this year and finding prices a little too expensive I have discovered 'charity shops' (thrift shops). Many in London are fabulous with designer clothes, great books and even antiques. My favorite is CRUSAId, 19 Churton Street, Pimlico - near Westminster. Worth a visit and open every day.

Daniel Young in San Jose, CA USA 08/27/2006

Inexpensive food in London with the best view! Tom's 2 Cafe is the cafeteria of St. Thomas Hospital, directly across the Thames from Big Ben, near the Florence Nightingale Museum. Food is "hospital fare", but priced attractively, and smoking is not allowed. The view from the restaurant windows of the Houses of Parliament is probably the best in London! A few places to take your food outside too.

Check this link

http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/page609.htm

Jerry van der Pol in Shoreline, WA USA 08/21/2006

We used London Homstead Services (www.lhslondon.co.uk) to find a b+b outside of the city center. I know that goes against Rick's in-the-city-center philosophy, but it was the only way for us to afford staying in London. We stayed with Ingrid (one of LHS's organizers) in her flat in Maida Vale, which is just fifteen minutes by tube to the middle of London. It was not a lively part of the city, but it was great to see how people in a London neighborhood live, and our host Ingrid was great. We sat for breakfast in her small kitchen and she talked to us with great stories and great personality.

Summers Henderson in Somverville, MA USA 08/18/2006

The Oyster Card for London Transport worked great. We did pay as you go, but maximum deduction in any day is the amount of a one day pass. Some days we took tubes and buses quite a lot, other days we just walked. It takes a little time to set it up (especially for our 16 year old, who needed a photo; we just photocopied passport photo), but after that it was extremely convenient. When it was time to leave London, we got our 3 pound deposit and all remaining stored value back.

R.D. Yant in Chicago, IL USA 08/18/2006

I led a group of students on a Visual Arts in London and Paris Tour. I had a Rough guide and a Lonely Planet Guide- shamefully, I did not know about Rick Steves. A colleague told us about the podcasts...a week later, I picked up Rick Steves London and Paris Guides at B&N- Thank Goodness. By far the best guides out there. I am requiring them for future trips- best info, best maps, best advice, best history, written in a palatable, light, humourous tone- and they are sturdy! They held up well despite being heavily used and fought over.

Sandra Williams in Lincoln, NE USA 08/08/2006

Would suggest you check out Mimmo di Ischia, and Olivetto's, on Elizabeth Street. Both served traditional Italian food. Preparation and service was excellent at both. These are "tablecloth" restaurants. Of the two, I would select Mimmo's as my first choice.

Joe Palisi in Mt. Pleasant, SC USA 08/05/2006

Of course, I must say that Rick's choices for London, Belgo Centraal and Wagamama Noodle Bar, were both excellent, fun food experiences, and resonably priced, especially for London. Belgo Centraal even had a kids eat free special where with one adult order a kid eats for free and our girls (ages 7 & 9), both picky eaters from time to time, finished off their kid's meals and declared them "yummy". But the best surprise we had was for dessert a couple of evenings, right outside the Westminster tube station exit and across the street from Big Ben, a kindly elderly woman runs a small "pancake" stand,(crepes really) that has many delicious choices and cheap prices. Our favorite hands down was the banana nutella pancake. What a treat to enjoy a new food experience for the girls and take in the view of the Thames, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

Jenny Neumann in Valley Mills, TX USA 08/01/2006

ffiona's restaurant at 51 Kensignton Church St. phone 020 7937 4152 www.ffionas.com

Sonja Kalbfleisch in Portland, OR USA 07/16/2006

The book was excellent! It was worth every dime and we had a wonderful time by taking all of your advice. By the end of the trip everyone was asking what Rick thinks about this or that!

Sarah Kraeszig in Island Lake, Il USA 07/16/2006

Pub/Restaurant: "The Constitution" It is a short walk from the Blades Hotel (across the street from Grumpy's), It has great food, the portions are large and the prices are good. Check it out!

Mary in Minneapolis, MN USA 07/13/2006

1) For the Tower of London description in your children's chapter, you might want to add that there are costumed actors who occasionally re-enact real life events in a story format. My daughter and the children in the audience really seemed to enjoy these short play stories but the adults also could enjoy it due to the double meanings thrown in.

2) This isn't really a tip but I didn't know where to place it. We went to the Changing of the Guard and arrived about 10:50. There were already lots of people right in front of the gate (as you say in your guide) but there were also people on the monument. The stairs were not yet fully crowded and I saw several people with your guide. My husband remarked that it's not a real tip if everyone else buys the same guidebook. Nevertheless, we stayed on the upper set of steps throughout and toward the end most of the people around us had left. We were able to see the old guard leave from the front gates without much obstruction and they seemed to march straight at us. So, it's still a good tip. (Thanks.)

A. Lee in Boulder, CO USA 07/09/2006

This tiny hotel run by Joyce called the Limegrove Hotel in Victoria London,can be recommended for folks who wants to stay in central London.give Joyce a chance and she will care for you,the rooms are as not big by our standards,and normal for this area of London and I could even say value for money.

Noel in Pasadena, Ca USA 07/03/2006

The St. George's Tavern on the corner of Eccleston Street and Hugh Street would be a great addition to the guide book. The place was ALWAYS full of locals. The staff was incredibly welcoming to us, and the food was outstanding compared to the similar dishes served at the other pubs listed in the book that we visited such as the Belgravia. Most of the pubs listed in the book were empty, the people were nice, the the food and service were marginal. The St. Georges was always crowded, but we were able to find seats in a non-smoking section downstairs. It served the best Pub Grub that we had in London at prices below most of the other pubs we visited.

David Patlovany in Houston, Te USA 07/02/2006

I recommend Wimbldon as a place to visit even without the champion matches going on. Visitors can walk through the museum and see some of the grounds which are amazing. We were lucky enough to be there during the first week of play. There are plenty of tickets available if you are willing to stand in a line for several hours to get a "grounds ticket." Very moderatly pricec at 17 pound a ticket (cash only.) It will not get you a seat on center court, but there are so many matches being played on the small courts, very wonderful to sit so closely to the play. First week is a great time to go because there are more ranked players not yet eliminated, so your chances of seeing several star players is very much possible. I definately think Wimbledon is worth at least a small mention in the book. One more little detail. If you take the tube to Wimbledon the stop closest to the club is Southfield, not the Wimbledon stop.

Rose Wisner in Newcastle, WA USA 07/02/2006

Found some good values for London mass transit and Airport Shuttles on ticketsto.com. Note they have $15 processing charge. Therefore the money is for two or more people.

Max M in Rochester, MI USA 06/29/2006

I would suggest you add the Diana Fountain and the paddle boats on the lake in Hyde Park to your suggestions for London with children

Jean Mackie in Nanaimo, BC Canada 06/28/2006

I would enthusiastically recommend the Bay Tree House B&B in north London. There location is about 20 minutes from the center of London. The innkeepers, James and Janice, are absolutely wonderful. They could not have provided us with a better experience. Finally, it is incredibly affordable at 54 British Pounds per night for a double room with a private bath that includes breakfast. Bay Tree House B & B, tel. 020 8351 2836, 59 Brookdale, London, N11 1BS

Melissa Haskell in Dartmouth, MA USA 06/18/2006

I teach a month long study abroad course for graduates and undergraduates at my University and your guides are so thorough and user-friendly that I recommend them to all of the students in our course orientation. I really enjoy the Rick Steves guides and I've used London, England, Florence and Italy. I really wish that the pages with maps could be perforated so I could pop out what I needed and put it in my pocket and therefore wouldn't need to bring out the whole guidebook from my purse when I just need a quick reference.

Linda Pisano in Bloomington, IN USA 06/13/2006

Thanks for the National Gallery tour. I have never enjoyed an art gallery as much as I enjoyed our time there.

At the National Gallery we met mapmaker Dave Hoerlein's mom, who spotted us with your book in hand. It was a pleasure thanking her for her son's work!

Rob Phillips in League City, TX USA 06/07/2006

We went on many of the Original London walks. A good one was the Hampstead pub walk, which took place on Saturday night. It is a very cute neighborhood where the rich and famous live, but still very small town feel just a tube ride from the city.

Elisabeth Bier in Milwaukee, WI USA 05/30/2006

DRESS CIRCLE correction: sorry address is 57/59 Monmouth Street. WC2 in London. 'The greatest showbiz shop in the world'.

Patrick Finlay in Winter Haven, FL USA 05/30/2006

While wandering around Covent Garden in London, we found the most fantastic theater shop imaginable - DRESS CIRCLE, 37/39 Monmouth Street WC2. The best selection of anything to do with London theater - music, posters, reservations and endless excellent advice. The manager, Michael Nelligan, knew everything about musicals - a true fountain of knowledge and a very charming man too. We made our theater reservations through the shop but could have gone onto their web-site: www.dresscircle.com. This was our best find in London and we warmly recommend it to Rick Steves fans.

Patrick Finlay in Winter Haven, FL USA 05/26/2006

May 2006- instead of taking Gatwick Express into London consider the Southern rail. For only 1 more pound, the ticket agent included a day's travel once we arrived in London.

Pat Siwajek in Toledo, Oh USA 05/14/2006

We decided to save money on dining and spend money on theatre tickets. If you like to eat well but cheaply, make certain you put Pret a Manger and Marks & Spencer Simply Food on your list. Both have lots of locations and both have really good food. Marks & Spencer is perfect for picnics: they even have small bottles of good wine with twist-off caps! We tried to pub option (mediocre food, lots of smoke), but never went back after we discovered Pret and M&S.

Ellen Barski in Atlanta, GA USA 05/13/2006

Rick Steves' guidebook was invaluable, 2006 London.

Linda Young in Springfield, OR USA 05/04/2006

The Ben Franklin house near Charing Cross station just open to the public in February-that is why it wasn't listed in Rick's guidebook. The house tour was very interesting, and unique. Highly recomended!

Michael Schneider ny USA 04/24/2006

I visited many sites in my four days in London: the British Museum, British Library, Royal Judicial Court, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Churchill Museum and War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Martin-of-the-Fields (a great concert there), the Tower of London, the Tate Modern, , Covent Garden, and Millenium Bridge, among other places, but my favorite by far was the St. Paul Cathedral. I took the audiotour (about 2.5 hours), climbed to the Whsipering Gallery and the outdoor walkway around the dome, attended a Eucharistic service, ate lunch in the undercroft, and attended an organ recital and the Sunday evening worship. Great experiences all. But I missed one thing that I think should have been in the guidebook: Walking to my hotel one evening I passed Benjamin Franklin's London apartment. It was closed, and I didn't record the address, thinking it would be listed in the guidebook. Unfortunately, it was not, and I never found it again. That was about my only disappointment on this, my first and probably only visit. By the way, my pedometer recorded more than 71,000 steps in my four days in London. I rode the tube three times, a bus once, and a taxi twice (once from Paddington to my hotel, before I discovered that the tube was faster and cheaper, plus the Heathrow Express. M. Marty, Monticello, IL

Myron Marty in Monticello, IL USA 04/03/2006

Avebury, a day-trip from London. While Stonehenge is severely restrictive, not allowing tourists to venture close to the stones, Avebury-henge is not only much, much larger than Stonehenge but you are also allowed to walk within the stones, touching the huge rocks. A short walk takes you to Silbury Hill and the West Kennet Long Barrow, combining one of Rick's favorite events: a hike through the English countryside. We drove (it's not that hard!) from Heathrow Airport to Salisbury Cathedral, then to Stonehenge, then to Avebury. And Avebury was by far the family favorite on this entire London trip.

Dan Deans in Ashburn, VA USA 03/28/2006

I would like to defend the Marriott County Hall (which is only briefly mentioned in London 2006). We had Marriott "miles" which we had been saving to redeem for a big trip. The hotel is located right across the Thames from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Thus the views from the rooms and the lovely restaurant are spectacular and unequalled in London! The rooms are very large (by British or American standards) and comfortable for a family of 4 to stay in 1 "double double" room. The health club was a plus for my husband and the pool was fantastic for my kids. Plus, you are literally next door to the London Eye (and if you are 12 or 15, that's a big deal!)

Charlotte McNally in Atlanta, GA USA 03/22/2006

For an exceptionally wonderful tour guide I highly recommend a woman named Sally Botwright. Her website is: www.sallybotwright.co.uk

Susan Russell in Corte Madera, Ca USA 03/21/2006

Go to Fenchurch Street station and buy a GBP9 train ticket to Southend-on-Sea for a taste of a true English seaside resort. Fun shopping on the High Street, an adventure arcade at sea-level, a cliff lift, Victorian/Georgian B&Bs lining the hillside in front of the public gardens. As a bonus, the train goes past a large windmill, a ruined castle near Pitsea, narrow boats, a tidal estuary, countryside with grazing cows and horses...and my children's tickets on the train were just GBP1 each!

Diane Graber in Iowa City, IA USA 03/20/2006

If you book online for the London Eye, you save 10%.

Check the tube ticket window for 2 for 1 deals for attractions. We saved a lot of money - Tower of London, Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, Design Museum, and even theatre tickets to Woman in Black were all 2 for 1. Don't know if it's year round - our coupons expire in May.

Angel in Chicago, IL USA 03/18/2006

We took two one-day guided Grayline trips outside of London that were very worthwhile and good value for the money.

Barb in Tacoma, WA USA 03/16/2006

We just returned from London (Feb. 06)and I used the guidebook extensively. I especially like the tours given for the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the British Library, Windsor Castle, and Westminster Abbey. Just knowing what to expect was worthwhile. Yours was the best of several books that I bought for our first trip abroad. I liked your phrase, "spending money without regret" which is what my husband and I felt we did. We bought Visitor Travelcards through Railpass for 7 days and they worked great. We found the hand-drawn maps in your book helpful. Stonehenge was the greatest thrill of the trip, although the rest of our time was spent exclusively in London. We did the Stones and Bones day trip with Astral Tours. Very worthwhile. Taking our trip in Feb. eliminated most of the crowds at most sights. There were no lines for the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, nor for the dollhouse at Windsor Castle. We prepared for the weather, which was typical - some rain, some cold, some nice days, too. Thanks for contributing to our great trip, Steve and staff.

Linda S. Evans in North Wales, PA USA 03/01/2006

Many shows – even the sold out ones – offer “day seats” to patrons who queue the day of performance. I was able to see Billy Elliott for 25GBP by lining up that morning. www.theatremonkey.com has a lot of good information on availability and seating.

I had a blast eating my way through Borough Market on a Saturday and Spitalfields Market on a Sunday. Near Borough Market, be sure to find Bill Oglethorpe and his toasted cheese and raclette stand (has been written up in many media outlets). And check out the jewelry and crafts at Spitalfields as well as at the grittier, Sunday (Up)Market at the nearby Old Truman Brewery.

Ann Smith in New York, NY USA 02/17/2006

I can't believe the Duxford Air Museum, part of the Imperial War Museum, wasn't included in the book! It is located outside of Cambridge, www.iwm.org.uk. There are 7 hangars of aircraft and some military related items. There are WW2 fighters, a Battle of Britian exhibit, a hangar dedicated to US aircraft, and a Land Warfare Hall. You will see dedicated staff and volunteers working to restore historic aircraft. They have 4 airshows a year. I took a free bus (free on Sundays only) from the heart of Cambridge. It leaves at 10:15 am in front of the Crown Plaza, and returns you at 4 pm when the museum closes.

Kandy Cassano in Memphis, TN USA 02/15/2006

Just got back from London, want to share some info on admission prices. Westminster Abbey is now 10 pounds (listed as 8 pounds in Rick Steves London 2006), and St. Paul's Cathedral is 9 pounds (also listed as 8 pounds in Rick Steves London 2006). For the British Museum, Rooms 49-52 are closed till 2007, so you wont be able to see Lindow Man, a.k.a The Bog Man.

Matt in Dublin, CA USA 02/13/2006

La Poule au Pot is an outstanding restaurant on Ebury Street near Victoria Station. It is expensive, but good value with outstanding French food and a great atmosphere. Try the fois gras starter - incredible. Reservations are recommended

Brad in Alpharetta, GA USA 02/11/2006

7-day tube pass in London

Susan in San Francisco, Ca USA 02/10/2006

I have just been to see a preview of the RSC production of "A Midsummer's Night Dream' at the Novello Theater (used to be called the Strand).

I have been to possibly 50 plays over the past 5 years and this one was clearly the best. Myself and the rest of the audience were literally crying with laughter. The RSC has outshone itself and I want to urge that any readers here who plan to visit London before February 25th get tickets and SEE this show!

Shakespeare can seem to be 'veddy high cultcha' and seem 'unfun', but take it from me - this was broad comedy as well as great poetry. The price is a fraction of 'Mary Poppins' or 'Mama Mia' so take my advice and book. The RSC has a websight and you can link to the theater website through them. This is the best deal. I booked through lastminute.com and overpaid a little. Book through the Novello itself and get the best deal.

Don Stadler in London, No UK 02/04/2006

I took my wife to UK for the first time last year. She's dying to go back and spend the entire time in London. (I discovered you a few months back. We'll definitely get your guidebook before we do.) I sat next to a wonderful lady on a flight from Gatwick several years ago who suggested the London County Hall Hotel. I'm glad she did. It was a clean, affordable room in a superb location on the Thames. The Eye was right outside our room. Our other recommendations include L'Oranger, a French restaurant at 5 St. James. and The Nags Head pub, a block from the Covent Garden tube station. My wife still talks about the orange souffle at L'Oranger. I especially like Nags Head for the young crowd and great ales.

Jeff Johnson in Switz City, In USA 02/02/2006

There's a new exhibit at Kensington Palace of Mario Testoni's photos of Princess Diana.

Wanderlust Chick in New York, NY USA 01/04/2006